"You're being surprisingly open. Are you trying to gain my trust?" Still teasing. There was no point in pretending this was anything except a game, testing each other to see who would come out on top, a battle even if neither of them was using violence. And maybe also an interesting diversion. Anyone would want some company after a few millennia in a vault.

Edwon continued to let Jadus guide him, straddling his laps so he could hold himself up, compensating for their difference in heights. He seemed to have liked the nails, so he did it again, dragging them more sharply down his back. Then he leaned in, teeth against Jadus' jaw.

"I'm not disregarding you completely. I'm just not impressed yet."