A small, satisfying shiver passed through Philip, and Novelty marveled for a moment at the crack in the man's armor. It had been so difficult to assess how Philip how felt about Novelty in the light of day, but here, in his arms, Novelty had difficulty believing that their escapade had been anything other than divine. There was a brief urge to dive after that crack, to wedge his hand or maybe a press of his lips into the crack so he could keep it from closing and perhaps peer into its depths, but Philip placed his own hand on the back of Novelty's neck and leaned forward to kiss his hair, a gentle moisture cuing Novelty into the fact that he wasn't the only one crying.
Novelty smiled, his tears easing, as he sighed and nestled his face a little deeper into Philip's neck and chest. He couldn't remember the last time someone had kissed him like that. Had it ever happened? And did Philip think of Novelty as a child? Surely they weren't that far apart in age. But, no, that didn't seem to fit. This was genuine--Novelty was sure of it. Something about Novelty's persistence in wanting to speak with the man, his reassurance in Philip's tent, and the press of their bodies up against the trees in full sight of the river had ignited in Philip a similar sentimentality as resided now in Novelty.
Did it take landing in the realm of the goddess of desire to notice this? Perhaps, but Novelty certainly wasn't complaining.
Remembering that he had requested this embrace, Novelty suddenly worried if he were being greedy or should be the one to end it. Did Philip feel trapped in comforting Novelty? But, he breathed through the concerns, pressing his cheek more deeply into Philip's skin.
As openly and honestly as he could while massaging the back of Philip's neck, Novelty said, "I'm finding it difficult to let go." His words and lips were soft whispers against Philip's collarbone.
Novelty, Philip, Chloe, and Nick Explore the Goddess' Palace
Re: Novelty, Philip, Chloe, and Nick Explore the Goddess' Palace
Philip was deeply warmed and reassured as Novelty nestled his face against his neck and chest, a gesture which also confirmed that Novelty had been crying as well. Philip was blissfully overtaken with the sensation that, however they felt about one another in this moment, the feeling was mutual, and that in itself seemed miraculous, also.
Novelty continued nuzzling against him, his hand gently massaging the back of Philip's neck, and Philip was quite content to hold him. "I'm finding it difficult to let go," Novelty said in a sweet whisper, and Philip pressed his cheek against the man's hair, caressing the back of his neck in a way he hoped was comforting. He was in no rush to leave this embrace. The thought began to bloom after a moment though that Novelty might be wanting help disentangling, which stiffened Philip a little as he contemplated the possibility. Before he could decide on an action, a familiar chant came wafting in from the meadow, sending a shiver through Philip's body.
"De... "
Lieutenant Holloway.
"Dehal..."
Such mixed feelings swirled in Philip's chest--Holloway had seemed so irreverent, some defensive disgust hardened within him, sure that Holloway was somehow being disrespectful in this gesture. And yet... could he not hear the worship in the man's voice? Did it not sound exactly like something that would be pleasing to the goddess' ears?
"Dehaljadrun!"
A soft moan vibrated deep in Philip's throat, his eyes closing as a wave of heaviness passed through him, his arms around Novelty tightening, his body growing yet warmer and more aroused by this tantalizing body that pressed against his own. A million different memories cascaded through his mind--from his time with the goddess, and his time with Novelty, all of them swirling together and enticing him toward a more carnal indulgence.
Seek pleasure, the goddess' voice beckoned, everywhere and nowhere, and Philip longed to oblige, but something kept him stiff still, and reluctantly, he set his hands on Novelty's shoulders and gently pushed the man away--not far, but introducing a buffer of open air between them, and enough space to look in each other's eyes, if Novelty could meet him there. Something in his expression was pleading, even as his eyes fluttered with heavy longing. He did want a great many things just then, but most of all, he wanted to be able to hold onto the difference between his longing for Novelty, and his longing for the broader indulgence the goddess beckoned him toward, which may well have pulled him toward any body that had been pressed up against him in that moment. He didn't want Novelty to feel like any body. He didn't want to feel like any body to Novelty. He wanted Novelty to see his commitment to seeing the man, and respecting him, and resisting the parts of him that had fallen prey to the goddess entirely in the past. He was here to do better, this time. For his sake, for Novelty's, and for the goddess', too.
Novelty continued nuzzling against him, his hand gently massaging the back of Philip's neck, and Philip was quite content to hold him. "I'm finding it difficult to let go," Novelty said in a sweet whisper, and Philip pressed his cheek against the man's hair, caressing the back of his neck in a way he hoped was comforting. He was in no rush to leave this embrace. The thought began to bloom after a moment though that Novelty might be wanting help disentangling, which stiffened Philip a little as he contemplated the possibility. Before he could decide on an action, a familiar chant came wafting in from the meadow, sending a shiver through Philip's body.
"De... "
Lieutenant Holloway.
"Dehal..."
Such mixed feelings swirled in Philip's chest--Holloway had seemed so irreverent, some defensive disgust hardened within him, sure that Holloway was somehow being disrespectful in this gesture. And yet... could he not hear the worship in the man's voice? Did it not sound exactly like something that would be pleasing to the goddess' ears?
"Dehaljadrun!"
A soft moan vibrated deep in Philip's throat, his eyes closing as a wave of heaviness passed through him, his arms around Novelty tightening, his body growing yet warmer and more aroused by this tantalizing body that pressed against his own. A million different memories cascaded through his mind--from his time with the goddess, and his time with Novelty, all of them swirling together and enticing him toward a more carnal indulgence.
Seek pleasure, the goddess' voice beckoned, everywhere and nowhere, and Philip longed to oblige, but something kept him stiff still, and reluctantly, he set his hands on Novelty's shoulders and gently pushed the man away--not far, but introducing a buffer of open air between them, and enough space to look in each other's eyes, if Novelty could meet him there. Something in his expression was pleading, even as his eyes fluttered with heavy longing. He did want a great many things just then, but most of all, he wanted to be able to hold onto the difference between his longing for Novelty, and his longing for the broader indulgence the goddess beckoned him toward, which may well have pulled him toward any body that had been pressed up against him in that moment. He didn't want Novelty to feel like any body. He didn't want to feel like any body to Novelty. He wanted Novelty to see his commitment to seeing the man, and respecting him, and resisting the parts of him that had fallen prey to the goddess entirely in the past. He was here to do better, this time. For his sake, for Novelty's, and for the goddess', too.
