On a side note - this chapter on AO3 is prettily decorated with screens from the game - if you're curious :3
Enjoy ^_^
A week later, joining the scholars' supply run to Revenant Toll didn't sound that interesting for T'senri until an idea sprang in his mind that have him simply… shiver with anticipation. While his lover was clearly apprehensive about the company of the other scholars – no wonder, really, while they carefully avoided even looking toward the pair of the Seekers – and Warrior used it to swiftly snatch his historian from the back of the group and lead him toward one of his favorite places in the city – a balcony overlooking the market on top of the battlements.
"What are you up to, Snark?" Raha grumbled, making T'senri snort a laugh, especially when using his inhumane strength he wrapped his hands around his historian's waist and without a warning sat him on the tall wall surrounding the balcony.
"Stay with me here tonight," he murmured, pushing his lover's knees apart and settling between them, while carefully protecting older Seeker from toppling backwards – that he did that by wrapping his hands around Raha's ass… was a bonus.
"Senri…" his historian's handsome face scrunched up in an adorable frown when he rested his hands on Warrior's shoulders – quite a bit taller than him like this – and there was quite a bit of hesitation in his features. "I can barely get anything done as it is, my insatiable beast," he flushed beautifully, which only worked to ruin his complaint.
"Come on," T'senri whined, slightly digging his fingers in his lover's delectable behind and trying to bite back a grin when his historian's scent instantly spiked with arousal. He failed when a red, fluffy tail coiled itself around his forearm, and after a quick look around – making sure the balcony is well shielded from view – his lover leaned in, catching his mouth in a delicate kiss.
Purring his approval, the Warrior tightened his hands around his historian, pulling him tighter against him – more than a bit dazed when Raha straightened with a slight, teasing smirk.
"You're as insatiable," he finally rebutted, with relish licking his lover's addictive taste of his lips.
"True," older Seeker chuckled, combing his fingers through T'senri's hair delicately. When his hand tightened into a fist at the back of Warrior's head and then he used it to tilt his head, T'senri shamelessly mewled in painful arousal, hiding another grin when his historian's mismatched irises flashed with fiery lust instantly. Raha swallowed audibly, then as if against his will, his free hand moved between them, deftly pulling apart the fastenings of Warrior's black vest. He didn't protest, only submissively tilted his head in his historian's grip with a pleased purr when soon almost too-hot hand smoothed down his bare chest and stomach. "Why do you want to stay here, anyway," Raha's low, soothing voice sounded… breathless when he tightened his knees around T'senri's sides, then leaned in again to nip – less than gentle, which had Warrior choke on a whimper – right below the edge of his jaw. His biting 'kink', as his lover called it, was certainly rubbing off on him – which black-haired Seeker definitely loved.
"I want your delicious scent all over my true nest," T'senri admitted without shame – freeing one hand to wrap it around the back of his lover's neck while Raha trailed small, sharp bites down his throat. Now nearly choking on his inviting purrs, he could barely collect his thoughts, fighting the sudden impulse to pull his historian down, turn him around, and fuck him against the wall surrounding the balcony.
"Oh?" Raha chuckled breathlessly, certainly realizing his struggle as his scent only grew stronger with arousal when T'senri's fingers dug almost too-tightly into his skin. "The one in Rising Stones, you mean?"
"Y-yeah," he whispered, then didn't manage to stiffle on time another mewl – this one embarrassingly loud and needy – when his historian's sharp teeth sank into the junction of his neck and shoulder. And when at that Raha growled into his skin… he almost expired, helplessly rutting against the wall under the older Seeker's seat. "P-please…" he gasped, arching with a choked groan when his lover bit harder, breaking the skin.
"How… how could I say… n-no to that…?" his historian chuckled sheepishly, lifting his head and resting his forehead against T'senri's, both flushed while their panting breaths mixed.
"Oh, thank Azeyma…" the Warrior sighed softly, trying to curb his lust as he slowly pulled his lover down against him – almost losing it when Raha wrapped his arms around his neck and took his mouth in a rough kiss – tasting copper on his historian's tongue was almost too much… When Raha groaned, and his descent pulled T'senri down, he couldn't help but soon pin him against the wall, carelessly devouring his mouth while his lover's fingers now greedily snuck under his open vest and around his chest to dig into his back harshly, pulling him closer. "I s-swear…" he managed, breaking the kiss and pressing his face against Raha's shoulder, trying to catch his breath while his lover growled softly with protest. "…keep it up and I'll fuck you right here," he murmured, dropping his hands around his lover's ass and rutting his painful erection against his stomach.
He wasn't the best at self-control under the best of conditions and when his historian hummed softly as if considering it… he almost lost it.
"Okay, my Warrior," his lover chuckled, pressing his cheek against his chest and taking a deep, calming breath. "Show me your… n-nest."
