Sometimes T'senri thought that his luck had to be the most fickle bitch in existence. And if you looked at the story of his life – it had to be hard to disagree with.
"Senri… Are you all right?" His friend asked with confusion when she noticed he was trailing at the end of the group – almost dragging his feet. He sent her a narrowed stare and murmured profanity under his nose… and Alisaie had the nerve to snort a laugh at his expanse! That his lover at her side didn't even look toward him… had him grind his teeth and… no! He wasn't pouting.
He was a Twelve-forsaken Warrior of Light, heavens take him! He didn't pout! Not really, anyway…
You're most definitely acting like a spoiled brat today, though, his immortal commented with a choked laugh and T'senri growled another profanity, dropping his gaze to his feet while his tail whipped with agitation almost smacking a passerby who in turn tossed him an indignant stare. He actually bared his teeth at the man and he scrambled away with a gasp.
But if someone had a reason to pout… well, he had one!
If someone told him that on the day of their anniversary – exactly six years since he stumbled into that clearing in Urth's Girth and heard that disembodiment, cocky voice – he would end up in Ishgard and looking for a man that he almost slept with… he would laugh just a few days ago.
That the whole day from the start seemed cursed – he couldn't help but think he deserved to be a little petulant! Especially since Raha seemed to not remember that this day was special!
It's been moons now since they arrived on the Source – five moons to be exact – and to T'senri's frustration, his lover ridiculously quickly (in his opinion) perfected his self-control. To his friends' absolute amusement – now often – with one narrowed look of crimson eyes his mate had him behaving while in the company. The only thing keeping him from complaining about it was the fact that if he did – oh, the rewards waiting for him when they were alone were more than worth it.
Or – like Alisaie liked to put it – Raha had him completely whipped. T'senri involuntarily grinned at the thought, tossing a look at the back of his lover's head… then pouted again, remembering that he was upset with him.
The day started already promising to be a massive disappointment. While he spend every free moment in the last two weeks – which he didn't have much considering the whole Fandaniel and his Twelve-forsaken towers situation – planning the perfect way to celebrate the anniversary of the day that changed his whole life… He woke up to Raha being gone from their bedroom. Finding his wayward mate in the common area of the Rising Stones, sharing breakfast (without him!) with Alisaie and Y'shtola… had him annoyed, but he put away his disappointment behind his mask… and then Tataru had the brilliant idea to suggest they should travel to Ishgard and meet Estinien – who apparently she and Krile goaded into helping them while T'senri was occupied on the First.
Not that he minded – not really – he simply felt… awkward about the whole 'almost' situation. It's been two years now and he hoped his old friend wouldn't bring that up… but the fact alone that Raha knew about it – and the strange calm on his handsome face and across their bond at Krile's suggestion – well, T'senri would lie if he didn't admit that he was… disappointed. Not that he wanted to have his mate jealous… he simply imagined this day going differently! His plan for it involved a lot of sex with his beautiful prince… and not freezing his butt in the frost-covered city that brought back mostly unpleasant memories.
While he was more than glad that his lover seemingly adapted seamlessly to being the Scion – making fast friends with all of them and Alisaie in particular – he kind of… missed having him all to himself.
In the first moon, after they came back – after Raha became confident with his new-old body – they went back to the First to tie up loose ends. Like Ares predicted, Ardbert – in Raha's old skin – was quite easily able to pull his mate across the rift like he was. It was more than awkward – and probably they confused the seven hells out of the Crystarium's citizens – but hidden behind a hood and a mask, having his lover helping him with the whole situation in the Empty… was beyond fun. Only Ardbert, Lyna, Ryne, and Gaia were privy to his companion's identity… which was better for everyone – even if it meant T'senri same as on the Source couldn't openly dote on his lover in public.
Which, if he was being honest, was becoming increasingly… frustrating. Now, five moons into Raha's presence on the Source, he still insisted on keeping their relationship a secret from anyone but Scions. That even their immortal passengers supported that fact – bidding T'senri to be patient – only made his frustration so much worse! But he behaved – playing his part to perfection when out of the compound… until today, at least.
