G'raha touched his own cheek almost tenderly, delicately dragging his crystalized finger along the line of his own jaw, and smiled involuntarily, reassuringly when dark-red lashes fluttered open, revealing mismatched irises of his youth.
Feeling somewhat nostalgic, he straightened his back and leaned away while his younger version looked at him with confusion, blinking rapidly as he sat up and looked around… then froze at the sight of his companion, his eyes growing almost comically huge while his mouth dropped open in astonishment. Not that he blamed him – in here, Damon looked impressive.
"What… is this…?" his younger counterpart rasped, instinctively backing away along the seat of the crystal throne, his back soon hugging the backrest of it as his youthful face – his face – grew white like a sheet.
"Close your mouth, Raha," the immortal scoffed, though sparks of amusement danced in his too-bright cyan eyes and because he was who he was, he backed away slightly, leaving them space to breathe. "It's unseemly to gape," he chuckled, leaning his back against a slightly blurry wall of the Tower's throne room. Here, he was incredibly tall – very much like Hades and Hythlodaeus back on the First – his face was distinctively Hyur-like and his red hair much longer than theirs, bound into a braid falling over his shoulder. Well-build, but rather slander than muscular – he carried himself with an air of confidence that came with the knowledge of his own skill and power.
"Don't mind him," G'raha chuckled sheepishly, waving his crystalized fingers to gain his younger version's attention. The mismatched eyes drifted toward him and almost automatically tossed him a deadpan stare before going back to the immortal who kept a carefully bored-looking expression on his handsome face. Because yeah – as awkward as it felt to call him that – considering how similar they looked – Damon was definitely handsome if his features were slightly more delicate than theirs. "G'raha, seriously… Don't," he snapped with a roll of his eyes, using his most regal and commanding tone – and almost chuckled again then red-cyan irises flashed to him instantly and his counterpart's back went rigid.
"What is this…? Am I dead…? Did it fail and I'm in one of the seven hells...?" his younger version murmured under his nose, scowling while he jumped off the throne and looked him over with narrowed eyes. "…why do you look like… that? And what with this… man?"
"No," he sighed, maybe a bit awkwardly rubbing his crystalized wrist with his normal hand as in thought he searched for the correct words… After a moment he sighed with resignation and rolled his eyes again slightly. "Listen… I'm you, obviously – If three hundred years older. Much… happened after you went to sleep, much and more – but the gist of it is… You're about to wake up – five years later and free to do whatever you wish to do – but before that can happen, we need to fuse. Normally, I would like to ask your permission, G'raha… but we don't really have a choice, neither of us. You see, he…" he pointedly looked toward his immortal passenger. "…lives inside us. His name is Damon, and he's our original incarnation, from before the world was sundered… Gods, you don't know any about that…" he murmured, seeing pure confusion in the eyes of his youth. "…ah, he's a friend, but he's as well a very powerful being, an ancient soul born into our body. And only together we can allow him a full…"
"You're confusing the boy," Damon sighed with obvious resignation, carefully observing his younger version's expression with narrowed eyes. "Let's make it simple," he chuckled when both looked toward him with surprise, then he raised his eyebrows pointedly and a slight smirk danced across his full lips. "Do you want to be free to be with… Snark, boy?"
That instantly gained his counterpart's full attention, though obvious uncertainty filled his face.
"More than… anything," he finally whispered softly, then cleared his throat and dropped his gaze. "But he deserves… better. And if I shake off this responsibility how can I even dream of…"
G'raha winced, turning his eyes away from the amused eyes of his immortal, blushing furiously at the reminder of his… naivety.
"You won't be… shaking off anything," he said slowly, shifting uncomfortably when mismatched eyes drifted toward him with growing uncertainty… and hope. "You can still prove you're worthy of him," he smiled reassuringly – if more than a bit fake. "By being at his side… and protecting him. His heart, most of all. Sealing the Tower… was a mistake, G'raha," he whispered much more honestly than he planned. "It worked out in the end – and we… I was able to save him. And for that reason only – I don't regret that… But now that he's safe to go on… he needs us. His heart and soul… he needs us more than long dead and buried. And with me… and Damon, we'll be able to keep him safe."
"I don't understand…" his counterpart rasped, but didn't back away when G'raha moved closer and wrapped his mismatched hands around his jaw, pulling him closer until their foreheads met and eyes – red-cyan to crimson – locked together.
"I know," he whispered with another reassuring smile. "But you will, I swear…"
The process wasn't exactly pleasant… but when he next opened his eyes, his younger version was gone – along with covering him crystallization. He raised his right hand and flexed his fingers slowly, watching the movement with wonder. Smiling a bit sheepishly, he dragged his hands along his throat, crossing his arms as he touched his shoulders next, making sure…
"How do you feel?" asked Damon, nearing him.
