cut the cable on every table I lose

the sea speaks a little more honestly

Nate might not be prone to those beautiful, poetic words, but the feeling Sunjata gets when his steel gaze lingers on the Ascended is all that matters really. A smaller smirk crosses his face when Hotaru speaks and his gaze flickers back toward her, head ducking a small amount to look at her a bit more clearly as she leans into Nate’s touch. “Hey, who said we had to say anything about it?” He winks to her, flashing a small rogue grin.

But there’s a nod granted, gaze lifting to Nate’s briefly at the mention of it being about time. And it was, it really was. Still, he settles a bit back as he asks them to explain their meeting. And he can’t help the brief chuckle that leaves him. “Ironic considering you were my first trip.” He smirks toward Nate before his gaze flickers to Hotaru once more. Hotaru’s own addition has him snorting, smirk shifting to an amused smile.

“I do hope you aren’t embarking on those with Loren.” Some amusement with it, though therein lies the hint of jealousy. The fact that he didn’t care who Hotaru spent her time with, but the idea of her and Loren? That hit that mark of ‘you can do better’ and ‘if you want to spend a night with someone so bad perhaps come and stay with us’. But it falters on his tongue, unable to say the words, and so he focuses instead on the arm Nate drapes around Hotaru, a tilt of his head.

And being as needy, touchy as he is, his arm remains nearby Nate’s tucking Hotaru under it as well. “How long are you planning to be in Torchline for?” A quiet offering, a ‘you can stay with us, if you don’t want to be alone’.

to those who are willing to drown

SUNJATA

– NATE –

The grin on Nate's face turns a little smug when he notices the blush on Hotaru's face. He isn't sure what it is, but he's glad to have this effect on her, this apparent ability to catch her off guard. A closeness that wasn't exactly earned, but that just clicks. Electric eyes turn to focus on Sunjata, an easy nod accompanying the words. They were another thing that just worked, really, though Nate liked to think he had actually done some work for this closeness. He has to stop himself from reaching out to put his free hand on the attuned's leg, from looping them into a weird half hug again, and he tries to be content with just a look, a delighted smile.

"Don't know if it's ironic really." Nate hums, the smile on his lips turning wicked as he meets Sunjata's eyes properly. "Maybe it's some grand coincidence. Or fate. Or just something about me." He waggles his brows, then leans in to catch Hotaru's words, laughing along with her lightly. "Who could regret it?" It's an easy agreement, and the nudge to his ribs has a bright bubble of laughter leaving him. "Hell, I almost didn't want to leave." Nate admits with a laugh, the words not quite sounding how he'd imagined in his head. It feels a little more like an admission of something, though he isn't sure what.

His own discomfort is enough to keep him from really reacting as Loren is brought up again, though he does manage to roll his eyes, a similar spark of we you can do better radiating in his chest. Nate shifts, crossing his legs, letting Sunjata change the subject again, to something a little less offensive. "If you're going to be here a while, we've got the room. As long as you're willing to fight Haai for a spot on the bed." He gives voice to the silent offering, tries to make it casual, but sincere. As much as he can manage, at least.

I’m in trouble for the things I haven’t got to yet

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

HOTARU

She's in a long black coat tonight
Waiting for me in the downpour outside

They tear her defenses down so easily. Perhaps if it was only one of them she'd be able to hold her composure, but Sunjata's teasing and the smug adornment on Nate's lips only draw the blush lower down her neck. She manages to click her tongue in playful chastisement at Nate despite the betrayal of the hue of her skin. "If I'm so bold as to say, it's probably just you," she teases back, politely allowing the two to share their own inside jokes and jibes. 'Politely' as if she isn't intentionally listening to anything else to avoid thinking about it. It's too easy to slip into the comfortable idea of the three of them, in some sort of arrangement. 'Together' seems too bold even for the privacy of her thoughts. Hotaru has to remind herself that she is not included in those warm gazes and proprietary touches, if only so she doesn't step over a line in a way that cannot be taken back.

