Also a reminder that Illustrations for the chapters live on my deviantart, which is under the same screen name I have here.
Pipit again looked to the sky, searching the expanse for Red, and once again he spotted the bird, but he was still without his rider. A light tug at his tunic caught his attention and he turned to see his favorite munchkin and her ever bright smile. [There's still time, Pipit. He'll show up. Come enjoy the festival.] He was about to say something but a blur ran passed them, snatching up the yellow ribbon that held together Itella's royal blue braid. The tresses unraveled and the little girl looked up to Pipit for help, but the senior class-man was already off running after the brat. It didn't take many strides before the young knight had caught up with the boy and seized the yellow fabric. He gave him a stern and protective glare, before turning heel and heading back toward Itella. His disposition instantly reverted as the little girl barreled into him, hugging him in thanks. "It's nothing. Let me fix it." Itella happily spun around and Pipit re-wove the strands back into place and tied off the end, tying the knot into the floppy bow it had been in before.
With a sharp whistle red was beneath him. They soared low, making sure not to get caught in the air show that was taking place. He ushered his loftwing to land quickly and hurried to his room, eager to get out of his wet uniform (even if the dry one wasn't exactly clean) and eager to find his other half. He rushed down the hallway only to stop and double back to peer into the cafeteria. A very startled Owlan stared back at him while Horwell blushed profusely beside him. Link covered his mouth as he silently chuckled before flashing a quick thumbs up and continuing on his way.
The little girl perched carefully atop his shoulders stared in awe and pointed this way and that way, as the Skyloftian Knights did their annual stunt show. A familiar click graced his ears and Pipit turned to see Link bounding toward him. The smile across his face was relieving to say the least. "Hey," he said, a slight chuckle humming in his voice. Itella tapped him on the head and carefully he knealt down so that she could climb off.
Link waited patiently, but as soon as Itella was clear he threw his arms around the yellow clad knight, taking them both to the ground. "It's good to see you too, Link," he laughed. Link sat up and held out a hand for the other to right himself as well. [I didn't miss your act did I? You said you were going last right?] Link asked as they stood. Pipit nodded. "Yeah, Itella and I are the last flight." Link looked puzzled at the little girl and then back at Pipit. [Itella is flying with you?] "You have no idea how much convincing it took." The blue-haired bundle of excitement hopped between them and started signing furiously. [You'll never guess what we're doing! We're-] Link laughed as the older knight quickly halted the sentence. [It's a surprise I take it?] he signed with a smirk. Pipit nodded.
[Hey Itella, mind if I steal Pipit for a bit?] the blonde asked with a soft smile. A devious little smirk overtook the little girl as she made several gestures Pipit was unfamiliar with and the words he did understand didn't seem to make much sense. However it seemed Link had understood perfectly because he was now going through several shades of red, each darker then the last. Pipit glanced at Itella, who winked at him, before looking back at the younger knight who was covering his face with his palm and shaking his head. "Wait, did she just...?" Pipit said in confusion as he was dragged off toward a less crowded part of the plaza. Once they reached the steps that led to the academy, Link took a seat and ushered Pipit to sit next to him. The boy instantly leaned against him and threaded his fingers through Pipit's own. [You're shoulder's doing better?] damn, he can finger-spell fast. "Yeah, It's healing up. It's still a bit weak, and I still have to wear the sling, but it doesn't hurt nearly as much anymore."
[That's good.] He said as he snuggled a bit closer. A kiss fell into his hair as the other rested his head on Link's own. "You ok?" The question took Link by surprise and he sat up a bit to answer the brunette. [Yeah, just missed you...and you're warm.] The latter half of his sentence came with a smirk that stood in for laughter. Pipit grinned back at him, "Stealing my warmth huh?" Suddenly arms wrapped around him, tugging him into the other's lap, and enveloping him in a tight hug, that had a pleased hum leaving his throat as he sighed with contentment.
Lips came up to take his briefly before blonde locks nestled in the crook of his neck. "Want to join in the festivities for a bit before I have to go get ready?" Pipit asked, although he was perfectly happy where he was. Link nodded and got to his feet, taking a moment to stretch his arms, before taking up Pipit's hand once more.
