The next morning was especially hard to face. Like every other morning, Leo hated that Klaus and his incredible, warm body was ripped away from him when the alarm went off. He didn't complain today, because there was no point when this part of their life would never change. Leo certainly wasn't volunteering to jump out of bed to turn the alarm off, so he had to make due with Klaus accepting that burden.

Breakfast was eaten in their pajamas, though Klaus looked much more sophisticated with the addition of his wine-red robe and slippers. Leo had lazily pulled on one of Klaus' white undershirts with his own boxers. It was something he'd done many times before, but he always seemed to forget the logistical challenges. The sleeves hung down past his elbows, the collar pooled somewhere in the center of his chest, and the hem nearly reached his calves. It was comfortable nonetheless, and by the time they were done eating, Leo felt awake enough to pick out real clothes.

He rifled through his meager selection of garments in the mostly-empty dresser, and stopped to think when he reached a certain shirt. It was one that he rarely wore, since it wasn't as loose-fitting as his usual choice of top. With a smile of wicked intent, Leo slipped it on, along with his baggier pants and sneakers. On his way toward the door he snatched a jacket, just in case. The weather had been fluctuating recently because of the oncoming autumn and he didn't want to risk being too cold.

Leo and Klaus met up in the foyer of the mansion, while Gilbert held the door open for them. Klaus' eyes widened a fraction when he saw Leo, and the younger man made an effort not to grin with delight.

"Leonardo, are you sure that you wish to wear that shirt to the office?"

"Absolutely sure." Leo responded firmly, with a confidence that carried him past his much taller lover and out the door. "Trust me."

When they arrived, the office was empty. They were always the first ones there in the morning thanks to Klaus' sense of responsibility. He had told Leo repeatedly that he didn't have to come with him that early. But on the mornings Leo didn't have to get up for regular work, he wanted to stay with Klaus even if it meant sacrificing an hour or two sleeping in. He usually dozed on the sofa anyway.

Which was exactly what he was doing nearly two hours later when Zapp came strolling in.

A few other Libra members were hanging about, but had left Leo alone as they usually did. They all knew how hard the young man worked every day, for Libra or his other jobs, and always tried to ensure he had his rest. Except for Zapp. When he came in, he saw Leo lying there and instantly grinned, making a beeline for him. Leo heard his slimy, grunting chuckle before he even turned his head to look at him.

"Leo! What's up ma' man?!" Zapp called loudly, dropping down on the couch cushion beside him.

"The ceiling." Leo sighed wearily. He was on his stomach and didn't feel the need to sit up. Zapp clapped him hard on the shoulder a few times.

"Ahaha! Lamest answer ever! You might as well ignore me instead of saying something that unfunny!"

"If it's not funny," Leo asked, not budging an inch, "then why are you laughing?"

"Just looking at your pathetic mug makes me go into hysterics sometimes, you should know that by now, you bonehead."

Zapp's tone went from lighthearted to disinterested before he finished the sentence. Then he stopped speaking altogether, and the next thing Leo knew, his shirt was being pulled at.

"What the hell?!" Zapp howled, and Leo looked up in time to see the silver-haired man drawing back in surprise, eyes fixed on Leo's neck.

The shirt Leo had chosen for today had a low scoop neckline that showed off his collarbones in the front, and a good stretch of skin in the back beneath his neck. And after last night, the flesh shown off by that shirt was scattered with dark red and blue bruises from Klaus' mouth. Leo had been proud to see the obvious darker points to each, showing where those fangs had dug in deep. There was no broken skin, but it looked a fairly hot mess.

And Zapp didn't know how to react at first, staring with his jaw open and eyes blinking stupidly.

"What is it?" Leo asked, annoyance in his even tone. Zapp lifted his hand and pointed a single finger weakly at him. That still wasn't a question, so Leo didn't say anything, just watched as Zapp turned the half-questioning, half-accusatory finger toward Klaus next. The big man was sitting at his desk, tapping away at his computer. But Leo knew the sound of those keys well enough to know he was only pretending to do something important. He was listening intently to the entire scene as it unfolded.

Zapp could never be shocked for long. After standing there and dumbly pointing back and forth between them while everyone watched, waiting to see where this went, he broke out into a sleazy grin.

"Oh-hoooo! Chief, I never knew you'd treat our precious little Leo so roughly!"

Leo flinched as Zapp poked a finger against his skull and pressed teasingly as he went on, more quietly for Leo's ears,

"Looks like your balls came back, wearing something like that to work! Damn, son, those are some deep-ass bites! Didn't that hurt? Or did Klaus use those big, strong hands to hold you down? Keep you helpless while he did what he wanted?"

Having prepared for this, Leo turned to look over his shoulder, catching Zapp's gaze and giving the cheekiest grin he could possibly manage. He'd figured the only way to deal with Zapp's brand of perversion was to give him a completely different reaction than the one he'd been trying to elicit. So he mimicked Zapp's own lecherous expression to his fullest ability, cocking an eyebrow and declaring proudly,

"Hell yes, he did."

For the second time within ten minutes, Zapp looked completely derailed by Leo's words, and his mouth dropped open again. They stared at each other in silence for a few moments, Leo holding his ground and keeping that grin on his face, while everyone else watched with baited breath. His tactic paid off far more liberally than he'd hoped.

"Aaaaaaaaah, stop looking at me like that, Leo, it's creepin' me out!" Zapp suddenly shrieked, seizing Leo's collar and yanking it up to his ears. "You're not supposed to go getting smug on me, you bastard! I don't need to know what perverted things you get up to with The Chief! Have some decency and keep that shit to yourself, man!"

"I can't breathe, Zapp! Let go of me you stupid-!"

A brief scuffle ensued, ending with Chain saving Leo's neck, as usual. She dragged Zapp away, into a fight with her instead.

As Leo regained his breathing and sat up straight on the sofa, he looked over to Klaus. The big man had stopped typing, and was grinning at him. Using the computer as a shield from the other's, Klaus gave him a proud thumbs up.

Leo couldn't help but smile, and go to put on his jacket.

))((

The day was just as hectic and busy as usual. Same pattern of criminals, catastrophe, and swooping in to save everyone.

By the evening Leo was glad they'd made it through, because tomorrow was Klaus' day off. The man had to nearly be forced to stay away from the office, but it was essential that all Libra members take at least one day off. They needed to stay on their toes for the sake of humanity. To do that, they had to take time for themselves and recharge.

The heavens had smiled on Leo, as this week, Klaus' day off lined up with his own, and they would have all the time together. No Zapp, no explosions, no horrific monsters, no Libra, just the two of them and the big, cozy old mansion.

