"Don't…" his lover whined a complaint with an absolutely adorable pout on his handsome face and G'raha almost broke – at this point fighting to keep on a serious expression as he sighed with exaggerated resignation. "…gooo," his beautiful Warrior scowled darkly, clinging to the hem of his robes and making leaving impossible like a petulant kit refusing to part with his favorite toy.
It was his fault, really… he should have known better than to lean in for the short, delicious kiss before attempting to leave his recovering Senri to run his rounds around the city.
"Try to take another nap, my love," he supplied, striving to sound stern and not let himself melt into a lovesick heap of happiness at his lover's cuteness. Gods are his witnesses – if he indulges his Warrior's behavior, he'll never get anything done… And as tempting as he was in normal conditions – this bratty, spoiled side of his Snark had a staggering effect on G'raha's heart. "I'll be quick and bring you something delicious for breakfast… if you behave," he bribed, with his crystalized fingers delicately brushing back a stray, inky-black strand from his lover's cheek.
He almost broke and snorted a laugh when ice-blue irises narrowed at him with consideration – obviously weighing his offer against pulling him back into the nest. Instead, he smiled reassuringly and leaned in to press another gentle kiss on his lover's almost too-pretty lips and barely restrained his purr of delight when they parted in invitation. Keeping himself in check only thanks to the thought of spoiling his lover, he kept the kiss soft and delicate despite quickly mounting arousal. When he pulled back, his Senri's slightly dazed expression and the way he licked his lips with relish, almost broke him… again… but then his Warrior's stomach rumbled with its own complaint, startling a dark, dark blush on his lover's handsome face.
"Aww, see… you're hungry," he hummed with worry, lifting his hand and running his crystalized fingers through the black hair. Bracing his other hand on his lover's bare shoulder, he pressed a tender kiss on his forehead, then sighed and straightened, smiling when Senri finally gave up reluctantly, letting go of his robes to fall back into the pillows of the nest with a disgruntled stare.
"You swear you'll be fast?" Senri asked with a suspicious look, pulling the blanket around himself tightly.
"I promise," G'raha chuckled with amusement, pulling the cowl over his head. "But do try to take a nap, my Snark – I'll wake you when I'm back," he added, then headed for the door.
"Okay," his Warrior sighed and safe from his gaze, G'raha grinned widely – stupid, lovesick fool that he was – and carefully shut the door behind him, heading toward the gate of the Tower.
You're really enjoying this, don't you? Damon chuckled in the back of his head.
"I can't help it," he sighed with a hint of resignation when he felt his face heat up considerably. "I do want him to recover… but at the same time taking care of his needs is something… I find, really appeals to me. Like with Lyna when she was little," at the threshold of the gate he schooled his expression in a gentle smile as he nodded toward the boy who saluted with a very serious look on his young face. "Good morning, Arnar."
"Good morning, my lord," the boy went back to his silent vigil and G'raha barely stifled a chuckle at his obvious satisfaction with being recognized.
As truly the safest position in the city's guards' duties, guarding the entrance to the crystalline structure was barely a pretext for the youngest recruits to practice. G'raha – though beyond embarrassed about that – knew the citizens under his care considered him something of a… ruler instead of a caretaker, as he thought of himself. And though he made it a point to know by name each and every person in his care, for some reason they found it surprising.
He hurried through his rounds – though he did try to not make it too obvious – ending them at Wandering Stairs – and while he waited for the fulfillment of his order, trying not to seem nervous – despite many of the surprised and curious stares of the first customers of the tavern – he still almost jumped out of his skin at the sudden voice right behind his back.
"Good morning, my lord," when he turned his head, Y'shtola's aether-clouded eyes shone with amusement – indicating she didn't miss his flinch – but she kept on a serious, thoughtful expression.
"Good morning, miss Rhul," he bowed his head politely, then cleared his throat slightly and tried not to blush while Glynard handed him his neatly packed order. "May I be of service?" he asked carefully when he turned back to her, keeping his tone carefully neutral for the sake of anyone who could overhear him.
"You do, as a matter of fact," a slight smile tilted her lips. "I was just heading toward the Tower when I saw you. I do wish to check on Senri… if you don't mind," her tone was polite, but the slight narrowing of her eyes warned him against trying to deny it.
