Log: Post-shopping care

[eskil_douglas]

[Summary: After shopping Esse and Vincent goes to Vincent’s for coffee and sex.]

[Warnings: NSFW, sexytimes.]

Vincent fumbles for his keys in his overcoat pocket, eventually finding them and pushing open the door to his flat. “Come in, come in, sweet thing, I think it’s relatively tidy…” Vincent laughs, hauling the day’s treasures inside.

Eskil slinks through the door and makes short work of his outerwear, seeing how Vincent is carrying everything - one thing Eskil couldn’t insist on doing seeing how he did manage to talk his way into paying for everything. “Nice to be indoors,” he says as he hangs up his coat, “I’ll get the coffee started.”

“Thank you, sweet thing…” Vincent says, gently placing the shopping down in the corner, before removing his coat and gloves. He rubs his hands together, before calling out: “Salome?” but there is no reply. “Hm...she must still be out delivering letters for me. Either that or getting into mischief…” Vincent laughs, before walking up behind Eskil, wrapping his arms around his lover’s waist.

The Swede leans back into the embrace, as much as he can without stopping his coffee preparations, with a content little sigh. “I’m rather looking forward to meeting her, it’s not everyday one gets to meet a bird who has such a love for hats,” he chuckles.

“Oh, she’ll be back soon enough, when she’s hungry…” Vincent laughs, before resting his head against Esse’s curls, gently sighing, “I’m sorry, I know I’m awfully clingy, especially for a man the wrong side of forty. I just find it so terribly difficult to be with you in public and not be able to kiss you, or hold you…”

Vincent will feel more than hear Eskil’s gentle laugh as he sets the water to boil and then, being done with coffee making for as long as it takes for the liquid to get hot, he turns in Vincent’s arms to give him a proper embrace. “The novelty will wear off,” he says with a fond grin, placing a soft kiss on Vincent’s cheek.

“I hope not…” Vincent chuckles, turning his head a little so that Esse won’t get a faceful of beard. He keeps his hands upon Eskil’s waist, gently holding him. “Though...it is winter, after all. Can’t have you getting cold...come summer I will be a grump…” he laughs.

“Please, Vincent,” Eskil laughs, wrapping his arms tighter around Vincent, “don’t mention that horrible season - London summers are dreadful!”

“I hate the heat...I’m really not going to enjoy it, am I?” he sighs, though he is not too disheartened--more concerned about being affectionate with the young Swede in his arms.

“I’m afraid you’re going to hate it, I know I do,” Eskil confirms. “But it’s just January, a long time left to enjoy the chillier weather... like snuggling up together with a cup of coffee.”

“Mm...true, let’s not dwell on the bad things…” Vincent smiles, giving Eskil’s waist a little squeeze, “Are you toasty enough, sweet thing? That’s an expression, isn’t it? “Toasty”?”

“I’m pretty sure it is? And I am quite warm... though I could be warmer without being uncomfortable so, there’s no need to let go of me,” he chuckles, then pauses as he hears the water boiling, “... or well, there is right now”

“Mmmff...you can sit on my lap, if you don’t think it too dangerous a venture while we’re drinking coffee…” Vincent laughs, reluctantly letting go of his little Swede, “But thank you for making it, you are a darling!”

“I think that would be a recipe for disaster,” Eskil chuckles as he pour the water over the ground beans in the coffee pot. “You can go a few minutes without having me so close though, no?” he asks, shooting a fond grin over his shoulder. “I really do need a cup and I think you’ll be happier with my company if I get one in a timely fashion.”

“Mmmm, I suppose I can…” Vincent laughs, nodding, before adding: “Would you like a cake? I have a box of little sponge cakes in my room for you, if you’d like one with coffee…”

Picking up the coffee Eskil turns back to Vincent with a beaming smile. “That would be lovely, Vincent. You spoil me, really.”

“I’ll be back soon, sweet thing…” he smiles, before heading into his bedroom to retrieve the cakes. Whilst there, he smooths his bedsheets down and decides to light a scented candle, just in case...well. He doesn’t want to get too ahead of himself. He brings the box back to the living room, grinning. “Did you want me to fetch you a blanket, Esse?”

Whilst Vincent’s away Eskil takes the opportunity to fill a couple of cups and get a couple of plates and bring it all to the coffee table before taking a seat in one of the armchairs. “No thank you, I promise, I’m not cold my dear fuzzy bear.”

“I’m glad…” Vincent smiles, placing the cake-box down before taking the seat next to Esse. “Thank you again, dolce...” he says, with a content little sigh, so happy to finally be sat down.

“You’re welcome,” Eskil says with a warm smile as he picks up his coffee cup and takes the first sip, making an appreciative little sound. It’s not bad considering it’s not freshly ground. “So tell me, what of the things we got today do you like the most?”

“Hmm, there’s a question…” Vincent says, thinking as he lifts his cup and takes a sip of his own coffee, “Well...those cufflinks are all utterly beautiful. I like cufflinks. There’s something very...intimate about them…” he says, trailing off, before realising that probably makes no sense.

“Intimate?” Eskil asks over the rim over his cup. “As in the gift of cufflinks or the actual cufflinks themselves?”

“Oh, both…” Vincent smiles, “Do you not think there’s something very intimate about helping someone put on cufflinks? Or take them off, for that matter…”

“I can’t say I’ve given it much thought before,” Eskil admits, “but now that I do I’m inclined to agree.” Then he laughs. “Was that why your first gift to me was a pair of cufflinks?”

“Perhaps…” Vincent smiles, taking another sip of coffee, “I may have given my game away, mm?” he laughs.

“I think you have,” Eskil replies with a wide grin, before taking another sip. “Though I can’t complain, they’re very nice and I wear them often.”

“I am glad to hear it!” Vincent smiles, genuinely pleased, “And I am glad to have given you some possible poetic inspiration…” he laughs.

“Oh you always inspire me, my dear muse, but perhaps not for poetry that I’d want to actually have published,” Eskil chuckles.

Vincent grins, his cheeks a little flushed. “You’re so...argh!” he trails off, laughing as he shakes his head, “You act so innocent and sweet--which you are--and then you say things like that!”

Grey eyes sparkle with amusement as Eskil says; “I thought we already established I’m not quite as innocent as I might seem. Though should you need another demonstration you only have to ask...” but Eskil pauses to help himself to one of the little sponge cakes, “after coffee though.”

“I keep forgetting that you aren’t just doing things to please me…” Vincent says, a sad little smile on his lips, “But I would definitely like another demonstration, if you are eager to provide one…”

Eskil tilts his head as he chews on his mouthful of cake, swallowing it down with a sip of coffee before asking; “I’d be happy to but... you... have I given you reasons to think I’m not enjoying what we do?”

“No, no!” Vincent quickly assures him, “We promised to be honest, and...well...your noises and encouragements definitely show that you’re enjoying it…” he grins, before his smile fades as he adds: “I just...once...bedded a man who...well...he didn’t enjoy what we did but he didn’t want to tell me.”

