In the end, after hearing of it, it was Ares who protested the idea of revealing their relationship – which had both G'raha and Senri pout something fierce.

'Zenos,' the immortal stated in the manner of explanation once they arrived back at Rising Stones and discussed the matter. And that, honestly, gave the both of them a pause. 'He is back in the possession of his body – and we all know he would love nothing more than get his hands on something – someone – able to provoke Senri into facing him. With Fandaniel at his beck and call… well, I see no reason to endanger Raha.'

And while Senri easily agreed with his passenger – despite swearing being more than capable of taking on the Garlean prince – it had both Raha and Damon irritated.

Like I can't keep us safe, his immortal sounded downright petulant a few days after their excursion into Paglth'an, when G'raha settled down in the common area of the compound with a book. And no, he didn't pick up the table with a great view at the bar because his lover stood there, chatting with Estinien. He was surprised to hear from amused Alisaie that the Dragoon arrived at their base, that's all. Back in their bedroom, while knowing his lover lazed about the common area with Alphinaud and Y'shtola, he relocated just out of curiosity, that's all. And that Senri barely registered his presence with a smile he granted anyone else… did NOT piss him off. He was not petty enough to for such… immature behavior! That he still was suspicious of Dragoon's motives in not mentioning the night when he ALMOST had the honor of laying his hands on HIS mate – because yeah, even if they didn't know about it then, Senri was still his back then – was only natural. And that the man indeed technically wasn't a Scion… didn't change a fact that if he as much as touches his lover… G'raha bit back a growl, glaring daggers toward the Elzen. Which the object of his irritation didn't seem to notice – or care about – which was only working to annoy him even more.

"What is he doing here, anyway?" whispered Alisaie, falling on the seat next to him and startling him out of his glare.

"No idea," he muttered, crossing his arms on the table in front of him and leaning on them. He knew that his friend was still more than irritated with the Dragoon for confusing her with her twin – a grave insult for the young girl, not to mention ridiculous if one thought about it. It took mere moments in twins' company to realize their glaring differences… and honestly – not to be too crude – but she did wear a skirt that day – so unless Estinien thought Alphinaud enjoyed such – his mistake had no explanation. "Do you suppose he's a tad… too cozy with Senri?" he whispered the question that was bothering him the most, leaning toward her so none other could overhear them.

She blinked at him with a hint of surprise, then frowned and looked toward the Warrior and the Dragoon with new interest, as if only now considering that… eventuality.

"You think…?" she murmured, then turned her gaze to him and shrugged helplessly. "I couldn't say, Raha. Do you even know if he's interested in males?" she blinked again when he nodded at that – obviously stunned and instantly suspicious. "Wait… seriously? How do you know of…" she trailed off, dragging her gaze toward Estinien again and frowning as she leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms over her chest and pursed he lips with consideration, before looking at G'raha again. "Did they… you know…?" she raised her eyebrows meaningfully.

"Almost," he admitted, flushing darkly and dropping his gaze to the book in front of him before clearing his throat. "About two years ago Senri got veeery drunk at a party in Ishgard they both attended," he whispered without looking toward her and fiddling with the pages. "Drunk and miserable… because coincidently it was the day of the fourth anniversary of me sealing the Tower," he grimaced involuntarily when she gasped softly and shifted on her seat, leaning toward him but he kept his gaze on the page – more than uncomfortable with the mere… idea. Not only because of his instinctive possessiveness. More with even the thought of how much he hurt his Warrior by leaving him. He knew – logically – that it was for the best in the end, but the thought of Senri's pain… hurt. "He – Senri – ah, bolted before anything could happen then avoided him out of embarrassment… But now, reunited, apparently, Estinien didn't even mention that… and isn't that suspicious?" he scowled, finally turning his gaze to her.

"Well…" she frowned with consideration, tossing him a quick, slightly amused look. "…maybe he's also embarrassed, though?"

G'raha almost scoffed at that, narrowing his eyes at the object of his annoyance.

"Why would you say so?" he asked anyway, looking at her again. "Senri is a beautiful man…"

"I mean…" she chuckled, pressing her hand on his forearm to stop him. "…I'm just saying, Raha, I've had more than a few occasions to see our Warrior drunk – and it IS hard to miss," she winked at his involuntary smile – reminded of his lover's adorable behavior back when he got inebriated on the First. "I'm not Estinien's biggest fan after the other day… but even I find it hard to believe he would… ah, agree to something like that – unless he was as drunk, maybe…? But if he wasn't… and maybe assumed that Senri bolted because he got soberer… It would really make the whole thing beyond uncomfortable… I think?"

