G'raha 'woke up' more than a bit disoriented, but once realized his body was curled protectively around his Warrior's back – he was far from complaining. In a way… he felt exhausted, yet had no recollection of what Damon did to cause it – but all things considered… he could hardly care less.

Aww, I do appreciate your trust, my boy, the immortal chuckled fondly in the back of his head.

"You… more than earned it," he admitted in a whisper, delicately rubbing his cheek against Senri's shoulder. He smiled involuntarily when his lover half-snore, half-purred at that, then shifted under his crystallized arm and turned around, wrapping his arm around G'raha's waist possessively and burying his nose in his hair with a quiet, content hum. As adorable as it was… it swiftly led him to realize that he was naked under the covering them blanket and the shift of his Warrior brought their bodies into a veeery… interesting position. He felt his face flush with a blush as his crystalized fingers – almost as if they suddenly gained a will of their own – delicately trailed along the bumps of Senri's spine down to the incredibly tight muscles on his behind, soon curling around the hot flesh. Swallowing thickly, he buried his flaming face against his lover's collarbone… pretending he wasn't dying to roll his hips as his dick so very quickly grew heavy with arousal.

It's okay, Damon chuckled, making him flush even harder and almost… shudder as he fought for control of his unruly limbs. I can use a nap, Raha. For now… there's nothing for us but to wait for them to recover. While you were… out, I took care of putting the last details in motion – so do… enjoy yourself. You more than earned it.

Though he relaxed feeling Damon retreat delicately, in his head that didn't change the fact that his Warrior needed his rest after all that… and not his untimely advances. So even as his every breath filled his head with the mouth-watering scent of apples tinged with his own, G'raha tried to think about anything else than the maddening heat of his lover's body as it sank into his half-crystalized skin.

But while the cute half-purrs resumed against his ears, he found that he simply… couldn't help but let his fingers tighten their grip on the almost too-hot skin under them or the way his hips rolled slowly, making him choke on a quiet gasp and shut his eyes tightly at the unbearably delicious friction on his already aching erection. And the way his Senri's breath stuttered slightly and despite soon falling back into the delicate snore-purrs his cock swelled with interest against G'raha's stomach… was more than intriguing. Especially for his own dick, it seemed, as the almost painful twinge of arousal had his hips roll again while an instinctive, involuntarily purrs demanding his lover's attention tickled the back of his tongue.

When he felt the way the muscles on his Warrior's arm around him turned from lax to taut, and his slow, sleepy nuzzle against his ears… he was torn between embarrassment at his own neediness and if he allowed himself to admit that – more than relief. Especially since his unruly limbs seemed to take that for permission to grow more bold as his fingers slowly kneaded the taut muscles on his lover's delectable behind, prompting his half-aware mate to utter a ridiculously arousing tiny growl as he rutted against the muscles on G'raha's stomach slowly. Growing more than eager at the sound, he swallowed audibly, almost feeling guilty… but he nipped delicately at the heated skin by his mouth, enjoying the slightly salty taste of his lover's skin as he finally gave up the pretense and dug his fingers in Senri's buttock, rutting into his hot, hard body and letting his almost too loud purrs slip from his lips and vibrate on his mate's flesh.

The soft, hoarse growl by his ears that sent a near-violent shudder down his back was more than reward in itself in his opinion… but when next he felt a delicate bite at the sensitive shell of his ear followed by a low chuckle and Senri's big hand moving to curl around his ass with almost too arousing possessiveness… G'raha almost expired, and his embarrassing, needy sounds grew only louder and more insistent.

"…the best way to wake up," his lover rasped by his ear, his voice so thick and deep… Gods… G'raha gave up completely, mewling his need and shuddering in almost painful arousal. He barely registered when Senri pushed the blanket off their bodies, but definitely noticed and moaned his approval when his Warrior untangled from him, then without any effort forced him to his stomach, and pinned him down with his weight. "Do you need me, Raha?" he purred teasingly, taking hold of his mismatched wrists and pulling them above his head, pinning them down with one hand while the other trailed down his crystallized side.

