bakerstreet | the aftercare meme

the aftercare meme

"Aftercare is the process of attending to one another after intense feelings of a physical or psychological nature, usually relating to sexual and/or BDSM activities.

Some sexual experiences can be exhausting, and drain the participants of mental, emotional or physical energy. As a result, one or all participants may require emotional support, comfort, reassurance, and/or physical tenderness."

HOW TO PLAY:

1. comment with your characters
2. include preferences
3. roll and respond to others!

You can start in the beginning or middle of the experience/scene, but aftercare should be included in the scenario at some point. Although the meme is BDSM-based, other experiences that take some kind of heavy psychological/physical toll work, too.

WARNING: this meme includes sexual scenarios that may be triggering for some people. Please be aware of other people's preferences, and ask if you're unsure!

1. Hug it out. After a particularly rough tumble, sometimes the first thing you need is a good cuddle. Remind your significant other that you're there in the most simple yet sincere way.

2. Talk about it. Are there things you want to tell your lover about what just happened? Were you uncomfortable about one part of it, or maybe you want to try and go further next time? Or maybe you want to resume to normal and just talk about the weather. Whatever sets you most at ease.

3. First aid. It can be a whole lot of fun to be physically stimulated while having sex, but once its done, those red and blue marks might be a literal pain to deal with day-to-day. Rub some soothing creme onto those red welts, apply bandages or gauze for more severe wounds, and take care of your lover in any other way that might be necessary.

4. Massage. Work out those tight and tender muscles that got all wound up during intercourse. Besides, no one knows your lover's body like you do, so you should do your best to make them feel good and relaxed.

5. Clean up. Another great way to relax is to let water run over your sore skin. Whether in a shower or a bath (maybe you decided to up the romance and put candles all over the bathroom to make the aftercare even more intimate), it's a great way to come down from a sexual high together.

6. Praise. Some experiences can be tough mentally as well as physically. If you just went through a punishment scene together, it's important to let your lover know how proud you are of them, and that all is forgiven. Make it clear in no uncertain terms that once the sex is over, you still love them.

7. Take Care. Make them their favorite tea. Turn on their favorite song, or read to them from their favorite book. If they hadn't gotten their release during sex, take care of them physically, as well. You know what makes them feel better, so do it.

8. Together. Sometimes, all a person needs is to not be alone for a while after such intense sexual encounters. Watch some feel-good TV, eat some junk food together, or just stay under the sheets with your significant other for the rest of the night.

9. Other. Mix and match, or do something else you've been wanting to try.

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[ Dorian is a lot of flash, a lot of show. He's proud of himself, and for good reason. That's as true on the battlefield as it is in bed, and sometimes it seems he overstretches himself just for the opportunity to show off.

Which is fine by him, really. The sex is never not good. But it generally means the 'Vint is also a mess by the time they're done. Not just physically. The sort of things they get up to require a cooldown, so to speak. And fortunately Dorian always appears to be in the mood to be pampered.

It's nothing fancy. A few hot, damp towels for clean up and a cold mug of water go a long way. It's the act that's important, especially after he's gotten this worked him. So Bull tends to him, patient as you like, smoothing down that tender bronze skin of his, cleaning off the sweat and come and everything else he's likely to complain about, given the chance.

One eye surveys the mage where he lays. ]

You still with me? Or you planning on passing out face-first in the pillows, again?

[ It's a gentle tease, born of fondness, as that warm towel slides over his narrow hip. ]

[Sometimes, he could push himself a bit too far, it was true. Perhaps he wanted to prove himself, show that he could handle it, handle whatever happened behind closed doors, or maybe because the deeper he got involved the more he wanted this, testing his own limits. Whatever the case, it often led to a calm full of soreness and mental fuzz, though both were always tended to by morning.

The pampering was Dorian's favorite part and he understood the true need for it after the first few times the pair of them got involved. His experience with the more intense bedroom activities was limited and he often needed the chance to relax and reacquaint himself with the real world. The cold, damp, covered in bodily fluids reality.

Which was why the warmth of those cloths felt so soothing on his sore muscles, Bull's careful touch never failing to surprise Dorian. Even now as his mind continued to try and run a mile a minute, he managed to gradually relax, though barely able to answer Bull with actual words. His eyes finally opened to take in his surroundings, waving a dismissive hand though it barely lifted off the bed.]

