G'raha was quickly becoming a master of swiftcasting the sound shield. And invisibility. It wasn't really as much a choice, but more of a necessity, really… Between seemingly his own sex drive surpassing that of Senri, and the merciless teasing he was a target of daily… it was either that or getting used to being permanently flushed up to his hairline. Since his lover simply shrugged off the teasing – acting more proud than anything else – Thancred and Alisaie, mostly, switched their jokes to him. Krile and Y'shtola weren't much better – up to the point of his oldest friend with innocent smiles each morning offering to prepare for him herbal tonics to keep up his stamina… having no idea that the issue was the exact opposite!

And as much as he tried to curb himself… Senri wasn't helping him any – always more than eager to fuck, no matter the place or time. At least inside the Scions' headquarters. At some level knowing that his Warrior was riding the high of simply having him… he couldn't even find it in himself to complain about that. Or his lover's endless doting.

If they left the compound, Senri acted normal, chatting with him easily and keeping a careful distance between their bodies while still being warm and friendly. Like with any other Scion, really… Meanwhile, once the door of Rising Stones closed behind them, his lover was literally all over him – and the dichotomy of that was driving him insane.

Which, in part, led to his current predicament…

His innocent wish to practice on one of the dummies standing in the storage part of the common area of the Rising Stones swiftly backfired. As he should have predicted. But showing an embarrassing level of naivety, he thought it will be a good thing to practice the use of his magic. It went well at first, too.

While he was busy casting spell after spell (honestly, almost disturbed about their strength and ease), his mate entertained himself by mauling another dummy. And somehow G'raha let himself be lulled into safety… that is, until his Senri – pounding at the dummy with incredible strength and speed (not to mention his typical grace of a lethal dancer) – got hot, and decided to discard his shirt.

As self-conscious about his beauty as his Warrior was, around the compound he clearly felt more than comfortable, which made sense since Scions regarded each other as family and his mate already lived for years in this building. Here, no one would dare or even think to comment or make his lover uncomfortable by staring too long… Other than him, it seemed. Not that in his case Senri seemed to mind – pah, more than aware of his… struggles, his Warrior clearly enjoyed driving him insane. Maybe in a way taking retribution for all his teasing before… now, his mate would only grin and preen – feeling his lust hit unbearable heights whenever faced with his man's male beauty.

And, honestly…? G'raha loved that. But he was as well beyond glad that his lover felt so secure around the Scions' headquarters – especially since it didn't take him long to notice the difference in his and the others' attitude once outside of it.

While asked about it, Thancred smiled sheepishly and warned him that in Revenant Toll it was much better than in different places – as long-time residence granted the Scions respect about the small city. Outside of perhaps too heated looks – and uncanny pleasantries toward his lover – none would dare to approach him in a way that would make him uncomfortable. Alisaie and Y'shtola on the other hand were cruder – one day cornering him when he was alone and warning him of their… conspiracy. Though Senri seemed blissfully unaware, apparently female Scions took it upon themselves to protect him from unwanted advances – which he was more than grateful for.

Honestly…? He wasn't sure what he would do if he found someone – anyone – in his mate's bed. And in their nest…? The pure, fiery fury bubbling in his blood at the mere idea was almost scary. He liked to think he was quite civilized and calm… but obviously, there were limits to his patience – and he was more than grateful that Senri's friends were happy to include him in their efforts going forward. Even if he wasn't exactly sure what he would be required to do – Alisaie only smirked at him and with a small roll of her blue eyes assured him he would understand the next time they were required to attend celebrations or stay at the inn. Because apparently, his lover's easygoing attitude served to make some think that he wouldn't react badly to their… interest. While – according to Y'shtola – his looks and apparent 'unreachability' served to stoke up the appetites.

He had to admit, he more than understood… especially now, pretty much mind-blown while watching with slack jaw his Senri go back to mauling the dummy like he wasn't even aware of the effect he had on him. That is… until he noticed the slight smirk dancing on his lover's almost too-pretty lips and sparks of amusement in ice-blue irises when they almost unnoticeably flashed toward him – standing there and simply gawking in awe… And suddenly teaching his lover a lesson in good manners seemed like a glorious idea – even if his powerful mate simply snorted a laugh when he pounced, pinning him against the nearest wall.

A swiftcast of the soundproof bubble of invisibility later, he was nearly vibrating with fury (and lust) while his lover had the sheer nerve to wiggle his dark eyebrows at him and toss him a daring smirk.

"What's the matter, my Raha?" Senri purred teasingly, and his deep voice rang with amusement.