A moon ago – basically a day before Fandaniel showed up – he was stunned to out of nowhere regain control of his body up on the roof of the Rising Stones in the middle of the night and with Raha along, both of them with a small crystal in hand. His purple and Raha's gold… to have their immortals inform them in a matter-of-fact way that they're to secure them in a specially prepared catche in their room. By that alone, they knew that whatever their passengers were hiding from them – was about to start. He had no idea why Ares and Damon were so… secretive about this – when before they shared the details quite easily – but all things considered… they more than earned his trust.
Then Fandaniel gave his… performance in Ala Mhigo… and T'senri was getting a truly bad feeling about this. Lunar Bahamut in itself was an intimidating sight (even if later, at Paglth'an, he was disappointingly easy to beat) and the towers that popped up all over the world and seemingly tempered whoever got near them into Garlemald's slaves… while according to their intel Garlemald itself was no more by Zenos's hand (because, yes, of course, he was right, and the bastard was back). That – thanks to Alisaie's efforts – they had a way to reverse the tempering, was definitely a silver lining. That other than a few occasional comments, their immortals seemingly completely retreated to observe on the other hand… was unnerving.
Alisaie – still the only one of his friends who knew of his condition – took a while to truly get… maybe not comfortable with the idea, but at least less suspicious of T'senri's control. And he, to reassure her (and himself, in a way) after he decided that he well understood and had a grasp of Ares's skill – refused to use it again. And as busy as they were lately… he was almost able to forget about it. Almost…
"No sign of him," he hear Alisaie, right before almost bouncing off his mate's back when he missed them stopping suddenly. Blinking away his distraction, he almost pointedly moved away from his lover – and no, not because he was pouting – and pretended not to see his dark-red eyebrows twitching with surprise when the Warrior hooked his thumbs in the pockets of his pants and moved almost to the other side of the plaza they arrived at. Seeing in his peripheral vision Raha frowned with confusion when he leaned against the wall of the stairs they just get off, T'senri made sure to look only toward Alisaie as he folded his arms over his chest and took on a carefully neutral expression. Since they were alone after splitting up from Alphinaud at Aetheryte – he didn't have to play up to his cheery persona… and he felt he had a right to at least this way express his… annoyance with his mate. That Ares had the nerve to chuckle with amused 'brat,' well, who cares… "Not that I've ever met him before. But the way Alphinaud goes on about him, I'm fairly sure I could pick him out of the crowd."
"Speaking of which, it does seem awfully quiet," Raha replied, looking around and seemingly completely ignoring T'senri's behavior… which had the Warrior work his jaw. "If the erstwhile Azure Dragoon had returned to Ishgard, would it not be a source of general excitement?"
Knowing Estinien…? He could easily imagine his friend scowling so darkly at anyone who would…
He heard the sound of metal hit the bricks of the pavement and his gaze automatically swiveled toward the sound… and he couldn't help the slight grin at the sight of the man in question walking toward them – even despite his misgivings of the last time he saw him – and while the Dragoon seemed to completely miss him, his blue eyes focused on Alisaie.
"First the Scions' coinkeeper, and now you," Elzen's voice rang with amusement… and T'senri frowned with confusion. "I'm beginning to think these meetings are more than mere coincidence," Estinien said, stopping right in front of a much smaller frame of the girl, and like this – off-side behind his back – he couldn't see their expressions… he pushed off the wall, wondering… "Not that I'm complaining. It's been too long."
"'Too long'?" Alisaie murmured, sounding no less confused than Warrior felt.
"You look ilm taller and twice as rugged. It suits you, Alphinaud," the Dragoon chuckled, reaching out and ruffling the smaller Elzen's white hair while T'senri froze but a step behind him – with a slack jaw and simply… gaping. "Quieter, though. Have you been giving him lessons on how to be the strong, silent type?" Estinien turned toward him, proving he was wrong and he did notice him – and Warrior shook his head violently, almost jumping back and backing away. Seven hells…
"I…" his best friend snarled, slapping Estinien's hand away. "…am NOT ALPHINAUD! If the two of you are such good friends, perhaps you should remember what he looks like! And what do you mean, 'rugged'?!" she snapped, glaring daggers and rolling her hands in fists. "Ungh! Had my brother mentioned what an oaf you are, I'd never have bothered looking for you in the first place!" she fumed, to Dragoon's apparent astonishment.