Dinner was that much more delicious knowing nothing would interrupt the time following it, and Leo couldn't help squirming in his seat and eating faster than usual. He just wanted to get in some alone time with Klaus, and as enjoyable as the food was, it was keeping him from that goal.

"Leonardo, are you uncomfortable?" Klaus asked after a while.

"Huh? No, why?"

"You're fidgeting a great deal."

"No, no, I'm just fine!"

Klaus narrowed his already calculating eyes.

"Are you sure? There's nothing on your mind?"

Leo bit his bottom lip and played with it for a minute before slumping forward onto his hand.

"Ok…guess there is. Nothing's wrong, like I said, but…I have been thinking."

Klaus took a sip of his drink, tastefully ignoring Leo while he worked up the courage to say what was on his mind. He was dreadfully patient that way. Finally, Leo blurted out,

"Can we try something tonight?!"

Klaus' eyebrows rose in surprise at the request.

"You mean, try out what we discussed last night?" He asked, the interest flooding his face making Leo hopeful all over.

"Yeah."

"There would be no better time to give it a try." Klaus said, almost conversationally. "With no work tomorrow, we could take all night if we wanted to. What did you have in mind?"

Even after all the times Leo had witnessed Klaus' ability to take his fear and immediately crush it into dust, it still meant the world to him whenever it happened. He ducked his head, rubbernecking toward the door to be sure Gilbert or Brickley weren't within earshot as he said quietly,

"Um…maybe you could toss me around…a bit?"

Klaus smiled, and reached for Leo's hand over the table. He gave it a warm squeeze as he answered,

"Alright. And...would you let me play with your feet?"

Leo nodded hastily rather than speaking. He didn't trust his voice to come out as anything but a garble of random sounds if he tried.

))))

They showered separately, following a silent, mutual agreement that they both needed the space to mentally prepare.

Leo dried off thoroughly before trying to decide what to wear into their bedroom.

It wouldn't really matter what clothes he wore. They'd all be shed in the end. Leo still wanted to pick out something a little more special than his usual nightly boxers, and he searched for something that was comfortable and alluring all at once. He eventually came across a black razorback tank top. He generally preferred loose-fitting clothes, but he liked how this tank felt when he needed to wear something cool in warm weather. Also, Klaus had commented on it the first time he'd seen Leo wearing the tank. It was one of the only items of clothing he owned that actually clung to his frame, and Klaus had liked seeing his body accentuated for once.

Leo pulled it on, along with a pair of black briefs that also clung to his backside and groin just enough to make him blush when looking in the mirror. The simple outfit left little to the imagination, but covered just enough to be tantalizing. At least, that's what Leo hoped. He tugged at the hem of the tank, where it was the loosest, trying to see if it would cover his ass at all. But it was too short.

Giving up on that, Leo turned and went to the door that separated their rooms. The lights were all off, but the fireplace was lit. Gorgeous gold and red light flitted about everywhere, cheerfully chasing all the shadows into far corners and under furniture. Klaus was not there, but Leo could hear the soft sounds of movement from behind the closed bathroom door. He headed straight for the bed, trying to decide whether to sit or lie down. The thought struck him that perhaps he should try to present himself in some erotic manner, to entice Klaus as soon as he opened the door. Leo had never made much effort to seduce Klaus purposefully. According to his lover, Leo had only to sit beside him to drive him wild with passion. Most of the time their lovemaking began just like that; catching each other's eye somewhere toward the end of the day, and going straight to their room. Leo realized he'd never actually had an opportunity like this before.

They were supposed to be exploring new things this night, he supposed this could be one of them. Leo tried a few poses: lying on his side and propped up on his arm, lying on his stomach with his ankles crossed, and even on all fours. He tried each one for approximately three seconds before feeling utterly ridiculous and finally deciding that he didn't have the courage to go through with the idea. Instead, he just sat back against the headboard, his legs outstretched in front of him. He pulled a pillow into his lap and held it there, feeling a sense of safety being able to hide behind it.

As he waited, he wiggled his toes absentmindedly. When he realized he was doing it, he began watching them closely. What was it about his feet that Klaus apparently loved so much? They were slender and pale, his toes neatly stair-stepping down in length to give them an angular appearance. Most of the tendons were noticeable, flexing under his skin as he moved, and his anklebones were sharp above his heels. To Leo, they looked normal, maybe even scrawny like the rest of him. He couldn't think what could possibly be so attractive as to make anyone hot and bothered, let alone Klaus.

He was suddenly self-conscious after the intense study, and was about to sit crossed-legged and tuck his feet away, when the bathroom door opened.

Klaus was already in his sleep shorts. Beyond that and the towel he was using to dry his hair, he was bare to Leo's eyes, in all his muscled glory. Leo gulped. He did so love Klaus freshly clean.

When Klaus caught sight of him sitting there, Leo couldn't help but notice how those green eyes flitted at once to his feet, crossed ankle over ankle and toes still wiggling nervously.

"My, my, Leo…" He said, a soft smile coming over his face, "you're all ready for me, aren't you?"

"As ready as I'll ever be for this." Leo said, clutching the pillow tighter.

Klaus put the towel aside and came to sit on the side of the bed, right next to Leo. He made no attempt to hide his gaze as it focused on Leo's feet at once. One big hand laid over his shin and began stroking slowly, just above Leo's ankle.

"I'm glad I told you how much I like your feet. I don't have to pretend I'm not staring at them."

"I can't say I really understand." Leo said, shifting his feet so he was pigeon-toed. "They just look so simple and ordinary. Not much to look at. Like the rest of me, I guess."

Klaus paused for a pointed second, before he reached up to cup Leo's face in one hand, rubbing a thumb over his cheek.

"You shouldn't have said that." He teased sincerely. "You know what I have to do now?"

Blue eyes blazed suddenly, Leo's tone incredulous as he begged,

"Oh no, god no, please, I was just making a generalization! Please don't!"

A fanged smile was his response, as Klaus gleefully tapped his fingers on Leo's cheek.

"Too late; you said something negative about yourself, I'm obligated."

Leo frowned at him and crossed his arms over the pillow.

"You'd think I'd have learned my lesson after living with you for a while. Fine, get on with it."

Klaus didn't even hesitate.

"You're far from ordinary. You're kind, unselfish, and brave. You get stubborn and angry sometimes, but never to a childish degree or for very long. Your heart is tender for those in need, and you give more to others than you give to yourself. If that is what you call ordinary, then I can't imagine what isn't."

Despite his reluctance to hear the small, sunny speech he'd known was coming, Leo did feel his world brighten after he did.