"You're enjoying this too much," he accused with an audible growl, but couldn't help himself but greedily smooth his hands down his lover's sides – the way Senri's pale skin simply shone with the sheen of sweat was just too tantalizing. And considering that it made his scent grow so much more pronounced, almost choking him… he couldn't stop a quiet whimper as he nuzzled against his mate's shoulder, pretty much sniffing him greedily.

"I can't help it," his Warrior sniggered quietly, shamelessly wrapping his arms around him possessively and dropping them to his ass to pull him closer to that gorgeous body. "And be honest with me, my heart," he cooed, nuzzling against his throat affectionately. "You're enjoying this as well… I can feel that, Raha," he chortled when G'raha flushed darkly and bit him in a warning – purring involuntarily at the delicious taste of his lover's skin.

"That's not the point," he deadpanned with a sigh, but moved his right hand around his lover's hip to curl his fingers delicately around the base of Senri's tail… his ears twitched in pleasure at the sound of his mate's choked gasp when his Warrior shuddered and buried his nose in his hair. G'raha closed his eyes tightly and fought for restraint, all too aware of the voices of his lover's friends coming from the other side of the massive room – pretending to himself uselessly that it wasn't making him even more unbearably aroused. He thought back briefly to their… playtime in Cabinet of Curiosity and yeah… it really seemed like he involuntarily stumbled upon one of his kinks… and that thought had him whine softly as instantly his arousal shot into overdrive. "Wicked white, Snark… How am I supposed to learn to live with this improvement to my senses if you're determined to drive me insane?" he murmured, even as his free hand almost against his will pushed behind the waistband of his lover's dark pants. Feeling how hard he already was – letting only his fingertips brush against the scalding flesh – and hearing Senri's pleading whimper right by his ear… in but a heartbeat had his mouth full of saliva.

"And I told you, Raha," sounding breathless, which only worked to send a near-violent shudder down his spine, Senri nuzzled against his ear, rolling his hips in a silent invitation. "You're too hard on yourself, my prince. It took me years to get used to it – and still, my self-control is crap. You can hardly expect yourself to do better in less than a week…" he choked on it when G'raha flushed even darker but couldn't help but wrap his fingers around his mate's cock – and when it throbbed slightly in his grip and his Warrior gasped then purred insistently against his ear… he mewled in painful arousal.

He barely registered his other hand leaving his mate's tail to tug impatiently at the waistband of Senri's pants, tasting a maddening mix of salt and his Warrior's delicious flavor on his tongue as he spread gentle bites across his collarbone. Only feeling material give – freeing his other hand to easily slide along the almost too-hot flesh, and hearing Senri's choked whimper right by his now oversensitive ears… he could only groan deeply at his own neediness and drown in the intoxicating scent of his mate's arousal. His own cock throbbed with every tiny hitch in his lover's breath and each delicate noise as his Warrior knead at his behind while nuzzling against his hair and rutting into his tightening involuntarily grip… G'raha simply couldn't breathe, swallowing mouthful after mouthful of saliva and nearly choking on his hungry growls.

Even as the loud sound of Thancred's laugh had his ears twitch and his face blaze with blush so fierce it felt like he was going to combust… he simply couldn't take it, whining helplessly as he trailed his mouth south, following the glorious expanse of pale skin and powerful muscles dancing under it while his Warrior gasped a quiet laugh when he fell to his knees in front of him. Praying to any god that would listen that his bubble holds… he almost expired tasting the musky difference when he greedily slid his tongue from the base of his lover's dick to its tip. The way Senri's breath choked with a whine and his long, black tail wrapped around G'raha's neck as he petted his ears… He cursed, whimpered helplessly, and gave in, curling his shaky fingers around his mate's hips as he wrapped his mouth around the head of his cock.

He almost expired instantly when Senri growled softly in approval, panting harshly as he sank his hands in his hair, with his thumbs massaging the back of his ears in encouragement and almost shaking in an effort to hold still. Out of habit, as now G'raha could easily pin him down when he wanted. Which he more than enjoyed, pushing forward slowly and letting the engorged flesh slide over his rough tongue, easily relaxing his throat around it. That his lover cursed furiously under his shaky breath and whined his name… Gods, he loved when Senri's deep voice grew hoarse like that… Stopping when his nose pressed against his lover's skin, digging his fingers into it in a bid for patience, G'raha was more than rewarded for his efforts when his Warrior mewl-purred his name in that wonderful way of his, shakily fisting his hands in his hair for purchase.