"Estinien Wyrmblood, the Azure Dragoon…" Raha murmured, staring and rubbing his chin. "He who fought and felled the dread wyrm Nidhogg at the Warrior of Light's side!" his crimson eyes suddenly literally sparkled and his red tail waved with enthusiasm. "To think the day would come when I should see this living legend with my own eyes!"
"Would someone mind explaining what is going on?" Estinien's gaze darted between him and still fuming Alisaie… then he turned toward him with a confused frown and smiled hesitantly.
And when the pure… hilarity of the situation registered in his mind – and even Ares chortled – T'senri couldn't take it… and burst into a laugh, gasping desperately as he stepped forward and slapped his hand against the Dragoon's shoulder.
"Heavens take me…" he choked out, trying to calm his breath. "But I did miss you!" And despite it all… they exchanged wide grins, making him miss the enthusiasm in crimson irises die as they narrowed at him and moved between him and his friend.
By the time they arrived in Azys Lla, G'raha was fuming no less than Alisaie did at Dragoon's mistake. He only hoped… he was better at hiding it.
That the whole flight from Ishgard, Senri was, oh, so busy seemingly 'catching up' with Estinien, both leaning against the back rail of the airship and chatting animatedly… no, he definitely wasn't jealous… but when they arrived and his lover seemed happy to trail after the Dragoon as they fulfilled their tasks setting up the camp for the night…
Not to mention, his Warrior was acting strange the whole day… From the moment he arrived at breakfast in the Rising Stones, he seemed… upset for some reason. Though it wasn't uncommon for G'raha to wake up earlier than him, that day earlier he promised Alisaie to meet her in Dawn's Respite before the meal and had him sneak out from their bedroom before his mate woke up. And since – after discussing the last improvements to her bedroom – it was too close to the meal to bother going back, he didn't expect his lover to be upset about that… And actually, all seemed fine until they arrived in Ishgard, and Senri would stubbornly stay behind as they searched the city for the Dragoon – to so… pointedly avoid him at the airship landing right before the man showed up.
Faced with him, somehow, he let the excitement of meeting one of his favorite heroes let him forget himself… to be brutally reminded of his lover's history with the man when Senri got so… adorably excited about being reunited with him.
And then, yeah… the flight and his behavior in Azys Lla after landing, had G'raha work his jaw furiously when they broke the camp on the surface of the small floating island near the massive ship hovering in the air of the area. Normally, exploring the marvel of Allagan technology would have him beyond excited – especially at his mate's side – but the issue was… His eyes narrowed, darting again to Senri when he laughed at something the Dragoon said – both of them standing way off the place they picked for the camp… far enough that even his sensitive ears couldn't pick up what they were talking about. Which he couldn't help but think… his mate did it on purpose.
Was Senri trying to make him jealous…?
If he is, it's definitely working, Damon whispered with amusement and G'raha flinched, dropping his gaze to his hands, rolled into fists in his lap. He exhaled slowly and forced them to relax… and not march there and drag his lover away and remind him whom he belonged to… because no, he was NOT jealous. If his Warrior found amusement in acting so immature… Well, he could be a bigger man and…
"They seem cozy," Alisaie murmured, falling to sit next to him at the side of the tent. His and Senri's – since there was no one other than them to content with – he had to raise alone since his lover seemed so… distracted. He forced himself not to growl, but focus his gaze on Alisaie and smile, despite how fake it felt. "You okay, Raha? Are you guys fighting? I didn't hear you exchange a word since we left the Rising Stones," she frowned with worry, watching his expression.
"I… don't know," he admitted honestly dropping the smile, sighing deeply, and leaning toward her so that Alphinaud, busy by his and Alisaie's tent couldn't overhear them. "Yesterday, when we got back from Ala Mhigo… everything was fine," he couldn't help the slight blush at that, remembering his lover's apparent excitement and strange eagerness before they went to sleep. "Today…" he shrugged helplessly, tossing a quick look toward his lover's back, and sighed again, focusing on her again. "…I don't know. Since morning he's acting strange."
"Did you… ah…" she leaned in and whispered. "…try to ask Ares about it?"
"No," he scowled, crossing his arms over his chest and tossed another narrowed look at Senri when he laughed again – with seemingly no care in the world… "If he wants to act like this… let him," he pouted involuntarily – unaware until Alisaie giggled, slapping her hand against his knee and startling him with that.