Apparently, their reprieve from explanations was over. He almost grimaced, feeling another blush and thanking the gods for the shade of his cowl.
"Of course," he said slowly, indicating with a small smile for her to follow him as he headed back toward the Tower. "I did bid him sleep when I left," he said quietly when she fell in step with him.
"And he… listens to you?" she asked and her voice carried a slight hint of surprise mixed with maybe a bit of skepticism. When he looked toward her, she regarded him with a slightly bemused stare. "Sorry…" she added. "But having more than a few occasions to take care of him after an especially rough battle… I find it hard to believe. That boy is stubborn beyond reason."
"You… ah, need to find the right bribe," he chuckled, motioning toward the packet in his mismatched hands.
"…bribe?" she repeated with confusion but quieted down as they neared the gate, both silent as they passed the young guard. "It's almost like we speak of two different people," she spoke up as they headed up the crystalline staircase.
"He does tend to act a bit… different around me," he admitted sheepishly, fighting another blush when they stopped at the door to the room containing the nest. "Do… give me a moment to make sure he's… decent," he asked and when she nodded, backing away slightly, he headed inside, smiling involuntarily at the delicate sound of his lover's snore-purrs. Putting his packet on the floor next to the nest, mostly, he quickly made sure there was no visible sign of their… previous activities. Flushing darkly as he realized he couldn't do anything about the distinctive scent of sex – especially for Miqo'te's sensitive noses – he resigned himself to a thought that Y'shtola was a healer, after all… and hoped she wouldn't mention that. He kneeled by the edge of the nest and delicately shook his Warrior's shoulder, grinning involuntarily when Senri grumbled sleepily, then jet-black lashes fluttered slowly open and slightly dazed icy-blue irises flared with pleasure meeting his gaze.
"You're back," his lover purred, reaching for him, then scowled when G'raha backed away reluctantly. "Huh?"
"Y'shtola is here to check on you, love," he whispered, motioning with his head meaningfully toward the door.
"Oh," Senri's expression lit up with amusement, then he yawned widely and sat up, stretching lazily. Trying not to drool at the beautiful dance of powerful muscles under his Warrior's pale skin, G'raha stood up, then handed his lover the food before heading back toward the door. He ushered in the white-haired Seeker with a polite bow, pretending he didn't see the obvious amusement on her face when she stepped inside and saw his Warrior – almost too obviously covered only by a blanket around his waist and the disheveled state of his dark hair. "Hey, Shtola," Senri waved toward her slightly, then set about unpacking his food.
"Morning, Senri," she chuckled, nearing the nest the carefully settling down on her knees at a safe distance from it – clearly more than aware of his Warrior's nature and his instinctive territoriality. "How do you feel?"
"Still tired, but definitely better," his lover admitted sheepishly, then grinned and his tail audibly whipped against the blanket in excitement at the sight of his breakfast – a careful mix of his favorites had his Warrior reward G'raha's efforts with a truly enamored gaze that made him wish they were alone. Blushing furiously, he gingerly settled on the edge of the nest – carefully avoiding Y'shtola's curious eyes – but subtly marking his position in his lover's space. That she was a female and his lover's friend didn't truly matter to his instincts.
Do indulge my curiosity, Raha, his immortal hummed with obvious amusement. If she instead tried to touch him… what then?
I would… Well, it would be probably really hard for me to resist ripping her arm off, he admitted sheepishly with a very, very dark blush – carefully keeping his eyes down on the mix of red and black pillows as he folded his hands in his lap. He's hurt, basically naked and inside… our nest, so… he trailed off meaningfully.
I see, Damon chuckled. Good then that she seems completely aware of that... possibility. Ah, and do not ask her about the other Scions, my boy. I sent them out with their separate tasks when you were out, he added, then retreated delicately, settling back to observe silently.
He almost smiled as he raised his eyes – noticing how he was starting to feel the subtle differences in his Ascian's presence.
"Glad to hear that," Y'shtola smiled, then turned her aether-clouded eyes toward him. "Since we're alone… cowl down, please?"