"I feel…" G'raha sighed, closed his eyes, and tilted his head back slightly, involuntarily sighing with bliss. "…marvelous," he chuckled sheepishly, peering through his lashes at a much, much taller immortal. "So much… lighter. And… stronger," he admitted while his lips tilted in a slightly smug smirk.
"Glad to hear that," his immortal chortled, then reached out his hand toward him. "Ready? I imagine Senri is waiting for you."
"Can't wait," he grinned brightly, then placed his hand in Damon's and closed his eyes.
The next time he opened them, his gaze instantly met the ice-blue irises of his lover, and the bright, wide grin that split Senri's beautiful face was simply… blinding.
"Hey there, sleepyhead," the Warrior delicately placed his big, warm hand against his cheek while his eyes search his intently… as if making sure…
Realizing he was laying down with his head in his lover's lap, G'raha nuzzled against his mate's palm while raising his hand to place it over Senri's.
"My Snark," he sighed with bliss, closing his eyes. "My husband," he purred with delight, taking a deep, deep breath… and honestly, almost expired instantly, groaning quietly as in a mere second he grew dizzy and more than brutally aroused. Somehow… Senri's normally delicious, intoxicating scent was so much more… intense now – filling his head and lungs until he couldn't gather his thoughts – only utter an utterly embarrassing needy mewl.
"Oh, yeah…" his lover chuckled… a bit meanly. His hand left G'raha's cheek and smoothed down his side to shamelessly press over his crotch. His hand followed instantly, holding Senri's down over his cock as he rutted against it with a choked whine. The mix of relief and painful arousal had him more than dizzy, mewling breathlessly and instinctively sniffing the air greedily. When the mind-blowingly delicious aroma grew unbearably thicker with his mate's arousal, he almost literally passed out, whining in the back of his throat. "…Ares warned that at first, it might be a bit… overstimulating."
"…wha…?" he couldn't care less, blindly fighting with the fastenings of his pants and whimpering involuntarily when his lover growled his approval, eagerly pushing his shaky hands away to sneak his into the opening and wrap it around his painful erection. "S-Snark… please…" he choked out, opening his eyes and fisting his hand in his mate's black shirt, shifting and helplessly mewling his need. Panting harshly between his needy sounds, he rutted against his lover's tight grip, yet it wasn't nearly… enough… he had to… needed…
"Oh, Azeyma… I already love it," his lover chuckled breathlessly, then shifted – making G'raha fuzzily realize that they were on top of the massive, crystal throne – leaning in to catch his mouth in a deep kiss and swallowing his whine of protest when he pulled his hand back. Yet his taste… oh, gods, his taste… G'raha instantly drowned both of his hands greedily in silky, inky-black strands, devouring his lover's mouth eagerly and shuddering with delight as the absolutely maddening flavor filled his mouth with every eager stroke of his lover's tongue. So focused on it – and the insanely tantalizing way his mate's purrs mixed with his own, vibrating on his lips – he barely registered when Senri tugged his boots and pants down and off. He barely noticed… until his world spun, and he found himself face down against the crystal, gasping with confusion and instantly missing the addictive flavor. Somewhat numbly realizing his bare feet hit the cool crystal of the floor below the throne while his upper body rested on its seat – he fought to catch his breath and collect his scattered wits… uselessly as much bigger – so unbearably hot – body pressed against his back, pinning him down against the edge of the seat of the long dead Emperors. "I admit, my prince…" his lover purred teasingly, sneaking his big hands under his chest and pulling his red-leather vest open, then almost brutally tugging it off his shoulders. G'raha shivered at the chill of the crystal – but was very far from protest when almost too-hot skin soon pressed against his back tightly, more than making up for the cold. "…when I first saw it, I couldn't help but fantasize about taking you like this," Senri growled and while his left hand took hold of his wrist, the other moved between their bodies, fingers pressing between his buttocks and meaningfully nudging the tight ring of muscles while he nuzzled against G'raha's neck with near-deafening, insistent purrs. "Can I, Raha…? My beautiful Emperor, can I fuck you against your throne…?"
"Y-Yes, pleeease…" he mewled breathlessly, eagerly rocking his hips against the touch and losing himself in the surrounding him cloud of intoxicating scent swollen with arousal – his own and his lover's. His cock throbbed painfully, ready to burst and he couldn't help but whimper, coiling his free hand around it and pumping the aching flesh. "Sen-Senri… Need you sooo bad," he choked out, trying to cool his too-hot face against the chill of the crystal under his cheek.