Nate's admission makes it all the harder, and the flush that she had finally battled down returns for a second round, though this one is helpless and weak. So why did you? She wants to ask. You could have stayed. You could have asked for a thousand more nights and I would have given them to you for the chance to know you. Hotaru locks her teeth around the words and smiles instead. There is no point in musing over these girlish thoughts when already his friendship and closeness are on offer. It is merely greed at that point. And though she hopes she's reading his tone right, what little she can discern, she doesn't feel confident enough to say anything in response lest she moves in a wrongfooted fashion and ruins the comfortable atmosphere they have created.

Instead, she turns to Sunjata and gives a small, uncomfortable shrug of her shoulders, almost embarrassed. "It has...become more of a habit than anticipated." She will not lie to them, unashamed of her desire for sex and physicality, but they have both already verbally disproved of the man. For a good reason that she won't try and alter. But avoiding one difficult thread of conversation leads to this one, and so she directs her attention back around to Nate to avoid this one now. His offer makes her chest feel warm and airy, and it must show plainly on her face. "I'd like that. I may have to return to the Grounds for LongNight, but a vacation for the winter season wouldn't be amiss. I'm sure Haai and I can come to some sort of agreement," she laughs softly, thinking of ways to bribe the adorable creature.

singing "Baby come home" in a melody of tears
While the rhythm of the rain keeps time

the sea speaks a little more honestly

A huff of laughter leaves Sunjata at Nate’s declaration, a playful roll of his eyes though the smirk on his face betrays him. “Certainly something about you.” He replies swiftly on the heels of Hotaru, humming another quiet laugh as they appear to be on the same wavelength. Though, they had been quite often, when it came down to it. And instead, there’s a softer edge to his smile at Nate’s confession, at the blush Sunjata can spy creeping up along Hotaru’s neck.

And perhaps it’s the alcohol, but he can’t help but to reach out and brush away one of those locks of blonde – gaze flickering between Nate and Hotaru as the comments slip between them – stilling only when he offers room in Nate’s and his home, and Nate takes it a step further by mentioning Haai. Because one thing both Sunjata and Nate knew, was that Haai also slept on the bed.

So he can’t help but to let the steel of his gaze flicker up when Hotaru turns to speak to Nate, almost a somewhat questioning glance in his eyes – as if he’s spending a moment saying ‘wait, really?’. Of course, Hotaru’s own addition has that edge of confidence creeping back out as his head tilts back toward the Valkyrie. “Well, there’s a while until Longnight.” He rumbles, as if in addition to what Hotaru has said though the thought of her returning to the Grounds has Sunjata’s stomach twisting something fierce. At the very least, Deimos would be there. And even if Deimos and Sunjata didn’t get along, they did both care about Hotaru and her wellbeing.

“And when it comes to Haai, you can bribe her with a few pets behind the ear and a piece of fish.” He snorts, though the smile grows perhaps a bit feline as he leans back on the couch a bit – still in Nate’s reach. “It’s a long walk home, but it’s worth it if you’ve no other plans for tonight.” He suggests, gaze flickering up toward Nate almost as if he’s still asking if that’s alright – still that pang of surprise tight within his chest.

to those who are willing to drown

SUNJATA

– NATE –

Both of them agree that it's just something about him, on the heels of each other, the swift agreement pulling a sharp smirk to Nate's lips. "I'm glad we all agree I'm just that good." He laughs, squeezing Hotaru's shoulders a little harder, trying to tease out a little more of the flush colouring her skin. Between him, and the way Sunjata reaches out, it should be easy, and again the feeling that this isn't quite what he meant rears it's head. What had he meant then, what did he want?

It's easier to not think about it, to just act, to extend the invitation and see where it gets them.

