Author's Note:
Hello again! Hope you all have had a great summer so far! Summertime been pretty busy for me on my end with family visits etc, but I've not been idle, writing whenever I could find the time.
This oneshot is a follow up to Scorch in a sense, being in the same continuity as well as being part of my wider upcoming series. I've proofread it extensively so hopefully it's all good. You don't need to read Scorch to understand this one, but is always appreciated.
Like with Scorch it is one of my more self indulgent fics, but still I hope you enjoy.
As always this fic is also to be found on AO3 under the same name as well as the rest of my works.
A basket of sandwiches in hand a familiar figure clad in an elaborate star woven robe of black, red and white steadily walks up the flight of stairs heading for a certain suite of the pendants. Stars has long since made their appearance known in the sky, their small lights sparkling like diamonds on the velvety dark veil. The Exarch just hopes he isn't too late. While he was assured by the manager of suites The Warrior of Darkness retired for the day not too long ago, he would hate to disturb his much needed slumber.
After all he knows how hard Y'sato has worked himself assisting Norvrandt with her recovery for the last couple weeks and he also well knows how he struggles with sleep. Not that he meant to pry on his friend's privacy. Gods knows he has done that enough already when his friend was slowly, steadily being warped by the corrupted light of the Lightwardens. In his growing concern however he earlier this week activated the mirror once more in the tower, in the Ocular a couple days past. He had to look, and he saw him, sitting on the edge of his bed all despondent looking, hair dishevelled with a haunted look in his eyes, clearly having just woken up from a horrible nightmare. It had taken all of his willpower not to rush to his side right then and there but the Exarch knows better. To do so would mean, it would tell Y'sato he had been spying on him again and...
His heart sinks from the thought. No...There has been enough spying, enough intrusions on his friend's privacy. For now he will focus on making sure his friend is well fed at least. He knows he hasn't been eating well.
Finally he reaches the landing and he turns in the direction he knows the Warrior's suite to be. After all he has visited it on a few scant occasions before, to hand him food or to check in on his well being. His hood is down, resting neatly around his shoulders. Something that is still novel to him, but over time ever since Y'sato first pulled it so gently off his head that day following the ceremony held at the Crystarium to celebrate the return of the night in earnest in the wake of Hades demise, being so encouraging, the Exarch has found it easier and easier to keep it down. To be seen. He still feels a bit naked without his hood, and he still pulls it up when raining or when the sunlight becomes too harsh for his eyes, but...he is improving.
The hall leading to the suite is dimply lit by oil lamps affixed to the walls with only distant ambient sounds to be heard. The city itself is slowly winding down for the night, for restful sleep, something that is still new to this world and the Exarch finds himself relishing it. For so long they all had to endure under the primordial everlasting light. For so long everyone struggled just having a good nights sleep.
I can only hope sleep will find you as well this night...
Crystalline arm glinting in the low firelight from a lantern he gives Y'sato's door a few light knocks. He cradles the basket of sandwiches safely in his other arm, having put much care and effort in their making, knowing what his friend likes. Silence greets his ears for a moment from the other side and he starts to fidget a bit with his robe with his free hand. Perhaps he is too late after all, perhaps Y'sato has already fallen asleep. Perhaps he should-
Before he can second guess himself further the door is pushed open with a low creak, warm light washing over the Exarch, catching in the gold adornments of his robe. A familiar face greets him framed with a shock of blond hair and he can immediately see how his friend's face lights up upon seeing him.
"Raha! What a pleasant surprise. Come in. Come in."
G'raha can scarce say a word or fully feel the affectionate warmth of his name being uttered without his tribe letter prefix so casually before Y'sato almost drags him into the room. He is...happier than usual. More eager. Door closing behind him G'raha takes the opportunity to have closer look at his friend. He is dressed in more casual attire, a black simple singlet top with black baggy cotton pants. His abstract simple black dragon tattoo is fully visible, snaking down his right arm from the side of his neck to his wrist, standing out nicely against his tan skin. He is currently rummaging through a wooden box standing on the bench by the door, and G'raha doesn't fail to notice how his tail is unable to stay still, shivering with such excitement he has never seen. He is still not used to it. How filled with joy just being in his presence Y'sato always is, but this time he seems more...thrilled than usual.
