Raha was hiding something from him.

It didn't take T'senri long to figure it out – even as distracted as he was in the last few days. Between finally doing away with Vauthry and begging forgiveness from Alisaie for his… outburst – he barely had time to catch his breath.

What was more surprising, was definitely the fact that Ares was seemingly in on whatever Raha was keeping from him. Whenever he would decide to go after his lover and demand explanations for sudden… suspicious behavior, his immortal would bid him to be calm and patient – sounding suspiciously amused.

So he did – or tried to, anyway – instead, spending more time with his friends while his lover seemed busy with whatever that was that had him so… distracted.

He felt beyond embarrassed and guilty for how he… reacted to Alisaie's words that day – and even despite her assuring him that she didn't hate or wasn't scared of him – he swore to keep a better leash on his temper.

And honestly hoped… he wasn't lying.

He barely remembered the first time he went utterly… cold. A somewhat fuzzy memory of finally facing Livia was when it happened. He was… beyond furious then. To have his home – his nest – destroyed and the people under his protection – his friends – slaughtered… was too much. It twisted and broke something inside him – to the point his… outbursts started.

He was aware when the rage took over – he was – but he simply… couldn't stop it. Whatever – whoever – provoked his temper… at some level in his mind was better dead than able to hurt his friends again.

The Scions were his family – one he didn't have to worry about losing if they found out about his… preferences like with his tribe. Despite their jokes about him being overprotective – they let him care for them… most of the time, anyway. And Rising Stones were his home – his nest – and the thought that the nightmare of the Waking Sands could repeat… was one of his biggest fears.

And now… now he had as well Raha to think about. His love, his mate – and if he has his way – once his silly lover feels more confident with the Scions – his… husband as well. He wanted – no, he had to – have him every way he could. The raw need to possess him was a living thing under his skin. And even if Y'shtola was right about that making him a target… well, anyone who would try to lay a hand on his lover will pay – in a such spectacular way, none other will dare.

Not to mention – his and Ares's plan once Raha is back in possession of his free, unbound body. The immortal swore to cast the Traveler's Ward on him once that happens – and as formidable a fighter as his lover already was in his versatility (and, Azeyma, but he couldn't even think that word without smirking now) and his brilliance – Ares seemed especially excited about the fact that apparently once fused, they were sure Damon will be finally able to access his power.

And if his immortal – with his formidable, terrifying gift – seemed almost… awed by the possibility – he could only imagine what Damon was capable of at full power. After all – it was he who invented the spell that lead to their current… circumstances.

And in the end, if his outburst assured that his enemies feared him – he was more than fine with that. Anything that kept his lover and family safe. He gave and sacrificed enough for their world – he refused to add them to the list.

The only person alive that he was wary of – that survived his outburst (in a way, anyway) was Zenos – but he'll get to him – eventually. The man's obsession with him was disturbing, to say the least – and even though before leaving the Source it was Elidibus in possession of the Garlean prince's body that he faced at Gimlyth Dark – he had a feeling that they didn't see the last of that maniac. Zenos seemed simply too stubborn to die… but the next time T'senri will get his hands on him… well, this time he will make damn sure to not even leave the corpse behind – and even crush his soul if necessary to make sure he stays dead.

He sighed deeply, narrowing his eyes at the view of Lakeland below him and lazily swinging his feet in the air. There was a party to be held tonight at Crystarium – a celebration of their victory – and his lover 'politely' asked him to stay out of the way of the preparations. Normally, he would more than protest – eager to help in whatever he could, especially if that allowed him to stalk his Raha and wait for an occasion to steal a delicious kiss – but he was promised a reward if he was a 'good boy' and the glint in his lover's eyes when he said that… had him intrigued. So he settled at the edge of the amaro landing, trying not to twitch with impatience… And hoping they won't be required to attend that party for long.

His friends were 'allowed' to help, running errands around the Crystarium and only… smirking mysteriously when he passed one of them on the way here – so he had a pretty good suspicion that whatever Raha was up to – they were in on that, as well. Even Ryne – as now Minfilia's reincarnation was called – flushed furiously and scampered away when he asked to help her with the big box she was carrying… and he tried not to feel excluded from whatever was the fuss about – but it was… hard.

