AATS
Chapter 34
Lohengrin
"When is a monster not a monster? Oh, when you love it."
-Caitlyn Siehl
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The entire first half of this chapter is just one Big Lemon
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He knew this wouldn't work at home. He couldn't drag Albedo down the halls of the Durandal to a shared room in full view of everyone. He tucked that bit of knowledge away for later, a large note posted in his memory for when he was finally able to bring Albedo home. For now, it didn't matter. This was fun. It was exciting. He could indulge a little. That's what dreams were for, right?
When the door to their room opened Jr. pulled Albedo over to the couch. He couldn't toss Albedo around the way Albedo insisted on throwing him (onto seats, beds, at enemies) but when Jr. finally released his hold on Albedo's wrist he made a great show of falling against it, just to please him.
Jr. climbed into his lap and Albedo laughed into his mouth.
"You look good in Durandal colors," Jr. said against his lips.
His fingers searched uselessly for seams in Albedo's clothing. Nothing along his shoulders, at his back, no hooks or buttons or hidden zippers. His searching fingers finally knocked against the round emblem on the front of Albedo's suit.
"In your colors," Albedo corrected, pulling at Jr.'s jacket. Jr. grinned at the comment and pressed down on the emblem. There was a small hiss as the material loosened enough for Albedo to work his shoulders out of it. Jr. helped him until the suit was a crumpled around his waist. Jr. ran his hands over his skin. Albedo relished the attention, let his Rubedo explore any part of his body that he wanted.
Jr. hands paused momentarily as they slid over Albedo's shoulders. The same hands hard torn through those very muscles not too long ago. It was a flash memory that lingered in his palms. He'd had no other choice. It had been the only way to subdue him.
With Albedo's breath on his neck, his fingers sliding under his shirt, Jr. wondered if he'd ever be able to do that again. It was strange how quickly things had changed between them. But he could still feel the gore in his hands, the blood between his fingers.
Albedo's lips were on Jr.'s jaw, and he was brought back to the present. His hands moved from Albedo's shoulders to the back of his neck and into his hair. Jr. arched into him and Albedo growled.
"Wait," Jr. said, resisting Albedo's attempts to pull his clothes off.
Albedo was sick of the word. His patience had run thin. Jr. didn't need to check their link to know. He could feel Albedo's need beneath him. Jr. ground into him and Albedo sucked in a sharp breath.
"Listen," Jr. said, pulling Albedo's head away from his neck. "I want to try something."
Jr.'s hands moved down to Albedo's hips, fingers sliding underneath the suit. He pulled gently on the waistband of Albedo's boxers.
"Help me out here."
Albedo obliged. He allowed Jr. to move off of him long enough to rid himself of the suit. When he sat back down, he turned to Jr. in all of his naked glory, and smiled.
"Now what is it that you want from me?"
Jr. never failed to be impressed by his confidence. He'd had maybe hundreds of lovers. Every single one of them would have sung his praises, fed that enormous ego of his. It wasn't without merit. Albedo was a vision, like an ancient oil painting come to life. When he moved it was unreal. The surrounding air distorted, pulling you into every little flick of his smile or extension of muscle. Jr. wasn't sure if it was imagined or if Albedo was creating the effect but it had his heart racing.
Jr. knew that he couldn't compete with Albedo's long list of former lovers, all of them surely more experienced than him. Then again, he doubted that Albedo expected him to. If they were practice then they had really been competing with Jr.
And they'd all lost.
Jr. kept that thought with him as he stood. He moved off the couch and walked around until he was in front of Albedo. He placed his hands on Albedo's knees and pushed them apart. Jr. moved between them, sliding his hands along Albedo's inner thighs as he did.
Albedo's eyes lit up, and he shifted closer to the edge of the couch.
"Rubedo," He said, cradling Jr.'s face in his hands as he was settling onto his knees. Jr.'s hands were on his hips, moving across his abdomen. "You don't-"
Albedo's sentence ended abruptly when Jr.'s hands wrapped around his erection. It was so satisfying to finally shut him up. Jr. moved both hands together, his grip a little too tight, the way he knew Albedo would want it. He was rewarded with Albedo's fingers curling roughly in his hair. Jr. pumped, trying to imitate the way Albedo had pleasured him. He looked up at him, and Albedo let out a long, low moan. He leaned down, devouring Jr.'s lips. Jr. had never felt so powerful. He sped up, and he felt Albedo's whole body jerk. He whined Jr.'s name over and over. His every breath was a prayer, a forbidden wish released from that dark heart.
Jr., feeling inexplicably empowered by Albedo's devotion, decided to grant that wish by pulling away from him and placing the tip of Albedo's throbbing erection into his mouth. The sound that escaped him was almost painful. It had been an impulse, a complete whim. Jr. wasn't entirely confident that he was doing it right but Albedo's reaction was more than reassuring, it was delicious.
What Jr. lacked in experience he made up for with enthusiasm. He couldn't take him very deep and tried to make up for it with his hands, trying to completely cover Albedo's length. He concentrated on Albedo's voice, the sounds he made when he squeezed just right or when he ran his tongue over the head. Jr. was drunk with power and shivered at every moan. He could tell Albedo was holding back. His muscles flexed, trying to hold back as he strained in Jr.'s hold. His hands were still in Jr.'s hair and though his body was tense with pleasure his hands stayed gentle, loving.