Re: Novelty, Philip, Chloe, and Nick Explore the Goddess' Palace
Novelty's chest bloomed with happiness as Philip pressed his cheek against his hair in response to what Novelty had said, Philip's fingers tracing circles on the back of Novelty's neck. But, after a moment, Philip stiffened, and Novelty worried fruitlessly about what had done it this time. Before he could fully form thoughts, however, Novelty caught the sound of chanting out in the meadow.
He couldn't quite make out the syllables at first, but by the time half of the goddess' name was spoken, Novelty knew what must be happening. Evan had chanted her name when he had arrived in her arms, and it was difficult to believe that it was anything other than worshipful. Had she put the volunteers in the meadow up to it somehow or was it genuine?
It took a moment to place the voice, but Novelty decided it was Lance, and he smiled into Philp's chest. He wouldn't have thought Lance would be the first one to be moved to respect divinity, but maybe it was simply that plain to him now.
Philip shivered, and Novelty jolted back to worrying about the warring emotions that must be going through the man. Should Novelty give him some space?
"Dehaljadrun!"
Now, even Novelty shivered as other moans and yells came from out in the meadow, and it was all he could do not to look at Nick and Chloe, trying to soak in some reflection of what was going on out there. Instead, he stayed with Philip and their shared experience here, especially as Philip's arms tightened, vocal cords vibrating in his chest.
Novelty's breath caught, and he felt swept up suddenly in the man's hunger, both pleased and terrified. What echo of his experience here in the goddess' realm might emerge in this moment? Could Novelty trust Philip with the goddess so nearby? Could he really trust the goddess at all?
Seek pleasure, Novelty heard all around them, or maybe only inside his own mind. He wanted to follow the instruction and felt a rousing compulsion that direction, but Philip stiffened further, and soon, he pushed Novelty away with hands on his shoulders.
Novelty's brows were pulled together in fearful concern, but Philip's expression melted Novelty's worry, his heavy-lidded longing and open-mouthed features a prayer onto themselves. Why was he pushing Novelty away when there was something they both wanted here?
But... Novelty didn't know what he wanted. He wasn't even sure what pleasure he would seek in this moment other than the simple pleasure of being pressed again up against Philip's chest. He wanted to understand the landscape of this place first and know all the players on the field. How much of their agency was actually their own? He wasn't certain he understood that yet.
Still, here was a man who clearly wanted Novelty, who was having shadows of his past dance palpably in front of him in all directions, and even he managed to push Novelty away. Novelty's head tilted in awe and recognition--Philip was putting distance between himself and Novelty in spite of what he wanted.
The sudden distance between them, less than an arm's length though it was, finally landed in Novelty's body, his chest aching and his thighs clenching subconsciously. His eyebrows twitched as a series of emotions passed over his face--longing, compassion, melancholy, gratitude. He didn't know what to say. Again, he had the urge to look at Chloe and Nick--how were they handling the goddess' suggestion? But they were behind him and having an entirely different experience.
Words from Novelty's first conversation with Philip came potently to mind.
What about the man whose spirit you killed? What was his cloud? Maybe it was better that you did what you did there so you never needed to do it here.
Novelty had meant it to be comforting in the moment, but now that they were both here in the goddess' realm, it didn't feel any less like "real life." And, it wasn't any less real because the goddess wasn't demanding that they obey her. Yet. And Philip was even resisting the suggestion.
Finally, Novelty smiled softly, looked down for just a moment. He knew what he wanted to say. "I'm not afraid of your clouds, Philip, but I'm glad I have gotten to see your sunshine first."
He couldn't quite make out the syllables at first, but by the time half of the goddess' name was spoken, Novelty knew what must be happening. Evan had chanted her name when he had arrived in her arms, and it was difficult to believe that it was anything other than worshipful. Had she put the volunteers in the meadow up to it somehow or was it genuine?
It took a moment to place the voice, but Novelty decided it was Lance, and he smiled into Philp's chest. He wouldn't have thought Lance would be the first one to be moved to respect divinity, but maybe it was simply that plain to him now.
Philip shivered, and Novelty jolted back to worrying about the warring emotions that must be going through the man. Should Novelty give him some space?
"Dehaljadrun!"
Now, even Novelty shivered as other moans and yells came from out in the meadow, and it was all he could do not to look at Nick and Chloe, trying to soak in some reflection of what was going on out there. Instead, he stayed with Philip and their shared experience here, especially as Philip's arms tightened, vocal cords vibrating in his chest.
Novelty's breath caught, and he felt swept up suddenly in the man's hunger, both pleased and terrified. What echo of his experience here in the goddess' realm might emerge in this moment? Could Novelty trust Philip with the goddess so nearby? Could he really trust the goddess at all?
Seek pleasure, Novelty heard all around them, or maybe only inside his own mind. He wanted to follow the instruction and felt a rousing compulsion that direction, but Philip stiffened further, and soon, he pushed Novelty away with hands on his shoulders.
Novelty's brows were pulled together in fearful concern, but Philip's expression melted Novelty's worry, his heavy-lidded longing and open-mouthed features a prayer onto themselves. Why was he pushing Novelty away when there was something they both wanted here?
But... Novelty didn't know what he wanted. He wasn't even sure what pleasure he would seek in this moment other than the simple pleasure of being pressed again up against Philip's chest. He wanted to understand the landscape of this place first and know all the players on the field. How much of their agency was actually their own? He wasn't certain he understood that yet.