It had been a while since Klaus had needed to give one of his pep talks. Every now and again Leo would get stuck in a rut of feeling useless or weak. At these times Klaus would instantly sense what was going through his head, and pull him aside for a quick dose of hugs and praise. It was a soothing balm to the harsh abrasion of Leo's own insecurities. Klaus could still tell when Leo needed space to brood when he was truly upset; words were not always the best way to resolve emotional struggles. Sometimes Leo just needed to feel miserable for a while instead of trying to be talked out of it. At those times, Klaus would either leave him alone, or make silent gestures of support.

In general, though, Klaus had overcompensated for Leo's wavering self-confidence with little speeches so often, and with such excess, that it had become something of a private joke. If Leo was going to be so down on himself all the time, he was going to have to endure Klaus lavishing him with positives. It struck a delicate balance between sincerity and humorous.

"Thanks, I guess." Leo muttered grumpily, trying and failing to keep up his frown.

"Don't look at me that way." Klaus said cheerfully. "You brought that on yourself."

"You know I wasn't being serious! The words just slipped out! I don't really hate how my feet look or anything, I just don't get it. If I did, maybe then I'd have an opinion, but I don't! They're ordinary!"

Klaus looked like he was thoroughly enjoying Leo's exasperation.

"Have I ever told you how cute you are when you're-."

"I'm sure you have!" Leo interrupted. "Many times! God, you can be so evil when you tease me!"

Huge hands came to hold Leo's head, and Klaus leaned forward to kiss his forehead, then his cheek, and finally his mouth. When he pulled back, Leo still looked mildly annoyed, but a bit softened.

"You're just too easy to rile up, I'm sorry, love. Forgive me?"

Leo gave a very put-upon sigh, and nodded.

"As long as you don't do that again, at least for tonight!"

"Agreed. Now, with that done..."

Klaus reached toward their nearest nightstand, and pulled a familiar bottle from the top drawer. With practicality, and no fanfare whatsoever, he tucked it away under the pillow beside Leo. The smaller man swallowed. No condom tonight, it seemed. He was suddenly very forgiving of Klaus' minor, playful grievance.

"I think we should talk about what we're going to do tonight." Klaus said, taking Leo's hand in his. "It's best to discuss these types of activities to be sure we're both clear on what's going to happen."

"What, like, safewords and stuff? Do you really think we need something like that?"

Klaus again cupped Leo's face, holding it in both of his hands like it was fragile glass. His eyes were so sincere as he admitted,

"I need to know that you have a way of telling me to stop if you need me to. I know you'd tell me regardless, but if we're going to do any kind of mock struggling, or I'm going to physically restrain you, I need you to have a safeword. Just in case."

Leo leaned into those huge but careful hands, reaching up to hold them with his own and slowly pull them away from his face reassuringly.

"I'd never tell you to do something that was unsafe for either of us." He stated firmly. "I know you know that, I just had to say it. And yeah, I guess my fantasies involve a little more…well, the possibility of needing a safeword is greater than yours. Not that I see myself ever needing to stop you! It's just being manhandled around versus letting you play with my feet, you see? The manhandling is rougher."

"I understand what you meant, Leonardo. I doubt either of us will need to use safewords at all, but I'd feel better if we established them."

"What word should we use? Should we both pick different ones, or use the same one? What if we don't want to stop completely but we want to just stop and adjust, or, something…um, am I making this too complicated?"

Klaus shook his head, smiling fondly at Leo's chattering.

"We can keep it simple, and use traffic light colors to indicate our feelings on the situation or action. Green for 'yes', yellow for 'slow down', or red for 'stop'."

"Guess that is the go-to when it comes to this kind of thing," Leo said, "I know that much. That would be the easiest way to do it."

"We agree, then." Klaus said, and nodded to himself, looking satisfied. "Kiss on it?"

Leo chuckled, leaning up to press his lips against Klaus'. It was quick and chaste, but with it the mood shifted subtly, and they both became much more aware of each other in their space. Leo murmured,

"So…we got the safeword stuff out of the way. Do you want to…?"

In answer to the unfinished question, a big hand wrapped around the back of Leo's neck and drew him closer. Klaus kissed him with gentle ferocity. Lips moved together, soft and wet, and Leo's head cleared of all other thoughts. He reached up to hold onto Klaus' strong, bare shoulders, pressing forward. It was not surprising to Leo, given the rest of his character, that he always dedicated a good portion of their foreplay to kissing. It was romantic, in a way, though Leo could sometimes become impatient by how long Klaus would take just to kiss him sometimes before doing anything else. Though, there hadn't been much time for that lately.

After a heated handful of minutes, they pulled apart, both of them breathing a little faster. They rested their foreheads together briefly, sharing a tender gaze, before Klaus let his hands wander down Leo's legs. Leo wasn't really nervous about letting Klaus do what he wanted with his feet. He was more curious than anything. He knew nothing about what made this fetish tick. Klaus didn't move right away, just sat there, rubbing Leo's legs and looking at his feet.

"Can you move them?" He finally asked.

"Um…How?"

"Rub them together, or stretch them out and curl your toes. Maybe, imagine you're using them to seduce me."

Leo had to fight a burst of laughter at that, not wanting to hurt Klaus' feelings. He certainly would feel horrible if Klaus laughed at him when asking him to do something. He couldn't help it, though; what was it about his feet? How could they be used to such effect? There was only one way to find out.

Slowly, Leo started rotating his ankles so that his feet made small circles in the air. Then he flexed his toes a few times.

"Like this?"

Klaus nodded, watching his every move. Leo slid his left foot over the top of his right, making a few passes up and down before switching off. He felt very foolish, but stuck with it. This was something that his lover had requested of him, and considering that Klaus was the most selfless lover in the world and hardly ever asked for anything, Leo wanted to please him. Trying to think of how he could 'seduce' Klaus with his feet, he realized just sitting there and moving them around might not be the best way.

"Klaus, can you, um, can you sit closer? Maybe crossed-legged in front of me?"

Leo pulled his knees up to his chest, making room so Klaus could take his suggestion. It was always a treat to see Klaus in such a pose, so Leo felt a warm smile come to his face when he watched the man fold his huge limbs into the seated position, hands in his lap. When Leo first met Klaus, it was unlikely that he would've thought the man capable of looking 'cute', but damned if seeing him sitting that way didn't always make Leo want to give him a big hug, and smack kisses on his cheeks.