Adoring that sound more than anything else in the world, he couldn't help the excited, rumbling purr… that only grew more intense when Senri arched with a breathless shout. His ears twitching and swallowing eagerly the string of breathless whimpers broken by the profanities and mewls of his name, he relaxed his hold on his Warrior's hips, letting one of his hands fall to his crotch and paw at it uselessly to relieve the painful pressure when his lover, whimpering, used his freedom to rut against his mouth. Holding his head still in an almost brutal grip, Senri moaned his bliss as he set to fuck his mouth in earnest, his incoherent praises only serving to have G'raha rut against his palm helplessly while purring his approval at the rough treatment.

When his mate came, mewl-purring his name and shooting thick ropes of seed down his throat, he almost followed. Swallowing eagerly and petting his lover's thighs soothingly while Senri shook and gasped for air desperately, soon purring his bliss and petting his ears gratefully… almost broke him, but he resisted with the last shred of his self-control, instead focusing on enjoying his lover's pleasure. While his Warrior sagged against the wall, he pulled back and climbed to his feet while trailing a path of delicate bites and affectionate kisses up the trembling muscles on his stomach to lean against his tall frame, fist his fingers in sweat-dampened black hair and pull him in a deep, devouring kiss. Almost whimpering his need when Senri groaned deeply, surely tasting himself on his tongue, he blindly fixed his mate's pants in place, then coiled his shaky, free arm around his waist possessively.

Dizzy with his taste, he merely purred his approval when Senri growled softly and spun them around, now pinning him against the wall and devouring his mouth with endless hunger. Drowning in the cloud of the intoxicating aroma of their mixed scents when it filled his head with static, he could only paw at his lover's back desperately, shaking and mewling under his mouth. Painfully, brutally aroused… he almost literally passed out at the sudden sound tearing through the haze his Warrior spun over his mind.

"Seriously… get a room!" someone snorted a laugh, and he whined in embarrassment, realizing his bubble broke.

Senri pulled back with a choked snarl, turning his head toward the intruder while G'raha hid his flaming face against his mate's shoulder, praying in thought his friend didn't see or heard… much and fighting to catch his breath.

"Get lost, Firecracker," his lover growled, wrapping his muscular arm around his neck and petting his hair soothingly – and hopefully covering their messy state. Alisaie just giggled madly and though he couldn't see her like this, his ears twitched and he sagged with relief hearing her walk back to the other side of the room.

"You'll be the death of me," he murmured, helplessly nuzzling against his too-hot face mate's shoulder and coiling his arms around his waist tightly – hiding his raging erection.

"But what a way to go," Senri snarked, nuzzling against his hair and ears… and G'raha couldn't help but snort a laugh – agreeing completely.


As their deal before they left the First required, they received exactly a week of reprieve – up to a bell – before Hades was back with his stalking. Thankfully, T'senri used that time – when he wasn't busy doting on his mate – to prepare his unaware friends for the Ascian's arrival. Ascians, since – of course – Hythlodaeus was swiftly along.

Tataru and Krile were more than bemused at the development while the rest of his friends wasn't even trying to hide their suspicious looks… but he could hardly do anything about that – deciding to let them get used to that, before shocking them even more with his immortal's presence. Ares took that pretty much with a shrug – content as long as nobody tries to 'exorcise' him – and promising that if his friends do react badly – he'll make them forget. However not willing to risk his husband, Damon was supposed to stay a secret – unless Scions' can take T'senri's 'possession' in stride.

Another thing – though his immortal passenger was more reluctant about it – was the fact that Warrior soon took to delicately experiment with his access to Ascian's gift. Reasoning that it was better than risking using it accidentally – or in rage, which he feared the most – he took a bell each day, settling on the roof of Rising Stones with random minion and practicing under Ares's strict directions.

During one of such sessions – he merely twitched his ears when a sudden shadow blocked the sun behind his back, then leaving the mammet to return to his programmed movements – looked at the intruder with slightly narrowed eyes.

"Can I help you, Hades?" he asked finally under the immortal's dark scowl. Sitting cross-legged, he swiveled his tail in his lap and absentmindedly smoothed his dark fur in place when it bristled instinctively. He liked Ares… but his brother had him baffled and because of that he couldn't help but react to his presence with wariness born of years of hating their kind.

"It's… unpleasant," his 'guest' murmured finally, scowling even darker but maybe out of consideration for the massive difference in their heights like this, moved slightly apart and sat down on his knees, setting his hands in his lap. "Why are… playing with Ares's gift?"

"It's better," he sighed and shrugged slightly. "Than using it accidentally."