That his lover warned him last night that he'll be the central figure of that party didn't faze him much – he was by now more than used to playing the part of his title whenever someone would invite him to whatever celebration they dimmed necessary to bring the morale up. He saw himself more as the Scion than the Warrior, honestly… but after Alphinaud more than once lectured him about people needing the 'symbol' of the figure of the Warrior of Light to look up to and feel safe – despite his reluctance to be that – he donned the mask and played his part.

And considering that yesterday his Raha had them gather in Ocular and announced that the vessels are done – and this party tonight was to be as much a celebration of saving the First as his own goodbye to his people – and they were ready to go back to the Source… had him beyond excited.

Tomorrow, the Scions were to travel across the First and say their goodbyes to the people they met and came to be close with during their stay here, and in the evening they would be leaving. He couldn't wait… but more than understood their need for that extra day. He – and hopefully Raha once 'blessed' if Ares was right – would be still able to travel between the two at will and his friends won't.

The only thing that seemed to make his friends uneasy with the whole… outcome was the constant presence of Hades and his 'friend'. Though the cheery disposition of Hythlodaeus was endearing enough and he was quickly buying himself into mortals' graces – Hades's scowling wasn't doing him any favors. Neither was his stubborn stalking of his lover – in T'senri's eyes, anyway. Raha's constant shadow during the day, he was causing more than a few raised eyebrows. And Warrior was pretty sure that his friends found their explanation of the Ascians' presence and Emet-Selch's 'change' suspicious at best. But the only thing they could come up with – the lie that Raha somehow 'accidentally' brought back Hythlodaeus using the Tower – even as ridiculous as it sounded, they stuck with that with utter conviction. That Hades's behavior was the effect of him being grateful for that – almost made sense. But Ares's and Damon's presence inside him and Raha had to stay a secret. None of them could argue that – because he knew that his friends would not believe he was allowing the Ascian to share his body out of his own free will, knowing as they did his animosity toward their kind after Lahabrea, Nabriales, and the others.

And without spilling the beans about his real relationship with Raha – he couldn't tell them the truth – that his lover meant to him more than life itself. That for him – he would do more than allowing Ares's use of him. The fact that he actually came to like his immortal passenger was a… bonus. Maybe once Raha's ready to be completely his they can think of revealing that part…

"Senri?" he heard behind him and his head automatically swiveled toward Thancred's voice. His friend smiled at him, then turned around and motioned for him to follow. Finally! T'senri jumped to his feet instantly and quickly joined his friend's side. "Need your attendance," Thancred grinned, folding his hands behind his head.

"Of course," He almost rolled his eyes, but held his tongue, trying not to let his tail whip with enthusiasm. Whatever surprise his lover was preparing – seemed to be finally ready – and he couldn't wait to find out what was the whole fuss about. "Ready to depart?" he asked easily instead.

Thancred winced slightly and his smile wobbled, but when their eyes met, there was a determined look in silvery eyes.

"Yes, of course," he finally said as they headed down the stairs leading to Excedra. "It'll be… hard to leave, you can imagine… But knowing you'll still be able to help Ryne and Gaia finish what we started in the Empty, definitely makes it easier."

T'senri actually flinched – not because he minded helping, but because the whole thing simply was… exhausting.

In the last few days, each of his friends was… wrapping things up, basically. While Alisaie dragged him off to Ahm Areang and they possibly discovered the way to reverse the tempering – which he was more than elated about – Thancred, Urianger and Ryne soon after had him join them in their efforts to reverse the effects of the Flood of Light. Y'shtola was busy exploring the Ancient's ruins Emet-Selch 'graciously' brought her to – and as fascinated as he was with them as well after joining her briefly… between all of that, he could barely catch his breath.

Once they're back on the Source – he fully intended to take a break at least for a while. Especially if he has Raha…

"It'll be my pleasure," he said instead of complaining, smiling at his friend.