Something clicks. G'raha senses it, a distinct scent of...something earthy in the room. Something familiar, something pungent yet floral. His friend still being busy looking for something, G'raha looks around the room. It looks much like it has always done, warm and inviting with a nice view over the lake and the distant mountains from the small balcony at the end of the room. Y'sato's scythe, still relatively new from when he first visited the Source following everything rests against the wall with his leather coat and armor laying neatly on the closet opposite his bed. Nothing looks out of the ordinary, until he sees it. The kettle still steeping something on the stove and a cup, innocuous looking standing on the table.
Walking over to it to put down the sandwiches he reaches out for the cup, crystalline hand lifting it up to his nose to have a whiff. The cup is near empty but there is no mistake.
...This smell. There can be no doubt. This is...Kholusian Fireweed. So this explains-
His eyes widening G'raha puts the cup down, then turns to his friend. "Sato...Are you...Is everything all right?"
"Never felt better." His tail is still shivering and having finally found what he was looking for Y'sato finally straightens to face him, something held in his hand. A fond smile graces his lips. However it is the look of his eyes that brings G'raha pause. His pupils, they are so dilated. Almost round having overtaken much of the bright green, no longer the usual narrow slits known for Seekers, and there is something else in them too. Something so deeply affectionate G'raha averts his gaze.
"Here, I was meaning to give you this. I hope you like it."
Still not looking him in the eye, finding them too intense G'raha looks at what he wants to hand him at least, and the sight leaves him speechless.
In his hand Y'sato holds a necklace, the thin golden band glinting in the warm firelight but its the pendant that really grabs his attention. An oval shaped gemstone. A ruby, flawlessly cut and polished, catching and refracting the light, setting it almost aglow.
"I mined it myself. Cut, polished, even set the stone."
Still speechless G'raha senses Y'sato gently reaching out for his hand. His crystalline one and he lets him. Eyes still wide he watches as his friend then gingerly sets it down into his palm, the ruby red a stark contrast to the calm blue ethereal glow of his hand. He feels Y'sato squeeze it. "The deep vibrant red reminded me of you and...I poured a lot of myself into it... I hope it shows."
"Sato I...I don't know what to say." Again he finds himself at a loss for words, all eloquence leaving him. His heart fills with such warmth it feels fit to burst. Y'sato has ever been kind to him since he learned of his identity. Despite everything he has put him through, all of the lies and the half truths he still hands him this thoughtful gift, crafted by his own hand no less.
And all just because he wants to.
The sentiment, it is too much. Deep red against calm blue blurs out before his eyes and he quickly blinks in an attempt to will the tears pricking his eyes away. He wont let them fall. Not this time. His eyes still shimmering from unshed tears he looks up at his friend, a fond warm smile of gratitude on his lips.
"Thank you, my friend. Truly, thank you. This...This means more to me than you can ever know."
"I take that as a yes then. Happy you like it." Heartfelt warmth radiates from bright eyes as Y'sato's fond smile widens, showing his teeth, his fangs, ears wiggling with joy. A rare sight. Especially coming from him and one G'raha will never tire of. However he again is aware of how dilated his friend's pupils still are and how he has yet to let go of his hand. Y'sato takes a step closer, his eyes never straying from G'raha's own. "Did I ever tell you how beautiful your eyes are?"