She does have a point, Damon agreed with obvious consideration… and he had to admit he saw their point. All who knew their Warrior knew that his alcohol tolerance was… well, not the best. And having sex with someone under the influence… well, definitely didn't sound like something the Azure Dragoon was likely to do. But even then… G'raha sighed softly, leaning harder on his elbows and again dropping his gaze to the book in front of him.

"I guess… You're more than likely right," he admitted reluctantly, tossing her a sheepish smile and cursing internally when his face heated up considerably. "I never… ah, thought of it that way. When I learned about it, I was too… upset. Though, I had no reason to, in all honesty. Not only I swore him to move on… but he never had any idea we will meet again," he flushed even darker when her blue eyes widened impossibly and her mouth dropped open.

"Wait…" she murmured, and he dropped his gaze feeling his face burn hotter and hotter when understanding dawned in her eyes. "…so you never…? For a hundred years…?"

"How could I?" he muttered with a delicate shrug but without looking anywhere but at the page in front of him. "After Senri…" he sighed and swallowed thickly, tossing a quick look up… and gasping shakily when his gaze was caught right in a cage of ice-blue irises – the heat of it melting away his uncertainty and insecurities instantly. "He's my Sun," he wasn't even aware he said that out loud, drowning in his gaze. That is, until Alisaie positively gushed, startling him.

"Gods… so cute," she snickered quietly when his gaze shot to her… and wicked white, but his face was on fire! He swallowed thickly, falling against the surface of the table and burying his flaming face in his arms with a quiet groan… hoping she won't notice what just that innocent look was doing to him.

And he was getting so smug about getting his raging hormones under control, too!

What a fool he was, truly… The truth was – he was still more than insecure… and scared. At some level, he couldn't help but worry that how Senri felt for him wasn't real. Ever since learning of their immortals' bond… he wondered if his Warrior even considered the fact that in a way they never really had a choice. And while he was bound with someone so unbearably perfect his Senri was stuck with… him.

I swear, if I could I would love nothing more than to smack you over the head, boy, Damon drawled with obvious annoyance and he curled into himself involuntarily. How many times can we go over that…?

"Sorry, Raha, didn't mean to make you uncomfortable," Alisaie chuckled sheepishly and despite his still flaming face, he tilted his head to peer at her with one eye. She was smiling at him reassuringly and for some reason that had his throat tighten painfully. He still wasn't really used to the fact that she… liked him. Three moons into him being the Scion and spending more time with her… he shyly offered that she could use his given name – if she wanted – and honestly… was somewhat surprised when she accepted and grinned triumphantly. Like it was some sort of… achievement. And as embarrassing as it was… he couldn't help but simply love her – because she never acted like he wasn't enough for Senri. Not after that first… misunderstanding in the First, anyway. Since he was back on the Source – despite her constant teasing – it never felt ill-willed. None of the Scions ever seemed troubled by Warrior's pick… but she was the one that was truly… supportive of his relationship with Senri – and he couldn't help but be thankful for that. "I just find it unbearably… beautiful, honestly," she chuckled again, petting his shoulder reassuringly when he groaned again and hid his blush as it went sooo much hotter. "Now, now… Don't get so flustered!" she snickered quietly, poking him now. "Look up, seems Krile's about to announce something."

He twitched, then merely tilted his head to peer over his forearms with confusion and frowned slightly seeing she was right.

"May I have your attention!" his oldest friend called, and all of the present – the inner circle of the Scions in full, honestly… and Estinien – looked toward her curiously, turning in their seats or where they stood. Fighting his blush, G'raha righted himself in his seat and fought not to look anywhere near his lover… because he could still feel his gaze – not to mention Senri's desire bubbling up at the back of his mind. He wasn't sure if his Warrior heard him… but he had a pretty good idea he did. And definitely liked his… involuntarily confession outside of their bedroom. He – more than anyone – understood the depth of the meaning behind those words. And as much as he couldn't help but be insecure about the idea if he truly deserved his heart… his devotion to his mate was true. So he avoided his gaze… all too tempted to walk across the massive room and indulge the heat in the ice-blue irises. Senri complained about his self-control being too good – his silly, insatiable Snark – but the truth was… with one heated look like that… he could feel his leash frying at a scary speed. He blinked rapidly, flushing darker as he realized he missed whatever Krile was saying in his distraction, looking at her mouth moving, but not hearing a word… until suddenly most of their friends gathered around the spot where Senri and Estinien leaned against the bar – seemingly excited about something.

