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[bardische]

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[massochism]

[they will have to be a little discreet, probably, but here in the church... it's less of a worry, honestly. clearly, even Basch feels that now, as he leans in heavier against the priest and Olivine's cheeks flush softly all over again.

that may be as much to do with the comment, granted, but even so.]

Yes... that's true. I'm sure we can figure it all out together. For now—

[for now, Olivine turns and rises up a little to press their lips together, soft and sweet and brief.]

Are you hungry, or anything? There's also the wash area, if you'd like to bathe...

[it's really moments like these where his inexperience with... well, wanting anything for himself, let alone being allowed to, shows so clearly. helping others is all he's done for so long that it's hard to figure out what to do when he just has free time with someone. slowly but surely, that.]

[bardische]

[ He makes a small sound as Olivine presses against him -- surprise, and contentment. It's not long enough for him to stroke the other's hair or pull him in by his waist, but it's enough to flush his cheeks. ]

We both ought to both eat and bathe [ Basch agrees. He knows they won't, if they hole up now, and it was a long journey.

Unfortunately, he also does not know how to express what he wants, especially when it's less base than simple coupling. ] I...am simply enjoying continuing to be in your company. [ Gods he feels like an awkward recruit again. ]

[massochism]

Then we'll start with a bath, if you're not too hungry.

[his words bring that bright smile right back to Olivine's face, hand finding his again. this is... surprisingly easy. he really should feel worse about this, he's sure.]

Would you mind helping me with my hair? It usually takes quite a while to wash by myself.

[there will no doubt be some awkward moments, but he's happy with this. one step at a time.]

[bardische]

[ That bright smile is enough to tug one out of Basch. Olivine is so...radiant. It summons warmth in his chest, brightened further by the hand in his.

He hadn't dared suggest a shared bath, and he's a little speechless when Olivine does, pressing his lips together and looking down...but still smiling, still holding that hand. ]

If you don't mind rough hands, I would be happy to.

[ It occurs to him that this would be much more difficult with his pads and claws, and he's grateful not to have them today. ]

[massochism]

I don't think they're that rough... and I like them regardless. [fingers squeeze fondly at his hand, and Olivine steps around to lead.] this way, then. It will take a little for the water to warm, so we can get the towels ready and my hair down.

[bardische]

[ He follows so readily. Would probably follow anywhere the other asked. Maybe that should frighten hi, but it doesn't. It makes him feel at peace, like he has a purpose again. ]

I don't remember the last time I took a warm bath.

[ Just thoughtful. He doesn't mind bathing in streams, honestly. But it's a luxury he's always cherished, and it will be all the sweeter for sharing with Olivine. ]

[massochism]

I'm pleased to offer it to you, then.

[he's similarly comfortable bathing wherever he can, but it's definitely a unique luxury. perhaps a little less in the land of the water sprites, but nonetheless.

the bath itself is fairly large, but hardly ostentatious—it looks more like it was built to handle people of just about any size than anything else. and it's only there that Olivine releases Basch's hand to start the water heating, collecting the soaps and towels they'll need.]

[bardische]

You have offered me so much I didn't think I would have again [ Basch murmurs, warm with affection and awe.

The bath is blessedly private, large for a single bath but not really built for two. That's alright. They'll fit pressed together, which is how they'd end up even in a larger tub, he thinks.

He lets Olivine take the lead; it's easier, in a space that is more the others, but his hands itch to help. they both struggle with idleness, it seems.

However, it does occur to him-- ]

Another first for you? [ Bathing intimately with someone? ]

[massochism]

Like this, definitely. [Olivine hums softly as he speaks, setting everything out and returning to Basch's side to lean against him.] Even when they were young enough to need the help, it was certainly different with my younger siblings...

[The act may be the same, but it's definitely a different feeling. And more reciprocal, probably.]

[bardische]

[ It catches him by surprise yet again, the way Olivine returns to his side, to his hold. It's an open affection that's so far out of his experience, and yet he tugs the other in openly, awed and unwilling to squander it. ]

There is overlap in those sorts of intimacy [ he says thoughtfully -- a kind of overlap he rarely experienced in either scenario. But does crack a smile. ] But yes, I think there will be key differences.

What can I do to help with your hair?

[massochism]

Is there? I hadn't thought it too alike... but I don't have that much experience in any case.

[His head tilts thoughtfully at the question though, reaching to pull his braid forward and loosen the tie at its end.]

If you don't mind, you could help me comb through it... I just use my hands first, and a brush after it's properly conditioned. You can help me make sure I get it properly washed too, since I can't really see it nearer to my head.

[bardische]

Nor do I, but it's something I've observed in others. Not...the carnal part of course. But the closeness.

[ He nearly trails off, watching Olivine flip his long braid over his shoulder, suddenly self-conscious. Hair is certainly not a thing he's skilled with, but the invite to help groom is one he deeply wants to fulfill. Washing hair, at least, he mostly knows how to do.

He lets Olivine start, then tentatively raises his hand to join, very gently tugging through the strands. ]

I don't mind any task you'd like assistance with, truthfully.

[massochism]

That makes sense, I think. I just... hadn't really thought about it.

[he's also just... so glad to get to share that with Basch. not just someone, but someone he's come to value so much.

and to the blond's benefit, there's a relative ease to caring for Olivine's hair. it's soft and silky, plainly well cared for—a fact that's no doubt completely unsurprising under the circumstances. he shivers pleasantly as fingers tug through strands of hair, helping to unravel them a little at a time.]

Thank you... I don't want it to feel like assisting me is necessary at any given time, though. I'm happy as long as you're enjoying yourself being with me. [glancing up, he inclines his head lightly as they work through his mass of hair.] I'll try to make sure I don't take on too much alone though.