"Ok, tell me if you want me to do something different." Leo said. "I'm going to try…something…"

Slowly, he placed one foot on Klaus' huge knee, and slid it up his thigh, rubbing in small circles. Leo had never thought about doing something like this, but he found it was strangely pleasurable to feel Klaus' warm flesh beneath his sensitive soles. As 'seductively' as he could, Leo lifted his foot and began stroking Klaus' forearm with it. Klaus was so focused on what he was doing that Leo didn't need to worry about keeping eye contact. He didn't know if he would be able to handle that while doing this. Carefully, bracing his weight back on his hands, Leo lifted his other foot, and placed it directly in the center of Klaus' body, over his belly. Like everywhere else on the man, it was hard with muscle. Leo rubbed a long line with his toes from Klaus' belly to his chest and back, trying not to show the strain that the action was causing him; having both feet up at an angle and stroking. His core was beginning to burn.

Thankfully when one foot reached a broad shoulder and the other reached his collarbone, Klaus seemed to snap out of his silent observation mode. His hands lifted, and wrapped around each of Leo's feet. He pulled the left one down to hold against his side, and the other he pressed to his chest, just over his heart. Leo hadn't even realized how cold his feet were until they were bathed in the heat of those huge hands.

"Can I kiss them?" The husky arousal in Klaus' tone surprised Leo as much as the question. He hadn't gotten over how cautious Klaus was sometimes, always asking permission and checking on him to ensure he was alright.

"Sure. Do what you'd like."

Klaus didn't waste time. He grabbed Leo by the hips and yanked his body down the mattress so that his rear was nearly against Klaus' knees. A surprised laugh escaped Leo at the sudden movement, and the change in perspective. Now lying on his back, he was looking straight up at Klaus, who seemed even larger than life from there. Big hands bent Leo's legs back, making it easier for him than when he had to stretch them out full length.

Leo's right foot was supported at the ankle, and then lifted to Klaus' mouth. Full, warm lips brushed against the ball of his foot, and Leo was surprised at how tantalizing that sensation was. He felt silly again, seeing his toes covering one of Klaus' eyes. But Klaus had positioned it that way, so it must be what he wanted. Light kisses were dusted along the bottom and top of Leo's foot, down to his ankle and heel, and it didn't take long for Klaus to start flicking his tongue out as well.

"This is…actually pretty nice…" Leo said breathily a few moments later. He stretched his arms out languidly above his head. "I didn't think my feet could feel so good."

"Our feet are very sensitive compared to the rest of our bodies." Klaus mumbled, his lips pressed against the underside of Leo's toes. "People seem to forget that they are still an erroneous zone. That's why touching someone's feet is such an intimate gesture. Have you ever realized that?"

Leo tried to concentrate, as Klaus began nibbling on the pale arch that he'd said he loved so much. It was difficult, since that felt so much more erotic than Leo ever thought it could. The smooth warmth of those lips, the soft brush of thick facial hair, the wet heat of his tongue…it was so good it was making Leo's cock stir with interest.

"I guess you're right." He answered shortly. "I didn't realize why it was always awkward if someone touched my feet before, even though my shoes."

"Hopefully I can change your mind on that front." Klaus' words were nearly slurred, as he began dragging his large tongue up the middle of Leo's sole. By default, his fangs scraped along the flesh there as well.

"I-I think you already have…wow…"

That comment seemed to boost Klaus' confidence, and he became instantly more aggressive with his adoration of Leo's foot, pulling at the thin flesh with his lips as though trying to leave marks, and biting gently. Leo gasped, reflexively wiggling his foot in response to the slight tickling it caused him. Klaus responded by lifting his other foot, pressing both of them together, and sliding his mouth down around both of Leo's big toes.

The sound that left Leo was close to a surprised whimper. His hands clenched on the sheets, his head tilted back as he watched. It was unbelievable, but it felt so amazing. Instantly Leo began to grow hard at the feel of that wet mouth and the tight circle of those lips. It was so like when Klaus sucked his cock.

Klaus looked like he was having the time of his life, eyes half-lidded and cheeks slightly flushed. His hands were so gentle and yet so hungry on Leo's feet as they held them in place, fingers rubbing and wandering over every inch. Klaus' mouth didn't stop at his big toes, but went on, two at a time, down the row of his toes on both his feet, suckling, grunting, and making wet, dirty sounds that made Leo's face burn. It was all so strange to Leo and yet so intriguing and exciting to see just how absorbed Klaus was in it all. The sensations were definitely enjoyable enough to outweigh the oddness.

After what seemed like a very long time, Klaus pulled back and rested Leo's right foot down on his thigh. Now with both of his hands holding Leo's left leg and his heel, Klaus wrapped his mouth around all of Leo's toes at once.

"K-Klaus!" Leo gasped, but Klaus' hands tightened their hold, and his green eyes looked up to catch Leo's gaze. The burning desire in that glance made Leo toss his head back and squirm, letting Klaus slide his mouth down even further. The hot, wet cavern of Klaus' mouth, the slight scrape of his teeth, and the rumbling vibration of the man's moan all made Leo shudder and moan right along with him. Klaus had been wrong; he couldn't fit all of Leo's foot into his mouth, but half was just as impressive. That didn't stop him from trying. He began to pull Leo's foot in and out of his mouth, suckling on it like he would Leo's cock, and the same hypnotic motion and sensation made Leo's body arch upward and had him grow even harder in his briefs.

"God, that's…amazing…"

Leo twisted his hips slightly as Klaus lifted his other foot and switched off, giving it the full treatment as well. Leo gasped when Klaus' tongue began circling his toes, and he clapped a hand over his lips to try and keep any more sounds from escaping. The quick, hissing breaths through his nose made up for any lack of vocalization, however, as his heart beat faster and faster. After several long moments of giving each foot individual attention, Klaus carefully placed one atop the other, and fit them both into his mouth, down to the middle of his feet. Leo squirmed and mumbled his pleasure into his own arm as he let Klaus do as he wanted. This was so much hotter than he'd ever thought it would be.

He lost track of how much time passed before Klaus released both of his feet, and carefully lowered them to rest on his thighs. This allowed Leo's knees to bend downward and it was a relief not to be at that angle anymore, even if Klaus had been supporting most of the weight of his legs. Using the corner of the bedsheet, Klaus rubbed Leo's feet dry and then pulled them up together again to place a final kiss on each.

"You're…stopping?" Leo asked breathlessly.

"If I want to last at all, I must." Klaus explained, almost shyly. "I've wanted to adore your feet like that for such a long time now."

"I liked it, a lot." Leo said, scooting back and springing up to his knees. He crawled up to Klaus and draped his arms around the man's neck. "It got me so hard…"

Leo went in for a kiss, but Klaus hesitated.

"My mouth was just…"

"I just took a shower, it's not like your mouth is dirty now. Don't worry about it, I've kissed you billions of times after you've licked my…um…everywhere…so just kiss me!"

