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It's somewhat enchanting, to realize that someone else could respond to him like this. Granted, Levi's never really thought much about it beyond Erwin or Hange - had never really thought about it before them, either. The sound of Finnick's light laugh is nice against the ambiance of the pool, steam rising, a soft trickle of water from somewhere nearby, the distant sound of wind through trees.
"It is," he mumbles back softly.
By now, he's probably backed Finnick up enough onto a seat of rock somewhere to give himself a slight height advantage. At some point, he does shift a little closer, close enough for his thigh to brush against something noticeably -- well, firm.
It's wonderful that Finnick is trying to match him beat for beat. The trouble is, Levi's pace can sometimes only be described as glacial.
If he knew what that was.
All right, so it's hardly surprising, given they're buckass naked in a pool of steaming water, and have been barely talking more than kissing since they'd arrived. It's not as though Levi hasn't felt little tendrils of arousal himself, but he's definitely not this far along (which probably isn't even as much as it seems, but all he's got is his leg to go on).
He licks his lips, clicking his tongue a little - it's more teasing than anything, especially as he presses his leg a little closer.
"Already got you going there, huh?"
"It is," he mumbles back softly.
By now, he's probably backed Finnick up enough onto a seat of rock somewhere to give himself a slight height advantage. At some point, he does shift a little closer, close enough for his thigh to brush against something noticeably -- well, firm.
It's wonderful that Finnick is trying to match him beat for beat. The trouble is, Levi's pace can sometimes only be described as glacial.
If he knew what that was.
All right, so it's hardly surprising, given they're buckass naked in a pool of steaming water, and have been barely talking more than kissing since they'd arrived. It's not as though Levi hasn't felt little tendrils of arousal himself, but he's definitely not this far along (which probably isn't even as much as it seems, but all he's got is his leg to go on).
He licks his lips, clicking his tongue a little - it's more teasing than anything, especially as he presses his leg a little closer.
"Already got you going there, huh?"
Finnick laughs sheepishly.
"You caught me."
Finnick is the opposite of Levi in this respect. He'd often fuck people upon first meeting them. He's used to a fast pace, and he's a generally hypersexual and easily aroused person. It's certainly not strange for Levi not to be as far along with things as he is.
He gazes up at Levi with lidded eyes and murmurs to him quietly.
"You're doing something to me... There's no pressure if you don't want to go further, though."
The last thing he ever wants to do is coerce or introduce pressure or expectations. He has no expectations. But he does have desires, as he's still a man, and he's Finnick, and Levi is Levi.
"You caught me."
Finnick is the opposite of Levi in this respect. He'd often fuck people upon first meeting them. He's used to a fast pace, and he's a generally hypersexual and easily aroused person. It's certainly not strange for Levi not to be as far along with things as he is.
He gazes up at Levi with lidded eyes and murmurs to him quietly.
"You're doing something to me... There's no pressure if you don't want to go further, though."
The last thing he ever wants to do is coerce or introduce pressure or expectations. He has no expectations. But he does have desires, as he's still a man, and he's Finnick, and Levi is Levi.
"I will. Don't go anywhere."
Very funny, sir.
All told, it'll take him just over twenty minutes to get there. For the first few, he just watches Erwin sleep. It's something he's done quite a lot since coming to Somnius, since they first attempted sharing a bed; Levi doesn't sleep much as it is, and often has a hard time just lying there fully awake. But he's also spent plenty of hours sitting next to Erwin, or curled up and listening to his heartbeat, somehow. He's been doing it even more, lately, after all of those memories came to light. So before he even moves, Levi studies the sight of him, committing it to memory to give himself resolve to get up and leave him, even just for a few hours. It was easier to have Hange here in the cottage, but Levi is plenty aware that there are other people fairly attached to Finnick. It is what it is. There will always be risk when he's not looking.
He leaves a kiss to Erwin's hair and a note on the bedside table about where he's gone, straps into his gear, and leaves.
The hatch isn't the easiest thing to spot, but luckily he finds it after only a few minutes of poking around. Going underground isn't his favorite, but Finnick is far worth the discomfort.
Once inside, Levi calls a greeting before unsnapping the gear from the harness, stacking it neatly near the entry. Finally he strides closer, unclasping his green cloak as he goes. Underneath he's wearing all dark clothing, black pants and a dark gray long sleeved shirt with a wider scoop neck. Reaching Finnick's bedside, he leans in and drops a kiss on his hair, then gives him a critical glance over.
"You look like shit. Still alive, though."
Very funny, sir.
All told, it'll take him just over twenty minutes to get there. For the first few, he just watches Erwin sleep. It's something he's done quite a lot since coming to Somnius, since they first attempted sharing a bed; Levi doesn't sleep much as it is, and often has a hard time just lying there fully awake. But he's also spent plenty of hours sitting next to Erwin, or curled up and listening to his heartbeat, somehow. He's been doing it even more, lately, after all of those memories came to light. So before he even moves, Levi studies the sight of him, committing it to memory to give himself resolve to get up and leave him, even just for a few hours. It was easier to have Hange here in the cottage, but Levi is plenty aware that there are other people fairly attached to Finnick. It is what it is. There will always be risk when he's not looking.
He leaves a kiss to Erwin's hair and a note on the bedside table about where he's gone, straps into his gear, and leaves.
The hatch isn't the easiest thing to spot, but luckily he finds it after only a few minutes of poking around. Going underground isn't his favorite, but Finnick is far worth the discomfort.
Once inside, Levi calls a greeting before unsnapping the gear from the harness, stacking it neatly near the entry. Finally he strides closer, unclasping his green cloak as he goes. Underneath he's wearing all dark clothing, black pants and a dark gray long sleeved shirt with a wider scoop neck. Reaching Finnick's bedside, he leans in and drops a kiss on his hair, then gives him a critical glance over.