"Sato. What are you-"
He stiffens as Y'sato draws even closer, placing his free hand on G'raha's shoulder, his bright green eyes looking so deeply into Allagan red and...Try as he might G'raha can't avert his gaze. Before he can stop it he feels himself drowning in their intensity, the all encompassing warmth of something fiery smouldering within their depths, something...passionate. His cheeks suddenly feel like they are on fire, his heart quickening in his chest and Y'sato is so close. He can feel his breath ghost over his lips, his cheek, almost heady, their noses almost touching.
This isn't the first time they have kissed. Their first kiss being in the Ocular weeks prior, but this is different. This heat. This passion.
Somewhere in the back of his mind G'raha knows he has to pull away, knows his friend is under the influence. The evidence is so clearly there. He can still smell that pungent, floral smell it in the room and yet his body...A part of him...Wants this.
And his friend. He so clearly wants it too. G'raha sees it, the way Y'sato's eyes are drawn to his lips, his own slightly parted. The heat in his now half lidded gaze, its unmistakable, and the sight of it alone makes G'raha's heart race even more wildly in his chest, an electrifying spark running through his entire body.
This...this isn't right. He deserves better. I must-
All thoughts bursts into a white hot blaze at the feel of soft lips finding his. The gentle press familiar. Oh so familiar. The electrifying spark intensifies. He feels it shoot through him, the sheer tenderness, the fierce want flowing uninhibited from his friend. His ears perks up in response, his own tail shivering from excitement under his robe, and he forgets how to breathe. Time itself grinds to a halt, words themselves utterly escaping him as he gives in to the soft glide of Y'sato's lips on his own.
They are so soft, so impossibly soft as they move against his. His breath mingles with his, and it feels so right. Y'sato's hands starts to wander, clutching at silken star woven fabrics around his shoulders as he chases the next heady kiss. G'raha almost forgets the pendant still held in his hand as he too brings up his hands to clutch Y'sato's shoulders to steady himself.
G'raha meets him head on, caresses his lips with his own with such fervor he feels it will set him ablaze any moment. He feels, more than hears the soft moan against his mouth followed by a gasp. A mist of heat, and it catches delightfully in his throat. Y'sato's mouth finds his again effortlessly, his lips so pliant, so soft. Intoxicating.
Gods he cannot stop himself.
A soft needy sound escapes him before he can stop it, and Y'sato detects it he can tell. His friend chases the next, his knees nearly buckling, and G'raha latches on to almost every stolen staggered breath as Y'sato goes almost limp against him. More, he needs more. Pendant still held in his crystalline hand he smooths stony fingers through the soft tresses of Y'sato's hair as he pulls him closer. His hand moves like liquid glass, raking a dull scratch against his scalp that pulls a low sound from the back of Y'sato's throat. Again, he needs to hear it again.
His grip grows firmer, fingertips going deeper as he grasps a fistful of Y'sato's hair that tugs just right, his other hand holding his jaw in place as he deepens the kiss. He is brave enough to ask for entrance with a sliver of his tongue brushing against his lower lip and his Warrior, he parts for him so easily, being too inviting, letting him in.
His tongue meets G'raha's without riot in a soft intoxicating glide and twelve he is anything and everything G'raha has ever wanted all at once. The taste of him, of salt, of something refreshingly fruity being from the tea he has ingested invades his senses. He dares to go deeper, his tongue caressing against Y'sato's in a way that brings a low soft moan from deep in his throat. Y'sato parts for him further, bracing himself on G'raha's chest as they both sink to their knees onto the floor.
Bravery running through him like liquid fire G'raha licks coyly into his mouth in response, and he can scent the shift in Y'sato's scent from something heady and wanting to pure acceptance, and it spurs him on. In this moment he is free to ask anything he wants of him, anything at all.
Pulling back briefly to catch his breath he dares his kiss to stray, to work towards the corner of Y'sato's mouth and further yet along his jaw and he lets him. With a gentle tug at the back of his head he coaxes Y'sato to tilt his chin up to make his throat more accessible for his use, and he does without question.