"Rubedo," Albedo whispered, breathless.
Jr. pulled away long enough to lick his lips and answer, longingly, "Albedo."
Albedo's breathing grew faster, sharper. His control was slipping. Jr. choked on him a few times, but he refused to pull away. He moved harder, faster, eager to bring Albedo to the edge. His body burned with anticipation. He finally understood why Albedo was always teasing him.
C'mon. Jr. sent, removing one of his hands to give Albedo's thigh a hard squeeze. Albedo jumped slightly. He bit back a moan, teeth digging into his bottom lip hard enough to draw blood. Give it up. Give it to me.
And he did. All it took from Jr. was one more roll of his tongue and Albedo came into his mouth. Jr. pulled away, coughing and choking on the taste in his mouth. Albedo leaned forward, tilted Jr.'s chin upward. Jr. had tried to wipe it off but there were still traces of Albedo all over him, dripping down his chin, staining his lips.
But it wasn't until their eyes met when Jr. grinned up at him and swiped that sinful tongue over his lips, that Albedo completely lost it.
He picked Jr. up and whisked him into the bathroom so fast it made Jr.'s head spin. Albedo sat Jr. on the sink and grabbed the nearest towel he could find. He ran warm water over it and quickly began to clean Jr.'s face. Jr. laughed and pushed his hand away. He started to tell Albedo that it was fine, but he was silenced by Albedo's mouth, his tongue, and an urgent pulling at his clothing.
"More," Albedo begged. "Rubedo, I need more."
Jr. wanted more as well, but he'd just had Albedo in his mouth and in his hands and wasn't exactly sure how well more was going to work.
His jacket was gone. His holsters were next. His boots. Albedo's hands were on his belt. There were so many pieces to Jr.'s clothing. He found himself wishing for something simple, something faster.
"Afraid I'll rip you asunder?" Albedo asked, teeth at his throat.
"Something like that," Jr. answered.
"I can be gentle."
Albedo was sliding off Jr.'s pants. He lifted his hips to make it easier.
"I don't think you've been gentle with anything in your life," Jr. replied through nervous laughter.
"Oh Rubedo, if you truly believe that, then you haven't been paying attention."
He pulled Jr.'s shirt away and Albedo's hands covered him. They were wild and chaotic. They were on his neck, over his chest, caressing his stomach.
"I'll make it worth your time."
Albedo's lips pulled into that seductive grin, his purple eyes dark with the promise of pleasure. Jr. couldn't hide his arousal and for the first time, he didn't want to. He wanted to Albedo to see it, to know that he wanted him, wanted more.
"Ok," he said. He wrapped his arms around Albedo's neck. "I'm ready."
Jr. was on the bed before he could blink. He wondered for a split second what would have happened had he refused. As Albedo's hands found his skin he knew that the thought was pointless. He was never going to refuse him. If he was going to do this he wanted to do it with Albedo.
Had there ever been another option? Had he ever desired anyone else? Jr. couldn't remember. Every nerve in his body that wanted, yearned for Albedo, in ways Jr. had never experienced, had never known possible.
Was this all they were? Creatures of war and want?
Albedo was between his legs, spreading his thighs apart like a book. Jr. decided very quickly that he was fine with that.
The idea of trusting Albedo with his body should have terrified him. They had been fighting each other for so long and just as Jr. remembered pulling chunks of flesh out of his body, he was sure Albedo remembered tearing through his stomach. He could tell by the delicate way his fingers trailed over the flesh there. Jr. wanted to ask him about it but knew better. Now wasn't the time anyway, not when Albedo's mouth had replaced his fingertips.
"Rubedo."
Albedo's voice rippled across his skin. Jr. felt the bed bow under Albedo's weight. Jr. took a deep, steadying breath as Albedo leaned over him. Albedo was very careful with the way he touched Jr. He was sensitive and meticulous as if teasing Jr. with just how gentle he could be. Jr. dissolved into the softness.
"Rubedo," Albedo whispered again into his ear.
Jr. turned and pressed his mouth roughly against Albedo's. Those gentle hands turned possessive.
"Impatient," Albedo said, moaning in approval. It sounded like a compliment.
"I want you," Jr. replied.
The words swept through Albedo like harsh winds, threatening the integrity of his bones.
"You have me," He said against Jr.'s mewling lips. "You always have."
"Then make me yours."
Albedo pulled away from him for a few moments to pull something out of the nightstand. Jr. missed his warmth immediately. He didn't allow any of his previous insecurities to come back to him. He focused on Albedo instead, drank in the sight of him. The situation was unreal, even for a dream. Their eyes met and Jr. motioned for him to come back.
"Rubedo," Albedo laughed in disbelief. "You can't rush perfection."
There was a familiar pop and Jr. watched as Albedo poured gel from a tube out onto his fingers. Jr. remembered being curious about the sound during their last session. That curiosity was quickly replaced with memories of Albedo's tongue. The thought was louder than Jr. meant and Albedo grinned, slid his tongue across the gel on his fingers.