"I guess, no matter my misgivings about him, we should welcome him as well," he blinked again, then his eyes darted toward Alisaie when she stood up with a grimace.

"Huh?" he hummed, but obediently pushed his chair back and stood up.

"You didn't hear?" she tossed him a knowing, taunting look, wiggling her eyebrows meaningfully – by now more than aware that he tended to… get lost in thoughts occasionally. He smiled sheepishly, blushing darkly but tossing her a pleading look. She snickered, but grabbed his arm and pulled him down until she could whisper against his ear. "Krile said that she's going back to Old Sharlayan to petition the Forum for help with uncovering Telophoroi's true motives… And that she and Y'shtola were investigating why Hydealyn is… so silent lately with Senri. She thinks that Sharlayans might have a way to communicate with the Mothercrystal," she snorted quietly when his ears twitched with interest at that. "See… pays to pay attention, sometimes… But yeah, since it makes us one member short – she asked Estinien to join us officially… and surprise, surprise… he accepted."

"Oh," he blinked, straightening when she let go of him with a chuckle, leaving his side and heading toward the gathering.

Well… he's a Scion NOW, his immortal hummed meaningfully.

You knew of this coming, obviously? G'raha almost rolled his eyes.

Obviously, Damon chuckled.

He ground his teeth with annoyance at his apparent amusement but smoothed his expression with a polite smile while he joined the others. That twitched slightly when his gaze met those eyes again – devouring him despite the usual grin on his lover's face. And that – the fact that even hiding behind his mask and fooling all but those who knew the predator behind it – looking so relaxed and easygoing, yet his ice-blue irises followed his slightest movements with the focus betraying his true nature… had G'raha's heart stutter nervously before it redoubled its rhythm. His blood heated instantly and his breath sped up… as the sudden idea had his smile turn less polite and almost edge into a smirk.

"It is a pleasure to welcome you in our ranks, Estinien," he said toward the Elzen with very real honesty. Because if he was a Scion now… G'raha's eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly toward his Warrior and without a warning he did something he only read of being possible – honestly never expecting he would be even tempted to use it with how already he barely could get Senri to behave – and saw a mix of surprise and curiosity dilate the vertical pupils just a tad when his mate felt the push. Unsuspecting – so adorably trusting and unaware of his… intentions – his Warrior, even as surrounded as they were and keeping his usual mask in place… let him in. And while feeling his surprise and pleasure at the connection – holding his gaze and keeping his own expression carefully innocent – G'raha purred inside his mind, simultaneously hitting his senses with a wave of his lust.

Watching Senri's pupils dilate impossibly, swallowing the pale blue of his irises – he almost smirked deviously – with effort keeping up a straight face as he moved away from the group and leaned his back against the nearest pillar. Innocently hooking his thumbs behind his belt, hidden from everyone's but his Warrior's dazed eyes and the Dragoon – who looked toward the others with a slightly uncomfortable expression – he peered at his lover through his lashes, licked his lips drawing his mate's gaze to his mouth instantly and did it again – sent a deep, rumbling purr across their bond… demanding his claim.

And even though his face blazed when his Warrior growled involuntarily – loud, sudden sound clearly stunning others – then broke their ranks heading straight for him… he simply held his darkened, predatory gaze until Senri stopped right in front of him – his eyes nearly feral when he bared his teeth at him.

"Senri, what…?" he heard Alisaie's confused voice, which trailed off suddenly when dared by G'raha's smirk, the Warrior pounced, pinning him against the pillar, fisting his hand in his hair and tilting his head for access as he took his mouth in a deep, almost brutal kiss, demanding his utter submission. "…oh, Twelve… there we go again," she snorted loudly.

