Hello everybody!
Welcome to this story, which was written by the three of us. Let me introduce you Raixander, Victoria Nike and Melissia. We joined our forces to write this experimental story, based on the different kinds of kisses. The Romans differentiated, at least, three of them: Osculum (a kiss on the cheeks), basium (a kiss on the lips) and savolium (a deep kiss, with tongue). A b-day present for the Onebrow spectre :P
So the fic is about these three kisses, which Radamanthys gave to...well, that's something you've got to discover by reading the whole story :)
DISCLAIMER: All the characters that appear belong to Masami Kurumada.
Warning: Yaoi
Hope you like it!
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Okay...I drew the shortest stick, so I'm Raixander and I'm responsible for this first chapter and first lover. I hope later on you could realize how much sacrifice I did for this chapter/story :-)
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Disclaimer : Saint Seiya, the gorgeous Camus and sexy Wyvern are not mine! *Sob*
Soundtrack : Babe (I love you) from Styx
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If CamusxRhadamanthys is not your fave pair, please still continue to the next chapters written by Victoria_Nike and Melissia-Scorpio. I promise you that it will all worth it!
Thank you for reading!
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Osculum
A kiss On the Cheek
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It was windy, grey and rainy that day. Exactly what one would expect from a rainy November in London.
Underworld was much nicer during this time. Yes it was cold in his mansion for being near to Cocytos, but at least there was never annoying cold rain and grey sky. The sky in the Underworld was always reddish anyway, just being lighter or darker when mimicking the day on the Outerworld.
Rhadamanthys was as gloomy as London weather that day. Sipping his Glenlivet whiskey and watching the sky from a narrow bay window in his London apartment, his recent memories were coming to him. It has been almost five months since he last met his boyfriend: a man from the Outerworld. A mere mortal guy, an ex-enemy, and still a potential enemy. A very intelligent guy with a very logic personality. A born-Aquarius, a Saint of Athena. Camus.
How a Judge of the Underworld like him could ended up in bed and in love with the logical and icy Gold Saint of Athena was a long and rough story. It started four years ago, after the last Holy War followed by a peace treaty between the archenemies Hades, Athena and Poseidon. Rhadamanthys and Camus were sent in a joint mission as a team. It took them almost more than a year for their relationship to grow from being ex-enemies to colleagues, then from friends to lovers. It was never an easy matter for both sides, almost involuntarily until finally they were defeated by their own feelings.
Five months ago, suddenly Rhadamanthys' deity, Hades, had a heated argument with his niece Athena about the best way in organizing the world. The tension was so high that Poseidon and Artemis had to step in and be the peacekeepers. In anticipation, his Lady Pandora had ordered all the specters to get ready and alerted for a strike against Sanctuary whenever their Lord wished it. Pandora had told all the specters who might be in contact with Athena's Saints to cut all connections immediately. And she had specifically given her closest and devoted Judge an extra sharp look by saying the words : " Or you may taste my musical talent to the highest point. And that's just for an intro."
So, the Wyvern had to cut all ties to the gorgeous enemy from the Sanctuary slash his lover. He was making plots and strategy for the best way to strike Athena's Saints and the Sanctuary; to kill them in a clean slate, including killing his Camus.
A shiver ran down through his spine. He was close to killing Camus, if he thought about it again. Fortunately, somehow Poseidon and Artemis could calm down the angry Hades and annoyed Athena. In about a month, things were gradually resolved itself and the three realms continued their peace pact, thus the gatherings between the warriors.
Today would be the first time for the Judge to be in Sanctuary again since the crisis –thanks to Poseidon and Artemis– being invited by his still boyfriend, Camus. The weather forecast said that it would be bright and sunny in Athens, Greece. It was something that always lured the Brits for coming there, escaping their grayish sky. But somehow Rhadamanthys felt that he would bring the rainy and grayish mood even to Sanctuary, for meeting his beloved and much missed almost-an-enemy boyfriend.
So there he was in Sanctuary and climbing up the stairs. He wondered why Camus had invited him there, and with some other guests around. Camus told him that there will be Hyoga, Milo, Kanon, Isaak and Aphrodite. Since Camus had openly declared that they were a couple three years ago, the Ice Prince never made their relationship a showcase. No matter how passionate their nights behind the curtains were, there was only polite close distance or slight embrace allowed around other comrades. Not that the Judge and the Ice Saint were ashamed of their relationship, but they both agreed about being discreet in respect to their job, status and their deities.