A soft drawn out sound escapes him, unrestrained as G'raha's lips finds the tender spot right above his pulse point and the way it catches in G'raha's ears has his tail swish under his robe, thrilled. The sound, the feel of his erratic pulse under his lips, the scent of him, how Y'sato shifts ever closer to him, tilts his head further back to give him better access, the way calloused fingers clutches at the back of his head. It triggers something within him, an age old primal instinct he had thought long buried under a century of toil and single minded purpose, but here it is. Clear as day. He feels compelled...compelled to make his claim. To leave his mark.
His eyes flutter open, grown pupils reflecting his fervent desire. It is too unsightly what his body tells him to do. What courses through his miqo'te blood from ages past, and yet...
He swallows thickly, the wetness in his mouth building, his lips already nursing the supple skin, teeth giving the faintest graze. Y'sato shudders under him from the contact, another soft sound escaping him. It would be so easy, to pull his skin into his mouth, to bite down on the sensitive skin, to run his tongue all over him, to taste-
No he must resist. He has already gone too far. His friend is still under the influence, he cannot in good conscience do this.
I..This is not right. How can I make my claim when we have yet to-
With a deep shuddering breath he bids himself to dispel the smoke hazing his mind, the heat he can feel so clearly blaze through his skin.
He deserves better. I must do better. I...want him to remember...
It is an immense effort, but he manages to pull himself away from the intoxicating pull. Bracing his hands on Y'sato's shoulders he finally lifts his head to look at him. What meets him are half lidded eyes, dilated pupils round having long gone dark with desire. He doesn't meet his gaze, and G'raha supposes he himself must look not much different, and yet there is something in how Y'sato is still so open, so vulnerable before him that has him go weak for him. Y'sato is all but straddled in his lap, ears downturned, all submissive with lips slightly parted, head still tilted slightly back. He looks dazed, disoriented, completely drunk on the feel of having him so close, his fingers still in G'raha's hair.
It would be so easy to take advantage of him in this state, but G'raha wont. Taking another steadying breath he brings his spoken hand up to cup Y'sato's cheek. Dazed eyes blink once, twice before finally meeting his. G'raha smiles at him reassuringly, thumb tracing the scar on his cheek.
"Raha?" Y'sato says, confused, his hands lowering to G'raha's shoulders. There they rest.
"Sato, I want our first time to be free of any influencing substances. You can hardly form a coherent thought from the looks of it. Do you understand me?"
Another slow blink. Y'sato's eyes, half lidded as they are still holds such fiery passion to them, such heat, a tender smile gracing his lips as he regards G'raha with such affection, such...love. He leans in to close the distance, and it takes all of G'raha's willpower to hold him at bay. It is clear to him his friend does not follow. He does not follow at all. All he wants is G'raha, to feel him on his skin, to taste his lips.
"Touch me Raha, please. I-I need. I need to feel your skin on mine."
He stops pushing against G'raha's hands. The want in his whispered voice, the need blazes through him like a wildfire. G'raha's heart beats so wildly in his chest he fears it might leap free from its bounds any second. Struggling to keep his composure he looks to him again, and Y'sato he has his eyes closed with impulse, proud ears still downturned as he exposes his throat to him.
"Mark me." He pleads, his voice a lost, broken thing. "I want you to leave a mark. I'm yours."
Pendant still in hand G'raha clasps his crystalline hand to his chest, trying to still his racing heart. This is too soon. Way too soon and he knows...knows Y'sato wouldn't be this upfront in showing his emotions, his desires if he wasn't under the influence. This is a side of him he has only seen a faint glimmer of before. A long time ago, when he was first allowed to hold Y'sato's crystal of light.
If he was younger he would fulfil Y'sato's wishes without question, but now...
He wants to do what is right.
Softly he brings his spoken hand to the back of Y'sato's head, urging him to look at him. A part of him still feels compelled to do as he asks of him, but for now he will refrain. It is only proper. A low whimper escapes Y'sato at the gentle touch, and the brokenness in it has G'raha pull him into a tight embrace.