"Try me," Jr. said.
"Oh, sweet Rubedo," Albedo replied, fingers finding their place between Jr.'s legs. "I plan to."
Jr.'s impatience was rewarded. Albedo didn't waste any time. He knew what his Rubedo wanted and gave it to him until he was crying out for him.
He reached out to cup Jr.'s face in his free hand. Jr. leaned into his touch, covered Albedo's hand with both of his. He was a beautiful creature unwound beneath him. Albedo was eager to unwind him further, bring him into full bloom.
"More," he whispered between desperate breaths. "Albedo."
It seemed as if Rubedo was bent on destroying him. Albedo remained steadfast. He needed this to be perfect. Every small moan, every roll of Rubedo's hips chipped away large pieces of his resolve until it was a violent struggle to hold himself back.
Had he ever wanted something so badly? How long had he wished for this very moment? How long ago had he given up on it? Sleepless nights, endless days of imagining his Rubedo like this. His Rubedo. Pure and untouched. How blind the rest of the universe had been to overlook his little dragon, his beloved beast. How lucky. Albedo had never been entirely sure what he would have done to a true rival for Rubedo's affections. Fortunately, it hadn't mattered. Albedo would be the only one to touch him, to ruin him, to make him completely his in ways irreplaceable. Everyone would know when he was done just who Rubedo belonged to.
And how eager Rubedo was to become his. What an unexpected and welcome surprise. There was not an ounce of hesitance in him. No fear, no apprehension. His Rubedo wanted and he wanted Albedo.
Albedo removed his fingers. The whine Rubedo gave nearly killed him but unlike his little dragon, he was a master of patience. He could wait a few more seconds. Albedo pulled back to cover himself, noting the flash in his Rubedo's eyes when he reached for the tube. He watched again for the hesitance but found none, only excitement.
Albedo slathered his length, eyeing Rubedo the entire time, giving him one last chance to stop him. But the shy, embarrassed boy that Albedo had first held in their office was gone, lost in the heat. Jr. was on his elbows, beckoning Albedo forward.
Albedo obeyed. He pulled Rubedo up by his hips until he was at just the right angle. He pushed Rubedo's legs just a little wider and slowly, carefully sank into him.
It was painful despite all the care Albedo had put into preparing him. It wasn't unbearable, didn't change Jr.'s mind. Albedo curled over him, pushed a little deeper. Jr. braced his hands against Albedo's chest and felt his heartbeat racing beneath his fingertips.
"Rubedo?"
Jr. reached up to kiss him, trying to soothe any worries. He widened their link in an effort to assuage any fears and Albedo came flooding in. His mind was hectic, rabid with thoughts of Jr. Those thoughts grew louder, more chaotic with every push until Albedo was fully inside him.
Albedo's skin was tinged light pink around his shoulders, across his cheeks, his chest. His breathing came out long and measured as he waited for Jr. to adjust.
"There's got to be more to it than this," he said after a few moments. His voice lit up Albedo's mind like a flash fire. All previous incoherent thoughts swirled within it. Jr. slid his hands over Albedo's shoulders. "You said you'd make it worth my time."
There was a strained chuckle in his ear.
"Cruel, Rubedo," Albedo said into his ear, "You would test me even now? Even like this?"
He moved his hips slightly and the hands on his shoulders clenched so tightly it was painful.
"I could tear you apart if that's what you desire."
"Ah, and you think I couldn't do the same to you?" Jr. asked through gritted teeth. "Or have you forgotten who I am?"
"I could never. Red Dragon, Little Master... Mon Rubedo."
He began to move and Jr. fell silent against the bed, trying to relax into the rhythm. Albedo's voice was electric in his ears. Every sound shot through him with an intensity that left him shaking. His thoughts were louder. They wrapped around Jr. like arms. Jr. leaned into the feeling and allowed himself to be consumed completely.
Albedo's pleasure. Albedo's longing. Albedo's lust. Albedo's love.
Love. Albedo loved him.
The feeling was impossible and overwhelming. A soft, heavy heat that throbbed and reached and begged for him, for Rubedo.
Of course Albedo loved him. It was obvious but Jr. was naive in his inexperience. It dawned on him, as he grappled with the feeling, that this might be more than just a quick lay. It was more than a nightmare, than a dream, than a fleeting fantasy. This feeling pouring into him was real. It was the truth. Albedo loved him. He had always loved him. The gravity of their situation and the uncertainty of Jr.'s own fragile, evolving truth was too much to handle at once.
He reached out for something, anything that could stabilize him. His fingers met Albedo's lips. Albedo trailed light kisses down Jr.'s arm, to his shoulder, and then finally to his lips. Jr. took them eagerly as he fought to keep present. It was a losing battle. Albedo pulled at him, beckoning him to open up, to drown in his madness. He was insane and irresistible. Jr. could only fight against him for so long.
Albedo's careful work was paying off. Jr.'s body thawed in his hands, accepted Albedo without resistance. Albedo felt the change and gave him more, watched as Jr. fell apart in ways he'd only ever dreamed.