I am conscious, no need to resuscitate. [He returned lightly, voice tired but satisfied. Of course the brush against his hip made him shiver, not even finding the energy to act coy. It was relaxing.] Though just barely.

[ He'd have suggested lightening up, the next time around, but he already knows Dorian wouldn't hear of it. Rough as it is, his tone of voice gives him away, and Bull merely chuckles.

The soft scratch of the towel moves inside Dorian's thigh in smooth, soothing strokes. Wouldn't be a surprise if he'd gotten himself overstimulated. Grounding afterwords was important, bringing him back up to the surface in a sense.

Never mind that he needs no real excuse to want to touch him. ]

You feel like passing out, you go right ahead. Might want to drink something, first. Workout like that, you're gonna feel in the morning.

[He was definitely feeling overstimulated, enough for even the gentle touches in such a sensitive area to make his muscles tense. He relaxed on the next exhale though, watching Bull with an ease he most certainly would not have had months ago.

The fact that Dorian put himself in this kind of situation to begin with meant he trusted him.]

I think I'm already starting to. [He sighed, another exhale to relax, his toes curling into the bed.] Drinking sounds good... I don't suppose you have any West Hill Brandy?

[Kidding of course, unable to help himself even now. The mug of water Bull had brought him earlier sounded like a good idea though and Dorian took his time sitting up on an elbow, reaching for it on the nightstand and taking a long drink. His muscles were aching and sore but he found that he liked it these days. It was familiar.]

[ Bull's lips curved, the touches ceasing long enough for Dorian to get that drink in unbothered. There's likely to be a few areas more sore than others, but rest will see to a lot of that. ]

You'd think this long outside of the lap of luxury would have toughened you up.

[ Another tease, as the towel gives one last swipe over his skin and finds a place in the empty basin on the dresser. What will help more than most things is rest and warmth, and he can provide both of those things, as it turns out.

When he reclined, it nearly took up the entirety of the bed, one hand reaching to absently smooth those ruffled black locks into some semblance of order. Not nearly close enough to Dorian's general standards of fussiness, but he liked the disheveled look on him. ]

That was good. Might have to try that again, next time.

Clearly I just need more practice.

[He lets out an amused huff of breath and a halfhearted swat of his hand, too drained physically and mentally to complain about the treatment to his hair - not that it was salvageable at this point. It never was by the end of the night.

With Bull beside him though Dorian had to shift to accommodate and get comfortable, though he had no qualms against him being so near. With a slight wince Dorian turned onto his side and ended up shifting into the crook of his large arm, visibly relaxing.

Dorian still wasn't certain when exactly that started to happen. It simply did.]

I always think I've seen it all and then you surprise me with something new. [A sigh.] Not that I have much to complain about.

Getting to explore all sorts of interesting options now, aren't you?

[ Even as he was amused by the fact, he'd already acknowledged that that would certainly be a part of...this. Whatever it was. Whatever they chose to define it as. Part of it would be Dorian wanting the completely unexpected, the foreign and the unfamiliar. Likely a defense as much as it was an indulgence, or so he surmised.

You never quite turned off Ben-Hassrath training once you'd had it. Judging these things became second nature.

But there was something else, too. Dorian felt comfortable in his arms, relaxed and utterly trusting. For all the prickliness he retained out of habit, it seemed to be hiding a certain affection. Not very well, at that.

So in spite of whatever protests he might weakly shove at him, Bull was content to curl that arm around him and pull him closer, fingers tracing the edge of his shoulder blade. ]

[Half the time Dorian was convinced he'd gone completely mad for giving in to something like this, but when had he ever been particularly mindful of doing what was expected? Why was it so awful to do what felt good and right for himself? He may not have been one to care what people though of him but oftentimes the lingering doubt was created all on his own.

He shouldn't be so vulnerable, knowingly or otherwise. He shouldn't allow something like this to continue longer than a handful of occasions, let alone weeks or months, but it's far too late to change that. There are many things Dorian should not do but cannot find it in him to change, even as doubt whittles at his resolve.

But for now, his mind is too exhausted to think too deeply of such things, enjoying the physical comfort and warmth. It's simple but the type of affection he appreciated after enduring the more intense physical and mental activities of the night. Even the slightest touch to his skin was enough to make him tremble in this state.]