The discreetness was actually a kind of foreplay for the Judge, like a child who drooled in front of a candy store for some time before allowed to go in and take one. Back to being discreet, that was why the Judge wondered why the private moment that they usually shared only between them was now crumped with those other people.
Well, at least Saga would not be around which made it more relaxed for the Judge, not having to watch his Camus closely. Milo was manageable with the Sea Dragon around, taming him. Most probably that was why Camus invited Kanon, too. Hyoga and Isaak were never problems for Rhadamanthys since he had to accept them as the apples of Camus' heart. Thankfully, both young men were with good manners, as typical products of Camus' meticulous education method.
As for the prettiest Saint, Rhadamanthys would never understand why Camus could be close friends with the Swedish Aphrodite, the ex-crush of his half-brother Minos. The previous reincarnation of this guy-with-roses was much more stolid and mysterious. It was understandable why Minos had an eye for Albafica or if Camus being good friends with him. However, it seemed that the chatter and coquettish Aphrodite somehow had helped Camus becoming more open to his own feelings, which brought advantages to Rhadamanthys. So he let things as they were.
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When Rhadamanthys arrived at the eleventh temple without much problem from the indifferent guardians of the other temples, he could smell the nice food that brought back some faint residual memories of his recent childhood. He was offered a glass of whiskey by Hyoga and Isaak who were already there in the terrace of the living quarter of Aquarius Saint, as they were all not allowed to enter before Camus and Kanon told them to. But the Kyoto declined the whiskey.
"Cognac for me, please." Rhadamanthys told the surprised Hyoga, as his master told him that the whiskey was specially bought for the Judge. But Rhadamanthys knew that Camus usually went for Cognac, and only for his Camus he would give up his whiskey for Cognac, particularly at this time when he was feeling a mix of cheesy and gloomy for missing Camus. Some moment later, Milo came from his temple to join them outside and opted for Ouzo. He brought a small package and he handed it to the Judge while muttering the birthday wishes reluctantly. Nonetheless, both Scorpions were with their best civil behavior. Otherwise Camus would coldly calm them down in an ice coffin and they could bid adieu to the deliciously-smelled dinner. A definite no-go.
"Looks like Camus and Kanon are really serious with the cooking aren't they?" commented Milo. Camus was usually on time with everything. Maybe it was Kanon who distorted the timeline.
"I wouldn't mind to wait a bit longer if Kanon is cooking. I mean, Sensei's food is not bad. But Kanon is clearly the masterchef…at least when Aldebaran is not around." Hyoga said while sniffing the air filled with delicious smells, which Isaak said amen to it.
"Hello everyone, you are still outside?" A cheerful tone greeted them. Aphrodite came with a big bucket of roses, which color was almost black.
"Geez, Aphrodite! Why black roses? It's not a funeral."
"You are an ignorant about roses, Isaak. Your master will be disappointed with your knowledge. These are the rare Black Baccara. I think they are manlier for our occasion, would you agree with me, Rhadamanthys? Or do you all prefer my white roses instead?" And Aphrodite got a unison answer of "No, thanks."
"Black suits me fine, thank you." Rhadamanthys muttered and almost smiled thinking how amused Minos would be to get a big bucket of those white roses for his birthday, a sarcastic joke about his last death in the previous Holy War.
"Hi! Welcome everyone. Sorry for the delay. We can go in shortly when Camus is ready in some minutes for his outfit." The Sea Dragon opened the front door and joined them, opting for Ouzo and playfully kissed Milo. Kanon looked sensual in his casual T-shirt and jeans with some sweats on his face and neck from cooking.
"Camus is wearing an outfit? Something must be wrong in his head." Milo made his jealous comment after being free from the kiss.
"Aha! I am dying to see what advice he took from me." Aphrodite claimed proudly. "It's perfectly fine for being romantic once in a while, even for an Ice Saint, right Hyoga?"
Hyoga just chuckled and was curious while Rhadamanthys looked straight on the floor, drinking his Cognac with a poker face. But his nose was a bit wider, feeling smug and proud.
