Artorius's continued use of the hated pet name was infuriating, but the shifter was careful not to show his irritation besides a momentarily dull stare as a few small affections were showered upon him. Privately it was just as thrilling as annoying, his truly opposing nature too ironic to ignore. It bothered him to no end to see that the gambler clearly felt he had such power over him. The worst was that he really did. Julian just didn't want to admit that to him, it was far too valuable information. For the moment, at least. The last thing he wanted was to be hurt.
Remembering his words about obedience Julian silently wondered if it was one of those times, if he would be angry if he didn't give him what he wanted. He didn't want to find out, though, and despite how he'd just been treated he still desperately craved such a simple thing as a kiss himself.
He exhaled sharply, green eyes settling upon the lips that had just spoken with such brutal honesty. If he hadn't already known the man to be so blunt he might have guessed he'd been bluffing, but he was certain he was not. For a moment he stared at him, chin raised slightly as his eyes flickered to meet his own.
His lips set in a line, as if he was thinking about complaining about the request or saying something about how rude it was. Suddenly, though, his features softened into acceptance. Julian relaxed, lips parting slightly as he awkwardly shuffled closer on his knees. He lifted a hand tentatively as he leaned in, uncertain if his touch was welcome but willing to chance his assumption being incorrect for a moment of it anyway.
Without a word he finally met Artorius's lips with his own, fingertips slowly gliding along his cheek and jaw to brace himself. Where the gambler had been rough with him Julian was purposefully gentle and soft, his lips undemanding as he savored the warmth between them. His eyes mostly closed he gingerly swept his hand up into his dark hair, a soft sigh of joy finally escaping him as a sole symbol of his enjoyment in meeting his demand.