"You look like shit. Still alive, though."
The words seem to prickle along his spine, coil in the pit of his stomach briefly. Perhaps some months ago, he might not have been able to tell the difference between feeling flattered and alarmed - it's easier, now, but there's still a little bit of paranoia that flashes through the pleasure; he hadn't really been trying to do anything in particular, but through his slow-going experimentation with Erwin, Levi's come to realize that arousal is sometimes (often) a very fickle thing for him.
But just hearing that there's no expectation would be arousing in and of itself, if it didn't give him so much relief.
For a moment or two, he just stares at Finnick a bit, almost in a little bit of disbelief. But then something between his shoulders unlocks, a worry he hadn't really realized he'd been carrying, and he cups one soft cheek in his palm as he lays a firmer kiss on those sweet, patient lips.
"Thanks," he mumbles from just a breath away when they part. Gathering some courage, Levi continues, staying too close to really look at Finnick, though. "Don't mind f'you are...'n happy to get you off. But...don't always want anything back."
But just hearing that there's no expectation would be arousing in and of itself, if it didn't give him so much relief.
For a moment or two, he just stares at Finnick a bit, almost in a little bit of disbelief. But then something between his shoulders unlocks, a worry he hadn't really realized he'd been carrying, and he cups one soft cheek in his palm as he lays a firmer kiss on those sweet, patient lips.
"Thanks," he mumbles from just a breath away when they part. Gathering some courage, Levi continues, staying too close to really look at Finnick, though. "Don't mind f'you are...'n happy to get you off. But...don't always want anything back."
For what it's worth, the underground room is nice. It's furnished, finished, clean, has a bed, glowing fairy lights and even a water feature. Hopefully it doesn't remind Levi too much of the underground he knows.
As he waits for Levi, Finnick drifts in and out of a light sleep, but snaps awake at the called greeting. He's tucked into the bed, and though Night Sky cleaned him up the best she could, he hasn't been able to change his shirt or bathe, so there's still dried blood on his clothes and some on his skin. His non-prosthetic arm is splinted to a small slab of wood and tied against his chest with vines that wrap around him in a makeshift sling.
And there is Levi, handsome as ever, standing over him. His heart swells with gratitude and he gives him a small smile, a tiny laugh through his nose.
"Alive by the skin of my teeth. Thanks for coming, handsome." It's a huge relief to see him, for some reason. Maybe for visual proof that he's safe, or maybe it makes Finnick feel more safe and comforted to have him here. Probably both.
As he waits for Levi, Finnick drifts in and out of a light sleep, but snaps awake at the called greeting. He's tucked into the bed, and though Night Sky cleaned him up the best she could, he hasn't been able to change his shirt or bathe, so there's still dried blood on his clothes and some on his skin. His non-prosthetic arm is splinted to a small slab of wood and tied against his chest with vines that wrap around him in a makeshift sling.
And there is Levi, handsome as ever, standing over him. His heart swells with gratitude and he gives him a small smile, a tiny laugh through his nose.
"Alive by the skin of my teeth. Thanks for coming, handsome." It's a huge relief to see him, for some reason. Maybe for visual proof that he's safe, or maybe it makes Finnick feel more safe and comforted to have him here. Probably both.
Finnick takes the kiss, his eyes closing as Levi touches his face.
"Okay..." He's still speaking soft and low. "Not how I'm used to doing things, but I'm not opposed."
Finnick was always the giver more than the receiver; he had to be. He had to please; Mags and Annie's survival depended on it. Now, the urge to please others is written into him. Taking without giving anything back might make him feel guilty, but if that's what Levi prefers, he can try to work with it.
"Just know you're never obligated to get me off, either. I can cope with an awkward boner." He smiles, catlike, and steals another kiss. "And I can take care of myself later while thinking of you."
"Okay..." He's still speaking soft and low. "Not how I'm used to doing things, but I'm not opposed."
Finnick was always the giver more than the receiver; he had to be. He had to please; Mags and Annie's survival depended on it. Now, the urge to please others is written into him. Taking without giving anything back might make him feel guilty, but if that's what Levi prefers, he can try to work with it.
"Just know you're never obligated to get me off, either. I can cope with an awkward boner." He smiles, catlike, and steals another kiss. "And I can take care of myself later while thinking of you."
It doesn't - actually, it does feel cozy, which he is surprised by, and pleased to see that it is actually fairly clean (not by his standards, because things rarely are). Even he would have to admit that it's a good space, and he's at least glad that Finnick isn't somewhere dark and dank while he recovers.
Finnick calls him 'handsome' with visible relief in his eyes, and Levi softens just enough to be noticeable, briefly touching his palm to the younger man's cheek, as though just to feel the warmth there. His expression shifts to a furrowed concern as he starts to take in the details - the dried blood, the smell that's clear Finnick really hasn't moved for a day or two. The splint is interesting, but looks well done. Levi isn't a doctor of any sort, but he's seen and tended plenty of injuries in the field.
"Couldn't let you mope about alone..." It irks him a little that Finnick is alone, but there things that people need to do, he supposes, and he's here now.
Hovering one hand above the arm, blue light begins to emanate from his palm, sending energy down into the bone to (hopefully) help it along, mending it slowly. After a moment or two, the corner of his lips grow tight, feeling a phantom of pain begin to throb through his own arm.
Trying to distract them both, he asks: "What else is broken?"
Finnick calls him 'handsome' with visible relief in his eyes, and Levi softens just enough to be noticeable, briefly touching his palm to the younger man's cheek, as though just to feel the warmth there. His expression shifts to a furrowed concern as he starts to take in the details - the dried blood, the smell that's clear Finnick really hasn't moved for a day or two. The splint is interesting, but looks well done. Levi isn't a doctor of any sort, but he's seen and tended plenty of injuries in the field.