"You're both being silly," she chuckled when he sent her a glare as she jumped to her feet and walked off toward Alphinaud.
Deciding he had enough of this… show, G'raha hid his frown and said goodnight – perhaps a bit louder than necessary – then crawled inside the tent, huffing as he discarded his vest and boots, and in shirt and pants sprawled in the makeshift nest he prepared out of consideration for Senri's comfort… that he now almost regretted.
Do you want me to ask Ares what this is about? Damon offered with a chuckle and G'raha blushed, but hissed through his teeth and turned to his side with a huff, pulling the blanket around himself. Silly boys.
Ignoring the immortal's remark, he curled into himself and focused on falling asleep – they had ahead of them a busy day tomorrow – which was not easy… missing the insane heat of his lover's body wrapped around him. Still, he almost managed before his ears twitched hearing Senri say his goodnights – finally – but he pretended to be asleep when his Warrior carefully and quietly joined him. Hearing him move about the small space, perhaps undressing – to have him lay down behind him, but not even try to touch him… Actually, that had G'raha frown with worry, then sigh softly with resignation and turn around, rising on his elbow and looking at his lover's expression.
"Senri…" he started in a whisper, to blink with surprise when his Warrior huffed, then turned away from him! "…what is the matter with you today?" he hissed through his teeth, almost automatically casting the sound shield on the tent – not wishing to involve their friends in his lover's apparent… tantrum.
"I don't have any problem," his lover murmured, pulling the blanket around his waist and settling down – apparently determined to ignore him, which for his Snark was… more than unusual. "Goodnight, Raha."
G'raha again worked his jaw furiously, narrowing his eyes at the back of his mate's head and swearing in thought… because apparently there was something very wrong. And to have Senri behave so out of character – when usually he would be all over him – suggested he somehow upset him. He had no idea what he did wrong but…
"Ares, a word?" he whispered softly, and almost sighed with relief when his lover's taut frame relaxed visibly and he turned slightly and almost luminescent sky-blue irises flashed toward him with a slight frown on his mate's beautiful face.
"…yes, Raha?" his lover's immortal drawled, raising his eyebrows expectantly.
"What… did I do?" he whispered, raising to sit – his head almost touching the ceiling of the small tent – and almost flinched when Ares chuckled, turning around and crossing his arms behind his head.
"I swore not to tell you anything," the immortal replied quietly though his too-bright eyes shone with amusement.
G'raha growled softly, rolling his eyes with irritation… even as his stomach sank – because yeah, apparently he did do something to upset his lover enough to have him swear his passenger to secrecy.
"But since the day is almost over…" Ares sighed, and his gaze shot back to him instantly. "…and I do not like my boy so… disappointed, I'll give you a clue. Six years ago – to a minute now – he had certain someone hug his side and offer the comfort he needed… Goodnight," he chuckled, turning back and resting on his side – and he could see the muscles at Senri's back pull taut as he regained control… even as his thoughts raced.
Six years ago, to a minute…? Ohhh… He almost smacked himself when understanding dawned and he cursed in thought again. For him it was much, much longer… but obviously his Snark was upset about him forgetting about it. And – honestly – that was kind of… cute.
Sighing, he pulled the edge of covering his lover blanket and snuck under it, ignoring how Senri stilled utterly when he pulled his tail delicately out of the way and around his waist, to press against his back tightly and sneak his hand around his Warrior's side to draw soothingly over his skin, right above the waistband of his pants.
"I'm sorry," he whispered softly then pressed a tender kiss on his lover's neck. "I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, my Snark… I just forgot," he admitted sheepishly, nuzzling against the back of his Warrior's shoulder.
"…Ares spilled the beans?" his mate murmured under his nose, but though he sagged noticeably – he didn't move. "…can't trust an Ascian, eh?" he snarked, then sighed deeply when G'raha snorted at that involuntarily.
