T'senri woke up feeling warm and comfortable, purring his bliss in a slow, lazy sound. It took his dazed, sleep-fogged brain more than a moment to realize the source of the utter contentment – pure heat radiating from another body, a body that shifted slightly with the lovely sound of its own lazy, blissful purrs. More than content to lazy around in a doze, he tightened his arm around the source of heat and nuzzled against the skin sleepily, more than drugged on the intoxicating scent that filled his head with every breath.

That however had the purrs of his sleeping-companion cut short and the body turned around under his arm slowly. Hot breath hit his collarbone above the edge of his shirt and stuttered slightly, before an almost too-hot hand tugged the material out of the waistband of his pants and sneaked under it, splaying at his lower back before that hot body pressed against him closer, tighter. He couldn't find it himself to mind, instead nuzzling against the soft hair under his nose lazily again, his purrs unconsciously growing louder and happier.

Soon the intoxicating scent eerily reminding him of cinnamon and almonds grew thicker and muskier, and he growled softly in approval at the delicious aroma. And because it was so lovely… he barely registered breath of another stutter audibly before that hot hand pulled back to move between them and delicately tug at the buttons of his shirt. Before long the soft material was pushed back and hot lips trailed along his jaw while surprisingly delicate fingers followed the contours of the muscles on his stomach. Soon a delicate push had him obediently roll to his back and before he knew what happened, that hot body pressed on top of him with a soft, raspy growl that had fine hair across his body stand up at attention.

Finally breaking the surface to the fog, he blinked slowly and instantly grinned at the sight of narrowed, lust-filled crimson eyes right before that too-hot lips descended on his and took his mouth into a deep, delicious kiss. Moaning softly at the taste, his hands drifted across his lover's back to curl around his buttocks in a possessive gesture, kneading the taut flesh eagerly while Raha seemed determined to eat him alive. Not that he would mind…

His mate pulled back after a long, long moment, and their panting breaths mixed while he shifted to brace his knees around T'senri's sides. He more than enjoyed how that had his already aching erection press against another and using his grip on him, he delicately forced his lover to rut against him while more than drowning in his heated gaze. He always loved Raha's eyes – no matter if they were red-cyan or crimson – most of all because they expressed his emotions so clearly. And now, while they shone with a mix of adoration and desire, he couldn't help how that had his arousal instantly shot over the roof.

T'senri licked his lips – almost moaning at the lingering taste, then cleared his throat slightly and wiggled his dark eyebrows playfully.

"Good morning, my heart," he rasped, somewhat surprised at how hoarse his voice sounded.

"Morning, my Snark," his lover chuckled a bit sheepishly, then leaned in to nibble at his throat while he rutted against him harder, more insistent. "Hope… you don't mind," he whispered, sneaking his hand below T'senri's head to tangle his fingers in his hair and tilt Warrior's head slightly for easier access as he trailed small, sharp bites down his throat.

"Far from it," he chuckled breathlessly, smoothing one hand up his lover's spine over the leather of his vest to sink his fingers at the base of his braid and meaningfully pulling him closer. Taking a clue, Raha growled softly and bit him harder, tearing a pleased groan from his throat. "But… ah, lose the vest," he rasped, then purred with delight when his lover complied instantly, almost vibrating with impatience as he tore the material off and tossed it aside. He freed his hand from his mate's hair to trail it over his back – still more than awed to feel only hot skin under his fingers – then without a warning sat up, more than enjoying the quiet warning growl of his lover. "Easy," he huffed a laugh, quickly pulling off his shirt and shaking with another when that had his Raha purr with approval, soon eagerly pawing at his back while trailing his sharper bites along the top of his shoulder.

T'senri – more than happy with his mate's eagerness – let his hands curl around his buttocks again and pull him tight against him while following the line of the tattoo on his lover's throat with his tongue. Gods, he missed them too… Purring loudly in an invitation, he grinned involuntarily when Raha shuddered noticeably, then almost like against himself leaned away to catch his mouth in another devouring kiss. Fisting one hand in Warrior's hair, he rocked in his lap and his red tail whipped against T'senri's thighs impatiently. Feeding him his delighted whimper, drowning in his taste and kneading the taut muscles under his palms more than eagerly, he almost lost it when Raha suddenly froze, pulling back with a gasp.