"Yes, really love it," his Warrior rasped, to his dissatisfied hiss pulling his hand back from his ass, but before he could complain, sharp teeth sank into his skin at the junction of his neck and shoulder… and he lost his mind, coming instantly all over his fist when the aggressive snarl of his mate thrummed down his spine accompanied by the pleasure-pain of the bite. Instinctively whining his submission desperately, shaking and panting while all of his muscles shuddered and jerked in almost painful pleasure. Too lost in sensations, he merely moaned softly when a distinctively oiled finger pressed inside him, working his muscles loose while his lover impatiently rutted against his hip without breaking his bite.
In mere seconds growing even more aroused and nearly choking on his inviting purrs and whimpers, he rolled his hips against the intrusion eagerly, letting his tail wrap around his mate's waist possessively.
"Gods, you're so hot like this," his lover pulled back just a breath, shaking against his back as he lapped at his bite soothingly, sending near-violent shudders down G'raha's spine. His tail tightened around him involuntarily, trying to pull him closer as he whined needily, impatiently… To lost in the lust pouring over his senses in almost brutal waves to care about silly things like shame or anything else, really… "Do you w-want my cock, my heart?" Senri purred teasingly, pushing another finger inside him.
"Yeeees," he whined desperately, pumping his all too-eager dick when it went rigid again unnaturally swiftly, in no time throbbing even more painfully than before. "What… what did you do…?" he gasped breathlessly, shakily, but too lost to really care about anything but the hot, hard flesh rubbing against his hip. "…g-gods, Snark… it h-hurts…" he mewled, shuddering violently.
"There, there, my love…" his lover chuckled, completely out of breath but G'raha couldn't care… Couldn't think… "Let me make it b-better…" he rasped, pulling his fingers back and wrapping his hand around his hip. Senri choked on a string of choked whimpers when he shifted then took him, slowly sinking inside him up to the hilt. "…oh, fuuuuck…" he gasped, when fully seated, nearly vibrating with need.
"Moooove," G'raha whined, pushing back onto his cock desperately, shaking and gasping for air. "Snark… please, move…" he whimpered needily, his own hand tightening around his cock almost painfully. "…fuck me, p-please… hard…"
"Any-anything you wish, my lord," his mate chortled, then proved his dedication by pulling away from his back, wrapping his hands around G'raha's hips and pulling out of him with a choked groan, to moment later slam into him with a purely male, aggressive snarl. When his dick hit the knot of nerves that sent jolts of lightning across his body, the smaller Seeker came instantly with a keen of his lover's name, chanting it in musical notes while his lover purred his approval, soon taking him in rough, firm strokes.
He merely gasped with surprise when after a few thrusts into his body he was hard again, squeezing his eyes shut with a choked whine as his need build up too quickly, leaving him dizzy. Mewling softly, he scrambled, pushing his hands against the crystal surface – honestly surprised when his lover growled in a warning when his movement pushed him back. Leaving wondering about that for later, he braced his palms against the edge of the seat for purchase, then pushed his mate back harder, G'raha bent in half, whimpering involuntarily in relief and painful arousal when Senri's next stroke hit harder, just the right way to have him wail as he came again, gasping for air greedily.
His Warrior chuckled breathlessly, shakily smoothing one hand up his spine to wrap it around his neck in a purely possessive grip while his strokes grew brutal, slamming into him with aggression that sent all of his instincts to furious life. Not even aware his dick throbbed again, using his grip for leverage he bounced back and forth eagerly, tightening his tail around his lover's hips possessively. Mindlessly purring loudly in approval when Senri choked out a whine then mewl-purred his name breathlessly and came, shooting his insides full of his too-hot seed, he then groaned and growled with frustration, needing more while his clearly sated lover sagged against his back with rumbling purrs.
His overwhelmed, overstimulated senses on fire, he keened softly, begging his mate's attention. To choke on a breathless whine of relief when his lover chuckled breathlessly, then fisted in hand in his hair, pulling his head to the side while he bit him again, sending him tumbling over the edge with a choked shout. Almost falling forward with a gasp, he was beyond thankful while his Warrior coiled his muscular arm around his abdomen, securing him against his wide chest before straightening. Sagging against him bonelessly with almost embarrassingly loud purrs slipping his throat, he merely sighed with bliss while his mate ran his big hands delicately over his still shuddering body.
He closed his eyes and relaxed, resting the back of his head against his lover's collarbone – grinning involuntarily when Senri coiled his arms around his chest possessively, nuzzling against his ears with his own blissful purrs.
"Tis' good to see you awake, G'raha Tia," his Warrior's deep voice rang with a mix of amusement and love, and maybe a hint of relief.
"Tis' good to be awake," he purred, placing his hands – both warm flesh now – over his lover's forearms and squeezing delicately, reassuringly. He grinned brilliantly, took a deep breath, and opened his mouth… to moan when the mix of their scents slammed down his throat and he was instantly aroused again! "What the fuck…?"