He sighed softly but complied, pushing the heavy material back as he dropped his eyes again. Feeling her curious gaze while exposed was… new and not exactly comfortable – but he did owe her for being able to take care of his mate's needs.
"Isn't he pretty?" his lover gushed, earning his quick, indignant, and deadpan stare. Senri sent him a smug wide grin – though he could feel his Warrior's pleasure at his earlier instinctive display of possessiveness.
Knowing better than to answer that, Y'shtola instead smiled politely and turned her gaze back toward her friend.
"So…" she narrowed her eyes slightly, elegantly folding her hands in her lap. "How is it possible for two males to be mated – and how were you hiding that?"
"Right onto interrogation, Mistress?" Senri chuckled, wiggling his dark eyebrows playfully as he raised a sandwich from the box and bit into it with relish, humming his approval – and making it incredibly difficult for G'raha to keep his tail in check at the sound. Yes… there was nothing quite like the pleasure of spoiling his mate…
"You do have to admit it's… unusual," she said slowly, looking between them with consideration.
"We know," G'raha replied quietly, drawing her gaze to himself and uselessly hoping she wouldn't notice his blush. "It was quite a… surprise for us," he admitted with a sheepish smile. At least that was true. Then he took a deep breath, preparing to lie his ass off…
"We don't know," Senri was first, swallowing quickly to send him a smile and thinly veiled, warning look. He flushed – understanding instantly. He did know he was terrible at lying… especially without the cover of his cowl. "It just… happened," his lover added with a carefully innocent smile toward his friend. "As for hiding it… no idea, I just wished for it to stay between us… and it did, to some level," he shrugged slightly.
"I see," Y'shtola frowned, clearly mulling it over. "Well… it's not like it's an exact science," she finally admitted with a quiet sigh and he fought to keep on a neutral expression when she looked at him again. "Senri did mention your… plan. I am to understand you resigned of it after learning of your… connection?" she raised her eyebrows expectantly.
"I…" he choked, his thoughts racing through the possible answers, then cleared his throat and instead dropped his gaze… guiltily. "No. I resigned only after… having a better idea of how to save him."
"That's why we fought," Senri added smoothly, smiling reassuringly when he looked toward him with surprise. "And why I was… so cold to him, as you noticed," he nodded toward the white-haired Seeker. Cheerful mask in place, he quickly finished his meal, then handed the empty box to him. Once G'raha put it away on the floor, he almost squeaked indignantly when his Warrior shamelessly used his distraction to wrap his big hands around his waist and possessively pull him in his lap. Laughing brilliantly at his embarrassment, Senri wrapped his arms around his shoulders tightly and when he realized that resistance against his lover's strength was truly futile, G'raha sighed with resignation and despite his furious blush – trying to cover his… pleasure at the display of ownership – closed his eyes, letting the back of his head fall against Senri's shoulder.
"You're impossible," he murmured.
"Mhmm," his Warrior hummed, pressing an affectionate kiss on the crystal on his throat, before carefully – almost innocently – letting one of his arms fall to rest against G'raha's abdomen. "You see, Shtola, now he's completely mine," he stated with surprising power behind it, and despite his blush growing unbearably hotter – he barely stopped himself from purring at the claim of that statement.
"I do see," her voice rang with amusement, but he didn't dare to look, squeezing his eyes close tighter. Utterly mortified at his own mounting arousal – somehow so unbearably… He barely choked down a breathy whimper realizing what his lover was doing – the subtle, delicate movement of his fingers barely noticeable as they slowly trailed toward his cock over the heavy material of the robes. He fought not to flinch or still – or push his lover's hand away – to not bring his friend's attention to the movement, in thought cursing Senri's… deviousness and his own body's eagerness. "So how long do you plan to keep it a secret?" Y'shtola's voice barely tore through the quickly rising haze of involuntary arousal, making him blush even darker.