"Couldn't let you mope about alone..." It irks him a little that Finnick is alone, but there things that people need to do, he supposes, and he's here now.
Hovering one hand above the arm, blue light begins to emanate from his palm, sending energy down into the bone to (hopefully) help it along, mending it slowly. After a moment or two, the corner of his lips grow tight, feeling a phantom of pain begin to throb through his own arm.
Trying to distract them both, he asks: "What else is broken?"
Finnick does hate to be alone, but he couldn't in good conscience keep Night Sky down here with him for days on end, even though she'd wanted to stay. He'd have felt too guilty, so he assured her he'd be okay on his own while she went to take care of herself. It hasn't been too long, thankfully.
He lays his prosthetic hand atop Levi's on his cheek, closing his eyes to savour his warmth.
Levi sends healing energy into his broken bone, and Finnick sighs audibly with relief as the pain immediately begins to abate.
"Ohhhh my god..." He murmurs.
"A rib or two on the other side." He pulls the blankets down to reveal more of his abdomen, his bloody shirt ripped in multiple places by dragon teeth. He points to one such rip along his ribs.
"Sorry it's a mess," he mutters, feeling bad that Levi has to deal with the uncleanliness of the situation. He couldn't get his shirt off without moving his arm, and frankly, did not feel it was worth the pain. At least there are no open wounds.
He lays his prosthetic hand atop Levi's on his cheek, closing his eyes to savour his warmth.
Levi sends healing energy into his broken bone, and Finnick sighs audibly with relief as the pain immediately begins to abate.
"Ohhhh my god..." He murmurs.
"A rib or two on the other side." He pulls the blankets down to reveal more of his abdomen, his bloody shirt ripped in multiple places by dragon teeth. He points to one such rip along his ribs.
"Sorry it's a mess," he mutters, feeling bad that Levi has to deal with the uncleanliness of the situation. He couldn't get his shirt off without moving his arm, and frankly, did not feel it was worth the pain. At least there are no open wounds.
Since he'd said Night Sky hadn't been able to heal the bones, Levi had been quietly worried that something else had been at play. But feeling the echo of pain, seeing it ease off of Finnick's face and knowing that it's working eases that fear. This place is full of strange shit that regularly confounds him, but being able to physically heal someone take their pain...well. Maybe it's a little on the nose, but it's a relief every time, to feel as though he can actually do something about it.
Even as Finnick apologizes, Levi doesn't flinch or show any sign of disgust - if anything, it's clear he's seen a lot of this sort of thing, and doesn't even hesitate to start moving the ruined and bloody clothing aside once he's given as much energy to the arm as he dares, just to make sure he has enough juice for whatever's left.
"It's fine," he murmurs, because it is, and slips one hand between the rips to settle carefully over the spot, ugly with bruising. Gray eyes flick to Finnick's face a moment, his other hand settled against his wrist, curling under to press fingertips against his pulse. A sharp pain in his side makes him suck in a breath as he starts to mend the ribs.
Even as Finnick apologizes, Levi doesn't flinch or show any sign of disgust - if anything, it's clear he's seen a lot of this sort of thing, and doesn't even hesitate to start moving the ruined and bloody clothing aside once he's given as much energy to the arm as he dares, just to make sure he has enough juice for whatever's left.
"It's fine," he murmurs, because it is, and slips one hand between the rips to settle carefully over the spot, ugly with bruising. Gray eyes flick to Finnick's face a moment, his other hand settled against his wrist, curling under to press fingertips against his pulse. A sharp pain in his side makes him suck in a breath as he starts to mend the ribs.
Finnick figured Levi must have dealt with a lot of this in the past; injuries, blood. He's relieved that Levi doesn't seem to take issue with it, at least not enough for it to show outwardly.
Finnick winces slightly at the pressure of Levi's hand, but then his face relaxes again as the pain dissipates. He closes his eyes and takes a deeper breath than he's been able to take since the attack, and it doesn't feel like a stab to his lungs.
"Oh, that's so much better, love... Thank you." The little pet name slips out in the euphoria of his relief. But as he blinks his eyes open, Levi looks to be in pain.
"Wait, are you... Does it hurt you?" His brows instantly knit together in concern.
Finnick winces slightly at the pressure of Levi's hand, but then his face relaxes again as the pain dissipates. He closes his eyes and takes a deeper breath than he's been able to take since the attack, and it doesn't feel like a stab to his lungs.
"Oh, that's so much better, love... Thank you." The little pet name slips out in the euphoria of his relief. But as he blinks his eyes open, Levi looks to be in pain.
"Wait, are you... Does it hurt you?" His brows instantly knit together in concern.
For as much as he hates things to be dirty, it's fairly clear that Levi doesn't hesitate to tolerate it when needed; injuries happen, they'll camp in the mud if necessary. Even though Titan blood evaporates, Levi is certain it leaves behind some sort of feeling on his skin that doesn't come off until he thoroughly scrubs, and sometimes that can't happen for a day or more. He'll compartmentalize, focusing on what's important, and live. It's what he's good at doing.
The endearment prickles, awakening pleasant little butterflies in his chest as a faint flush creeps up the back of his neck. Levi presses his fingertips a little more against soft skin, sneaking an almost shy glance at Finnick as he takes a breath of his own. The pain has already mostly subsided, and the bruises on warmly tanned skin are starting to lessen as well. Even with his full capacity, he probably doesn't get the remainder of Finnick's injuries completely healed, but he'll be much more comfortable -and mobile - at least.
He shrugs, and though the energy starts to subside, leaves his hand against Finnick's side, feeling him breathe better now. Good.
"S'gone already. But yeah, I can feel it a little. Not as bad as actually being hurt, and it goes away quickly."