"Always," he whimpered with need into the pillow under his heated face, losing his mind when his lover rewarded his honesty with a slow roll of his hips – and the way his rock-hard flesh rubbed against his ass meaningfully… was beyond maddening. "My Snark…" he gasped, straining to push back against his hard body, and at this point not caring or noticing his near-deafening purrs. "…take me…"

"Oh, my prince… your wish is my command," his lover chuckled breathlessly, stretching out above him and before long – though too slow for his liking – slick, oiled fingers moved between his buttocks, with one soon sliding inside him while his Warrior nuzzled against his neck affectionately and rutted against the muscles at the back of his thigh impatiently. "I love when you get like this, Raha…" he rasped, pushing another finger inside him and rewarding his needy purrs and whimpers while he worked the tight ring of muscles into submission with ridiculously arousing aggressive snarls. "All your silly… inhibitions gone as you beg for my cock… is so unbearably hot, my mate," he cooed, using his knee to force his thighs further apart and making himself comfortable between them. "All your needy sounds… make me want to wreck you," he growled, pulling his hand back from his ass and curling it around his hip as he positioned his more than eager flesh against him and slowly pushed inside with a choked snarl.

As if dared by his words, G'raha's sounds grew only louder as the sensation of getting what his body needed, being impaled on the too-hot flesh and feeling it spear his insides in the most sinful, delicious way had him whine and squirm for more, tearing a string of choked growls and profanities from his lover's throat. Burying his face in the pillow in an involuntarily bid to stifle them, he almost passed out when his Warrior punished that by slapping his ass, tearing a helpless groan from his mouth.

"Now, now…" Senri purred, freeing his wrists as he slowly climbed to his knees, pulling him along until he rested on all fours, struggling to catch his breath at the insane mix of arousal and embarrassment when his lover did it again, surely feeling the shudder it sent through his body and hearing the needy whine it tore from his throat despite how he tried to keep it back by biting his lips. "…don't be like that, Raha…" he chuckled, pressing his freed hand at the junction of his neck and shoulder and holding him utterly still as he rolled his hips slowly, making G'raha choke on another round of needy mewls and inviting purrs. "Just like that, my heart… sing for me in that beautiful voice of yours," his Warrior rasped, then set to force more desperate noises from him as he took his body in a slow, steady rhythm that nearly broke his mind with the unbearable pleasure. He rutted insistently against the knot of nerves that sent jolts of levin across his nerve endings and had him whine Senri's name in a litany of his need, devotion, and demand.

He couldn't help but whimper as he came, shuddering and gasping for air desperately while his mind simply spun with the overload of sensations. He fell to his elbows involuntarily as his cock jerked and twitched, spilling his seed all over their nest under him… Then wailed as his lover wrapped both of his hands around his hips, digging his fingers into his skin as he pulled him back and forth roughly. Setting his body ablaze almost too quickly with the mix of his groans and aggressive snarls, he couldn't help but whimper and wrap his tail around his lover's hips possessively. His cock grew hard again so quickly he got dizzy, mewling his submission desperately while his Warrior growled softly, then bent over him, slowing down his thrusts and grinding against his ass as he fisted one hand in G'raha's hair and pulled his head back.

"You love it too… d-don't you, Raha?" Senri whispered against his neck, almost vibrating with need against his back, but making sure to slam into him in a slow, maddening rhythm that robbed him of any sane thoughts. "All your posing… but you love nothing more than for me to take you like a b-beast… If I c-could… When I can, my h-heart…" he gasped, letting go of his hair to wrap his hand around his cock, pumping it in tandem with his slow strokes. Soon he was purring loudly and nuzzling against G'raha's neck, the sound broken by the hungry snarls at each of his increasingly desperate noises as he fought to push against his Warrior's dick harder, force him deeper… "…I'll bite you and fuck your beautiful ass until you can't walk, my p-prince," he chuckled breathlessly, shakily, then groaned loudly when G'raha flushed and whined his approval at the prospect. "You would like that… don't you, my mate?" he slowed down the movement of his hand and hips until he mewled in protest. "…tell me, Raha."