T'senri grinned, then ignoring his historian's instant squeak of protest, picked him up and tossed him over his shoulder – swatting his lover's bottom for a good measure as he headed – quickly – toward the Seventh Heaven.
"I thought you'll never ask," he snarked, then laughed out loud when Raha sagged with a patient kind of sigh – and if he knew him – probably rolling his beautiful eyes at his antics as he rested his elbows against Warrior's back.
He barely got to see anything of the Scions' compound before Senri locked them in one of the rooms – strangely, mostly empty but for a pile of furs and blankets in the corner of it, that he was unceremoniously tossed on. Before he could as much as think to scramble away, his Warrior pounced, pulling him to all fours and pushing at the waistband of G'raha's pants.
Maybe he could find it in himself to mind – if he wasn't already painfully aroused and more that eager – fisting his hands in the blankets and hanging his head between his arms with a choked whine when Senri growled, pulling the collar of his vest back and bit him with a possessive snarl while maybe a bit too roughly pressing his finger inside him, impatiently working the tight ring of muscles into submission. G'raha wasn't sure where he got the oil – did his Warrior planned it? – but strong scent of it nearly made his head spin.
And he felt it again – this strange… sensation he got every time when Senri bit him – like something… writhed at the back of his mind. It wasn't exactly pleasant… and mostly just weird, but he didn't have time to even consider it because soon, without breaking his bite, Senri's cock pushed inside him from behind and he lost his mind, almost wailing at the sheer pressure and the sensation of being oh so slowly impaled by a scalding hot flesh.
'S-sorry…" his lover gasped, panting harshly against his neck after he bottomed out, shuddering almost violently against G'raha's back as he fought to keep still.
"Don't… a-apologize," he barely choked out, arching his back with a whimper under him and fisting his hands so hard his knuckles went white. "Just… f-fuck me," then he mewled mindlessly when Senri snarled and bit him again, coiling one hand around his cock while eagerly following his demand. Before long he completely forgot the slight… discomfort at the back of his head in favor of his lover completely blowing his mind, pounding into him almost brutally while pumping his dick in the rhythm of his rough thrusts. Making sure to hit the spot that had G'raha's nerve endings jolt in nearly painful pleasure, mewling and gasping his enjoyment; it didn't take long before he came with a choked whine, spilling all over his lover's precious blankets under him. Senri purred his approval into his skin without breaking his insane rhythm, letting go of his cock to dig his fingers into the historian's hip, holding him still while he set off for his own bliss.
G'raha wasn't even surprised anymore when his body almost too quickly grew aroused again under Warrior's rough strokes – only choked on near-deafening purrs and whimpers until he came again, almost whining in overstimulation – and only then Senri groaned loudly, deeply, and his almost too-hot seed painted G'raha's insides in mind-blowing spurts. Ignoring the mess they made of Warrior's nest, they tumbled into it with a twin deep groans, and historian didn't even mind that Senri was quite… crushing him – too blissed-out as his body shook in the aftershocks.
They basked in it, purring loudly and happily while younger Seeker nuzzled against his neck, spreading affectionate bites across his skin and drawing soothingly on his hip when G'raha's tail coiled around his waist tightly, almost painfully. He moved his hand back, sinking his fingers in too-soft, inky strands and lazily petting the back of his Warrior's ear – enjoying his heat and scent surrounding him.
"So… what do you think?" Senri chuckled a bit sheepishly, nosing against his neck.
"About what?" he murmured.
"Of the room, love," his lover scoffed, and his face heated up considerably against historian's skin. G'raha frowned, blinking slowly as he lifted his head with effort and peered around.
"It looks… empty," he said carefully, then rested his cheek against the fur under him, closing his eyes with a tiny snicker when his Warrior grumbled with annoyance, then nipped his skin delicately.
"Smart-ass," Senri snarked, then laughed softly and pressed a fond kiss on G'raha's neck. "It is empty, because I asked Minfilia to have the receptionist of ours look into making it bigger – and I see she more than succeed," he hummed, going back to nuzzling against historian's neck.
"Huh?" he frowned, opening his eyes again and looking around more carefully.
"It used to be half this size," Senri explained with a slight undertone of amusement in his deep voice. "I guess she had someone demolish the wall between this and the next room. I told Minfilia I didn't know how long it'll take before we're done at the camp and…"
"Wait…" G'raha felt a furious blush hit his face and he buried his face against the fur to hide it. "You want me to… m-move in with you?"
"Of course," his lover scoffed as if it was obvious, then chuckled a bit sheepishly. "I mean… I know it's not perfect, Raha. The compound is big, but there's still a lot of people living here – and the walls are quite… thin, but eventually we can think about getting our own place in one of the city-states and…"
"Senri…" he cut off, swallowing thickly and blushing even darker. "I love it," he whispered shyly, closing his eyes again. His heart went absolutely insane – when he finally, truly understood just how… real it all was.