Surely there are things even you haven't done. [He commented idly, feeling his eyelids droop with comfort despite himself, letting them close for the time being.] I wouldn't believe you if you said otherwise.

No, that's true. Most of them aren't that interesting to me.

[ Others have simply been lack of opportunity. A mage lover is definitely something new, circumstances being what they were. Dorian's a bit more than a simple novelty, but even Bull would readily admit to some curiosity in that regard.

One eyebrow lifts. ]

Why? You got some ideas?

[ And a grin splits across his lips, even as his fingers work gentle circles into Dorian's skin, wherever he can reach. It's not meant to rile him up again as much as it is to bring him back around, let him even out.

He'd earned that respite. ]

Perhaps. I'm known to have a few tricks up my sleeve as well, you know.

[He chuckled and found the energy to bring his arm around and drape it across Bull's torso, feeling so at ease it was a wonder how they went from... well, seven minutes ago to this.

He glanced up.]

Though I imagine you wouldn't appreciate magic in the bedroom from a horrible Vint.

Hmm. That's true.

[ Bull's grin sharpened as he leaned in, lips grazing the back of Dorian's ear before catching it between his teeth. It was still a little early to try and start things all over again, but that didn't mean he couldn't tease. ]

But from a very, very good Vint? Might be worth a try.

[ His voice had dropped to a low rumble, those large calloused fingers skating down over Dorian's belly. ]

[It's more than just the touch that makes Dorian shiver and his muscles tense in anticipation, squirming from the slide of fingers whether he likes it or not. He's still so sensitive it's ridiculous, though he does not mind in the least. It's quite nice actually.]

You know me, always ready to show off when I can.

[He chuckles, his own fingers now grazing along Bull's skin, nails lightly scratching over a random scar on his torso.]

If I try at the moment though, I may just set your bed on fire. That would ruin the mood.

[He teases, though despite his words he attempts to focus a very gentle, slow stream of magic into his palm, the warmth radiating from it as it wanders down Bull's ribs and abdomen. Even as exhausted as he is, Dorian still has a good control on his abilities in small doses.]

[ Bull says nothing then, when that tingling warmth spreads under his skin like rippling water. Instead he grunts and leans in, teeth nipping at Dorian's throat, that low growl muffled into his skin with a warm huff of breath to follow.

Not bad. Might have to incorporate it later. But Dorian's right, they'll need to plan for that one. Can't just spring it on him after he's been so thoroughly worn out. But it's inspiring enough to get him thinking on it. ]

Tease.

[ He smirks just the same, obviously pleased. ]

You love it.

[He returns with another breathless chuckle, fingers skimming lower along his hip before resting there, the warmth gradually easing away. Dorian likes the kind of sound it coaxed out of Bull, wondering if he'd react the same to cold or a spark or-

Getting ahead of himself.

Tilting his head up, Dorian catches the smirk and meets it with one of his own, finding some renewed strength to push up some and brush his lips against the other's, just light enough for yet another tease.]

I think I'll have to stay the night. The thought of getting dressed is appalling at the moment.

[Right. As if he wasn't planning on doing that from the start.]

Hey, I'm a firm believer in No-Pants Friday.

[ He chuckles, and one hand claps against Dorian's backside, though a little more gently than he might have otherwise. It's an affectionate gesture more than a sexual one, this time. More and more of those slip past these days, as whatever this is starts to build.

Eventually they'll have to talk about it. Come to terms with it somehow, decide if this is really the road they want to take. For now it's enough that he likes Dorian, cares about the prickly mage and wants to see him happy, and it's enough that that means letting him stay here while he strokes him like a large, overcontented housecat as he attempts to pass out on him. ]

They know where to find us if they need us.

Mm. [He agrees noncommittally at first and lets the thought sink in, chuckling in disbelief.]

How ironic. We are somehow an "us."

[It's bizarre. Whether spoken of or not, the Inquisitor's inner circle all know where to look to find the pair of them, even including some of the Inquisition's soldiers. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks and in this blissed out state, he's not sure how to handle it.]

You okay with that?

[ He is. He's fine with being whatever Dorian wants them to be, and if this is too much, too fast? He can slow things down, pull away, give him the space he needs.