Jr. was lost in Albedo, in his body and his mind. It was becoming difficult to find himself, to tell whose thoughts belonged to whom. He wanted more of Albedo. He wanted all of him, everything he had to offer. Jr. was starving for every secret, every half-formed thought, every hint of pleasure running through his body. He gave in to the madness and Albedo rushed to meet him, elated at his presence.
Albedo moaned his name into his mouth. It sounded as if it hurt to say it, and yet he couldn't stop saying it. It echoed in his mind, no longer a singular prayer but a chorus. That echo destroyed every other thought until it was the only one left. His mind was still humming with it when Jr. answered, and the chorus grew louder, swallowing him whole.
Albedo hit him just right and Jr. threw himself back, arching up into him. Albedo felt his pleasure slice through their link and shuddered violently with the feeling. He pulled Jr. into his arms, fingers gripping his hair. Albedo hit him again, absorbing the ricochet in tight shock waves. Jr. shouted for him, grabbed for any part of him that he could reach, and held on with shaking fingers.
"Albedo, please!"
Jr.'s voice nearly shattered his concentration. The hand wrapped in Jr.'s hair left to cover his swollen erection. Jr.'s nails dragged against his skin. He pushed back into Albedo, searching for more. Albedo picked up the pace, giving Jr. as much as he dared. They were melting in each other - one body, one mind, one soul. The blurred lines that separated them clouded further. His name repeated endlessly through Albedo's mind was the only thing keeping him tethered, separate.
Jr. came violently into Albedo's fist. Jr.'s body clenched around Albedo, pulling him down with him. Albedo released inside him, holding Jr.'s hips in a bruising grip. They held each other close until their breathing slowed, trying to find their way back to their bodies.
Albedo gently moved away from Jr., watching him carefully for any signs of pain. He laid him onto the bed and collapsed beside him. They both stared at the ceiling, their heaving breaths the only sound in the room.
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Their link was wide open but Albedo's mind was quiet. Jr. turned to him and found Albedo turning at the same time. Their eyes met and they both laughed. Jr. didn't know what to say or even if he should say anything. He felt as if he were floating and was worried that words would bring him back down to reality.
This wasn't reality. He'd forgotten again. Albedo was so good at making him forget.
All your six-legged dreams?
Six-legged dreams. With six hungry hands and seven silver tongues, Jr. answered.
Albedo's lips pulled into his lazy smile. No, not lazy. That was the wrong word.
"I love you."
Jr. blinked in surprise as if hearing it out loud made it more real, brought it into the physical plane of existence. He could feel the ghosts of the earlier feeling drifting through him. Albedo reached for him and turned his face in his hands to kiss him.
"I love you, Rubedo."
How foolish he had been. He couldn't believe that he had never said it before. Rubedo was exhausted. He'd fallen asleep almost instantly. Albedo held him close. He had desired him from afar for so long. It was a miracle to wrap him in his arms, to feel the rise and fall of his chest, to listen to that tiny butterfly heartbeat (so frantic even in sleep). Albedo wanted nothing else, to be nowhere else. He would exist like this forever given the chance. He ran his fingers lightly over Rubedo's skin, retracing any spots that made him sigh or snuggle closer.
Albedo couldn't stop touching him. He was tired as well but he fought the feeling like a spoiled child. Albedo never wanted to sleep again. All he wanted to do was behold his little dragon.
His love had always been selfish and obsessive. He had made no attempts to hide those facts. Even within the cloak of U-DO, of absolute madness, he had known this. The very act of being here with Rubedo was selfish. He didn't regret his decision. How could he?
Every step he had taken had led him here. He would take those steps again, every single one, as long as it led him to this exact place.
Rubedo rolled onto his back. Albedo followed him, resting his head on Rubedo's shoulder.
Soon, he thought as his eyes finally slid shut. He would win this unwinnable game. He would answer any and every question Rubedo asked of him. He would be everything Rubedo wanted him to be and more.
He would finally be home.
Albedo fell into a deep sleep with his arms wrapped protectively around Rubedo, like long white ropes. So when he rolled over in his sleep and found his arms empty he awoke instantly.
"Rubedo?" He mumbled, feeling against his chest and the sides of the bed.
He couldn't find Rubedo. All sense left him, and he sat up in the darkness.
"Rubedo?" Albedo repeated, panic sharpening with every second.
Hey, hey calm down.
Albedo did, slightly, but he wanted him in his sight. He needed proof that he was still with him. The door to the bathroom slid open and Jr. came out, hands up as if in defense.
"I'm right here."
Albedo started to get up but Jr. motioned for him to stay, coming to him instead.
"I just needed to clean up a little."
Albedo's hands were on him as soon as he had climbed into bed.
"Albedo," Jr. complained, trying to wiggle away from him. In his struggle Albedo's hands ran over his hips and Jr. hissed at the contact. Albedo pulled away instantly.
"I'm fine," Jr. said, but he said it too quickly, too forcefully. "Just a little sore."
