[ It still winds him to hear with such certainty. So much that a shiver ripples down his back, the delicate draw of her fingertips over his hair the epicenter. Eventually, he lifts back up on his elbows after taking his fill of affection. It's more than enough for someone like him, and yet the act of parting sends a throb of reluctance through his chest. Lighter would seem a greedy man outside of this room, steeped in the freedom of sunlight, the taste of victory and renown. No one would never know he doesn't want for any of it. ]

Whenever you want, alright? [ A quiet and damp flicker of his breath against her cheek, the shadow of a kiss on the bright glow of her skin. ] I'll be here.

[ The words are for him too, a precursor to the shift of his body. He runs his arm low to urge her to relax her thigh and move her leg aside, easing himself off her in a final wet slide of intimate skin. Flopping down beside her on the mattress, he's silent a moment before beckoning her back to him. ]

You seemed tired. [ Even before — but anyone would be, he thinks, after the last 168 hours. ] While we so generously have this room, maybe we should clean up and see about that nap you mentioned.