"Oh, good," his lover exhaled audibly with relief, curling his arms around him possessively and G'raha's throat tightened painfully when Senri pressed another delicate, fond kiss against his neck. "It'll be glorious, Raha… you'll see," he chuckled, then sighed and rolled them over, pulling him in a tight embrace he enjoyed almost… too much. "We will travel all around Eorzea and I'll show you all of my favorite places, my heart. Then, if what I heard is right, we will discover Ishgard together."
"Huh?" he hummed, pulling his lover's arms tighter around himself. "What do you mean?"
"Ah, there's been a talk of them rejoining the Alliance after I… helped out around there a bit," his Warrior chuckled sheepishly and G'raha simply grinned, then turned around in his lover's arms to look with pleasure at his Senri's beautiful blush.
"You're too humble, my Champion," he snickered mercilessly when that blush went darker and his hero growled at him softly in warning. "Aww, so cute…" he gushed, then laughed out loud when Senri flustered then buried his flaming face against G'raha's throat. He sighed with bliss, wrapping his arms around his lover and sneaking his hand into his hair – already more than addicted by their softness. "But from what I've read, Senri, maybe Ishgard isn't the best place for us to explore."
"Huh?" his Warrior hummed with distraction, purring near-deafeningly while G'raha petted his ear affectionately.
"They're very… religious over there, love," he whispered, closing his eyes and purring as loud while their mixed scents filled his head. "In the… worst sense, if I remember right. They could see our relationship as unnatural… and brand us heretics – and those in Ishgard don't fare very well."
"Oh," his lover scoffed, tightening his arms around him. "I wouldn't let them lay a finger on you, Raha."
"I know," he chuckled, pressing a tender kiss on his throat. "My fierce protector, but…" he cut off when his linkpearl beeped and frowned. He picked up despite his Warrior whining petulantly in protest. "…yes?"
"G'raha, where are you?" Rammbroes sounded at least annoyed. And maybe a bit… excited?
"In Revenant Toll," he murmured, trying not to moan when his lover in punishment bit on his neck. "S-something happened?"
"You can say so," said the leader of the expedition. "We have guests who insist they know how to open the Tower."
"Truly?" he gasped, shoving his free hand against his Warrior's chest and sitting up when Senri released him reluctantly. "Who?"
"They say they were sent by Students to assist us, Unei and Doga are the names."
"We will be there as soon as possible," he promised, grinning toward his lover with excitement.
Relaxing his hold on T'senri's soul just slightly, Ares if he could, would exhale with relief. Unnoticeably stopping his mortal reincarnation's soul from reestablishing the bond when he and Damon's reincarnation seemed determined to try to force it every chance they got was draining.
He could not let it happen – not yet – as much as he missed the connection. But T'senri's soul, already as fragmented as it was simply… was barely able to support Ares's. And too much depended on his ability to take over at the crucial moments in what was to come.
Knowing what would happen with Damon's current vessel – the impact of bond breaking once he enters the slumber was just too risky to be allowed.
The bond was still there – nothing in the universe could ever truly break it – but by keeping a tight and careful grip on it, so far he managed to stop it from snapping into place – no matter how his reincarnation lover's soul was reaching out toward it while they… mated.
Only a bit longer, he comforted himself – pretending he wasn't… aching at the thought of what's coming.
He thought… he hated T'senri – for what the version of him that he met in Elpis did to his brother. But as he entertained himself by sifting through Seeker's memories and watched him interact with his lover… he simply couldn't find that hate in himself anymore. The mortal was merely… a child trying to do his best under the circumstances his fate put him under.
And watching his dreams and hopes – while knowing none of them were to pass – was… heartbreaking.
Ares would sigh if he could – instead patiently settling down in wait, observing.
Nero survived showing his face only because Raha and Cid held him back. Yet T'senri promised himself that he will deal with the Garlean as soon as he stops being useful.
That is, until… Nero became the least of his worries.
"You… c-can't, please, Raha…" T'senri didn't care at this point that his voice was shaking and he was begging, while his eyes filled with tears. Because the hard glint of determination in the now crimson eyes already told him that it was useless.
He could face monsters, Primals, and whatever else fate tossed at him… He could take the responsibility for his failures and mistakes… But faced with the loss of the only man he ever loved and would ever love… turned the brave Warrior of Light into a terrified kit as his heart stuttered unevenly in his chest.
"I have to, Senri," uncaring of Cid and the others gathered around them at the gate, Raha wrapped his hands around his cheeks and pulled him down until their foreheads met, closing his eyes when T'senri returned the tender gesture with a choked whimper. "I'm the only one left who can do t-this… and Tower needs the Keeper, love. And if I would shake off this responsibility… how could I ever deserve you, my Warrior?"