"Senri… this way," Thancred suddenly stopped him when they reached the plaza – and despite the crowd gathered at the foot of the Tower, clearly waiting for something – he grabbed him by the arm, then led them around the edge of the gathering. "The whole thing is going to start with… Exarch's proclamation at the top of the stairs leading to the Tower," his friend explained at his surprised look. "Obviously, you – as the guest of honor and the hero of the hour – with all of us along, we are to join him there."

"Ah, I see," he murmured, letting himself be pulled along – wondering when he will get 'his surprise' then. He did expect he'll be required to do some… posing, considering the outfit he was presented with for the occasion by the crafters of the Crystalline Mean this morning at 'Exarch's request' – an elegant-looking black pants, shirt, and jacket – to his pleasure with slight red accents. Waving toward the few familiar faces in the crowd, he joined the rest of his friends at the gate leading into the Tower – each of the Scions clad in similarly elegantly looking outfits in their preferred colors and he pretended he didn't notice their obvious… excitement. They spread out in line slightly behind him, putting him at the center of it, with the twins at his sides – Alisaie on his left and Alphinaud on the right. Y'shtola and Ryne took spots by Alisaie's side and Thancred and Urianger on Alphinaud's. As they were used to at such occasions, under the admiring gazes of the public – they kept silent, each taking a slightly official pose – relaxed but with their hands folded behind their backs – awaiting the beginning of the proceedings.

A few minutes later, he fought not to grin like the lovesick fool he was when Raha exited the Tower in his customary robes, but with the cowl down – as he took to do in the last few days. At first, the citizens were beyond… shocked to see his face. And some… clearly enamored – to his barely stifled jealousy. But as each night he was able to reassure himself in his claim of his lover's heart and beautiful body – he graciously forgave those who would dare to look at his mate's beauty a tad too long for his liking. Though, a part of him – a big part – couldn't wait to make his Raha 'officially' his – and he'll be able to openly adore and dote on his silly mate – and ward off the 'too long' stares with a proper growl.

When his lover send their group a polite smile with a slight nod, then took the spot at the head of the stairs and looked over the awaiting crowd – T'senri wasn't even surprised when the gathering in mere seconds grew silent, looking toward his mate with obvious respect and maybe a hint of impatience. Considering he earlier caught a glimpse of the feast awaiting the beginning of the celebration spread out through the Wandering Stairs and prepared for it markets… he couldn't blame them. The Excedra itself was to be a massive dancefloor for the occasion – with the stage prepared for the musicians by the arch leading toward the Aetheryte and Allagan nodes to serve as the speakers spread out around the area.

To his slight surprise, the red and black decorations dominated the areas prepared for the party. He took it as a slight – to a few noticeable – nod toward his preferences by his lover. While the arch between the pillars were decorated beautifully with shiny, silk-like black material, the flowers spread out between them definitely tilted toward many different shades of red – with his favorite crimson dominating them. The pillars themselves were decorated with swirls or red and black ribbons. When the first stars blinked in existence in the dark sky above the Excedra bathing the area in starlight – it gave it a strangely… otherworldly look, made even more pronounced by the Hythlodaeus's accent to the celebrations – the swirling in the air above the plaza red and black confetti prepared by the Mean.

"Friends," Raha addressed the crowd in his most regal, commanding the attention tone, startling T'senri out of the reverie. He blinked, focusing his gaze on the back of his lover's head – his position between the Scions putting him almost directly behind the Exarch. "We gathered here tonight to celebrate the salvation of our star and the heroes that made this possible," he tried not to scowl at the slight hint of… nervousness?... he could feel in Raha's soul. Which was weird, considering he heard him rehearse this speech at least a few times in the last few nights… when T'senri wasn't keeping him otherwise occupied. "It is my great honor to introduce to you the Scions of the Seventh Dawn," his lover turned and 'officially' presented them with a wide gesture of his crystalized hand and they bowed slightly as on cue – years of similar presentations making them do that in perfect sync. "And their Champion, our hero, the Warrior of Light and Darkness who brought the night back to our world, T'senri Tia," he didn't flinch but put his right fist against his heart and bowed again – as he always did, the living symbol – only briefly catching his lover's gaze, and trying not to show the way his heart stuttered and went utterly insane at the sight of the obvious adoration in Raha's crimson eyes. When he straightened and took his position again, carefully lacing his fingers behind his back to stop them from reaching for his beautiful mate – he couldn't help the wide grin from spreading on his face – but hoped that the crowd or his friends wouldn't notice the absolutely love-struck gaze he couldn't help but toss his lover in return.

