[attr="class","beck"]"i didn't take you for the jealous type."

still, honesty is met with a nod, grateful. the alcremie hovers nearby and he sticks his hand out for another mint, appeasing it. he throws it into his mouth, then reaches to refill his drink.

"nothing's happened since."

[attr="class","noodles"]Cillian Quinn

He's uncertain what to say, and opts for nothing at all.

The admission from Theo is more reassuring than it has any right to be. The jealous serpent coiled around his chest slackens its grip enough for him to breathe.

"Not for me, either."

He finally slides his gaze over to Theo, gauging.

[attr="class","beck"]his gaze slides over, meeting his. he offers a smile, relieved.

"good."

[attr="class","noodles"]Cillian Quinn

The smile invokes relief, and then something else.

Throat dry, pulse pounding as he realizes the implication. Good.

"Think I've had a change in appetite."

The smile is returned, edged sharp. Breath shallow, bated as he gauges.

[attr="class","beck"]"have you?"

he sips at the freshly poured drink, stands still because he wants merlino to work for it.

"go on, then."

[attr="class","noodles"]Cillian Quinn

'Go on, then.'

A challenge. It gleams in his eyes, the low-burning fires of ambition.

"Careful, or I'll have to make you beg for it."

There's a purr to his voice, and no hesitation in the way he abandons his food in favour of a carnal hunger. Jealousy demands that he stake his claim anew.

He steps into Theo's space, slides a hand behind his neck.

"Is that what you want?"

[attr="class","beck"]he relinquishes his hold over the glass and moves it to merlino's arm, tempting a challenge.

but he submits.

"no, sir."

[attr="class","noodles"]Cillian Quinn

It hits in a way that sends a pleasant shiver through his veins.

"Good."

Submission is rewarded with his lips at Theo's throat, the hand behind his neck sliding up to tangle in his hair. He is not gentle as he pulls his head back for access.

"I am the jealous type," he murmurs against reddened skin, drawing in the scent of alcohol as he lifts his head to look Theo in the eye. His own burn dark, wanting. "I don't want to share. Is that clear?"

He offsets his own vulnerability by including it in their game, but there's a certain intensity to the way he refuses to avert his gaze.

It didn't have to be anything, but would it be?

[attr="class","beck"]kisses taint his skin, traveling, and he craves the way his skin burns under them. their eyes meet, an unspoken promise looming near, and though he's unsure of his response, it's all too easy to submit.

he nods, respectful.

"yes, sir."

slowly, his hands move to tug at merlino's shirt; slow if only to ask for permission.

[attr="class","noodles"]Cillian Quinn

Hope nestles behind his hummingbird heartbeat; they'll revisit this, after.

Now, there is heat and appetite and Theo tugging at his shirt — Gavin doesn't pull away, nor make any move to stop him.

"Yes," he encourages, but doesn't make it easier as he brings their lips together in a passionate kiss, distracting. "Good."

Like a high, he chases it, the feeling that he's wanted. Hands wander, clawing and claiming what skin they can reach, trailing lower. He does not ask permission to subvert the barrier of fabric, teasing with his touch. He'll make Theo feel wanted, too.

[attr="class","beck"]and they fuck.

minutes and hours blur and they find themselves on the couch. he breathes heavily, trying to catch his breath as he settles into the comfort of merlino's touch. his warmth feels nice, he decides.

his thoughts start to settle.

"not bad, cillian."

[attr="class","noodles"]Cillian Quinn

Cillian.

A name long abandoned, a name he's heard more in the past month than in the thirteen years since he'd left Galar. It settles in a quiet populated by heavy breaths; it feels right, he decides, and doesn't correct it.

Smiles, instead, accepting.

He stays close where before they had separated, pressing his lips against Theo's shoulder and leaning into his warmth.

"Not bad? Hm. Guess I'll need to try harder next time."

[attr="class","beck"]next time carries with it implications. he pauses to consider, then decides to press with a hint of playfulness.

"next time?"

[attr="class","noodles"]Cillian Quinn