And he only smirked under his lover's mouth, eagerly swallowing his choked whimper when he wrapped his arms around his neck while purring inside his mind insistently. And he was confident in his play… until Senri answered in kind, setting his nerve endings ablaze as the sensation was so incredibly, maddeningly… oh, gods… Forgetting everything but the taste on his tongue and the intoxicating scent of his lover's arousal as it filled his head with every shaky, shared breath – he lost himself in that feeling, gasping a quiet desperate mewls of need as seemingly… he overdid it completely and his Warrior was determined to eat him alive, devouring his mouth with endless hunger and feeding him his choked snarls and whines.

"You do have room for that!" someone laughed, carelessly slapping Senri's shoulder. Thancred, he realized hazily as he was freed when his lover's head snapped back to his friend with a warning growl. His inner predator was too close to the surface as G'raha gasped shakily and hid his flaming face against his shoulder, trying to collect his scattered wits. "Whoa, Senri, I thought we're past that… phase," the Hyur snickered mercilessly but by sound, carefully backed away.

And because it was his fault – his lover's muscles taut with a need for violence at the disruption – G'raha flushed darkly, but sank his hand in ink-black hair and forced his lover to focus on him again, cooing soothingly as he pulled his head down against his shoulder. And feeling him almost vibrate against him, he ran his fingers through his dark hair in a delicate, reassuring caress – not even flinching when using the cover of his scarf, Senri silently bit him. And while he slowly relaxed and cooled down – reassured in his claim – G'raha dared a peek over his shoulder toward the Dragoon and seeing the surprise and clear discomfort at the display – but no hint of jealousy… Well, he hid his smug smirk against his Warrior's black shirt, finally letting go of his own irrational jealousy.

Whether he deserved it or not – Senri wanted him, and only him… and he was more than happy to accommodate him.

He was his Sun, after all…


"Are you fucking kidding me?" T'senri gasped numbly, still hoping it was a joke as he looked around the crowded massive area inside the belly of the ship. The ship they were supposed to be stuck on for the next three weeks – bound for the Old Sharlayan… and the sight had him backpedal quickly and head back up the stairs leading to deck, skipping the steps and almost growling in annoyance at whoever was unlucky to block his way. "No, I'm not fucking doing this."

Easy, my boy, Ares positively chortled at his expanse – reading the reason behind his outburst. Three weeks is hardly long.

"For an immortal, yeah…" he murmured under his nose, searching the deck for the familiar redhead – their group swallowed by the crowd lining the railing and waving toward the people at the harbor while the ship slowly drifted away from it.

It took him a moment but finally, he spotted his lover further off, on the other side, leaning against the railing next to Alisaie – both chatting animatedly as they watched the waves. T'senri darted toward them, and only because of being followed by the curious looks of those that recognized him, he didn't simply pounce at his mate and instead stopped behind them and cleared his throat to gain their attention.

"You look… happy," Alisaie snarked, turning around and leaning her back against the railing while raising her eyebrows expectantly. "What gives?"

"Did you see… the inside of this ship?" he drawled, trying to keep calm.

"Is there something wrong below the deck?" Raha frowned, turning his gaze toward him with a slight, confused smile.

"You can say so," he scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest and trying not to glare toward the harbor – because if Tataru did this on purpose… "It's one, huge area, apparently to be shared by all the passengers…"

If he expected shock and dismay he felt – he was sorely disappointed.

"I mean…" his lover chuckled sheepishly and Warrior's gaze darted between his confused gaze and the curious tilt of the Elzen's head. "…what else did you expect, Snark? I do admit, I'm not sure if it's always the case… but it was exactly the same when I traveled from Old Sharlayan here."

"Same," Alisaie nodded her agreement, then snorted a laugh at T'senri's dismayed expression. "Don't be a baby, Senri! It's just three weeks!" she sniggered madly and he hissed through his teeth, carefully moving next to his lover and despite keeping a 'decent' space between them, leaned it so none of the passengers milling the deck behind them could overhear his next words.

"And… you're fine with that, Raha?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" crimson eyes blinked with honest to the Twelve surprise when he looked up at him. "I mean, I didn't expect anything else, so…" he shrugged slightly, turning his gaze toward the waves as his handsome face colored prettily. "And as Alisaie said, it's just three weeks, Snark."

Finding no understanding – not even from his mate! – T'senri grumbled a string of profanities under his nose, huffed with indignation, and marched off… heading back under the deck.