The sun was only just starting to set when Pipit had left to prepare for his act. Many of the knights were busy shoeing away remlits and keese, and Link himself had also been drafted to this task, while Gondo and Jakamar strung up their famous chain-link fencing, made specifically for the event's night festivities. Link took a moment to look around, awash with the nostalgia that the jack-o-lanterns, music, colored lights, and throngs of people laughing and playing games brought to him. "May I have your attention!" Link quickly turned to the source of the sound to see Gaepora standing by the plaza pier. "Attention everyone!" he voice boomed over the crowd as the music died down and the many lights slowly flickered out. "It has been many, many a year since last, but after much consideration I welcome back the festival's final performance." A hushed whisper grew among the crowd, but Gaepora was quick to silence it. "Now this is very important. Unlike some other years, it is detrimental that you all remain quiet. The safety of our rider's depends on your silence. Without the use of headlamps, two of our finest students will be relying on their bird's sense of sound to guide them, so please refrain from talking and hold your applause until they land safely. So, without further adiue, Guru, if you please." Link eagerly watched the sky as a melody that seemed to embody the spirit of the wind sprung from the organ grinders oddly not spinning horn. Then suddenly, just as the music began to swell, two luminescent forms sprung from below the cliff side and shot straight into the air. It was indeed unlike the years so long ago; neither bird donned a headlamp, but that was by far not the most amazing aspect. Link stared as the birds rose high into the air. Their feathers had been accented by some kind of glowing substance not unlike paint and their rider's too were adorned. As they descended weaving in front and behind each other in a double helix, Link could see streams of ribbon vibrant against the darkened sky, trailing from the riders like feathers of their own. The two forms leveled out and began circling the main island. The crowd turned with them, half following Pipit and the others, unbeknownst to them, following Itella.
As Itella came back into view Pipit held up his hand (also covered in the luminescent paste) and signaled their countdown as they had done so many times before. Sharply they turned in unison to cut across the island and rush low over the crowd, leaving a gust of wind it their wake.
Link was awestruck with the rest of the crowd as he watched the two birds chase each other in the sky. It was more of a dance than a flair of stunt flying. In actuality there were only a handful of moves that could even thought to be considered stunts, but the grace and fluidity with which they soared was a trick of its own.
They raced higher up into the air, the cool wind biting at their faces and excitement writhing in their every nerve. There were only a few seconds left until the most difficult stunt, a stunt they had failed more than once, but were certain they could do now. Pipit looked to Itella and could tell she was looking back at him by the markings above her eyes. He gave a sharp nod and they crossed paths.
Again they criss-crossed through the air and dove down, this time one diving under the island and one arching over it. Eyes followed the bird as it disappeared beneath the cliff and quickly latched onto Pipit who was soaring up from beneath it. Link gazed up, craning his neck as his knight rose impressively high into the air and then as the bird turned, bearing it's glimmering talons to the crowd, Pipit fell.
He knew they would forget. They would be too focused on him to notice that only one bird remained in the air, too distracted to see that it wasn't his bird that was descending behind him, nor would they notice the little girl hidden on the blind bird's back.
For a moment horror struck Link and he pushed forward in the crowd of equally horrified , yet entranced people, but then he stopped and truly looked at what he was seeing. Pipit was falling with outstretched arms, but the rest of his body was at perfect attention. The bird above him was making no haste to catch him, but falling with him instead. His back was to the crowd and the ribbons that hung from his arms gave off the appearance of wings as they fluttered like feathers in the wind. A smile overcame Link's face. Pipit really was a sight to behold.
As soon as he was out of the crowd's sight, Pipit let his sailcloth catch wind and slowed the dizzying speed at which he was falling. Low near the cloud barrier, Fey circled, waiting for her partner to whistle and let her know it was safe to catch him. Itella hung back, circling just under the island and waited for him. With a faint whistle he was reunited with his bird. The silver avian pecked him lovingly in the head before ascending to where the other hovered. Once they were aligned Itella blew her whistle, that, being a plant husk, rang out louder than any Skyloftian could possibly muster.