Still, here was a man who clearly wanted Novelty, who was having shadows of his past dance palpably in front of him in all directions, and even he managed to push Novelty away. Novelty's head tilted in awe and recognition--Philip was putting distance between himself and Novelty in spite of what he wanted.
The sudden distance between them, less than an arm's length though it was, finally landed in Novelty's body, his chest aching and his thighs clenching subconsciously. His eyebrows twitched as a series of emotions passed over his face--longing, compassion, melancholy, gratitude. He didn't know what to say. Again, he had the urge to look at Chloe and Nick--how were they handling the goddess' suggestion? But they were behind him and having an entirely different experience.
Words from Novelty's first conversation with Philip came potently to mind.
What about the man whose spirit you killed? What was his cloud? Maybe it was better that you did what you did there so you never needed to do it here.
Novelty had meant it to be comforting in the moment, but now that they were both here in the goddess' realm, it didn't feel any less like "real life." And, it wasn't any less real because the goddess wasn't demanding that they obey her. Yet. And Philip was even resisting the suggestion.
Finally, Novelty smiled softly, looked down for just a moment. He knew what he wanted to say. "I'm not afraid of your clouds, Philip, but I'm glad I have gotten to see your sunshine first."
Re: Novelty, Philip, Chloe, and Nick Explore the Goddess' Palace
Novelty looked fearful, at first, his brows drawn together with concern. Of course he's afraid, rang a sharp sentiment within Philip, stabbing like a dagger through his chest. He should be.
But, Novelty's expression softened, slowly shifting into some kind of recognition, and then into... awe? Philip's own expression melted with a bit of melancholy, doubtful that he deserved such a look from the man. Maybe it wasn't even at Philip, but even so, the witnessing of it was a gift unto itself. Philip's eyes cast down and to the side, though he kept hold of Novelty's shoulders--gently, but thoroughly attached to the contact, even as his gaze felt briefly overwhelmed.
"I'm not afraid of your clouds, Philip," Novelty said after a moment, and surprise bolstered Philip to return his gaze. "But I'm glad I have gotten to see your sunshine first."
Philip's eyebrows drew together and then rose, a tiny smile turning up at one corner of his lips. They had seen some sunshine together the night before, hadn't they? Under the moonlight... Philip closed his eyes, a brief shudder passing through him as he recalled that exploration again, his fingers on Novelty's shoulders flexing with the sensation.
Boldly, Philip brought Novelty back into a hug, eager to feel the man against his chest again, and to have his around around him, and to bring his lips close to the man's ear.
"I want to touch you like I did last night," Philip murmured, his own loincloth bobbing in a small pulse of excitement. He breathed in, preparing to share more details about the fantasy that was most present, but he hesitated, allowing the breath to pass out of him. Then, after his next inhale, he said, "But, not right here."
Chloe wasn't looking their direction--she and Nick were leaning against one another, quite thoroughly transfixed on whatever display they were still witnessing in the meadow--but, that she might at any moment weighed on him palpably. Perhaps if it were just himself and Novelty and the goddess, location would not feel so relevant, but with so many others in the mix... Philip let out a soft sigh.
"What do you want?" Philip asked with a gentle nudge of his cheek against Novelty's hair.
But, Novelty's expression softened, slowly shifting into some kind of recognition, and then into... awe? Philip's own expression melted with a bit of melancholy, doubtful that he deserved such a look from the man. Maybe it wasn't even at Philip, but even so, the witnessing of it was a gift unto itself. Philip's eyes cast down and to the side, though he kept hold of Novelty's shoulders--gently, but thoroughly attached to the contact, even as his gaze felt briefly overwhelmed.
"I'm not afraid of your clouds, Philip," Novelty said after a moment, and surprise bolstered Philip to return his gaze. "But I'm glad I have gotten to see your sunshine first."
Philip's eyebrows drew together and then rose, a tiny smile turning up at one corner of his lips. They had seen some sunshine together the night before, hadn't they? Under the moonlight... Philip closed his eyes, a brief shudder passing through him as he recalled that exploration again, his fingers on Novelty's shoulders flexing with the sensation.
Boldly, Philip brought Novelty back into a hug, eager to feel the man against his chest again, and to have his around around him, and to bring his lips close to the man's ear.
"I want to touch you like I did last night," Philip murmured, his own loincloth bobbing in a small pulse of excitement. He breathed in, preparing to share more details about the fantasy that was most present, but he hesitated, allowing the breath to pass out of him. Then, after his next inhale, he said, "But, not right here."
Chloe wasn't looking their direction--she and Nick were leaning against one another, quite thoroughly transfixed on whatever display they were still witnessing in the meadow--but, that she might at any moment weighed on him palpably. Perhaps if it were just himself and Novelty and the goddess, location would not feel so relevant, but with so many others in the mix... Philip let out a soft sigh.
"What do you want?" Philip asked with a gentle nudge of his cheek against Novelty's hair.
Re: Novelty, Philip, Chloe, and Nick Explore the Goddess' Palace
Novelty's eyes searched Philip's face as the man's eyebrows came together and then rose. Novelty thought he saw a smile tug at the corner of Philip's mouth, but he wasn't positive it wasn't simply a trick of the low light.
But then Philip closed his eyes, and Novelty would have sworn that a shudder passed through the man, a delicate matching squeeze on Novelty's shoulders happening simultaneously.
Novelty was deeply surprised but plenty pliant when Philip pulled him back into a hug, their chests landing together more abruptly this time and sending cascading shockwaves of longing all the way down Novelty's body from there. That Philip immediately began whispering next to his ear only amplified the sensations.
"I want to touch you like I did last night," Philip said, a warmth of excitement pushing against Novelty's groin. Novelty's knees swayed, and his eyes rolled back out of sight of anyone, his fingers gripping Philip's arms for balance.
Did Philip mean he wanted to touch him like when he had stroked down the sides of Novelty's neck? Was Philip referring to the way he had drawn his fingers down Novelty's center line until he at last caressed the bulge in Novelty's pants? Or did Philip perhaps mean to imply that he wanted to pull Novelty's cock into his mouth again, the way he had when their skin both glistened in the moonlight?
