[ Romance bashing Baby's head into the floor is certainly going on his mental tally of 'Things I'm Going To Hate Myself For Later'.
His grip on Baby’s wrists loosens, fingers trembling as the adrenaline drains out of his body. Some distant piece of him knows that’s likely a mistake, that Baby could turn the tables in a heartbeat, but maybe he doesn’t care. Maybe Romance would just... let him. Maybe part of him would welcome it… an end, clean and simple.
Abby would be furious if Romance gave up. He can hear the bigger demon now, hissing in his ear about just how idiotic that train of thought really is. It's realistic enough that Romance lets the thought go, exhaling shakily against Baby's skin where his lips are pressed.
He forces himself to take another deep, ragged breath that hurts his chest, then another. His heart is still slamming in against his ribs as his lips ghost over the curve of Baby's neck. He follows a line down to where it slopes into Baby's shoulder, offering his shaky apology in the only language he's capable of right now. ]
[it'll be fine. he's not unconscious or anything, so it'll be fine. (maybe his head hurts a lot and maybe there's going to be a bruise or maybe he has a matching laceration? it does feel a little warm and heavy and wet—) or is he just imagining that because he has blood and tears on his face?
the hold on his arms loosens and baby's immediate thought is to take the chance, flip them around and lay into romance again, but then his hindbrain comes up and that's the last thing he actually wants to do. try being kind, it's a voice in his ear. not gwi-ma's, not his own, but someone else familiar: mystery. shit, how can he still let someone who's gone influence him in such a way?
his throat works with some extra effort as he swallows and rather than attacking romance again, he hesitantly moves both hands to his shoulders, fingers gripping tight to his shirt, the press of his thumbs becoming a slow, careful rub of reassurance.
he inhales a sharp breath as well, holding it for a few seconds – one, two, three – then he exhales again, moving his hands to stroke lightly over the upper-half of romance's arms and his shoulders. it's... oddly soothing now, the gentle movement of romance's mouth, the red haze clearing from his vision almost like it was never there in the first place. he turns and nudges his head against romance's, just an affectionate little gesture before he leans a bit closer and presses a kiss against his temple in a silent request for forgiveness.]
[ His eyes squeeze shut, tears soaking his lashes before spilling down his cheeks. His face hurts, his head hurts. His heart hurts, and more than just that, it's breaking, splintering under the weight of it all, breaking and re-breaking, shards grounding into dust with every passing day.
He swallows, pressing his mouth closer until it becomes something something more of a kiss, soft, tentative, apologetic. He stays there, nosing in until his body stops shaking, and breathes with Baby - in, hold three, then out. It's a steady rhythm, calming, shared between two broken souls who can't find the missing pieces.
Dropping down onto his elbows, Romance sinks until he's chest to chest against Baby, scattering weak kisses along his skin. His breath stutters and a quiet sniffle breaks through as he tilts his head, nudging gently into Baby’s lips, seeking something small and grounding in the aftermath. ]
[baby can feel his face burning with shame, especially because he doesn't have to see romance's face to know he's crying. it makes his own eyes sting too, his heart still hammering against his ribs, the motion almost painful. part of him wishes it would stop, the same part of him that almost wishes romance would have torn him apart, but then who would be left for romance? it shouldn't be him; he's a ferocious little monster, the whole reason this got started, and now he has to remember how to make things better.
it becomes easier as romance kisses along his skin, nosing in close until it's almost uncomfortable, but he's realizing that it's helping him stop shaking and again, he breathes in, deep and slow, and exhales after a couple of seconds, his hands still moving along romance's arms. it'll be okay, he wants to say, yet he can't seem to find his voice to actually reassure him.
at least he can return romance's gestures. he shifts and wraps both arms around him once they're chest-to-chest, one hand skimming up and down his back, a soft little sigh passing between them when their lips meet. one arm stays in place around him, but the hand he's using to roam over his back hesitates, briefly tapping at his shoulder before reaching to gently touch the bloody marks he's left behind on romance's face. the heat, it almost burns, and that's the only reason he draws back, tears pricking the corners of his own eyes as he finally finds enough courage to say it:] You'll be okay.