His ears were too full of his heartbeat, so it took him a good second to understand why. Involuntarily whining his desperation and panting harshly, only after a moment loud knocking tore through the haze of arousal. He grumbled with annoyance but had to smile when that had his lover snort a quiet, shaky laugh before he wrapped his arms around his shoulders and hid his flaming face against Warrior's throat.

"Yes?!" he called out impatiently, at the same time nosing against his mate's neck and forcing tiny, choked gasps and mewls from his throat as he still delicately pushed and pulled at his ass, forcing Raha to rub against his aching cock in a most pleasant way.

"…Senri?" he heard Tataru's hesitant voice. "Sorry, I tried every other door… Are you okay?"

More than okay… he thought when his lover bit at the junction of his neck and shoulder to quiet his noises, but his hands drifted down T'senri's back and he rolled his hips impatiently, rutting into him now on his own.

"I'm… fine," he called out, choking down a breathy whimper. "Do you… ah…" he gasped breathlessly when that bite grew harder, vibrating with his lover's choked needy whine. "…need something…?"

"We need you in Dawn's Respite." the Scions' coinkeeper called, sounding suspiciously amused. "It's urgent!"

He almost groaned out loud, resting his chin on his mate's shoulder, swallowing thickly, and trying to calm his breath.

"I'll be… right there," he assured, wrapping his arms around Raha's back to still his movement – only half surprised when that didn't work and his now as strong mate growled into his skin with a warning.

"Do bring your… friend along, would you?" Tataru now definitely sounded amused. He rolled his eyes slightly, then cleared his throat.

"We will be there in a moment!" he called, but not receiving an answer, guessed she was already gone. He sighed with resignation and nuzzled against his lover's shoulder. "We have to go," he said quietly and involuntarily grinned at his mate's annoyed hiss. Raha pulled back, panting harshly and licking his bruised lips as he sat back in his lap and smoothed his hands to T'senri's shoulders. His expressive eyes were full of lust and frustration, and he more than adorably pouted, setting Warrior's heart to flutter with adoration.

"Do we? Now?" his mate hissed, using his hands on T'senri's shoulders for leverage as he rocked against him meaningfully, biting his lower lip to choke down a gasp.

"No choice," he chuckled breathlessly, raising his hands to wrap them around his lover's beautiful face. "Or she's ready to burst in on us anyway if we're too tardy… So, better see what's it about than risk it," he grinned involuntarily at his mate's instant scowl, then pulled him in a quick, almost brutal kiss. "I'll make it up to you… later, my heart," he promised with a delicate bite on his lower lip.

Raha groaned loudly, and deeply but relented, gasping as he dropped his head on his shoulder with a more than annoyed grumble.

"Okay," he finally replied quietly and sighed softly. "But… it better be important."

T'senri couldn't help but snort a laugh, despite his own frustration – earning his lover's reluctant sheepish chuckle.


It was not important. Or at least – in G'raha's opinion – letting the Lalafellin take his measurements didn't warrant her urgency… but the woman clearly disagreed. That, while she poked and probed at him while he fought to keep a polite demeanor, his lover seemingly disappeared when he wasn't paying attention… had him more than annoyed.

When Lalafellin, Tataru, as she asked him to call her, finally let him go – maybe a bit hesitantly G'raha headed out to explore the compound, more than hoping to find his wayward mate. He could feel him… but he didn't really want to be too obvious about his neediness, reasoning that maybe his Warrior had some important matter to attend to – after all, it's been a while since his Senri was back on the Source.

So, pretending he wasn't heading straight in the direction he could feel him at, he kept his step slow and looked around curiously, eating up every detail about his new – supposedly – home. When he exited the corridor encompassing the bedrooms and found himself in the massive room he saw yesterday – split between a huge table on the one side and the infirmary on the other – he blinked with surprise seeing it was empty. More than a bit curious where all the Scions went off to, he intended to head for the next door in the room – behind which he could feel his lover – when a sudden voice had him freeze and his eyes dart across the room.

"Morning, Raha," Krile said with a chuckle, noting his surprise and blush when he realized he didn't notice her behind one of the chairs, she swiftly pulled back and climbed on top of, setting by the big table.

"Morning," he said politely, tossing a longing look toward the door… but headed toward her, smiling a bit sheepishly when she giggled softly with an understanding look. He pulled back the chair next to her, then sat on it sideways, leaning against the table as he watched her. "Where is everyone?"

