The premiere of the first episode was fine. That's truly the only way they could describe it, fine. You could feel the tense energy hanging over everyone's heads, the strain it had on everyone's reactions was curious. Gwen had held Nik's hand in her lap the entire time, her shoulders frigid and her palms a little clammy.
Was she nervous that they were holding hands in public? Was she nervous that someone would notice? Or was this just how Gwen was when watching their own show? Nikolaj couldn't even properly focus on what was happening on the screen, he was too deep in his own thoughts, wondering if he was making her this rigid or if she was just... this way.
The way tensions had lessened at the after-party was nearly comical. Shoulders relaxed, smiles slowly became more genuine, drinks came flowing in, and cliques were separated. It was strange how it happened, but somehow it always did. In the beginning, the cast would break off into their respective 'families', the Starks, the Lannisters, though they were short one. Emilia, Nathalie, Kit, and Rose were nearly inseparable. Gwen and Nik stuck together and joined with Conleth and Peter, spirits high and conversation light.
As soon as their hotel room door clicked, Gwen was pressed against it. Nik had his mouth against her creamy skin that he'd been yearning to kiss and touch all damn night. He got straight to work on sucking a small bruise into the hollow of her throat.
"N-Nikolaj!" Gwen gasped out.
He hummed against her skin and shut his eyes, moving to a new, untouched spot.
"Nik!" She shoved him by his shoulders.
His eyes widen, the fear immediately setting in. Oh my god it was me that was making her uncomfortable. She's been waiting to get me off her case all night.
She covered her face with her hands and sighed deeply. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to push you away like that-"
"I can go."
She looked at him through her fingers, then pulled her hands away. "What?"
"You've seemed uneasy all night, so I can go get another room if you don't want me to...stay." Nik stared down at her face, watching her expression shift into one of confusion.
"What the fuck are you talking about, Nikolaj? I was holding your hand most of the night. I kept you within arms reach. I willingly came back to our hotel room." She grabbed her shoes off her feet and tossed them by her suitcase.
"So you're not... upset?"
"No, of course not! But you know how these events make me feel. It's a lot of people and a lot of conversation and it's horribly draining sometimes. I just thought we might shower and wind down rather than... ravishing each other like wild animals." She grinned. "Now come help me out of this dress."
Relieved, Nik let out a quiet breath. Maybe just ask her next time before you assume things, idiot. He gestured her over and couldn't help but smile as she kissed his cheek. God, she was so gentle when she wanted to be.
"I know I already told you," Nik kissed her neck as he moved behind her. "But you looked...unreal tonight - absolutely incredible." He kissed again between her shoulder blades.
Conscientiously, he unzipped and assisted in removing the extravagant gown. Though he took his sweet time, admiring the vast amount of light freckles that were scattered across her porcelain skin. In the winter months he hated seeing them fade, though she preferred they stay that way. He wanted to count them, to kiss each individual one - she'd probably let him too - especially the ones that bloomed from her cheeks. Those happened to be his favorites.