With a chuckle at Leo's embarrassment, Klaus wrapped his own arms around him, and gave in to the request. When they pulled apart, Klaus shifted off the bed to stand beside it, still holding Leo's shoulders.

"So," he said, eyes glimmering with anticipation, "I need to show you how capable my muscles are, correct?"

Leo huffed out a laugh and let himself fall sideways on the bed.

"How can you say that with a straight face?!"

Klaus leaned over him and blew a playful raspberry into the side of his neck. Leo giggled madly before shooing the man away.

"What do you want me to do first?" Klaus asked, when they'd settled. "You just want me to pick you up?"

"Yeah, maybe hold me in the air. Then…move me around? I don't know, really…"

Klaus carefully picked Leo up off the mattress, and held him bridal style for a moment. Their eyes stared into each other for a while, before Klaus looked slightly lost.

"I'm sorry, Leo, I've never done something like this before. Would you be kind enough to instruct me?"

"I'll try, I guess…" Leo stammered, "but I'm not really sure how."

"Tell me exactly what you imagined in your head."

Tapping his fingers on Klaus' shoulders, Leo bit his lip in thought.

"Ok, um…well, it's pretty much just you walking around, and shifting my whole body from one part of your arms or shoulders to another. I guess moving keeps me disoriented or…at least that's what I read…"

"Really? You've done research to prepare?"

Leo ducked his head, and admitted with great shame,

"Ah…no. It was in a book I found…a dirty one…when I was thirteen…"

"I see." Klaus said simply. "Any tips it could give me?"

Leo had to chuckle at how casual Klaus was behaving while discussing a kinky foreplay. Not to mention that he put up no fuss after hearing that Leo had read a pornographic novel at the age of thirteen, that he was now referencing as a guide. Leo had to wonder how he'd gotten so lucky as to date Klaus.

"From what I remember it was mostly garbage." Leo told him. "But I was thirteen, so…anyway, it talked about this girl who liked how helpless it felt to be thrown around like that. Her boyfriend would keep moving around the room while he held her up, because it kept her confused and made it harder for her to feel in control. I guess it scared here a bit, because if he wanted to, he could drop and hurt her. I remember thinking that sounded troubling, but it wasn't…um…it wasn't a sex scene, so I skipped it after a while."

Klaus, listening intently to all Leo said, began to slowly walk around the room, as though testing it out.

"Do you think that book planted the seeds of your current interest?"

"I don't think so," Leo answered at once, "like I said, I thought the whole being picked up and stuff sounded weird and frightening, not sexy at all. But…I'm a lot older now, and I have this big hunk of a boyfriend…"

Victory horns blasted in Leo's head as he spotted the proud smile tugging at Klaus' lips, and the way he subconsciously straightened his shoulders.

"You are an intriguing person, Leonardo." Klaus told him warmly. "I hope I can live up to your kink."

The very sound of that word coming out of Klaus' mouth made Leo bury his face into his hands and gasp in embarrassment.

"Did you have to say it like that?!"

"Am I wrong? It is a strength kink, correct?"

"God, you do know what it is…" Leo moaned, shaking his head as he felt his face burn hotly.

A hearty laugh followed his outburst, and Klaus kissed the fingers that hid Leo's eyes.

"I am a 28-year-old man, Leo; I'm not as ignorant about these things as everyone always seems to think I am."

"Sorry," Leo said, lowering his hands and ruffling his curls nervously, "you're just so polite all the time. You can come off as so gentlemanly that you wouldn't know about kinky things."

"Many people think that." Klaus said, with a hint of exasperation. "But I know just as much as any other average man, I'd like to think. Also, some things a man just discovers on his own. Do you think I made up my mind to find feet desirable? And you already told me that you didn't favor heavily-muscled men before you began dating me, so some things just come naturally without any outside influence."

"You're right." Leo said, fidgeting. Klaus had been walking in circles this entire conversation, and it was beginning to make him antsy. "Um…I just had an idea that might help you handle me the way I'd imagined."

"Let's hear it." Klaus sounded eager now, after all their discussion.

"Perhaps, think of me as luggage? You're carrying me and have to keep shifting and jostling me around to keep the weight from tiring out one part of your body. Does that make sense?"

Klaus tilted his eyes toward the ceiling as he considered that suggestion.

"That's an enlightening notion, Leonardo, thank you."

Leo outright laughed at Klaus's vocabulary, and hugged his shoulders. He pressed a small kiss to Klaus' collarbone.

"You're welcome."

"So…luggage?"

"Luggage. And don't worry about hurting me. Remember, I want you to treat me a bit rough. And I've got the safewords."

"Alright, I'll do my best." Klaus declared confidently. "I'd say 'hold on', but I suppose that's my job, isn't it?"

Then, with virtually no effort, he suddenly swung Leo up to sit in the crease of his elbow. Even that little movement was enough to take Leo's breath away. His arms went around Klaus' head as he tried to adjust to the position, and the wavering of his equilibrium. But a huge hand reached up to take both his arms, and as Klaus bent forward, he tugged Leo's entire body across broad shoulders. Leo gasped as he was folded in half around Klaus' strong neck. His ankles and arms were held firmly, like he was a human yoke, and Klaus stood back up to began walking across the room. Leo's stomach jumped from the perspective; hanging off from such a height with no control whatsoever, watching the floor and walls move by.

"Oh my…" He breathed. Ever caring, Klaus asked,

"Are you frightened at all?"

"Um…not in the way you're thinking. More like I'm excited…this is…wow…"

"You really like it?" Klaus ventured, giving a little toss of his shoulders to settle him better into place, making his body bounce. Leo gave a small cry and then a helpless laugh.

"Hell yes…I don't know why it's just…so hot…You're just so strong…"

"Hmmm…thank you. You're so small, this is no trouble for me."

Before Leo could comment on how he loved hearing Klaus preen, he was suddenly moved again.

Klaus slid Leo down just enough so that his upper body was supported by just one of his massive arms, while Leo's slender legs were still over his shoulder. Leo gasped and reached back to grab onto Klaus' hand, which was supporting his neck. He could feel the powerful muscles and sinews holding him up along the length of his back and under his rear. There was nothing else supporting him, nothing else to hold on to; he was being held up by the raw power in his lover's single arm. It wasn't even shaking.

Leo gazed up at Klaus' face rapturously, trying to tell him without words just how amazing it was. The bigger man seemed to understand, and in response, he gave the most satisfied and wicked grin Leo had ever seen him make.