[ He feels foolish for his tears, for the mess in his chest, every emotion clawing for space. He's a demon, for God's sake. He shouldn't be so rattled, shouldn't feel so much. He isn't supposed to miss Abby like he does, the wound left by the bigger demon's absence raw and gaping, something he can't cauterize. He should be thinking about the hunters, plotting revenge, striking, something.
But he can't find it in himself to even pretend. It isn't important. With the honmoon sealed, what’s the point? Huntrix isn’t a mission anymore; it’s a dead end. Everything is.
Baby's fingers brush over his cheek and he winces, fiery pain shooting through his nerve endings. There's something about it, though, the sensation of pain reminding him he's still alive and not all grief hollowed out inside this shell of a body.
He swallows a sob down and shifts, tipping his head to drop back down onto Baby's shoulder, press his mouth back against his neck. He feels like he's coming apart at the seams, unraveling in pieces he can't hold together. ]
I'm sorry. [ It comes out small, plaintive. Weak and helpless. Sad. ]
[wasn't it jinu who said something about the only thing demons do is feel? (god, don't even get him started on that bastard—) he misses them too, more than he can put into words, which is probably why it hurts so much; they don't talk about it much, the pain too much to bear, he imagines, and he doesn't like leaving himself open and bleeding himself dry. they really should be putting their focus into something else, something that's not destroying each other, and yet here they are anyway.
he can feel his eyes burning worse, the threat of tears imminent, but he fights them back to the best of his ability, his breathing still very labored despite his attempts at calming himself.
the wince has him jerking back immediately, shame sinking deeper and deeper into the pit of his stomach alongside the other wild tangle of emotions he can't seem to control. he shouldn't have cut romance like that, shouldn't have used his claws on him at all, but at least romance got his revenge; baby's head aches uncontrollably right now and there's certainly no way to stop the throbbing between his ears.
blinking lightly, he simply lets romance sink back into his shoulder, his blood-covered hand reluctantly dropping to the spot between his shoulderblades, his fingertips rubbing gently, although he knows there's going to be a bloody handprint left behind. yes, he feels like he's going to come apart too, but he needs to be stronger... for romance.
his head rests against romance's again, another deep, measured breath in then out following that.] It's okay. [a brief pause because the words burn his tongue, as if they are too much and not enough all at once.] I'm sorry, too.
[ Romance wants to tear Jinu limb from limb as much as he wants to yank him in close ams squeeze him just…one more time.
He should be the strong one here. He shouldn’t be falling apart. They should be here for one another, not…screaming and clawing at each other.
God, what are they going to do?
His sob is quiet, only a ragged breath and a sniffle as he presses his lips close into a soft kiss, damp from tears and the blood that’s smeared over his skin, slowly but surely drying. He’ll boast scars from this, he’s sure. ]
I forgive you. [ His voice is barely a whisper against Baby’s skin, shame washing over him in waves.
He thought it would be quieter without Gei-Ma. Instead, his ow guilt and shame is far louder than the demon king could have ever hoped to be. ]
[mostly, baby wants to tear jinu limb from limb, especially after he ruined everything they worked so hard for, and all because some hunteress showed him a little affection. (but if jinu were actually still here, sure, he'd punch him, but then he'd also hug him immediately afterward.)
these sorts of things happen, even when they shouldn't, which is why they're going to have to do better when it comes to handling their feelings. next time, baby will figure out something else if romance says something that bothers him, he won't hurt him like he did this time, not again.
romance's noise twists like a knife in his gut, coaxing him into using both hands to stroke over his shoulders again, his fingertips pressing lightly as he moves down his chest, his head tilting just enough so he can hold the kiss. it doesn't last long though, and when they come apart, baby's attention is instantly on romance's face again, the long gashes he left behind, the crusting blood— and now he feels really fucking horrible.
you shouldn't is what he wants to say, his thumb gingerly brushing away some of the still wet redness, his lips pinched as he fights back the urge to tell romance otherwise. he leans to bury his face against romance's shoulder, both arms looping around him again, then he twists and uses whatever leverage he can get to roll them over, his legs straddling romance's thighs, one hand staying pressed against his back while the opposite one moves to rest over his chest.]
