[The look Petrana gets for her comment about decoration skews arch, but the oil is to hand and refusing to give her what she wants is solidly in cutting off his nose to spite his face territory. He dips his fingers into the oil, absently rubbing the first two against his thumb.
(He has, still, had at least one romance that lasted longer than his his connection to Petrana thus far. Even so, long entanglements have been the exception rather than the rule, and while he's been contented and happy, there's something about the nervous thrill of a new lover that he's always enjoyed. It's been awhile.)
The way he touches Marcus, when he does, is deliberate but not hesitant. The more Marcus has evidenced (not unattractive) impatience, the more Julius is inclined to push back mainly in the form of taking his time. His oil-slicked fingers are exploratory, and it would be a fair criticism to observe he gives no less evidence of being interested in Marcus's reactions than Petrana does.]
no subject
(He has, still, had at least one romance that lasted longer than his his connection to Petrana thus far. Even so, long entanglements have been the exception rather than the rule, and while he's been contented and happy, there's something about the nervous thrill of a new lover that he's always enjoyed. It's been awhile.)
The way he touches Marcus, when he does, is deliberate but not hesitant. The more Marcus has evidenced (not unattractive) impatience, the more Julius is inclined to push back mainly in the form of taking his time. His oil-slicked fingers are exploratory, and it would be a fair criticism to observe he gives no less evidence of being interested in Marcus's reactions than Petrana does.]