Raha turned back toward the crowd and looked around slowly while they cheered – but fell silent instantly when he raised his crystalized hand slowly as if reaching toward them. That… nervousness grew slightly more pronounced – before being harshly stifled by pure… determination.

"And it is my… selfish hope," his lover said, suddenly breaking the script. T'senri blinked with surprise when his mate turned again and their eyes met – confused ice to determined fire – but didn't let his expression change from a grin. "That all of you will indulge my whim and before the celebrations proceed, you spare a moment to hear me out," his lover sent him a small, reassuring smile then turned his gaze back to the crowd who was visibly eating up his every word. "As many of you know… I come from the same… world as our heroes. Though I stayed with you all this time, watching this beautiful city bloom around the Tower – and will do so hopefully for even longer," he lied surprisingly smoothly, but only a few knew – Scions and Lyna mostly – that Ardbert will be taking over his responsibilities come tomorrow. "And though it might come as hard to understand or believe – I've met our hero before coming here. He's been my most cherished friend, inspiration… and more," he said in a clear voice and T'senri's heart stopped, and jaw dropped. He was not going to…? His gaze darted toward his friends and his heart from the stop went absolutely insane when he saw each of them grinning at him with knowing looks. Oh, Azeyma… they knew. His face was on fire… and while his heart simply… sang in elation, he forced his gaze to turn back to his lover. "And tonight, as we celebrate this world's salvation… I hope that I can fulfill a promise I made to him long, long ago," he took a deep breath then turned around again, looking right into his eyes – his full of fire and devotion as his plush lips tilted in a slightly sheepish, shy smile. "T'senri, my heart… I swore to you once… No, would you do this old, lovesick fool the honor – and in the presence of your family and those fine people… M-Marry me?"

He swiftly collected his jaw off the floor, cleared his throat, and despite his flaming face and insanely pounding heart… he grinned, the widest, goofiest grin of his life then pounced shamelessly, wrapping his hands around his mate's beautiful face.

"I thought you never ask," he snarked, then unceremoniously took his mouth to the sound of cheer and cat-calls of his friends - his family - and the crowd.


"B-Behave, Snark," he gasped, almost desperately pushing against his lover's – now husband, at least in this world – wide chest, his face completely on fire.

"You're mine now," Senri whined a complaint, pushing his hands away and shamelessly pinning him against the wall. When he opened his mouth again to protest – they were barely in the shade of the Pendants, for Twelve's sake! And after the brief ceremony and the party started – the people in attendance followed them with their gaze constantly… Which led him to step away for a moment to catch his breath – not hiding, despite Damon's accusation – but simply… needing a moment. But of course, for his Senri that was an occasion to pounce. But when he opened his mouth again, what left them was only a quiet whimper when his lover growled and took his lips in a deep, delicious kiss, fisting his hand in G'raha's hair and tilting his head for access as he devoured his mouth hungrily, shamelessly using his free hand to impatiently knead at his ass, while slowly rutting his rock-hard flesh against his stomach. And despite being all too aware of the nearby voices, the music, laughter, and general presence of all too many people… G'raha couldn't help himself but return the kiss eagerly, fisting his mismatched hands in Senri's jacket and now desperately pulling him closer, mewling his submission and bliss under his lover's too-hot, hungry lips.

