Shades of Dusk

Inked Curiosity

The two of them have been dating for months, now. It's routine for them to stay the night in either Beam's apartment or Forth's apartment to give them more time together. Today, they were getting ready slowly in Beam's, distracting each other with casual touches and kisses that were deeper than either of them had the time to enjoy and explore.

"Dammit, Ai'Forth," Beam growls, swatting at the laughing man after one particularly breath-stealing kiss. His hand manages to swipe against the dark ink on Forth's shoulder, and it brings him to stand-still, even as he lets his hand linger against the warm skin of his partner's arm.

By far, this was not the first time that Beam has seen the ink on Forth's skin. He's been curious about it, but he's never asked. He's never felt comfortable enough to. And it isn't so much that he's more comfortable, now, than his curiosity is getting the best of him.

"What's this tattoo for?" he asks, fingers tracing over the harsh, dark lines that have become faded with time.

Forth blinks at him, turning to watch his pale fingers moving over the outline of the tattoo. Beam is almost sorry to have asked as he watches a cloud move over Forth's gaze, shadowing the man's face, the sadness clinging and almost palpable. It is an old sort of sadness, worn and comfortable, but it breaks Beam's heart all the same. Forth reaches over and wraps his larger, calloused hand around Beam's fingers, pulling him away from tracing the lines. His breath catches at the feeling of Forth's lips against his fingertips, an almost bittersweetness in the gesture.

"I--" Beam starts, intending to apologize; he hadn't meant to step into the minefield, let alone actually land on something. But he's stopped from saying anything further by Forth stealing his breath from him again with a warm, gentle kiss, the sadness starting to ease away as suddenly as it had come.

"I promise I'll explain when we have the time," Forth vows, giving the fingers still in his grasp a gentle squeeze. Then he smirks, eyes warming. "We'd better get going or you're going to be late to class."

And for the moment, with several muttered curses from Beam, the conversation was forgotten.

\;*;/ 

So? Whatcha think? Let me know in comments; also, if I missed anything in the editing process, let me know!! <3 Be on the look out for the next part on Wednesday!