Chuckling quietly, he trailed tender kisses over his lover's shoulder, smiling when his mate's breath hitched and his scent filled the air around them with his arousal – but he stubbornly remained motionless. Yet knowing his Snark… G'raha shifted, raising on his elbow, and without a warning bit him, groaning into his skin when Senri arched with a breathless whimper. Using that, he snuck his hand behind the waistband of his pants, brushing his fingertips over the hard, heated flesh… and if he consciously removed the sound shield when his Warrior gasped and rolled his hips with demand… well, oops…
"My Snark…" he purred teasingly, pulling back to drag his tongue over the bite mark, enjoying his lover's shudder and quiet mewl of arousal. He hid his smirk against his mate's neck when Senri's hand shot down and he almost choked on another whimper, opening and pushing his pants off his hips. G'raha growled his approval quietly, instantly wrapping his fingers around his mate's cock, so beautifully eager for his touch – and his smirk tilted with a smug edge when Senri gasped then a choked, almost reluctant but inviting purr left his lips as he rutted into his grip. "…I've neglected you, my heart…" he whispered, nuzzling against hot skin while pumping the hard flesh just the way to have his beautiful lover whimper his name breathlessly. "Let me make it up to you, my Senri," he cooed and in a fast movement forced his lover to his back, pinning him down and taking his mouth in an almost brutal kiss.
Devouring his mouth, he made sure to rub against him until his Warrior clasped his big hands around his ass and rolled his hips to rut against him, feeding him such tasty mewls and whimpers… He sank his hand in the ink-black hair, pulling and purring insistently when Senri moaned right as he slammed his tongue in his mouth, shifting to rest his knees around his lover's hips – the tent too small to let his sit up without hitting the roof – but to easier rut his painful, clothed erection against his mate's. Feeling his Warrior's growing aggression in the kiss as he lifted to follow his mouth, he almost smirked again, then pulled back from the kiss, using his grip on Senri's hair to stop him from following. Watching the icy-blue irises burn with lust as he licked his lips, then bared his teeth at him… G'raha swallowed a moan, and instead smirked teasingly, placing a delicate bite on his mate's lower lip, chuckling at his impatient growl.
"Raha…" his Warrior hissed, narrowing his gorgeous eyes at him. "…you unbearable tease."
Flushing darkly, but hoping his lover stays unaware of the lack of shield – and he can properly teach certain Dragoon whom this beautiful Warrior chose to have – G'raha bared his teeth in a challenge. When Senri snarled at such obvious defiance from him, then without even time to blink he found himself pinned down face first with a very eager weight keeping him in compliance while his lover impatiently tore at his pants… G'raha hid his smirk in the blanket and buckled – imitating resistance – even as his blood sang with heady arousal. That was enough for his Warrior to growl in a warning, fisting his hand in his hair and holding him down as he almost brutally tugged his pants down to his knees, then pulled him up slightly to let his more than eager dick slide between his thighs – locked together by the material… He swallowed thickly, choking down all too eager mewls of submission when his lover gasped, groaning quietly at the friction.
"You're in a mood to play, I see," his Warrior chuckled breathlessly, using his free hand to nudge between his buttocks to smooth it up and coil it around the base of his tail, pushing his tunic up his back. "Hmm?"
Mewling into a blanket at the pressure on the sensitive flesh and rocking his hips slowly, he carefully kept his expression hidden… his blush was too obvious a mark of his scheme…
"Am I, Snark?" he murmured, fisting his hands around his head and slowly pushing back and forth, almost vibrating with need at his lover's choked whine at the friction on his flesh.
The blanket swallowed his gasp when his Warrior growled, then let go of his tail, fumbled with something for a moment and G'raha almost choked on a relieved sigh when soon his oiled finger pressed inside him, while his mate let go of his hair to lean against his back, pinning him down as he growled in the back of his throat, demanding his submission as he prepared him to take his claim. Wishing to have his lover properly riled up, G'raha buckled again, making sure to whip his tail against Senri's back. To bite back a groan when that earned him a slap on the buttock and another ridiculously arousing snarl, before Senri grabbed his wrists, forcefully dislodged his hands from the blanket, and for the lack of space, crossed them behind his head, holding them down with one hand while the other took hold of the base of his tail between their bodies – the position preventing all movement and sending his arousal over the roof when he felt Senri's heavy cock breach him, stopping as only the head of it sank inside him.
Gasping desperately at the feeling – and shuddering with anticipation at what he knew was coming – he bit down on the blanket, involuntarily mewling his need and despite the hold at his tail, trying to push back at the intruding flesh.