"You look so much smaller lying there on my arm." He said, and the tease in his voice was not only uncharacteristically proud, but sensual as well. Leo's blood nearly boiled.

Klaus' free hand rose up to brace Leo's legs firmly against his shoulder, and he slowly lowered his arm, tilting Leo downward. Leo tensed, wanting to scramble as he felt his body sliding, but Klaus had a good grip on him and even when he was hanging nearly upside-down, he realized Klaus wouldn't drop him. Klaus very gently swung him back and forth once, like a slow human pendulum. Only a few seconds later, when Leo just began to feel the pressure of the blood rushing to his head, Klaus lifted him by curling his bicep, over and over.

"Holy shit!" Leo chuckled, as he felt himself lifted and lowered like a dumbbell, butterflies zooming through his stomach. "Holy shit, you're incredible!"

"I do what I can for my lover." Klaus said, a small grunt of effort now in his voice. His arm was beginning to tremble ever so slightly. When he lifted Leo the last time, he took a few steps forward and braced him against the wall. Once Leo felt the sturdiness of the wall on his back and Klaus' shoulder still under his knees, he reached down to grab Klaus' hair.

"Let go, I'm going to move you again." Klaus said gently, and Leo obeyed at once, loving that Klaus had told him rather than asked.

"What are you going to do with me next?" Leo nearly panted, the thrills running through him making his limbs shake.

"That depends," Klaus purred, "are your joints in fair shape, Leonardo?"

"My…my joints?" Leo asked, confused. "I think so…"

"If this hurts, tell me, or use a safeword." Klaus then pulled both of Leo's arms up over his head, and eased his lower body away from his shoulder.

In one careful move, Klaus released Leo's legs, pulled him away from the wall, and he was left dangling from Klaus' hands. Leo cried out in surprise and reflexively kicked his feet through the empty space to try and balance himself.

"Does it hurt? Should I stop?" Klaus asked immediately, his confident demeanor faltering.

"No, no, it's fine." Leo gasped, twisting his body this way and that in the air. "Now I see why you asked about my joints. They're fine, don't worry."

Reassured, Klaus' smile returned, and with his fangs, he looked positively predatory.

"Good."

That single word sent a shiver down Leo's spine, and he swore again. His lover was definitely enjoying this now that he'd had a taste of it. Klaus let him hang there for a second or two longer, accustoming himself to the position, before managing to shift his grip very slowly until he was holding Leo up with one hand around both of Leo's arms. Again, no tremors ran through those muscles. They were steady and firm. He stared down into Leo's eyes, which were cracked open and blazing with blue light. Then he took a step forward and pressed Leo back against the wall, still hanging from Klaus' single hand.

Leo instinctively scrabbled at the wall with his feet, and he didn't miss how Klaus' eyes darted down to watch them with great interest. He pressed his soles to the expensive wallpaper and let them rest there for those piercing green eyes to watch. When he tore his gaze away from Leo's feet, Klaus lifted his free hand and brushed it lightly up Leo's knee. The contact almost startled Leo, and he tilted his head back to breathe heavier as large fingers trailed up his thigh to his hip. They dipped down to tease the shape of Leo's hardness through his briefs, making Leo shuffle uselessly against the wall in response.

"These are cute." Klaus said, grinning and slipping a fingertip into the waistband to trace its path around the front of Leo's abdomen.

Leo moaned, fighting the urge to jerk his hips against the teasing touch.

Just as he was becoming used to the brush of those fingers, Leo was thrown forward over Klaus' shoulder like a sack of flour. His stomach fluttered as the world fell and spun away from him and he slapped his hands into place on Klaus' back as the man began to walk again. He was flashed the lovely sight of large, muscled calves flexing as they carried both of their weight across the floor, before he tried tilting his body up. Once Klaus felt him moving, he was pulled right back down, and turned to face forward. Leo yelped, finding himself upright against Klaus' chest, held up by an arm pinning his waist, his feet still far above the ground. Klaus' free hand stroked his head a few times as he turned in a circle that might have seemed meaningless, but gave Leo thrills all down his body. He couldn't see Klaus at all like this, only feel his strength.

"This is insane…" Leo breathed out, feeling Klaus bounce him up and down a few times, like he was trying to get a better hold on him.

"This is easy." Klaus responded. "You're like my little doll."

All motion stopped as Klaus leaned down to lick the shell of Leo's ear, and then the side of his jaw. When he pulled away, Leo arched his neck back, trying to beg for more of that hot, wet contact. But the bigger man was having none of it.

"Do you want to fight against me?"

A full body tremor went through Leo, and he let out a soft moan and tightened his grip on Klaus' arm.

"Yes."

At his approval, Klaus wrapped his other arm around Leo, and severely tightened his hold. Leo felt the constriction and instantly began to writhe for freedom. With his feet off the ground and Klaus' huge body being his anchor and his prison, he didn't get very far. But that wasn't the point.

The actual point was to strain and grunt and wriggle in that grasp, to feel how helpless he was against Klaus' power, to break out in a sweat as he tried to wrench himself out of those strong arms. Leo did feel a very small amount of fear, as he'd never imagined that the experience would be this intense. He had handed over every ounce of physical control and freedom to Klaus, and it was a powerful feeling to be at his mercy. Underlining all that was the knowledge that one word would make Klaus stop at once. In that sense, their power was equal. That was a comforting and thrilling assurance.

For long moments Leo pointlessly arched and pushed and whined with exertion, but could barely move Klaus' arms at all. He even braced his feet against Klaus' shins and tried to push against him, but they were as rock solid as the rest of the man. When he'd been fighting a while, Klaus grunted and suddenly moved him again, tossing his lower body upward and catching it. He held Leo like a plank of wood across his chest, pinning his arms and legs in the folds of his elbows. Leo was breathless again from how quick and easy that had been.

"I thought you were going to try and escape." Klaus taunted, and Leo's cock actually throbbed. Klaus rarely sounded so enjoyably evil.

"I'm trying!" Leo moaned, though not at all in any distress. "You're too strong! I can't-"

Without waiting for him to go on, Klaus genuinely frightened Leo by turning him upside down, pinning his back to a strong hip with one arm around his slender waist, and folding up those flailing legs with the other.

"Oh god, don't drop me!" Leo shrieked, half-terrified as Klaus began to take long, disorienting steps.

Leo tried to reach behind himself to grab at Klaus' leg, but it was moving too fast. He knew Klaus would never drop him really, but that inane fear of falling was an instinct that he couldn't ignore.

"I'm not going to drop you," Klaus assured.

Leo just cried out again as Klaus bounced him up and down twice. He'd liked that when he'd been upright against Klaus' chest, but hanging upside down, without being able to see any of Klaus' body, it was an entirely different experience.