Electric eyes shift slowly to meet Sunjata's, his own brow raised in question, though his look is more asking permission than anything else, and it passes as soon as he sees the other man's expression. There's a wink, a quick grin, the latter of which he can't quite get off his face before Hotaru turns to him, the look on her face bringing a lightness to his own. "Longnight is just one week out of the whole season." He points out cheekily. "Think of all the time you could spend with us until then." Maybe enough time that they could make an argument against returning to the Hollowed Grounds for the most dangerous week of the year, or maybe enough time to figure out what they wanted. Maybe both, if they were really lucky.

Nate snorts, listening to the talk of bribing Haai with a grin, knowing any agreement would only last as long as the griffin decided, and not a moment more. His gaze shifts to Sunjata again when the attuned sits back, the suggestion met with a nod from the ascended. "It's not that long." He protests, rolling his eyes until they settle back on Hotaru. "But if you really need it, I could carry you some of the way." A bright laugh accompanies the words, making the serious offer seem more like a tease, though he's quick to add an out for her, if she wants it, if somehow they've pushed too far, or misread the conversation. "Or, we could take you to wherever you're staying." The cabana, he assumed, the idea of it hopefully sounding as lonely to her as it did to him, when put up against the offer of their home, their bed.

I’m in trouble for the things I haven’t got to yet

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

HOTARU

She's in a long black coat tonight
Waiting for me in the downpour outside

This, at least, they can all agree upon. Their combined laughter as a trio seems to chase away the emptiness of the space. Not that they seem to even notice it with how they all bundle closer and closer as if there's no space to retreat. Perhaps if they tell themselves that, it will scrub away any anxiety they feel over how easy it feels to fall into one another. Propping each other up in an endless circle, sharing strength and joy as easily as the alcohol that flows past her lips as she drains the last of her glass.

Now Hotaru prides herself on her attentiveness, her sharp eyes and intellect. Admittedly neither of these come to her aid as Sunjata and Nate hold their own private, unspoken conversation. Never once thinking that they mean to invite her to their bed, having assumed they had some sort of guest bed so that she wouldn't intrude upon their hospitality. It doesn't hit her for quite some time, content to lick the rim of her glass of any remaining alcohol, casually seductive in a way that is as much armor to her as any leathers she could wear. Though Nate's implication alone is like smoke and sex and every other naughty, poetic idea she has considered or consumed. Assuming - correctly or incorrectly - that this is merely teasing, she lowers her lids to gaze up at him from beneath pale lashes, smirking slowly. "Sounds like you could keep me warm and occupied during Deepfrost." Gaze traversing between both men, including the pair of them. Unwilling to seem too attached to either, to insult or offend, to homewreck in any kind of way.

It's not until Sunjata mentions 'tonight', and Nate offers to carry her (had he noticed, then, the way she'd reacted last he'd done that?) that it dawns on her. Mouth parting and eyes widening just slightly, the only controlled part when the flush deepens down her neck. She's perhaps a bit close to tipsy, the alcohol stripping away her ability to conceal her reactions, but she has little to hide from either of them. Glancing between the two of them, Hotaru asks herself - can she handle this particular game? The burns she will have to risk in order to dance near their warmth? Is it worth it, to shove away her feelings and enjoy the physicality of it, clinging to the hope that one last night will be enough to stop her pining after them? All this trickles through her thoughts, but on the outside she smiles, foregoing any kind of sultry glance or smirk as she lifts her hands to place each one palm down on each man's thigh. Glancing between both arresting pairs of eyes. Nate's final offer, the thought of the empty cabana and the memory of the doctor's arms around her, only make the decision easier. "Then we'd better get on the road, huh? If you're certain." Both of them. Fingers gently squeeze down against their thighs in a parting touch as she gracefully slides from her seat, awaiting their lead. Trusting them with a heart she privately knows will be broken with the coming of the dawn, but at least for tonight she can chase away the ghost of want that haunts her with the warmth of their physical presence.

singing "Baby come home" in a melody of tears
While the rhythm of the rain keeps time

the sea speaks a little more honestly

Is it wrong to have the feeling of hope that sparks in his chest as he meets Nate’s gaze – the questioning look that almost seems to ask permission before Sunjata’s own surprise and questioning glance is answered with a quick grin. It’s… Shocking, surprising, most of all something that Sunjata’s not exactly sure how to go about. All he can do is make those little jokes, those remarks and replies, bouncing around the bush as it were because he wasn’t blessed enough to have the confident bluntness Nate had to offer.