"My patients are back in their respective rooms," she replied, then tossed him a knowing smirk. "Your man I saw heading out," she pointed to the door he was eyeing earlier, giggling at his instant blush. "Oh, my, Raha… So, you and the Warrior of Light?"

"Y-yeah," he shrugged slightly, looking away from her amused eyes. "You… ah, don't approve?" he hesitated, trying to cover his nervousness.

"Far from it," she chuckled when his gaze darted toward her again, then smiled reassuringly. "Thaliak knows, Senri's much better than what your taste used to be," she scoffed and he tried not to flinch.

Back then, they never talked about his… reputation. She knew it wasn't true – or so he hoped, never really daring to ask – and he was more than aware whom he could 'thank' for the rumors.

Why did you never file a complaint against her? Asked Damon suddenly and he let his gaze dart toward the ceiling. She had no right to…

Who would believe me? He replied rhetorically.

Still… Damon sounded honestly annoyed and he smiled involuntarily.

"I'm guessing you're going to stay here?" Krile asked and he blinked, focusing on her again.

"Yeah, I think so," he replied a bit hesitantly, then looked toward the door again. "Wherever he goes…" he trailed off with a darkening blush when she chuckled.

"Cute," she sighed, then cleared her throat slightly. "You do realize… that won't be an easy road, yes?" she said quietly when he looked at her again and raised his eyebrows slightly. "Raha… a few even in the Scions realize that Senri… has issues," she chuckled sadly. "I know he seems like happy-go-lucky kind of…"

"I know," he cut her off softly, then smiled reassuringly at her surprised look. "But he's more than worth it," he added with conviction. He was his Sun, after all…

"So long you're aware," she sighed softly then smiled and raised her eyebrows slightly. "And honestly… I'm curious, so indulge me, Raha…? After you left yesterday, others told me of your adventures in the First… and I hear you run a city for a hundred years…? How did that happen?"

"That, my friend," he smiled involuntarily. "Is a long story…"


Quietly peering inside Dawn's Respite and seeing his lover buried in an animated chat with his friend, finding reassurance in that, T'senri headed out of the Rising Stones and waving with a usual smile at Seventh Heaven's patrons, stepped out of the building, narrowing his feline eyes against the glare of the morning sun. Whistling a merry tune under his nose and folding his hands behind his head, he directed his steps up the path leading to the market and soon browsed the stalls after his goal.

Before they left the First, he agreed with his lover's request to keep their relationship only between the Scions – and considering that they were the only ones of which opinion he cared – he had no problem with that. But at the same time… a part of him yearned to at least for himself mark his mate visibly. Their mating marks were too obvious… but a piece of jewelry shouldn't hurt, right? Maybe a ring… or is that too much on the nose? Especially since quite a bit of people saw him carry his lover into the city and their compound…

All things considered, I don't suppose everyone will automatically assume he's your lover, Ares hummed with amusement. If… you can stop yourself from being too obvious, I mean. It's still not that common here, not to mention that most are already convinced you're sleeping with Y'shtola.

Stopping myself might be an issue, he admitted sheepishly, smiling involuntarily when immortal chortled at that.

He would love nothing more than dote on his lover constantly, no matter who was watching… but he wasn't stupid, either. As okay as it was on the First, here – with Garlemald – making his heart known, he would be putting a target on his lover's back. Not to mention… Y'shtola's words still rang with enough of a warning. And Raha could use some time to acclimate himself to his new-old body and situation before their relationship pushes him out of the safety into the spotlight.

And he was still more than a bit freaked out about the last night's… attack. Ares said it was gone… and he was more than thankful to the immortal for his swift intervention – but couldn't help the shudder of terror climbing his back at the memory of that image – Raha backing away from him with fear.

You would never hurt him, Ares whispered softly.

He scoffed involuntarily, then fought to cover his flinch.

Yeah…? I thought the same about Alisaie, he replied. And see what happened. I love her… but when she brought back his past… I like to think I'm not stupid, Ares… If Raha didn't hold me back and Hades didn't knock me out – I would tear into her… And you can't tell me it's normal.

You let him hold you back, my boy, his immortal chuckled a bit… sadly.

He hesitated, swallowing thickly then asked the question that was… bothering him since the whole… event. Why didn't you… take over when I snapped?