"Stop, please!"

The words were out of his mouth before he could think. Klaus instantly stilled, and pulled Leo upright and into his arms so quickly it startled him. Klaus forced Leo to look at him, into his wide, concerned eyes, and asked earnestly,

"Did I hurt you, Leo? Are you alright? What did I do wrong?"

Leo blinked at him, trying to catch up, and stared dumbly into his lover's eyes before answering.

"I'm fine, Klaus, I just really didn't like being bounced that way when I was upside down. It's ok."

The bigger man looked more worried than Leo had ever seen him before, and he quickly stroked at his cheeks to soothe him.

"I'm fine, I promise! I should've used the safeword, anyway! I was supposed to say 'yellow', right? Ugh, I'm sorry! I really was liking it all, really! I just got a bit nervous when I was upside down. Doesn't mean I never want to try it again, just…not now. Come on, don't look like that! It was just getting really good, please don't stop now!"

The man didn't look convinced, so Leo used the one tactic that he knew would win him over; he pouted. Legitimate, pouting lips, downturned eyebrows, and puffed out cheeks like a toddler. Klaus melted instantly, his face softening into an amused smile, his body relaxing. He pulled Leo in close for a cuddle before asking,

"So you want to continue?"

"Hell, yes." Leo stated firmly, moving around in Klaus' hold until his legs were around his big waist, and his arms around Klaus' shoulders. "I'm not letting go of you unless you pry me off!"

Leo relished in the vibrating laugh that he could feel against his ear.

"If you insist. Just hold tight if you really think you can."

Leo tightened all his limbs around Klaus' huge body, and waited. Klaus started with a single arm, Leo's left, and easily pried it off his shoulder.

"Hey!" Leo complained, but didn't have time to say anything else, as his other arm was quickly being loosed as well. He struggled as he held on with his legs, his arms being pulled back up and over his head like before. Only this time, when Klaus had a hand free, he began tugging Leo's tank top up his body. Catching on, Leo let himself go just limp enough for Klaus to know he wouldn't fight back, and the removal of the tank was a joint effort.

"Hold on to my neck." Klaus whispered to him, after tossing the scrap of clothing aside. "Adorable as those briefs are, it's time for them to go."

"Oh yeah…" Leo agreed, leaning up to hold on as Klaus maneuvered his legs and the briefs until they too were tossed away. A sharp sigh left Leo as his bare flesh made contact with Klaus'. It was only for a second, when trying to get his legs back around Klaus' waist, but then he was shifted by those arms again. Just like when they started, Leo was put into the crease of Klaus' elbow, then across his shoulders, and down over his arm.

This time, though, Klaus slung one of Leo's legs over each of his shoulders, and then used both of his arms to hold Leo up. The younger man instantly blushed darker as he realized just why Klaus was doing this; Leo's hard cock was now a handful of inches away from Klaus' face, and from his expression, that was just what he wanted. One huge hand cupped just beneath Leo's rear, and the other his neck, and both pulled him closer. Leo trembled as he felt the brush of soft lips against his inner thigh, bushy sideburns tickling him.

"Shit…Klaus, please…I don't think I can take much more teasing."

"Are you quite sure about that?" Leo could feel the whispered comment on his flesh, and flexed his legs to lift his hips closer to Klaus' face.

"Damnit, Klaus!"

Klaus chuckled, and silenced Leo by placing a firm kiss on the base of his cock. After being neglected for so long, that single touch was like heaven, and Leo nearly stopped breathing it was so wonderful. Rather than use his words to stop Leo's protests, Klaus used his mouth, to great effect. Though that didn't stop Leo swearing a blue streak in his pleasure, as that massive mouth engulfed him and began working him like mad. Normally, Klaus liked to build up to this pace gradually, but they'd both been worked up enough tonight. Leo tried not to move too much, regardless of how solid Klaus' arms were as they held him up, he didn't want to make his work harder for him. It was difficult to stay still as Klaus sucked on him hard, moving his head up and down, humming in delight as he pleased Leo's flesh.

"God, Klaus, I…that's really, really good…I love how strong you are…holding me up like this…"

With a small, wet sound, Klaus released Leo's cock and panted against his thigh, looking down at him with hungry eyes.

"For you, I could do this all night."

Leo's brain nearly melted at the words breathed hotly against his sensitive leg, and he reached out to cup Klaus' cheek, stroking over the soft hair on his face.

"You're so amazing…I don't deserve you."

The fire in Klaus' eyes seemed to die for a moment as he reacted to those words, and then suddenly it came roaring back. Leo knew he'd made a mistake saying that. Without warning, Klaus was moving, causing Leo to cry out. The next second Leo was pressed down into the mattress of their bed, and Klaus was looming over him. He pressed their foreheads together, rubbing carefully at Leo's cock as he spoke.

"I know you meant well, Leonardo, but please, don't think that. I'm so glad that you've chosen me, of all people, to be your partner. That being said, I don't ever want you thinking that you don't deserve any of the good things that life brings you."

"I didn't mean it seriously, I promise!" Leo moaned, trying to sort out the misunderstanding while enjoying the stroking of that massive hand. "It was just another way of telling you how happy I am."

"I know, sweetheart, but if anything, I'm the one who feels undeserving of you."

Leo was about to protest, when Klaus cut him off with a deep kiss, thoroughly distracting him for a few long seconds along with the swiping of his thumb across Leo's weeping slit. Leo pulled out of the kiss to moan and thrust his hips upward.

"You see?" Klaus asked, panting with arousal. "You don't like hearing it from me any more than I like hearing it from you. So please, let's enjoy each other without feeling unworthy. In the end, we're a perfect match."

Klaus slid down Leo's body to resume what he'd been doing while holding him in the air, and as amazing as that had been, lying there pinned beneath Klaus was just as good. Leo fought through responding to Klaus' statement while having his cock worked by that magical mouth and tongue, his words faltering and breaking all the way.

"Klaus…yes…we're so good for each other…sorry to make you think I didn't believe that with all my heart…I do, and I love you so much…oh god, can you…can we…please, Klaus, I really need you, now. Right now!"

Without stopping what he'd been doing, Klaus reached over with one hand and recovered the strategically-placed bottle of lubricant. He squeezed a dollop onto his fingers and immediately got to work on Leo's tight body. The younger man was shaking so much that Klaus had to slow his pleasuring nearly to a halt to calm him down. When he relaxed enough for a big fingertip to make its way inside, Klaus went back to sucking him dry. Leo only lasted a few moments before he was begging, writhing, wanting Klaus so much he could hardly stand it.