"Hm?" his lover hummed innocently, nuzzling against and nipping on his ear delicately. Which only worked to have him arch in his arms with a tiny whimper, digging his fingers into his mate's arms.
What in the world…? Was his body alone that starved after five years…? This couldn't be normal…
"I… I need you… again," he whispered with a furious blush. "I don't know what's… going on but…"
When his Warrior snickered quietly, then eagerly lowered one hand to his already aching flesh, growling softly his approval while pumping his fingers along his dick, he grew more than suspicious, tossing him a narrowed look over his shoulder… but it felt too good to complain, so he merely purred his need.
"I'm sooo going to enjoy this," Senri chortled, then proved that by pushing him back against the throne. G'raha merely rolled his eyes, hiding his grin in his folded arms while his lover nuzzled against his neck affectionately and took him again unceremoniously, tearing a pleased groan from his throat.
A bell later, T'senri merely gasped a quiet laugh when his clearly overwhelmed lover pinned him down against the crystal floor and with a choked whine of relief impaled himself on his more than eager dick, arching above him with a small whine.
Not that he didn't understand – or minded – knowing that while he had years to get used to his sharp senses and stamina, his Raha was obviously drowning in overstimulation. Loving to be of service to his beautiful mate, he rested his left hand on his marvelous ass while the other coiled around his lover's cock. Feeling the red tail whip against his thighs while his mate hissed softly then bracing against his abdomen bounced on his dick with a blissed-out expression on his handsome, heated face, T'senri simply cooed and purred his approval, panting harshly between the sounds as the too-hot, too-tight squeeze of muscles slid up and down his length.
"This can't be… normal," Raha rasped, by now hoarse with his addictive sounds, yet arched back and dug his fingers in Warrior's thighs as he sped up, fucking himself on his cock desperately. Watching through his lashes in awe the play of muscles under the glistening with sweat, tanned skin, spurring his mate on with his grip on his noticeably throbbing flesh, T'senri merely grinned, fighting his body's raging need to come, simply enjoying this too much and hoping it never ends.
It's been bells since he left Rising Stones and his friends recovering in Dawn's Respite. He pretty much bolted as soon as he saw them open their eyes, visibly stunning Tataru and Krile – but he could hardly find it in himself to waste time explaining. And all things considered… he kind of hoped that his friends would hold their tongues as he asked them before leaving the First, behind Raha's back. He could never pass on a prank… and considering he was too distracted/busy to visit the Source since leaving for the First – he knew that Krile had no idea whom he found there. He wasn't sure if Raha realized that she was there – and didn't ask to not rise his lover's suspicions before their travel – but he couldn't wait to see the scholar's face once he brings his lover home.
Though, hopefully… much later, he snickered breathlessly, shaken out of his thoughts brutally when his mate keened his name, chanting it over and over as he came, shuddering and gasping. Taking it for his cue, he growled softly and wrapped his hands around his lover's hips, pulling his beautiful body up and down, and rolling his hips on each stroke into the maddeningly tight heat of his insides. He came with a deep groan of satisfaction, purring loudly his bliss when he pulled Raha down on top of his chest, smoothing his hands possessively over his back while his mate fought to catch his breath. T'senri loved feeling only hot skin under his palms, the certainty of his lover's freedom setting his heart to sing in elation. Nuzzling against Raha's now again completely red hair, he coiled his arms around him in a tight embrace, almost choking on his loud, happy purrs.
He was his now, completely. Only his, to keep and to care for. He closed his eyes tightly when they started to burn, tightening his arms around his lover almost painfully.
"I…" he choked, feeling his throat close up. He breathed in and out shakily, trying to regain his composure.
"Oh, my Snark," his mate whimpered sadly, rising slightly in his embrace to move up his body and wrap his hands around his jaw delicately, pressing a gentle, comforting kiss on the corner of his mouth. "It's okay, my heart, I'm here… and I'll never leave you again," he purred, placing another kiss on the other side of his lips.
Before he knew it, a choked sob tore from his mouth with a gasp – and even as his face blazed in embarrassment, he couldn't help it – desperately trying to pretend he wasn't crying even as hot tears streamed down his temples.
"I'm… I'm sorry…" he barely managed between ragged breaths, fighting to catch his breath, really…
"It's okay," Raha purred, reassuringly rubbing his cheek against his as he braced his elbows around Warrior's head, soon raining delicate, comforting kisses over his face. "I'm here, I got you, Senri… Just let it go," he whispered, delicately rubbing his ear with his right hand. His normal now hand, and for some reason… that fact made T'senri bawl like a kit, sobbing desperately as he coiled his arms around Raha's waist possessively, tightly – at some level beyond terrified that he was going to wake up any moment, and the only thing he ever wanted will be gone again. Like so many, many times before…
How many times did he dream of this…? His heart stuttered and pounded unevenly as he tried to calm down, mortified for his mate to see him like this… But Raha only made it worse with his delicate kisses and quiet, soothing purrs. With his gentle touches and the incredible heat of his body… He rolled them over, desperately trying to hide his stupid tears against his lover's throat, shaking with the effort to choke down his sobs – and failing miserably when his Raha cooed delicately and wrapped his left arm around his neck, pulling him in a sweet, tight hug while his other – warm and not crystallized – hand smoothed up and down his spine. His lover shifted under him slightly, bracing his thighs around T'senri's hips, and because that was easier, safer… He lifted his head and caught his mouth in a kiss, hoping to drown his instant fear – terror, really… - in his taste.