"You had been a bad boy, my Raha," his lover cooed, nuzzling against his shoulder blade before shifting slightly to use his knees to hold his legs together. "Now I have to punish you, my mate."
He just growled defiantly, daring him… and choked on a shout when Senri laughed softly, then finally moved, in one harsh thrust slamming into him up to the hilt. The sheer power and pressure of that pushed all the air out of his lungs and he mewled weakly, hiding his flaming face in the blanket as he squirmed impatiently, silently begging for more.
Completely out of breath, groaning his pleasure, his lover tenderly stroked his tail – the gentle gesture bellying the way he pulled back to slam into him again, his next groan edging on a rumbling growl. His other hand tightened around G'raha's wrists, pinning him down harder as he set a punishing rhythm, fucking him mercilessly.
As each harsh thrust brushed against the knot of nerves that sent jolts of lightning along his spine, soon G'raha forgot all about his play – mewling and whimpering his utter submission. Gasping shakily in the insane rhythm of the cock spearing his insides – unable to do anything other than taking it and incredibly aroused by that – soon had him shamelessly begging forgiveness in choked whines and almost sobbing whimpers.
"That's b-better," his Warrior chuckled, freeing his hands and tail to brace his hands around him and rewarding his obedience by pounding into him even harder – saving him none of his inhumane strength. Using it to shakily raise to his elbows and arch his back to take him deeper, harder… G'raha couldn't help but whine his lover's name in tiny gasps, losing his mind when Senri moaned, then mewl-purred his name desperately – loudly – and snuck one hand under him to pump his throbbing dick until he came with a choked shout. Drowning in bliss, chanting his lover's name between his mewls and purrs, he crooned with instinctive satisfaction when Senri came with a roar, pumping his insides full of his too-hot seed and rutting into him helplessly as he nuzzled against his neck insistently, thankfully, purring loudly his pleasure and gratitude.
Sagging into the blankets with a gasp when Senri pinned him down and enjoyed the blissful haze of the afterglow – so he barely registered his lover's quiet snicker.
"I did feel you taking the shield down, my possessive Raha," Senri purred, nuzzling against his neck – and even as he flushed furiously, he couldn't help his smile at the happy note to his mate purrs.
"So… you did want to make me jealous?" he asked with an exaggerated sigh of resignation, drawing a new shield and freezing, feeling another drop as his Warrior snickered.
"You…?" he started, frowning involuntarily. He knew Senri could do that – he just usually didn't bother.
"As much as I appreciate the thought," his Senri murmured, then sighed softly and pulled back to roll to his side next to him. Downright pouting at his lover's crossing his… scheme, G'raha cleaned quickly, then pulled his pants back in place, avoiding looking anywhere near his lover as his face blazed… to gasp when his mate sighed and pulled him in a tight hug, resting his chin on top of his head. Somewhat relieved, he snuggled in tightly against his lover's bigger frame, resting his cheek against his chest and possessively spanning his arm around him. That he made sure his hand rested on Senri's beautiful ass… only worked to make him purr as his mate's heat sank into his skin. "I do, Raha," his Warrior chuckled sheepishly, nuzzling against his ear. "But… I'm sorry for behaving like that," he murmured, tightening his arms around him. "I've… I had been a… b-brat, I know, I shouldn't… I mean, I know it's been much longer for you… and…"
"Shhh," he cooed, nuzzling against his hot skin… and he couldn't help but smile tenderly, delicately rubbing his hand over his lover's behind. "I always adored that spoiled, bratty side of you, my heart…" he admitted with a quiet snicker when Senri huffed with indignation. "Because I know, only with me you let yourself be like that," he added in a whisper and chuckled softly when his lover sighed but didn't deny it, nuzzling against his ears and purring loudly.
Humming his approval for the caress, G'raha tilted his head back and didn't have to say a word but his lover instantly pulled him up in his arms, and without conscious thought, their lips met in a lazy kiss. Sharing a breath and delighting in his taste, the slow rhythm of push and pull of their tongues hypnotized him enough that he almost forgot… to pull back slightly and with a delicate bite on his mate's lower lip, chuckled and rubbed the tip of his nose against his lover's.
"So…" he hummed curiously, catching the enamored ice-blue gaze. "You did… want to make me jealous? That's why you were so… busy with Estinien?"