“Oh, I understand your apprehension then,” Eskil nods, “but as you said, we promised to be honest and I would have let you know if there was anything... amiss.”

“I know, I’m sorry...it’s just that and...I’m still trying to shake some Surface notions that this is somehow wrong. Which I know is not true, not when I look at you and feel my heart race and realise that I can’t stop smiling…” Vincent says, a certain sad warmth in his eyes.

Eskil swallows around the lump in his throat that comes from Vincent’s heartfelt declaration, he’s both touched and worried, but mostly touched. “I can understand that as well, the surface being what it is - I too forget sometimes that things down here are very different.”

“I mean, it doesn’t bother me much, anymore, considering I’ve been with men since I was a teenager. I just…” he trails off, sighing, before shaking his head and looking back up at Esse with a smile. “I’m sorry. We promised not to talk of bad things, didn’t we? How about we talk of happy things, hm? And I will do my best to seduce you, at the same time…” he laughs.

“I remember no such promise,” Eskil says with a smile, “but I’m happy to change the subject to something lighter, and look forward to experience your efforts to seduce me.”

Vincent laughs, taking another sip of coffee before changing the topic of conversation: “How is your dear cousin doing?”

“Karin is well, though busy as always. I don’t know how she manages to juggle all her social engagements with the amount of work she does - then again she’s always been quite restless,” Eskil chuckles and sips his coffee.

“Yes, she’s quite something…” Vincent smiles, nodding, “I can barely manage to write a handful of advertisements a day, and that’s with me never leaving the house…” he chuckles.

“We really ought to do something about that,” Eskil says before sinking his teeth into what remains of his piece of cake. “There’s a whole town out there to explore, Vincent.”

“Mm...I know, I know…” Vincent says, sighing a little, “You’re right. I just...mmm...people…”

Eskil huffs a laugh and shakes his head. “Sounds to me like you’ve frequented the wrong places if that’s your reaction to going out.”

“Well...I might enjoy going out a little more if I’m with you…” Vincent laughs, “Where do you suggest we should go?”

“Hmm, that depends on what we want to do, no?” Eskil asks, draining what’s left of his coffee.

“Well...true. I suppose...I would like to see the kind of things one can only see in London…” Vincent says, holding up the coffee pot to offer Esse a refill.

Eskil gratefully holds out his cup. “The Carnival could be good for that, then again just walking the streets of London is too, people watching at cafes, going out to the Marsh, well, there’s plenty of options really.”

“We should make a day of it, soon…” Vincent says, filling up Esse’s cup, “Go out exploring the streets…”

“That’s a wonderful idea, though maybe we should wait until the lacre disappears a bit more. The stuff stinks and is really the big downside of London winters,” Eskil says.

“Definitely…” Vincent says, nodding in agreement, “Until then I suppose we shall just have to stay inside and keep each other warm…” he grins.

“Yes,” the Swede grins and takes another sip. “And, we have the Feast to look forward to as well, something to plan for whilst we stay inside.”

Vincent tilts his head at that, curious. “The Feast...I have heard people mention that, but I don’t know what it is. I have never been in London during it…”

“The Feast of the Exceptional Rose,” Eskil nods, eyes sparkling with excitement, “it’s marvellous! The whole city celebrating love with drinking and dancing and partying for days on end. Wearing masks, giving the most ridiculous of gifts,” he smiles a little dreamily. “Mr. Wines holds a ball where wine and honey flows freely and there’s a pleasure garden at Mrs. Plenty’s Carnival, but really there isn’t a single street corner not filled with joyus revelers.”

Vincent’s eyes widen at Esse’s detailing of the Feast, and he can feel himself growing excited in more ways than one. “That sounds...like absolute Heaven…” he sighs, lost in reverie, “Though...what did you want to do inside, if all the parties happen out of doors?”

Eskil gives Vincent a rather sheepish look at that, but all he says is; “Well it’s not happening quite yet and I don’t think it’d go over well to start the partying too early...”

“OK…” Vincent says, confused but still excited, “Perhaps...perhaps we could try honey together, then?” Vincent doesn’t want to anger Esse by bringing the subject up again, but...he has been doing his best to rein in his habit, and the prospect of sharing honey is too much of a draw for him to not mention it.

The Swede’s smile grows thoughtful at that and he takes another few sips of coffee before answering; “Maybe, I... I don’t want to say no but... I still need to think a little about that.”

“I’ll buy a pot, and then...you can decide nearer the time? And then if you don’t want to, we don’t have to…” he smiles, with an understanding little nod.

“Thank you, Vincent. It’s, well, given how last time ended I’m a little unsure if I’ll be comfortable trying it again, but I’m also tempted to give it another go seeing how... well, it’d be a way to see something like the sun again.”

Vincent reaches over to take his love’s hand, gently squeezing it. “Honey dreams can be wonderfully pleasant. Though...I am finding I don’t need it any more, not now that my waking days are so much more pleasant than any dream could ever be.”

Eskil squeezes back and smiles softly. “I wonder what could have caused such a difference,” he teases.

“Oh well, I found a new kind of beard wax, you see. Makes my days a lot brighter…” he grins, teasing his lover back.

“I see,” Eskil laughs brightly. “That would of course be quite a noticeable change for someone as fuzzy as you.”

“The famously fuzzy foreigner…” Vincent giggles, feeling hopelessly soppy.

“That’s a neat alliteration,” Eskil grins and shakes his head, then asks; “Do you mind if I smoke in here?”

“No, no, please, smoke away!” Vincent says, sliding his hand away and trying not to sound too enthusiastic.

Eskil one handedly picks out his cigarette case and flips it open. “Do you want one as well?”

“No, no, you enjoy yours, sweet thing…” Vincent says, surprised by his own restraint, “I shouldn’t…”

“As you wish, though let me know if you change your mind - it’s not a time limited offer,” Eskil says as he picks one out and lights it, dragging deeply at it.

Vincent tries to hide how attracted he is to his smoking Swede, crossing his long legs with a little cough. “So...uh...how’s writing going?”

Eskil exhales a cloud of smoke and smiles. “Quite well, seeing how I was pretty much housebound I managed to finish up three poems that’ll be featured in the next edition of La Voix du Cœur. Though...” he takes another drag, a little thoughtful, “lately I’ve been thinking about writing another short story.”

“I’m so proud of you--that’s fantastic! Congratulations!” Vincent says, beaming. “And oh? That sounds exciting! What would you write about?”

“I’m not sure... there’s snippets of ideas but... nothing substantial yet,” Eskil admits with a little shrug. “The writing process has never been very straightforward for me.”

“You could write about a handsome Russian man who is also very intelligent and wealthy and you could call him...oh...I don’t know...Viktor Barello?” he grins.

“Oh but I’d never use one of my own names in a story,” Eskil quips with a grin, focus drawn away from his thoughts about writing.

“One of your names?” Vincent asks, raising an eyebrow, “You are called Viktor?”

“It’s my middle name, yes. You never wondered what the V in E.V.D stood for?” Eskil chuckles.