"Y-yes," he gasped, choking on his insistent purrs. "P-please, Snark… f-fuck me… harder," if he could think, he would be beyond embarrassed at the pure neediness of his voice… but he couldn't regret that as his lover snarled in approval, then pushed off his back and finally set to pound into him with purely male aggression and mind-blowing enthusiasm he adored about him.

Before long he was coming again, swearing, and mewling his lover's name in tiny gasps. He couldn't breathe while Senri rutted into him furiously, groaning and mewl-purring his name in that wonderful way of his, using both of his hands to bounce him on his cock desperately until he came with a string of choked snarls and curses, pulling him hard around his dick as it pumped his insides full of his too-hot seed.

Lost in his pleasure, he barely weakly purred with delight when Senri laughed softly and pinned him down into the nest with his weight, nosing against his neck insistently and spreading affectionate kisses over covering his shoulders crystallization.

"Really…" his Warrior purred, his fingers drawing slow, soothing circles on the skin of G'raha's hip. "…the best way to wake up, I swear."

"Glad… to be of service," he murmured, trying to collect his thoughts and not snort a laugh at loud, happy purrs against his neck. Really… too adorable! He pulled his crystalized hand back over his head and buried his fingers in the inky-black strands, soothingly petting his Warrior's ear. "How do you feel, love?"

"Still… tired, though now… in the best way," Senri hummed with consideration and a hint of amusement, eagerly tilting his head into the caress and purring even louder which had G'raha smile tenderly. To think he could bring his beautiful man so much joy and pleasure… will never stop blowing his mind – even if now his face burned at the memory of his… behavior. But his lover was more than right… the more aggressive and domineering Senri got with him, the more… wanted he couldn't help but feel, and that never failed to drive him utterly mad. "But… I can feel Ares again, which definitely feels… better," then he chuckled. "I never thought that I'll be glad… for something like that."

"I know what you mean," he sighed, closing his eyes and without stopping the caress, relaxed, drowning in the bliss of his lover's heat and scent surrounding him. He wondered briefly if he'll ever get enough of it… and more than doubted that. After yearning for him for more than a century, he couldn't help but want his Warrior and his attention constantly. "Let me turn around," he whispered with a blush, freeing his hand from Senri's hair when he complied instantly, lifting above him to let him roll over.

Done, he instantly pulled his lover back on top of him, wrapping his mismatched arms around his neck and eagerly burying his flaming face against Senri's throat.

"I'm… glad you told Y'shtola," he admitted sheepishly, placing a delicate kiss on his Warrior's throat. "And that she took it so… well. The thought that I couldn't do anything for you… and then would be unable to… take care of you… was driving me insane," he admitted, delicately combing his crystalized fingers through Senri's dark hair and smiling tenderly while his brave Warrior purred his bliss, nuzzling against his throat and shoulder.

"I still don't know how we are going to explain to her that we're mated, though," Senri whispered, burying deeper into his embrace with shameless contentment. "Without mentioning Ares and Damon, I mean… I don't believe any of my friends would take it well to hear I have an Ascian inside me. Or that you do. Even if we tried to explain, they would probably think that it's them manipulating us."

"You're probably right," he admitted, then took a deep breath, reminded of something he meant to talk with his lover about. "Senri… Even when we're done here and go back to the Source… I don't want them to know about us."

His Warrior stilled utterly, and his muscles jerked, growing taut.

"Why…?" he finally replied, lifting to look at his face, and G'raha almost cursed at the hint of hurt in icy-blue irises. "You're ashamed of…?"

"No!" he gasped, pressing his crystalized fingers against his lover's cheek. "Never, Snark… but…" he swallowed thickly, blushing with embarrassment. "But… Before they know that – most of them anyway – I want to prove I'm… worthy of you," he whispered shyly, closing his eyes.

"Raha…" Senri sighed, but relaxed considerably, leaning in to press a delicate kiss on the corner of his mouth. "Do you really care about… that? What do they think?"