The crowd was dead silent, but the music stilled played after the rider and bird had disappeared below skyloft. Some looked nervously at each other, but Gaepora stood unflinching before them next to the musician that did not cease his playing. A deafening whistle pierced the night and once again two birds and two riders rose to the air. He's amazing. But, goddess damn it I'm gonna sock him for that.
They sped over the crowd one last time as they slowed to land near the stables. Pipit could hear applause in the distance and couldn't help but feel a certain pride in what they had accomplished. Itella hopped around in excitement, her hands spinning sentences faster than Pipit could read them. Without much warning an icepack came down on his shoulder and the brunette turned to see Keet, as they had planned, ready to help get the glowing paste off their birds. "That was some show. You should have seen the faces in the crowd when you took that dive." Pipit laughed freely, glad that no one had seen him jump to Itella's bird when they had crossed paths, although a sliver of uncertainty was slowly rearing its head. "Link knew I was ok though, right?" he asked, concern blatant in his voice. The way Keet's eyes briefly darted to the side had him a bit worried. "Well, not at first, but he caught on quicker than most. Speak of the devil." Keet motioned behind Pipit and he turned around only to be hit in the arm and then crushed in a hug. "Ack, hey."
Seeing as he needed his hands to speak, Link released Pipit from his hold. [You were amazing! Never do that again!] Link signed, his awestruck face morphing into a pout as he went from praising Pipit to chiding him. "Sorry, about that." Pipit laughed. Link's expression softened as he couldn't help but fall prey to the wild and contagious grin spreading through the room. [S'ok. You're ok...well, mostly, so it's all good.]
Pipit was glad the other wasn't mad at him and returned to relishing in achievement. His knight was quickly stolen by Itella who waved on and on about the flight. The streamers that were still attached to her arms swung violently and inevitably became tangled, reminding Pipit that he too still had ribbons attached to himself. They came undone with fair ease, but there were quite a few so it was appreciated when calloused hands came to help him. Pipit glanced up from his task to see Keet busy with a very pouty and tangled Itella and eventually the ash-blond seemed to give up and took out a pair of clippers from his pocket. Once Itella had been freed Pipit made motion to stand and help clean up, but Link pressed the forgotten icepack back to his shoulder and gave him a look. "Why don't you two go back to the fair? Itella and I have got this covered" Keet called over to him, giving a jesting wink. Pipit rolled his eyes in a silent response to his friend's antics. "Thanks. My arm could use some rest after that anyhow." Keet waved him off and with Link beside him, he began to make his way back to the the plaza that was now again filled with music, lights, and laughter.
Fingers laced through his own and their hands swung slightly between them. As they reached the outskirts of the party Pipit slowed to a stop. "Hey Link?" He looked up at the brunette and canted his head as a reply. "Do you want to just snag some cider and go back to my house? I've been to enough festivals. I rather spend some time with you." Link smiled sweetly and placed a kiss to the older knight's hand before tugging him along.
The house was rather chilly when they arrived and Pipit quickly made his way over to the hearth while Link rummaged blindly through the kitchen cupboards looking for glasses. Kindling crackled and a soft glow slowly overtook the room as the logs caught and the fire burned bright.
Link set the glasses lightly on the table next to the little jug of cider. He leaned against it waiting for the other who was wrestling a familiar worn and well patched long sleeve over his head. It brought a certain warm feeling to Link's heart to know that the shirt Pipit had lent him when he was hurt, was one that he actually wore. "Pip, can I st-heal yur hoodie again?" Link asked, his voice barely audible, but clear. "Yeah, sure, it's in the-"
Pipit froze. All he could do was stare at the blonde who smiled back at him. "Thanks." His brain seemed to suddenly remember he had feet and almost cautiously he made his way over to Link.
Fingers ran lightly over his neck. A million questions raced behind azure eyes. Arms flung around him and Link held the shocked boy close. "I know I said, your voice still sounded like you and I know I said it was just like if you where whispering, but I was lying... mostly to me." He ran his hands along Pipit's back. "What did you- How did you fix it?" Link smiled. Hmh, he calls this fixed. That's kind of sweet. "Water Dra- hagon helped. That's what took s'long."