Stay like this, [he urges softly, leaning until he can nudge his face up underneath romance's chin, his lips tracing down over the front of his throat as he follows the line to his collarbones where he lingers for the moment, too ashamed to lift his face right away for fear that those tears from earlier might actually spring forth.]
[ He's not expecting to be turned so he goes easily, though when his back hits the ground with only Baby's hand to cushion it, he grunts, flinching a little.
One, because everything hurts, and two - he's actually not sure if this is just a trick and Baby is still going to rip his face the rest of the way off. So he doesn't reply, only rests a hand tiredly over Baby's on his chest, fingers lacing, head tipping back. The other hand lifts to smooth over Baby's shoulder before dropping to settle on his hip, thumb idly smoothing over his sweater.
He's not going anywhere. If Baby wants to rip his throat out, he can just...go ahead. Romance doesn't care anymore, there won't be any resistance. ]
[he doesn't have to see it to know romance has recoiled; he can sense it, he can hear it in the way he grunts, and it makes baby's heart sink straight into his stomach.
instead of tearing into him again, baby hesitantly lifts his head, trying to ignore the burn behind his eyes, even though the tears have definitely started sliding down his cheeks now. stupid, he thinks, you're so stupid. one of his hands lifts, the sleeve of his sweater sliding over his palm, the motion extraordinarily careful as he reaches to gently press his sleeve against romance's torn cheek, ignoring the fact that it will leave behind a horrible stain that he probably won't be able to clean up fast enough.]
It's okay, [he repeats it, because if he apologizes again, he's really going to start crying and they don't need both of them breaking down like that. after applying slightly more pressure, he leans to press his mouth against romance's collarbones again, his opposite hand reaching down to dip beneath his shirt, the pads of his fingers working in slow circles as he drifts along his torso.]
[ It hurts to have the material against his face, and he hisses between his teeth as his eyes squeeze shut. It's a sweet gesture though and he doesn't push Baby's hand away, just lets him apply pressure and soak up the blood into the fabric. ]
You're going to ruin your sweater...
[ His voice is quiet but strained, fingers gently squeezing Baby's hip, his free hand groping to smooth strands of bright hair away from Baby's face. His stomach dips under the touch, muscles fluttering under his fingertips. It feels good, and maybe it's just Baby playing with his food but Romance basks in it, looses a shaky exhale and swallows, Adam's apple bobbing.
It's with shaky fingers he moves to stroke Baby's cheek, soft and repetitive, swallowing another sob. Get it together, Romance. ]
[and baby doesn't pull away, knowing full-well that it hurts, but it aches even more in his chest if he just leaves it this way. he can feel his sleeve growing damp, the sensation one that makes his stomach roil, though he keeps the pressure firm and steady, trying to ignore the sting of his tears.]
I don't give a fuck, Ro. I can get another sweater... [he can't get another person like romance.
baby breathes a thready, shaking sigh and it's like the dam bursts; tears stream down his cheeks and he just lets them flow freely, his shoulders trembling, the touch of his hand on romance's stomach faltering briefly. he flattens his palm against it, moves up along his chest and presses against his sternum, the pressure warm and constant, his breath quickening somewhat as the grief finally sinks in.
with no hesitation at all, he leans into romance's hand and nuzzles against him, eventually turning to kiss his palm, the motion soft and unrestrained.]
I already have, [he murmurs, trying to keep his voice from wavering, even if it's extremely difficult to do so.]
[ His eyes slip closed and they stay that way, breathes in and out, steadying himself. Baby is all he has. They may not have been overly close before, but they were still friends, he liked to think.
His emotions are thick in his chest, and when Baby kisses his palm Romance exhales a quiet sigh, relief flooding his body, easing tense muscle. ]
We’re alright, [ he murmurs, thumbing Baby’s cheek, smoothing his tears. ]
We’re alright, darling.
[ He won’t ever use it again when they argue, but he says it now and there’s meaning behind it, intent. Softness and forgiveness, gentleness sprinkled with affection.