Was there a wrong answer?
Philip inhaled, the sound akin to a growl this close to Novelty's ear, making Novelty press his fingers deeper into Philip's arms. An exhale. Another inhale as Novelty attempted to gather the fragments of his thoughts.
"But, not right here," Philip added. The statement made absolute rational sense, but it sent some part of Novelty's mind off on an imagination of the two of them not moving at all, letting anyone and everyone see how much they wanted each other--wasn't that what the others had done with the goddess?
Still, Novelty could not deny that it would be far more intimate if they did not need to worry about having an audience. Novelty was halfway to nodding into Philip's ear when Philip sighed softly, nudged his cheek into Novelty's hair, and asked., "What do you want?"
Novelty's brows rose, and his lips moved soundlessly, trying to find words that simply weren't there. He wanted to wrap his feet around Philip's calves and have the man walk them both to one of the beds. He wanted Philip to kiss him right here anyway, trusting that they would make it to privacy at some point in the process. He wanted to slip his hand between the tantalizing cloth and Philip's growing erection--surely no one else would notice that?
He thought he might be able to lead Philip toward one of the rooms in lieu of an answer, but he could not bear to pull out of the hug. Now that the touch had returned, he was greedy for it, his breath quickening and his fingers eagerly pressing into the man's skin.
I want you to love me, Novelty thought--the only words his mind was successfully able to form--but there was no way in all the realms that he was going to say that right now.
One of Novelty's feet curled halfway around Philip's ankle, and finally, Novelty managed a whisper quiet, "Yes," praying to all the gods that Philip would understand and take it from here.
But then Philip closed his eyes, and Novelty would have sworn that a shudder passed through the man, a delicate matching squeeze on Novelty's shoulders happening simultaneously.
Novelty was deeply surprised but plenty pliant when Philip pulled him back into a hug, their chests landing together more abruptly this time and sending cascading shockwaves of longing all the way down Novelty's body from there. That Philip immediately began whispering next to his ear only amplified the sensations.
"I want to touch you like I did last night," Philip said, a warmth of excitement pushing against Novelty's groin. Novelty's knees swayed, and his eyes rolled back out of sight of anyone, his fingers gripping Philip's arms for balance.
Did Philip mean he wanted to touch him like when he had stroked down the sides of Novelty's neck? Was Philip referring to the way he had drawn his fingers down Novelty's center line until he at last caressed the bulge in Novelty's pants? Or did Philip perhaps mean to imply that he wanted to pull Novelty's cock into his mouth again, the way he had when their skin both glistened in the moonlight?
Was there a wrong answer?
Philip inhaled, the sound akin to a growl this close to Novelty's ear, making Novelty press his fingers deeper into Philip's arms. An exhale. Another inhale as Novelty attempted to gather the fragments of his thoughts.
"But, not right here," Philip added. The statement made absolute rational sense, but it sent some part of Novelty's mind off on an imagination of the two of them not moving at all, letting anyone and everyone see how much they wanted each other--wasn't that what the others had done with the goddess?
Still, Novelty could not deny that it would be far more intimate if they did not need to worry about having an audience. Novelty was halfway to nodding into Philip's ear when Philip sighed softly, nudged his cheek into Novelty's hair, and asked., "What do you want?"
Novelty's brows rose, and his lips moved soundlessly, trying to find words that simply weren't there. He wanted to wrap his feet around Philip's calves and have the man walk them both to one of the beds. He wanted Philip to kiss him right here anyway, trusting that they would make it to privacy at some point in the process. He wanted to slip his hand between the tantalizing cloth and Philip's growing erection--surely no one else would notice that?
He thought he might be able to lead Philip toward one of the rooms in lieu of an answer, but he could not bear to pull out of the hug. Now that the touch had returned, he was greedy for it, his breath quickening and his fingers eagerly pressing into the man's skin.
I want you to love me, Novelty thought--the only words his mind was successfully able to form--but there was no way in all the realms that he was going to say that right now.
One of Novelty's feet curled halfway around Philip's ankle, and finally, Novelty managed a whisper quiet, "Yes," praying to all the gods that Philip would understand and take it from here.
Re: Novelty, Philip, Chloe, and Nick Explore the Goddess' Palace
Philip felt hyper-aware of Novelty's breath and body in the moments following his question, taking in every tiny shift of muscle and quicken of breath. Philip relished in it, taking Novelty's clinging fingers and quiet breath as ample evidence that the man was first and foremost attached to the hug that was happening right now, and Philip was very happy to enjoy this moment, allowing the fantasies of what else they might to to gently waft through his mind with no urgency.
Then, Novelty's foot began to wrap around Philip's ankle, and his voice simply whispered, "Yes."
Philip's lungs pushed out a quiet, elated breath as his hands found themselves caressing eagerly down Novelty's back, cupping beneath the man's backside to gently feel the weight of him, and offer the man just a small reassurance of the strength in Philip's arms. It was an intuitive gesture, following Novelty's own movements, but Philip's mind caught up with the implication as he felt the ripple of Novelty's yes through his body, and he whispered,
"I've got you."
As much warmth and pleasure as Philip had experienced offering comfort through a hug, he positively glowed at the prospect of carrying Novelty, of letting the man rest his feet and rely on Philip's strength, his steadiness, his resolve to get them to where they both wanted to go. Philip gently took a step, his hands pressing against Novelty with guidance in their touch, inviting Novelty to wrap more fully around him, to take the small jump into Philip's full embrace.
Once he felt he had Novelty secure in his arms, Philip walked slowly and smoothly toward one of the rooms beneath the staircase, hopeful that that would provide the type of privacy he craved for the moment. He thought that Chloe might have caught his movements out of her periphery, and with that came a brief clench of self-consciousness, but he let go of it as soon as he stepped past her line of sight. There were many things that he deserved judgement about; this moment was truly not one of them.