Link spoke softly against his ear, but it didn't matter how quiet it was, or how slowly he still spoke, because it was really Link's voice he was hearing, not the hoarse strained noise Pipit had convinced himself of before. Pipit nodded and pulled away as his composure finally settled itself. "Let's get comfy, I want to hear all about it." Lips came up to brush his in a gentle kiss. "Kay." He made his way over to the armoire and tossed Link his red hoodie, his favorite. Pipit rummaged around a moment longer and retrieved a large comfy quilt for the two of them.
Link was in the middle of pulling the garment over his head when nails skirted up his back, causing him to twitch in surprise and emit a small 'eep' sound. He turned around as he fidgeted with the hoodie. "Mean," he jested, looping his arms around the boy's neck and pulling him in for a kiss. A laugh hummed against his lips before Pipit pulled away and handed him the quilt. "Want to help me with my sling.?" Link nodded and set the cold blanket down near the fire to warm up.
Careful hands wrapped the sling around his arm and secured the fabric behind his neck, tugging the knot to the side. He grabbed their drinks and the two of them settled on the floor by the fire under the large blanket. Link leaned against him as they sipped the cider for a moment before the blonde began recounting how the Water Dragon had been so appalled by his voice that she took it upon herself to make it "less terrible". His speech was still slow, and some words seemed to still be difficult for him to say (He often replaced sounds for similar ones and avoided some words all together.), but even so, it was truly his voice. "She's actu- act'chlly very nice once ya get on her good s-hide," Link said, a laugh trailing on the end of his words. "I'm glad. I'll have to thank her someday." Pipit took another sip of his cider.
[So how'd you ever convince your mother to let you do that stunt?] Link signed, his voice was a tad worn out from talking so much. Pipit smirked and shook his head. "She was waiting just below the cliff side ready to catch me just in case." He looked up to see stunned eyes. [Your mother was flying?] Pipit nodded. "Yeah, we had this big fight after I told her about my idea for the festival. She said a lot of things I thought I could never forgive her for, but the next day I saw her out by the far pier with Gail. She just kept telling him he was a good boy, that it wasn't his fault, that she was sorry she blamed him, and yelled at him for going after Runner instead of my Dad even though that by the time he did, my Dad was already gone." Pipit took another sip of his cider. "Guess it all worked out in the end though." Link tapped the boy's shoulder and he picked his head back up. [Pip, wasn't Runner a boy bird?]. "Yeah, why?" he asked, eyebrows raised with curiosity. [Don't you remember? The caption in the yearbook. Maybe that's why your mother hates me.] Arms pulled him close and fingers brushed gently over his cheek. "My mother doesn't hate you. But that would explain her problem with me that she takes out on you. I never really thought about it that way. Maybe now that she's made up with Gail, she'll be a bit more... tolerant at least." Link nodded and thought quickly about how he could change the subject.
"I dun' think I've ever seen you drunk," Link said as he ruffled Pipit's hair. "I'm not drunk, not yet anyway," Pipit chuckled. "And you have. You definitely have." Link canted his head and shot a questioning look Pipit's way as he drank the warm beverage. "Keet's 20th birthday." The blonde nearly choked on his drink as he laughed, apparently recalling the event. [YES! And Keet was hanging all over you and you two wound up making out behind the stables and I caught you and-] Pipit playfully tackled him, halting the embarrassing tale. "And we decided to never speak of that again." he said almost sing-songingly as a blush crept over his face. "wasn't speaking." Pipit thunked his head against the others chest. "Touché," he chuckled. Characters traced lightly over his neck and only had the blush growing redder. He picked up his head to gaze into mischievous cerulean eyes. "That is devious and you're not having anymore cider."
Link pouted adorably and Pipit caved. "Alright alright." With refreshed drinks the two resumed sitting by the fire enjoying each other's company in a comfortable silence. Empty glasses clinked as they were pushed aside, and Link scooted over to rest in Pipit's warm embrace, lying between his legs. A content sigh ghosted over his neck and he clicked his tongue as he tilted his head up waiting for a kiss. However it didn't fall to his lips. Instead it brushed over his neck, traveling up in a string to the crook of his jaw, pulling a hushed pleased murmur from his throat. He could feel the other knight smiling against his skin as teeth nipped lightly.
