Title: Reason to live (part X)
Author: BELOVEDbyWAR
Pairing: Augustus/Sandulf, Henry/Mike
Rating: R/Slash
TV verse: Blood Ties
Disclaimer: Not mine, not making any money.
Warnings: Sex between two men
Summary: Memories
AN: Thanks to luvinmike for proofreading!
WK: 3275
Last time:
On the other side of the door, a lone shadow smiled sadly as it looked out the window, thinking of a time long ago while unconsciously stroking an antique looking bracelet.
Part X:
After the incident in the woods their relationship began to improve.
Some of the warriors whom Augustus had not met prior still looked at him suspiciously, but most came around after they realized, that Augustus meant them no harm.
Naturally, the fact that their commander bore the Roman a grudgingly respect helped a lot, at least with most of them. Alewar, Sandulf's first in command, seemed to begrudge the brunette his master's favor the most.
Nonetheless, life went on and although the warriors were often away for weeks on end, the village was rather content. While the young men were away, Augustus busied himself learning their language. He still understood better than he spoke and Marius translated for him more often than not.
He also spent time teaching the children to read and write Latin and, of course, how to fight. It had taken some time to convince the elders, but after Raginmar spoke in support of him and of the advantage of knowing the enemy and their way of thinking, the tutoring was gratefully accepted, although only under the watchful eye of at least one of the elders to monitor what the Roman was teaching their children.
Augustus had been surprised by how few of them were actually able to communicate by hand. Most were illiterate. On the other hand, he really shouldn't have been surprised. After all, few Romans were able to read and write if they were not of noble birth or patronized by one of them. He had forgotten how fortunate he had been and how simple the people were with whom he now lived. It was a miracle that Sandulf could understand him as well as he did, which indicated his high level of intelligence.
Self-defense and weapons training, however, were quite a different story. Even most of the girls were able to defend themselves in rather intriguing and efficient ways. Most of them were very handy with a bow and with hand-to-hand combat.
Augustus had a suspicion the village could thank Sandulf for this because he could hardly imagine all Goth children were able to fight at such high levels. Under that scenario, the Romans would have one hell of a future army to look forward to fighting.
Apart from the knowledge of the terrain, stealth and surprise were their greatest weapons. The other skills he introduced included swordplay, Roman-style wrestling, and higher-level tactics and defense.
Keeping busy, time practically flew and before he knew it, summer arrived and the warriors returned home during one of his combat lessons.
Augustus was in the middle of a hand-to-hand battle with Vermundo, his top pupil.
The boy fought well and was well versed and, even though still young, already physically sported a larger build than Augustus. Augustus had faith that the youth would be able to join the warriors in the fall.
The session had lasted quite a while. The youth was only now slowly showing small signs of fatigue, which Augustus used to his advantage. He concentrated on the boys' footing and was surprised to realize the deception when he found himself lying on his back. Yes, Vermundo really was a clever one! Though on the ground, the Roman still had a few tricks up his sleeve. Although smaller, he managed to overwhelm his pupil and twist him in a submission lock from which the boy could not escape. When his victory was acknowledged, Augustus stood back up, explained the maneuver, and let the youth attempt it.
Loud clapping ended their session. Teacher and pupils found themselves surrounded by a horde of wild-looking, grim Goths who soon were sporting proud grins. Well, most of them, anyway.
"Well, done! I see it was a good decision to let you teach the children. And you adapted our techniques, as well. So Roman, do you think you are up to fighting a real warrior now that Vermundo has introduced you to our ways of fighting?" Sandulf playfully asked.
"I am ready when you are."
"Well then, what are we waiting for?"
The tall blond dropped his gear and weapons, which were swiftly collected by some of the women and delivered to Sandulf's dwelling.
Then the Goth stepped into the circle where Augustus stood and the pair immediately started circling each other. Neither attacked for a long time until both got a feel for the other's rhythm and movement. Sandulf was first to attack. He darted forward, grasping one of Augustus' arms and yanking it behind the smaller man's back, but the Roman easily countered by spinning out of the way and punching the blond in his now-unprotected side. Sandulf in turn, responded with a headlock that the smaller man escaped by tripping him and bringing them both to the ground.