At some level… he knew this was coming. Not because he had any idea of the 'wish of the ancients' Raha mentioned when they met him at the gate… but because all of this… was just too good to be true. And wasn't that just… his luck?
His destiny seemed to be the endless strife, so of course, the moment he fell madly in love with Raha – the only person who really knew and understood him, accepted and loved him – he signed his fate. As uncaring of their audience, he wrapped his arms around his lover and buried his face against his throat, trying to choke down his sobs as he committed his wonderful cinnamon-almond scent to his memory.
"I love you, you selfless idiot," he whimpered, closing his eyes as the tears spilled.
"I love you too, Snark," Raha chuckled wetly, clinging to him for dear life. Then he sighed softly and pulled back reluctantly, his face as wet as T'senri's when he put his hand against his cheek once he straightened. "Do something for me, Senri?"
"Anything," he whispered, again resting his forehead against his and closing his eyes.
"Be… happy. Once I wake up… Whenever it might be, love… Promise me you won't close yourself off. You have so much to offer to the world, Senri… as you, not as the Warrior. As much as it hurts now… Someday…" he trailed off, then took a deep, steadying breath. "Someday… you'll move on. Promise me?"
"For you… anything," he said softly, fully aware he was lying. But as hard as it already was, for both of them… Raha didn't deserve this… All their plans and hopes, his lover's dreams… gone to dust for the hopes of the ancients. Because he was simply too good and selfless to reach for what he wanted, no matter how much it hurt both of them. And when he finally opened his eyes, he saw in his love's trembling smile that he knew he was lying… but there was nothing they could do about it.
He was the Warrior of Light, so greatly needed all around Eorzea. And his lover was the last living representative of lost Allagan royalty. If it wasn't the cruelest joke of his fate – to let them meet and fall in love… just to break them apart like this – he didn't know how else to call it.
"Sleep well, my prince," he whispered, not even bothering anymore to stop his tears as his heart broke and his soul withered.
Raha pulled back without a word – the same heartbreak in the depths of his crimson irises – then said his goodbyes to the rest of their friends, their eyes suspiciously shiny and voices thick. T'senri didn't care – fighting to stay still and not curse their fate, toss his lover over his shoulder and carry him off from this Twelve-forsaken Tower… rendering his bravery and selfless sacrifice meaningless.
Even after he watched in a numb stupor as his love walked off inside the Tower and the massive gate slowly drifted close behind him – their gazes meeting one last time when Raha looked back over his shoulder, his eyes as teary – did he fought not to move a muscle.
As his friends whispered their regrets and assurances that they'll strive to further their achievements until it was safe to reopen the Allagan structure – he didn't move or looked away from the massive gate.
Only after they left him to his grief, did he close his eyes and tilted his head back… and the corridors of the ancient labyrinth echoed with his mournful howl.
"What's wrong with Senri?" asked Thancred after barely setting his foot inside the Solar. Something… dark flashed over Minfilia's expression when she looked up from the papers on her desk, but she swiftly schooled her features into a polite smile. He scowled, with a deep sigh falling into one of the chairs in front of Minfilia's desk. "Spill."
"That's not my story to tell," she said carefully, dropping her gaze and noting something down. "Ask him if you're so… curious."
"I would if I could," he growled, folding his arms across his chest. "But ever since he came back he wouldn't speak with anyone, you know that."
"Just… give him time," she sighed softly, putting away the pen and looking up at him with a frown. "He still didn't leave his room?"
"Nope," he shifted, leaning in and resting his elbows on his knees. "He doesn't speak, doesn't eat, doesn't do… anything. So how am I supposed to help him if he wouldn't even open that Twelve-forsaken door? The last time I saw him he was nearly bursting with enthusiasm… about something. Now… he's a shade of himself. What happened?"
"As I said… not my story to tell," she repeated, then cleared her throat slightly, then focused on the paper in front of her. "Maybe this will get him… out of the slump. We're invited to a Banquet in Ul'dah, to celebrate Ishgard rejoining the Alliance – and sultana is specifically asking for him to attend, citing his deeds as the thing that afforded this joyous occasion."
"I'll tell him," Thancred chuckled humorlessly, getting to his feet. "Maybe that at least will make him open the door."
"Maybe…" Minfilia hummed, but if he knew her well… she didn't seem convinced. He ran his fingers through his hair, sighing with frustration after leaving the Solar.
Ares dreamed, trying to separate himself from the anguish tearing at his reincarnation's soul. Only knowing how much worse it would be without their interference seemed to be of any comfort while for T'senri seemingly only the weak, lingering scent of his lover on his nest was one.
He dreamed of the fiery skies as his world burned around him. He stood in a shade of a massive building – observing his prey and waiting for his moment. Knowing he had but mere minutes to act when Venat stumbled down the burning streets, he was nearly shaking with anticipation.