Raha and his annoying self-control – were the bane of his existence, truly! Fine! He wants to play coy… lets see how long it'll last once the need to mate kicks in… Because he had to know what exactly had him so aggravated, right? His blush was enough of an answer…

That reminds me, his immortal chortled, following his track of thoughts while ignoring all other passengers – though keeping his usual smile – he marched across the massive space and gingerly settled against the wall, sitting by it cross-legged and feigning interest as he observed the passengers. And fought not to flinch or otherwise acknowledge more than a few interested looks tossed his way, cursing the circumstances. You know how Damon loves to bet, right? Do you fancy one, Senri…?

About…? He sighed, closing his eyes and resting the back of his head against the wall behind him.

How long do you suppose he'll last? Ares sounded honestly waaay too entertained by the situation, but since T'senri knew that he wasn't as affected by their body when not in control… Well, the immortal could afford it, he guessed. According to what you heard as a child… it takes about two days, yes? After that point… let us say… a day?

He's stubborn, he sighed internally, trying not to pout. And bashful. I give him three days, so five in total… by which point I'll be probably out of my mind, he admitted reluctantly, pulling his knees, resting his chin on top of them, and wrapping his arms and tail around them.

I can help you with that, my boy, his immortal chortled almost… meanly. That… caught his attention as he peered through his lashes and his lips tilted in a slow smirk.

How? He asked with a new interest.

By letting him have a taste of his own medicine, Senri, Ares tempted with a chuckle. Just say so, boy, and I'll make sure that until the moment he's begging for it you won't as much as touch him. And with five days I think you're being beyond generous… since Damon's presence makes him more than sure to cave by day after the need kicks in. And once he's asleep we can involve my husband as well – he can't resist a bet.

It was tempting… very, very tempting…

Isn't that a bit too… mean? He hesitated, tightening his arms around his knees. I think I know what are you selling, Ares. Do you want to use your gift to compel me not to touch him?

Obviously, the immortal said with amusement. And come on, my boy… It's not like it'll hurt him in any way, right? We will be just giving him exactly what he thinks – right now, at least – he wants. I swear I'll be very specific with the compulsion. As soon as he asks for your touch, it'll brake. And don't you want to see HOW riled up it can get him…?

Doesn't change the fact that we're stuck here, he grimaced involuntarily, hiding his flaming face against his knees. Even if I go for it, I hardly can agree to embarrass him, Ares. It's all fun and games, but…

Think I would? If he could, the immortal sounded like he would roll his eyes at him. Don't be silly, Senri. As soon as he caves, I'll teach you something you might find… useful in this situation, okay?

He mulled it over, biting his lower lip with uncertainty until he peered up just in time to see his friends – including his lover – enter the massive area and the sight of his mate's carefree smile… had him frown and close his eyes.

Okay, he finally gave in to temptation. If nothing else… he was curious how riled up Raha can get. The sudden memory of his lover's… eagerness for him after he woke up on the Source had his mouth filled with saliva and he swallowed audibly. Something like… that? He really, really wouldn't mind a repeat of that…

Good choice, Ares's snicker sounded downright evil.


Two and a half days after their group boarded the ship heading toward the Old Sharlayan, G'raha truly understood the sheer scope of his misconception.

Right after boarding, when Senri looked so… distraught about the way they were supposed to travel, he thought himself… better informed than his lover – and now was paying the price of his hubris.

Mating bond in itself had but one true purpose – breeding – and considering the fact that for them it was simply physically impossible, he assumed they'll be exempt from its… downsides. Lulled into that… assurance despite the fact that if he thought about it now, since their immortals reestablished their bond, there was not an occasion for him before to think otherwise. Even that first few weeks in the First… though, now he knew it was Ares, not Senri, it kind of not explained… his stupidity.

Because as miserable as he was during that time… he didn't feel the downright insistent and irresistible need to pounce at his lover – that now had him hide away in a dark, dark corner of the ship, curl into a ball of misery and literally shake as he fought his body's furious need.

Biting on his fist to choke down involuntary whines that tore from his throat with every urging throb of the mark on his shoulder, he buried his flaming face against his knees and fought the pull, praying to any god that would listen. Which was seemingly none… as seconds turned to minutes and with every one of them, the maddening throbbing was getting more and more insistent, sending goosebumps across his body, and bristling his fur.