"Honestly, we just talked about it," his Warrior sounded definitely too… amused, feeling his struggle to stay still. "And since… we have a pretty good idea that once we're done here, he will be coming back with us to the Source and I want him to join us, the Scions… My delightful mate wishes to keep it a secret until our friends see his worth as more than… my lover," he chortled when G'raha hissed at him, opening his eyes and turning his gaze toward him – hoping Y'shtola takes his blush for anger as Senri's fingers arrived at their goal, and suddenly… it was so hard to breathe. When his lover sent him in return an innocent look, then turned his gaze back to her – he was sure he'll strangle him… soon. Right after he's able to collect his scattered wits, for sure… "He wishes to prove his… usefulness to our cause, you see."
"Well… I guess I definitely can understand that," she replied with consideration. "Plus, considering your fame back home, Senri, I can only… guess what kind of pressure it's going to put on your… mate if you make it official. Not only the uniqueness of it – two mated males – but the fact that you never before showed a… favor for anyone. But you say he'll go back with us… How?"
"Much… much like you," he cleared his throat, thankful that her words for some reason had Senri still utterly, seemingly considering something. "I'm working on creating the crystal vessels capable of carrying the souls across the rift. This body… My body, I mean, is permanently bound to this Tower, but we figured out that if… when it succeeds," he corrected when his lover flinched and his arms tightened around him with a warning. "Other than letting him bring you back to your bodies on the Source, he can take my soul along and I should… would be able to fuse with my old body – in your time resting in stasis inside the Crystal Tower."
"Oh, I see," she hummed, rubbing her chin with consideration. "How far are you from achieving…"
"What did you mean by that?" Senri cut her off, earning her surprised look. "What you said… that it would put pressure on him? Being with me?"
Blinking with surprise at the strange note in his lover's deep voice, G'raha looked at him over his shoulder, frowning at the sight of his darkened eyes.
"Oh, the obvious, I mean," Y'shtola sounded careful and guarded – clearly reading something more than him from Warrior's expression. "Being the lover of the Warrior of Light would mean others would see him as… a person with the most influence over you, Senri. If it gets out that you're actually somehow mated… Not only your enemies will see him as a living target – but some others may consider him capable of… getting them whatever they would wish of you. Of the Scions in general, pretty much… since none of us would go against you, our Champion."
Realizing her meaning instantly, G'raha swallowed thickly, dropping his gaze toward the hand of his lover when it rolled into a fist as his arms tightened around him almost painfully.
"I would be… a liability," he whispered miserably.
"No!" Senri snapped instantly, then as if to reassure himself – and him – he nuzzled shamelessly against his crystallized neck. "You'll be my strength," he purred soothingly, sending the fine hair and fur across his body to stand up in attention. Involuntarily melting into his tight, possessive embrace… he fought to focus, blinking away the haze climbing over his thoughts. "You're so much… smarter than me, my Raha," his lover chuckled a bit self-consciously and hushed him with a hiss when he opened his mouth to protest. "You are. So brilliant… It always took my breath away. And now, after running this beautiful city for so long… I don't believe we will ever find someone able to cajole you into doing anything you don't think is right, my heart. And considering how versatile you are…" he chuckled when G'raha flushed up to his hairline at that. "…in a fight," he added innocently, though sparks in his icy-blue irises brimmed with amusement and boundless devotion. "You're more than capable of keeping yourself safe for me," he whispered, placing a delicate kiss on his cheek – while his hand relaxed in his lap and subtly went back to its… devious intentions while his Warrior's gaze moved back to Y'shtola. "So… I can't imagine anyone better fitted for… the role," he grinned triumphantly, wiggling his dark eyebrows meaningfully.
"S-Senri…" he choked out, his blush at this point surely rivaling in shade his eyes at least… but couldn't help the swell of pride at his lover's confidence… and trust. Not to mention… delicate, rubbing pressure on a certain part of his anatomy that was more than intrigued by it, despite the presence of his lover's friend… or maybe because of it – if he dared to dwell on that. And feeling his mate's growing arousal – and his rock-hard flesh rub against his backside when he shifted slightly, uncomfortably – he flushed even darker, praying for patience and that Y'shtola was far enough to not pick up at the thickening scent.
His hopes were dashed when she blinked, then slight blush spilled on her face as her eyes darted between them. When understanding dawned in her eyes – that almost had him whimper with embarrassment – with poorly hidden amusement she stood up slowly, carefully avoiding looking at him.