I couldn't, admitted Ares after a moment reluctantly… and maybe a bit uncomfortably. Whenever that happens… I can't do much more than watch, Senri. I don't know why – but that… rage is blocking me out. At least since… Esteem. I can only assume that it has something to do with the fact I woven a piece of my soul into yours to make up for what you lost… I'm not sure.

He frowned then instantly relaxed his expression into his usual mask, then focused on his task again – trying to ignore the uneasiness that statement raised at the back of his mind. He kind of hoped… for the reassurance that if it came to that – Ares could stop him, even if he had to reveal his presence. Not the first time he cursed his stupid curiosity in picking up that Twelve-forsaken soulstone…

You and me both, my boy, Ares hummed with an agreement.

He choked down a sigh, then a blue glint of the all-too-familiar shade caught his eye and he grinned, forgetting all about his uneasiness.

That would do nicely…


After his chat with Krile, honestly feeling a bit overwhelmed, G'raha headed back to Senri's bedroom. Though – during the measurements – Tataru asked him if he wished for her to prepare a bedroom for him – with a suspiciously amused look – he couldn't help but shake his head with a furious blush.

Now, that he was free – despite the fact that he still had to seal the Tower again, for good – he couldn't help but want to stay as close to his lover as possible. At all times… and not only because his now sharper senses made him absolutely crave Senri with an intensity that was almost… scary. But he was quite worried, as well.

The last night's attack served as a sharp reminder that his lover dealt with more… than he expected, honestly. He knew that Senri tended to hide his emotions – push them back behind the mask of cheer – and though he told him once that he always did that, as a kit even, so that others wouldn't pester him… He knew that there was more to that. His lover couldn't stand to worry or upset those he cared about – even if he didn't want to admit that even to himself – but G'raha had a growing suspicion that the price he paid for that… was steep. Between his outburst with Alisaie, the way he broke into tears in the Tower, and last night… the image it painted wasn't pretty.

I have a theory about it, if you indulge me, Damon hummed with consideration when he closed the door of the room behind him and exhaled softly in relief.

Which is…? He replied, with inborn curiosity heading toward the stash of boxes stacked by the far wall.

The… outbursts, I mean, the immortal clarified. I know it's not pleasant to think about… but I can't help but be reminded of something similar affecting some of the Sin-Eater attacks' survivors. G'raha couldn't help but flinch at the reminder. Many of those who arrived at the Crystarium came from the villages destroyed by the Light-corrupted beasts – so he had plenty of occasions to watch the results. Mhmm, I was hiding from you then, but couldn't miss it either. I am in no way a specialist on mortals' mind and how it works, I admit… But the symptoms Senri is displaying are eerily familiar, Raha, if you think about it. And we both know that your boy had plenty of… trauma, let's say, to contend with.

So… your theory? He hesitated, but after a quick fight, gave in and reached for the box on top of the pile and opened it, pretending his tail wasn't waving with interest… to freeze instantly at the sight of the contents. His books glared back at him with accusation – and he felt his throat tighten painfully.

Oh, that adds up, his immortal hummed with a strangely… sad tone.

What does? He replied numbly, putting the box away and opening the next. More of his books and his throat closed up as his eyes started to burn.

Why did the sight of it make him so… vulnerable, Damon answered carefully. If what Ares said last night I read correctly… Senri – or that part of his mind that is… broken – is using YOU to punish himself. So… it adds up, I guess… I did tell you once that his love for you is integral to his being, Raha. Only make sense that his mind would use it against him.

What do you think… he saw? He asked softly, almost whimpering when he realized… all of those boxes contained his belongings. All of the things he so carelessly left behind when sealing the Tower. He never actually even wondered what happened with them – automatically assuming that in the best case Rammbroes would send them back to Students. Now, to know Senri brought it all back with him… made his heart thump painfully.

You would have to ask Ares, I guess, Damon sighed sadly. Whatever it was… clearly terrified him out of his mind. But going back to my theory, and don't cite me on that – since as I said, I'm far from being a specialist in that area – though I find the sheer strength of his rage… baffling, and hardly natural, to be honest – after yesterday, I would risk a guess that whatever, ah… triggers his issues – has at least two possible outcomes: fight or flight. So he either attacks in a blind rage – as we saw with Alisaie, or retreats into himself – with apparently his mind waiting to torture him at the ready…

G'raha flinched slightly at the sound of the door behind him opening – blushing guiltily when Senri walked in and almost dropped the box he was holding as he hastily put it away on the floor.