[they're both bad at being idle, he knows—so he doesn't want Basch to think he doesn't want his help, just as much as he doesn't want it to seem the only reason he wants him around.]

[bardische]

I like taking care of people who matter to me [ Basch corrects gently, his eyes finding Olivine's even as their fingers continue to brush and move. ] The task doesn't need to be enjoyable to be valuable to me, though this one is. If you want assistance, ask me. I will strive to tell you if I am unable or overstretched.

[ Olivine's concern is not entirely misplaced. Basch is prone to being exploited because of his tendency to support. But his words are true. He gets a deep sense of satisfaction from it. It's a way he feels able to give affection. ]

[massochism]

[His expression shifts a little at that correction, kind of bemused alongside appreciation.]

That's good to know... though I meant what I said. That you enjoy your time with me, regardless of task. [It's harder to admit than he expected. Being self sufficient and needing nothing from anyone else has been so important for so long, after all.] And thank you. That brings me relief—I wouldn't want to overwork you.

[especially not when all he really wants is company. But his hair is easy to untangle and prepare, and soon enough both they and the bath water are ready, steaming invitingly nearby.]

[bardische]

[ Basch flushes deeper, but his hand comes to cup Olivine's face, eyes tracing his long hair and how...intimate this feels. ]

The tasks are...as much for me as for you. I don't always know how to spend time with people. I deeply enjoy your company, though. I was...dreading losing it, when I planned to leave.

[ Which feels heavy to admit, but...so is Basch staying at the church. So is Olivine having slept with him when he was half-monster.

The bath is almost a relief; he had been honest. Tasks were easier to fill space with. And so he relinquishes his touch only to strip off his own clothes. ]

[massochism]

[the heaviness in that admittance is palpable. it's something Olivine takes gently and graciously as he can, acknowledging in movements and touches more than in words. honestly, they both seem more able to communicate that way in some measures.]

Then I'll keep that in mind. I confess, I only know much myself because it was part of my training, since I would be spending considerable time with people.

[once they separate, it's easier to focus on those very tasks, Olivine folding his clothes neatly to set aside before rejoining him. after all, he isn't in any hurry to get into the water alone.]

[bardische]

[ They're naked together again, and while it takes Basch's breath, it also comforts him that it feels...familiar. He lifts a hand to Olivine, brushing back his long hair. ]

You look so different with it down and wild. Shall we?

[ He offers the other a hand to step into the tub, only really thinking of his comfort. ]

[massochism]

It always feels different, too... does it really look wild?

[He's still more than pleased, eyes closing briefly as fingers brush his hair back. Then he's taking that offered hand, squeezing gently before he climbs into the tub to get situated. The warmth pulls a contented sigh from him, easing faintly sore muscles instantly.]

[bardische]

Good wild [ Basch clarifies. Like trees or a storm or fur.

Is...that something he likes now? Because of what he is?

It's easy to ignore it, to slip into the tub behind Olivine and wrap around him, shifting to try to fit them together comfortably. The water is blissfully warm, and without thinking, he buries his face in that swathe of hair, breathing in Olivine's scent. ]

[massochism]

I didn't think you meant it badly, hehe. But I'm glad to hear it's good.

[maybe that's something you always liked, Basch, and you just didn't have a chance to like it before.

anyway, fitting in comfortably with the blond is a joy and a simple task, his hands coming to rest around the other's arms. he even giggles pleasantly at the press of Basch's face in his hair, eyes closing. at least scent is a pretty commonly known feature of Klein natives, although he doesn't precisely know what he must smell like to him.]

I think I see why you feel it's similar in some ways, now. This feels so comfortable...

[bardische]

Good [ he murmurs, shifting only to hold Olivine even more comfortably, nose still to his hair. For a moment, he forgets to be self-conscious. It's been like that from the start with Olivine, like something about them is rooted, out of time or social pressure or any of the rest of it. ]

I want you to always be comfortable, if I can help it.

[ He presses a kiss to the other's hair, and as surreal as it feels, it's nice, too. Easy. An intimacy that is different from bedding each other. ]

I like this too.

[massochism]

... I'd love to get to where you can be, too.

[a hand reaches up to brush through Basch's hair in turn, fond and warm. it's true, it really does just feel so... impossibly simple. like this is all as it should be.]

I'm glad that it's not too... boring or anything. [not that he has a reason to worry about that. more, he's just happy. they're both here, and... and he can start to put things in motion, slowly but surely. starting tomorrow.]

[bardische]

If you'd told me a month ago I was going to agree to try to stay with someone, around other people, I wouldn't have believed it. [ It's murmured, something that still feels like a huge risk. But it's the best he can offer to affirm his very real comfort with Olivine.

Which, of course, is selfish. But leaving the other would be even more selfish, and so he's able to keep himself from fleeing.

He shakes his head, sighing into Olivine's hair. ]

Uneventful peace is bliss. I will never complain for that. [ Not in his life had he complained about being bored, not since the first war had started. This -- this is a luxury. ]

[massochism]

Hehe. I know how you feel... I couldn't even fathom the idea of asking someone to stay with me then. Not for the church or their own safety, but... just with me.

[The prospect of autonomy feels so taboo, even though he knew he'd surely find someone eventually. It was just... presumed it would be another from the church. And yet, here he is. Not only with someone not affiliated with the church, but with someone for whom his status doesn't really matter. Who sees so much more of him and takes it in stride.

He hopes he can keep that agreement solid as time passes.]

I'm glad, then. [a little laugh.] We'll be busy soon enough, I'm sure... monsters aren't as common here, but I do handle them from time to time, and there's my other duties to balance.