Fingers trailed over him before entwining in his hair as he teased the boy's skin. Remembering the night of Kina's party, Pipit moved them both to lay on the floor, Link beside him and turning to mush as Pipit played with his hair. Another pleased noise hummed against his collar and he let his eyes fall shut, basking in the serene moment. Soft lips crept up slowly, barely touching his skin until they grazed the cartilage of his ear. There, teeth nipped teasingly before leaving altogether. He reopened his eyes to see cerulean looking back at him. They were slightly glassy and it only made their starry-eyed luster all the more captivating. How he loved those eyes. They never faded; their unyielding brilliance shining through any darkness. Pipit ran his hand through the boy's bangs, letting his fingers trail down the soft skin as he took in the features that, although had seen too much, still retained a youthful liveliness. "You're so beautiful." Lips came down to meet his own. Their movement was slow, savoring every brush and passing contact with his. Link tugged on the fabric of his shirt. He smirked through their kiss at the cute gesture and rolled over to lean on his forearm above the blonde, letting his bad arm rest on the boy's chest.
Link ran his hands up, one tangling in fine auburn locks and the other caressing the older knight's jaw. He felt the fabric of the hoodie shift and the pleasing tingle of skin against his own. There was a certain delight in the feeling of the other's hands moving over him.
Pipit ran his tongue over Link's neck. He continued to tease and toy at the delicate flesh with teeth and tongue, not caring what marks were left in his wake. Freeing the boy's lips had allowed for the passing of sweet whispers and he took pleasure in every sound he coaxed from the body beneath him. Fingers traced over his ears sending sparks flittering down his spine and only pressed him to continue assaulting the blonde's neck and collar. The faintest of whimpers passed over the blonde's lips. He sucked harder at the spot under the blondes jaw, trying to coax more sound out of the boy at his mercy. "unmh" Goddess, your voice. He bit lightly at the tender flesh, wanting more, anything to keep hearing his lover's voice. Nails raked up his neck and a gasp escaped his throat. Lips brushed against his ear. "Pipit," Link, if I didn't have more restraint... "I want you." Screw restraint. He pulled away slightly, just enough to stare down at the cerulean eyes . "You have some of your voice back for barely a day and you go and say that." For a fleeting moment uncertainty flashed in those blue eyes. "You have no idea what that does to me." Lips crashed against one another and parted as the two boys clamored to be closer. Pipit growled in frustration as the fabric of his sling kept the other's body from being pressed against his. "Fuck this." He muttered under his breath as he hastily reached behind his head and ripped apart the knot the held the cloth sling together, tossing it aside out of his way. "Dn't ya n-heed that?" Link asked as lips came to capture his once more. Pipit bit the blonde's lip firmly before releasing it, only to briefly suck at the abused flesh and relinquish it to fall into a freverous kiss. "Bandages under my shirt. S'enough. Umnhm. Bed. Now" he moaned as the younger knight pulled him close and pressed up against him.
Hands grabbed his hoodie and helped him to his feet before those same hands began working said hoodie over his head as they backed across the room. He felt his knees hit the edge of the mattress and found himself playfully tossed down against the bed, landing with a soft thud. Pipit was on top of him in an instant. Teeth marred his sensitive neck, hands roamed his torso, legs tangled in his and hips rocked against him in a nearly overwhelming assault of sensation. "Pipit." The name slipped from his mouth at a hitched whisper as his fingers wrapped in the quilt above his head and his body arced into the various touches. "I love when you say my name." Link almost missed the lustful and slightly intoxicated confession in his ecstasy. Lips came to capture his, immediately taking advantage of their parted state.
There was no fight for dominance. Link was letting him do as he pleased and apparently enjoying every bit of it. Hands fled slowly up his back, relishing in the feeling of his skin as arms pulled him flush to the body beneath him. He broke the kiss, only to trail it down the boy's throat and over his collar. He sunk lower still, light brushes of his lips teasing Link's torso, making the blonde shudder whenever Pipit passed over a particularly sensitive patch of skin. He found himself being pulled back up to meet lips that pressed hard against his own. Arms wrapped around him, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened. "unmh, shirt off." The blond voiced. His mouth so close to Pipit's ear that he could feel the hot breath waft over it. Pipit wasn't about to object, and sat up to pull the garment up over his head. As he did so, warm hands trailed up his sides, touching him, feeling him, recording him like a tactile memory. He could almost hear the grin on Link's face.
