#( my brain is half awake right now so i apologise for how appalling this reply is. christ. )

[rhysdasiorarchive]

Rhys had been so caught up in the magnetising daze of Roland’s unfettered attention that he hadn’t even thought to pay any significant attention to the touches that followed. The usual tactile display wasn’t anything out of the ordinary so when the sting of the slap forced him sharply out of the haze of his blind devotion, it took his mind a moment to catch up with the current state of affairs. He stared wide-eyed at Roland for a moment, seemingly taken aback by the gesture before a smile of pure adoration soon settled into place. The coldness of his stare only furthered Rhys’ fondness and he didn’t waste a second in stripping Roland of the last of his clothing and this time, there was no delay even if it was tempting to see how far he could push the boundaries in place. There was plenty of time to explore that later – for now, easing them both into this new dynamic was likely the best course of action to take for both their sakes. Once the order had been obeyed in its entirety, Rhys lifted his gaze to offer a playful wink designed to reassure the councilman without having to utter a word. He could sense the hint of questioning trepidation behind the adopted role and sought to soothe it as quickly as he could. The trust they had in one another was already deep enough to reassure Rhys that none of this would be too much but then again, he didn’t have the more challenging role. He didn’t bother trying to hide the way he trailed his gaze over every inch of Roland’s body now that it was properly on display, nor did he attempt to stifle the hum of approval that left him involuntarily before he forced his gaze back to Roland’s. “That better now?” He took a tentative step closer to rest his hands on Roland’s waist simply as an excuse to touch him again. “Or have you got a new list of complaints now?”

Roland schooled his expression to maintain that haughty imperious attitude he'd adopted though he really wanted to smirk when Rhys laughed. He was trying to be dedicated to his role, after all, but it was difficult not to fall into their usual habits. Rhys clearly appreciated the removal of the cape and Roland always did like being admired. It was hard not to preen under the look but there were other things to get to. Had this been their usual kind of encounter he would've teased and bantered but they were trying something new for now. There were be plenty of opportunities to go back to how it usually was. He'd clearly caught Rhys off guard with the sudden grab and kiss but that had been by design. The dazed look in his eyes for the moment when he pulled back was gratifying and his lips twitched in a smile that he allowed to remain. They locked eyes again before Rhys moved to follow the order, though he wasn't particularly quick about it. He was obeying, though, so Roland didn't comment on it for now, enjoying the touches and the careful way he treated the shirt. When prompted, he moved his arms so it could slide off, raising an eyebrow as it was discarded with somewhat less respect than before. At least he'd folded it.

He was about to comment that Rhys should hurry up when the witch pressed a hand to his heart and the words died on his lips. That small smile widened and he covered Rhys' hand with his own for a moment. Yes, he understood. The gesture was tender, out of place in what they were currently doing, but Roland was always a sucker for it. He let Rhys' hand go so he could continue undressing him though again he was certainly taking his sweet time about it. "Why should I do it when you're here?" He challenged at the questioning, eyebrows raised slightly. The teasing touch certainly affected him but then Rhys decided that was enough. Was he undressed? No. That was definitely disobedience. "Mm, I don't feel like doing the finishing touches myself and..." His fingers trailed up Rhys' arm, light and teasing as he usually was until he got up near his face and slapped him sharply with his open hand. It would definitely turn Rhys' head and sting but it wasn't hard enough to do any real damage. "...I told you to do it. So finish the job." The words were harsh, his gaze steely but that was all part of the act. He was observing carefully to make sure this was all still okay. Rhys had okayed it in theory but it was best to see if he really meant it in practice.