Albedo didn't believe him and turned on the lights. Jr. winced and tried to cover himself but Albedo stopped him by grabbing his hands. There, covering Jr.'s hips and waist were dark purple bruises, perfect imprints of where Albedo's hands had once been.
"It's not a big deal," Jr., trying to pull his hands out of Albedo's grasp. Albedo's brows knit in distress.
"Rubedo, why didn't you tell me?"
"You were asleep," Jr. said with a shrug. "I didn't want you to overreact."
Albedo sat up and pulled Jr. closer to him.
"Allow me," Albedo said, placing his hands over the bruises. Jr. hissed again and tried to pull away but Albedo worked fast. Jr.'s struggle stopped when he felt healing ether slipping into his skin. The bruises lightened, lessened, and finally faded away under his fingers. Jr.'s head dropped against Albedo's chest.
"Thank you," he sighed.
Albedo continued to work and Jr. felt the ether as it moved into his lower back, his inner thighs, between his legs.
"Better?" Albedo asked after a few moments.
"Much," he said, placing a kiss against Albedo's chest. "Thanks again."
Albedo pulled away and Jr. threw himself back onto the bed. He took in a deep breath, stretched, and winked up at him.
"Ready to go again?"
Albedo smiled, shook his head, and laid down beside him.
"You are an enigma."
"Me?" Jr. asked, indignant. "I'm the enigma? The man of mystery?"
"Ah, just cruel," Albedo corrected.
"Any more insults you wanna throw my way?"
"Oh Rubedo, you misunderstand me."
He wrapped an arm around Jr. and pulled him flush against his chest.
"There is nothing so pleasing as your cruelty, the bend of your body, or the beg in your bravado."
Jr. had the grace to blush. Albedo watched as those beautiful blue eyes widened and turned away, a perfect contrast to the deep red in his cheeks.
"Your poetry is better in bed."
"Oh, is that so?"
His voice was deadly, prickled at Jr.'s skin in all the right ways.
"I will recite for you anything you want to hear. In any language, in any..."
Albedo leaned down to kiss him. "...tongue that you desire."
"Get the hell off me," Jr. said, but he said it with half-lidded eyes, a slight heaviness in his breath.
"Little enigma," Albedo laughed as he pulled away. "Fire and ice, an odd little dragon."
Albedo laid back against the bed and turned out the lights. Jr. found him in the dark and snuggled close. Albedo, extremely pleased, locked him against his side.
"Albedo..."
Jr.'s voice was quiet and small. There was a question on his lips. Albedo prepared himself for things he dared not answer.
"Can you tell me what they were like? The others."
"Others?" Albedo replied with surprise and relief. "You would revel in their failure?"
"No, it's not that," Jr. said defensively. "I just..."
Albedo felt his fingers drumming against his chest.
"Are you jealous, Rubedo?"
The drumming stopped.
"Kind of."
Albedo laughed. Oh, it was such a glorious victory.
"Ask away, darling dragon. I hold tales of pathetic and fallen creatures. Of creatures that have flown too close to the sun. Their melted wings like useless weights sending them plummeting down to the oblivion below."
"I don't know if I can stomach all the details."
"Ask away," Albedo said. His fingers finding Jr.'s in the darkness.
"Did they pursue you or was it the other way around?"
Albedo shrugged. "I used some. Some presumed to use me. Some bolder ones presumed to own me."
He placed a soft kiss against Jr.'s knuckles.
"But I belong only to you."
"Always? No one ever came close?"
"None."
"Did anyone try?"
"All of them tried."
"Did any survive?"
Albedo grinned.
"One."
"Only one? How many were there?"
"More than you care to know."
"That's a hell of a lot of practice."
"And it served us both well, did it not?"
Albedo didn't need the light to know that Jr.'s blush had returned full-force. He could feel the heat off of him. He adored it.
"Did they...know about me?"
"Rubedo, they all knew," Albedo said, as if the question were absolutely ludicrous. "And once they learned who you were they couldn't stop themselves. They had to find you and if they did they were determined to destroy you, as if doing so would free me from your curse and uncloud my eyes to their devotion."
"Did they know what I was? What we are?"
"No. A few came close but most of what they found was freely available. Many weren't even aware of how we were related."
"Because you protected our information."
"As if I would allow them to destroy you. As if they could. Looks can be oh so deceiving."
Albedo felt Jr.'s grin.
"What about the one who survived?"
Albedo fidgeted slightly, visibly irritated.
"I never intended for him to survive. He persists. Like a cockroach. His existence continues to baffle me to this day."
"Not so skilled an assassin after all, huh?" Jr. teased.
Just as the sentence left his lips Jr. remembered something.
Why don't you ask him about it...when you see him in Hell!
"Holy shit."
Jr. sat up in the darkness, blue eyes wide.
"You slept with Richard."
Jr. felt the curtain falling across their link. It stopped midway, ready to drop at the slightest provocation. Jr. wasn't sure if it was Richard or the Alviss that was off-limits, so he kept pressing.
"That's why he hates me so much! He talked about you nonstop. How did I miss that? I thought he was just crazy. That seems to be a requirement if you're working for -"
Jr. rubbed a hand over his face.