And Raha – his sweet, caring Raha – gave in instantly, his soothing purrs vibrating on T'senri's tongue while it tangled with his. Letting go of his scrambled thoughts – of the terrifying certainty that he'll wake up soon – he shifted, dropping his hand to his lover's thigh, pulling it high against his side and his dream-come-true complied without a need to explain, eagerly coiling his legs around him and arching, his hands moving to fist in his hair and tilt T'senri's head for better access while he devoured his mouth. As hungry and desperately as the Warrior when he sank inside him, letting himself get lost in lust instead of fear.
Knowing he can take it now, he fed his mate a growl as he let go of all of his restraints, soon pounding into him with his full strength and speed, choking on his blissed-out whines when Raha took it and begged for more, mewling as he broke the kiss and clawed at his shoulders desperately. Instantly beyond aroused, he braced his elbows around him and complied, straining as he gave him all, growling and snarling mindlessly as he fucked him with fury. Losing his mind when his mate bared his teeth at him instinctively, dragging his nails down his back and digging his fingers in his ass in demand, undulating to meet the furious rhythm of his thrusts.
"You're… perfect," he chuckled breathlessly, then groaned loudly, hoarsely as his muscles burned with the effort, his stamina finally reaching its limit.
"Mooore," his mate hissed with outrage, then raised one hand to coil his fingers at the base of his tail and T'senri almost lost it, whimpering and whining in the back of his throat, as he complied again mindlessly, his thrusts growing violent as he snarled and bit him, at some level in awe to feel skin instead of crystal under his teeth. But he didn't have time to think of the wonder of it, because Raha growled and bit him in return, and he couldn't take it, whining as his cock simply burst, pumping his lover's insides in mind-blowing spurts. Too lost in his high, he merely whimpered weakly, gaping for air desperately when his lover growled with fury and pushed him off.
Before he could understand what happened, he was roughly pinned down and though the cold crystal under him wasn't pleasant for his still twitching dick, he chuckled breathlessly when he was brutally pulled back to his knees and his lover mounted him with a snarl.
"Morrre," his mate hissed, fisting his hand in Warrior's hair while the other curled around the base of his tail again as he set off to fuck him brutally. "…my Snarrrk…" he growl-purred in a suspiciously familiar, raspy note… And T'senri gasped, tossing a look over his shoulder, and… yeah… his widening eyes met impossibly dilated pupils of the feral, crimson eyes as his mate bared his teeth at him in a silent snarl.
Oh. Raha snapped…
He swallowed thickly, then closed his eyes and braced with a quiet, breathless laugh. He was sooo fucked… Gods, and he loved it!
When G'raha came around next, he merely purred his sated bliss, nuzzling sleepily against the soft material teasing his cheek. Then he frowned and his ears twitched slightly at the unfamiliar sounds.
"Good evening, Warrior!" someone almost… shouted, or at least it sounded honestly way too loud and he grumbled with annoyance, shifting and curling deeper into the surrounding him heat. He was warm and comfortable… and beyond spent, so he went back to purring loudly at the delicious aroma of apples, cinnamon, and almonds – mixed so beautifully it only worked to make his purrs louder.
"My, but are you just too adorable," a deep, amused chuckle teased his ear before something warm brushed the sensitive shell and he hummed with approval sleepily.
More sounds followed, too loud and too confusing for his muddled mind, so he didn't bother to care, letting himself drown in the intoxicating scent. He felt safe, warm, and loved… and it was so unbearably heady, his senses swam.
"Can you help me?" said somewhere near that deep, amused voice again – and G'raha purred louder, instinctively recognizing the source of the pleasant sensations – and he felt that incredible heat tighten around him possessively. "My hands are busy."
"Of course!" someone boomed, making him wince slightly and scowl. Thankfully, soon the sounds quieted down and he relaxed again, resuming his blissful purrs.
At least until he heard something like hurried steps and a gasp.
"What is… this?" a female voice uttered with obvious confusion, growing closer. "Senri… what in the blazes? First, you bolt without a word and now you stumble in looking like you went through a fight… and caught yourself a Seeker for your trouble, who doesn't look much better."