"Well… I guess that's enough for now," she chuckled a bit sheepishly, resting her hands on her hips. "Do be sure to rest properly while I'm gone, okay?" she frowned slightly, narrowing her eyes at the Warrior.
"…gone?" Senri said innocently – the pressure of his hand growing more insistent – making G'raha choke down a breathy whimper and close his eyes with mortification… and quickly mounting arousal.
"He didn't tell you?" he barely heard through the fog, fighting to keep still and not rub against his lover's hand as the need for more grew. She chuckled when he felt Senri shake his head slightly. "Me, Thancred, Minfilia, and Urianger leave for Ahm Araeng to join Alisaie today – the girl believes she can somehow find… our Minfilia's spirit there. We're hoping that it'll let her track the remaining Lightwardens."
"Ah, I see," Senri sighed, then chuckled sheepishly. "I'm sorry… I can't join you. Just don't tangle with Lightwardens without me."
"That's a given," she replied, heading toward the door. "If it works, we will pinpoint the beasts… then wait till you're well enough to engage them. First in Ahm Araeng, then we will join Alphinaud in Kholusia."
"Okay, stay safe, Shtola," his lover said quietly and she smiled with a nod toward him before leaving the room. "By your twitch… you didn't know either?" he hummed, nuzzling against his neck insistently as his hand much less innocently trailed down, soon roughly pulling the hem of his robes up.
"I… didn't," he gasped breathlessly, shakily wrapping his mismatched arms around his Warrior's neck. "And you really are… incorrigible, Snark. You know she… noticed."
"She's an adult woman," his lover chortled, impatiently pawing at his shorts and despite his embarrassment… G'raha groaned deeply, using his grip to lift slightly and help his lover along to get them off. Purring loudly in approval – driving him utterly insane – Senri pushed the blanket from between their bodies, pulling the back of his robes up to his waist until nothing separated their heated skin. "And don't think I couldn't feel your arousal, Raha…" he chuckled, reaching for the oil and spreading it over his hand under G'raha's dazed stare. Done with that, he again pushed it impatiently under his robes, roughly spreading his thighs further apart and leaning back – forcing his body to splay on top of him – as he nudged the tight ring of muscles between his buttocks while making sure to at the same time rub his big hand over his aching erection. "It almost makes me wonder…" he whispered, then tore a breathless whimper from his throat as he pressed a sharp bite just above the edge of crystallization on his throat. "…would you let me fuck you in front of her…?"
"N-no…" he gasped, shaking his head violently even as his blush grew impossibly darker. Because…
"You were always such… a bad liar, my heart," his lover chuckled, pressing one finger inside him and working his muscles loose. Whimpering at the sensation, G'raha rolled his hip involuntarily, helplessly rutting against his lover's arm. "I bet you would," Senri purred teasingly against his shoulder. "My beautiful, possessive Raha… you would love nothing more than to show her I'm yours in the most sinful way, don't you? Not that I would ever really allow that, my mate. Only I can see you like this," he growled softly with obvious, mind-blowing possessiveness of his own. "But I adore it about you… all the little, subtle ways you show you want me," he bit him again, sliding another finger inside him and G'raha mewled impatiently, rocking his hips back against the intrusion harder, freeing his crystalized hand to let it join his lover's under the heavy material and curl it around his cock with a tiny, relieved groan. "I'm not as… well-behaved, Raha," Senri whispered, pulling him up roughly and exchanging his fingers for something much, much hotter… Using his knees to keep his legs wide apart, he hooked his hands around the back of his thighs from their inside as he impaled him on his cock, groaning quietly the whole way up inside him.
G'raha almost expired at the sensation and his lover's quiet, choked noises. Then arched with a breathless whine when Senri laughed, then pushed his crystalized hand away, exchanging it for his own while with the other holding him utterly still around his throbbing flesh.
