At Cass’ grimace, Vince ceased any and all contact he could, lifting his fingers delicately away from the other’s midriff. He could feel the tension building up in his best friend’s frame as he dug into Vince’s leg muscles with his fingers. It was obvious now, perhaps more than before as Vince tried to shake his hazy, needy state of mind, that Cass was uncomfortable. Something about the realization of that sank like a stone into the base of Vince’s gut. He’d pushed too far. He’d cornered the other and if anyone knew Cass didn’t like to be cornered, it was Vince. He’d seen it, time and time again, as the big blonde lost his temper and flared just a touch too hot when someone tried to back him into something. He was like a rebellious stallion, wild and dangerous if harassed.

Vince couldn’t help but also flinch as the other snapped at him and grabbed his cravat. He hadn’t expected Cass to hit him, but the flinch was telling nonetheless. Vince was waiting for the other shoe to drop, even as he leaned precariously close to the big blonde’s face now. So far, despite the warning signs, Cassian hadn’t really said much of anything. If Vince was more of a gentleman he’d have taken the first sign of struggle and begged off but, as it was, the Slytherin just didn’t quite know when to call it. He did know, however, that this was likely the only opportunity they’d have to explore… whatever this was, and it had to be handled with care. One wrong word from either side and the whole thing could go up in dangerous flames.

He waited for Cass to make the next move.

All was silent as the rain continued to downpour outside the open window. Somewhere in the distance thunder was beginning to rumble and Vince couldn’t help but think idly that it would make for good cover. Finally, Cass seemed to give in to whatever war was waging in his mind and he tugged Vince’s cravat free of its bindings. For a fraction of a second the Slytherin hesitated, wondering if that meant what he thought it meant. Had Cass come around to his point of view that it did not, in fact, matter right now what was happening? He certainly hoped so as that mischievous grin returned this time at full force, all dazzling toothpaste-commercial smiles.

Grabbing Cass by the collar with both hands, Vince pressed down upon him again, this time kissing without any of the trepidation from before. He was careful not to let his hands wander and risk upsetting the other as he had earlier, but he did press forward with an urgency that was unrestrained. Licking Cass’ bottom lip and asking for entry with his tongue, Vince figured it was now or never. Why not push the envelop.

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