Wulf's affection is so genuine, and so similar to the fond memories Caleb so often recalls that he nearly chokes up, overwhelmed by a love he thought he'd never experience again. But it isn't real, he reminds himself. Wulf is doing this only because he remembers something that isn't true. The kindest thing to do is to show him that.
It is intriguing to watch the way that Wulf so confidently navigates them to the bath house, though Caleb at least is aware that he's never been there before. He chooses a private room for them, and Caleb does his best to avert his eyes as Wulf strips down, though it's difficult, especially when Wulf takes the initiative to help him out of his clothes too, with plenty of soft, romantic touches. Caleb shouldn't allow it; he knows he shouldn't. But he is just a man, imperfect, and this is something he's been longing to have again for years. His skin tingles everywhere Eadwulf's lips and hands brush. He'll apologize after. Perhaps Wulf will understand; perhaps he won't.
They sink into the tub together, and Caleb, perhaps a little awkwardly, avoids leaning back against Wulf's chest, curling into himself and pulling his legs close. Eadwulf was devastatingly handsome even when they were younger, and Caleb hasn't seen this much of him since then. He's filled out even more with age, both in his body and in his face, gorgeous and strong. Not for the first time, he feels the loss of the years between them acutely.
"Tell me about yesterday," Caleb asks gently. "As specifically as you can. What did you do? Where did you go, and who did you see?"
Eadwulf is an incredibly intelligent man, and moreover, he knows plenty about memory modifying magics. Caleb is hoping that through a little gentle coaching, Wulf will put together himself what is happening when there are too many dots he can't connect, or things that don't quite make sense.
no subject
It is intriguing to watch the way that Wulf so confidently navigates them to the bath house, though Caleb at least is aware that he's never been there before. He chooses a private room for them, and Caleb does his best to avert his eyes as Wulf strips down, though it's difficult, especially when Wulf takes the initiative to help him out of his clothes too, with plenty of soft, romantic touches. Caleb shouldn't allow it; he knows he shouldn't. But he is just a man, imperfect, and this is something he's been longing to have again for years. His skin tingles everywhere Eadwulf's lips and hands brush. He'll apologize after. Perhaps Wulf will understand; perhaps he won't.
They sink into the tub together, and Caleb, perhaps a little awkwardly, avoids leaning back against Wulf's chest, curling into himself and pulling his legs close. Eadwulf was devastatingly handsome even when they were younger, and Caleb hasn't seen this much of him since then. He's filled out even more with age, both in his body and in his face, gorgeous and strong. Not for the first time, he feels the loss of the years between them acutely.
"Tell me about yesterday," Caleb asks gently. "As specifically as you can. What did you do? Where did you go, and who did you see?"
Eadwulf is an incredibly intelligent man, and moreover, he knows plenty about memory modifying magics. Caleb is hoping that through a little gentle coaching, Wulf will put together himself what is happening when there are too many dots he can't connect, or things that don't quite make sense.