His thumb traces lightly along the line of mended ribs. They might still ache a little, but Levi leans in to leave a soft kiss against the frown on his lips.
"Think this is all I can do for now..."
The endearment prickles, awakening pleasant little butterflies in his chest as a faint flush creeps up the back of his neck. Levi presses his fingertips a little more against soft skin, sneaking an almost shy glance at Finnick as he takes a breath of his own. The pain has already mostly subsided, and the bruises on warmly tanned skin are starting to lessen as well. Even with his full capacity, he probably doesn't get the remainder of Finnick's injuries completely healed, but he'll be much more comfortable -and mobile - at least.
He shrugs, and though the energy starts to subside, leaves his hand against Finnick's side, feeling him breathe better now. Good.
"S'gone already. But yeah, I can feel it a little. Not as bad as actually being hurt, and it goes away quickly."
His thumb traces lightly along the line of mended ribs. They might still ache a little, but Levi leans in to leave a soft kiss against the frown on his lips.
"Think this is all I can do for now..."
"Oh. Okay..." The crease in his brow smooths, and he can accept this, knowing that the pain was so short-lived for Levi.
The combination of pain relief and Levi's caring touch has improved Finnick's mood tenfold. He feels very grateful, and shows it by clasping the back of Levi's neck as he bends down, kissing him back firmly.
"It's more than enough. I really appreciate it," he says sincerely as their kiss breaks. While the pain isn't gone, Finnick now will have more independence and is looking at a lot less time spent recovering in bed overall. He's not sure how he got so lucky as to have such caring and kind people looking out for him.
The combination of pain relief and Levi's caring touch has improved Finnick's mood tenfold. He feels very grateful, and shows it by clasping the back of Levi's neck as he bends down, kissing him back firmly.
"It's more than enough. I really appreciate it," he says sincerely as their kiss breaks. While the pain isn't gone, Finnick now will have more independence and is looking at a lot less time spent recovering in bed overall. He's not sure how he got so lucky as to have such caring and kind people looking out for him.
Levi lets the kiss linger a little, then, focusing on the warmth beneath his hands. Finnick is here, alive and recovering, and he feels a little more of that worry ebb away.
"Mm," he hums in response, leaving just one more brush of lips before leaning away to look at him again. His color is better, eyes brighter, and it's hard not to lean in and continue kissing him. The drain on his energy will start to catch up in the next few minutes, and there are a few other things he wants to do before that happens.
"Can get you out of that sling, probably, and get rid of those rags and cleaned up a bit," he says eyeing the shirt. It definitely needs to go, if nothing else. Levi pulls a familiar knife from his boot and starts to cut carefully at the vines binding Finnick's arm, well mindful of the blade. It'll only take a few slices before it starts to easily come away, and he sets it aside before starting to go for the remains of the younger man's shirt, tugging it enough to get at the hem without jostling him too much in case there's still pain in his ribs. Unless Finnick protests losing it (not that there is much to worry about, at this point), he'll cut up the center and at the shoulders and along the sleeves, exposing tanned skin and the planes of his chest.
Levi's scanning for any other injuries...and maybe just admiring him at the same time, too.
"Mm," he hums in response, leaving just one more brush of lips before leaning away to look at him again. His color is better, eyes brighter, and it's hard not to lean in and continue kissing him. The drain on his energy will start to catch up in the next few minutes, and there are a few other things he wants to do before that happens.
"Can get you out of that sling, probably, and get rid of those rags and cleaned up a bit," he says eyeing the shirt. It definitely needs to go, if nothing else. Levi pulls a familiar knife from his boot and starts to cut carefully at the vines binding Finnick's arm, well mindful of the blade. It'll only take a few slices before it starts to easily come away, and he sets it aside before starting to go for the remains of the younger man's shirt, tugging it enough to get at the hem without jostling him too much in case there's still pain in his ribs. Unless Finnick protests losing it (not that there is much to worry about, at this point), he'll cut up the center and at the shoulders and along the sleeves, exposing tanned skin and the planes of his chest.
Levi's scanning for any other injuries...and maybe just admiring him at the same time, too.
The kiss fills him with a warm relief, the kind you get from kissing someone you thought you might never see again. His brush with death makes it taste all the more sweet to be alive, to be touched again by this lovely man. His lips linger as long as Levi will let them.
"Mm. Please." Finnick nods, more than willing to let Levi cut away his bindings and his dirty shirt. He slowly props himself on his prosthetic arm as Levi works, making it easier for him to pull things out from underneath him. He winces a little at his own movement, but compared to just a few minutes ago when sitting up felt near impossible, he'll take this level of pain any day.
He gingerly moves his injured arm a little, freeing it from its held position against his chest and flexing his fingers gently. It complains a bit at the movement and feels very stiff, but probably no longer needs the same level of immobilization.
"I don't think the universe wants me to have working arms," he jokes. He looks up at Levi, whose grey eyes are tracing his abdomen, and a tiny smirk pulls at Finnick's lips.
"Don't get too distracted, Doctor Levi," he murmurs, though his seductive tone suggests he'd actually be perfectly fine with distracting him.
"Mm. Please." Finnick nods, more than willing to let Levi cut away his bindings and his dirty shirt. He slowly props himself on his prosthetic arm as Levi works, making it easier for him to pull things out from underneath him. He winces a little at his own movement, but compared to just a few minutes ago when sitting up felt near impossible, he'll take this level of pain any day.
He gingerly moves his injured arm a little, freeing it from its held position against his chest and flexing his fingers gently. It complains a bit at the movement and feels very stiff, but probably no longer needs the same level of immobilization.
"I don't think the universe wants me to have working arms," he jokes. He looks up at Levi, whose grey eyes are tracing his abdomen, and a tiny smirk pulls at Finnick's lips.
