[Ryan presses closer at that second kiss, with a contented sound murmured in response as he reaches up to thread his fingers into Noh-Varr's hair. He almost doesn't want to answer that aloud, wants to just keep kissing Noh and shut himself up, but those words echo through his mind and when he breaks away, he ends up just blurting it out.]
--I think I love you.
[His eyes widen slightly, as if he's surprised himself, and Ryan quickly adds:] I don't-- I don't need anything to change, though, I promise. I still like what we have.
[ Noh-Varr sighs with relish as Ryan's fingers slide into his hair, and he leans forcefully into the kiss. When Ryan pulls away, his mouth chases for a bit, until he realizes Ryan is speaking.
What saves him is the immediate reassurance: I don't need anything to change. Still, he stiffens beneath the other man's hands, reflexively, out of worry. He's faced with a choice: trust Ryan at his word (Ryan who knows the terms and conditions, Ryan who has already negotiated, Ryan who has listened) or break this before it becomes a second Garrus. Ryan isn't Pilot, tossing love left and right. The significance of this isn't lost on Noh-Varr. And certainly, he cares for the other man, significantly.
For a long moment, he considers Ryan. And then: ]
I accept.
[ It's possibly the weakest reply Ryan could hope for in the face of what's been offered, but it's honest. Noh-Varr doesn't reject the gift, and that in itself is a step forward from who he was just months ago. ]
[It's still more than he expected. The way Noh-Varr had tensed at the words was worrying, but his acceptance soothes the fear there, smooths the slight furrow from his brow as a small smile settles into place. Ryan doesn't expect the sentiment to be returned; this is enough, knowing that it's okay.]
--good.
[His grin stretches into something warmer, full of affection- maybe a little giddy with the rush from that jolt of fear being replaced with relief.]
I was a little afraid you wouldn't, honestly. But I'm not going to ask for anything more unless you offer it first.
[Ryan can be happy with this, with having Noh's company (and others' if he wants it); anything else is up to him.]
[ Noh-Varr's expression softens, and he relaxes, somewhat assuaged. ]
I'll hold you to that.
[ His tone is mildly wary, but also carries enough humor to soften the blow. ]
You know there's still Garrus. And... [ His eyes slide away, expression fond. ] Pilot, more recently. I won't hold you to any expectation, either. You're free to see other people, and you don't need to tell me about it if you don't want to.
[...by which he means that he's fine enough with this to continue making ridiculously cheesy comments about it, complete with a dorky grin as he nuzzles close against him. This is what you've signed up for, Noh-Varr, examine your life and choices.]
...and I know. You and Garrus are the only ones I've been with so far, though. I'm- not really sure whether that's going to change.
[ Noh-Varr laughs; after all, this is the guy who gave his ex-girlfriend 'A+ for smooching'. He can stand a little schmoopiness. He tilts his head to give Ryan better access to his neck and jaw, his shoulders trembling with his laughter. ]
It doesn't have to change. [ He's parroting, but it's heartfelt. ] I'm just letting you know.
[He interrupts himself with small, lazy kisses pressed against Noh's skin, hardly able to stop being affectionate now that he's gotten started.]
More that I don't know if it'll work out with anyone else, but we'll see, I guess? And I don't mind you talking about anyone else, for the record.
[They've got one partner in common already, and Ryan happens to like Pilot well enough. The thought doesn't bother him as much as it might have before he was recruited.]
[ He shrugs, as if saying he isn't the type, relaxing into Ryan's affections. He could get used to this. ]
You know about the ones I have. [ Ryan knows about Warriorhead; was the first, in fact. Garrus, Pilot. He finds himself increasingly satisfied with that number. A pretty girl wouldn't go amiss... ] Who've you got your eye on?
[ He didn't miss that telltale little 'we'll see', Ryan. His smile is playful, even as he noses the border of the other man's hairline. ]
[The affection gets a quiet laugh out of him, face flushing slightly-- he should've known that'd be picked up on. Ryan doesn't mind answering, though, pausing for a moment before lowering his voice, conspiratorily.]
--Anders. I've- we've talked a little more since we were dropped here.
[And after a slightly weightier pause:]
He's the only other one I've told about some of my problems back home.
[ Anders; a Blue unit member, Medical personnel and Destra lead. He doesn't know much else about the man aside that he's a mage, somewhat passionate, and a resistance fighter in his own world. (Ryan, he thinks, may have a type.) Noh-Varr's smile stills at the mention of Ryan's problems; it's a heavy admission, and it makes him realize the depth of Ryan's trust for Anders. ]
You're close, then.
[ He's smiling again, more cheerful this time, lightly teasing. ]
I hope it goes well for you.
[ Of course, there's no predicting, and Noh-Varr doesn't know Anders even remotely well enough to say. Ryan is kind, funny and a bit of a pushover; someone like Anders may find these qualities attractive. ]
--I don't know about close, exactly, but- he understands things better than most.