Hotaru finishes her glass, and Sunjata’s gaze flickers back toward her as she plays with the glass in a way that he recognizes – because hadn’t she done that when they’d spent their first night together, when Lusea had gone missing and he hadn’t known where to even start looking for her. When they’d agreed to indulge in each other’s company, in their loneliness with one another with no expectations?

Would this be the same just from the other side?

He lets all conversations between Hotaru and Nate happen without interruption, only adding in when Nate protests. “Not for you, you don’t have to breathe.” He replies easily with his own amused roll of his eyes, quieting as he mentions that they could in theory bring her back to wherever she’s staying if the offer of them isn’t enough. But he says nothing to add to that either, not until it registers in Hotaru’s mind and his gaze settles on her again, his other hand idly focusing on Nate’s shoulder with a soft squeeze. Hotaru’s attention between the both of them is like a fire, and when she places her hands on both their thighs and Sunjata’s gaze narrows briefly – knowing the types of games that she’s played oh so well.

Part of him waits for the denial of it, waits for the act of her pushing off of them and departing into the night. But instead, that pale hand blazes a path as it slides down his thigh and she stands, Sunjata’s gaze flickering to Nate almost questioning again as if he were certain it was a good idea. Sunjata wouldn’t complain in the slightest, however, so long as he doesn’t have to watch his back from another slash of tiger claws down his side. He pushes off the seat then, collecting the glasses and setting them on the counter to be taken care of later before he turns back to lead them to the house nearby the lighthouse. “Of course we are.” Sunjata replies, flashing Hotaru a playful grin, offering his arm to her, wondering if Nate might take the other to guide the Valkyrie to their home.

to those who are willing to drown

SUNJATA

– NATE –

Nate is the only one of them with the blessing? curse? responsibility of a clear head, a position he should never be in. Maybe he could have taken a step back, left the evening at jokes and insinuations, kept them all safe. But there is a glint of hope in Sunjata's eyes, a sultry tease in Hotaru's, and Nate finds himself trapped, a little helplessly, with his foot on the gas. "I certainly hope that's what it sounds like." He rumbles, his own smirk a little slower to spread over his face, somehow more suggestive for it. "Because that's what we're," his eyes flick up to Sunjata briefly, "offering." His blue gaze falls back to her, the suggestion wrapped up with a quick wink.

There is a retort on Nate's lips, some toothless snipe about how he wasn't the one who put the house where it was, but it dies on his lips as he notices the flush invading Hotaru's neck. As her hand comes to rest on either of their thighs, her bi-coloured gaze moving between them easily. It's surprising how different this touch feels from the ones she'd doled out in the bar, the first time they'd been in bed together. Nate wonders, for a moment, if the difference is because of him, or Hotaru. His eyes shift to Sunjata again, toothy grin wide. It might not be a good idea, but it was a mistake he didn't see himself regretting, not in the long run. Was that selfish?

He is the last to rise to his feet, the last to the door, coming up on Hotaru's other side and offering his arm as well. "Why wouldn't we be?" Nate purrs warmly, a wide smile on his face. Though no part of him would admit it out loud, the walk home does seem longer now than it ever had, long enough for the soft voice of doubt to try to creep into him. Try. Nothing can penetrate the haze of quiet anticipation, of excitement vibrating in him, a smirk pulling wider on his lips every time he looks over to his companions. And it all but rises to a head as the lighthouse rises up above them, Nate all but fighting himself to not speed ahead and drag the others with him.