Before ten minutes had passed, the door was opened again. Camus appeared and was welcoming his guests wearing an Argyll Outfit. At that jaw-dropping moment, Rhadamanthys wished he was with his giant-winged-surplice, to be able to swing them and swap away all those Saints before wrapping and kidnapping his stunning boyfriend in Kilt, hiding him deep in his Underworld dungeon for his pleasure eternally.
Camus gave Rhadamanthys his cute smile and a quick peck on Wyvern's cheek while saying his birthday wish, and whispered discreetly. "Your gift is wrapped in Tartan, Rhancy." That was a sign from Camus that he was in a playful mood. And Camus was the only person who could call the Judge of the Underworld in that name and staying alive.
Camus' kilt was in Tartan from a mix of black and deep purple with very discreet gold accents. It was the Tartan color of Rhadamanthys' ancient Scottish clan, although he was also an heir of a noble British family. Camus' jacket, vest, shirt, socks and boots were all in black, making his light tanned honey-gold skin shone and matching the Tartan.
Whatever he had planned to tell Camus before coming to Sanctuary, Rhadamanthys completely forgot it. Only Camus' deep blue-green eyes, smiles, dark long hair—a Wyvern's fetish—and that suspicious Kilt filled the Kyoto's mind, heart and loins.
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Apart from trying hard to suppress the arousal of Camus appearance for the whole evening, the dinner was very nice with a warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Something what Rhadamanthys didn't have so often, not even on his birthdays in Caina for a very long time. Their parties in the Underworld might be wild and hot, but certainly not heart-warming ones.
Kanon apparently did an awesome job in helping Camus with the menu, a mix of traditional French and British-Scottish Cuisines. They started with a light Salade aux Lardons before digging to the main course of two meals : Coq au Vin, the simmering chicken, and the never-failed Shepherd's Pie. They were all in satiety after finishing the dessert, which was Gordon Ramsay's Light Steamed Pudding with Whiskey Cream.
Holding their drinks and chatting on light and nonsense topics, the guests urged Rhadamanthys to open his presents. He got himself a bottle of an Edible Massage Rose Oil from Aphrodite, accompanied with a teasing laugh from the Pisces Saint, a glare from Milo and a blush from Camus. The gift from Milo and Kanon was a cookbook, Tom Kerridge Proper Pub Food, with a mocking comment from the Sea Dragon that he didn't intend to become the Kyoto's private chef for his next birthday parties. And finally, a book from Hyoga and Isaak: The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared. And let's not forget Camus' kilt in Tartan. They were perfect gifts, indeed.
No matter how warm the atmosphere was and how Camus' smiles were warming his heart, Rhadamanthys was still an alpha Kyoto and a hungry dragon. He managed to seize Isaak in private and asked him and Hyoga firmly for not staying at their master's temple. To which Isaak nodded and informed that Kanon had allowed them a room for the night.
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The party ended far before midnight, which was quite early for a standard party time in Sanctuary and the Underworld. But Camus was quite clear in a friendly way to send the message that he didn't want to have drunken people in his temple that night. So the guests minus Kanon were leaving the Aquarius temple together. Kanon was staying for half an hour more to help Camus converting the leftover food becoming a menu for the next brunch. And Kanon found it quite fun to annoy the Wyvern a bit more with his presence.
Hyoga and Isaak excused themselves from their master with the arguments that they wanted to continue with playing cards and Ouzo testing at Kanon's place for the rest of the night. Although in reality, Kanon would not reached Gemini Temple and would spend a steamy night in the eighth temple. Milo was always very hot in bed when he was angry…or jealous, which would be pretty much the case seeing Camus dressed up for his Wyvern. Kanon knew it and always took the most advantage from that kind of situation.
Walking down the stair with the intention to spend the night in Cancer temple, Aphrodite began the conversation about his impression of the odd couple.
"They must be the most frigid couple I've ever met. No hugs, no kisses and no groping at all! I thought they haven't met for months. So it's either they had secretly met during our recent crisis, or they really could kill each other just like that. Or one of them is impotent." The Pisces Saint knew about Camus' feeling or rather the struggle of his feelings for the Judge since the beginning of their affair. And after that long relationship and in the closed environment like this limited private party, he expected that Rhadamanthys and Camus could show their passions toward each other more openly, if they were really in a deep relationship.