He slides his arms around Baby, staying still, letting the material soak up his blood. ]
[they were friends and hopefully still will be after all of this is said and done. it seems to be okay? they've apologized, they're comforting one another, baby's helping staunch the bloodflow of the lacerations on romance's cheek rather than just letting him bleed all over the both of them like he had been moments ago. (there's still blood on his face from where it had dripped, mixed with romance's tears, staining his skin and—)
it brings forth another shameful sensation, but romance says they're alright and brushes his cheek so gently, it's impossible not to believe him.
darling. the nickname had pissed him off before, though that had been because it was as if romance was using it as an insult instead of words of affection. now, it makes his heart settle a little in his chest, warmth blooming from his ribs and outward, spreading down and heating him from the inside out.]
We're alright, [baby repeats it, like saying it too will help the words sink in better.
he turns after romance's arms move around him, his face nuzzling into romance's neck again, a quiet sigh passing his lips before he lifts up and withdraws his sleeve-covered hand, making sure the wound has stopped leaking before lowering it to rest above romance's shoulder for balance.]
It's probably fine. [maybe bruised, maybe sporting a bump in the particular spot where his head hit the floor the few times romance slammed him down, but...] If you really want to, though, you can.
[ His face may well bear the marks of Baby's sharp claws forever, but he isn't upset. Nothing...really matters anymore. And maybe it's fitting, a scar left by someone he cares about - visible this time. He can’t be angry, not anymore, either; the rage is gone, burned up, body a hollowed out husk. All that’s left is raw ache, the need to stay here just like this.
Romance shifts slightly beneath him, not enough to disturb the moment, just enough to slide an arm higher up Baby’s back. His fingertips move in slow circles at the nape of his neck, brushing the edge of his hairline before trailing upward, delicate and exploratory. He maps out what he can reach, careful and reverent - he doesn't want to hurt him further.
What he really wants is to sit up, to really look at the damage he caused, but that would mean disrupting this fragile moment between them, and he’s selfish enough to want to stay wrapped in it a little longer.
His other hand lifts to cradle Baby’s jaw, thumb brushing just beneath his eye. There’s blood all over both of them, but he doesn’t care. ]
[which is exactly part of why baby feels bad; he ruined romance's pretty face and all for what? a stupid remark about— fuck, he can't even remember right now, too wrapped up in making sure romance is okay. as much as he'd like to think he's just a husk of a person, his stupid feelings and heart do weird things that remind him he's still very much alive despite huntrix's attempts. it makes him want to pull away from romance, curl up into a tight little ball and try to ignore all the emotions flooding his chest— but he's far too selfish to let him go now. they started this together, they'll finish it together.
although it's instinctive to try and hold romance still, baby lets him move, doing his best to steady his breathing, to stop the flow of tears that continuously pour down his cheeks. the gentle motion of romance's hand helps, at least; it coaxes him into relaxing further, his body slackening against the other demon's, the tip of his tongue darting out past his lips to lick a short, wet line up the side of romance's neck.
if romance really did want to sit up and get a better look, he wouldn't stop him, per se, but he would probably urge him back down almost immediately afterward, that way he could keep doing what he's doing right now. he wants to be a distraction, to pull them away from what happened and focus on something else entirely, even if there's no denying the way his head aches.
he tilts into romance's hand without hesitation, exhaling a slow, measured sigh, then he moves his hand to take hold of the one romance is using to touch his head, guiding it to the spot that hurts the most.]
[ He sweeps Baby's tears away gently, heart squeezing in his chest. It feels like his heart has been put in a vice, tight and unyielding, the pressure almost too much to bear.
Baby's tongue on his neck drags out a shiver, a soft and shaky exhale from his lips. ]
Shh, love. [ He murmurs as they move, as Baby takes his hand and guides him. His touch stays gentle, careful against the back of Baby's head, moving over until he pauses, expression regretful, ashamed. ]
There's a bump, yes. I'm sorry. [ The breath he takes in is shaky, his eyes closing. His face feels tight from where blood has dried, his fingertips on Baby's face damp with tears. His arm tightens around Baby's body, fingers curling into his sweater. ] I'm...so sorry.