Further off, he saw his brother's expression crumble when his 'best friend' waved with a cheery smile so unfitting for the circumstances, turned around, and headed off. Only he was privy to Hythlodaeus's expression shuttering when Hades caught his sleeve and said something – Ares didn't have to guess, seeing the flash of heartbreak in purple eyes before the younger immortal shook off his brother's grip without looking back and left him anyway.
When he was about to pass by his hiding spot, Ares stepped out of the shadow right into his younger brother's love's path, clearly stunning him.
"Do you love him?" he asked, in a cold, calculating manner.
"It doesn't matter anymore," too-bright purple irises flashed with hurt, then looked away from him. "I have to…"
"That's all I needed to know," Azem grinned, though he knew the tilt of his lips was vicious – he simply didn't have time for pleasantries.
He reached out his hand toward the younger immortal and focused, Hythlodaeus barely gasped before falling limp. Ares caught him before he hit the ground, chuckling quietly.
"Sorry, Hyth, it won't be pleasant," he said, then focused again, whispering a spell his husband created for this. His charge barely whimpered before his body flashed and disappeared – a small, purple crystal appeared in Azem's hand once the process was complete. He wrapped his hand around it, smiling tenderly. "It's not your time to be heroic, young one, and I hope one day… you'll forgive me."
He sighed, then clenched his teeth and using their bond, teleported right at his husband's side. Damon's cyan eyes lit up at the sight of the crystal, then he tightened his arms around his own charge – instantly whispering another spell against the ear of the unconscious Speaker.
Ares could only marvel at his husband's genius while his hand sank into Lahabrea's chest without any effort or resistance. He placed the crystal next to his beating heart, making sure it was safely tucked in, then pulled his hand back and looked it over with no small amount of wonder.
"Done," he said and Damon cut off the spell. He pulled back from the Speaker and righted him right before the man suddenly woke up, looking around with confusion.
"Azem," he said with a scowl. "I was just telling your husband I might have a way to…"
"I know," he smiled politely, meaningfully pointing at his temple – suggesting it was their bond that let him know – then he shook his head. "But we aren't interested, Hephaistos. I told you what I think of sacrificing our people like this, yet even as we speak, I know you have yours do it anyway. We won't have a part in it," he said, walking around him to take hold of his husband's hand. Damon nodded in agreement, leaning against him. "But you owe me, Lahabrea. And for that debt, you'll take our Hades as far away from this star as possible – now," he added with pure power ringing in his voice, his gift making the Speaker's eyes grow glassy and devoid of will.
"I will," the man nodded slowly like a puppet on the strings, then disappeared in a cloud of dark aether.
Ares exhaled slowly, his soul reeling at the strain of forcing his will upon another – then sighed with relief when Damon wrapped his arms around his waist and curled into him. He embraced his lover tightly, burying his face against the other immortal's throat.
"So it begins," he whispered, closing his eyes.
"I love you," Damon whispered softly, tightening his arms around him. "This life… and every to come." .
"I love you too. Now and forever," he breathed and they clung to each other, waiting for the hit.
T'senri didn't feel the cold as he dropped into the pile of snow at the edge of the cliff in Coerthas, through the falling snowflakes looking numbly at the far lights of Ishgard. Soon they were to brave the blizzard and cross the bridge into the frost-covered city.
He hung his head, resting it against his palm as he curled into himself with a breathless whimper.
He lost… everything.
His title, his friends, his home… and his nest. The last thing that still… carried some of Raha's scent. All of his lover's books and things that he took from the camp before leaving it – all of it rested now in his bedroom in Rising Stones – and he could only hope that the Braves won't think to… destroy anything out of spite.
Oh, Azeyma… how he missed him…
But at the same time… he was almost relieved. If his lover was with him during this whole… fiasco of a Banquet – would he lose him too? Now at least… Raha was safe. He'll never see him again, but…
A breathless sob tore from his throat and he buried his face in his palms, for the last time allowing himself to mourn his lost love.
By the time he headed back to Camp Dragonhead, the mask was firmly in place and his heart was as frozen as the scenery around him.
It took two years before the Scions could return to the Rising Stones – and to Alphinaud's surprise, the first thing their Champion did was head straight for his old bedroom, barricading himself inside it and not leaving for days.
One evening after that, while he sat at one of the tables in the common area, his twin sister accosted him with a scowl on her face, asking after Warrior and his strange behavior – but he could only shrug helplessly.
Though they grew closer through the shared struggle in Ishgard, sometimes T'senri was simply an… enigma. He knew the Warrior was hiding something… more behind his goofy grins and easy-going attitude – by the somewhat distant look in icy-blue eyes he would sometimes spot when he thought nobody was looking.