"Another time, my friend. I will do as you ask of me, but that day is not today. I hope you understand."
"Raha, please. I want-I need-" He claws at his robe and nips at his skin, tail lashing with agitation.
"I know, by the twelve I know, but I want to be good to you. It would not be fair to any of us, you most of all if I was to take advantage of you as you are now." His voice is a soft murmur, crystal fingers coming up to smooth through his hair, his hand against the soft strands meaning to soothe, his touch a calming massage instead of stoking the fire.
His touch has the intended effect he can tell from the way Y'sato's tail gradually stops its agitated lashing, how he stops nipping and clawing at his skin and robe. He melts against him, letting out a shuddering breath in surrender, his forehead coming to rest on his shoulder. There he stays, comforted by G'raha's soothing touch.
"How many cups did you drink?" He asks at last, now that Y'sato is more relaxed against him, his pulse slowing.
His friend lifts his head in thought. His pupils are still so dilated when they meet his. "Hmm two...Or three? I lost count. Good stuff. Want some?"
G'raha blinks. Three!? No wonder you are this...Influenced.
"I thank you for the offer, but...I pass."
In a bid to try changing the subject G'raha gestures towards the sandwiches he brought, his composure regained. "As for the purpose of my visit this late hour, I wondered if you perhaps wanted something to eat? The Twelve knows you aren't always good at looking after yourself." It is all said in playful jest, knowing he himself isn't really one to talk, but his diversion seems to work as Y'sato's attention is immediately drawn to the offered food still standing waiting on the table. His eyes lights up.
"You-you mean." His tail swishes in excitement, ears perking up as he pushes himself off G'raha to stand.
"Yes." G'raha confirms as he pushes himself to his own feet, a warm smile on his lips. The pure joy radiating off his friend is infectious.
"Sandwiches! It has been so long since last time." With a happy spring in his step G'raha cannot recall ever seeing from him Y'sato near jogs over to the table and plops himself down on a stool not waiting another second to grab one of them, quickly stuffing it into his mouth. His tail shivers once more from excitement, the tip gently swaying back and forth. "Mmm so good! I always loved your sandwiches you know. Come have a seat. Have one too." Y'sato says in between bites, not even fully chewing and swallowing before speaking. Again it is a side G'raha has yet to see from him. It is...strangely endearing.
"Again I must thank you for the offer but I really don't want to impose on you further and-"
"Raha, really. You bring me food but don't plan to eat it with me? It's alright. Come have a seat. Join me."
The way he still says his name so casually, the way his bright green eyes now sparkle with such joy when they look at him, has G'raha relent. Under the influence his friend is, but he can tell he is genuinely happy, content as he stuffs another sandwich into his mouth. Keeping a respectable distance G'raha seats himself next to him on a stool. His heart has mostly calmed down its wild racing in his chest and yet such warmth clings to it, warming him down to his core. Absent-mindedly he brings a hand up to his lips where Y'sato kissed him so passionately, a fond smile on his lips. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought...That his friend would ever take the initiative...That he would even live to see Y'sato being this happy, this comfortable around him. With those thoughts in mind he again looks down to the pendant still in his hand, the deep vibrant red of the ruby akin to his own eyes, stark against the calm crystal blue of his palm. Smile still on his lips he gingerly brings it up to hang around his neck, then to clasp the golden band securely together at the nape. Its weight is light and yet it fills him with such heartfelt warmth and gratitude he has ever felt. Crystal blue fingertips gently cradling it he looks on at its flawless brilliance, the way it refracts the light as he gently turns it around, the crimson depths of his eyes holding such deep affection in that very moment. Y'sato, he has already given him so much.
How can I ever hope to repay you...
"Here, before I eat them all." Before he can ponder more on his dilemma, G'raha finds a sandwich being handed to him and he graciously accepts it in kind, but he doesn't take a bite yet. There is something he wants to ask his friend.