I’m in trouble for the things I haven’t got to yet

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

HOTARU

She's in a long black coat tonight
Waiting for me in the downpour outside

Since a young age she has fostered the skill of reading people in herself, and yet she does not dare to let her eyes linger on the profound and informative looks that the two men share. If these flirtations are to come to fruition in any sort of way, she will not allow herself any further opportunities to trick herself into misunderstandings and misplaced hope. Though Nate seems dearly determined to eradicate any doubts, and she can't help the spark of heat in her eyes at the blatant confirmation of what they are both offering. Unaware of Sunjata's piercing gaze, the way he strips her defenses from the habitual way she holds her glass, far too aware of the soul beneath that she has tried to board back up away from his addicting, poisonous touch.

What could it hurt? A single night, a way to chase away the void? The memories? If you are the first to walk away by morning, they can't see the hurt on your face as you leave. The voice sounds far too similar to her mother's for her own comfort, but Phaedra's wisdom has rarely steered her wrong. So she lets the idea consume her, foregoes any doubts or hesitations, and stands with a purpose that had abandoned her for most of the season. Both men are firm and solid beneath her touch, supporting her in the areas where she falters, where the drywall cracks and the loneliness seeps through. Perhaps they can help patch it up for the night, and leave her feeling something close to whole by morning.

Both offered arms are taken equally, striking an amusing picture as her diminutive form is swallowed on both sides by tall, imposing men. Her thumbs idly trail against the inner skin of their elbows, a restlessness low in her belly that - along with the alcohol cloying sweetly in her veins - keeps her warm the entirety of the walk. Their assurances make her feel briefly as if she is walking on air, more powerful than she believes. As they approach the domicile, this house they share (and she will not let herself dwell on her feelings of intrusiveness) she lets herself be led inside past the colorful blooms reaching up the trellis of the porch, bi-colored eyes flickering with appropriate awe and intrigue as the door swings open to permit them. The fireplace looms cold but promising, and Hotaru drops her hands from their arms to boldly begin peeling back her cardigan, letting the knitted fabric slide from slim shoulders to hang it as if she has always claimed this spot for her coat. "Well? I was promised warmth, at the very least," she teases, voice dipping into something velvety and teasing. Bodies or fireplace? It is up to them, it seems. She has taken her hands from the controls, letting her trust in them guide her instead of her hurt.

singing "Baby come home" in a melody of tears
While the rhythm of the rain keeps time

the sea speaks a little more honestly

There’s assurance from Nate, the way the Ascended’s eyes meet his own, that this is something that’s okay, that the meaning comes along with the truth to it. And there’s something that almost stills in Sunjata, a quell of some sort that devours the uncertainty, the permission and little jealousy to be found. It’s… Surprising, though perhaps not at all. Not with the conversation they’d had before. When Sunjata had mentioned that he didn’t care what Nate did when it came to diagnosing or spending time in the sheets with someone else, so long as he’d always come home to him.

Perhaps this was the same, a similar idea that it wouldn’t be an overstep because they were together. And hadn’t Sunjata already done that? When Lusea seemed insistent on sleeping with Loren to get back at Sunjata for cheating on her? When Sunjata had insisted on joining in? He doesn’t know where the lines are drawn, what lines there are, but all he knows is that if he didn’t already love Nate enough, there’s a part of him that swoons further under this opportunity.

There’s that other part of him that still loves Hotaru fiercely and doesn’t want to get her stuck in a similar pain of before – a stolen kiss at his wedding comes to mind – before he swallows it down and takes her arm, guiding them all toward the home. There’s electricity in the air, his heart thundering within his chest (was it anticipation or the exertion of the walk that caused it?) when the house comes into sight. Perhaps their speed does increase, to the door as Sunjata opens it to make room for Hotaru and Nate, slipping inside after and latching the door shut.