"They are important to you," he said with conviction, peering through his lashes and when his lover smiled at him reassuringly, he took another deep breath and flushed even darker. "So I want… them to like me – if that's even possible – for me… and not act it because… I'm with you. Not to mention all the others…"

"Oh, my silly mate," his Warrior chuckled, then grabbed his chin in his fingers, delicately tilting his head. "If it's something you really want… okay," he pressed another kiss on his mouth, then without pulling away, added by his lips. "But my silence will cost you, Raha."

"It… will?" he whispered, drowning in the depths of ice-blue eyes and almost expired at the sight of sparks of amusement and mounting desire in them as his lover's lips tilted in a sharp, meaningful smirk. His hands almost automatically drifted to tangle in inky-black hair and an involuntary, uncertain purr rumbled on the back of his tongue.

"Oh, yes," Senri rasped, his sharp, handsome features pulling taut with lust as he shifted on top of him letting his free hand trail down G'raha's side to wrap around the back of his thigh and pull it up around his hip roughly. "And I have conditions, my mate. For example… You'll still sleep with me every night, and that's not up to negotiation," he added when G'raha flushed furiously and opened his mouth to protest… to moan when his lover accented his point by rubbing against him in a most… pleasant way. Gasping at the quickly mounting desire, he tightened his crystalized hand into a fist at the back of Senri's head, purring his approval and tilting his head with submission while his lover trailed his too-pretty lips along his jaw. "And this deal does have an expiration date, my beautiful prince," he purred against the corner of his mouth. "Once you feel more… secure as the Scion… and ready to be utterly mine… you'll marry me as promised, yes?"

He flushed up to his hairline and swallowed thickly, but nodded slowly, closing his eyes.

"Good boy," Senri chuckled, then rewarded him with a deep, delicious kiss, stealing his breath and mind. Instinctively whining in need, G'raha pulled him closer using his grip on the dark hair. While their tongues danced and their purrs mixed into intoxicating music, he felt a delicate, almost shy, presence growing inside his mind – his soul – almost like… asking permission for a deeper connection.

He barely stopped himself from whimpering – realizing that the only time his lover remember was his awful, first reaction, the other two he wasn't aware of – and soothingly petting the back of Senri's ear, he opened his soul to him fully, swallowing his lover's deep, happy purrs at the same time.

"Oh… A-Azeyma…" Senri mewled breathlessly, breaking the kiss to shakily bury his wet face against G'raha's throat, his whole body shuddering almost uncontrollably. Cooing soothingly, he coiled his arms around his Warrior's shoulders at the same time letting him feel the depths of his love and devotion – his need for him. Nuzzling his cheek against his lover's throat tenderly and smiling as his answering feelings swarmed his mind, settling his very soul ablaze... G'raha groaned deeply, feeling his arousal shot into overdrive in a way… he never felt before.

"I… want you," his lover mewled almost like in a daze, his deep voice thick with tears and lust. "I need you, Raha… love you, so much…." He gasped, then without a resistance – only purring loudly with need – let G'raha roll them over.

"I know," he chuckled breathlessly, out of his mind with need as his mate's beautiful body almost quacked with the reaction to their mixing emotions. The pleasure of it was impossible to describe, but his body was on fire with the pure need to claim his lover the same way Senri claimed his heart… so very, very long ago… "My perfect Snark," he whispered with awe, pressing delicate, affectionate kisses over his hot skin as he slowly crawled down his gorgeous form.

"Ra-Raha…" his Warrior breathed, sinking his fingers in G'raha's hair, and arching with a choked whimper when he arrived at his hips and shamelessly pressed a tender kiss on top of his cock. "Don't… don't t-tease…"

"I won't," he chuckled, then sat up to reach for oil and spreading it over his crystalized hand admired the sight of his lover with his heart simply… pounding with pure devotion. "Not this time," he promised in earnest, then sighed with bliss and settled between his lover's thighs, purring his contentment as he set to swallow his cock, while delicately probing at the tight ring of muscles between his buttocks with his crystalized fingers.