"Forgive me, but I need to ask...How did you acquire it? Kholusian Fireweed. As far as I know one can only find it in the land its namesake implies and not readily. Did...you seek it out in Eulmore?"
He doesn't doubt his friend. He is just curious. The plant, its trade isn't exactly an illicit one, but it got this...reputation to it. Mostly for its inherent quality in affecting mystel more than any other race, it being used mostly as an aphrodisiac or to simply aid in relaxation, promoting sleep and Y'sato from what he has seen and can still so clearly see is no exception. Furthermore he reacts so strongly to it. Even now his eyes still have this droopy relaxed look to them, his pupils still so impossibly large for a Seeker, much due to his moon keeper blood G'raha knows, all thanks to his mixed heritage. His posture is also more relaxed now, his shoulders slumping slightly, he himself sitting more slumped on the stool. Y'sato blinks at him, slowly, almost drowsily. It is clear the drug that is still influencing him has progressed to the more relaxed, mellow stage.
"Mmm," He drawls, now having finished all of the sandwiches except the one he handed to G'raha. "I did. There is this merchant in the Derelicts and I asked him when passing by the other day if he knew about something that could...help calm the nerves." He pauses, then turns more towards G'raha but he doesn't look him in the eye, but G'raha can still see it. A familiar look, a haunted look.
"I have yet to tell anyone, but...I struggle with sleep. They haunt me. The nightmares. Of me turning into a Light Warden...Killing everyone. Killing...You..."
Y'sato still doesn't look him in the eye but he doesn't need to. The pain in his voice, the terror...It's palpable and it brings him pause. G'raha can already feel it, the immense guilt weighting down on his heart. He is the cause of this, these nightmares. He is the one that asked Y'sato to absorb all that tainted, corrupted light in the first place, to carry that burden, then failed him when he needed him the most. All because of him and him not taking Emet Selch's scheming into account. Such short sightedness, and Y'sato...He almost paid the price, almost turned and now...The experience, the trauma from it won't even allow him to find reprieve in sleep. Not knowing what to say, his hands clenched so tightly around the fabric of his robe they tremble G'raha refuses to look up from his lap. The weight in his chest is crushing, and he tries to find the words to try to console his friend, to try to make amends but they escape him. This...This is a matter he has yet to fully address, to fully discuss at length with him, but under the influence as Y'sato still is he wonders if this really is the right time and-
"But don't worry about it. Since I started drinking this tea I have been sleeping better. Much better." G'raha startles when he feels one of Y'sato's hands clap down firmly on his shoulder, the suddenness of it all having him look up and there it is again, the genuine happiness shining in Y'sato's eyes, and then he smiles, a broad genuine one, showing his teeth, fangs and all. G'raha's eyes widens from the sight. This smile...Is such a rare one and to see it twice in one night, and all directed at him. He feels a lump start to form in his throat.
Sato...You are much too kind. I do not deserve...
"Also," Y'sato continues, as if he is blind to what effects his smile has on him. "You came to visit me and with food besides, offering your company." His half lidded fond gaze moves to look down at the pendant now hanging around G'raha's neck. "And I'm heartened to see you enjoy my gift."
His words, his genuine smile has the crushing guilt starting to ease around G'raha's heart, but he knows he has to make amends one of these days. Y'sato deserves it, even when he so clearly has forgiven him for all of his transgressions, no grudge to be found in his eyes, but G'raha feels it is only right. He will find a way to repay him, and that tenfold. Looking down at the pendant he now holds in his hand, his eyes takes on a steely resolve.
Somehow I will find a way to repay you. To make amends...I swear it.