A day later, he stunned them again by exiting the room, closing the door behind him and after that… never nearing them again. When asked, Tataru said that Warrior demanded this specific room be left as it was, while taking possession of another one.
Led by curiosity, one day while T'senri was away, he tried to get a peek inside the abounded bedroom – only to find the door locked with a spell. And that baffled him – because as far as he knew… the Warrior barely ever touched magic. Not to mention, that specific spell… felt like nothing he could recognize.
After the Dragoon so carelessly tossed the cursed eyes of the Wyrm into a ravine and left, in the middle of the night, nobody was there to see a dark-clad figure appear at the bridge and peer into the vast, seemingly bottomless pit with a frown on his handsome face.
"Mortals," he scoffed; too bright, blue eyes narrowing into slits as he simply lifted his hand and his prize shoot up from the ravine, right into his hand. "There you are," he crooned at the massive eye, then sighed and with more than a hint of disgust, muttering a spell under his nose in long-dead language, shoved his hand into the thing, without breaking its surface.
Still, he exhaled with relief when he pulled his hand back slowly, then grinned at the small, purple crystal in his fingers. He dropped the eye back into the ravine carelessly, then wrapped both hands around the crystal.
"It's been a while, Hyth," he whispered, then sighed and hid the gem inside one of the pockets of his vest, at the same time putting on the mind of his mortal vessel's compulsion to never part with it – carefully falsifying in his thoughts a memory of his lost lover granting him that item. Knowing T'senri's obsession with anything that reminded him of his man – it was the surest way to keep the crystal safe.
Another step down the road, Ares thought with satisfaction, then teleported back to Mor Dhona, carefully keeping his eyes down while sneaking through the silent, still compound – breathing out in relief when the door of T'senri's room closed behind him.
He discarded his clothes, then settled down on the bed – in the exact same pose as when he took over. It was the easiest way – feeding his mortal's consciousness with the images and memories of his lover and lulling him into the place in his mind where he was completely unaware of Azem 'borrowing' his body.
He sighed, then delicately slipped back into his spot – leaving no trace for his reincarnation to realize anything was… off.
Five years, T'senri thought numbly, looking up at the massive, crystal gate. The walls of the labyrinth around him seemed to almost… mock him while he raised a shaky hand and pressed it against cold, uncaring crystal. His other hand nearly automatically went to wrap around the small, purple crystal hanging on the necklace around his throat. His most prized possession… no matter how many years passed.
Gods… he tried to forget him. To move on, as his Raha sworn him to do. He tried, and tried… even went as far as attempted to take another lover – which ended in a crushing… failure. He just… couldn't. No matter how much his body almost begged for relief and how seemingly eager was his… companion – he just… couldn't. So he bolted, leaving his… friend with a completely shocked and… offended expression. Not that he blamed him…
But after that… he avoided Ishgard like plague! Even thought of stumbling upon him… Oh, Azeyma…
He chuckled humorlessly, closing his eyes and resting his forehead against the gate.
"I miss you," he whispered, then swallowed thickly and turned away, heading back where he came from – to his duties and his endless loneliness.
He cried out when a splitting headache slammed onto his head, involuntarily dropping his sword and shield and wrapping his hands around his head. The last thing T'senri saw was a katana swinging at his head… then nothing.
He blinked groggily, raising off his knees and looking around with confusion. There was a translucent platform under his feet – similar to the one he saw whenever Hydealyn decided to pull him into the… rift? And otherwise swirling darkness surrounded it.
What, in the…? Was he… dead?
"At least, I've found you," he heard behind him and scowled, turning around slowly and narrowing his eyes in slits as his tail flicked with agitation. He knew that voice – he heard it as his friends… passed out to never wake up again. Alisaie most recently, right before this… battle. It also reminded him of something… he couldn't quite put his finger on.
A figure stood at the center of the platform, clad in strange… black-red-white robes? And holding a golden scepter in the crystallized hand.
"Please!" the figure uttered hastily. "There is no cause for alarm! …Though, I confess, this is not where I had intended to meet. But the place of our meeting is of no consequence… like the war you wage. Win or lose, the path you walk leads only to oblivion. The better path leads you here. To me," the man visibly took a deep breath. "I have need of your strength."
"Who are you?" T'senri growled, leaning forward as if getting ready to pounce. The nerve! "What did you do to my friends?"
"Go to the Crystal Tower," the mage continued, and Warrior flinched, narrowing his eyes further and audibly, openly growling now in the back of his throat. "I have left something for you near its base. It will serve as a beacon of sorts. One which I pray will help you on your journey."
"No, just wait a fucking mome…" he hissed, slowly closing in on the figure. If he didn't know better… he would swear that the man visibly backed away.