"That's what happened in the First?" the Ascian narrowed his golden eyes at him with consideration. "An accident?"

"Mhmm," he hummed, scratching his chin then sighed again, shifting toward the immortal. "And it made us bedridden for days… hence, I rather practice now when it is safe, than… slip like that in a heat of the moment. Ares had millennia to get used to it… I don't know how long we have before my usual luck comes knocking," he smiled sheepishly and shrugged again. "You want to speak with Ares?" he asked almost hopefully – honestly unnerved by the Ascian.

Wuss, his immortal chortled instantly and he rolled his eyes involuntarily.

Something… strange flashed in golden irises before Hades shook his head slowly and tilted his head slightly.

"No," he said carefully, holding his gaze. "Actually, I wished to speak with you, Warrior."

"I'm listening," he replied, trying to keep the apprehension from his voice. "What's on your mind?"

"It… baffles me," the immortal admitted after a long, calculating look. "The mortals in general seem… confusing. But you – in particular – baffle me. What I've heard of you from Elidibus, indicated you absolutely despise our kind. And Hyth… Hythlodaeus believes you have more than a reason to, hence he's so… accommodating – avoiding prickling your temper." Ah, that explained at least why the violet-haired immortal seemed to bolt as soon as T'senri entered the room – he was wondering about that. "Me, however, having more than my share of experience with my brother's temper… I can't help but wonder, Warrior," the immortal hummed with consideration, narrowing his golden eyes at him. "What is it that makes you so… resentful?"

Feeling said temper flare, T'senri dropped the pleasant smile and bared his teeth at Ares's brother in a silent snarl.

"You… Your people ruined everything," he said with a rumbling growl, yet Hades didn't look impressed if anything only raising his eyebrows slightly at that. "I used to love being the Scion… until Lahabrea went around trampling everything!"

"Ah, Lahabrea," the immortal chuckled a bit… meanly. "Another thing that… baffles me. According to Elidibus's story, it's quite… confusing. I do not know what he hoped to achieve with that stunt, honestly. While none of the shards were primed at the time… yes, confusing," he shrugged slightly then narrowed his eyes at him. "Yet, despite your hate… you seem content to host Ares… and though I do not appreciate feeling his gift, you even go as far as trying to learn to control it…" he looked pointedly toward the mammet, Crystalline Mean's take on his lover's likeness. "And if what my father said is right, you even plan to introduce Ares to your friends eventually… Which tells me, you're determined to live with him. I cannot help but wonder… do you realize what he did for you?"

His mind went out instantly.


"Don't," Ares hissed at his brother, scowling darkly as he shot to his feet. "I should have guessed that Hyth is going to tell you… but don't you dare tell Senri," he warned, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Hey, brother," Hades smirked, standing up and towering over him. "Why are you hiding that from him? Don't he deserve to know what his… slip cost you?"

He frowned, working his jaw furiously as he had to tilt his head to look up at his brother and seeing the too-familiar glint of stubbornness in his golden irises… and obvious – for him – hurt, he sighed tiredly, dropping his gaze – feeling his shoulders drop as all the fight left him.

"You don't understand, little brother," he said slowly, running his fingers through his hair with frustration. "I had to. I cannot tell you why… but we need him, sane and whole."

"Oh, yes… that mysterious upcoming future that only you and Damon are privy to," Hades scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest, then his voice dropped to the ice. "Well… I hope you don't mind some… tweak to that."

Ares froze, his eyes narrowed in slits when they shoot to his brother's self-satisfied smirk.

"What did you do?" he scowled, feeling something almost like… dread slither up his spine when that smirk widened and Hades's eyes flared with amusement. And knowing his mean sense of humor…

"Ah, nothing much," his brother shrugged nonchalantly. "Only made sure this time, you keep your word, brother."

"What…?" he frowned, then stilled and his eyes widened impossibly. "No, you didn't."

"So…" Hades continued, unperturbed by his warning look. "…you may find it… sensible, Azem, to warn your host that he has a very, very long time with you to contend with. I do, better than anyone, know how annoying you can get," his smirk downright devious, he disappeared without another word, leaving Ares simply… gaping at the spot he left.

"That… little bastard," he finally signed, laughing helplessly. He dropped to sit again, resting his face in his palms, before carefully assuming the same position as Senri did at the beginning of his practice. Staring a bit numbly at the doll of Raha's likeness – finally he decided he needed to consult his husband about this… development before even starting to think how to warn his mortal… well, that apparently he wasn't that mortal anymore.