He already has the two people he wants within its doors, might as well lock it up now.

Another quick glance toward Nate as if ensuring that it’s fine, especially when Hotaru’s teasing tone drips with honey like he remembers it had, igniting more of that anticipation within his blood. And after? He steps up behind the Valkyrie, arms outstretched to pull the cardigan away and discarding it on the back of the couch, hands lifting to pull the blond hair over to one shoulder, before his hands travel from her shoulders down her sides to her hips. He leans down then, a warm breath raking along the shell of her ear. “We do intend to keep that promise.” He hums to her, voice low and a hint husky, pressing a soft kiss to her neck – an apology, perhaps, brewing for months beneath the surface.

to those who are willing to drown

SUNJATA

– NATE –

There is some part of Nate that thinks his mind should be racing, that he should be surprised at how easily this turn of events has come to pass, but he knows why he is so calm, why doubt can't seem to make a foothold in him. Nothing about this feels strange. He can't quite go far enough to say that it feels right, but it feels like it could be. Maybe, if any one of them can manage it, that will be a conversation for the future.

Right now though, the front door rose up, the last moment of the walk an utter blur, a sudden manic energy rising in Nate and sending his fingers into fits. He turns as he crosses the threshold of the home, leaving Hotaru to make her own place and watching Sunjata lock up with a cocked brow, a small smirk. As the attuned glances at him again, Nate just licks his lips, and turns back towards their guest. An invitation for the other to take the lead, with no judgment either way. There is an option he's leaning towards, but he has taken enough of a lead already, wants someone else to take the first step.

It's impossible to tell if Sunjata can tell what he's thinking, or if he's just eager, but Nate gets to watch him step forward, watch hands slip down towards Hotaru's hips. The sight sends something shooting through him, not jealousy, but envy, before he remembers he can step closer as well, can reach out and blanket the woman's front with his own. One of his hands finds its way to her jaw, fingers trailing through her hair, his other hand finding a place on her hip, his pinky resting on Sunjata's hand. No words leave him, but he leans in as well, trying to catch her mismatched eyes before he presses his lips against hers, pulling back quickly to press another kiss to her cheek.

I’m in trouble for the things I haven’t got to yet

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3

HOTARU

She's in a long black coat tonight
Waiting for me in the downpour outside

The click of the lock on the door, the looks shared between them, it is clear that despite their lack of true communication about expectations, that they have collectively decided upon this course of action. She shivers lightly as Sunjata takes her cardigan, the chill of the air pressing in only to be chased away by his calloused hands. They gently take hold of the curtain of her hair, dancing over her nape, and she is so fraught with anticipation that it causes a trembling breath to be sucked between her teeth. There is something unbearably intimate to the way he moves her hair, places a kiss upon the side of her neck. The familiarity as his hands fall to her waist is intoxicating, and she leans backwards into his embrace, trusting him to hold what little of her weight she places upon him.

It is a trust exercise in itself. Perhaps she can't forgive him with words, can't rebuild that bridge in conversation, but this? This is a language she speaks.

But he is not the only man that makes her pulse lift higher in expectation, and Nate doesn't seem keen on being left out either. Her hands lift as he comes closer, pressing her between their two bodies as her fingertips slide beneath the hem of his shirt, skirting up his navel with the tips of her nails. Wanting to touch, even if heat is not where she is used to finding it beneath her palms. Those infernal, addicting hands join Sunjata's on her body, and she lets him tilt her face to better view him. Despite the heavy lingering of her lids, she catches his brilliant blues, and there is a trust and agreement there if he cares to look in the moments before their lips touch. Hotaru breathes her whimpering sigh against the fold of his plush mouth, aware she is already too deep for how little has happened. Face flushing brightly against her will as he parts only to drop one upon her cheekbone. Every motion seems adamant on making her forget that this is just a hookup.