[lucky for baby, as romance wipes the tears away, no more follow. somehow, he manages to stop them, both of his hands moving to rub up and down romance's sides while he rests against him.
the shiver makes him tense, his hands twisting up in romance's shirt, probably a little harder than need be, but he doesn't stop and he doesn't let go. if anything, he wants to get closer, but he only way he knows how to do that is...
he huffs, trying to ignore the way the pet name makes his chest ache, his hand still slowly guiding romance's before it lowers again and he reaches up underneath romance's top, dragging his fingertips across his body from collarbone to hip. he gently shakes his head, trying to fight back the sting of tears again, his throat working with some effort as he pushes himself upright so he can look down at the other demon.]
It's alright, [he reassures, leaning to rest their foreheads together, his breath coming in another soft sigh. pressing into romance's gentle touch is so easy now, he doesn't understand why he wanted to feel it hurt him before. his thumbs hook the fabric of romance's shirt, hiking it up to rest underneath his chin, his head dipping so he can start pressing featherlight kisses against his chest.] Don't worry about it, okay? [because he isn't and he's trying his damnedest to not think about what he did to romance's face, distracting himself with other things instead.]
[that's good, it's exactly what he wants to do: distract them from their fight and the fact they hurt each other. romance is making it a little more difficult than necessary, but that's fine, too.]
Mmhmm.
[just a hum of a response, his mouth moving along romance's collarbones, slowly dragging down his sternum then veering off as he leans to find one of romance's nipples and takes it between his lips. he teases with his tongue first, licking over the sensitive skin before gingerly biting down, his hands skimming along romance's sides, fingertips gliding slowly across each bump of his ribs.
he exhales a heavy breath against romance's chest and lifts his head just enough to look up at him, the hand between his shoulderblades a pleasant pressure as he runs his hands over romance's hips, his fingers dipping into the waistband of his pants.]
You're important to me, too. [baby drags his mouth somewhat lower, shifting his position as he goes, his tongue eventually flicking out again to run across romance's navel, one hand lowering to press between his legs.] Let me show you. [which is all he offers before he drops more kisses against romance's stomach, drifting down to his hip while palming him through his pants.]
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His grip on Baby’s wrists loosens, fingers trembling as the adrenaline drains out of his body. Some distant piece of him knows that’s likely a mistake, that Baby could turn the tables in a heartbeat, but maybe he doesn’t care. Maybe Romance would just... let him. Maybe part of him would welcome it… an end, clean and simple.
Abby would be furious if Romance gave up. He can hear the bigger demon now, hissing in his ear about just how idiotic that train of thought really is. It's realistic enough that Romance lets the thought go, exhaling shakily against Baby's skin where his lips are pressed.
He forces himself to take another deep, ragged breath that hurts his chest, then another. His heart is still slamming in against his ribs as his lips ghost over the curve of Baby's neck. He follows a line down to where it slopes into Baby's shoulder, offering his shaky apology in the only language he's capable of right now. ]
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the hold on his arms loosens and baby's immediate thought is to take the chance, flip them around and lay into romance again, but then his hindbrain comes up and that's the last thing he actually wants to do. try being kind, it's a voice in his ear. not gwi-ma's, not his own, but someone else familiar: mystery. shit, how can he still let someone who's gone influence him in such a way?
his throat works with some extra effort as he swallows and rather than attacking romance again, he hesitantly moves both hands to his shoulders, fingers gripping tight to his shirt, the press of his thumbs becoming a slow, careful rub of reassurance.
he inhales a sharp breath as well, holding it for a few seconds – one, two, three – then he exhales again, moving his hands to stroke lightly over the upper-half of romance's arms and his shoulders. it's... oddly soothing now, the gentle movement of romance's mouth, the red haze clearing from his vision almost like it was never there in the first place. he turns and nudges his head against romance's, just an affectionate little gesture before he leans a bit closer and presses a kiss against his temple in a silent request for forgiveness.]
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He swallows, pressing his mouth closer until it becomes something something more of a kiss, soft, tentative, apologetic. He stays there, nosing in until his body stops shaking, and breathes with Baby - in, hold three, then out. It's a steady rhythm, calming, shared between two broken souls who can't find the missing pieces.