“Yes, but I didn’t think it would be Viktor! That is such a...I don’t know...harsh name, for such a pretty thing!” Vincent laughs, shaking his head, “You know I was to be called Viktor? Have I told you that story?”

Eskil shakes his head as he drags at his cigarette. “You haven’t, but I’d like to hear it if you’re willing to tell it.”

“It is nothing too interesting...just an argument, between my parents. My Father wanted to call me Vincenzo, you see, being Italian, but my mother was insistent that I be called Viktor. They were living in London at the time and decided that “Vincent” would be their English compromise. Though neither one could pronounce it properly…” Vincent laughs, shaking his head.

Eskil grins, it’s a sweet story. “Good thing their compromise ended up suiting you so well, though I could see you as both a Vincenzo or a Viktor. The fact that I was given the name Viktor doesn’t have any interesting stories behind it, it’s just a family name.”

“It’s a lovely name, I think I would have just named you something...I don’t know...more regal. You’d suit a beautiful Italian name. I could see you as a Francesco…” he laughs.

“Viktor is quite regal in Swedish,” he protest with a laugh, “and Francesco, really? That’s... well, that’d been an odd name for me to have,” Eskil says, grinning.

“Ah, then you must forgive me, my Prince…” Vincent grins, before continuing: “You would suit a lot of pretty Italian names! How about Alessandro, then? Or Felice?”

“Felice is a man’s name? I wouldn’t have guessed,” Eskil laughs. “Italian is such a soft language at times, I think? It’s beautiful, but it does sound strange to my ears, stranger than Russian even.”

“Si, Felice is a man’s name…” Vincent laughs, with a little nod, “You are used to harsher languages, I understand. You just need to get used to my tongue…” he grins.

Eskil smirks. “That does sound like a rather pleasurable endeavour, il mio orso.”

Vincent’s eyes light up at that! “You...you! Ah! So clever!” he beams, clasping his hands together in his excitement.

“Told you Sapho borrowed me a dictionary,” Eskil giggles, blushing a little at the praise. “Did I pronounce it even remotely like it’s supposed to?”

“Si! Just...emphasise the “r” a little more, “orrrrrrrso” and you shall have it perfect! The “so” is very quick, very unimportant.” Vincent says with a smile, so proud of his little Swede for learning some Italian.

“Orso,” he tries again, doing better at it. Eskil is so pleased to see that smile on Vincent’s face and he swears to himself that he’ll learn more just to be able to see that smile again.

“Yes! Perfetto!” Vincent grins, clapping for his little linguist, “You are so clever! Did you learn any other phrases?”

“Um...” Eskil blushes as he considers if he should let Vincent know the first phrase he learnt, all thanks to Sapho, “... yes.”

“Well, what is it?” Vincent asks, excited, “I won’t laugh at your pronunciation, honestly!”

“It’s... well, oh alright,” Eskil giggles, still blushing, “though I should warn you that I wasn’t the one looking it up but rather a phrase Sapho had been practising,” Sorry Sapho. “it’s... Voglio leccarti i capezzoli.”

Vincent’s eyes widen and he bursts out laughing, equal parts surprised and amused. “Do you now, my little Swede?! You know what you have said, don’t you? Goodness…” Despite his amusement, that is a huge turn-on for Vincent, and he makes sure to keep his legs crossed as he grins.

Eskil takes a moment to take a last drag of his cigarette and putting it out before answering; “Well, I wouldn’t mind doing that unless you mind having it done to you?”

“If I mind? Esse, that…” Vincent begins, a little embarrassed, “That...would honestly make me go crazy. You know...you know how sensitive they are…” he says, before laughing at his wording.

The Swedes eyes lights up, and he drains the remainder of his coffee before he says; “Well then, voglio leccarti i capezzoli, Vincent.”

“...Now?” Vincent asks, wondering if he’s pushing his luck.

Eskil puts down his coffee cup and slides out of his chair to kneel between Vincent’s legs, putting his hands on Vincent’s chest. “Now.”

Vincent can only part his lips, feeling his heartbeat race as he stares down at his beautiful young eager lover. “You...you are magnificent…”

“I take that as a ‘yes’,” Eskil laughs softly and begins unbuttoning Vincent’s jacket.

“You can take it as a “I’m not sure I’ve ever been this excited before”...” Vincent laughs, helping Eskil to unbutton his jacket, before sliding it off.

“Really?” Eskil asks, but doesn’t stop working on the next set of buttons, now on Vincent’s waistcoat.

“Well...there’s no way to say this without being crude, but...my nipples are largely ignored by my partners, for the most part…” he laughs.

“How rude,” Eskil says, joining in the laughter as the waistcoat is done and only Vincent’s shirt is left. “I’ll make sure they’re not neglected as long as you’re with me.”

“You...you’re so kind…” Vincent says, aware that his embarrassingly-hard nipples are probably visible through his shirt, “But I must find something to do for you in return. Is there a spot that drives you crazy? Apart from your neck or stomach…”

“Neck and stomach is all I’ve discovered yet, apart from the more obvious parts of course,” he chuckles as he can finally slide Vincent’s shirt open and reveal that magnificently furry chest.

Vincent grins, running a hand through Eskil’s curls. “How about...thighs? Lower back?” he asks, thinking about all the places his past lovers had enjoyed being kissed on.

Eskil nods. “Like being touched there, yes, but not... well not as sensitive,” he says, before closing in and teasingly flicks his tongue against one of those hard nipples.

Vincent snuffs in surprise, before opening his mouth to let out a gentle moan. “Oh wow...y-you were serious…”

“Always,” Eskil chuckles, pressing a kiss to it before returning to using his tongue, licking so so slowly over that nipple, bringing up his hand to gently circle the other with his fingertips.

Vincent immediately starts groaning with pleasure, closing his eyes as he feels the wonderful wet warmth of Esse’s tongue against his sensitive skin. And he growls when he feels those fingertips, too! Esse is so caring, so skilled…

Eskil looks up with a pleased little smile before capturing Vincent’s nipple between his lips and sucks, and ever so gently tugs on the other one.

“H-Ha!” Vincent moans, panting, “L-Like that...a lot...w-wow…” he mutters between groans, grinding himself down against the armchair.

Eskil hums and presses a little closer as he gently twists the nipple between his fingers, and the other gets teased and prodded by his warm tongue.

That feels like Heaven, that small twinge of pain serving as a beautiful juxtaposition to the warm, wet pleasure he’s feeling...Vincent wants to speak, wants to tell Esse how good it feels, but he’s lost in pleasure, groaning and grunting as he grinds himself down against the chair.

The young Swede presses a kiss to heated skin before looking up with a question he wants to ask before switching his attention between nipples. “Do you enjoy a hint of teeth?”

Vincent forces his eyes open, looking down at his lover with a wide, soppy grin. “Y-Yeah, I do…” he says, excited.

Eskil nods, and as the previously twisted nipple is now enveloped by Eskil’s soft lips there’s the gentlest little bite to it.

That feels so wonderful that Vincent can hardly stand it--he drops his head back and lets out a low, needy whine of pleasure. “F-Fuck...Esse…” he moans, digging his fingernails into the arms of the chair.