And he couldn't even blame Senri for doing this to him…! Not really, since his Warrior since that first day, behaved perfectly. He could feel his love and devotion… but apparently, somehow Senri was much, much more resistant to this… condition. Which he guessed he could only blame on his immortal's presence… Which didn't seem fair to do considering how apologetic and supportive Damon was since this… started. Short of offering to take over to give him a break, that is…

You don't want me to, boy, the immortal chortled at his inquiry about that. I have much fewer scruples than you, believe me. It does not look pleasant, and faced with that… Well, you know… I just make sure to keep Ares's eyes covered and beyond that simply don't care who sees us fucking, he chuckled when G'raha flushed at that furiously. Ah, that reminds me of that one time he visited my office after one of his longer travels. Half of the walls of it were transparent, you see, and…

I get the picture! He cut him off and swore never to ask him again while his imagination had no problem replacing their immortals with them in that image… and holy fuck… he really, really shouldn't find that arousing… Really shouldn't… But his memory then decided to, oh, so helpfully supply his mind with the image of Cabinet of Curiosity and Senri holding him down in that chair while… oh, gods…

Yeah, he definitely had a kink for this sort of thing… because even as his face felt like it was going to burn away, his dick throbbed painfully, now no less insistently than the mark and he whimpered needily around his fist.

In mere few bells since the moment he noticed the… side effects, they were getting progressively worse. The throbbing on his shoulder wasn't even the worst – as the sensation of the literal, whole-body itch had to take that title. He ran away from their group after the tenth time he caught himself staring at Senri's hands and simply… itching. And even though he knew it wasn't possible… somehow his lover's scent seemed to surround and choke him… and while his Warrior looked utterly unaffected – he couldn't help but find a quiet spot and not… embarrass himself with his neediness. Surely… Senri's behavior had to mean that how he felt couldn't be normal…?

Silly boy, Damon sighed with resignation. When are you going to FINALLY understand that? I'm really getting… ah, do you fancy a bet, Raha?

What bet…? He opened his eyes, glaring into the surrounding him shade – the small nook he noticed the day before during a stroll on the deck in the middle of the night seemed like a perfect spot to hide, even as part of his mind was concerned his sudden disappearance would worry his friends – and shifting uncomfortably to relieve the painful pressure of the material of his pants pressing on his aching erection.

I bet, if you would simply ask him, Senri would love nothing more than… help you with this, the immortal said meaningfully. As affected or not, a word and you can have him. Want to give it a try…?

But… he flushed even darker, hearing the nearing steps. He didn't have to wonder, feeling him before his Warrior poked his head into his nook and grinned triumphantly.

"Here you are," his lover chuckled sheepishly, sneaking into the narrow space but his grin fell at the sight of his expression. "Are you okay, Raha? You look kind of… feverish?" He kneeled by his side, but, oh, at such a careful distance from him.

G'raha pulled his hand back from his mouth, shifting uncomfortably and fighting to stay still even as his mate's maddening scent filled his head, making him want to… no, need to sniff the air greedily. There was no tang of arousal in it – making him incredibly self-conscious about his own… state. But as the immortal's words still rang in his head, his dazed eyes met his mate's ice-blue irises – as always so much love and devotion in them that his heart simply… stopped for a bit – and before he could even think of it better, his shaky hand rose to Senri's cheek as he licked his lips. With his heart in his throat, he swallowed thickly and took a deep, steadying breath while Senri didn't pull away, but also didn't move in even an ilm…

"I-I…" he stammered nervously, hating his own stupid insecurity as his lover simply looked at him with those pretty, pretty eyes and reassuring smile. Why…? Why couldn't he simply believe that this gorgeous, perfect man was right to want him this much…? When Senri never gave him even the slightest reason to doubt his devotion… Why did it always feel like it was just… too good for him…?

Because deep, deep down at the bottom of your soul – no matter how old you are – there's still that little, terrified… kit, that believes it is somehow his fault that he was abounded, whispered Damon with heartbreaking tenderness. And no matter how much now your mind knows why… That little part of you can't believe someone can want you so… much. But with him, Raha… Just try, please…

"I-I…" he closed his eyes as they burned… and his throat closed up, feeling so tight he could hardly breathe… "…n-need y-you, Sen-Senri," he whispered barely over a breath as something inside him curled into eerie… terror.

"What do you need of me, Raha?" his Warrior whispered softly, not moving. Completely, utterly motionless. "Tell me and it's yours."

It was that… simple? How could that be that simple… and why did it feel so hard…?