Dropping down onto his elbows, Romance sinks until he's chest to chest against Baby, scattering weak kisses along his skin. His breath stutters and a quiet sniffle breaks through as he tilts his head, nudging gently into Baby’s lips, seeking something small and grounding in the aftermath. ]
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it becomes easier as romance kisses along his skin, nosing in close until it's almost uncomfortable, but he's realizing that it's helping him stop shaking and again, he breathes in, deep and slow, and exhales after a couple of seconds, his hands still moving along romance's arms. it'll be okay, he wants to say, yet he can't seem to find his voice to actually reassure him.
at least he can return romance's gestures. he shifts and wraps both arms around him once they're chest-to-chest, one hand skimming up and down his back, a soft little sigh passing between them when their lips meet. one arm stays in place around him, but the hand he's using to roam over his back hesitates, briefly tapping at his shoulder before reaching to gently touch the bloody marks he's left behind on romance's face. the heat, it almost burns, and that's the only reason he draws back, tears pricking the corners of his own eyes as he finally finds enough courage to say it:] You'll be okay.
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But he can't find it in himself to even pretend. It isn't important. With the honmoon sealed, what’s the point? Huntrix isn’t a mission anymore; it’s a dead end. Everything is.
Baby's fingers brush over his cheek and he winces, fiery pain shooting through his nerve endings. There's something about it, though, the sensation of pain reminding him he's still alive and not all grief hollowed out inside this shell of a body.
He swallows a sob down and shifts, tipping his head to drop back down onto Baby's shoulder, press his mouth back against his neck. He feels like he's coming apart at the seams, unraveling in pieces he can't hold together. ]
I'm sorry. [ It comes out small, plaintive. Weak and helpless. Sad. ]
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he can feel his eyes burning worse, the threat of tears imminent, but he fights them back to the best of his ability, his breathing still very labored despite his attempts at calming himself.
the wince has him jerking back immediately, shame sinking deeper and deeper into the pit of his stomach alongside the other wild tangle of emotions he can't seem to control. he shouldn't have cut romance like that, shouldn't have used his claws on him at all, but at least romance got his revenge; baby's head aches uncontrollably right now and there's certainly no way to stop the throbbing between his ears.
blinking lightly, he simply lets romance sink back into his shoulder, his blood-covered hand reluctantly dropping to the spot between his shoulderblades, his fingertips rubbing gently, although he knows there's going to be a bloody handprint left behind. yes, he feels like he's going to come apart too, but he needs to be stronger... for romance.
his head rests against romance's again, another deep, measured breath in then out following that.] It's okay. [a brief pause because the words burn his tongue, as if they are too much and not enough all at once.] I'm sorry, too.
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He should be the strong one here. He shouldn’t be falling apart. They should be here for one another, not…screaming and clawing at each other.
God, what are they going to do?
His sob is quiet, only a ragged breath and a sniffle as he presses his lips close into a soft kiss, damp from tears and the blood that’s smeared over his skin, slowly but surely drying. He’ll boast scars from this, he’s sure. ]
I forgive you. [ His voice is barely a whisper against Baby’s skin, shame washing over him in waves.
He thought it would be quieter without Gei-Ma. Instead, his ow guilt and shame is far louder than the demon king could have ever hoped to be. ]
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these sorts of things happen, even when they shouldn't, which is why they're going to have to do better when it comes to handling their feelings. next time, baby will figure out something else if romance says something that bothers him, he won't hurt him like he did this time, not again.
romance's noise twists like a knife in his gut, coaxing him into using both hands to stroke over his shoulders again, his fingertips pressing lightly as he moves down his chest, his head tilting just enough so he can hold the kiss. it doesn't last long though, and when they come apart, baby's attention is instantly on romance's face again, the long gashes he left behind, the crusting blood— and now he feels really fucking horrible.
you shouldn't is what he wants to say, his thumb gingerly brushing away some of the still wet redness, his lips pinched as he fights back the urge to tell romance otherwise. he leans to bury his face against romance's shoulder, both arms looping around him again, then he twists and uses whatever leverage he can get to roll them over, his legs straddling romance's thighs, one hand staying pressed against his back while the opposite one moves to rest over his chest.]