Spurred on by Vincent’s reactions Eskil keeps up with lavishing attention on his one nipple with tongue and teeth whilst the other gets soft fingertips and ever so gentle pinches. This is wonderful, he thinks, but his mouth is too busy to speak it out loud and instead he just makes a rumbling noise from deep within his chest.

That noise! That beautiful, throaty, attractive noise! Vincent can hardly stand it...too lost in pleasure. He is still grinding down against the chair, and thinks he might spend soon, but he doesn’t care. All notions of embarrassment are lost to pleasure, to pure, hedonistic joy.

Eskil is entirely focused on the task at hand, bringing his lover as much pleasure as he possibly can, and nothing short of a disaster could pull Esse away from Vincent’s chest at the moment. His moans, the way he grinds against the chair - to Eskil Vincent is so beautiful like this and there’s pride settling in Eskil’s chest for being able to bring his lover to this level of pleasure.

Vincent can feel his toes curling, his muscles tensing...he never, never wants this to end, but...it just feels too good and he can barely stand it. “I-I’m close…” he manages to say, breathlessly, between moans.

Just from this? Eskil thinks, but his mouth never leaves Vincent’s nipple. His hand does though, sneaking down Vincent’s chest to palm the Russian’s cock, pressing and rolling gently.

“Oh, fuck, Eskil...you’re...so fucking good…” Vincent says, moaning as he forces himself to keep his eyes open to watch Eskil’s hand, “I-I’m really close...h-ha…”

One handedly Eskil manages, with some seriously deft fingers, to get Vincent’s erection out of his pants and starts stroking him, wanting to push his lover over the edge and into bliss.

Vincent is impressed by those fingers, if he was less gone he’d make some joke about piano-playing hands, but he is too lost in bliss, and all he can do is growl and moan as he feels himself begin to release.

Not wanting to create too much of a mess Eskil swiftly reapplies his mouth, moving from Vincent’s nipple to the head of his cock and swallowing what he can of Vincent’s come.

“You’re so good...so...so fucking amazing…” is all Vincent can say as he watches Eskil through half-lidded eyes, his wet nipples gently throbbing with pain. No-one has ever made him come that quickly before.

Eskil laps up the traces of what they have been up to before gently, softly, tucking Vincent back into his trousers with a wide smile, blushing. “You... you’re wonderful like this, letting me... do that,” he says, pressing a kiss over Vincent’s heart before looking up, grey eyes soft yet sparkling.

“You...you are...always welcome to…” he pants, so tired and sated and lost in bliss. “C-Come here?” he asks, holding out his arms, “I-I want to hold you…”

Eskil straightens up, though still on his knees and leans against Vincent, offering up his lips for a kiss.

Vincent kisses him instantly, tasting himself against the young man’s lips. “You’re so beautiful...so talented…” he murmurs, sleepily, “I...I have never come that quickly before.”

“... really?” Eskil asks with a fond smile. His knees are protesting, and staying on the floor doesn’t seem very tempting. “Should we move on to bed?”

Damnit, Vincent really wants to repay Esse for the wonderful experience, but...he can feel his eyes wanting to close. “Yes, of course…” he says, but adds, a little sheepishly, “Would...would it be alright if I napped first, though? Just for ten minutes or so? And then we can continue?”

Eskil wants to say ‘this was for you’ but seeing how he’s already done that a lot today he just nods and smiles. “Of course, Vincent. I’ve already tired you out today by dragging you around for shopping and I’m not unreasonable,” he chuckles as he rises from his spot and offers Vincent a hand up.

“So good to me…” Vincent murmurs, taking Esse’s hand as he stands, “Mm...do you want to wear my dressing gown to bed?”

“That’d be nice,” Eskil says, putting his arm around Vincent’s waist to stay close but also support his tired lover. “It’s very soft after all.”

“Mm...that’s because it’s old. Must be why I’m soft…” Vincent laughs as they enter the bedroom, gesturing to the dressing gown draped over his desk chair, “It’s there for you, sweet thing. I’ll throw on some pyjama bottoms so you can feel my fuzz still…”

Eskil smiles a ‘Thank you’ and begins to undress, slowly and methodically - making sure that his clothes will stay neat and uncrumpled. “You don’t need to wear anything unless you want to,” he says.

Vincent likes the sound of that. He enjoys being naked, not even just for lascivious reasons...he just likes to feel skin on skin, heat against heat...he smiles gratefully at his little Swede before undressing until he is naked, sliding into his nest of blankets and pillows.

The Swede strips completely before sliding on Vincent’s dressing gown, though leaving it open, and joins Vincent on the bed. “My sweet sleepy fuzzy bear,” he mumbles.

Vincent instantly cuddles up against Eskil, his hands reaching underneath the dressing gown to pull him close and gently hold him. “Mm...my beautiful, talented little Swede…” Vincent mutters, his eyes already closed, “You are so cute...so cute…”

Eskil wraps his arm around his lover, holding him close almost protectively, as he presses a gentle kiss to Vincent’s forehead. “Sleep, sweetheart, I’ll still be here when you wake up.”

“You look cute in my dressing gown…” Vincent murmurs, with a low yawn, already beginning to drift off.

“It’s comfy,” Eskil mumbles quietly as to not disturb his dozing Russian. Eskil isn’t tired enough to sleep himself, but a moment of closeness and shut eye is never wrong, and he relaxes against the pillows, keeping Vincent safely ensconced in his arms.

Vincent sleeps soundly, curled up against his young Swede’s chest. He doesn’t dream, but he sleeps peacefully, content in the warmth that the two of them are sharing. After twenty minutes or so, he slowly opens his eyes with a gentle yawn.

Eskil’s eyes are still closed, not asleep but in a pleasant state of not quite awakeness, shifting himself closer as he hears that yawn.

“M-Mmm?” Vincent murmurs, gently nuzzling up against Esse’s chest to see if his lover is awake.

“Are you awake, my sweet bear?” Eskil asks, threading gentle fingers through the Russian’s hair.

“Mm...just about…” Vincent murmurs, eyes still closed as a hand finds its way to the small of Esse’s back, fingers curling up against that warm, soft skin.

Eskil smiles, softly and lazily feeling that touch. “Did you have a nice nap?” he asks.

“It was wonderful…” he mutters, “So warm...did you sleep?”

“No, not really,” Eskil says, “but I can’t say I was entirely awake either.”

“Do you want me to let you sleep, sweet thing?” Vincent says, planting a kiss to what he assumes is Esse’s chest.

“No,” Eskil says, drifting gentle fingers up and down Vincent’s back, “I’m not that tired. It was just nice to have a little break, but I am awake.”

“Mmm...my nipples are still hard…” Vincent chuckles with a happy little sigh, cuddling up against his love, “You are...something else, sweet thing.”

“Something else compared to what,” Eskil chuckles softly. “I’m glad you liked it, very glad, that was so... intimate.”