" My Sensei is calm, but I don't think he's frigid. I guess it depends on who his partner is." Hyoga defended his master, and gave a discreet glance to Milo. He won't have a chance to be like that if he's with Milo.
"Well guys, I don't know what you're talking about. But I bet with my last eye that they were hitting each other like crazy as we speak now. Didn't you see the way he looked at Master Camus? He couldn't wait anymore to eat Master alive under that skirt!" Isaak added his opinion, particularly after the firm request from Rhadamanthys.
"Isaak! Mind your tongue."
"Well, Hyoga. You are all adults now. Surely you understand that it is the sad truth. I feel sorry for Camus now; he has to bear that beast the whole night, "commented Milo.
"Why should we feel sorry, Milo? I think Sensei is happy with him. They are great together, aren't they?
"Don't push the limit of my patience, little Duckie. I have my own issues with that particular specter. But yes, I have to admit that Camus must have been very happy with him, to think that he would ever wear a skirt like that."
"Oh…but I found it sweet. I mean the skirt. Camus was stunning in it."
"It's called a kilt, Aphrodite."
"Yeah..yeah, Hyoga. Anyway, I like the pattern and the color. And I had a suspicion that Camus wore nothing underneath. Isn't it shocking?" Aphrodite was entertaining himself with naughty images of a seductive Camus, and congratulated himself for his teaching skills.
"NO! Stop it, Aphrodite. We don't want to think about it." Hyoga and Isaak protested simultaneously. Children would prefer to see their parents as asexual organisms.
" Hmph! Sorry kids, it's a wild world with raw truth out there. That brute beast is very lucky to have Camus, indeed."
"Well, Milo darling, don't be sad. You've got yourself one of the hottest Saint in Sanctuary. You have no right to complain." Aphrodite playfully tried being supportive.
"Hahaha…Aphrodite…. Kanon is hot, indeed. But we are not a real couple, you know. Only a beast could tame a wild dragon like Kanon. Or a crazy powerful being, like his twin. But I've got no complains." Milo answered, half lying.
I wish Camus can love me like he does to that brute. I wish I was the one who melted his icy mask. Friend for a life is the closest I can get from him. And people call me the Cassanova of Sanctuary?
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It took Kanon and Camus a little less than quarter of an hour to retouch the leftover into new food. Kanon took some of it for his guests in Gemini Temple later on. The younger Gemini twin really liked Camus and felt closer to Camus because of Saga, and later on because of Milo. He actually preferred to see Camus together with his beloved brother. But somehow the Judge had sneaked his way to Camus heart, leaving a defeated Saga. That was the reason why the Sea Dragon enjoyed annoying the other dragon, the victim of his suicidal attack, as much as possible. It had become his hobby since the peace pact, plus as a solidarity act for his twin brother.
When Kanon finally bid his farewell teasingly, Rhadamanthys slammed the door impatiently in front of the Sea Dragon's nose. In precisely 5 seconds, he had dragged Camus to the bedroom and locked the door as a precaution for any chance of disturbance in the form of Camus' disciples. Rhadamanthys had almost slammed Camus to the wall when pinning the Saint and kissed him hard, sucking the air from Camus' lungs and biting the Aquarian delicate lips until it was bleeding. He put all his restrained desires for months in some minutes, like using the magnifying glass on one spot. He grabbed Camus hair so hard that he took out several strands from the owner. And the muffled moans from his lover only put more oil to the fiery lust.
"Rhada...mmh..." Camus was almost chocked, but he let the Judge feast on him hungrily because he missed being wanted by his dragon all this time.
The taste of Camus blood finally disenchanted Rhadamanthys from his bestial urges. He broke his vampire kisses and let them catching their breaths but keeping Camus tight to his chest. He let Camus body clinging to him, while the Ice Saint was recovering from a Wyvern's attacks and his own buried desires. Rhadamanthys kissed Camus head apologetically to compensate his lover's hair loss, then wiping the small trickles of blood on the cupid-bowed lips lovingly with his caressing thumb. He adored the pink hues and the deep unfocused gaze on Camus' beautiful face. Gradually his Camus was back to the world, granting Rhadamanthys his divine smile that made the Judge knees weak. They went to sit on the bed, still caressing each other.