Philip laid Novelty down on a bed with an eager sigh, his knees sinking in between the man's legs. Excitement thundered through him, and he was of one mind to take Novelty's yes and run with it--how exhilarating would it be to jump right in to pure, feral carnality, to take full advantage of having nothing but loincloths to shift out of the way to plunge deep into a passionate coupling?
But, that wasn't what Novelty had said yes to.
I want to touch you like I did last night.
Novelty may have said that he wasn't afraid of Philip's shadows, but that didn't mean he wanted to be subject to their whims. And, perhaps even Philip himself didn't truly want to indulge in that, not when his conscience caught up with the fantasy and reminded him about just how dark his whims could be, when the goddess had unleashed them on Rutliff just a few nights prior.
Philip let out a soft, unsteady breath as he moved his lips to place a gentle kiss on Novelty's neck, trusting the tender gesture to root Philip here in the present, body to body with a man whom he felt affection and gratitude for, not a desire to chastize or conquer or shame in any way.
Then, Novelty's foot began to wrap around Philip's ankle, and his voice simply whispered, "Yes."
Philip's lungs pushed out a quiet, elated breath as his hands found themselves caressing eagerly down Novelty's back, cupping beneath the man's backside to gently feel the weight of him, and offer the man just a small reassurance of the strength in Philip's arms. It was an intuitive gesture, following Novelty's own movements, but Philip's mind caught up with the implication as he felt the ripple of Novelty's yes through his body, and he whispered,
"I've got you."
As much warmth and pleasure as Philip had experienced offering comfort through a hug, he positively glowed at the prospect of carrying Novelty, of letting the man rest his feet and rely on Philip's strength, his steadiness, his resolve to get them to where they both wanted to go. Philip gently took a step, his hands pressing against Novelty with guidance in their touch, inviting Novelty to wrap more fully around him, to take the small jump into Philip's full embrace.
Once he felt he had Novelty secure in his arms, Philip walked slowly and smoothly toward one of the rooms beneath the staircase, hopeful that that would provide the type of privacy he craved for the moment. He thought that Chloe might have caught his movements out of her periphery, and with that came a brief clench of self-consciousness, but he let go of it as soon as he stepped past her line of sight. There were many things that he deserved judgement about; this moment was truly not one of them.
Philip laid Novelty down on a bed with an eager sigh, his knees sinking in between the man's legs. Excitement thundered through him, and he was of one mind to take Novelty's yes and run with it--how exhilarating would it be to jump right in to pure, feral carnality, to take full advantage of having nothing but loincloths to shift out of the way to plunge deep into a passionate coupling?
But, that wasn't what Novelty had said yes to.
I want to touch you like I did last night.
Novelty may have said that he wasn't afraid of Philip's shadows, but that didn't mean he wanted to be subject to their whims. And, perhaps even Philip himself didn't truly want to indulge in that, not when his conscience caught up with the fantasy and reminded him about just how dark his whims could be, when the goddess had unleashed them on Rutliff just a few nights prior.
Philip let out a soft, unsteady breath as he moved his lips to place a gentle kiss on Novelty's neck, trusting the tender gesture to root Philip here in the present, body to body with a man whom he felt affection and gratitude for, not a desire to chastize or conquer or shame in any way.
Re: Novelty, Philip, Chloe, and Nick Explore the Goddess' Palace
The small exhale Philip made with his jaw against Novelty's temple sent butterflies through Novelty's stomach. Perhaps Philip had understood. And soon, Philip's hands were moving down from his shoulders, down from his back, and circling around his backside in a way that might have made Novelty feel weightless even if Philip weren't encouraging Novelty to lean in.
"I've got you," Philip said, emphasizing the knowledge Novelty's body already felt. Philip could carry him--and why not? Was that not what Novelty wanted? Wouldn't it be a beautiful to just... let it happen?
Philip took a gentle step, pulling Novelty just slightly off balance but still holding fast to his hips, his hands strong and encouraging. With one leg already half curled around Philip, it was easy to take the small leap of faith further into Philip's chest, his arms looping around Philip's neck as his legs straddled Philip's hips. The sensation of being held and lifted, of not needing to let go of Philip's embrace but rather being given an opportunity to dive deeper into it, made the tears return to Novelty's eyes, his smile irregular with bliss. He nuzzled his face more deeply into Philip's neck, enjoying the unusual way his muscles had to cling to prevent himself from slipping. But, truly, Philip made it feel nearly effortless, suspending his weight.
Novelty squeezed more tightly as Philip began to walk, slow and sure, toward one of the rooms they had peeked into earlier. As Philip led them both away, Novelty glimpsed Chloe and Nick holding hands, nuzzling their heads together as they continued to watch the unfurling scene in the meadow. Something in Novelty's gut relaxed, watching them. They would be all right. He didn't need to make himself responsible for anyone or anything except his own pleasure and desire.
Seek pleasure, and in this way he was serving the goddess well.
This moment with Philip alone might make the entire journey worthwhile. Again, Novelty smiled into Philip's neck, and silently, he promised a small portion of whatever pleasure he found here to the goddess. Or maybe she would feel it even if Novelty didn't give it to her directly.
As they moved more fully into the room, Novelty clung even tighter to Philip, the butterflies in his stomach fluttering more sharply as he wondered what would happen next.
Novelty's back met the soft fabric of the bed as Philip's weight settled on the bed between his legs. He did not let go of Philip--he still had his legs wrapped around the man, though his hands were now free to roam the back of Philip's neck, unabashedly tugging him ever closer.
Philip's breath was unsteady as he bent down to place a kiss on Novelty's neck, his lips warm and soft. Novelty squeezed the back of Philip's neck, attempting to encourage the man. Only moments ago, Novelty hadn't known at all what he wanted, but now, he wanted everything. At the thought, though, something stuck in his mind. Bringing his hand around to Philip's face, he stroked the man's jaw with a potent affection, at last finding words.
"I loved every way you touched me last night," Novelty said breathlessly, "and I also want to give you permission to explore new territory."