On and on it went. The pair was well matched and the whole village assembled to witness the spectacle. Warriors took the opportunity to point out some of the moves and explain them and their efficiency to the children. Soon, however, the movements and responses simply became too fast and all the audience could do was watch open-mouthed in admiration.
After what seemed to be an eternity, the two opponents found themselves in a similar position to what Augustus had explained at the end of the lesson. But the moment he tried to put the finishing move to work he was spun so swiftly and pushed face down on the ground that the air was knocked out of his lungs.
A sudden heavy weight settled over him, blanketing him from head to toe, and a warm breath hushed over his neck whispering:
"Do you yield?"
Augustus remembered their previous encounter in the woods. Just like then, his body reacted to the body pushing him to the ground by getting hard. Fortunately he soon realized that he was not the only one affected as such and attributed it to the excitement of the fight.
With one last, swift move he reversed positions, but was only momentarily victorious before the blond soon grasped his wrists and spun them again. This time Augustus landed on his back with Sandulf straddling his legs and using his greater frame and power to subdue the smaller man.
Try as he might Augustus could not escape and soon had to admit defeat.
Still sitting, Sandulf spoke up:
"Power is one thing you can't learn. Either you have it or you don't. So choose your opponents carefully!"
The brunette used the blonde's moment of distraction to throw Sandulf off and lock him in a submission position that even the taller man with his superior power could not escape. Augustus spoke and Marius quickly translated:
"Never underestimate your opponent. Even the tall and strong fall when they solely depend on their strength and force. Strategy and tactic are just as important as skill and strength! Try to use both!"
He then rose and offered Sandulf a hand up, to which he only too willingly accepted - but not to rise. Instead the blond yanked him off balance and into his lap, which resulted in some laughs and Augustus getting red at feeling the blonde's still obvious arousal on which he now clearly sat.
Grinning, Sandulf captured Augustus' eyes with his intense deep blue ones by commenting:
"And never expect your opponent to play fair! Honor, sad to say, is not often found on the battlefield! Now, end of lesson! Go! We are hungry!"
With those words the crowd dispersed. Families, lovers and friends greeted each other and the two men were soon forgotten.
In an impressive display of power the blond stood without effort, Augustus still clutched tight and pressed to the blond's muscular stomach, to the Roman's great mortification. It only lasted a second, but in that second his equally aroused state clearly was realized.
Surprisingly Sandulf said nothing. He only patted the smaller man's shoulder and pronounced it a good fight before he too was swept away by the crowd surrounding them. Augustus was so puzzled that a friendly slap on his back took him completely by surprise as a laughing Raginmar spoke:
"Ha! I was right! See? It only took time. My brother finally came around!"
"Huh?"
"He likes you! Couldn't you tell the difference? He openly praised you! That is a lot for him to do. Not that you did not earn it a long while ago! Come, tell me everything that has happened while we were away!"
Augustus was drawn away by an excited Raginmar, though his words still lingered in his ear:
'He likes you…'
***
'Brrrr, brrrrrrrr.'
His pocket vibrated and Augustus quickly retrieved his cell phone.
"Yes?"
"Ah, old friend, how is our project proceeding?" a familiar female voice questioned him.
'Friend?! Not anymore! Bitch!'
Instead he answered in an almost bored tone:
"As planned, of course! What did you expect? I assume your end of the deal has been handled as well!"
"Of course! And what a nice little boy he is! Never fear, I do not harm innocent children, unless, of course, you give me reason to do so!"
"Your plan is on schedule. You were right. The female chose her mortal lover over your prince and, although still fighting with her decision, agreed to my terms. It won't be long now."
"Well, that is great news. I await your call when the date and location are decided. Till, then."
With those words she hung up, leaving Augustus furious. How dare that whore treat him as if nothing had happened?! That poor excuse of a vampire! If only she were here right now! He would like nothing more than to take that swanlike neck of hers and squeeze it until….