Passing the open door to her friend's bedroom on the way to dinner, a brief look inside had Alisaie simply freeze, gawking. Feeling her twin bounce off her back, she hissed at Alphinaud in a warning, before carefully giving in to her instant curiosity and peering inside.

"That should do nicely," she heard and after a careful peek behind the door deeper inside the room, spotted G'raha standing by the far wall with his back to her, bracing his hands on his hips and slightly bouncing on his heels. Seeing his red tail whip with apparent excitement, she couldn't help but snort a laugh, stepping inside and looking around in awe when he twirled around with a gasp. "Alisaie, hey!" he flushed furiously – which she couldn't help but find adorable – but she carefully stifled another laugh. "Oh, and Alphinaud."

"How did you do this?" she asked in pure awe, stopping by the edge of something that looked like a lavish nest – dominated by a foray of red and black pillows with Senri's blankets carefully arranged around its edges. The whole extended bedroom was decorated beautifully with this specific mix of colors, only broken by the dark brown of an extravagant – huge – bathtub in oriental style with a showerhead above it. With it by the far wall – and she was truly baffled, with no idea how he managed to apparently connect it to the compound's water supply without anyone noticing – nest in the middle of the room, the wall nearest the door was pretty much turned into a multitude of shelves in different sizes, containing the couple's clothes and many, many books.

Apparently as stunned as her, Alphinaud simply looked around visibly struggling to keep his usual stoic expression before both of them focused their almost identical eyes on the clearly nervous Miqo'te. Despite not really knowing him long – Alisaie had to admit she started to like him almost as much as she adored Senri. Not to mention his utterly cute blushes and flusters around the Warrior or whenever one of them would tease him. And they did – mercilessly – despite the fact that the… noise seemingly disappeared. Which she was more than grateful for – because those first few days, she honestly thought she was going to combust – from embarrassment, not because her imagination ran rampant… nope!

Now, visibly twitching – and beyond adorable in the outfit, she knew Tataru prepared since Lalafellin wouldn't stop gushing about it – G'raha looked ready to combust with embarrassment, probably really regretting forgetting to close the door. And seeing that, she couldn't help but grin, making a wide gesture with her hand.

"Twelve, G'raha… It's gorgeous!" she gushed, honestly admiring the effect, despite her blush at the clear intimacy of the room. "Do you take commissions?"

"Huh?" he blinked at her slowly, nervously rubbing his right wrist with his left hand – Exarch's leftover…? – before smiling a bit hesitantly and shyly. "Ah, you… like it?"

Twelve preserve, no wonder her best friend was so weak for him… The sheer cuteness of that smile was staggering! She wondered briefly if she'll have to talk with Y'shtola about extending their… ploys, but didn't let her expression even twitch from a grin.

"Honestly…" she drawled, and her grin only widened when Seeker twitched his expressive ears nervously (he really did need that cowl back on the First – like this, he was simply too easy to read!) "…love it," she finished, almost snorting when he exhaled visibly and flushed even darker. "How did you achieve it, though? And I was serious about that commission," she added, bracing her hands on her hips and leaning forward.

"Ah, umm…" G'raha cleared his throat slightly and dropped his gaze – and she narrowed her eyes, quickly learning that it was a sure signal he was going to lie. "Hythlodaeus helped me," crimson irises darted to her – then away quickly. "Their magic is quite… unique."

"Is that so…?" her twin hummed under his nose, embarrassingly easily swallowing the lie.

She opened her mouth to protest… then snapped them shut quickly – weighing her chances of convincing him to do her bedroom next higher if she doesn't outright call out his obvious bluff.

"And if you really… would like to," Seeker tossed her a quick look with a delicate, shy smile. "I can take a look and if you… ah, tell me what would you like to do, I can see what can be done," then he blushed again and blurted out quickly. "Do you think Senri will like it…?"

Alisaie looked around again, humming under her nose with consideration then sent him a bright smile and raised her thumb.

"I bet he'll love it as much as I do, at least," she assured with a giggle, then grabbed her twin's arm and pulled him toward the still-opened door. "We're going to the common area for the dinner," she tossed over her shoulder with an inviting smile. "Want to join us?"

'Ah…" another absolutely adorable, shy smile. "…umm, if you really want me to…?"

"Sure!" she grinned, waving for him to follow but turning her eyes carefully toward her twin complaining instantly about the rough treatment. "Don't be a baby, Alphinaud!" she hissed with an exaggerated roll of her eyes, blowing at her fringe.

When they were back in the corridor and she did see G'raha follow, closing the door behind him, she fought back a little sigh of relief – in thought thanking the gods that day after their arrival back home, she cornered Krile and grilled her for answers.