Stay like this, [he urges softly, leaning until he can nudge his face up underneath romance's chin, his lips tracing down over the front of his throat as he follows the line to his collarbones where he lingers for the moment, too ashamed to lift his face right away for fear that those tears from earlier might actually spring forth.]
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One, because everything hurts, and two - he's actually not sure if this is just a trick and Baby is still going to rip his face the rest of the way off. So he doesn't reply, only rests a hand tiredly over Baby's on his chest, fingers lacing, head tipping back. The other hand lifts to smooth over Baby's shoulder before dropping to settle on his hip, thumb idly smoothing over his sweater.
He's not going anywhere. If Baby wants to rip his throat out, he can just...go ahead. Romance doesn't care anymore, there won't be any resistance. ]
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instead of tearing into him again, baby hesitantly lifts his head, trying to ignore the burn behind his eyes, even though the tears have definitely started sliding down his cheeks now. stupid, he thinks, you're so stupid. one of his hands lifts, the sleeve of his sweater sliding over his palm, the motion extraordinarily careful as he reaches to gently press his sleeve against romance's torn cheek, ignoring the fact that it will leave behind a horrible stain that he probably won't be able to clean up fast enough.]
It's okay, [he repeats it, because if he apologizes again, he's really going to start crying and they don't need both of them breaking down like that. after applying slightly more pressure, he leans to press his mouth against romance's collarbones again, his opposite hand reaching down to dip beneath his shirt, the pads of his fingers working in slow circles as he drifts along his torso.]
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You're going to ruin your sweater...
[ His voice is quiet but strained, fingers gently squeezing Baby's hip, his free hand groping to smooth strands of bright hair away from Baby's face. His stomach dips under the touch, muscles fluttering under his fingertips. It feels good, and maybe it's just Baby playing with his food but Romance basks in it, looses a shaky exhale and swallows, Adam's apple bobbing.
It's with shaky fingers he moves to stroke Baby's cheek, soft and repetitive, swallowing another sob. Get it together, Romance. ]
Forgive me. Please.
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I don't give a fuck, Ro. I can get another sweater... [he can't get another person like romance.
baby breathes a thready, shaking sigh and it's like the dam bursts; tears stream down his cheeks and he just lets them flow freely, his shoulders trembling, the touch of his hand on romance's stomach faltering briefly. he flattens his palm against it, moves up along his chest and presses against his sternum, the pressure warm and constant, his breath quickening somewhat as the grief finally sinks in.
with no hesitation at all, he leans into romance's hand and nuzzles against him, eventually turning to kiss his palm, the motion soft and unrestrained.]
I already have, [he murmurs, trying to keep his voice from wavering, even if it's extremely difficult to do so.]
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His emotions are thick in his chest, and when Baby kisses his palm Romance exhales a quiet sigh, relief flooding his body, easing tense muscle. ]
We’re alright, [ he murmurs, thumbing Baby’s cheek, smoothing his tears. ]
We’re alright, darling.
[ He won’t ever use it again when they argue, but he says it now and there’s meaning behind it, intent. Softness and forgiveness, gentleness sprinkled with affection.
He slides his arms around Baby, staying still, letting the material soak up his blood. ]
I want to look at your head.
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it brings forth another shameful sensation, but romance says they're alright and brushes his cheek so gently, it's impossible not to believe him.
darling. the nickname had pissed him off before, though that had been because it was as if romance was using it as an insult instead of words of affection. now, it makes his heart settle a little in his chest, warmth blooming from his ribs and outward, spreading down and heating him from the inside out.]
We're alright, [baby repeats it, like saying it too will help the words sink in better.
he turns after romance's arms move around him, his face nuzzling into romance's neck again, a quiet sigh passing his lips before he lifts up and withdraws his sleeve-covered hand, making sure the wound has stopped leaking before lowering it to rest above romance's shoulder for balance.]
It's probably fine. [maybe bruised, maybe sporting a bump in the particular spot where his head hit the floor the few times romance slammed him down, but...] If you really want to, though, you can.