"It's okay," his lover chuckled a bit sheepishly, then smiled shyly. "It's all yours, anyway."

"Why…" he choked, then quickly cleared his throat as he turned and headed toward his mate. "Why did you bring here all of this?" he asked softly, though knowing the answer and almost weeping at the sight of uncertainty in ice-blue irises when Senri shifted uncomfortably and looked away guiltily.

"It was all… ah, all I had left of you," his lover chuckled a bit sadly and flinched slightly when G'raha sighed softly and wrapped his arms around his waist, pressing against him tightly and hiding his burning eyes against Senri's shoulder. Yet despite that… he couldn't help his instant arousal when Warrior's delicious scent filled his head but fought to ignore it… wishing only to offer his heat in reassurance… and honestly, losing that fight quickly – still baffled at the sheer… power of his desire. Was this how Senri always felt… with him? Now he kind of felt bad about every time he called his lover an insatiable beast…

Distracted by that, only after a moment, he noticed that his Warrior used it to close something around his throat, then leaned away as if to admire it with a small smile. He frowned, then raised his hand to touch it, feeling… a necklace?

"What's this…?" he hummed with a bemused smile.

Flushing beautifully, Senri sent him a tiny grin before wrapping his big hands around his jaw.

"Mark of my ownership," his lover chuckled sheepishly, then placed a delicate bite at his lower lip.

"Is… that so?" he gasped and his hands scrambled to fist in his mate's black shirt as he lifted to follow Senri's mouth when he straightened.

"Mhmm," his lover purred his approval, then complied, granting him a deep, deliciously sinful kiss as his hands moved down his sides to rest on his hips. Mewling under his lips and drowning in the intoxicating flavor on his tongue, he barely registered tearing Senri's shirt apart, only yearning for the hot skin under it. "…g-gods, Raha…" his mate growled softly, then pushed, backing him toward the nest. He complied easily, more than eager to continue where they were so rudely disturbed in the morning… Achingly hard before his lover chuckled breathlessly breaking the kiss, then pushed him down on top of the blankets. Blushing darkly, he still purred loud in invitation and reached his arms toward his tall lover greedily, almost vibrating with need under the darkened ice-blue gaze. "I promised you something, my prince," Senri rasped with a hint of amusement as he fell to his knees in front of the nest. Realizing his intent when his lover smoothed his hands up his thighs and hooked his fingers in the waistband of his pants… G'raha normally would be beyond embarrassed at the sheer eagerness with which he helped his lover to get his boots and pants off, almost whimpering before Senri settled with a content hum between his legs, trailing delicate bites along his thigh.

"P-please, Snark…" he gasped breathlessly, shakily fisting his hand in Warrior's black hair and shamelessly leading his too-pretty mouth to where he needed them the most. Senri whispered something he couldn't hear over the insane pounding of his heartbeat, but he could hardly mind because his lover gave in easily, eagerly swallowing his cock. G'raha couldn't help the choked whine when he arched helplessly at the feeling, gasping desperately as the wonderful wet heat of his lover's mouth slid down his throbbing flesh. "Ohhh, fuuuck…" he wailed shakily, because… somehow it felt so much more intense than before. And when Senri relaxed his throat around his cock and took him up to the hilt, he mewled weakly at how that felt, tightening his fingers in inky-black hair.

Fisting his free hand in the blankets for purchase, he used the other to pull his lover's head back slightly and rolled his hips, whimpering involuntarily at the friction. Curling his hands around his thighs and pulling them around his head, Senri purred his approval and that had him whine desperately, shuddering as he soon rutted against that too-hot mouth helplessly.

"…oh, wicked… nhg, fuck…" he whimpered, almost choking on it as he sped up, eagerly fucking those all too eager lips. "You're… such a… fuck… good boy, my Snark…" he growled out between his ragged breaths. When the praise – predictably – had his beautiful Warrior purr around his flesh, he arched with a breathless shout as the vibration of it sent the sparks of lightning along his spine. "Sooo… good," he mewled, letting his hand leave the blankets to gently massage his lover's sensitive ear. "Such… good boy," he almost shouted the last part, losing his mind when his mate's purrs grew louder and more intense.