She didn't even know earlier that Lalafellin scholar used to know – much less be good friends – with G'raha. If she did, she liked to believe that she would react… better, back on the First. Now, knowing exactly how rumors about the newest Scion – her best friend adored so obviously – came to be, she truly… felt bad about it. And honestly… more than understood Senri's… snap, now. With how normally overprotective the Warrior was – with all of them, and she could only imagine how much more… intense it was with the man whom he cared about so much – and now not only knowing the source of the rumors but as well the… true effect it had on the redhead's life back there… She couldn't help but admit that her heart simply ached.

'Do not tell him I said anything!' Krile warned her with a hiss, while she tried (really hard) not to weep in helpless fury at the sheer… unfairness of it. 'Thaliak my witness, I shouldn't… But since I know you mean well, Alisaie… Just give him time, okay? Even back then, he wasn't that… good at making friends, I can scarcely imagine how much worse the isolation on the First made it.'

But Alisaie was determined to achieve that! Not only because of all… that, but more because she would have to be blind and stupid not to see how clearly the Seeker yearned for their acceptance. And how much he cared about her best friend – despite her original misgivings. Not to mention the stupidly happy grin Senri sported that moment when G'raha proposed – making her achingly aware of how… fake were his usual grins. And the sheer… giddiness with which Warrior doted on his lover whenever around the compound was simply… disarming. As embarrassing as it was to constantly stumble upon her friend fawning, if not outright pawing or kissing the other Seeker… to see him so obviously, deliriously happy was beyond bracing.

Which – as she led her twin and clearly nervous G'raha toward the common area of the compound – only worked to make her even more determined to become his friend. And mentally she noted to indeed have that conversation with Y'shtola when able.

Though, if she was being honest, she pitied the moron suicidal enough to lay a hand on the newest Scion… and she was more than tempted to teleport back to Old Sharlayan and have some words with certain someone... Krile didn't dare – considering the woman's name and position back home – but she didn't really share her scruples. The only thing stopping her was the thought that Senri would be probably very cross with her if she did.

After all, one thing all the Scions knew for certain about her best friend was that you never got between the Warrior of Light and his prey.


Done with his practice, T'senri merely jumped off the roof of the building to the backyard garden/training area. For others it might have been a dangerous feat, but yeah, apparently being possessed came with a few perks (which he earlier believed he owed to the Blessing) so he merely landed on the ground with usual, feline grace. He choose to sneak inside by the backdoor that led straight into the corridor in front of the bedrooms. Whistling a merry tune under his nose and maybe with an impatient flick of a tail, T'senri decided to grab a change of clothes and shower first in the compound's common showers, before heading toward the dinner – slightly surprised that his lover didn't wait for him before leaving.

Still feeling a slight tremor in his fingers every time he neared the door of his – now theirs – bedroom, he clenched his teeth and ignored it with usual determination, heading inside… to freeze with open mouth at the sight that welcomed his eyes.

When he left, barely a bell earlier – the bedroom looked as it did since before the Banquet – and despite his lover's shyly asking him before he left if he didn't mind if he entertain himself doing some slight adjustments, the effect was… simply staggering.

"Slight adjustments, my ass…" he murmured numbly, closing the door behind him and looking around in wonder. How, in the…?

He startled involuntarily when Ares simply… gushed with excitement.

"What…?" he gasped with an offense, yet couldn't help himself but walk across the room and simply… gawk at the massive bathtub.

Just… sorry, my boy, the immortal sounded sheepish at his outburst. But this clearly means that Damon is coming into his power.

"Huh?" he frowned, looking around again.

The nest, the immortal chortled at his expanse. Doesn't it look familiar, Senri?

He focused his attention on it with a frown and his jaw dropped when he understood the Ascian's meaning. It didn't simply look like the one his mate made for him – them – back in the First, with the added comfort of his precious blankets as he assumed at first. But noting the familiar dark spot – his fault as he snorted a drink when Raha's made him laugh at the wrong moment during his recovery – and despite how absurd it seemed, it had to be exactly the same thing.

It is, Ares hummed with obvious amusement and perhaps more than a bit awed. Like him, really….

"How...?" he gasped, nearing the thing and touching the edge of the nest carefully, honestly surprised when his fingers didn't pass through it… or something.

That's the thing with my husband's… gift, the immortal gushed more than proudly. So much more useful than mine… He can bend the creation magic into spells and with that achieve pretty much anything his brilliant mind desires. In this case, bring things across the rift between the Source and its Reflections. Which means we're almost ready for the next step.