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Romance shifts slightly beneath him, not enough to disturb the moment, just enough to slide an arm higher up Baby’s back. His fingertips move in slow circles at the nape of his neck, brushing the edge of his hairline before trailing upward, delicate and exploratory. He maps out what he can reach, careful and reverent - he doesn't want to hurt him further.
What he really wants is to sit up, to really look at the damage he caused, but that would mean disrupting this fragile moment between them, and he’s selfish enough to want to stay wrapped in it a little longer.
His other hand lifts to cradle Baby’s jaw, thumb brushing just beneath his eye. There’s blood all over both of them, but he doesn’t care. ]
Tell me where it hurts.
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although it's instinctive to try and hold romance still, baby lets him move, doing his best to steady his breathing, to stop the flow of tears that continuously pour down his cheeks. the gentle motion of romance's hand helps, at least; it coaxes him into relaxing further, his body slackening against the other demon's, the tip of his tongue darting out past his lips to lick a short, wet line up the side of romance's neck.
if romance really did want to sit up and get a better look, he wouldn't stop him, per se, but he would probably urge him back down almost immediately afterward, that way he could keep doing what he's doing right now. he wants to be a distraction, to pull them away from what happened and focus on something else entirely, even if there's no denying the way his head aches.
he tilts into romance's hand without hesitation, exhaling a slow, measured sigh, then he moves his hand to take hold of the one romance is using to touch his head, guiding it to the spot that hurts the most.]
Here... Do you feel anything?
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Baby's tongue on his neck drags out a shiver, a soft and shaky exhale from his lips. ]
Shh, love. [ He murmurs as they move, as Baby takes his hand and guides him. His touch stays gentle, careful against the back of Baby's head, moving over until he pauses, expression regretful, ashamed. ]
There's a bump, yes. I'm sorry. [ The breath he takes in is shaky, his eyes closing. His face feels tight from where blood has dried, his fingertips on Baby's face damp with tears. His arm tightens around Baby's body, fingers curling into his sweater. ] I'm...so sorry.
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the shiver makes him tense, his hands twisting up in romance's shirt, probably a little harder than need be, but he doesn't stop and he doesn't let go. if anything, he wants to get closer, but he only way he knows how to do that is...
he huffs, trying to ignore the way the pet name makes his chest ache, his hand still slowly guiding romance's before it lowers again and he reaches up underneath romance's top, dragging his fingertips across his body from collarbone to hip. he gently shakes his head, trying to fight back the sting of tears again, his throat working with some effort as he pushes himself upright so he can look down at the other demon.]
It's alright, [he reassures, leaning to rest their foreheads together, his breath coming in another soft sigh. pressing into romance's gentle touch is so easy now, he doesn't understand why he wanted to feel it hurt him before. his thumbs hook the fabric of romance's shirt, hiking it up to rest underneath his chin, his head dipping so he can start pressing featherlight kisses against his chest.] Don't worry about it, okay? [because he isn't and he's trying his damnedest to not think about what he did to romance's face, distracting himself with other things instead.]
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Baby…
[ The word catches in his throat as Baby touches him, hikes his stupid shirt up and lets his lips skim over Romance’s body. ]
Of course I’m going to worry about it, [ his voice is strained, and with Abby doing what he’s doing, Romance’s cock can’t help but twitch.
Not NOW, he internally scolds himself, his hand sliding so gently down Baby’s neck to his back, resting between his shoulder blades. ]
You are very important to me, darling.
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Mmhmm.
[just a hum of a response, his mouth moving along romance's collarbones, slowly dragging down his sternum then veering off as he leans to find one of romance's nipples and takes it between his lips. he teases with his tongue first, licking over the sensitive skin before gingerly biting down, his hands skimming along romance's sides, fingertips gliding slowly across each bump of his ribs.
he exhales a heavy breath against romance's chest and lifts his head just enough to look up at him, the hand between his shoulderblades a pleasant pressure as he runs his hands over romance's hips, his fingers dipping into the waistband of his pants.]
You're important to me, too. [baby drags his mouth somewhat lower, shifting his position as he goes, his tongue eventually flicking out again to run across romance's navel, one hand lowering to press between his legs.] Let me show you. [which is all he offers before he drops more kisses against romance's stomach, drifting down to his hip while palming him through his pants.]