"You're the reason he's like that, aren't you?"
When Albedo didn't answer Jr. slapped a flat palm against his stomach.
"What the hell did you do to him?"
"Nothing that he didn't ask for," Albedo replied. He could feel Jr.'s glare through the darkness. "He was weak, crippled with instability. He was amusing for a time, useful even, but just like the others before him..."
Albedo extended his hand and ran his fingers against the side of Jr.'s face.
"He flew too close to the sun."
"He's pretty," Jr. said, jerking away from Albedo's touch. "Is that why you liked him?"
Albedo's fingers returned, tapping lightly at the corner of Jr.'s right eye.
"His eyes. Poor substitutions and yet the closest I thought that I would ever come to yours."
Jr. tried not to soften at Albedo's words. His tragically misguided and romantic words.
"Come now, Rubedo," Albedo said, tugging gently on his shoulder. "Rest with me a while longer."
Jr. began to follow him down but stopped short.
"Actually," he said with a grimace. "I think I need a shower first."
Jr. placed a hand on Albedo's chest and leaned down over him.
"I think you do too," he said, his voice a purr. Albedo wished the lights were on so that he could properly see the mischievious glint in his Rubedo's eyes. "That offer still stand?"
"An enigma," Albedo chuckled as his Rubedo leaned those last few inches down to kiss him.
"You can call me whatever you want as long as it's in the bath."
Albedo nodded, wrapped his arms around his little lover, and carried him into the bathroom.
Jr. awoke to a soft pulling on his link. He thought he'd imagined it at first - a dream within a dream - but it was relentless, a siren's call beckoning him to awaken. He opened his eyes onto the darkness of their bedroom. He'd fallen asleep on his stomach. Albedo's arm was thrown over his middle. The siren call continued. He rolled over and found Albedo fast asleep. The sound wasn't coming from him. When he reached for Gaignun he found him asleep as well. But the tugging continued, calling him out into the hallway.
Curious, Jr. removed himself from Albedo's grasp and slipped out of the bed. He pulled on his clothes as quietly and quickly as he could. If this siren call was an answer to finding Albedo or even a clue, Jr. didn't want to risk waking him and ruining his chance.
It was early morning and the corridor lights remained dim. The sound pulled on him like a leash into the dark hallways of the residential area. He twisted through the Durandal's halls. He kept a hand on a gun as he cautiously moved forward, unsure of what to expect. Nothing came out to grab him, however. It was silent; just him, his thoughts, and the pulling on his link.
The call grew louder the longer he followed it. The soft pulling had become almost painful. Jr. winced at a particularly rough tug. It stung behind his eyes, and he rubbed at them in frustration. When he reopened them he saw that the siren call had led him to Gaignun's room. He paused, confused, and searched for Gaignun's link.
He was asleep in this very room, in bed with Mary and Shelley. Jr. really didn't want to open the door and invade anyone's privacy but the link pulled harder, almost violent in its insistence. For a brief moment, he considered waking Albedo then remembered, as if he'd walked out of dense fog, that this wasn't real. Gaignun wasn't real. The Durandal wasn't real. The only things real in this dream were him, Albedo, and the curious force pulling on his link.
Still, he hesitated. He lifted a hand, reasoning that if any of them were stupid enough to leave the door unlocked they left him no real option. The door slid open easily and the unexpected brightness from the room blinded him for a second as his eyes adjusted. He took a few steps forward, concerned that the three of them would be awake so early. As he made his way deeper into the room he realized that it was empty. No one was here.
Jr. checked for Gaignun again. He could see him in this very room, asleep, tangled in Mary and Shelley. His surroundings remained empty and blindingly bright. He inspected every inch of the room but found nothing. He turned back to the open door. This is where the siren sound had dragged him. There was no mistaking it. It was quiet now. He considered stepping back into the hallway to see if it would start again.
Something grabbed him by the arm.
He turned around, drawing a gun as he spun, and found Gaignun at the end of his barrel.
"Gaignun?" Jr. asked. Jr.'s eyes shot over to the bed. It was empty. The entire room had been empty just a few moments ago.
"There you are," Gaignun said and he sounded relieved. "It's time to wake up."
"What?" Jr. tried to pull away from him. "No, I...I don't want to."
Jr. reached back for their connection but it insisted that Gaignun was in bed, asleep. Jr. realized with a sudden horror that this wasn't dream Gaignun. This was the real thing. Gaignun Kukai in the flesh, ready to take him home.
Gaignun frowned and jerked on Jr.'s arm, causing Jr. to fall forward into him.
"You don't understand!" Jr. shouted angrily. He managed to rip his way out of Gaignun's grasp. "I'll explain everything later, ok? But you have to go now."
Gaignun reached for him again, clearly frustrated. His hands missed as Jr. stumbled backward out of his way. Jr. noticed that Gaignun didn't seem to know exactly where he was standing. He couldn't see, at least not very well. He didn't seem to be able to hear either. He understood Jr.'s tone, at least. Gaignun was clearly displeased with Jr.'s resistance.
"Stop fighting me," Gaignun said, exasperated.