“It’s an expression...I hope…” Vincent says, smiling, “It was...wonderful. I...I was quite worried you’d think me a little...well...disgusting for asking for it…”

“Mmm, but you didn’t ask,” Eskil says, smiling and finally opening his grey eyes, “I did, in Italian even.”

“Oh, that’s true...you did…” Vincent chuckles, “Though...still...I want you to know you can ask me for anything...I can’t promise I’ll say yes, but there’s a good chance I will…” he laughs.

Eskil grins. “Ditto, there’s no shame in asking, though, um, knowing that you are more well versed in acts of pleasure you... might have to spell things out for me at times.”

Vincent laughs, nodding. “Of course, sweet thing...um...how about I tell you something I’d like to do, and then you tell me one thing you’d like to do?” he asks, opening his eyes. “Not that we have to do them right now…”

Grey meets brown and Eskil nods. “I’d like that. I’d like to hear all the things your brilliant mind might come up with.”

Vincent grins, excited, and keeps his arm wrapped around Esse’s waist. “Well...I have lots of ideas...um...I-I’d quite like you to...tie my hands up, at some point…” he asks, a little sheepishly.

“Huh,” Eskil says, not really sure why Vincent would like that, but then again what’s the harm in it? “Okay, we could do that sometime. Do you mean like to the bedposts or...? And what would you like to do whilst tied up?”

Vincent’s eyes widen as the possibilities flash through his mind. “Y-Yeah, to the bedposts...or even just bound together...and well...you could…” he trails off, swallowing hard as he realises Esse might not want this, “...you could have your way with me?”

Eskil watches Vincent, curious, not entirely sure what Vincent means. “Like, taking you? Or just hmm... I don’t know, sucking you off?”

“Either? Both?” Vincent asks, holding his breath a little.

Eskil laughs. “Well I am flexible but both at the same time might be beyond what I’m capable of.”

“N-Not the same time…” Vincent laughs, cautiously optimistic, “But...I would like you to take me, if you wanted to.”

“Of course,” Eskil says, smiling wide and open, “I’d love to. I don’t know how skilled I am at it, but... I’d probably be too gentle and you’d have to tell me to go harder,” he giggles.

“Gentle is fine!” Vincent laughs, excited, “I mean...it’s been a while since I’ve had anyone take me, anyway...though...I mean, I’m not entirely out of practice…” he trails off, thinking that may be far too much information.

Eskil raises an eyebrow, slightly bemused. “You mean how you mentioned that you finger yourself?” he asks, obviously paying attention to what Vincent says even during their most heated moments.

“Yeah…” Vincent chuckles, a little embarrassed, “I’m surprised you remember…”

The Swede shrugs. “I listen to what you have to say, even if I was hungover and filled by your talented fingers at the time,” he says, blushing.

Vincent grins, excited. “You are a darling...though...I believe I’ve now shared two of my own fantasies, and you haven’t shared any…”

“That is true...” Eskil says, trailing off a bit with a thoughtful little frown. What do I want?

“I won’t judge you, honestly…” Vincent replies, with a smile, “And I’m sure whatever you say will not be as embarrassing as the revelation that I finger myself, so…”

“Nothing embarrassing about that,” Eskil assures, even though he’s still lost in thoughts. “I... I’m not sure what I want,” he finally lets out, “like... I want everything you want to give me but... I... I don’t know enough to come with... requests.”

Vincent smiles--his love is so helplessly sweet. “Well…” he begins, “We’ll just have to find things you like! But, I mean...do you never let your mind wander? You must think about things like that…”

“Yes,” he admits quietly, “but... until you I... well,” Eskil swallows. “It’s been quite some time since I was close to someone like this and... fantasizing would mean excitement... and I really don’t like touching myself in that way... so...” he trails off.

Vincent quirks a brow, looking equal parts concerned and confused. “Can I ask you why not? It just seems...odd, when you enjoy sex so much…”

Eskil swallows and damns the fact that they promised they’d be honest. “When I was young... I was... caught and... punished. It’s... it, well, it put me off.”

Vincent frowns, gently stroking down Esse’s back. The poor, poor thing. “I understand…” Vincent says, “And I don’t mean to upset you or push you, but...there really is nothing wrong with it, if you ever wanted to. It’s good to...well...explore yourself.”

Eskil nods. “I... I’ve realised that intellectually but...” emotionally I’m still a mess. he sighs. “Bad memories aren’t the best for feeling aroused.”

“Well...then I am happy to help you find out what feels good…” Vincent smiles, “And if you want me to not talk about me touching myself, I won’t. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“I don’t mind that at all,” Eskil says earnestly. “It’s only myself and... that, I’ve a problem with.”

“Not that I really plan to describe it in great detail...unless you’d enjoy that. I know some people like to watch others touch themselves, too…” Vincent chuckles, kissing over Esse’s chest.

Eskil smiles, a little weakly since he’s been sharing some rather uncomfortable secrets about himself, but nonetheless warmly. “What I really do enjoy is seeing others enjoyment, especially if I’m the one bringing that enjoyment,” he confesses.

“Oh?” Vincent says, excited, “You mean...if say...you were fingering me, you’d want me on my back so you could see my face?”

“Yes,” Eskil nods, “I... I’d love that. The same if I were taking you... I, maybe it’s because I worry so easily or maybe it’s something else entirely but... I like to see what my actions do to others and nothing really pleases me as seeing those I try to please pleased.”

Vincent smiles warmly...his little Swede is so selfless, so sweet, so caring! “Well…” Vincent says, a little embarrassed, “I mean...if you wanted to try using your fingers now...I wouldn’t object…”

Eskil beams and blushes. “Really? You, you’d like that?” he asks.

“I’d love it…” Vincent admits, “Though, I mean...you have already done something for me, so perhaps I’m being selfish…”

“No, no!” Eskil exclaims. “Not at all...” then he bites his lower lip, smiling shyly, “... and, if uh, you’d like and well, my fingers are sufficient enough to... I could take you, if you’d like that?”

“Yes!” Vincent says, grinning with excitement, “I mean...if you want to...and...everything works out…” he laughs.

Eskil nods, excited and shy at the same time. “I’d love to, if... well if we get there. I’m not as skilled... but then again I’m not as large... we... we’ll just try, yes?” he asks, followed by; “You have oil somewhere, no?”

“I’ll do what I can to help…” Vincent smiles, “And...uh...there’s some in that drawer by you. I was using it last night…” he says, a little embarrassed.

Eskil reaches for the drawer and retrieves the bottle of oil. “Is there anything I should avoid to do? I want you to enjoy this as much as I will and if there’s anything, anything at all, tell me?”

Vincent thinks for a moment, and replies: “Well, you know my back is a little sensitive. And...um...I should warn you that I might get a little...well...submissive.”

Eskil nods at the first part, he knew that already, but the second statement... “You mean like you want me to take control?” he asks as he covers his fingers in lubricant.

“Well, I mean...if you wanted to. I might just get a little...needy, that’s all…” Vincent admits with a small smile.

“I can do that,” Eskil says, smiling warmly, his tone of voice taking on an edge of safe security as he says; “Lean back against the pillows for me sweetheart, and spread your legs a bit.”