"I play nice… for you," Senri purred, smoothly pumping his cock and tearing a string of choked, helpless whimpers from G'raha's throat as he thrashed, trying to fuck himself on the rigid flesh inside him at the same time. Fisting his normal hand in the hair at the back of Senri's head, he arched his back harshly, almost vibrating with need and growling in the back of his throat with frustration. "Even if it sometimes… doesn't look like that," his Warrior chuckled breathlessly when he coiled his crystalized hand around his wrist almost painfully. "But if I had my w-way… I would love nothing more than fuck you constantly, Raha," he laughed softly, then sat up suddenly and roughly pulled his legs up to bend around his waist on the blanket. Realizing his intent almost embarrassingly quickly, G'raha freed his hair and wrist to kneel without breaking the mind-blowing contact of their bodies, gasping desperately as he wrapped his hands around his lover's knees.
"Such a good, beautiful mate I have," Senri purred with pride and satisfaction, and he flushed furiously at the praise, almost too painfully aroused when his lover chuckled with understanding and his hands wrapped roughly around his hips. "So eager and obedient," he cooed, falling back into pillows with dreamy, happy purrs when G'raha flushed even darker but without a prompt bounced on his cock, soon riding it eagerly and choking on his moans as too soon the pressure to come grew almost painful. "Sooo… good, R-Raha," his Warrior mewl-purred his name, sneaking one hand around his hip to coil it around the base of his tail.
Whining as the pressure on the sensitive appendage accidentally paired with his lover's cock hitting the knot of nerves that sent jolts of painful pleasure across his nerve endings, G'raha arched with a howl at the double sensation. Losing any sense of shame, his normal hand shot between his legs, pumping his cock in tandem with his lover's gentle strokes on his tail.
"…oh, wicked… ngh, Snark, have t-to…" he choked out between ragged breaths, losing himself in the pleasure while his Warrior used his other hand to pull him up and down on his dick almost brutally. "…h-have to… oh, fuuuuck…" he wailed when Senri snarled and tightened his grip on his tail almost painfully. His back shot ramrod stiff as his cock simply… burst, accompanied by a string of choked, breathless whines and curses as he came so hard his eyesight went out for a moment. Mewling his pleasure unconsciously, he was barely aware when his lover chuckled breathlessly with purely male satisfaction, then roughly used his strength to push him off.
Confused as his mind swam in the haze of pleasure before he registered his Warrior's intentions, he was forced to his knees on the blanket while Senri curled his fingers in a fist in his hair and pushed his upper body down into utter submission while he used his free hand to pull his disheveled robes over his back, freeing his tail. Gasping for air desperately and growing more than aware of what was coming, he fisted both hands in the blankets almost too quickly growing dizzy in renewed arousal and shuddering in anticipation.
"My beautiful mate," his lover cooed, though his deep voice sounded more like a hoarse snarl when he sank inside him again. Sure of G'raha's submission, he freed his hair to grab his wrists and pull his hands up roughly in a slow slide – a display of ownership and dominance that had him whine Senri's name in the pillow under his flaming face. More than loving when his Warrior growled and set a brutal rhythm, fucking him senseless, he couldn't help but hiss his frustration at covering his shoulders crystallization. "It's… o-okay, Raha…" his Senri purred, freeing one hand to clasp it in his hair again and tilt his head, then scrapped his teeth again at the crystal at the junction of his neck and shoulder meaningfully. "…soon, my heart…" he gasped, letting go to curl that hand around his cock, pumping it in rhythm with his vicious thrusts. "S-Soon… I'll take you just the way… y-you love," he chuckled darkly when G'raha mewled impatiently in painful arousal, torn between embarrassment and spike of lust at the prospect.
But he couldn't help it – years ago, when he discovered his… kink with Senri's dominance, it utterly blew him away. The first time his lover completely lost control, bit him, and basically fucked him raw… In his opinion that was absolutely the hottest thing under the sun that proved – even if he couldn't walk afterward and the shame of the camp healer's amusement had him blush for two days straight – that he could make his lover stop controlling his inhumane strength and speed. That he could take him at his wildest and most primal – not to mention… he did miss being bitten, he had to admit.
"…can't wait…" he gasped breathlessly, flushing up to his hairline then whimpering when his lover purred at that and pressed against his back tighter, his ragged breaths fanning his cheek.