That's more important than pushing for anything more. Where they're at is good. It feels like they could be good for each other, if this keeps up. But it's Dorian's call, as it has always been.

One hand strokes along his back, soothing. Encouraging, even. ]

[Dorian ponders this a moment, not wanting to answer too quickly. He has to think. Something which is very difficult to do right now. Oh, but the way he practically melts with ease at the pass of that large, comforting hand against his skin is more than enough answer in itself.

He closes his eyes and sighs, sliding a leg between Bull's to rest more comfortably against him, practically atop him.]

Well... yes, surprisingly enough. If I wasn't, I wouldn't be here.

Kind of what I figured. But it doesn't hurt to ask.

[ Well, it could. If it spooked him, if it got him nervous enough to feel he had to flee to protect himself. He knows it's complicated where Dorian's concerned. He's never felt safe having someone there with him, who won't bolt when the going gets a little tough. He's used to having to hide what he feels.

Breaking him of that's gonna take time. But Bull is nothing if not patient, in his way. Good things are worth waiting for. And he gives the man's hip a fond pat as he slips in closer. ]

'Us' could be a pretty damn good thing.

You truly believe that?

[He tries not to sound sarcastic, genuinely curious, because it isn't often the pair of them discuss these things. Perhaps this isn't the best time but in a way it also... is. There will never be a best time for Dorian. The future will never seem comfortable.]

And here I thought this would be nothing but a one time occurrence. [He scoffs this time.] My own fault.

[ Bull smirks at that, not bothering to hide it. ]

You come back pretty often for a one-time thing.

[ Not that he needs it pointed out. He's deflecting, which Bull kind of expected.

It could be worse, considering how flighty Dorian seems at times. Whatever's hurt him in the past -- and he's pretty sure a good deal of it has to do with his asshole dad -- it's left its mark on him.

So he plans on leaving some of his own. Cover up the ugly memories for some good ones. Maybe remember along the way why it is he does this. That smirk gentles, and his fingers lift to catch beneath Dorian's chin. ]

Yeah. I believe it. And if I gotta believe it for both of us, that's fine too.

[If only his father and the magisterium could see him now, (repeatedly) bedding the enemy, so to speak, and enjoying it to boot. The scandal of all scandals.

He's made to look up at Bull and feels far more naked than he is physically at the moment, just by that one gesture. This is becoming something serious, isn't it? More than he expected, in any case.]

You say these things sometimes, it's- [He has the urge to look away but forces himself not to, keeping the gaze locked despite his instincts.] I don't know. It makes me realize how serious you are after all.

Imagine that, getting to know someone changes your perspective. [Sarcastic but honest; he sighs and laughs at himself.]

Well sure. Can't all be fun and games and ball gags, not all the time.

[ And he leans in, nuzzling against the crown of Dorian's head, his hand dropping away to grasp at his shoulder. Alright. He's welcome to hide again, now that he's sussed out that Dorian might just be as serious as he is about all of this.

More importantly, that he knows Bull's going to abide by his decision. Whatever it is. They go at his pace, his comfort level, and Bull can be whatever he needs him to be. A middle finger to his father and countrymen? That's just a bonus. ]

You don't have to have an answer right now. No pressure.

[He can't help but laugh as he hides away against the oddly comfortable column of Bull's neck, closing his eyes as a hundred contorted thoughts sift through his mind. It may be something he has to think on but just knowing the other is so serious about it helps ease things along. After all, getting hurt is the thing Dorian avoids most of all and it has been ages since he let that barrier between himself and another fall.]

Why not? I prefer the fun and games.

[He lets out a dramatic little sigh, nudging at Bull's leg with one of his feet in a subtle show of thanks. He really did know how to diffuse situations and calm them down which was... strangely personal. In a good way.]

Still going to be plenty of that, don't worry.

[ There's a soft hum as his arms relax, folding around Dorian comfortably as the mage settles in against him. Wouldn't have ever thought he could get this close to someone. Sex is one thing, generally, not usually weighted with things like commitment or affection.

It's different for both of them. But different might be what they need, embracing everything that sets them apart. Here was hoping they did turn out to be good for each other, as he hoped. ]

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thevint - 2015-09-25 10:34 (UTC) - Expand

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