"Don't get too distracted, Doctor Levi," he murmurs, though his seductive tone suggests he'd actually be perfectly fine with distracting him.
That gets him one of those smiles that only seem to really reach his eyes, wry, as he shifts just a little closer. Levi's not really sure what it means, that most of the time he's more than content just to curl up with a partner and listen to their breath, the beat of their heart, and any other poof of life, rather than fuck them. It's never been anything he's particularly craved or needed. For nearly as long as he can remember, he's been averse to casual touch - you never know what people have been doing with their hands, and far too many who have tried to touch him have done it in an attempt to impress control or intimidation. He's gotten better at knowing the difference over the years, learned how to let people in close enough. It isn't even that he dislikes being touched, rather very much the opposite.
But there are some things that take a long time to unwind.
He clicks his tongue a little, falsely admonishing. "Would bet money you already have."
Fingertips trace lightly over Finnick's cheekbones, his jaw, trail down carefully over scars on his throat and follow the graceful slope of neck out to his shoulder.
"Don't worry...not in the habit of doing things I don't want to."
But there are some things that take a long time to unwind.
He clicks his tongue a little, falsely admonishing. "Would bet money you already have."
Fingertips trace lightly over Finnick's cheekbones, his jaw, trail down carefully over scars on his throat and follow the graceful slope of neck out to his shoulder.
"Don't worry...not in the habit of doing things I don't want to."
It doesn't have to mean anything, people just have their preferences and differing biological needs. Finnick is in part hypersexual due to his sexual trauma, but has always been a gregarious and naturally horny person, as well. Still, he likes for his relationships to be about more than just sex. A trusting emotional bond always makes him feel safer and less likely to be triggered, so he's more than happy to spend time building that with Levi before getting in too deep with the sexual aspects.
He laughs, a light and joyous giggle, his heart lifting.
"You got me there. You see right through me, huh, Captain?"
He smiles as Levi touches him with light, careful fingertips. Oh, he likes that. There is something to be said for being touched with no sexual intention, as well; it's definitely Finnick's favourite way of being touched. It proves to him that people do want to be close to him for more reasons than just sex.
He leans close again to kiss Levi softly.
"Good. I do have a question, though. I'm curious about... What kinds of touch you enjoy the most. Sexual or not sexual. And what you don't like. I want... I want you to feel good around me, and I don't want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable."
Of course, he's learning as quickly as he can what types or levels of touch make Levi shy away or shut down, and in what circumstances, but he'd like to also talk about it. He wouldn't want to accidentally upset Levi one of these times, or do something that annoys him without knowing it. And of course, he wants to please Levi, possibly more than anyone else in his life.
"Um, you can tell me, or, show me." He lifts his hands, palm up, between his and Levi's chests, ready to be guided wherever.
He laughs, a light and joyous giggle, his heart lifting.
"You got me there. You see right through me, huh, Captain?"
He smiles as Levi touches him with light, careful fingertips. Oh, he likes that. There is something to be said for being touched with no sexual intention, as well; it's definitely Finnick's favourite way of being touched. It proves to him that people do want to be close to him for more reasons than just sex.
He leans close again to kiss Levi softly.
"Good. I do have a question, though. I'm curious about... What kinds of touch you enjoy the most. Sexual or not sexual. And what you don't like. I want... I want you to feel good around me, and I don't want to do anything that makes you uncomfortable."
Of course, he's learning as quickly as he can what types or levels of touch make Levi shy away or shut down, and in what circumstances, but he'd like to also talk about it. He wouldn't want to accidentally upset Levi one of these times, or do something that annoys him without knowing it. And of course, he wants to please Levi, possibly more than anyone else in his life.
"Um, you can tell me, or, show me." He lifts his hands, palm up, between his and Levi's chests, ready to be guided wherever.
"Well," he mutters, continuing his work, "the universe will just have to sit the fuck down, if I have anything to say about it."
The shadows of wounds left behind by the dragon's teeth leave little to the imagination of how dire Finnick's condition really was. Dark brows draw a little closer together as Levi lightly traces around pink, healed puncture wounds, still green and yellow and some darker bruising around the edges. A little flow of warmth eases into the flesh around them, trying to help a little with the pain, although he can't do much more at this point. He can't help but think about what Finnick said about having his scars erased, the proof of what he'd endured taken without his consent. ...he'll have plenty, now, but it doesn't feel like anything to celebrate.
At least Finnick seems to be in recovering spirits. Levi flicks him a look that could arguably be called smoldering, a nearly imperceptible curve at one corner of his lips.
"Doin' my best, here," he says solemnly, shifting instead to slide his palm meanderingly over Finnick's stomach, then up his chest, pressing over his heart. "S'pose you can't help being easy to look at..."
Levi leans in closer, slowly, almost like he's about to give him another kiss...
...and stops a few inches away. "Where's the sink, pretty boy?"
The shadows of wounds left behind by the dragon's teeth leave little to the imagination of how dire Finnick's condition really was. Dark brows draw a little closer together as Levi lightly traces around pink, healed puncture wounds, still green and yellow and some darker bruising around the edges. A little flow of warmth eases into the flesh around them, trying to help a little with the pain, although he can't do much more at this point. He can't help but think about what Finnick said about having his scars erased, the proof of what he'd endured taken without his consent. ...he'll have plenty, now, but it doesn't feel like anything to celebrate.
At least Finnick seems to be in recovering spirits. Levi flicks him a look that could arguably be called smoldering, a nearly imperceptible curve at one corner of his lips.
"Doin' my best, here," he says solemnly, shifting instead to slide his palm meanderingly over Finnick's stomach, then up his chest, pressing over his heart. "S'pose you can't help being easy to look at..."