In his attempts to avoid Gaignun's hands Jr. had accidentally backed himself against a dresser. Gaignun caught him by the arms and slammed him against it.
"Listen to me, you stupid bastard!" Jr. yelled. Gaignun's grip was powerful, painful. "I'm. Not. Going."
Jr.'s link was confused. He couldn't find Gaignun to push him out. Albedo must have constructed the dream link in a way that made communication with the real Gaignun impossible. Almost impossible. He couldn't work out how Gaignun had managed to find him here. Jr. had placed a tight lockdown on their end of the spiritual link. He shouldn't have been able to make any sort of contact.
It didn't matter. Jr. couldn't let Gaignun pull him out of the dream. He still had to find Albedo. He refused to leave. Gaignun leaned low and spoke softly in Jr.'s ear.
"Wake up, Jr."
Jr. felt the dreamworld fall away from him. The ground dragged beneath his feet. He went limp in Gaignun's hands and even the pain of his grasp was fading away. He felt sedated, numb. He couldn't even call for help. He was going to lose Albedo. He couldn't fight.
Albedo fought for him.
He arrived as if summoned. Albedo's hand wrapped around Gaignun's face as he ripped him away from Jr. and suspended him against the wall.
"I see you, Executioner!"
Jr. dropped to his knees. His surroundings returned to him instantly. The numb, sick feeling dissipated, and he swung his head to Albedo, suddenly aware of what was happening.
"Stop," he said, but his voice was small and airy. "Albedo, stop!"
Jr. wasn't sure if the same rules that applied to him applied to Gaignun. He couldn't take the chance that they did. He'd dropped his gun when Gaignun had grabbed him. He reached for it and found that his vision was blurry. The dream was still unstable, Gaignun's words lingered like tar in his ears.
"Albedo!"
He raised his gun in warning, but he was seeing double and didn't want to risk hitting Gaignun. Gaignun held onto Albedo's wrist, squeezing lightly as if trying to identify the thing blocking his path. He couldn't see Albedo. He had no idea where he was. Gaignun turned his head toward's Jr.'s voice. The hand around Albedo's wrist dropped and extended toward Jr.
"Jr.-" Gaignun started. Albedo didn't allow him to finish. He slammed Gaignun's head against the wall. Jr. screamed for him to stop but Albedo continued his assault. Jr. pulled to his feet and ran for them. Albedo swung an arm toward him and the floor was pulled out from under him. Jr. fell backward and it felt as if he were falling through the floor itself, down into the Durandal's lower levels. When the feeling finally stopped and the floor felt solid again he found himself laid out in the same dark corridor that led to Gaignun's room.
Jr. rolled over, dragged to his feet, and ran headfirst toward the door. Albedo emerged before Jr. could reach it. Albedo turned toward him and the soft white glow of the rectangular floor lights caught him, illuminating the dark red stains on his right arm and shoulder.
"Tell me you didn't."
Gaignun. Where was Gaignun? Jr. felt for him and was met with the same fake image. He couldn't feel him.
"Please tell me that you didn't."
Albedo took a few steps forward. Jr. lifted his gun and fired into the floor in front of him.
"Tell me!"
Albedo didn't answer. He was a bright ghost in a black hallway, flittering in and out of existence in the white glow of the lights. Jr.'s heart was in his throat. It drummed in his ears with every pulse.
"Was this all a lie?" Jr. asked around the pounding lump. "Everything?"
"Rubedo...it isn't what it seems."
Jr. fired and the bullet flew past his left cheek.
"Who do you work for?"
Albedo seemed genuinely confused by the question. Jr. fired more shots. None of them landed. They came close. Albedo felt the heat of them as they whizzed past his suit.
"That's why you can't answer any of my questions, isn't it? It's why you're always so secretive about every goddamn thing! Who are they? What do they want?"
"Hear me, Rubedo-"
"No!" Jr. shouted, cutting him off. He was shaking. Every breath hurt, rattled around like razors tearing through the walls of his empty chest. "You kept me here long enough for Gaignun to come looking for me, didn't you? You had both of us right where you wanted us."
"Rubedo, please -"
"That shapeshifter work for you too, huh? You know him, don't you? What the hell did you save me for if this your endgame?!"
Jr. was becoming unstable. Albedo could feel the tendrils of his power stretching across the corridor to him. It would have intoxicated Albedo before. The first sensations of it had always made him buzz with anticipation. Now it was terrifying. Rubedo's rage, his heartbreak was far worse than anything Albedo had ever experienced.
"Was it fun for you?!"
The darkness of the corridor began to move, a creature of shadow brought out of slumber. It pulled away from the floors and the walls, peeling away in large, flaking chunks that ate like acid into the ceiling.
"I'm so stupid. So fucking stupid. You've never been anything but a monster."
The colors ran from his combat suit until it was black and white. He felt the weight of a cape on his shoulders. He looked down at his hands, at the stormy pink pouring through the holes in the walls. The floor beneath him began to creak. He glanced down and saw patches of wood peeking through the vanishing layers of Durandal.
Jr.'s perception of him was changing drastically. He was pulling them into his last nightmare. Albedo had to stabilize him.