"I've got you," Philip said, emphasizing the knowledge Novelty's body already felt. Philip could carry him--and why not? Was that not what Novelty wanted? Wouldn't it be a beautiful to just... let it happen?
Philip took a gentle step, pulling Novelty just slightly off balance but still holding fast to his hips, his hands strong and encouraging. With one leg already half curled around Philip, it was easy to take the small leap of faith further into Philip's chest, his arms looping around Philip's neck as his legs straddled Philip's hips. The sensation of being held and lifted, of not needing to let go of Philip's embrace but rather being given an opportunity to dive deeper into it, made the tears return to Novelty's eyes, his smile irregular with bliss. He nuzzled his face more deeply into Philip's neck, enjoying the unusual way his muscles had to cling to prevent himself from slipping. But, truly, Philip made it feel nearly effortless, suspending his weight.
Novelty squeezed more tightly as Philip began to walk, slow and sure, toward one of the rooms they had peeked into earlier. As Philip led them both away, Novelty glimpsed Chloe and Nick holding hands, nuzzling their heads together as they continued to watch the unfurling scene in the meadow. Something in Novelty's gut relaxed, watching them. They would be all right. He didn't need to make himself responsible for anyone or anything except his own pleasure and desire.
Seek pleasure, and in this way he was serving the goddess well.
This moment with Philip alone might make the entire journey worthwhile. Again, Novelty smiled into Philip's neck, and silently, he promised a small portion of whatever pleasure he found here to the goddess. Or maybe she would feel it even if Novelty didn't give it to her directly.
As they moved more fully into the room, Novelty clung even tighter to Philip, the butterflies in his stomach fluttering more sharply as he wondered what would happen next.
Novelty's back met the soft fabric of the bed as Philip's weight settled on the bed between his legs. He did not let go of Philip--he still had his legs wrapped around the man, though his hands were now free to roam the back of Philip's neck, unabashedly tugging him ever closer.
Philip's breath was unsteady as he bent down to place a kiss on Novelty's neck, his lips warm and soft. Novelty squeezed the back of Philip's neck, attempting to encourage the man. Only moments ago, Novelty hadn't known at all what he wanted, but now, he wanted everything. At the thought, though, something stuck in his mind. Bringing his hand around to Philip's face, he stroked the man's jaw with a potent affection, at last finding words.
"I loved every way you touched me last night," Novelty said breathlessly, "and I also want to give you permission to explore new territory."
Re: Novelty, Philip, Chloe, and Nick Explore the Goddess' Palace
Philip reveled in the ways that Novelty's hands roamed over his neck, pulling him close. He loved feeling wanted like this, though some part of his mind tried to spoil the sensation, reminding him that his and Novelty's states were in no small part the goddess' doing. Still... he and Novelty had both chosen to be here, had both chosen to subject themselves to her influence. What good would it do to hold themselves to a standard they may never even experience again? That Philip may not even want to experience again--gods, hadn't the days away from her been torturous?
Then again, hadn't he deserved it, with what he'd done?
Novelty's hand squeezed at the back of Philip's neck, beckoning him out of his building cloud. Novelty deserved to feel pleasure, at the very least, surely. Philip sighed softly as Novelty's hand caressed around to his face, his jaw, the gesture full of affection that Philip scarcely felt deserving of in that moment. Still, he availed himself of it, gently nuzzling his cheeck into Novelty's palm, trying to find his way back to the comfort and steadiness of a few moments prior. Hadn't he earned that much, at least? He was trying.
"I loved every way you touched me last night," Novelty said breathlessly, "and I also want to give you permission to explore new territory."
Philip shuddered, his more carnal inclinations excited by that permission--that invitation. And, once again, it was tempting to dive right in, to shove away this infuriating feeling of guilt and immerse himself in the thorough resounding distraction that burying himself inside of someone else promised to be. But, if he did that, the guilt would still be there when he was done, and it would taint what he and Novelty would have experienced together. He didn't want that.
Philip shifted his weight onto one hand to free the other, bringing it to rest over Novelty's hand on his cheek, and cradle the back of it as Philip shifted to place an affectionate kiss in the man's palm before welcoming it back onto his jaw.
"Thank you," he said, offering Novelty a small, gentle smile. Whatever else was happening within him, Novelty was giving him a great gift. He tried to refocus on that, on the man's legs around him, on the sight of Novelty's heavy gaze and breathing chest. Whatever Philip did or did not deserve, surely Novelty deserved a partner who was present and attentive, not silently beating himself up for something that didn't concern the man before him in the slightest.
But, he didn't know what he truly wanted, now. There was a sense of overwhelm slowly creeping up on him, which began to pull tears back into his eyes, his smile fading.
"I fear I've hit a cloud, though." His brows furrowed with apology and he closed his eyes, nuzzling his cheek into Novelty's hand again for comfort.
Then again, hadn't he deserved it, with what he'd done?
Novelty's hand squeezed at the back of Philip's neck, beckoning him out of his building cloud. Novelty deserved to feel pleasure, at the very least, surely. Philip sighed softly as Novelty's hand caressed around to his face, his jaw, the gesture full of affection that Philip scarcely felt deserving of in that moment. Still, he availed himself of it, gently nuzzling his cheeck into Novelty's palm, trying to find his way back to the comfort and steadiness of a few moments prior. Hadn't he earned that much, at least? He was trying.
"I loved every way you touched me last night," Novelty said breathlessly, "and I also want to give you permission to explore new territory."
Philip shuddered, his more carnal inclinations excited by that permission--that invitation. And, once again, it was tempting to dive right in, to shove away this infuriating feeling of guilt and immerse himself in the thorough resounding distraction that burying himself inside of someone else promised to be. But, if he did that, the guilt would still be there when he was done, and it would taint what he and Novelty would have experienced together. He didn't want that.
Philip shifted his weight onto one hand to free the other, bringing it to rest over Novelty's hand on his cheek, and cradle the back of it as Philip shifted to place an affectionate kiss in the man's palm before welcoming it back onto his jaw.