"Which is…?" he hummed, picking up one of the red pillows out of the nest and sniffing at it carefully… and yeah, there was no denying his immortal was right – the scent was waned by now, but definitely theirs.

Fixing Zodiark's broken heart, Ares hummed with amusement, then sighed softly when Senri flinched and tossed the pillow back in its place. Don't worry, my boy. You won't be facing that… thing, just yet. But to achieve what we planned, we will need the missing pieces of Themis's mind.

"Who's Themis?" he scowled, not sure if he even really wanted to know.

The Elidibus of Convocation of Fourteen, his immortal chuckled sadly. A dear friend… and a kid, honestly – at least by our standards – that, as you say, bit off more than he could chew. Similarly to Hythlodaeus, he believed Lahabrea's words that summoning Zodiark was the only way of salvation – not the temporary measure it truly was. But him, we couldn't save without changing too much – not then.

"I don't understand," he admitted with a frown, then set to discard his clothes and gratefully make use of his mate's – or his mate's immortal – 'slight adjustments.' "If you truly knew what was coming, that your world is going to end… why not stop it?"

That's what Venat tried, sharing our knowledge, Ares sighed sadly. But our people… were incapable of change. They sacrificed half of our population to summon Zodiark, Senri… And before Venat struck them down, they would do so again – to bring back the world they knew, not seeing that it was that world that led to our doom. When we saw that there was simply no avoiding that path – we did the best we could to salvage those we hold dear, without breaking the upcoming world that was to take the place of ours. Which – despite my personal feelings about it – meant we had to let Themis become the Zodiark's heart.

"But now you want to save him…?" T'senri a bit awkwardly turned the water on and involuntarily grinned when it worked. No more common showers… he couldn't wait to kiss his lover silly for doing this! "Why, though…? Won't that affect the world too much?"

Considering you were meant to kill him right about now? Ares downright laughed when he froze with an open mouth at that. You see, if you killed Hades – even with his fragmented memory of me – Themis would come after you. He was always a sweet kid, loyal to a fault… and for some unfathomable reason, nearly worshipped me – not that I deserved it, he admitted with a sheepish chuckle – but honestly, T'senri actually could easily imagine the reason. Especially with his next words. So what it would make me… no, us if we would let him perish without a fight…?

"But…" he hesitated, then sighed and stepped under the stream of water with a blissed-out purr. Really, whatever it was Raha or Damon… they have outdone themselves! Resting his hands against the wall and briefly smirking at the thought that he simply couldn't wait to thank his lover properly, he forced himself to focus on his question. But he didn't need to bother, really…

I know, and we fully expect it, my boy, Ares hummed with consideration. But don't worry… Once everything is set in place, we have a way to keep him, my brother, and his lover… otherwise occupied, so to say. Zodiark has to die, he said with power that sent a shudder down his spine. Some other… things we dare to tweak if we believe it necessary, but in the end, the outcome is simply too important – especially now…

"Because Hades is safe?" he asked with a quiet snicker when the immortal trailed off suddenly.

Yes, Ares agreed… maybe a bit too quickly.

T'senri blinked, but let it go with a quiet sigh, setting to wash quickly and join his family… and especially his mate.


Setting up a permanent sound shield of many levels around the bedroom – like Damon suggested helpfully – was a genius idea, G'raha didn't hesitate to admit. He was especially happy about that the same night, when even as embarrassed as he was at his lover's fawning over his creation during the dinner (that led to more Scions getting interested in renovating their rooms) his Senri with even more embarrassing haste after the meal led him back to their bedroom and proceeded to express his… gratitude. For bells, to G'raha's delight.

When around midnight he found himself sprawling (beyond) comfortably on top of his lover's lap in the blissful heat of a bath, with his Senri nuzzling happily against his neck while holding him in a deliciously possessive embrace… Yeah, that was definitely how at least one of the seven heavens had to feel. Utterly spent and satisfied – he couldn't help but snort a quiet laugh when his lover's purrs only grew louder as he set to wash him.

"I love it," Senri cooed at least the hundredth time, dragging his soaped hands over his stomach when G'raha flushed but sighed blissfully as he leaned back against his mate's chest and closed his eyes. Part of him incredibly enjoyed his lover's insistent doting (not that he would admit that out loud!) and he could only melt as all of his muscles soon felt like jelly under his mate's gentle touches and delicate bites along his throat and shoulder. "My perrrfect Raha," his Warrior rasped with so much adoration… he flushed even darker, but barely registered when Senri's right hand smoothed down his abdomen and carefully wrapped around his cock under the surface of the water and bubbles. "You're spoiling me, my heart," he purred soothingly, nuzzling against his throat affectionately while he couldn't help a breathless, surprised gasp when after a few careful strokes his body reacted with interest while all off his muscles still felt simply too relaxed.

