temperedinpride

[He huffs at the bite, tugging lightly on Vergil's hair in retaliation.]

Well I would hardly suggest you invite me for your first adventures. Should you pick up a lover I would expect you to grow somewhat comfortable together before offering me a show.

[That just makes him bite again, grinning wider!]

And how does that make any difference here? Nothing would change that I would be thinking much more of you.

[More hair pulling then!]

I suppose your hypothetical lover would just have to rise to the challenge of holding your attention then. Or give up and help show you off for me.

Either way I would say I can't lose.

[Will this be an endless loop? No because he laughs and brushes the backs of his fingers across Lahabrea's cheek before slipping them into his hair.]

Well I guess I had better give you what you want, hm? I wonder who wouldn't mind if I called them by your name?

[He snorts.]

As if I could be substituted.

Oh, of course not. But if I'm going to be thinking about you, mistakes may happen...

Well you can always just ask your lovers to wear a blond wig I suppose.

...That might come across the wrong way.

[Like an Oedipus complex??]

[He snorts.]

And the rest would not of course?

It would all be terribly rude. But at least simply the truth.

[He strokes Vergil's lips, expression fond.]

It is hard to tease you when that is so endearing.

Clearly that means you shouldn't tease me. I deserve only praise of the highest caliber. Reverence.

...But not so much you would feel unable to lay claim. Remarkable but not unattainable to you.

[He laughs softly.]

You've grown more honest.

Do you think I would hesitate to claim you, Vergil? While it it's your heart and soul I seek, your body is equally mine.

[And he does use the hand in Vergil's hair to tug his head back, lightly loosening the cravat with his fingers so he can bend too far and close his lips and teeth around flesh at his throat, sucking roughly and nipping to leave a mark.]

[Oh-- well that makes his breath hitch, but he gladly inclines his neck to help with that and grips Lahabrea's hair tighter himself. He does still have evidence of the cut on his neck, but it should be mostly scar tissue by now, not about to open back up.]

Is that more honest?

Being open that I should claim you?

[His breath is warm on Vergil's neck but he does lift his head to admire the mark and stroke the scar tissue with gentle fingertips.]

It is. There was a time your pride would have balked at wanting that so openly. No matter how obvious your enjoyment.

[His hand moves to wrap around the braid and sageo.]

Was there anything coy about giving you a piece of my soul, or all the time I have spent saying I am so thoroughly yours that you can do anything you wish with me?

[He laughs softly, turning to kiss that hand.]

No. I am talking long ago. Did I not say your honesty and bluntness were soothing to me? Knowing what you want of me is equally so.

Hm, as far as the seasons go it would appear to have been around a year now? But about 120 days...not all that long ago either way. I suppose you're right. I wouldn't have been able to stand the thought of giving anyone such power over me.

But I want everything of you, and for you to want everything of me.

Which means I am also laying claim whether you like it or not.