"Thank you," he said, offering Novelty a small, gentle smile. Whatever else was happening within him, Novelty was giving him a great gift. He tried to refocus on that, on the man's legs around him, on the sight of Novelty's heavy gaze and breathing chest. Whatever Philip did or did not deserve, surely Novelty deserved a partner who was present and attentive, not silently beating himself up for something that didn't concern the man before him in the slightest.
But, he didn't know what he truly wanted, now. There was a sense of overwhelm slowly creeping up on him, which began to pull tears back into his eyes, his smile fading.
"I fear I've hit a cloud, though." His brows furrowed with apology and he closed his eyes, nuzzling his cheek into Novelty's hand again for comfort.
Re: Novelty, Philip, Chloe, and Nick Explore the Goddess' Palace
Novelty let Philip's shudders pass through him with a long, satisfied blink, his own body rising and squeezing with anticipation and delight. Philip then freed one hand so he could gently cover Novelty's hand with his, briefly pulling it away to sweetly kiss the open palm of Novelty's hand.
Novelty had had enough lovers to know a soft redirection when he saw one.
He tried not to let his heart sink as Philip placed Novelty's hand back on Philip's jaw, where Novelty's thumb wavered in its previous motions. Novelty closed his parted lips and his eyebrows rose gently. What had changed?
"Thank you," Philip said with a small smile that also read as an apology, a withdrawal, a careful let down. Had Novelty done something wrong in offering more? Philip knew it wasn't an obligation, right? There were tears forming in Philip's eyes, and Novelty put the pieces together. Of course offering more would bring up Philip's shadows. Isn't that exactly what they had been skirting around the previous night?
"I fear I've hit a cloud, though," Philip said, stating what Novelty had already come to understand, cementing his deductions in place. Philip closed his eyes, pressing his cheek into Novelty's hand. At least there was a lingering desire, something that wanted through Philip's cloud. That gave Novelty heart.
Novelty's brows lifted, the temptation to blame his own desire and carelessness strong. Then, though, there was a potent anger--not at Philip, but at the goddess--who was now more real to Novelty than she ever had been, this woman who had ripped Novelty's desire right from between his legs on account of her previous actions. He was about to walk over there and give her a piece of his mind when moving his body reminded him that his legs were still wrapped around Philip's, his hand patiently unmoving against Philip's jaw. And, at last, he smiled, a joy coming into his chest. They had made it this far, and that was a whimsical, beautiful thing. There would be time to chastise the goddess later. For now, Philip needed care.
Hoping that Novelty could manage to catch Philip by surprise, he leveraged his legs and arms in a quick twist, squeezing to grab hold of the large, muscular man in order to flip him such that his back was on the bed instead. Straddling Philip's thighs, Novelty laughed gently, bending to stroke Philip's cheek one more time before sitting up.
"Tell me, dear Philip," Novelty said, his smile vibrant, "what is this cloud made of?" He then bent to kiss Philip's chest three brief times as he shifted down the man's body, coming to a stop just above his navel as he settled himself into the crook between Philip's arm and chest, one leg still bent over Philip's, his face upturned with genuine interest.
((OOC: I guess, let me know if you think Novelty would not succeed, but it seemed fun to proceed as though he had.))
Novelty had had enough lovers to know a soft redirection when he saw one.
He tried not to let his heart sink as Philip placed Novelty's hand back on Philip's jaw, where Novelty's thumb wavered in its previous motions. Novelty closed his parted lips and his eyebrows rose gently. What had changed?
"Thank you," Philip said with a small smile that also read as an apology, a withdrawal, a careful let down. Had Novelty done something wrong in offering more? Philip knew it wasn't an obligation, right? There were tears forming in Philip's eyes, and Novelty put the pieces together. Of course offering more would bring up Philip's shadows. Isn't that exactly what they had been skirting around the previous night?
"I fear I've hit a cloud, though," Philip said, stating what Novelty had already come to understand, cementing his deductions in place. Philip closed his eyes, pressing his cheek into Novelty's hand. At least there was a lingering desire, something that wanted through Philip's cloud. That gave Novelty heart.
Novelty's brows lifted, the temptation to blame his own desire and carelessness strong. Then, though, there was a potent anger--not at Philip, but at the goddess--who was now more real to Novelty than she ever had been, this woman who had ripped Novelty's desire right from between his legs on account of her previous actions. He was about to walk over there and give her a piece of his mind when moving his body reminded him that his legs were still wrapped around Philip's, his hand patiently unmoving against Philip's jaw. And, at last, he smiled, a joy coming into his chest. They had made it this far, and that was a whimsical, beautiful thing. There would be time to chastise the goddess later. For now, Philip needed care.
Hoping that Novelty could manage to catch Philip by surprise, he leveraged his legs and arms in a quick twist, squeezing to grab hold of the large, muscular man in order to flip him such that his back was on the bed instead. Straddling Philip's thighs, Novelty laughed gently, bending to stroke Philip's cheek one more time before sitting up.
"Tell me, dear Philip," Novelty said, his smile vibrant, "what is this cloud made of?" He then bent to kiss Philip's chest three brief times as he shifted down the man's body, coming to a stop just above his navel as he settled himself into the crook between Philip's arm and chest, one leg still bent over Philip's, his face upturned with genuine interest.
((OOC: I guess, let me know if you think Novelty would not succeed, but it seemed fun to proceed as though he had.))
Re: Novelty, Philip, Chloe, and Nick Explore the Goddess' Palace
After a few breaths, Philip felt Novelty's legs shift around him, and he opened his eyes to see a smile on the man's face. It surprised and even confused Philip a little, but it was a lovely sight nonetheless, and it helped him feel lighter.