When his Senri's eyes widened slightly and flashed with confusion… he tried not to pout, feeling he knew – and didn't like – the answer.
"Ummm… no?" his lover chuckled sheepishly, then pressed a tender kiss on the corner of his mouth. "I was just… enjoying his company, Raha. I didn't see him in two years… since I was so busy avoiding him. Which now feels… quite stupid, since he didn't even mention that night…"
"Then," he frowned, turning his head away from another kiss despite his lips twitching when his Warrior whined a petulant complaint. "Why did you rise the shield in place of mine?"
"I mean… I thought you would be embarrassed – and I wanted to spare you the sure teasing from Alisaie," his lover explained, chasing his mouth. "I wasn't sure… you did it on purpose."
Now G'raha downright pouted, turning his head away again.
"You do know I want only you," his mate purred, freeing one hand to wrap it around his jaw and hold it while he pressed a kiss on his pursed lips and laughed softly when G'raha growled softly in a warning. "Raha… don't be like that," Senri whined petulantly, then shifted to let him fall on his back to lean over him as his icy-blue irises flashed with humor. "Not to mention…" he drawled, wrapping his fingers around redheaded Seeker's chin while funnily wrinkling his nose and pursing his lips. "…technically, he's not a Scion."
G'raha scowled instantly, despite his lover's expression making him really, really want… no, need to snort a laugh. Thinning his lips to stop himself, he cleared his throat and raised his hand to the tattoo on his mate's shoulder.
"So…" he said, fighting to keep on a stern expression while Senri wiggled his dark eyebrows playfully… and he shook, choking a laugh. "…how… h-how did you explain us… sh-sharing a tent…? When obviously… he k-knows of your preferences…?"
"Does he, though…?" his Warrior murmured, sagging against him and burying his nose against G'raha's throat while his face colored prettily. "Quite… possible he thinks I was well… ah, veeery drunk that night. Maybe even that I don't remember anything. When I told him we have only three tents – which is true – he looked relieved that he got his own…" he trailed off, nuzzling against his skin with a happy hum while hidden from his gaze, G'raha scowled, wrapping his arms around his lover's shoulders, sinking one hand in black hair while the other smoothed down Senri's spine, to rest around the base of his tail. "So… you were jealous of me, my Raha?" he sniggered, curling into him and sighing softly against his skin while his hand smoothed down his side to sneak behind the waistband of his pants and wrap in a possessive gesture around his buttock – but his Warrior seemed content to stay otherwise motionless, purring his bliss while he delicately petted his ear and tail in soothing movements of his fingers.
"…perhaps," he whispered teasingly but his eyes narrowed into slits at the roof of the tent.
"My silly mate," his lover drawled sleepily, slowly relaxing against him as his purrs grew slower and quieter.
While his Senri slowly drifted off to sleep, G'raha kept up his gentle ministrations on his ink-black fur, working his jaw as he glared daggers at the material above them.
I don't get it, Damon chuckled fondly but did sound confused. We supported you when you insisted on keeping your relationship from the public, Raha. Basically, he fulfilled your wish making sure others didn't hear you…?
He closed his eyes with a quiet huff, knowing the immortal was right… but still cursing that in thought.
Oh, right, Damon positively sniggered. If Senri is right and his… friend didn't realize that he preferred males, but still ALMOST slept with him… It would make him quite… special, right? He could also put him bolting up to that… But still… And as Alisaie said, they did seem quite cozy. Do you think Estinien didn't mention that night to not… spook Senri? Make him more comfortable and… accessible…?
He growled softly, letting both of his hands move to his mate's shoulder blades and pulling him in a tight, possessive embrace, relaxing only when Senri hummed and sleepily nuzzled against his throat, then unconsciously complied and shifted to rest fully on top of him. He was heavy like that – all hot, lax muscles – but even while it squeezed the air out of his lungs, G'raha relished in his weight and heat – reassured in his claim over that gorgeous body and the beautiful soul inside it.
He knew he was being ridiculous and honestly… he admired the Dragoon – he did! – but he'd be damned if he let ANYONE lay their hands on HIS mate!
Maybe it's time to reconsider your position on revealing you… status? Damon chortled.
Maybe, he agreed, forcing himself to relax and let his lover's content purrs by his neck lull him to sleep.