"Nigredo lives, Rubedo," Albedo said, slowly inching toward Jr. "His death serves no one. You would be forced to abandon me. I would never...see you again."
"And how painful that would be," Jr. fired back. "Because you love me so much."
Jr. let out a dry, humorless laugh. It shredded through Albedo as if his skin were paper-thin. "What a joke! How am I different from any of the others?"
The Durandal's skin continued to peel away.
"You know that I love you, Rubedo. You have felt it yourself."
"I don't know what I felt," Jr. spat.
Another bullet flew past Albedo.
"If you loved me, you would tell me where you are!"
None of Rubedo's bullets came close to hitting him. They flew wildly, directionless. Albedo had made it over halfway across the hall. He was almost there.
"I have always loved you."
"Stop lying!"
The Durandal shook with Jr.'s voice. The walls disintegrated faster. Jr. dropped his gun and wrapped his arms around himself. Albedo saw the flashing in his eyes as he tried to hold back.
"I can't believe I let you...I can't believe that I wanted you," Jr.'s voice broke as he choked on his emotions, on the power barreling against his skin. "That I still want you."
Jr. fell to his knees, fingers digging into his biceps. Albedo took the chance to close the gap between them. He drew Jr. into his arms. Jr. fell into them half-willingly, lost in a red haze. His power burned into Albedo's flesh, an angry searing heat. He ignored it, allowed it to scorch him. He held Jr. as tight as he could.
"Easy, Rubedo," Albedo whispered. "Nigredo is alive."
He grabbed Jr.'s face in his hands and pressed their foreheads together. The confusing line connecting Jr. to the fake Gaignun burst apart like shattered glass. Jr. could feel Gaignun through the pieces. He was hesitant to follow this line, afraid of falling into a trap. But he wanted so badly to believe it, to know that he hadn't been played so fully, so completely. He wanted so badly to believe in Albedo.
He dove in, gliding through the path that Albedo had opened for him. Gaignun was leaning over in a chair next to Jr.'s bed. His head was laid heavily in his hands as he swore under his breath, nursing one of the worst headaches he'd ever had in his life. He stood up after a few moments, shakily making his way out of the room.
The room, the suite. Gaignun was at the beach house. He must be worried, Jr. thought. How long have I been asleep?
Jr. was brought back to Albedo. He felt cold, sick, and exhausted.
"When I was a child," Albedo said softly, soothingly. "They aimed to control me with the promise of you. They would deliver you to me, both of you, if I would behave. You were to be my reward. It was so difficult to live without you and yet I tried."
Albedo's hands moved from Jr.'s face, fingers like cool water as they outlined his jaw, fell down his throat.
"I realized soon that they would not. They could not. And so I slaughtered them."
The Durandal began to reform around them. The holes in the walls and the floor repaired themselves, morphing like liquid over the gashes Jr. had unconsciously scoured into them.
"They couldn't find you but I could. If I would help them and reveal your location, they could deliver you to me. All of those deceptive, cloying voices. Even in madness, or perhaps through its lense, I saw through their guise."
Albedo's hands wrapped around Jr.'s shoulders. He felt Jr.'s muscles relax. The flames of his power had begun to die down.
"They wanted me to destroy you and how could I? I destroyed them instead. One by one until they cowered in my presence until every one of them knew your name. Your true name. Oh, how they trembled before it."
The dream world finally settled around them, stable once more. Jr. listened intently as Albedo spoke, eyes shut tight as he leaned into Albedo's touch.
"Understand, Rubedo, that I have longed for you since the moment of our separation. I have craved you since the first day of madness. I have loved you, hopelessly, for as long as I have lived."
Jr.'s fingers gripped onto his suit. It was awash in Durandal colors once again.
"If you believe nothing else, please, Rubedo, believe in my love for you."
Albedo kissed him gently, cautious lips against Jr.'s quivering ones. When he pulled away Jr. collapsed against him. Albedo held him in the darkness of the corridor and waited with bated breath, for his Rubedo's thoughts to settle.
"I'm waking up, aren't I?"
Jr.'s voice was wet and brittle in the darkness. Albedo couldn't respond, but he didn't have to. They had both known that this could not go on forever. Jr. had to awaken eventually. If Gaignun was worried enough to force his way in, then it meant he'd been asleep for far too long. Jr. would have to leave and when he left he would leave Albedo.
"Would it be better if I were closer to my body?" Jr.'s words were spoken against Albedo's chest and ghosted mournfully along the fabric of his clothes.
Albedo couldn't answer. Jr. laughed curtly, humorlessly; a choked, and defeated sob.
"Take me there. Please."
Albedo did as his Rubedo asked. He cradled Jr. in his arms and made his way through the haunted hallways of the residential area. Jr. clung to him and hid his face in Albedo's neck. The two made their way to the beach house, uncaring of who saw them.
I will repair this, Albedo thought. It was a silent promise to both of them. He would repair this and restore all that he had undone, no matter the cost.
A/N: Finally! Forgive me for the delays. I hoped you enjoyed the last big lemon. We have one chapter left in this little arch. Prepare yourselves. I'll see you next time in Careless.