He was pulled up from the bed and into wanting arms. Straddling the other boy's lap, Link wasted no time and quickly had at those alluringly sensitive ears. A low murmur purred against his throat and he let his caresses travel down, purposely marking up the boy's neck, claiming what was his.
The small gasp from Link, the result of tugging the boy's hair, had Pipit seizing the opportunity to invade the boy's mouth. A small war of dominance sparked and the kiss grew rougher, yet still playful. Just as Pipit thought he might be winning, he broke the kiss with hitched breath. "So not fair, Link," He said as he leaned into the touch that had so quickly distracted him. "All is fair in love and war, Pip." Link whispered. His hair was pulled taunt, but not tight, and he was led to expose his neck again. However, teeth just barely made contact with the shell of his ear. His head hung forward, and his eyes fell shut as a shiver ran down his back.
Link pulled him back down to the bed, continuing the heated teasing he had started. Pipit leaned into both incapacitating caresses that, at the sound of the brunette's enjoyment, became slightly rougher, and only drug more amorous murmurs from the boy above him. A hand snaked down his leg before slowly drifting back up, and Link soon found himself far too distracted to continue his assault on the boy's ears.
With all the noises Link was pulling from him, Pipit was extremely grateful that anyone that could have heard them was far, far away. Moans spilled from parted lips that hovered inches away from one another as Pipit continued his retaliation. Link arched against him and in a rather unexpected and bold move, pushed away his hand only to take up the both of them in his own. Link you devious bastard.
Arms came up to rest at either side of his head and finger's thread through his hair as the other thrusted into his touch, taking his mouth again and again with need. A whimper resonated in the kiss before it broke and the fingers in his hair left only to come up to rest at his lips as if to ask for permission.
He would never admit it, he thought it somewhat odd, but to himself he acknowledged how he found it pleasing whenever Link would lick his fingers, run his teeth over them, suck them when he was so consumed with desire. Maybe it wasn't so much the action, but the feeling of want behind it.
He pulled Pipit close, wrapping his arms tight around him as fingers slipped inside him, quickly finding and grazing a place that would mask the pain that they brought with them. "ah, dn't, unm, get me t' worked up, Pip." A sly chuckle hummed against his throat and a kiss fell tenderly to his cheek. "Kay."
He hadn't exactly planned on this so when he was sure he wouldn't hurt the other he withdrew and pulled away from Link's hold of him. "Be right back," he whispered before placing a quick kiss on the boy's lips.
Link let his eyes fall shut and his breath even. He could hear the other rummage through what sounded like the bathroom cabinet. Footsteps patted back over and the mattress shifted with the other's weight as he came to lay next to him once again. Fingers lightly ran over the sensitive skin near his hip. His knight was gentle with him, almost more than necessary, but it was sweet and appreciated.
A gasp, followed by a hushed moan drifted passed Pipit's ears as he pressed further into the other. He kept his movements slow. A pained sound still escaped Link here and there. Hands grasped his back, one sliding up to his neck to lightly trace letters just behind his ear, sending a pleasant shiver through him. The sentence was interrupted by a sharp breath but quickly resumed and had him blushing at its flattery. /[That wall did you no justice.]/ Legs tangled around him as the boy moved back against him, as if to silently say he needn't be so delicate with him anymore.
Arms looped under his and hands clung to his shoulders. Auburn locks brushed against his ear and the other hid his face in the crook of Links neck, warm panting breath and wanting moans caressing his skin. Neither held back their voice knowing they didn't need to, nor would the opportunity arise again anytime soon, and it only seemed to impassion them more as they drank in the sweet sounds of one another. They were ardent in their movements as they quickened, seeking and yet holding out, wanting and yet staving off.