"Hey, Tataru… and in a way," that deep, rumbling voice again, now full of choked laughter. "Others still in Respite?"
"Mhmm," the female hummed closer. "Who is he…? Is he wounded?"
"That's a long… story," the voice of his lover sounded honestly waaay too amused. "But he's my husband."
"Your… what?!" she gasped and his mate chortled.
G'raha scowled involuntarily, then with effort opened his eyes in bare slits and caught a glimpse of his Warrior's wide, goofy grin just as he shifted his arms around him and freed one to push a door open.
"Wha…?" He murmured, realizing his lover was carrying him, but before he could understand why and where were they…
"What in the…?! R-Raha?" a nearly forgotten voice sounded somewhere near and his eyes shot wide open and darted toward it with surprise.
"…Krile...?" he whispered shakily, staring at the Lalafellin scholar in a silly, yellow coat with fake cat ears.
"Surprise!" his lover chuckled sheepishly and while G'raha couldn't tear his eyes away from his oldest friend – his only friend in a cold, lonely city – Senri purred soothingly, then made a few steps and dropped to sit on the edge of one of the beds set in two rows in a big room. Blinking rapidly sudden blurriness, G'raha looked around with surprise when his lover sighed with relief and shifted him to sit in his lap, soon coiling his arms around his waist possessively and resting his chin on his shoulder. Other beds contained the forms of Scions and his face grew hotter and hotter under their clearly amused looks. "Oh, Azeyma… I'm exhausted…"
At that Alisaie snorted a laugh, soon giggling madly despite her fiery blush as she fell back onto the mattress.
"No need to wonder what took so long," snarked Thancred, grinning widely as he braced on his elbows.
"What are two on about…?" Alphinaud looked between them with confusion, then blinked twice and suddenly his face was completely red. He fell back on the mattress, putting his hand over his eyes. "…nevermind."
His face completely on fire, G'raha almost whimpered with embarrassment, covering his fiery blush with his palms and curling into himself as the memories of what exactly happened assaulted his mind. His face growing only hotter with every image, he almost missed the delicate tap against his knee.
"Raha… it's really you?"
He peered through his fingers at the hesitant smile on the small face he didn't see in more than a century and his heart stuttered.
"Hey, Krile," he rasped, despite his still flaming face dropping his hands to his thighs and smiling at her with uncertainty. "It's been a while."
Her lower lip trembled, but she hardened her expression and slapped his knee.
"You stupid idiot," she hissed, narrowing her eyes. "I thought… I'll never see you again… Rammbroes sent a letter and… I thought…"
"I'm… sorry," he wilted, dropping his gaze like a scolded kit.
"Never… do that again," she huffed, then turned around quickly and headed for a plate with medical supplies… almost unnoticeably wiping her face quickly. He flinched and his throat closed up but forced himself to relax when Senri tightened his arms around him and nuzzled in comfort against his neck.
"Sorry… I thought it would be funny not to warn you," his lover murmured, then sighed softly.
"It's… okay," he replied, petting his forearm delicately.
"Now…" the scholar returned with the plate, looking between them with slightly narrowed eyes. "…what's this about?"
"Don't worry," Alisaie snickered from her bed. "Theoretically… they're married."
"He's mine," Senri purred with pride at the same time.
His blush back with vengeance, he covered his face again with a whimper… seeing Krile's eyes winded with understanding. Remembering the last call he had with her before sealing the Tower – receiving the 'report' he asked about how it worked between males and her merciless teasing.
"Oh, he was your special…?" she giggled, covering her mouth quickly. "Oh, my… Raha, actually with your fascination with heroes… I should have guessed."
"Hmm?" his lover hummed curiously and he whimpered in his palms, shaking his head furiously but of course…
"Oh, last time we talked before he… disappeared, I gave him a full report about how sex between same-sex couples works," she said sweetly, placing the plate next to them on the bed. "And wished him good luck with his special… someone."
"Krile…!" he hissed, mortified as his lover shook with laughter.
"I see," his lover chuckled, then shamelessly pressed a fond kiss on his throat. "Well… You will be perhaps glad to hear that your research didn't go to waste," he laughed harder when G'raha hissed and elbowed him in the side, squirming to get off his lap. To his surprise Senri yelped with pain, letting go of him. He jumped off and turned around, ready to scold his lover… to blink at the honestly pained expression on Senri's face when he pressed his hand over his side.
You have to be more careful with him now, said Damon, suddenly reminding him of his existence. You are as strong as him.
Huh? He sent at the same time as he jumped to his lover and placed his hand over his, without a thought healing the damage he caused.
Surprise…! The immortal chuckled a bit sheepishly. He asked Ares to cast the Traveler's Ward on you once we're back in this body… to make it safer, just in case. And since I'm at my full power now… it's leaking through. Same as for Senri with Ares, you're stronger, faster and your senses are sharper.