Well...that’s certainly a surprise! Eskil sounds so calm, so self-assured...Vincent does as he’s told, shifting himself up against the pillows, legs outspread.

A soft hand finds it’s way between Vincent’s legs, ever so gently rubbing against his opening even though there’s no insertion yet. “So good for me, Vincent,” he says, smiling, “are you enjoying it my sweet?”

“Mmm...yes…” Vincent smiles, cheeks flushed as he looks up at the young Swede, “You...you’re so handsome…”

Eskil keeps smiling back, his fingers keeping up their gentle teasing, back and forth and the occasional little prod. “Are you ready for more, Vincent?” he asks, “Should I slide a finger inside of you?”

Vincent’s chest is heaving, and his hands would be covering his face were it not for Esse’s words about enjoying seeing his lovers’ expressions. “P-Please…” he asks, in a quiet voice, “Please…”

Slowly, softly, Eskil slides a finger inside, pulling back and forth ever so gently. “Like that, my darling?”

Vincent whimpers--that feels so wonderful he can hardly stand it! “Y-Yes!” he cries out, gasping, “F-Feels amazing…”

Eskil smiles as he keeps curling his finger inside Vincent, combined with the gentle back and forth. “You’re so sweet,” he says, “let me know when you are ready for another finger.”

“R-Ready…” Vincent manages, gently panting, “A-Are you enjoying yourself?”*

“Of course,” Eskil says, sliding his finger all the way out, covering it with more oil, and slowly pushing back into Vincent with two. “I am, very much so,” he assures, but to give more handfast evidence he shifts against one of Vincent’s legs so he can feel Eskil’s hard on.

That’s reassurance enough for Vincent that he can relax, that Esse really is enjoying himself and that he can fall completely under his lover’s spell without fear of upsetting or worrying the young Swede. Vincent cries out at the feeling of that second finger stretching him out--this is all he’s wanted for so long and it feels wonderful.

Eskil’s keeping a close eye on Vincent as he works, curling and scissoring his fingers whilst he keeps a steady rhythm. “Does that feel good to you my darling fuzzy bear? Are you enjoying my fingers so deep inside of you?”

“H-Ha! Yes!” Vincent cries out, pushing down against Esse’s fingers, “A-And I love it when you talk like that...s-so...w-wonderful…”

The Swedes heart swell with pride at that acknowledgment, though he doesn’t break his role of confidence as he replies; “You’re so good for me, so relaxed, taking my fingers so well.” And he tries to find Vincent’s ‘spot’ with his fingers. “Would you like another finger before I try taking you my sweet fuzzy bear?”

Oh, Esse finds that spot, and Vincent curls his toes, feeling the pleasure swell up through his stomach. “H-Ha! E-Esse!” he cries out, panting, “Y-Yes, more, more! Please!”

Eskil grins, so pleased, so eager to bring Vincent more pleasure. “You’re going to need to use your words a bit more clearly sweet bear. Another finger is what you want?”

“S-Sorry…” Vincent says, “Y-Yes, another finger. B-But...please...first...a kiss?” he says, practically begging.

How could Esse ever deny such a request when asked so sweetly. “Of course, Vincent, of course,” he says, stilling his fingers as he leans down to press a kiss to Vincent’s lips, softly, sweetly yet passionately - heat in it even if he isn’t pushing forward.

Vincent murmurs gratefully against Esse’s lips, letting out a little whimper of joy. This is so lovely, he feels so safe, so...well…loved.

Eskil smiles as he pulls out of the kiss. “So good,” he mumbles as a reassurance against Vincent’s lips, before pulling back so that he can cover yet another finger in oil and slowly insert it. “How does that feel, my dearest?”

Vincent bites his lip, moving his hands to curl his fingers into the bedsheets. He spreads his legs a little further, moaning as he feels Eskil filling him up, stretching him out. “S-So good, s-so...amazing...wonderful…altro...h-ha…” he gasps, between moans and little snuffs and grunts of bliss.

Eskil builds up a steady pace with his three fingers, and leans down to kiss Vincent’s collarbone. “So good for me like this, so wanting, so relaxed, so warm and tight around my fingers,” he moans, “I want you so much, Vincent.”

“T-Then take me, please…” Vincent begs, moving a hand to Esse’s curls, stroking through his hair, “I-I want you...i-inside me…” he says, cheeks flushed with embarrassment and need, “I-It’s been so long...feels so good…”

“Are you sure you are ready,” Eskil asks, not yet withdrawing his fingers from Vincent.

“Please...l-let’s try, at least…” Vincent begs, pushing down against Eskil’s fingers to show how much he wants this.

“Whatever you wish for, my sweet bear,” Eskil says, pulling his fingers out and repositioning himself between Vincent’s legs so that he can slowly start pushing into him, bliss, as he keeps his eyes focused on Vincent’s face for even the slightest hint of discomfort.

Vincent manages to keep his eyes open as he feels Esse inside of him, but he can’t stop the series of moans and groans that are escaping his lips, the needy, wanting whines and whimpers that are just begging Esse to take him, to fuck him hard and just use him, even though he knows that Eskil would never humiliate or degrade him. Vincent can’t form words, can barely move...he just focuses on relaxing himself.

Those moans and whimpers spurs Esse on to push himself all the way inside into hot, tight, heaven, as far as he can reach, and stopping there - balls deep - he asks; “Feeling good, my sweet?” even if he’s desperate to move, to fuck Vincent and truly have him.

Vincent can’t stand it any longer--can’t stand being polite and meek when he feels Esse filling him up like that, his balls pushed up tight against Vincent’s entrance. “S-So good...p-please, fuck me?” he begs, cheeks still flushed, “Please?”

Eskil’s not the one to deny a plea, nor is he one to enjoy being cruel, and he moves, gently gripping Vincent’s thighs and rocking into him. “Let me know when you want more, darling,” he says, gasping as Vincent feels so good around his cock.

“H-How does it feel?” Vincent manages to ask between moans, moving a hand to Esse’s shoulder, gripping him tight, “Y-You’re good...r-really good…”

Eskil smiles, and without losing his pace he swoops down to place a kiss to Vincent’s lips. “You feel so good, so warm and tight, my sweet fuzzy bear,” Eskil assures as he keeps up with his slow drag in and out of Vincent.

Vincent whimpers and whines against those soft lips, tightening his grip upon Esse’s shoulders, “Y-You’re so...h-ha...a-attractive like this...h-ha...in control...fucking me…”

Fuck that’s hot. Picking up his pace a little, and watching Vincent’s face closely as he does so, Eskil says; “You are so beautiful like this, all warm and tight around my cock, so pretty when you beg. So... so, wonderful and amazing, Vincent,” he moans.

Vincent throws his head back, panting as he begins to roll his hips, urging Esse to go for it. “F-Fuck me, Esse!” he cries out, groaning, “P-Please...f-fuck me with your huge cock...p-please...please!”