[He hopes to be close, anyway, however things happen to go; even if they don't work out how he'd like, Ryan does honestly want to help him and enjoys his company.
The comment about gossiping surprises a little bark of a laugh from him, shakes the thoughtful furrow from his brow.]
If you had more of it I'd say I ought to be braiding your hair while we talk, geez... I definitely want you to stay, though. [Ryan ruffles his hair fondly as he adds:] Gossip about what, exactly? Give me a starting point.
This Anders, for one. Tell me about him. How did you meet?
[ Admittedly, his interest is motivated partly by Ryan's and also partly by his own selfish desire to snoop on another recruit. He won't use his knowledge for nefarious purposes, at least.
Ryan's hair is long enough to braid, right? He's gonna look like a cheap 90's rapper after this... ]
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--I think I love you.
[His eyes widen slightly, as if he's surprised himself, and Ryan quickly adds:] I don't-- I don't need anything to change, though, I promise. I still like what we have.
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What saves him is the immediate reassurance: I don't need anything to change. Still, he stiffens beneath the other man's hands, reflexively, out of worry. He's faced with a choice: trust Ryan at his word (Ryan who knows the terms and conditions, Ryan who has already negotiated, Ryan who has listened) or break this before it becomes a second Garrus. Ryan isn't Pilot, tossing love left and right. The significance of this isn't lost on Noh-Varr. And certainly, he cares for the other man, significantly.
For a long moment, he considers Ryan. And then: ]
I accept.
[ It's possibly the weakest reply Ryan could hope for in the face of what's been offered, but it's honest. Noh-Varr doesn't reject the gift, and that in itself is a step forward from who he was just months ago. ]
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--good.
[His grin stretches into something warmer, full of affection- maybe a little giddy with the rush from that jolt of fear being replaced with relief.]
I was a little afraid you wouldn't, honestly. But I'm not going to ask for anything more unless you offer it first.
[Ryan can be happy with this, with having Noh's company (and others' if he wants it); anything else is up to him.]
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I'll hold you to that.
[ His tone is mildly wary, but also carries enough humor to soften the blow. ]
You know there's still Garrus. And... [ His eyes slide away, expression fond. ] Pilot, more recently. I won't hold you to any expectation, either. You're free to see other people, and you don't need to tell me about it if you don't want to.
no subject
[...by which he means that he's fine enough with this to continue making ridiculously cheesy comments about it, complete with a dorky grin as he nuzzles close against him. This is what you've signed up for, Noh-Varr, examine your life and choices.]
...and I know. You and Garrus are the only ones I've been with so far, though. I'm- not really sure whether that's going to change.
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It doesn't have to change. [ He's parroting, but it's heartfelt. ] I'm just letting you know.
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[He interrupts himself with small, lazy kisses pressed against Noh's skin, hardly able to stop being affectionate now that he's gotten started.]
More that I don't know if it'll work out with anyone else, but we'll see, I guess? And I don't mind you talking about anyone else, for the record.
[They've got one partner in common already, and Ryan happens to like Pilot well enough. The thought doesn't bother him as much as it might have before he was recruited.]
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You know about the ones I have. [ Ryan knows about Warriorhead; was the first, in fact. Garrus, Pilot. He finds himself increasingly satisfied with that number. A pretty girl wouldn't go amiss... ] Who've you got your eye on?
[ He didn't miss that telltale little 'we'll see', Ryan. His smile is playful, even as he noses the border of the other man's hairline. ]
no subject
--Anders. I've- we've talked a little more since we were dropped here.
[And after a slightly weightier pause:]
He's the only other one I've told about some of my problems back home.
no subject
You're close, then.
[ He's smiling again, more cheerful this time, lightly teasing. ]
I hope it goes well for you.
[ Of course, there's no predicting, and Noh-Varr doesn't know Anders even remotely well enough to say. Ryan is kind, funny and a bit of a pushover; someone like Anders may find these qualities attractive. ]
I can stay and we can gossip, if you like.
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[He hopes to be close, anyway, however things happen to go; even if they don't work out how he'd like, Ryan does honestly want to help him and enjoys his company.
The comment about gossiping surprises a little bark of a laugh from him, shakes the thoughtful furrow from his brow.]
If you had more of it I'd say I ought to be braiding your hair while we talk, geez... I definitely want you to stay, though. [Ryan ruffles his hair fondly as he adds:] Gossip about what, exactly? Give me a starting point.
no subject
[ Admittedly, his interest is motivated partly by Ryan's and also partly by his own selfish desire to snoop on another recruit. He won't use his knowledge for nefarious purposes, at least.
Ryan's hair is long enough to braid, right? He's gonna look like a cheap 90's rapper after this... ]