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It all started with a simple statement. An observation, really. Nothing more.
"Damn. You look really tense." Polnareff had taken notice to Hol Horse's posture. They'd both been sitting on their shared bed, talking about whatever came to mind, but now that he'd taken a moment to examine how he was sitting, he just couldn't leave it alone. Once Polnareff noticed any sort of tension or stiffness within his boyfriend, he couldn't let it go.
He was a little annoying that way, in the sense that he absolutely had to know what was wrong, otherwise it'd bother him for the entire day. Nosy, sure, but Polnareff just wanted to make sure he was okay. Unsurprisingly, he was able to read Hol like a book, and Hol was definitely aware of this.
"It's nothing. Don't worry 'bout it." He tried to adjust his position, straightening his back and briefly stretching his arms. But, in his efforts, he quickly realized it wasn't the kind of tension that came from aching joints or a lack of sleep. He felt oddly.. nervous..?
"No, no, it's not nothing. I know that look. You can tell me what's bothering you, y'know.." Polnareff shifted closer to him, and put a gentle hand on his back.
"Y- Yeah." It was almost like his hand activated something within him. It was something he'd always subconsciously known, but had never been truly aware enough to speak about. Hol had suddenly realized why he felt so tense. He wasn't used to genuine affection like this. His romantic life, how little and insignificant it was before this, had often been full of lies and deceit. But what he had with Polnareff was different. Sure, they'd tried to kill each other, but that's how every good relationship starts, right?
They hadn't been dating for very long, and that fact only added to his tension. He didn't want to mess this up. Hol spoke again. "I know that. Obviously."
Polnareff's hand slowly went higher, and now he was slowly running his fingers through Hol's hair. "Alright, then.."
He stopped for a moment. His train of thought had collided. That was enough to send him over the edge. It wasn't his words, but rather, his affection. Tears welled in his eyes. Polnareff's touch was so sweet. It was gentle and genuine, as if he was something to be cherished. Someone that could be appreciated. Someone that could be loved.
Polnareff, on the other hand, quickly realized something was seemingly wrong, and immediately pulled his hand away from him. Hol Horse wasn't the type to cry easily. He felt awful, as if he'd done something deplorable. Which, in his mind he had, but he was clueless as to what had caused such a reaction. "Mon chéri, what's wrong?"
Hol wiped his own tears with his thumb and turned to face Polnareff. "Don't take your hand away. Please."
Polnareff looked dumbfounded. Damn. This guy has issues. But that's HIS guy with issues. He nodded, hesitating for a moment before resuming running his fingers through Hol's hair. "I'm sorry.. I didn't know you'd get so worked up if I did that.."
Hol sighed softly. He couldn't just leave Polnareff guessing like that. It didn't feel right. "No, I should be saying sorry right now."
Polnareff shook his head and shrugged, as if to say 'don't worry about it'.
"Not to sound corny, but.." He turned his head, attempting to avoid eye contact. He felt like this was just stupid. But, if he didn't talk now he wasn't sure when he'd get the confidence to do so again. "No one has ever touched me like that before. Loved me genuinely like that before."
Polnareff stopped for a minute. He felt a little stupid for not realizing that sooner. He'd recalled when Hol had told him about previous 'relationships', none of which were ever real, especially before becoming a mercenary. He'd never had a lot of luck in that respect. Hol Horse wasn't a rich man, and he certainly hadn't come from a rich family, either.
After briefly giving it thought, he spoke up once more. "Well, you know.." Polnareff couldn't resist smirking. Lovingly, of course. "I can change that for you." He put a finger under Hol's chin, then gently cupped his cheek. "I am not an easy man to please. You should know this by now, cowboy.. A noble frenchman such as myself does not randomly choose his partners! Clearly, you are very deserving of my affection.."
He continued on and on about honor and his pickiness for another 5 minutes. When he finished, he was practically smiling from ear to ear.
Hol blinked, half listening to his honestly sweet rambling and half attempting to pull himself back together. He was a blushing mess in his hands. He spoke softly as he leaned into his touch. Despite his puffy eyes and previous tension, it all seemed to melt away in the blink of an eye.
He gave Polnareff a soft smile, one full of adoration and gratitude. He felt better. Content, for the time being. Before leaning in to kiss him, he whispered softly into his lover's ear. "You're too nice to me.. What the hell would I do without you?"