"Finally, it's just the two of us now! " Rhadamanthys tried to start a decent conversation in a dry throat that made him sound funny. He couldn't hide his lust. And there was no point in doing it, because Camus understood the Wyvern's beasty side and capable to deal with it in his Zen manners. Camus was a calm lover, but it didn't mean that he was a beta-male.
"You didn't like it before with them around, Rhancy?"
"Not like that. Actually, it was much nicer than any other birthday parties I've ever had with my subordinates, colleagues and bosses. I really enjoyed it, Camus. Thank you, my love."
"I thank you, Rhancy, for being with me and them. And you've made it a lovely evening with the closest people to me."
"So, I deserve my gift now, don't I?" Rhadamanthys' amber eyes shone, full of suggestions.
"Yes, please. I hope you like it."
"Like it? Camus! I'm dying to unwrap it the whole evening. And how could you do it perfectly?" Rhadamanthys was revering to the authentic way of wearing a kilt, with nothing underneath. "My love, you are meant to be in my Tartan. And it's only you, really." Kyoto's big and strong hand glided under the kilt. "Mmh..surely I'll explode soon."
"Then get your hands off me, Wyvern. Behave yourself and unwrapped your gift nicely. I had a lot of coffee today and intend not to sleep at all tonight. I am not in the mood for a quickie."
"Oh, Camus!" Rhadamanthys thought that he could have an orgasm right away just listening to Camus naughty words.
"Behave, Rhancy. Behave yourself."
"I'll do my best, Camus. Crickey! I miss you so much."
"I miss you, too."
It was a starting code for Rhadamanthys, he removed Camus' jacket and vest in urge, borderline to ripping them. But he continued opening the shirt by biting the push-buttons slowly with his teeth as a service to Camus' preference in love-making, one by one until the last button. Then he licked the exposed light-honey skin and savoring the salty taste while tugging away the remaining shirt from Camus' body. He pushed Camus hard on the bed, making the Saint lay on his back with his feet dangling on the edge of the bed. Opening Camus' boots and the knee-socks without releasing his sharp gaze on the Saint, Rhadamanthys continued biting to untie the kilt with his teeth. And when everything had finally been exposed, the mighty Wyvern smirked in satisfaction; ogling, greedily admiring the gorgeous body he had missed so much. Unbuckling the belt, unzipping his own pants and pouring the edible rose massage oil over Camus' uncovered body, he licked his lips and wished himself huskily:
"Happy birthday to me!"
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Even with gallons of coffee he had drunk, Camus finally got asleep after many rounds of fast and slow-paced games. He was in effete period of post-orgasm, allowing Rhadamanthys to peacefully watching his serene face. Running his fingers through the spread dark hair on the pillow, the Judge pulled himself together, gathering the strength to carry on with his plan before being swamped by Camus' appeal.
It was deep in the night but far before the rose-pink light of dawn painted the sky in Sanctuary. Rhadamanthys made himself a pot of tea and brought it to the bedroom and sit on the reading chair there. Apparently, Camus had woken up by the smell of the tea, or the absence of protective hands, and sleepily joined the Judge, sitting on his lap and rested his head on the Wyvern's strong shoulder. In a short moment later, the Aquarius Saint was fully awake after listening to his Wyvern's proposal about their next step in the relationship.
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Camus had to ask Rhadamanthys to repeat his proposal the second time to believe in the Judge's trembling words: that their love had reached the dead end, that their love had made the mighty Wyvern a weak and became an ordinary man in love; that they had to go separate ways. Rhadamanthys couldn't take it anymore, being too deep in love with Camus while having to be ready to kill him all the time. He thought that he was a strong and logical Judge who can kill Camus coldly because it would be the best for Camus' soul. He forgot that he was still a human, capable of experiencing feelings, a human who had a heart.
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"And you have owned my heart, Camus. I should have not let you to. It has become my Achilles's heel. But please believe me that I truly love you until the end of time."
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There was a dreaded silence, before Camus calmly reacted to his lover's proposal.
