[He's opening a very, very old wound. One that's normally covered by his shirt. Pride, he tells people, is not one of his sins, but it doesn't mean that he's never been guilty of it. It's just not one he struggles with. And it's not his main one. But as Norton carves through that D, he actually cries out in a mixture of pleasure and pain. Moving his hand from Norton's, he slams the heel of his hand into the floor so hard that he knows it'll bruise.]
No. He's - he's done it to me before. It isn't pain. It's cheating. It's a shortcut.
[Norton sets the knife down on the blanket next to John and rests his palms flat on John's chest. Carving into John was extremely cathartic, even if it doesn't erase his own scar. He leans down and gives John a soft, lingering kiss.]
[He quickly wraps up his arm and his hip, where Envy and Pride had been carved, and drags Norton off to his bed, leaving their daemons in the other side of the room.
He ends up a tangle on the bed, entire body alight in pain, panting slightly from it as he pulls Norton against him, pressing kisses against his neck.]
Yes. [Even before John asked, Norton wasn't in any hurry to leave. His eyes are half-lidded and blissful, his neck stretched out to receive John's kisses, and his whole body feels relaxed and faintly euphoric, even as he's still breathing quickly from the exertion. He'd needed that. He thinks John did, too.]
[One hand finds the scars underneath Norton's collarbone, fingers trailing along the lettering there. He had been so tense before, so wound up, but this is exactly what he needed. Things back in order, though it feels like something has changed. John doesn't feel as in control as he was before. Things with Norton feel more even than they did before, which is not what John was expecting.]
I like you in here with me. I don't think you have ever stayed over.
I don't usually. Stay the night with people, that is. [Which means that something is different now, since Norton is agreeing to do so without any hesitation or calculation involved.]
[John tangles one leg through Norton's and sinks playful teeth briefly into his shoulder. He doesn’t think about the fact that he's finally found people who can keep up with him. People who push him. Challenge him. Because if he does that, he loses.]
I should hope so. I'm sure we'll be ravenous, and the alternative is going to the dining hall. [Staying here and having breakfast, and maybe another round in the morning, sounds much better than slinking into the dining hall in yesterday's suit.
He runs his foot over John's calf and slides his palm lazily over his chest.]
[Because the fight had been part of why he realized he wanted Norton to stay the night. The fight had been the reason for it.]
I'd rather not really fight. But if that's what needs to happen...
[He knows it's a dangerous gamble that he's playing. He's not been truly honest with either Norton or Carol about the other, but he still feels he has it well under control.]
[He moans blissfully into Norton's shoulder at that, biting lightly at his skin.] I really shouldn't be surprised at your skill with a blade. There aren't many people I trust to cut into me without destroying what's already there.
[The bite sends a tingle down his spine and Norton smiles dreamily.]
I won't hold your vanity against you. I think you've earned it. [Not because of the scars, but because of the charisma with which he carries the scars.]
[Norton cuddles close and shuts his eyes. He idly muses that there's a chance that John could murder him in his sleep in retaliation for Norton's retaliation, but he thinks that if John wanted to do that he'd at least wake Norton up first so he can appreciate it, and then Norton could deal with whatever happens then. So he lets himself relax and drift off without concern.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
No. He's - he's done it to me before. It isn't pain. It's cheating. It's a shortcut.
no subject
So it's a Confession without worth because it isn't earned?
no subject
[He brings his hand up to his face and covers his eyes with his hand, breathing through the last few marks.
And finds himself wanting more.]
A Confession cannot be trusted if it's given without pain and suffering. What is the sacrifice otherwise? What are you giving up?
no subject
I forgive you now. Absolvo te.
no subject
Now will you let me take you to bed?
no subject
no subject
He ends up a tangle on the bed, entire body alight in pain, panting slightly from it as he pulls Norton against him, pressing kisses against his neck.]
Will you stay?
no subject
As long as you like.
no subject
I like you in here with me. I don't think you have ever stayed over.
no subject
no subject
Should I make breakfast in the morning?
no subject
He runs his foot over John's calf and slides his palm lazily over his chest.]
no subject
Also, it would be nice to have another round in the morning.
Maybe there is a benefit to keeping Norton around all night.]
That is no option. This is infinitely better, you know. We really should do this more often.
no subject
no subject
[Because the fight had been part of why he realized he wanted Norton to stay the night. The fight had been the reason for it.]
I'd rather not really fight. But if that's what needs to happen...
[He knows it's a dangerous gamble that he's playing. He's not been truly honest with either Norton or Carol about the other, but he still feels he has it well under control.]
no subject
[He slides his hand down to John's hip where the wound is wrapped and squeezes lightly.]
no subject
Maybe I am a little vain.
no subject
I won't hold your vanity against you. I think you've earned it. [Not because of the scars, but because of the charisma with which he carries the scars.]
no subject
[He closes his eyes and pulls the blanket over them both, not minding the blood on the sheets.]
Goodnight, Norton.
no subject
[Norton cuddles close and shuts his eyes. He idly muses that there's a chance that John could murder him in his sleep in retaliation for Norton's retaliation, but he thinks that if John wanted to do that he'd at least wake Norton up first so he can appreciate it, and then Norton could deal with whatever happens then. So he lets himself relax and drift off without concern.]