"…again?" he chuckled softly, without opening his eyes only tilted his head on Senri's shoulder when his lover trailed his delicate bites up to the side of his jaw, sending a shiver along his spine. "I'm afraid… I can't move, Snark," he admitted with an even darker blush.

"You don't have to, my prince," his Warrior cooed, with his free hand soothingly drawing delicate circles on his abdomen. "Just let me spoil you, my beautiful mate."

Far from a protest, he gave in easily while his lover brought his body into arousal with deliciously delicate strokes, making him mewl his bliss and utter submission. Shakily raising his hand to sink it in damp, black hair and pet his mate's ear gently, he merely purred with delight when Senri growled softly then hook his hands around his hips and slowly impaled him on his cock. Answering his gasps and choked mewls with his growls and quiet groans until he was seated inside him up to the hilt, filling him up in a most sinful, pleasurable way, his Warrior then went back to stroking his dick with unbearable tenderness. Nuzzling against his throat with his deep, soothing purrs and using his free hand to delicately push him up and down along his scalding flesh… soon G'raha helplessly laced his free hand with his lover's around his cock, mewling his bliss as he arched his back to force him deeper, harder inside him on each maddening stroke.

"Shhh, my heart, I've got you," Senri chuckled breathlessly, then left his hand to pump his throbbing flesh and hooked both of his around his thighs from their insides and pulled them apart to soon pull him up and down on his cock roughly, rolling his hips under him just in a perfect way to have him wail hoarsely as he hit – hard – the spot that had stars bloom under his closed eyelids. His lover's answering groans and aggressive, though quiet snarls set his heart to pound so hard it felt like it'll burst out of his chest. Mindlessly pumping his cock in tandem with the way Senri bounced him on his and soon feeling the pressure at the base of his spine grow unbearable, he almost passed out when suddenly his Warrior bit him. Just as his sharp teeth sank into his skin, his dick simply burst when the pleasure-pain of the bite thrummed down his spine and set his nerves ablaze sending him tumbling into one of the most intense orgasms of his life. He wasn't aware he was screaming until Senri's hand – maybe out of habit – covered his mouth.

Breaking his bite with a choked groan, his Warrior laughed breathlessly then a bit awkwardly turned them around and while he gasped and whined his bliss under his palm with his senses reeling in the afterglow, Senri had him lean helplessly against the edge of the tub while he set off for his own bliss. Bracing his free hand on the tub against his shoulder, his Warrior soon pounded into him with purely male aggression and mind-blowing enthusiasm. He could only hold on under the onslaught – loving every second of it.

When Senri came with a roar, then sagged against his back with near-deafening purrs despite gasping for air, he felt like he was going to simply melt away into a puddle of pure happiness. His muscles completely lax, he merely twitched and mewled in protest when his lover chuckled at him – uselessly hanging off the edge of the tub and ready to drift off in the blissed-out doze – then wrapped his arms around him and – maybe a bit wobbly, but still – picked him up and carefully climbed out of the bathtub.

Leaning against him bonelessly and merely purring his bliss when his mate carefully dried both of them with earlier prepared towels, he was so very far from complaining about his lover's doting. Not ever again, probably… His mind felt like mush when Senri laughed softly and it took him a moment to realize he said that out loud. Yet he couldn't even find it himself to blush at his lover's quiet 'glad to hear that,' before his Warrior nipped delicately at the sensitive shell of his ear and picked him up, soon settling them inside the nest and carefully pulling his blankets over them before coiling around his back with tiny, blissful purrs of happiness, that had G'raha's heart stutter and simply… sing with elation.

"I love you, Snark," he murmured, sleepily nuzzling into his mate's arm under his cheek and sighing with bliss when he felt Senri delicately set his tail around his waist while curling his own around his thighs and snuggling against his back tightly.

"Mhmm, love you too, my heart," his lover mumbled groggily, then sighed and placed an affectionate kiss on his throat before settling down and teasing his ears with his quiet, happy purrs.

G'raha drifted off to sleep feeling safe and loved – and with a silly, lovesick grin.


"Damon?"

"Mmm?"

"I think… No, I have a pretty good suspicion that Hades somehow made Senri immortal."

A long, long second of silence, then…

"He did… what?!"