"Only you, my heart, can take all of m-me," Senri rasped, teasing his mind at the same time as his stokes grew almost violent edge. "My p-perfect Raaaaha…" he drawled with a groan, shuddering as he almost desperately grabbed onto his tail between them and pulled… sending G'raha tumbling over the edge with a loud keen of his name. Only then he came with a choked snarl, holding him tightly around his cock as it jerked, shooting up his insides in mind-blowing almost too-hot spurts. "Oh, Azeyma…" he mewled his pleasure, rocking into him on gradually slowing down thrusts, and If G'raha's mind wasn't utterly blown in bliss, he would more than agree with the awe ringing in his lover's deep, hoarse voice. "Really… can never get enough of you…" he purred with blissed-out delight, nuzzling against his neck insistently.
"…good," he gasped, melting into a heap of lax muscles and living crystal under him as his whole body shook in aftershocks. Gods… but he hoped that it'll never stop feeling this intense.
He couldn't resist even if he wanted when Senri rolled them to the side and curled around his back possessively, pulling him into a tight cocoon of his arms.
"I should wash," he murmured, despite that simply relaxing and dragging his crystalized fingers up and down his lover's forearms resting around his chest.
"Later," Senri whispered, and his long, black tail wrapped around him as well, its fluffed-out tip flickering slowly with obvious pleasure, drawing his enamored gaze. Giving in with a blush, he let his normal hand fall, and his fingers curled delicately in the soft, black fur – smiling his stupid, lovesick grin when his Warrior positively melted, and his deep purrs grew almost deafening. "I love you, Raha," he cooed, tightening his arms around him even tighter.
"I know," he sighed, closing his eyes, and grinning even wider when his lover chuckled, then nosed delicately on his cheek.
"You're supposed to say it back," Senri said with a bit of wistfulness and G'raha instantly knew where his Warrior's mind went.
"Is that so?" he hummed, rising his crystalized hand and pressing it against his lover's cheek delicately.
"Mhmmm," Senri drawled a bit sadly, then placed a tender kiss on his skin.
"Ah, well…" he trailed off, feeling his throat tighten minutely. Gods… it was so long, yet it still felt so fresh in his memories… "I love you, Snark," he whispered shakily, and closed his eyes feeling his eyes burn.
They were both so happy and carefree before…
"This time… I won't let anyone or anything take you away from me," his Warrior whispered fervently, tightening his arms around him painfully. "Not fate, not destiny… not even you, Raha. Nothing, not ever… I swear, my heart," he buried his face against G'raha's neck, but he didn't need to see his expression to understand the slight tremor in his suddenly taut muscles. His heart lurched painfully at the hint of doubt and uncertainty clouding his beautiful soul.
I did this, he thought, opening his eyes and staring in front of him numbly while he let his hand sink in black hair and pet his lover's ear delicately.
It takes time, Damon whispered softly, soothingly and G'raha blushed involuntarily, squeezing his eyes shut. Sorry, boy… I keep forgetting your 'bashfulness,' he chortled, then sighed softly. But believe me… with enough time, love, and care even your Warrior's… scars can heal. So long you never pick something else above him… both of you will be fine. And someday he'll be able to truly believe your devotion.
It's almost… ironic, he thought at his immortal, relaxing in his lover's arms with a tiny sigh. I sealed the Tower to prove to myself that he wasn't wrong to love me… That I can be… worthy of him.
Life often is, Damon chuckled sadly. But if you didn't… none of us would be here, and eventually, both of you would perish in Calamity… So, don't beat yourself up over that, my boy.
I know… I just wish the price – for him – wasn't so steep, he admitted, smiling when his lover relaxed considerably and went back to nuzzling against his neck affectionately, purring loudly his happiness. Like this… it's hard to believe how big a piece of his soul he had to lose along with Esteem.
His immortal was silent for a long, long moment… until G'raha felt a sudden chill slither up his spine at the sudden thought.
Wait… he peered through his lashes at his fingers, still absent-mindedly petting the soft fur of Senri's tail. That doesn't seem… right…? How he can… live with that much of his soul missing? How exactly did Ares 'take care of it'? Did he somehow… turned it back to what it was? That's why I can't feel… anything wrong with his soul?
