Inclination

Oasis, Optimistic Objects, Obedience

Desert dandelions and golden suncups add splashes of muted color against the titanium colored smooth rocks; birds clean themselves and preen their feathers on the bank of the pond. When two palms dip into the water and shaky hands draw nearer to where it's needed most, Harry's eyes peel open and the uncomfortable heat transfers from his dream to his half naked frame.

The first thing he registers is tightness across his chest, undeniable thirst and a pounding headache from two nights in a row of drowning in toxic tequila, very little food and even less water. The second thing he registers is someone clinging to his body like a baby koala bear and the smell of your shampoo and when he looks down he gasps slowly, a long and drawn out inhale of air that nearly draws tears from his eyes.

A hand grips your hair and the back of your neck, pressing your cheek into his warm chest as a hasty groan vibrates his throat and leaves his lips. You moan and squeeze him tighter, cozying yourself against his body and forging your limbs together like puzzle pieces.

His leg hooks itself over yours to draw your hips closer and soft kisses are planted all along your hairline and your forehead. "Ace," his voice is a cotton ball dragging over pavement, "I didn't think it was real at first." He exhales deeply in consolation, "mmm. Mmm. I'm so happy you're here. Needed you last night. I still do."

His truth is dripping from him like maple syrup after a sugar snow, his filter lowered from having fallen asleep to a real-life devastating nightmare and woken up to a tangible dream.

He whines and tries to pulls you closer to his body which seems impossible; he draws his head back to take you in, his hands petting your hair away from your face, "when did you come?"

You notice that his eyes are still inflamed from upset and hard sleep, you lift your wrist to glance at your watch before clearing your throat, "bout an hour ago. Got right into bed with you. I'm sorr-" He shakes his head violently before wincing and pressing his fingers into his temples.

"Don't be sorry. Don't. Everything that's happened is my fucking doing and I have to face... it." His eyes drop before rising to yours again meekly, "bet I look super hot right now." Your frown lifts slowly into a smile and his face carves a path for a bit of happiness as well, "can we try to have a semi-normal Sunday? I need my Ace today."

His bare torso feels hot and consoling, like a cup of perfectly tempered herbal tea and a change of dry clothes after getting caught in a thunderstorm. Your fingertips have a life of their own as they drag up the expanse of his stomach and his chest and back down again, goosebumps emerging and revealing his body's appreciation of your careful movements. You avoid mentioning it for fear of embarrassing him, "are you ready to talk about it? I can listen now."

He shivers and rubs his palms over his nipples, "you're making it a tit bit nipply in here," you giggle but allow him to carry on, "I can't... not yet." His mind rewinds back to how it felt to be on his knees with a cock in his mouth, harsh words muttered into the bitter air of the kitchen and he shudders when he thinks of how he's never enjoyed a sexual encounter less.

When his sight finally lands on yours, for a split second his eyes resemble the earth you fell to in your dream; swirling pine and seaweed, sapphire and midnight, lupine and crocus. His mouth is the carmine parachute that ceased your chaotic plunge and you're rushing forward to press it against yours, your noses bumping before you stop yourself and squeeze your eyes shut.

He is reeling and upset, not fully himself, still processing Friday and Saturday's events and your timing is bullshit. You roll onto your back and stare at the ceiling, hoping that he will brush that off as if he didn't notice. You have begun to consider the reason for Harry being so upset as possibly being related to you, if not wholly, but you keep squashing the idea in the back of your mind for self-protection. If you built your hopes up around someone who has to remind you on more than one occasion that he is gay, you would be humiliated. And your friendship would be over.