"I was hoping that you would be the strongest of us and having a way to overcome this problem, Wyvern. I depended on your will to continue our relationship. I was hoping that you won't give me up when I was about to. In other words, I was hoping that I won't get dumped."
"Please, Camus. Don't make it sound like it's my fault, that I am just a bastard."
"Things will be much easier when you are a bastard, indeed. And it is our faults, Rhada, not only yours. We should have not tried this relationship in the first place."
"Maybe it's true. However, I've never regretted it. Not even a second of our time together, Camus."
"I cherished every moment of it, too." Camus sighed and hid his face in the crook of Rhadamanthys' neck. From time to time, Rhadamanthys kissed Camus' head tenderly.
"Why do we always in agreement for almost anything, Love?"
"It's only an 'almost', Rhada. You won't give up your job for me, will you?"
"Of course I cannot, Camus. But it's because I don't have a choice." Rhadamanthys answered in an apology. "On the other hand, you've declined the chance to become a specter willingly, even when that could help us staying together."
"You know that I can't be a specter, Rhada."
"Yes, not that I like it but I understand it. See? We do agree on everything."
"Does it mean that you've expected me to give a nod to your 'proposal' easily? Even when that means there's no more of us from now on?"
"Yes, my love. It will be the best thing we could ever do to honor our feelings, our love… us."
"In other words, you dump me now, Wyvern?"
There was a pause between the question and answer, filled with passionated yet sad kisses.
"It's the best for us, don't you think my Love?"
"Merde, Wyvern. You could have told me that before unwrapping your gift."
"Agreed, I should have done it earlier. But…would you forgive me for being selfish this time, for the last time? You were so alluring in my Tartan, my love. I wanted to have this gift…although I might not deserve it anymore." Rhadamanthys kissed the protesting deep blue-green eyes. " And please be honest with me. When do you plan to tell this to me yourself?"
Camus caressed the strong jaw line of his soon-to-be ex-lover. "To be honest, instead of inviting you here for your birthday party and gift, it should have been it. But…I ….couldn't do it. I missed you. I…was also selfish, Rhada. I wanted to be your gift first." Camus closed his eyes, remembering how nice the dinner was, having his lover fully integrated to all aspects of his life: his best friends and his children, in his temple that he guarded with his life.
"See? Damn you, artful Camus. You should've known that you would always lose against me, Love."
"Stop calling me that, Rhancy."
"And please stop calling me that, too, Camus. You're making me weak."
"So, what's it gonna be for us?"
"I can't even promise you that we would be friends for life. This time, Milo wins. And it hurts me a lot, Camus."
"So, is that all you want to say, Wyvern?"
"That would be all, Camus. Yes. Or if I may ask, please be happy. But not with that older Gemini."
Camus chuckled sadly, if that expression did exist. "I'll be missing you, Rhadamanthys."
"I'll be loving you."
Both lovers looked deep into each other's eyes, assessing how serious and strong they were with their decision. And as usual, both agreed that their time together had ended. If only for once they could disagree on a matter, this should be the perfect case that would lead to their happiness. But both were devoted warriors, who might own their hearts…but not their freedom. Their hands were tied by their pledge to their deities.
Rhadamanthys hugged Camus, who was still sitting in his lap, to be closer to him. He whispered hoarsely in Camus ears, hiding his own watering eyes.
"Allow me one small thing as a parting gift, Camus?" It's a rhetorical question that earned a weak nod from the melting Ice Saint.
The broken-hearted Judge of Hell gave the most passionate and longest osculum of all time to his eternal lover –now ex-lover. It's like the time had stopped from that point, or so they wished.
They stayed in osculum, watching the sunrise over the Sanctuary, and eventually over Camus' bedroom. It wasn't a Judas' kiss, because both men were emotionally bare, naked and never been more honest to their feelings and devotions. But a kiss on the cheek, no matter how passionate, was just a token of friendship between two men. No other words needed.
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-30th October, a year later-
A text message was coming.
"Happy Birthday, Wyvern."
That's all.
That's all that left from the supposed to be eternal and never-ending love story between two men, who pledged their allegiances to the wrong deities.
Not even an osculum for his birthday from the love of his eternal life, who recently had found a new knot to tie in his long and eager best friend.
No more gift in Tartan for the Wyvern from now on.