He had never been a man who would harm a woman, but that hag had earned it! Hers would be no fast, merciful death. No! He would make her suffer! Her end would be slow and painful! She would regret having ever been born!
Taking a few calming breaths, Augustus discretely listened, but could not make out any sounds.
Ah, had the lovers finally exhausted themselves?
The vampire had to smile. He was happy for them. Young love was such an inspirational thing to witness. What he wouldn't give to feel those butterflies once more…
***
In the weeks to come, the warriors more frequently stayed at home. The Romans could not stand the wet, pressing heat and stayed rather calm during the summer months.
During those few weeks, life was good.
Augustus continued his teaching and learning. Sandulf was a big help in both. And they spent more and more time in each other's company.
The Goth was a kind man with an easy humor. They began sparring daily and on one particularly warm day they took the children swimming.
It was fun and everyone was thankful for the chance to cool down in the water. While some of the other adults looked after the children, the two men swam further out. They relaxed and floated on their backs, enjoying their moment of peace.
"Ah, this is nice!"
"Yes. Although a father myself, I have to admit that sometimes children rob your last nerve."
"True, but I prefer them to Roman soldiers every day – present company excepted, naturally." The blond spoke grinning.
"Oh, really? A few weeks ago, you would have preferred the soldiers, I bet." The Roman teased the other back.
"Maybe…"
A sudden silence overcame the two men as they remembered the first few weeks of their acquaintance. It seemed a lifetime ago.
Feeling watched, Augustus turned his head to look at the other man and became breathless at seeing the smothering look Sandulf gave him.
"Things change…" the blond spoke huskily as he slowly swam closer to the brunette.
"I…"
"Yes?"
They were so close now that Augustus could clearly feel the other's warmth. Sky blue eyes drew him in and as the tip of a tongue drew his eyes to those enchanting lips, Augustus was completely lost and did nothing to stop the taller man as a strong arm drew him close. Lips softly met as eyes closed.
That first kiss between the two fierce, battle-hardened warriors was unbelievably tender: Just the whisper of lips against lips as if asking for permission. When that permission was given, restraint was quickly discarded as the kiss deepened. They poured all their passion and longing in that one kiss, telling the other how long they had been waiting for this moment and promising many more in the future to come.
Soon they had to part as both the kiss stole their breath away and it became more difficult by the minute to keep treading water when all they really wanted to do was let their hands and mouths explore the other, letting them touch for the first time as lovers and not sparring partners.
The kiss ended with a sigh as both their foreheads and their gazes met.
"I…I-"
"Augustus."
"Yes."
Those were the only words needed. Sandulf again drew the smaller man close, but this time Augustus let him take his whole weight. With legs slung around a trim waist and arms around the Goth's strong neck, Augustus drew him even closer and kissed him mercilessly. Like the emperor he was, he claimed the other's mouth and with it the blond's heart and soul.
He had never felt this way, not even with his late wife, who he had loved more than his own life and he let himself become consumed by this fire, this passion. Sandulf felt like a force of nature and all Augustus could do was hold on and be taken by this sublime creature.
And take Sandulf would. Feeling their need taking over, the two men separated just long enough to locate a secluded shore.
There, on the soft, wet moss they once again fell over each other like wild animals, finally able to touch that which had previously been denied.
Loud groans were uttered, but they did not care. All that mattered was that they were together! Hard bodies glided along each other, enflaming them even more, as hands explored the other body, coaxing sighs and huffs from the other. As if it was vital to stay connected, their mouths never parted. They only stopped kissing when their movements became more and more erratic and breathing eventually nothing more than groaning.
Their passion threatened to boil over as engorged flesh rubbed together. Though on the edge, Augustus knew his climax was imminent, but he wanted to feel his new lover even closer.
Parting his legs he cradled the blond with his body and urged him to move faster and more forcefully by guiding that hard ass with his hands, one on each muscular cheek thrusting up as Sandulf thrusted down.
