While Essek is hard-pressed not to move onto his knees, Percival is struggling not to put him there. His mouth trails over Essek's shoulder as he finishes rinsing his husband's hair. Satisfied that the soap is cleaned away, his hands slide over Essek's sides, coaxing him to sit up again. His tongue sweeps drops of water away from the drow's dark skin.

The words catch him, though, and Percy lifts his head slowly. One arm slides around Essek's waist and the other around his chest, finally closing what little space remains between them. His hand slides over Essek's throat to tip his head back and he stops when he can gently grip his husband's jaw. It puts a delicate ear near Percy's mouth.

"I meant what I said then," he says quietly. "I want a family with you. Whether through this or finding children in need of a home."

To make himself clear, his other hand presses low over Essek's stomach. He remembers his lover deliriously thrilled over the possibility of a de Rolo heir in the next year. But he also knows that Essek is in heat and that might cloud his thinking, especially in those first few days. So he will be honest in his desires, but he will also make clear that he doesn't expect his husband to carry children if that is not something he wants.