Levi leans in closer, slowly, almost like he's about to give him another kiss...
...and stops a few inches away. "Where's the sink, pretty boy?"
"The universe will listen to you, if it knows what's good for it."
Levi's rage burns hotter than the sun, and Finnick is sure that rage combined with his strength (both physical and strength of will) could threaten a God. Or at least a demi-God. Vaeros better watch himself.
Finnick lets himself down softly on the bed again, lying flat. That expression on Levi's face is very handsome, and those hands, touching him, relieving his pain even now...
"Glad you're enjoying the view... Those magic hands of yours are distracting me plenty." Not a great time to be aroused, but he can't help it. He's glad there are blankets on his lower half, still.
Finnick parts his lips to kiss Levi, then laughs quietly at his question.
"Bathroom over there." He points to a little hallway at the other end of the room, which leads to the bathroom and the rest of the castle.
Levi's rage burns hotter than the sun, and Finnick is sure that rage combined with his strength (both physical and strength of will) could threaten a God. Or at least a demi-God. Vaeros better watch himself.
Finnick lets himself down softly on the bed again, lying flat. That expression on Levi's face is very handsome, and those hands, touching him, relieving his pain even now...
"Glad you're enjoying the view... Those magic hands of yours are distracting me plenty." Not a great time to be aroused, but he can't help it. He's glad there are blankets on his lower half, still.
Finnick parts his lips to kiss Levi, then laughs quietly at his question.
"Bathroom over there." He points to a little hallway at the other end of the room, which leads to the bathroom and the rest of the castle.
"Hm. Wasn't a hard guess."
If it were anyone else he wouldn't allow this close, it'd be a repulsive thought. But with Finnick...well - Levi can recognize that sensation as feeling pleased...curious, even. Before he can ask, though, there's another kiss on his lips, and gentle hands offered up in askance between them.
It's - a question no one's really bothered to ask him before, nothing he's really thought much about specifically except in one or two ways, or perhaps when things come up as they happen. At the very least, Levi never feels obligated to endure something he doesn't want.
He takes Finnick's real hand, tracing the palm with his thumb thoughtfully. "...still figuring some of that out," he admits quietly. Guiding his hand beneath the water, Levi has it settle at the small of his back, shifting closer, to slide his own palms appreciatively over the expanse of Finnick's chest. Leaning in, he can still feel the younger man's erection against his thigh, kneeled on the ledge between his legs.
"More concerned with how clean you are. If you're putting your hands or mouth anywhere between my legs, none of that goes near my mouth until it's all been scrubbed. Same if you want me to suck on your cock, not doing it unless you've washed recently and I'm not kissing you again before I clean up. "
Granted he's sucked cock maybe a scant handful at this point, but still.
Levi watches carefully for Finnick's reaction to these boundaries - surely they can't be all that surprising, but most people aren't this particular about their fucking; he's well aware that Erwin doesn't mind the messiness of it, but Levi hasn't quite been able to bring himself to suspend his discomfort for some things. A kiss can wait, for example, if he doesn't have to think about spreading the taste of cock between their mouths, and whatever else goes with it.
He pauses for a moment, and then continues, depending on if there's no strange objections:
"Usually also prefer not just going right for my dick as a way to say you wanna fuck." Not that Finnick has in the least - which is also earning him big points in his favor.
Skipping straight to sexual touch makes it all feel especially base and transactional, which veers too close to the whole thing becoming more about power than about anything else.
That isn't to say some of these things can't change or bend with time and comfort...but he hasn't done enough yet to know that it's true.
If it were anyone else he wouldn't allow this close, it'd be a repulsive thought. But with Finnick...well - Levi can recognize that sensation as feeling pleased...curious, even. Before he can ask, though, there's another kiss on his lips, and gentle hands offered up in askance between them.
It's - a question no one's really bothered to ask him before, nothing he's really thought much about specifically except in one or two ways, or perhaps when things come up as they happen. At the very least, Levi never feels obligated to endure something he doesn't want.
He takes Finnick's real hand, tracing the palm with his thumb thoughtfully. "...still figuring some of that out," he admits quietly. Guiding his hand beneath the water, Levi has it settle at the small of his back, shifting closer, to slide his own palms appreciatively over the expanse of Finnick's chest. Leaning in, he can still feel the younger man's erection against his thigh, kneeled on the ledge between his legs.
"More concerned with how clean you are. If you're putting your hands or mouth anywhere between my legs, none of that goes near my mouth until it's all been scrubbed. Same if you want me to suck on your cock, not doing it unless you've washed recently and I'm not kissing you again before I clean up. "
Granted he's sucked cock maybe a scant handful at this point, but still.
Levi watches carefully for Finnick's reaction to these boundaries - surely they can't be all that surprising, but most people aren't this particular about their fucking; he's well aware that Erwin doesn't mind the messiness of it, but Levi hasn't quite been able to bring himself to suspend his discomfort for some things. A kiss can wait, for example, if he doesn't have to think about spreading the taste of cock between their mouths, and whatever else goes with it.
He pauses for a moment, and then continues, depending on if there's no strange objections:
"Usually also prefer not just going right for my dick as a way to say you wanna fuck." Not that Finnick has in the least - which is also earning him big points in his favor.
Skipping straight to sexual touch makes it all feel especially base and transactional, which veers too close to the whole thing becoming more about power than about anything else.
That isn't to say some of these things can't change or bend with time and comfort...but he hasn't done enough yet to know that it's true.
"Damn right it will," he growls, low and soft...almost like a dangerous purr.
Levi can't say much for his own face, but Finnick himself is no slouch to look at, especially when he smiles and laughs, and some of that brightness and warmth comes through. Good, that's better. There's more color in him, less bruising. Finnick seems to spread out even more for him, and there's definitely something very approving in his gaze as he pulls back (not before stealing the quick kiss that he'd teased), gathering the ruined bits of fabric and pulling a few clean cloths from his own bag.