The mood lifted in the room, he raises his gaze from the pendant, his expression softening when he turns back to Y'sato. Both of them falls into more casual small talk, G'raha doing most of the talking, asking him about his most recent adventures and how the Source is faring. Laughs and smiles comes easier to Y'sato now than he has ever seen and he hangs on to them, relishing every moment. They while away the next bell or two for G'raha doesn't know how long until he can tell the moon is hanging high in the sky judging by the moonlight now illuminating the space by the balcony, and Y'sato he looks sleepier than ever, now sitting more slumped in his seat, barely being able to keep his eyes open and yet he still looks so happy, so content.
"As enjoyable as this evening has been perhaps we should call it here for tonight. It is getting rather late." G'raha rises to his feet, long having finished his sandwich. It had heartened him to see Y'sato eat them all with such a big appetite. He turns to his friend, seeing he has made no attempt in moving from his seat, his eyes blinking sluggishly. He looks drowsy enough to fall asleep on the spot. Hesitating at first G'raha offers him a hand, his crystalline one. "Need a hand?"
Y'sato blinks at his extended hand, once, twice, before he with a sleepy smile accepts. G'raha can feel the relaxed weight of all of his muscles as he helps pull him up to his feet, only to find himself stiffen when Y'sato promptly falls onto his chest, his arms wrapping around him in a sloppy embrace as he buries his face into G'raha's shoulder.
"You smell so nice." His voice is muffled by the star woven robe but it does nothing to stop the familiar heat from creeping into G'raha's cheeks again or his heart from quickening in his chest.
He is still under the influence and sleepy besides. Calm down.
Regaining his composure, something he has long mastered he half carries, half guides his sleep and drug addled friend over to his bed, but he has scarce gotten him to sit down on it before Y'sato moves in to hug him again, his head now bunting into G'raha's shoulder, his tail doing a playful swish behind him."Stay a bit longer, Raha...Please."
The pleading yet somehow childish tone of his voice again has something in G'raha relent. He reminds himself Y'sato is still relatively young, just twenty five summers. Not that he often shows it, having experienced and seen too much, his eyes carrying that weight, the many scars on his body a testament to that fact, but seeing this side of him now. His younger side, being so happy and content, more carefree...
Perhaps...Some of your scars can still be mended after all...
"Alright. I will stay, but lay down at least." G'raha watches as Y'sato slowly raises his head to look at him, his tail doing another playful swish, his ears wiggling from joy. He does as he is bid and lays down onto his side, curling up slightly as he faces G'raha, a tired yet content smile on his face. G'raha notes his pupils are still pretty much dilated. The fireweed showing no signs of leaving his system anytime soon. Gingerly seating himself on the edge of the bed G'raha keeps a respectable distance from his friend. He will stay until he has fallen asleep at least, hoping his presence alone will help fend away any nightmares.
"If you like you can pet me."
What!
His ears shooting up from the suggestion, G'raha whips around to look at his friend, eyes wide, shocked. Y'sato is still looking at him with the sleepy fond smile but there is a playful glint in his eyes upon seeing G'raha's reaction. Then he speaks. "I meant my ears."
O-oh...
Breathing out a sigh of relief G'raha brings a hand up to his chest. Once more his heart beats wildly. This...At this rate being around the Warrior of Darkness might be too taxing for his old yet unaging body to handle. He still finds it ironic, that despite his legendary control, the composure he worked for and mastered over the century, his eloquence, it all falls away in the presence of his friend, and all from the moment he first uttered his name. A name he had not heard in so long...
"It's alright."
The unexpected gentleness of Y'sato's voice rips his gaze up from the crystalline floor, and there he is, standing behind the twins, bloodied and bruised himself, his leather armor torn in places, but he's smiling, bright and radiant, and his eyes shines with such happiness the Exarch has never seen. No longer are they the piercing, cold acidic green brought on by light corruption, but the beautiful clear light fluorite green he has come to love so much. And more than that they regard him with such heartfelt warmth as they search his face, a tentative hopeful look there. One that is reflected in his ears as they cant forward, tail swishing behind him. The Exarch finds himself unable to look away, entranced by what he is seeing. Disbelieving.