"I'm sorry," he whispered numbly, trying to process that… revelation as he rested his forehead against his lover's shoulder.
"Ah… I deserved that," his Warrior chuckled, then pulled him back in his lap, but didn't resist or protest when G'raha flushed darkly, feeling the amount of damage on his lover's body and set to heal every cut, bite and scratch carefully covered by his mate's clothes.
"Guess… I won't be needed," Krile chuckled with some surprise. "When did you take to healing, Raha?"
"Oh, he can do much more than heal," Senri purred proudly, nuzzling against his shoulder gratefully… and he involuntarily flushed with pleasure. "He's perfect."
"Hush," he hissed with embarrassment, but he couldn't help a slight, happy grin.
"But that's true," his mate whined, pulling him tighter against him. "You are my personal healer from now on," he chuckled, then pressed an affectionate kiss on his heated cheek. "Only mine," he added barely over a whisper, almost innocently placing his hand over G'raha's hip. His ears twitched with pleasure at that… and a sudden wave of arousal had him flinch with surprise.
Yeah… Damon downright chortled. Forgot to mention… you have the same stamina now, too. If you wondered about the earlier… marathon. Actually… I think yours is higher… since your soul is denser and… He blinked slowly, paling slightly. …allows more of my aether through. Honestly… I'm surprised and awed that Senri can move at all – much less bring you here – with the way you went after him… after snapping.
He finished the healing spell, then hid his flaming face against his lover's shoulder, swallowing thickly.
Don't worry, Raha, the immortal chortled. He clearly more than enjoyed it.
That's not the point, he hissed back indignantly. You're telling me that now I'm… even bigger sex fiend than him..?
Definitely, Damon's voice rang with boundless amusement.
Great… he rolled his eyes with an exaggerated sigh. Wicked white… how I'm going to get anything done now, then?
The peal of laughter rolling through his head was his only answer – and he couldn't help but snort a laugh.
"Hmm?" his lover hummed, wrapping his arms around him possessively.
"Nothing, love," he sighed, closing his eyes and resting his head against his lover's shoulder.
"Seriously…?" T'senri scowled, for once not amused after opening the door leading to his bedroom and seeing the newest bed Tataru stubbornly put in there during his absence. The leathers and blankets that used to form his nest were neatly folded in the corner of the room.
"What's wrong?" Raha peered inside around him and frowned. "…bed?"
"Yeah… I have this thing with Tataru," he sighed tiredly, running his fingers through his hair. "She really wants to provide me with the best bed possible… at least this time I wouldn't have to look for my blankets," he grumbled under his nose, stepping inside.
Wait… he froze automatically, making his lover chuckle as he bounced off his back. Indulge me, Senri. Now that he's here… try your old bedroom? I'll remove the compulsion.
"Huh?" he frowned, with confusion turning around and under his lover's surprised look heading out of the room, motioning for Raha to follow. With the rest of the Scions still recovering in Dawn's Respite, the corridor in front of the bedrooms was completely empty and silent… but he still shivered with discomfort when he stopped at the door of his old room. "Ares wants me to go here," he explained with a shrug toward his bemused mate – with surprise watching his handsome face grow pale suddenly. He frowned with confusion when Raha caught his hand and laced their fingers tightly.
"…okay," his mate whispered in a slightly strained voice. Feeling his apprehension, T'senri scowled then stepped back instinctively.
Please? His immortal asked softly. And considering all he did for him… He sighed with resignation, then raised his hand and absent-mindedly unlocked the door, then pushed them open. Wondering what the fuss is about, pretending he didn't feel the shudder of terror climbing his back, he tightened his jaw with determination and stepped inside, pulling his lover along.
Everything looked the same as before the Banquet – his old nest, made mostly of the blankets made by his mother, and the stash of boxes stacked neatly by the far wall of the extended room. Raha's things, he brought back from the Find after his lover left him.
Not feeling the tightening grip on his hand, or noticing the mournful whine building up in the back of his throat, he stared at the boxes with numb fascination.
"…enri…?" his ears twitched at the sound but he couldn't understand, his mind abuzz with snarls, growls, and whimpers.
He would hate you, a tiny voice broke through the fog of the rising noise. His own voice. Look at what did you become. An image of Raha's face that night, when he tore the scholar apart, but this time his lover backed away with pure terror written all over his face, whispering 'monster.' That's what you are, slave. Weapon of Light, through and through. He looked down at his hands, covered in blood, with claws instead of nails, whimpering in terror. Soft, gentle Raha… Think he would want a beast like you?