"Be right back. Don't get up and wander off without me." (Very funny, sir).
Pause.
"Unless you need to piss or something?"
Didn't he say it'd been at least a day or two? Probably been difficult to do with broken ribs.
Levi can't say much for his own face, but Finnick himself is no slouch to look at, especially when he smiles and laughs, and some of that brightness and warmth comes through. Good, that's better. There's more color in him, less bruising. Finnick seems to spread out even more for him, and there's definitely something very approving in his gaze as he pulls back (not before stealing the quick kiss that he'd teased), gathering the ruined bits of fabric and pulling a few clean cloths from his own bag.
"Be right back. Don't get up and wander off without me." (Very funny, sir).
Pause.
"Unless you need to piss or something?"
Didn't he say it'd been at least a day or two? Probably been difficult to do with broken ribs.
Finnick presses the flat of his palm where Levi puts his hand on his back. The movement brings him slightly closer, brushing a little more against his erection, and Finnick's eyes flutter shut for a moment. A small hum of arousal escapes his lips. He rarely spends so much time lingering close to someone, unclothed, and not fucking them. It's strange, but the tension of it is delicious as well.
He listens carefully, and it takes a moment to wrap his head around the instructions. Particular, yes, but not unreasonable by any stretch of the imagination. Sex is gross and messy, Finnick knows that as well as anyone, he's just learned to either desensitize himself or find pleasure in those parts through association. He sees it as completely valid to not want to deal with the mess of it, to opt out. In fact, Finnick never thought of that as an option. In a way, Levi setting his boundaries in this moment is opening his mind to... Boundaries in general. Perhaps that's something Finnick could have too! What a fucking concept!
He nods. "Works for me. I'll try my best to be squeaky clean for you." Finnick pays attention to hygiene in the sense of always wanting to look and smell his best, but since meeting Levi, he's also taken more care around hand washing and teeth brushing, unconsciously doing it more often.
"I may be a horndog, but I like to think I have a little more finesse than that," he purrs with a small smile. Seduction is a fine art, and it's always been clear to Finnick that Levi requires more careful attention, and a more gentle approach.
He traces the thumb of his prosthetic hand along the curve of Levi's collarbone, eyes flickering between there and his face.
He listens carefully, and it takes a moment to wrap his head around the instructions. Particular, yes, but not unreasonable by any stretch of the imagination. Sex is gross and messy, Finnick knows that as well as anyone, he's just learned to either desensitize himself or find pleasure in those parts through association. He sees it as completely valid to not want to deal with the mess of it, to opt out. In fact, Finnick never thought of that as an option. In a way, Levi setting his boundaries in this moment is opening his mind to... Boundaries in general. Perhaps that's something Finnick could have too! What a fucking concept!
He nods. "Works for me. I'll try my best to be squeaky clean for you." Finnick pays attention to hygiene in the sense of always wanting to look and smell his best, but since meeting Levi, he's also taken more care around hand washing and teeth brushing, unconsciously doing it more often.
"I may be a horndog, but I like to think I have a little more finesse than that," he purrs with a small smile. Seduction is a fine art, and it's always been clear to Finnick that Levi requires more careful attention, and a more gentle approach.
He traces the thumb of his prosthetic hand along the curve of Levi's collarbone, eyes flickering between there and his face.
Oh god. Hot. Stop being hot, sir.
Finnick doesn't know what he's done right to make Levi look at him like that. It's still a wonder to him that Levi likes him at all. But he's eternally glad for it, because nothing thrills him like this man's approval.
Finnick chuckles softly after getting that kiss, then... Blinks.
"Oh. Uh... Yeah, actually, I do..." It's been... At least a day-ish since he left this bed. As soon as Levi says it, it's like his body is reminded of its own needs, and alarm bells ring.
His expression turns sheepish and his eyes dart away from Levi. Kind of embarrassing for the guy you like to have to help you to the bathroom! Especially when you also have an erection! But! He does have to fucking piss!
Finnick doesn't know what he's done right to make Levi look at him like that. It's still a wonder to him that Levi likes him at all. But he's eternally glad for it, because nothing thrills him like this man's approval.
Finnick chuckles softly after getting that kiss, then... Blinks.
"Oh. Uh... Yeah, actually, I do..." It's been... At least a day-ish since he left this bed. As soon as Levi says it, it's like his body is reminded of its own needs, and alarm bells ring.
His expression turns sheepish and his eyes dart away from Levi. Kind of embarrassing for the guy you like to have to help you to the bathroom! Especially when you also have an erection! But! He does have to fucking piss!
Perhaps in time he'll come to care less about some of these particular things - it isn't as though he can't tolerate any amount of cross contamination for a time. Levi has spent days in the dirt and the mud before, in clothes sticky and crusted with blood. It'd been just a fact of life when out on expedition. But he's also well aware of the things he can and can't control, and if he has reason and ability to lay out these boundaries, he will, so that at the very least he can decide when to cross them himself.
Not everyone understands it. Even with as patient as Finnick has been up to this point, there's no real telling when someone will try to push back, so it's only upon his easy acceptance and small promise that Levi feels that anxiety ease. Really, he shouldn't have worried, because he has noticed that Finnick always smells nice, and there's even something pleasant about the way the scent of the sea seems steeped into his skin.
That last little comment draws the faintest curve of the corners of his lips into something nearing a smile, though as ever, it's mostly in his eyes...perhaps a little smoldering now. The touch alights little tingles along nerves there, and Levi inhales a little more deeply to slightly arch into it, leaning forward.
"Yeah," he agrees lowly, tracing a thumb over Finnick's kiss-plush lips. "I like that about you."