"Get a room!" a familiar voice snapped with amusement, and while he squeaked with embarrassment, swiftly turning his head away, his Senri growled and bared his teeth at his best friend in a warning. "Gods, Senri… ease up, would you? Your man looks ready to combust," Alisaie snickered mercilessly while G'raha groaned deeply and buried his flaming face in his lover's shoulder.

"He's mine," it was more a snarl than anything else, and he only flushed darker at the too-obvious possessive pride in it. "So… get lost, Firecracker."

"Nah, I'm serious," she giggled madly and he barely dared to tilt his head to peer at her with one eye, frowning slightly at the sight of her expression – as she looked ready to burst into a laugh. She was the main culprit in his… conspiracy for this night. When he shared his plan with her – Alisaie was all too eager to convince and earn the cooperation of others – while keeping it quiet from Senri. Even Ares got involved – in a way – promising to distract his host if he grows too suspicious. Now, she stopped by their side, bracing her hands on her hips and leaning in with a whisper. "You're giving a fucking stroke to the ladies," she quickly pointed her thumb behind her back, and when his gaze followed automatically, all too easily he spotted what she meant – many, many hungry stares heading their direction. "A second more of this… show, and it'll take more people than we have to keep them from pouncing at you," she laughed softly when he groaned out loud and tilted his head back, curling into himself.

Maybe if he didn't, he would predict… inevitable.

"Got it," Senri said with obvious amusement and before G'raha knew what happened or could avoid it, his lover – his husband – shamelessly picked him up and ignoring his indignant hiss, threw him over his shoulder, turned and headed toward the Tower. G'raha thrashed uselessly, then froze when that earned him a laugh out of his mate and a… slap on his behind – his mortification hitting a new level when Alisaie burst into a laugh, then waved at him and headed back to the spot where the Scions gathered, laughing over their drinks.

"I'm going to kill you," he murmured, sagging helplessly and burying his flaming face in his folded arms against his lover's wide back.

"Aww… barely a few bells married and already a death threat, Raha?" his mate snarked, skipping the steps and heading inside the crystal structure. G'raha couldn't help but chuckle at that – despite his embarrassment.

"Are you surprised?" he replied, fighting to keep a stern tone.

"Nah, wouldn't expect any less, my fiery heart," Senri, meaningfully petting his behind and G'raha couldn't help but squirm, his face on fire as his lover's lust slammed on his senses. "But before you slay me, love…" the Warrior chuckled, arriving at the room containing their nest and heading inside to kick the door close behind them swiftly. He wasn't even surprised when soon he was unceremoniously tossed in the middle of their nest, with his powerful mate crawling behind him before he could even turn around or gather his bearings. "First… I'll take you, my husband," Senri whispered, pinning him down into the pillows with his weight, nuzzling against his neck affectionately while roughly pulling his robes up between them. "My mate…" he rasped, soon meaningfully rubbing his clad cock insistently against his ass and G'raha choked on a whimper, fisting his hands in the pillows desperately. "My… everything," his Warrior chuckled breathlessly, then impatiently pushed his shorts off, cleared his throat slightly, and leaned away, pushing his thighs apart and kneeling between them. "I won't be… gentle this time, Raha," he said slowly with an undertone of a growl.

"Good," he whispered shakily, then groaned loudly when his lover rewarded that by roughly pulling him up to his knees, and he could only mewl and moan his approval while his lover set to prepare his body to take him, purring insistently as he rutted against the back of his thigh impatiently.

"Gods… You're perfect," Senri whispered with awe when he gasped with relief when he finally took him. Pressing tightly against his back, his Warrior wrapped one hand around his all too-eager, aching cock while he groaned deeply against his neck. "I love you… so much," he gasped, straining to keep still despite his earlier warning.

"I love you too, Snark…" he chuckled breathlessly then freed his crystalized hand to fist it in his lover's hair. "But now… fuck me properly, my mate," he purred, arching his back to take him harder, deeper… mewling his husband's name in bliss at the maddening feeling.

"As you wish, my prince," Senri purred back, nuzzled against his neck affectionately, then set to fulfill his wish with an absolutely mind-blowing enthusiasm – G'raha loved and by now expected of his Warrior.