"Soon we will throw wide the gates…" the mysterious figure said, raising the staff slightly. "And the path to the First will be yours to walk at least," he slammed the scepter down and disappeared at the same time as T'senri snarled and pounced, barely missing his prey.
He swore loudly, stumbling and falling to his knees… glaring daggers at the spot the mage left – and even as he felt the strange pull – he was still swearing, promising a world of pain at the stranger's head once he gets his hands on him.
Ares was simply… chortling at his mortal's expanse when they were pulled back into their body. He settled comfortably in the back of his reincarnation's mind, waiting almost… impatiently for the moment when T'senri realize who was… that.
"Is everything alright?" came a familiar voice from behind the Viera and a robe-clad figure skidded to a stop – clearly running to meet them.
T'senri fought to keep the mask on his face – an easy-going grin he met the Viera with – while whole his focus shot toward the figure of his prey. The man who took from him. And he will wrangle his scrawny, crystalized throat when…
Wind changed suddenly, feeding him a full waft of the stranger's scent and his heart simply… stopped. He could forget his voice – it's been five years after all – but not that scent. Never that scent.
He stared in a numb fascination at those plush lips moving while the stranger talked with Viera who accosted him at the gate – not hearing a word – as he wondered how could he… missed that?
He didn't know how or why… and why here, for Twelve's sake! And all that crystallization… what was up with that? But… it had to be…
He was stuck in a mind-numbing shock while the stranger led him closer to the city – even heard his own voice ask questions while he summoned him to this doomed world – and then led him on a short tour around it. The whole time only one word, one name bounced around his stunned brain: Raha?
Was that… really him?
His heart was pounding so loud between his ears, he couldn't collect his thoughts – fighting to not let anything show in his expression, and slipping only briefly when he dared ask if this 'stranger' found someone in the Tower when he 'summoned' it - and he could hear the lie and see the slight coloring on the only visible part of the man's face.
His Raha always so painfully sucked at lying!
But all of this… was too suspicious. And there were too many witnesses around – the city's citizens looking toward them with obvious curiosity – so he curbed in his… nerves, and meekly agreed to look for some… places?... then join the man once more inside the Tower.
When the stranger left him with a polite smile and nod, heading toward the crystal structure, he stared after him numbly… considering what to do.
Play along, pretending he didn't know? It seemed like the best… option to figure out what it was all about. Raha sucked at lying, sooner or later he will…
No, whispered a tiny voice in the back of his head. Confront him. Don't you want to hold him again?
T'senri flinched, frowning and narrowing his eyes. The thought was… more than tempting, but… Raha was clearly hiding something – otherwise, he wouldn't use this… funny costume to try to hide from him. And what if he… simply didn't want him anymore? But then why…
Confront him, whispered the voice again with much more… surprising power behind it. The Warrior blinked, then shook his head and headed toward the other end of the massive plaza – deciding he will give himself a moment to collect his thoughts and make a decision when he doesn't feel so… confused.
Ares cursed his mortal's sheer stubbornness, seething. T'senri was almost impossible to manipulate when awake – not without outright taking over. And he couldn't – no matter the proximity of Damon's soul… in a much sturdier, strengthened body. Not yet, anyway…
Crystal Exarch – the name he carried for almost a century now – let his lips tilt into a polite, gentle smile when the Warrior of Light rejoined him inside the Ocular after he sent him on the tour around the Crystarium.
Even as his heart ached to see the uncharacteristically fake grin on the handsome face of the love of his life… he had a role to play in this farce.
Earlier, at Excedra, when his Warrior with such a wistful smile looked up at the Tower and almost… shyly asked him if he found 'someone' inside it when he summoned the structure – he almost broke down. But if it saved his life… No matter how much his heart broke at the sight of Senri's expression when he denied it – he couldn't endanger his plans by slipping in his act.
The outcome was simply… too important. Not only for the Source and the First – but for him as well. If his sacrifice could stop the fate waiting for his Warrior… he couldn't mind. He simply couldn't – as no matter how many years of his lonely vigil passed… no matter the hardships and suffering he had to face… His love for his Warrior never waned, never faded – his man's bravery and determination to save others as always served as his guiding star. And beyond that… his Senri deserved better than to have the flame of his bright, caring soul quenched by his unfair destiny.
And if at the end of this play, his disguise could spare his Warrior's feelings…
His train of thoughts was cut short when the icy-blue eyes narrowed at him dangerously and handsome – if slightly too sharp – features pulled into a scowl as the Warrior strode up to him with a confident, determined step. Exarch instinctively backed away, crimson eyes under the glamour, and the cowl widened impossibly and his jaw dropped when his back hit the surface of the crystalline mirror behind him.
"Now, that we're alone and far from the prying eyes, " the Warrior drawled through his teeth, bracing his hands around the Exarch's shoulders and leaning in from his impressive height. "You'll tell me why are you trying to hide from me, Raha."