Finally, Klaus pulled back and fumbled to slick himself up with shaking hands. Leo watched with hazy eyes as he rubbed the lubricant all over his own hard member. He always loved watching Klaus do this. It was different tonight, though; Klaus had just begun slicking up when he reached out and seized one of Leo's feet. A thrill went through the smaller man when the sole of his foot was pressed to the underside of that huge, throbbing cock and was rubbed against it over and over.

"Is this ok?" Klaus asked belatedly.

"Yeah, it's fine…" Leo breathed back, flexing his toes against the incredibly hard flesh. Klaus groaned and began moving faster. Leo's foot was getting slathered in lubricant, but he didn't care. It certainly didn't feel unpleasant, and the look on his lover's face was blissful. He seemed to lose track of why he was doing that to begin with, so much so that Leo had to whine and beg again to snap him out of it.

"Sorry, Leo, I couldn't resist."

"It's ok, it's ok, just come here, please?"

Leo reached out for him, arms spread wide to receive Klaus' huge shoulders.

"Come on, fill me up."

"Deep breath for me." Leo gave a helpless laugh before doing so; Klaus always said some variation of that phrase before penetration.

"Rough, Klaus, remember; you can be rough with me."

"Let me worry a little bit, deal?" Klaus whispered, plastering his much larger body to Leo's and nudging his tip to Leo's waiting entrance.

"Deal." Leo huffed, pressing his cheek to Klaus' downy one. With that, Klaus pressed forward into his body. As always, Klaus had fairly drowned his channel in lubricant to make way for his girth, so he slid inside easily. Unlike always, though, Klaus didn't wait for Leo to adjust before he began rocking his hips forward and backward. He immediately began a steady pace, which Leo took to at once, loving how Klaus didn't hesitate at all.

"Yes…god, yes…" He gasped, as Klaus began to work his hips up to a faster pace, pounding into that glorious magic spot inside of Leo.

A few moments of panting, grunting, and wild thrusting later, Klaus suddenly pulled out. Leo gave a cry of protest, but Klaus was moving. He pulled Leo with him as he sat up against the headboard, and put Leo in his lap.

"Pull your legs up to your chest, and hold them there." Klaus panted.

"What?" Leo asked, equally out of breath.

"Trust me, please, hold your legs, under your knees. I won't let you fall."

Leo obeyed, feeling a sickening moment of uncertainty as he began to rock to the side. Klaus held him tightly around his hips, and kept him balanced. Without another word, Klaus lifted him bodily, and forced him back down onto his cock. Leo shouted in surprise and pleasure as the bigger man began to move him up and down on his cock like he weighed nothing. Those hands were so strong and kept him from falling while also giving him a thrill by bouncing him in the air that way.

Leo's eyes opened as Klaus began dropping him down and pulling him up faster, forcing pleasure into him as his large, muscular hips joined the equation. It became harder and harder to hold himself curled up tight like that, when his body was trembling and weak with how good it all felt. In the end, Leo's arms couldn't hold out, and his legs sprung free from their hold to drop around Klaus' waist.

"Sorry!" Leo moaned instinctively, but Klaus didn't focus on it, simply rolled them over onto their sides and gave his smaller lover more support as he resumed his thrusting.

A hot mouth found Leo's shoulder, and then his neck. At the same moment, Klaus worked a hand between their bodies and began rubbing at him again. Leo cursed, his eyes opening wide and casting a bright blue glow into the dimness.

"Yes, oh my god… I love you, Klaus, I love you so damned much…"

Those must have been the magic words, because right as he said it, Klaus's fingers dug into his hip and into his member, and he thrust a few more times, harder and deeper than he had before. A faltering gasp left Leo as he arched up, and spilled all over his own stomach. Klaus growled a second later, and coated his insides with hot liquid.

"Leonardo…oh, Leonardo, I love you too…so deeply…"

They lay, trembling, sweaty, and gasping for uncounted moments before Leo lifted his hands behind him blindly to stroke through Klaus' hair. The man made a small groaning sound and nuzzled against Leo's neck, flicking his tongue out against the soft flesh.

"Wow…" Leo said after a few more moments had passed and they were beginning to cool off. "Just…heh…just wow…"

Klaus slowly rolled up onto his forearms, enough to look down at Leo and give him a lazy smile.

"I take it you enjoyed yourself, then?"

Leo lifted his head and captured Klaus' lips in response. The kiss was slow and soft, lasting for a long time as neither of them wanted to break the blissful mood. Leo broke the kiss off to slowly roll his hips, to which Klaus responded by carefully pulling out of him. The bigger man winced.

"I hope you're not hurting too badly. I didn't restrain myself much."

"I told you not to." Leo reminded him. "And I think you know just how much I liked it, so don't worry. But we do need to clean up. Why don't we shower again, together this time?"

"Sounds like too much work, but if you wish." Klaus rumbled, and rolled off him to sit up carefully, helping Leo do the same and being unable to keep from littering kisses all over Leo's head and neck as he did. Leo giggled at the attention and eventually had to swat him away.

"Come on, we'll never make it to the shower at this rate! I don't like the idea of being glued to the sheets by my own body fluids, come on!"

They showered quickly under hot water, both of them wanting to get back to bed and snuggle themselves into a coma. Which they did as soon as they dried off. They shared a few yawns as they chatted quietly for a while, eyes slowly falling closed and breathing growing deeper. After they'd gone silent for long enough that Leo thought they were done talking, Klaus broke that silence.

"Leo, I just need to remind you; I love you in your entirety. Not just your pretty feet…or your pretty eyes…please, just tell me again…that you know that?"

Klaus was speaking sleepily into Leo's ear, and his hot breath wasn't the only reason it went slightly red. Leo cuddled closer, wrapping his arms and legs tighter around the giant of a man currently serving as his body pillow.

"'course I know that…" He slurred, rubbing his cheek on Klaus' shoulder. "an' I love you for more than your muscles. Love all of you, ya' big softie cuddle-bear…"

Klaus gave one last snort of amusement before sighing and whispering,

"Sleep well, dearest. I'll see you in the morning, my sunshine."

"We havin' a pet-name-off or somethin'?" Leo breathed, sounding half-asleep and too far gone to be annoyed.

"You began it," Klaus pointed out, just as tiredly, "and I'll never run out of sweet things to call you."

"You win then," Leo made a faint effort to sound like he was cheering, "I…admit defeat…"

"Hmmm…we'll just see about that when I make love to you again in the morning."

Klaus barely managed to get the words out, as he was slipping rapidly away from the world of the living.

"'kay…"

With a last little surge of warmth and contentment, they fell asleep in each other's arms.

))((