“Fuck”, normally he’d argue that his cock really isn’t that big but... not now. Fuuck!, Eskil lets out a deep moan, lifting Vincent’s thighs up higher and thrusting in to him harder, really having him, as he groans and growls. “Feel so good, your ass is like a dream!”

Vincent wants to touch himself, but he knows he’d spend instantly, with Esse fucking him like this, complimenting him, saying such wonderfully scandalous things...all Vincent can do is moan and growl, crying out: “More!”, panting out a: “G-Gorgeous man...f-fuck me…”

Eskil picks up his pace even more, even if he is already close, and reaches out to wrap his hand around Vincent’s cock, wanting to stroke him. “You,” he growls, deep and primal, “you are so Goddamn hot!”

“M-Mmm!” Vincent groans, bucking his hips at the touch...Esse’s slick hand around his cock...those wet sounds, the feeling of his lover inside him...Vincent has done this a hundred times and never has it felt so good, so fulfilling, so wonderful and desperate and blissful. “N-No...you…” he pants, “Y-You are…” And to demonstrate, he moves his hand to stroke down Eskil’s beautifully toned stomach, fingers brushing against his pubic hair.

Eskil growls at the touch, something to rival Vincent’s bear moments, and his smile is practically feral as he asks; “Are you close my sweet bear, because I know I am,” whilst still pounding into his lover.

Vincent can only nod, feeling his muscles tense. He can feel his skin slick with sweat, his cock sticky with pre-cum and oil...he knows is a complete mess and it only makes him more desperate to be fucked. He loves being undone like this, and he is so proud of Eskil for being the one to do it.

The Swede quickens the pace of his hand on Vincent’s cock to match that of his pumping hips as he purrs. “Come for me, my sweet bear, let me see it!”

Vincent is so far gone, so desperate to follow Eskil’s orders, that he releases as soon as he is told to, growling and groaning with pleasure as he spends, feeling his muscles tense and relax all at once. Fuck that feels good!

Oh wow Eskil thinks, keeping up his stroking but stilling his hips as Vincent orgasms. “So beautiful, so handsome, so good for me, so lovely,” falls out of his lips in a steady stream - and he means every word of it. “Sweet Vincent.”

Vincent has to cover his face at those words--they are too much, too sweet, too sentimental--Vincent doesn’t want to get too emotional. He takes a moment to catch his breath before moving his hands, looking up at his lover with sparkling, grateful eyes. “You...you are amazing...but...please...don’t stop?” he begs, in a quiet voice.

Eskil bends down then, to kiss his lover’s lips, before asking; “Inside? I’m so close.”

“Yes…” Vincent assures him, with a nod, “Please....I want to feel it…”

With a last kiss to Vincent’s cheek Eskil straightens up, holding Vincent’s thighs and truly pounding into his lover until he comes with a deep rumbling growl, catching himself on his arms as he falls forward, panting and smiling. “Damn, Vincent... that...” he has no words, not yet anyway.

Vincent holds out his arms for an embrace, exhausted and sated and lost in the blissful afterglow of the act. He needed that, and it was perfect...so perfect. He knows he still looks a mess, covered in come and sweat, but...Vincent doesn’t much care, he is too happy.”

Eskil’s happy to just fall into Vincent’s waiting arms - it’s not like he’s heavy enough to crush the man anyway - and wrap his arms around him. “So good...”

“You...you...are wonderful…” is all Vincent can say, kissing through Esse’s curls, “So...so good at...at everything…”

Eskil beams as he ever so gently pulls out of Vincent. “I’m glad you approve,” he chuckles breathlessly.

“Could you do me a favour, sweet thing?” Vincent murmurs, gently whimpering as Esse pulls out of him.

“Of course,” Eskil’s quick to reply, stroking through Vincent’s hair.

“There’s handkerchiefs, in the drawer...could you get some? Please?” he asks, still gently panting.

“Yes, Vincent,” Eskil says, unable to stop himself from pressing another kiss to Vincent’s forehead, “of course.” And so he gets out of bed and makes his way to the drawer, returning once he’s picked up a stack of them. “Here,” he says, holding one out.

“Thank you, sweet thing…” Vincent says, taking it and wiping it over his stomach, “Um...I can run a bath, if you like? It’s not as large as yours, but we should both be able to fit in it, if you like…”

“That’d be nice,” Eskil says with a fond smile. “Let me kiss you first?”

“Yes...please…” Vincent says, throwing the handkerchief into his washing basket after he finishes cleaning himself.

“You’re so lovely!” Eskil cuddles up close, mindless of come stains and the like since they’re going to have a bath, and presses his lips to Vincent’s.

Vincent kisses back, so pleased, so content. “Thank you, for that, really…” he mumbles against Esse’s lips.

“I should thank you for letting me do that,” Eskil replies with a breathy chuckle. “It was wonderful... and intense?”

“Very...I’m...I’m sorry if I got a little carried away with my words…” Vincent chuckles, remembering all of what he said.

“No need to apologise,” Eskil assures, “it was... exciting to hear you like that. I hope what I said wasn’t too... weird? I’m not used to uh, talking like that, not from my previous encounters, but I enjoyed it,” he says, and after pressing another gentle kiss to Vincent’s lips he asks; “I didn’t go too hard on you, did I? You’re not too sore are you?” He is concerned, but not yet worried.

“No, it was good...really good...it’s...a little silly, when you think about it afterwards, but I love talking like that…” Vincent laughs, before shaking his head: “I’m not in much pain, no. I would have told you to stop if it was too much.”

Eskil nods. “I know, I know but... well sometimes one doesn’t uh, realise it’s too much in the, well, heat of the moment. I just wanted to make sure.”

“I feel fine, really…” Vincent assures him, with a warm smile, “And if I feel sore later on, I’ll simply bother you to fuss over me and dote on me…” he laughs.

Eskil grins at that and strokes through Vincent’s hair. “You do that, I promise I’ll both fuss and dote should it be necessary.”

“You’re so kind…” he smiles, with a whimsical little hum, “So caring...and so...self-assured, so...in control…” Vincent adds, beaming with pride.

The Swede blushes a little, feeling less in control now once their moment of passion is over - but caring? Yes, that’s true. “You’re sweet, Vincent. What do you say, shall we have that bath now?”

“Yes, sweet thing…” he says, with a smile, “And I can put some of that beautiful oil that you sent me in the water…” Vincent plants a final kiss to Esse’s forehead and stands with a gentle grunt, moving to the bathroom.

“That’d be nice,” Eskil says as he too clambers out of bed and takes off Vincent’s dressing gown before joining Vincent, “it’s a bit of a, hmm, heavier scent than I’d normally use for myself but... well I already smell like you know so why not keep that up even after I’m clean again,” he chuckles.

Vincent growls playfully at that, turning the taps on with a chuckle. “Sorry, sweet thing...you’re going to have to start bringing a selection of oils over here so you can do your usual bathtime alchemy…”

Eskil laughs. “I guess I should, though I think it’d be an even better idea to just get some extras and leave them here rather than taking them with me every time I come and go.”