"Ple-Please, t-touch m… me?" he didn't dare to look… to almost choke on a sob when instantly Senri pounced, moving closer and pulling him in his lap.

"Thought you never ask…" his lover chuckled breathlessly, shakily wrapping both arms around him almost painfully and his scent so, so quickly filled his head with the intoxicating tang of his arousal. Again almost sobbing in relief, he wrapped his hands around his Snark's beautiful, beloved face and finally dared to open his eyes… while that something inside him unfurled and relaxed as he drowned in the boundless, endless adoration in those ice-blue irises. "Raha…" his mate lifted one hand to curl it delicately, oh, so tenderly against his cheek in turn and something… incredibly powerful flared in his eyes as they held his gaze captive. "…I love you… because I choose to love you. Nothing more, nothing less. Because you're a good, kind, and selfless idiot that makes me laugh," he smiled crookedly and leaned in to press a gentle kiss on the corner of his mouth and stayed like that when his next words broke and healed something inside him at the same time. "…because with you, I can hope… to be more than I am. To be worthy of someone as good as you… no matter how much blood I'm fated to s-spill. Not because of our… passengers or destiny or any of that… But because you saw the worst of me… and didn't turn away. Even if perhaps… you should…" he trailed off with a sad sigh that tickled G'raha's lips.

Maybe that was what was truly pulling them together so strongly…? They were both wounded on the deepest level of their souls and he needed Senri's love as much as his Warrior needed his acceptance.

"How could I…?" he chuckled wetly, letting his hands smooth to the back of Senri's head and sink in the ink-black strands. "…you're my Sun, Snark."

"And you are mine, Raha," his lover's eyes shone with humor and tenderness. "Now… let me take care of you, my heart," he purred teasingly, trailing delicate kisses along his jaw and down his throat while his hand left his cheek to smooth down his side and curl around his buttock in a possessive gesture. Painfully reminded of his affliction, G'raha whimpered softly, tilting his head to grant him greater access, while scrambling up his thighs eagerly, to press against him harder.

Almost dying in painful arousal, he dropped one hand from Senri's hair to tug his shirt out of the waistband of his pants impatiently, letting it reach for the hot skin under it, splaying on his lower back while he nuzzled shamelessly against his throat and pleaded his need in quiet whimpers. He barely registered when Senri stilled suddenly, almost growling under his breath.

"Seriously…?" his lover murmured against his throat. "…you couldn't tell me about that earlier?"

"Huh?" he gasped breathlessly when his Warrior huffed a breathless laugh, then wrapped both arms around him securely.

"Don't worry about it, my prince, just… trust me," Senri purred in invitation before catching his mouth in a deep, delicious kiss, stealing his breath and mind. And he did, drowning in his intoxicating flavor and his own need, mewling under his devouring lips… he didn't notice the strange familiar-unfamiliar sound and the slight jolt didn't phase him much… until his Warrior suddenly pinned him down, and instead of hard, cold wood of the deck under his back, G'raha's back pressed into the soft, comfortable surface. The surprise of it was enough that he reluctantly turned away from the kiss, gasping for air as his eyes drifted open… and his jaw dropped. Because somehow… they were back in their nest, the foray for red and black pillows unmistakable. "You see, apparently Ares and Damon FORGOT to mention that we can travel like Ascians… anywhere we like," his lover chuckled, using his distraction to nibble at his throat while tugging at his clothes impatiently.

Surprise! Damon chuckled deviously. Enjoy, my boy.

He couldn't help but frown at the ceiling of their bedroom, somewhat wondering if all of this was some sort of an elaborate scheme by their immortals.

"So anytime you want me, Raha," his lover purred, breaking apart only to help him get his vest and tunic off, to then pin him down again to tear a helpless whimper after helpless whimper from his throat as he rutted against him in a slow, maddening rhythm. Spreading affectionate, sharp bites along his throat and down his chest and stomach as he crawled down his body to tug off his boots and pants. "We can come back here and… have fun with none the wiser… Isn't that wonderful, my heart?" he grinned at him widely, his eyes so bright and happy…

"M-Marvelous," he gasped, sinking his hands in ink-black hair and grinning back, as cheerful. "Now… I believe you promised me some care…?"

If ice could burn…

"Ever at your service, my prince," Senri purred teasingly, eagerly following the pull of his hands and making himself comfortable between his thighs… for his beautiful mouth to set his world ablaze.