And kisses him again briefly, just to prove the point.
Not everyone understands it. Even with as patient as Finnick has been up to this point, there's no real telling when someone will try to push back, so it's only upon his easy acceptance and small promise that Levi feels that anxiety ease. Really, he shouldn't have worried, because he has noticed that Finnick always smells nice, and there's even something pleasant about the way the scent of the sea seems steeped into his skin.
That last little comment draws the faintest curve of the corners of his lips into something nearing a smile, though as ever, it's mostly in his eyes...perhaps a little smoldering now. The touch alights little tingles along nerves there, and Levi inhales a little more deeply to slightly arch into it, leaning forward.
"Yeah," he agrees lowly, tracing a thumb over Finnick's kiss-plush lips. "I like that about you."
And kisses him again briefly, just to prove the point.
Finnick meets his gaze. His eyes are beautiful, especially with that warmth in them. He returns the kiss easily, then kisses Levi's cheek softly, then his jaw.
Levi hasn't exactly told Finnick a lot about where or how he likes to be touched, but he's at least told him what not to do, which is just as useful. The rest, Finnick should be able to figure out through his body language, verbal communication, and trial and error.
His hands begin to intentionally roam Levi's back, thumbs pressing gently into dense muscle, fingers spreading out to caress the curves of his ribcage and shoulders. There's desire in the touch, but there's also a clear love and care. As he does this, his kisses slowly descend to his lover's neck, where skilled lips and tongue lap and nip gently.
No, don't mind getting you off isn't how Finnick operates. He wants for Levi to feel good and enjoy himself, or he doesn't want it.
Levi hasn't exactly told Finnick a lot about where or how he likes to be touched, but he's at least told him what not to do, which is just as useful. The rest, Finnick should be able to figure out through his body language, verbal communication, and trial and error.
His hands begin to intentionally roam Levi's back, thumbs pressing gently into dense muscle, fingers spreading out to caress the curves of his ribcage and shoulders. There's desire in the touch, but there's also a clear love and care. As he does this, his kisses slowly descend to his lover's neck, where skilled lips and tongue lap and nip gently.
No, don't mind getting you off isn't how Finnick operates. He wants for Levi to feel good and enjoy himself, or he doesn't want it.
Perhaps one of his larger struggles is making it believable that he does enjoy those seemingly one-sided activities. Levi's not always good with his words, so often relies on his actions to speak for themselves, but sometimes it isn't enough. It's also habit, after so many years now, to consider himself secondary to almost everything else. He can survive on little, is still, in some ways, not used to wanting things, let alone expressing those wants. In his mind, it should be clear how much he loves and wants Erwin, but every now and then when they do find their way to something sexual, Levi thinks he sees doubt in those blue eyes, and it ties his insides into knots.
He and Finnick are still figuring each other out, still learning, yet part of the issue is that he's still learning about himself as well, and not sure whether or not some of the things he likes are entirely him or because it was Erwin, or some combination of things. Levi's not a very vocal person, but he's starting to realize that if Finnick is following his lead and his signals...it might help to make them more noticeable. As intuitive as he is, they don't have years of shared companionship to draw on. It's new...and while there's excitement there as a result, there's also a little bit of nervousness.
It's that attentive sweetness that melts him. The caress, the push of fingertips makes him release a sigh of pleasure (fuck, he could use a massage) as he leans closer into Finnick, nearly chest to chest as his chin tilts upward to offer up his throat. Those expert lips find that spot Finnick had brushed earlier, somewhere just below the juncture of his jaw, and Levi can't stop the shudder that shivers down his spine, accompanying a sharp inhale of breath.
At some point, his arms wind around the younger man. One palm slides across strong shoulders, feeling the way muscle moves beneath skin. Levi doesn't ordinarily notice physique all that much...until he already has interest, and he won't even bother trying to deny to himself that Finnick's obvious strength does something for him. He reciprocates that press of fingers, tracing vertebrae, scraping nails lightly. The other, predictably, slides into those blonde curls he's come to enjoy so much, twisting them around his fingers, tugging just a little just for the sensation, rather than to distract Finnick from what he's doing.
He hums, low and pleased, eyes finally drifting closed...and shifts his thigh to press a little more against Finnick's flourishing cock, offering some friction.
He and Finnick are still figuring each other out, still learning, yet part of the issue is that he's still learning about himself as well, and not sure whether or not some of the things he likes are entirely him or because it was Erwin, or some combination of things. Levi's not a very vocal person, but he's starting to realize that if Finnick is following his lead and his signals...it might help to make them more noticeable. As intuitive as he is, they don't have years of shared companionship to draw on. It's new...and while there's excitement there as a result, there's also a little bit of nervousness.
It's that attentive sweetness that melts him. The caress, the push of fingertips makes him release a sigh of pleasure (fuck, he could use a massage) as he leans closer into Finnick, nearly chest to chest as his chin tilts upward to offer up his throat. Those expert lips find that spot Finnick had brushed earlier, somewhere just below the juncture of his jaw, and Levi can't stop the shudder that shivers down his spine, accompanying a sharp inhale of breath.
At some point, his arms wind around the younger man. One palm slides across strong shoulders, feeling the way muscle moves beneath skin. Levi doesn't ordinarily notice physique all that much...until he already has interest, and he won't even bother trying to deny to himself that Finnick's obvious strength does something for him. He reciprocates that press of fingers, tracing vertebrae, scraping nails lightly. The other, predictably, slides into those blonde curls he's come to enjoy so much, twisting them around his fingers, tugging just a little just for the sensation, rather than to distract Finnick from what he's doing.
He hums, low and pleased, eyes finally drifting closed...and shifts his thigh to press a little more against Finnick's flourishing cock, offering some friction.
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