Vincent nods with a small chuckle, resting against the bath. “That would make sense. You’re welcome to...leave things here, if you like…” Is this too much to say, too soon? Eskil was the one who suggested it, after all, but still…

“Hmm, it’s not a bad idea,” Eskil says with a nod, “I think that um, I wouldn’t mind leaving a few useful things here - I do intend to visit quite often after all,” he giggles, a little nervously but happily. “The same goes for you, if, well if there’s anything you’d like to bring to Dacre Street.”

Vincent beams, nodding excitedly, “That would be nice, thank you. I might...bring a shaving set, if it wouldn’t pain you too much. My chest shall remain untouched, I promise…” he laughs, before uncorking the oil bottle to add a few drops to the water.

“Of course, you’d be welcome to borrow mine too but I understand the want to have one that’s yours, and you probably have some special um, stuff for taking care of your beard that me and my clean shaven face doesn’t require,” Eskil chuckles, then inhales as the scent of the bath oil spreads in the bathroom. “It really is a nice scent for you I think.”

“I have to keep it soft, after all, so you don’t end up with a poor scratched face…” Vincent chuckles, running a hand over his beard before inhaling. “It’s beautiful, thank you. You have such a talent for aromas…”

Eskil grins a little sheepishly. “I just like things that smell nice is all.”

“As do I, sweet thing…” Vincent smiles, turning off the taps and running a hand through the water to test it. “Do you mind sitting in front of me, like before?”

“Not at all,” Eskil assures with a little shake of his head, “unless you want to switch things up?”

“I don’t want to crush you…” Vincent laughs, stepping into the bath and sinking down into the water, scooting backwards to give Esse some room, “And I may fall asleep, too, so you definitely don’t want a lump like myself crushing you…”

“I doubt you are that heavy,” Eskil laughs as he follows to step into the bath, “and I don’t break so easily, but if you do fall asleep I’ll dry you off and carry you back to bed,” he says as he sinks down into the water and leans back against Vincent.

Vincent laughs at that, wrapping his arms around his little Swede. “Mm...you have strong arms...I wonder if you could actually carry me…” he laughs, resting his chin against Eskil’s curls.

“I think I could,” Eskil says in all honesty, “not very far, but I’m stronger than I look.”

“You’re so sweet...and strong…” Vincent sighs, smiling, “So kind to me. So...wonderful…”

Eskil drifts gentle fingertips back and forth over Vincent’s arms that’s holding him. “I try,” he giggles softly.

“I’m...I’m really happy…” Vincent murmurs, hoping he isn’t being too soppy.

Eskil snuggles back a little more against Vincent with a content little sigh. “So am I, Vincent, so am I.”

“I don’t know what will happen with...us...but...truly, I...I have never felt so calm, so content with someone else…” he murmurs, trailing off before he gets too emotional.

The Swede grins. It’s a little much, Vincent’s admission, to take in - but he can’t blame the man for speaking his mind. “I’m... I’m happy with you. This is good.”

“Thank you for...well...helping me. For making me feel wanted…” Vincent continues, gently squeezing Esse in his arms.

“You are wanted, I want you,” Eskil assures. “You’re my warm fuzzy bear,” he adds chuckling a little.

Vincent smiles at that, letting out a little happy growl. “You know I feel the same, don’t you? That no-one else could give me what you give me?”

“I...” Eskil knows that Vincent feels that way, but it’s not the easiest to believe at times, “yes,” he nods.

“You don’t sound very certain, my little Swede…” Vincent murmurs, kissing through Esse’s curls.

“It’s just... well, you know me well enough to... understand that I’m far too good at doubting myself.” Eskil admits quietly. “But I don’t doubt you.”

“I know, sweet thing, I know...I wish I could make you see how wonderful you are…” Vincent sighs, between kisses, “How I have been alive for over forty years but no-one has ever made me feel what I feel for you…” Vincent trails off, realising that this might be too much, too emotional. He doesn’t want to upset Esse, don’t want to pressure him.

It is much, almost too much, but it can be turned into reasoning since it is a question. “Maybe your age isn’t so bad after all? Maybe you needed to, I don’t know, settle in yourself before you could?” Eskil asks.

“I think you’re right…” Vincent replies, nodding, “I don’t think I...really learned how to be a good person until recently. Well...I mean...perhaps I’m not there yet, but I’m trying now, at least…”

“You are a good person, Vincent,” Eskil says, not doubting it for a second. “And I don’t believe you were a bad person before, not really. One can do bad things without being bad you know.”

“I know, but...you didn’t know me, back then. I was...quite cruel…” he sighs, nuzzling against Esse’s curls, as if shaking the bad memories away.

“True,” Eskil nods, “though I have known my fair share of truly cruel people and I know that a bad person wouldn’t be regretting his actions, and you are.”

“Well, I definitely regret all that I did...and, honestly, and thank the Heavens that I met you later in my life. I would’ve hurt you, if we were the same age, and that...that breaks my heart…” Vincent trails off, holding Esse close.

“No,” Eskil says, “because I wouldn’t have fallen for you back then, you wouldn’t have gotten the chance to hurt me.”

“True, though...I was quite persistent. People who said no to me were the ones I wanted the most…” Vincent says, practically spitting out his words.

“I’d have set Karin on you, she would have discouraged you,” Eskil chuckles.

“That’s true…” Vincent laughs, with a nod, “I would’ve stayed well clear of you, after that!”

Eskil grins. “She’s good at scaring people that needs to be scared, and that’s a good thing since I’m not.”

“Poor sweet thing…” Vincent smiles, “Well, you have the both of us now, to scare away people who need to be scared away…”

The Swede laughs. “Good thing that isn’t a concern, but I promise that there really isn’t anyone I need to get rid off in my life at the moment.”

“Good, good...but if there is, let me know. I can be quite scary when I growl in Russian. And I know my legs are fucked, but I can still hit pretty hard…” he murmurs, closing his eyes.

“Intimidating bear,” Eskil giggles. “I’ll remember that, though I’m not fond of violence, even if I realise it is sometimes needed I’d never use it as anything but a last resort...”

“Mm, I’m not much fond of it either, I prefer to wear myself out and relieve my stress in other ways…” Vincent says with a smirk, relaxing down a little more into the water.

“I’ve noticed,” Eskil teases, grinning.

“Horny bear…” he murmurs oh-so-quietly, grinning as he sinks down a little more, practically giggling as he does.

Seeing how Eskil is leaning against Vincent he can’t help but follow as Vincent sinks deeper into the bath. “You don’t say... it’s probably a good thing I’m so much younger then, you need someone who can keep up with you.”

“I just hope my body can keep up with us…” Vincent chuckles, gently squeezing Esse in his arms, “But if it can’t...I’ll just have to make sure you’re satisfied, for a while…”

“I’m not worried in the least about that,” Eskil grins and leans his head back against Vincent’s shoulder. “You’re always so good to me.”

“I like making sure you’re happy…” he smiles, kissing at the curls that he can reach, “It’s nice to have someone to look after…”

“Ditto,” the Swede murmurs, closing his eyes with a soft smile. “We’ll look after each other...”