And that was all it took. Feeling the tingling feeling in his abdomen start to rise, he felt his own and the body above him draw taunt. As one they came, bellowing the other's name as white spurts erupted over their bellies.
On and on it went until they fell totally spent in each other's arms, not caring about the mess they had made.
They must have dozed off but soon were awakened by loud shouts in the distance.
They regretfully separated and, after one last, deep kiss, swam back to where they had left the others.
Some of the warriors were waiting for them. Alewar threw Augustus a suspicious and jealous glance.
"Trouble in the south!" the man reported. "We are under attack!"
Heaving a deep sigh, Sandulf looked regretfully at Augustus, who only nodded in understanding. He would see to it that the children were brought safely back to the village.
Swiftly the blond dressed and took his weapons from his first in command. Before he left, he turned once again, taking the Roman in his arms and whispering:
"Thanks!" before hurriedly departing with the other warriors.
Augustus' last thoughts were:
'Mars, please let him be victorious!'
***
The ancient vampire smiled sorrowfully as he watched Mike and Henry leave his bedroom.
Tonight time had gone by quickly and he could feel the dawn closing in. They clearly did not want to part, but it could not be helped. They had already said their goodbyes.
Henry somewhat sheepishly –seemingly embarrassed about his lack of control and desecration of the other vampire's bed- came closer.
Augustus had to smile. At the moment Henry looked like a sorry puppy who knew he had done something naughty but was still so excited about it that he could not decide whether to wave his tail erratically or draw it close expecting punishment.
It was simply too endearing! Augustus could not be cross with the younger vampire for following his own advice. Well, not that he had told him to act on his feelings- but well… problem solved and judging by the dreamy look in Mike's eyes, to the human's complete satisfaction.
Mercifully he did not let the others wait in suspense for long and simply took the younger vampire in his arms. At this gesture Henry visibly relaxed, accepted the hug, and thanked him for everything before he walked to the door. Mike gave him one lingering kiss goodbye. Only after the elevator doors were closed completely did Mike dare to look at Augustus. Taking a deep breath he started:
"I, I am sorry. It just happened! We changed the linens, of course! I really am sorry!"
"Oh, stuff it!" Augustus grinned, "You are not! And from what I have heard, neither is his Majesty! I'll take a good shag everyday over the moping you did earlier. So, stop apologizing! You forget that I experienced a little of your capability to lose control and, if that is any indicator, I would say Henry must have had a heck of a great time. A pity he doesn't share…"
"Ahem, still in the room, Count Lecherous!"
Seeing Mike's slight discomfort at his open lusting, Augustus drew closer and in his best Dracula imitation, he leaned forward and whispered with a thick Transylvanian accent:
"Oh, but I vant to dring your blood! – or some other fluid…" before doubling over in hysterical laughter at seeing Mike's clearly exasperated expression.
"Har, har, very funny! Next time, I won't be so considerate and will leave the smell of sex and other vampire for you to enjoy."
"Next time? Oh, those kinky things you say! But honestly, it was very thoughtful of you although I got plenty of the smell and the accompanying noises, so I really would not have been cross with you if you had not changed the sheets. I am Roman and decadence was our way of life! With everything I have seen in my lengthy life, your scent mixed with our brat prince's on my sheets can't really shock me anymore. But again thank you! I trust all is better now?"
A smile as bright as the sun was Augustus' answer, paired with an enthusiastic headshake.
"Well, then I am fully content! Anything you want to share?" he whispered conspiratorially.
"I swear, you are worse than Vicki!" Mike huffed good-naturedly.
"Don't let her hear that!"
"I won't."
"Alright. On that note I must go. The sun is rising soon and I'd like a shower before I go to sleep. I trust you can occupy yourself?"
"I believe so."
"Oh, by the way, I took the liberty of ordering some Chinese. It is in the kitchen. I am sure you must be positively famished after all that exertion tonight."
He winked before he fled in the direction of the shower. A couch pillow only missed him by a few inches.
***
tbc
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