"W-Wha…" G'raha stammered, then swallowed thickly as this close, Senri's maddening scent filled his sensitive nose. Just like his never-fading memory, the strongly unfitting of such a masculine man scent - eerily reminding him of fresh apples - had his mouth water instantly. He closed his eyes, struggling to regain his composure as he involuntarily took a deep breath and almost expired as that delicious smell filled his lungs. "I have… no idea what are t-talking about, Warrior."
"Azeyma, but you always sucked at lying, Raha," his Warrior snarked and G'raha's stupid heart stuttered nervously – even as his mind raced, trying to come up with something… anything that could… fix this problem. Uselessly, really, because… "You honestly believe I would ever forget your scent?" Senri whispered and G'raha gasped when he pulled the edge of his cowl back slightly and buried his nose against his crystallized throat, taking a deep, shaky breath. "G-gods… I missed you."
He almost whimpered when much taller Seeker wrapped his arms around him and pulled him in a tight, possessive embrace, purring loudly and oh, sooo happily as he nuzzled against his jaw, right above the edge of crystallization.
"I'm sure you have some important reason for this… masquerade," his Warrior chuckled wetly, tightening his arms around him almost painfully. "But… I'm so happy you're back, Raha."
G'raha sighed with resignation, letting his forehead rest against Senri's collarbone as his arms almost… involuntarily wrapped tightly around his waist.
"I missed you too… Snark," he whispered, and despite his uncertainty and the snag, this put in his plans… When his Warrior laughed with delight at his old nickname, he could only tighten his arms around him possessively and let himself drown in his heat, uttering a barely audible, relieved sigh. To gasp when he was pinned against the crystal mirror, cowl pushed almost violently off his head and suddenly Warrior was devouring his mouth, feeding him his hungry growl.
"F-five years," Senri rasped, his icy-blue irises burning with lust as they trailed over his face when he broke the kiss. Then he buried his face against G'raha's throat and took a deep breath, moaning breathlessly as his hands scrambled through his robes, looking for access.
More like a hundred… he thought numbly, trying to catch his breath desperately as he moved his hands against the Warrior's chest and pushed meaningfully.
"Senri… stop," he choked out, trying to collect his thoughts. He needed to find a way to save his plan and… him, but it was so… hard to focus while Warrior resisted with a choked groan, grabbing his hands and pinning them above his head against the mirror.
"You're… mine," the younger Seeker snarled, something absolutely… wild in his eyes as his pupils dilated impossibly. Almost round… and his irises flashed with…
His train of thoughts cut off suddenly as everything went dark…
"Finally," Ares purred when G'raha's expression smoothed with a smile and his crimson eyes peered at him with boundless devotion. "Missed you, love," he added, pressing a tender kiss on plush lips.
"As impatient as ever, Ares," Damon chuckled, wrapping his arms around Azem's shoulders when he released his hold on his wrists. "How's mortal life been treating you?"
"It's been… entertaining, sometimes," he hummed, sighing with bliss when his lover ran his fingers through his hair. "You?"
"It had its… up and downs," his arms tightened around him almost painfully. "Raha is a sweet boy, but he certainly… went through a lot."
"Same with Senri," Ares replied, reluctantly moving back to wrap his hands around his husband's face. "All ready on your end?"
"Mhmm," a slow, maybe a bit… mischievous smirk bloomed on Damon's features when his eyes dropped to the gem hanging around T'senri's throat. "I see… you got it."
"Of course," he grinned, resting his forehead against his husband's and closing his eyes. "Ready?"
"Couldn't be more," Damon whispered, in turn wrapping his hands around Ares's face.
"Thank the gods," he gasped, then released his years-long by now hold on T'senri's soul – almost moaning with relief when it went after what it missed – snapping in place seamlessly. Damon's emotions instantly flooded his mind, making him embarrassingly… purr – rumbling sound a bit… new thing for him.
"Oh, sooo good…" his lover almost mewled, wrapping his arms around his neck and pulling him in a tight embrace. Then he chuckled a bit breathlessly, nuzzling his cheek against Ares's delicately. "Do you want to bet… which of them is going to freak out more?"
"You and your bets," he laughed softly, returning the affectionate gesture. "Eh… let me think… T'senri is going to be too happy to freak out – my money on G'raha losing it."
When he peered through his lashes – Damon was pouting adorably, clearly wanting to say something along these lines. Ares grinned, knowing he guessed correctly for once.
"Oh… you have no idea," Damon chuckled sheepishly, pulled him in a sweet, tender kiss… then he grinned against his lips. "I think… it's going to be hilarious!"
Now… Azem couldn't wait to see it.
"Until the next time, love," he whispered, closing his eyes.
"Soon," his husband assured, then they retreated at the same time, eager to watch the… show.