The feeling was so incredible, he almost literally whimpered sadly when he came, but the pleasure of it quickly washed off regret. His muscles twitched harshly and jerked as he fought to catch his breath while gratefully petting his mate's dark hair, purring loudly in bliss as his lover carefully cleaned his flesh. He merely chuckled breathlessly when Senri pulled back with a satisfied smirk, to roughly roll him over to his stomach, then pull him back to his knees.

Still drowning in the high of his orgasm, he eagerly bent his back, gasping when his Warrior pressed against them tightly. Pretty much tearing his vest off, Senri growled his need before biting him, as his fingers – distinctively oiled – impatiently worked his behind into submission.

"Do you… ah, carry the oil on you constantly now?" he gasped into his crossed forearms, hiding his grin.

"Of course," his lover broke the bite to lap at the mark with insistent purrs, but his deep voice rang with amusement. "You never know now… and it pays to be prepared."

He couldn't help but snort a laugh at the statement, despite his blush, to choke on it when Senri growled softly, caught his wrists, and pulled them above his head, pinning them down and forcing him to stretch out under him. Knowing what was coming, he couldn't help the excited flick of his tail before it eagerly wrapped around his Warrior's waist when he felt his cock breach him. Whimpering his utter submission while his lover sank into him up to the hilt – too slow for his liking – he fought not to squirm impatiently while his mate stopped, gasping desperately and nearly vibrating against his back as he let his body adjust to the scalding intrusion. Beyond embarrassed… and painfully aroused, he mewled softly, into the blankets, fighting for patience… to almost lose it when Senri laughed softly, rutting into him slightly.

"My beautiful Raha," he cooed, nuzzling against his neck. "You didn't hear me earlier… did you…?"

"Huh?" he hummed with confusion, then lost track of thought when his lover chuckled breathlessly, then pulled back, to second later slam into him with a quiet snarl. The hard hit against the knot of nerves that sent jolts of lightning along his spine had him arch with a shout, then whine loudly for more. Putting both of his hands in one of his, freeing the other to sneak around his side and curl around his cock, Senri purred his approval and set a brutal rhythm, time after time tearing from him a string of choked shouts and keening whimpers of his name. Losing himself in the double sensation, he stretched out more, whining when it made Senri snarl in a warning and fuck him harder. Pumping his cock in tandem with his punishing thrusts, his Warrior laughed breathlessly when G'raha came with a scream of his name, then chanted it over and over while his lover's hand left his twitching dick to fist in his hair.

"I love how you sing for me, Raha," his lover chortled against his neck, pulling his head to the side roughly. "But I said, 'try to keep quiet, because the walls are thin,'" he shook with laughter when G'raha froze with a gasp. Feeling fiery blush of mortification climb his face, he groaned deeply and buried his face in the blanket, whimpering with embarrassment. "Well… what's done is done," his mate snickered, then bit him, going back to fucking him senseless.

He tried to bite at the blanket to silence his sounds, but the mix of the bite and the way his Warrior pumped into him mercilessly – holding his hands, now he knew to stop him from biting on them – all too quickly had him overwhelmed and back to choking on his shouts and keening whimpers. Some tiny part of his mind simply delirious in the embarrassingly pleasurable thought of everyone knowing whom his Warrior chose to be his, wasn't helping him any… and all too soon he couldn't care less, losing himself in the rhythm and his lover's snarls and growls vibrating on his skin.

His only thought and instinct to please his mate, soon he was wailing and whining Senri's name, shamelessly begging for more… until he couldn't take it anymore and came with a shout, then mewled his bliss breathlessly when his Warrior broke the bite. With a deep, loud groan, Senri let go of his hair to curl his hand around G'raha's hip to hold him still as he nuzzled against his neck, pumping his insides full of his seed. Purring loudly in satisfaction and rutting into him in gradually slowing down thrusts, even though he was blushing so hot it felt like he was going to combust, G'raha couldn't help but be incredibly pleased with himself for being able to bring his lover so much pleasure. Involuntarily purring his own satisfaction at that, he couldn't help his bliss when Senri laughed softly then pushed him up and pinned him down into the nest, spreading delicate, affectionate kisses and bites across his neck and shoulders.

Until… loud knock on the door.

"Keep it down, would you?!" Thancred's voice rang with amusement and annoyance at once. "Some of us are trying to rest!"

His face on fire, G'raha groaned weakly and hid it in the blankets while Senri shook with booming laughter.