That… wasn't possible, Damon finally replied quietly. It was too… corrupted, and I guess my husband had to slightly… panic, not knowing or expecting this. He… broke it down and consumed it.
G'raha's eyes shot wide open, and his thoughts raced as he fought not to flinch or otherwise let his mate know that anything was… wrong. Did he know about it?
He does, yes… Ares told him, the immortal assured with a slightly sheepish chuckle. But I don't think Senri considered the… ramifications of that.
How is he alive? G'raha asked, looking numbly at his fingers tangled in the black fur. He was getting a… funny feeling about this.
Ares exchanged his soul for the fragment Senri lost, Damon's voice suddenly sounded very… guarded.
He frowned, mulling it over… his mind arriving at conclusions that seemed more than slightly… off.
So… is Senri immortal now? He asked slowly.
No, Damon replied briskly, then sighed with resignation. Raha… leave it be.
Now he scowled, gears in his head turning furiously.
If he isn't… then… his jaw dropped, and his head shot to the side, clearly startling his lover.
Don't, Damon downright hissed.
"Something wrong, my heart?" Senri frowned, pulling back slightly to brace his weight on his elbow and lean over him. G'raha turned in his arms, narrowing his eyes with consideration as he wrapped his hands around his lover's handsome face.
Raha, don't! Just… leave it be, Damon suddenly sounded agitated. It's our choice, you stubborn mortal!
"Ares… made himself mortal for you," he whispered shakily, watching his Warrior's expression grow slack instantly for a moment as his pupils dilated and his irises turned into a too-bright sky-blue shade of blue.
"Don't," his lover's Ascian whispered softly, smiling reassuringly. "It's fine. He doesn't need to… know about that."
"He'll hate it," G'raha rasped with misery, keeping his mismatched hands around the face that no longer belonged to his mate, their connection falling silent. "He'll blame himself… because you did this to save his soul."
"I did it… because he's a good child, who never deserved what fate chose to throw on his shoulders," Ares hummed, then smiled a bit crookedly. "And it doesn't seem like a high price for being able to know you two… and save my brother. Give him something to live for," he added cryptically, then sighed and looked away. "And it's not like we don't still have probably years before that even matters, G'raha. Just…"
"But I'm right…? When Senri dies… you'll perish with him?" he asked quietly. "And Damon with you…? And… you won't be reborn again…?"
I would never stay without him, his immortal sighed with a hint of resignation. Same as you Raha… That's the downside – for us upside – of our bond… you share. We cannot exist without the other… quite literally. And my spell – the one I created for this – didn't account for this… situation. If Senri dies, he'll pull Ares's soul into the aetherial sea to be broken down alongside him. And if Ares perishes, I do, too. If you die… it'll literally kill him, too.
He blinked slowly, trying to wrap his head around the meaning of… that.
"That's why you said…" he whispered shakily, suddenly feeling utterly cold inside. "…that as long as I don't choose something else… above him, we will be fine…? Because… if I die… he will die too? And you… with us…?"
"You do have too much of Damon's intellect," Ares chuckled sheepishly, then grinned at him fondly. "Now… forget about that," his deep voice rang with power.
G'raha blinked with uncertainty, his slightly confused stare meeting amused icy-blue irises.
"Something wrong, Raha?" his lover chuckled and leaned in to press a gentle kiss on the corner of his mouth.
"I…" he frowned, feeling like there was something… important he should… know, but for the life of his, he couldn't remember why did he turn around. "I… nevermind," he chuckled sheepishly, moving his hands from Senri's cheeks to the back of his head and pulling him in the slow, deep kiss.
Whatever that was… probably wasn't that important anyway. Not as much as enjoying his lover's delicious taste and the delicate vibrations of their blissful purrs on his tongue.
And only a quiet, relieved sigh in the back of his head had him hesitate… for it to melt away quickly when Senri laughed softly against his lips, then pinned him down, soon devouring his mouth with relish.
No… nothing could be as important as indulging in his Warrior… he thought with a smile, wrapping his arms around Senri's shoulders when his lover growled playfully, then trailed delicate bites along his jaw... Yet, for some reason, the sudden, inexplicable chill slithered up his spine.