"Faster" The word was panted desperately against his neck followed closely by nails dragging hard down his back before they suddenly left his skin. "It's ok. Doesn't hurt. Claw, unmh, hard as you want." Link clearly didn't need to be told twice and the sensation running down Pipit's back only pulled another moan from his throat. He found that he had come to not only enjoy it, but to want it. He wanted to feel just how far he could bring him and how desperate he could make him. "Pipit." Link pulled him as close as he could. The tremors that shook his body melded with those of the boy below him. Pipit snuck a look at his lover. His head was tilted back and his eyes were closed, while parted lips drew in quick breath. Had his eyes fallen shut a moment sooner he might have missed it, but right before they did he caught the other arching his back and mouthing his name; it was nearly too much for him. Lips captured his over and over with dire need before the power to do so left them both, and cries of passion blended with pants of want until neither could discern whose were who's.
Arms came to rest at either side of Link's head as his own wrapped around the waist of the boy perched just above him. For a moment they stayed just like that, catching their breath, and basking in the slowly fading sensations that had overwhelmed their being. A string of kisses cascaded down his jaw before the older knight rolled off him to rest at his side, eyes closed, his chest still rising and falling at a slightly quickened pace. Link moved to lie against him, arms wrapped gently around him, pulling him close.
"Don't fall asleep. We can't pass out like this," Pipit said as he gently rubbed the other's back. Link nodded and opened his eyes. Pipit moved to sit up and it was only then he noticed the bandage around his arm had come loose. Carefully he unwound it and handed it to Link. "Bind it to my side?" Link nodded, a sleepy smile and tousled hair complimenting the expression of satiation on his face, and wrapped the bandage firmly over the offending limb, looping it under Pipit's forearm as well to keep it bent. "Thanks," he said giving the blonde a little kiss before resting his head on the boy's shoulder. "We should at least get dressed, even if your hair alone is a dead give-away." A quiet laugh left Link's throat and Pipit slowly stood up to see what had become of their clothes.
After getting dressed and narrowly missing the blunder of wearing each other's pants, they settled back into Pipit's bed, snuggling warm under the patchwork quilt. Bliss still blanketed them as sleep beckon. "Will you be here when I wake up?" Pipit asked. His voice held understanding that could not be mistaken for a passive plea. Link nodded, barely still awake, his smile growing brighter as fingers threaded through his own.
It was late when Mallara stepped into the dark house, lit only by the dying embers of the once vibrant fire. She picked up the glasses from the floor and placed them quietly in the sink. The forgotten blanket on the floor was also retrieve and she was about to put it away until the soft rustle of blankets caught her attention and her eyes fell to the blonde curled up tightly in the patchwork quilt and huddled next to her son but still looking rather cold. Gently she draped the warm blanket over the both of them and smiled as it visibly put the chilled boy at ease. "I suppose," she whispered to herself as she took a seat at the edge of the bed. "If it has to be a boy you love.." she glanced over at the blonde before running her fingers through unruly brown locks. "..at least it's him."
The sun shone bright through the window and had Pipit blinking several times as sleep slowly left him. He looked around and seeing the house empty he returned to snuggling the fair-haired boy next to him. "Link, hey Link, wake up," he said nudging him lightly. "Hmm?" He nudged him again to make sure he was awake and the blonde rolled over to look at him. "Wha-" Link started, but his voice seemed to give out on him. Pipit disregarded it. "I've got class in a little while. I'm gonna jump in the shower. Then pancakes for breakfast?" Link smiled and nodded, before snuggling further into the blanket.
He stayed there under the warm water for a bit longer, delaying the moment that it would leave and he'd have to venture into the cold air. The curtain shinked as it was pulled open and dragged closed again, and Pipit smile sweetly as arms came up to drape around his shoulders. "Hey there." A little nuzzle between his shoulder blades was his reply and he turned around to greet a still very sleepy looking Link.
Water hit his face and hands brushed back his hair. "Mrng" he mumbled, his voice slightly strained, but still his voice. "Decided to get up?" Link nodded. A quick kiss fell to his forehead and he rubbed at his eyes, trying to brush away the fog of sleep. When he opened them, azure stared back. A small laugh escaped him and he tilted the brunette's head to the side. [I destroyed your neck.] Pipit too laugh. "You should see my back." A hot blush swept over Link's face as he recalled how hard he had dug his nails into the boy's skin, and as Pipit moved to get out he could see the array of lines that still stood stark, running down from his shoulder blades and crossing over each other.