Something tore at his insides and he fell to his knees, his gaze stuck at the bloody hands to avoid seeing the sea of blood surrounding him. Climbing up to swallow him…
There you are, something suddenly hissed with fury, and the image melted away. Gasping desperately, only now he felt the heat of his lover's body against his back, Raha whimpering his name as he wrapped around him tightly. Sorry, my boy… had to do that, that voice again… Ares, he remembered, panting as he rested his forehead against the floor and fought to catch his breath.
"What… what was… t-that?" he choked out, shuddering weakly and trying to collect his thoughts.
Last of Esteem, his immortal hummed, then he felt a slight push and the feeling of disembodiment when Ares took over. "It's okay, Raha, relax," he said, pushing back off the floor.
"What…?" his mate moved around him and peered into his face hesitantly. "Ares? What was that? Is Senri okay?"
"He'll be fine now, hopefully," Azem sighed, running his fingers through their hair. "The last time he snapped, with Alisaie… I thought I felt that bastard… almost grow a self again. I guess… I wasn't that far off," he grimaced, then stood up and looked around. "I just needed the proper bait… without making Senri snap again."
"What are talking about?" Raha scowled, standing up and watching the immortal carefully.
"Esteem," Ares almost growled, then cleared his throat and moved farther into the room, with a sigh falling into the nest. "Gods… I'm exhausted." He chuckled weakly, then peered toward Raha's instant blush, petting the blankets next to his hip. His lover frowned, but neared slowly, then fell to his knees by his side. "It has… had a special thirst for Scions' blood. So when Senri snapped at Alisaie, it almost 'grew back,' so to say. I had to break and eat it again… which believe me, is disgusting… before it could form enough to take over. I hoped it can't resist doing what twisted it in the first place… and in this case, I almost regret being right. You are okay, right, Senri?" he added, closing his eyes and rubbing his hand over his eyes.
I… think so? He murmured, honestly uncertain and confused.
"Good," the immortal chuckled fondly, then he felt another push and suddenly he was in control again. Now let me rest a bit, crazy kids, Ares chortled when T'senri blinked then flushed up to his hairline.
"Senri?" his mate whispered, placing his hand against his cheek.
"Y-Yeah," he stammered slightly, then sighed and caught Raha's hand, with a pleading look pulling him closer.
"You… scared me," his lover admitted a bit shakily, but let him pull him down into a tight embrace.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, burying his face against his mate's shoulder and taking deep, deep breaths… still more than shaken and confused. More than thankful when Raha simply wrapped his arms around his neck and petted his hair soothingly until his shudders subsided. Feeling the exhaustion set in as his whole body grew heavy… he barely registered when he sank into a deep, dreamless slumber.
Feeling Senri's muscles go completely lax suddenly, G'raha almost panicked – until he felt his hot, even breath against his throat. Not stopping the gentle caress on his lover's ear, he exhaled slowly, feeling like he was holding his breath for a long, long while.
"Ares?" he whispered softly and felt a slight twitch run through his mate's body.
"Yes?" the immortal hummed but didn't move otherwise.
"The other time… was it as bad?" he asked, uncertain if he even wanted to know that.
"Worse," Ares replied simply, breaking his heart. He couldn't help a breathless whimper or the way his arms automatically tightened around his lover. Gods, but when Senri collapsed into the heap of terrified whimpers… it took years of his life. "I lied, Raha," the immortal said suddenly in a quiet voice and he stilled utterly. "Partially, at least, to reassure Senri. It wasn't Esteem. It was him."
"Huh?" he didn't move a muscle, but his throat tightened painfully… feeling what he was going to hear.
"He's doing that to himself," immortal chuckled sadly. "That's what corrupted the Esteem in the first place, my boy. He's punishing himself… for every 'failure.' Waking Sands, you, Heurchefant, and Ysale… There's something really… broken in his soul – even I can't heal. Too many scars, too much hurt… But he did miss this nest… so it had to be done. And with you here… Well… He does need you, that's all," he sighed tiredly and fell silent.
"I know," he whispered softly, going back to delicately pet his lover's ear. G'raha closed his eyes tightly and pushed back tears, remembering his beautiful Warrior break into sobs back into Tower. "I'm here," he rasped uselessly, nuzzling against his lover's throat, then sighed softly and pressed a tender kiss on hot skin. "I'll protect your heart, I swear. Even from you, my Sun," he added sadly, then relaxed in his lover's arms and let himself drift off to sleep.
Notes:
Umm... wanna guess who won that bet between Ares and Damon about Raha's reaction to the 'Blessing'...? xD
Otherwise, yeah... I hope it was not too confusing - but just in case, I'll explain Ares's lie: he blamed the *attack* on Esteem and pretended to eat it again, to spare Senri knowing he was doing that to himself - sort of severe PTSD that also causes his *outbursts* So, this whole exercise was to serve as a sort of exorcism of the memory of the trauma he experienced when last entering that room.
Hope that makes sense...?
See ya next time o/