When that had his Senri mewl-purr his name breathlessly and eagerly rut against his mouth, enjoying himself shamelessly… he took his time getting him ready for him. More than dazed by his beauty in bliss and by his lover's pleasure pouring over his soul… he couldn't help himself – enjoying each second too much to let it end too soon. Each touch, taste… each noise leaving his lover's throat felt so much more intense as their souls tangled, almost getting lost in each other.

He had his beautiful Warrior come twice before he was satisfied with the absolutely decadent, debauched sight he made – utterly consumed by the pleasure he provided and lost in sensations – before his own need grew too painful, too overwhelming. Senri merely mewled his bliss when he took him, pulling his thighs high against his sides as he sank into his almost too-hot body with a deep, relieved groan.

"You're mine," he sighed with satisfaction, nuzzling his cheek against his lover's chest, more than enjoying the way they were covered in each other's scents as he rolled his hips slowly, deliberately taking him in a sweet, soothing rhythm. Letting his body express the depths of his love and happiness that this absolutely beautiful mate of his loved and wanted him.

"Always and forever," Senri purred, smoothing his hands over his back and G'raha merely groaned loudly with pleasure when one closed around the base of his tail while the other curled with pure possessiveness around his ass, silently demanding his claim. More than happy to comply, he let his thrusts grow deeper and harsher, burying his flaming face against his lover's chest as soon each tore breathless, hungry growls from his throat. Losing himself in him, eagerly pounding into his too-hot, too-tight squeeze of muscles when his lover matched his increasing rhythm with his mewls of submission and bliss, delicately rubbing and pulling his tail, panting harshly as he pawed at his ass, demanding more… G'raha lost it, letting his hand shot up and curl brutally in black hair, pulling his lover's head to the side as he stretched out and bit him with a choked snarl.

His Warrior instantly went pliant under him, mewl-purring his utter submission desperately as G'raha's strokes grew brutal and uncompromising. Growling into his bite mindlessly, taking his lover with barely contained violence he almost expired when Senri screamed his name, then chanted and mewling it breathlessly as he came, shuddering weakly as his pleasure flooded G'raha's body, heart, and soul. That was simply too much… too good… and he almost whimpered as the pressure at the base of his spine snapped, sending wave after wave of delicious, incredible heat through his limbs. Finally breaking his bite, tasting copper on his tongue mixed with Senri's intoxicating flavor, he sagged on top of his lover, moaning his bliss as he rolled his hips slowly, jerking in the rhythm of the mind-blowing spasms shaking his form.

"G-gods…" Senri whispered, nuzzling against the top of his head while wrapping his arms around him and audibly fighting to catch his breath. "No matter which way… you never fail to blow my mind, Raha," he admitted with a chuckle, placing a delicate bite at the sensitive shell of his ear.

"What can I say…?" he whispered shakily, flushing at how hoarse and out of breath his voice sounded. "It pays to be versatile," he snarked, closing his eyes.

"Versa…?" Senri gasped, then shook with choked laughter. G'raha grinned, then tilted his head and peered up at his lover with a carefully smug expression. His Warrior couldn't take it – bursting into booming laughter that made G'raha's heart stutter and then sing with utter happiness. "Oh, Azeyma… you're too much," his lover choked out after a moment, then pulled him tightly against his chest and happily nuzzled against his ears. "I adore you, my heart."

"Me, too," he admitted with a content sigh, letting his eyes fall closed again and melting into his lover's embrace. "Now and forever," he whispered softly and his ears twitched with pleasure at Senri's hum of eager agreement.

"Welcome back," T'senri whispered without opening his eyes when Raha fell asleep on top of him with soft, content purrs.

Aww, you were worried, boy? Ares chuckled in the back of his head.

"Yeah," he admitted without shame, tightening his arms around his lover. "You promised, after all, to help me keep him safe."

And…? The immortal sounded beyond amused.

"And… I do like you," he admitted sheepishly, almost tolling his eyes at his blush.

Ares laughed, then T'senri felt the delicate push and his body was no longer his while the Ascian carefully pushed his lover off them.

What are you doing? He hummed with confusion.