One hand lifts, curling backward to pull Sunjata closer by the back of his neck, tilting to allow him room to the column of her bared throat. Tilting just enough to offer him a kiss of his own, if he is willing to take it.

singing "Baby come home" in a melody of tears
While the rhythm of the rain keeps time

the sea speaks a little more honestly

Perhaps it’s his drunkenness that makes his mind sway into taking the first step, perhaps it’s the silent communication between Nate and Sunjata that seem to scream that there’s nothing to be worried about. Perhaps it’s a combination of all of it as he steps toward Hotaru, giving her his full attention, breathing her in as he has so many times before. He takes her cardigan, presses that kiss to the side of her neck, and supports her as she leans back a small amount into him – his body steady and strong behind her, stronger than before, scarred more than before beneath the shirt he still wears.

Nate’s approach is greatly appreciated, though Sunjata keeps his attention focused on Hotaru’s neck, praying silently that this goes how they planned and things don’t get out of hand. Of course, he doesn’t know how it could, not as Nate’s body is pressed against Hotaru’s other side, and he can feel Nate’s finger brush against his hand. One of Sunjata’s hands abandons Hotaru’s hip, with Nate’s there anyway, and slips to Nate’s waist as Hotaru’s hand lifts to the back of his neck.

His breath is warm against her skin, but he obliges easily – pressing more deep kisses along her neck, until her head shifts a bit and he captures her in a kiss that’s so familiar and both a cross between painful and promising. But he abandons her lips with a parting nip to her lower lip, returning to her neck as his hands partially shift to those claws, blunted on Hotaru’s end to not draw blood, sharper on Nate’s because he’s already aware of how to get Nate to respond.

Nate’s hips already bear the scars of that adventure anyway. Still, Sunjata partially shifts his fangs to the sharpness of the cobra shift within him, mimicking Nate’s own fangs without so much of the pleasure, smirking against Hotaru’s skin as he presses into her back and pushes her into Nate a small amount – enough that those fangs can drag lightly against her skin before he’s pulling away and seeking Nate’s lips, that partially shifted hand rising toward Hotaru’s breast to play, already intimately aware of the things Hotaru likes.

to those who are willing to drown

SUNJATA

– NATE –

Somehow, Nate is surprised by the hands that rise up to meet him, that trace barely there lines into his skin, the sensation missing but the shiver coming anyway, helped along by the hand that shifts to his hip. His eyes don't linger on hers long enough to get the full expanse of what she's offering, the draw of her lips too magnetic now. It's a struggle to pull away when he does, after he's swallowed the soft sigh that leaves her, and responded with his own, deeper rumble, claws in his hip sending a skittering bolt of electricity up his spine.

Hotaru turns her head, seeking Sunjata's lips, and he moves with it easily, hungry lips trailing along her cheek, her jaw. As he dips lower, his teeth drag more and more against her skin, until Nate has to pull away completely to avoid giving into the temptation of biting. Really, he can't imagine the feeling right now, how overwhelming it would be already, and they've barely started. Better to wait, to lean into Sunjata's lips instead, Nate's hand shifting to wrap around Hotaru's waist as she's pushed closer, pressed tighter between them, his scrabbling fingers finding skin and spreading, blunt nails stroking along her spine.

Already, this is a place he could settle into and never move from, but the part of Nate that is irritatingly sober and rational has him leaning away more completely from the attuned's lips, putting some space between them again. "We should move." He's not breathless, despite how he looks, how he's barely keeping himself from leaning in towards both of them again, unsure where he really wants his lips to land. But if they brave the stairs now, that will be the only thing he has to worry about. Electric eyes move to Sunjata's face, the bright grin there the only warning before given before Nate moves, meaning to scoop Hotaru up in his arms, leaning in to press another, hungrier kiss to her lips before shifting back, eyes on the other man like he's waiting for him to lead the way. One last check that everything is okay, though they've more than blown past the need for it.

I’m in trouble for the things I haven’t got to yet

BASE INSPIRED BY ODD <3