Then, all at once, Novelty's legs were twisting Philip's hips, and in Philip's lightness and his surprise, he landed airily on his back on the bed, though a brief, visceral panic stiffened him as he grew heavier, Novelty's weight settling on top of him. His arms briefly flinched up toward his face, but he relaxed at the sound of Novelty's gentle laugh, whatever panic passing through him now just as quickly as it had come. In fact, his arms made a point to move in the opposite direction from the defensive position they'd almost assumed, when Novelty began to reach for Philip's face, and Philip felt with a warm certainty that he wanted the man to complete the gesture, to return his palm to Philip's cheek once more. Philip gently settled his hands on the man's thighs, doing his best to echo the sweet warmth he felt from Novelty's touch.
"Tell me, dear Philip," Novelty said with a vibrant smile, "what is this cloud made of?"
Philip's eyebrows rose in a gentle disbelief, and he watched in awe-struck wonder as Novelty bent down to press his lips to kiss down Philip's chest. Philip was beginning to feel light again, and it felt miraculous. The airy warmth in him only grew as Novelty shifted to settle into the crook between Philip's arm and chest, one leg still bent over Philip's, his face upturned with interest. Philip's arm happily moved to cradle Novelty, gaining similar satisfaction from the position as he had their earlier hug. Philip felt utterly in awe, and took some time to find words to say.
"Just like that, you've nearly vanquished it," Philip finally said. Now that they were here, nuzzled back into a comforting embrace, it was difficult to see whatever cloud Philip had just passed through. Were his moods always so fickle? Or was it just this man, or this place? He could scarcely remember himself right now.
He sighed and shifted a little, squeezing Novelty and beckoning him to settle in yet deeper, allow Philip's cheek to press into his hair. It might be easier to think and to talk if they weren't looking at each other, for the moment. As delightful as this current moment was, he tried to find the threads that tied it back to the larger context, so that he wasn't just afloat in this almost unreal-seeming paradise, unsure when he might fall out of it.
Philip was cuddling with a man he'd just met two days ago; who had helped him see a way out of the thickest, blackest cloud that Philip could ever remember finding himself lost within. That cloud had been about the goddess, whose realm he and the man with whom he cuddled now resided within. The goddess who had broken Philip's discipline and resolve and in doing so unleashed the desires he'd kept locked away. Like the desire to conquer; to chase another man down and to do him harm.
Another man, who now tangled with that very goddess in the meadow outside, hers in ways that Philip could not quite fathom, and yet felt deeply envious of.
Philip brought his attention back into his breath for a moment, re-grounding all of that context in the truly blissful sensation of his body in this soft bed with another body nestled against his, taking comfort from him, providing comfort to him. Tears wet his eyes again, blurring his vision, and Philip brought his free hand up to rub his thumb and forefinger over his eyes and pinch the bridge of his nose.
"I'm feeling... overwhelmed." Philip finally said, wanting to give Novelty something of substance amidst all of this. "There is so much I don't understand... and yet, I've made a divine promise to try." With a soft sigh, Philip lowered his free hand to find Novelty's arm, caressing his thumb over skin there for an extra burst of comfort. "It's a daunting path ahead."
Then, all at once, Novelty's legs were twisting Philip's hips, and in Philip's lightness and his surprise, he landed airily on his back on the bed, though a brief, visceral panic stiffened him as he grew heavier, Novelty's weight settling on top of him. His arms briefly flinched up toward his face, but he relaxed at the sound of Novelty's gentle laugh, whatever panic passing through him now just as quickly as it had come. In fact, his arms made a point to move in the opposite direction from the defensive position they'd almost assumed, when Novelty began to reach for Philip's face, and Philip felt with a warm certainty that he wanted the man to complete the gesture, to return his palm to Philip's cheek once more. Philip gently settled his hands on the man's thighs, doing his best to echo the sweet warmth he felt from Novelty's touch.
"Tell me, dear Philip," Novelty said with a vibrant smile, "what is this cloud made of?"
Philip's eyebrows rose in a gentle disbelief, and he watched in awe-struck wonder as Novelty bent down to press his lips to kiss down Philip's chest. Philip was beginning to feel light again, and it felt miraculous. The airy warmth in him only grew as Novelty shifted to settle into the crook between Philip's arm and chest, one leg still bent over Philip's, his face upturned with interest. Philip's arm happily moved to cradle Novelty, gaining similar satisfaction from the position as he had their earlier hug. Philip felt utterly in awe, and took some time to find words to say.
"Just like that, you've nearly vanquished it," Philip finally said. Now that they were here, nuzzled back into a comforting embrace, it was difficult to see whatever cloud Philip had just passed through. Were his moods always so fickle? Or was it just this man, or this place? He could scarcely remember himself right now.
He sighed and shifted a little, squeezing Novelty and beckoning him to settle in yet deeper, allow Philip's cheek to press into his hair. It might be easier to think and to talk if they weren't looking at each other, for the moment. As delightful as this current moment was, he tried to find the threads that tied it back to the larger context, so that he wasn't just afloat in this almost unreal-seeming paradise, unsure when he might fall out of it.
Philip was cuddling with a man he'd just met two days ago; who had helped him see a way out of the thickest, blackest cloud that Philip could ever remember finding himself lost within. That cloud had been about the goddess, whose realm he and the man with whom he cuddled now resided within. The goddess who had broken Philip's discipline and resolve and in doing so unleashed the desires he'd kept locked away. Like the desire to conquer; to chase another man down and to do him harm.
Another man, who now tangled with that very goddess in the meadow outside, hers in ways that Philip could not quite fathom, and yet felt deeply envious of.
Philip brought his attention back into his breath for a moment, re-grounding all of that context in the truly blissful sensation of his body in this soft bed with another body nestled against his, taking comfort from him, providing comfort to him. Tears wet his eyes again, blurring his vision, and Philip brought his free hand up to rub his thumb and forefinger over his eyes and pinch the bridge of his nose.
"I'm feeling... overwhelmed." Philip finally said, wanting to give Novelty something of substance amidst all of this. "There is so much I don't understand... and yet, I've made a divine promise to try." With a soft sigh, Philip lowered his free hand to find Novelty's arm, caressing his thumb over skin there for an extra burst of comfort. "It's a daunting path ahead."