"Have to check something," Ares gently enrolled the blanket around Raha's body in a tight cocoon, then slowly and with noticeable stiffness crawled out of the nest and stood up, stretching lazily when on their feet. "What time do you think it is?"

No idea, he replied sheepishly.

"No matter," Ares sighed, then smiled as he spotted… their clothes neatly folded on the ground near the nest. He put on the black pants and sleeveless shirt – trying to not fall on his… their face as he wobbled constantly. Then, barefoot, he padded silently toward the exit of the room. Opening the door and peering outside carefully, soon he headed out – and T'senri watched his slow progress with mounting confusion.

The Azem considerably relaxed when he arrived at the door of the Ocular without stumbling upon anyone, then almost… sneaked inside and carefully closing the door behind him, headed toward the other massive door in the room – one T'senri never crossed before.

Ares opened those doors as well, then went inside and grinned at the sight of an unfamiliar man seemingly completely consumed by the lecture of one of the many, many books littering the floor of the room.

"Hey, Hyth," he said with obvious… fondness and the man's head shoot up while his too-bright purple eyes narrowed in slits at his Ascian.

"Ares…" the lilac-haired man put the book away and then stood up, towering over them considerably. "…Damon warned me… but you do look absolutely adorable like this," he grinned widely at Azem's instant scowl and his Ancient-bright eyes flared with obvious amusement.

Who is this? T'senri asked with an offense. As far as he was concerned… he could take words like that only from his mate.

"You're offending my host, Hyth," Ares laughed, then neared the other man and grinned back widely. "Senri, meet a vital part of our plan. Hythlodaeus, meet my reincarnation, T'senri Tia, the Warrior of Light."

"Who apparently I forgot meeting already if what your husband told me is right," the man sighed, then sat down again, looking at the Ascian with consideration and maybe a bit of… apprehension. "It's all true then, Azem? Why you… stopped me? Because your host is going to kill Zodiark…?"

I'm going to… what?! If it was possible, T'senri's jaw would drop at that.

"Oops, I didn't tell him about that part… yet," Ares chuckled sheepishly, then sat down next to the man and looked at him carefully.

Tell me it's a joke?! T'senri demanded, quite… freaking out. But… Zodiark?!

"Calm down, or I'll make you forget it," Ares sighed with resignation, shaking his head at the Hythlodaeus's curious look. "You quite… spooked him with that tidbit, Hyth. But no matter now… And, not exactly, my friend. I stopped you… because of Hades, as I believe Damon probably already told you."

Hythlodaeus dropped his gaze instantly and colored visibly, smiling a bit sadly.

"He probably… hates me," he said softly without looking up. "He asked me… to not do it and I… ignored him. He told me… and yet I still left him. I wanted so badly to prove… worthy."

Ares was silent for a long moment, then sighed… almost with resignation.

"You see, Senri… it seems you and my brother definitely share a type," he chuckled at Hythlodaeus's surprised look. He grinned, standing up a bit wobbly. "You fall for idiots that want to prove their love to you by self-sacrifice… instead of living for you. Gods… but I do feel lucky with my Damon," he wiggled his dark eyebrows playfully at the man's slightly offended look. "He is brilliant, my husband, and always knew he had nothing to prove because it was my choice to love him."

"And as I know my cute brother," he added over his shoulder, heading toward the exit. "He'll huff and puff… but he'll be too happy to see you whole… to hate you, Hyth. Same as Senri with his Raha… he adores you too much."

"And the other part?" the man asked softly when Ares opened the door. The immortal looked back, rising his eyebrows. "You really think… he'll be okay with you and Damon…?"

"It's our choice," Ares cut him off, then nodded toward the books. "I need more rest, so do enjoy your lecture, Hyth."

"Ares…" the man whispered, a strange look in his too-bright eyes. "You can't ask him to…"

The Azem sent him a warning look, then stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him.

What did he mean by that? T'senri asked carefully.

"That, my boy… is for me and Damon to know," Ares chuckled, slowly heading back toward their nest, and sleeping lover. "Once the time is right… well, you'll understand soon enough."

T'senri kept his tongue… but he couldn't help but feel that whatever that was – he is not going to like that.