In that moment Y'sato's gaze softens. "It's good to see you awake, G'raha."
G'raha's eyes soften from the memory, heart warm in his chest. Perhaps he can show some of his endless gratitude by fulfilling this one small request. He turns back to Y'sato, seeing he still got his eyes on him, blinking drowsily. He reaches out, hesitantly for Y'sato's ear that is still readily within reach of his crystalline hand, the other pressed into his pillow. It has been weeks since he last found the opportunity to touch Y'sato in this way. To be allowed to touch another Miqo'te's ears...Is a privilege offered to only a select few. Mainly family members and close friends. He stops for a moment, unsure and he once more looks to Y'sato for confirmation but he still smiles up at him with the same fond tired smile, his eyes glinting with such warmth, silently encouraging him, and heartened G'raha closes the distance.
Y'sato's ear is surprisingly soft to the touch, the golden fur silken under his fingertips as G'raha gently runs his fingers down the length of it, settling at the base where he gently starts to massage it in circular slow motions, much like he remembers his own mother doing to him oh so long ago, when he still was but a small boy. Y'sato's reaction to it is immediate. Closing his eyes he leans into the touch, letting out a deep sigh. It never fails. Under his touch he melts, his ear G'raha's to use as he sees fit.
A warm smile of his own now on his lips G'raha keeps gently massaging the base of his ear then to run his fingers slowly up and down its length in a languid rhythm. He doesn't fail to notice how his friend relaxes more and more into the mattress under his ministrations, clearly on the verge of falling asleep. Then he hears it. A low droning sound, barely audible at first but it is unmistakable, and it brings him pause. This sound...He hasn't heard this sound since Y'sato took care of him in he Tower shortly after they returned from the Tempest all those weeks ago. His eyes widen as he looks at Y'sato's face.
Is he...Purring?
His eyes are still closed, his mouth open slightly in his relaxation and yet G'raha can hear the low droning, clear as day coming from him. He knows what this means...A miqo'te will only purr like this when they feel truly content. Safe.
Sato you...I do not...I do not deserve this or your kindness and yet...
Again his heart feels fit to burst in his chest, again he feels touched beyond measure, tears threatening to overflow, but he blinks them away. His smile widening, crimson eyes aglow he resumes gently massaging the base of Y'sato's ear, not wanting the wonderful sound to stop.
In the end it doesn't last, the low droning gradually being replaced by deep breathing, even and slow and G'raha knows then Y'sato has truly fallen asleep.
"Rest well, Sato." His voice a murmur he gingerly withdraws his hand away from his friend's ear. It doesn't even twitch and heartened by that fact he gingerly rises to his feet, taking care in not making a sound. He is about to cover him with his blanket when he notices Y'sato is drooling into his pillow in his sleep, being so relaxed, being utterly at peace. It is a sight so endearing G'raha can't stop a small chuckle from escaping him, knowing how embarrassed Y'sato would be if he knew. In all of his years he had never expected to ever see such a sight and now.
"Thank you, my friend. Thank you. For everything."
Gingerly he covers his slumbering friend with the blanket, then moves to dim the lights, then to close the shutters to the balcony before he makes his departure. As he is leaving he looks over at him one last time to check if he is still comfortable and from the looks of it, he is certain no nightmares will visit to plague him this night.
As for me. He thinks as he gently closes the door behind him, the chill night air cool against his skin, but it does nothing to offset the warmth he still feels flooding his chest.
This has been a night I won't forget anytime soon...
I added some more hints regarding further character growth for Y'sato here, hinting at the Scythe, something I will explore more in time. The idea is he got roped into helping the Lemures shortly after he first visited the Source following the events in the Tempest, wanting to check in on Nanamo after talking to Tataru. Also his goldsmith and miner skills plays a part in this fic, the profession being one of his major hobbies so to speak, but few can say they have ever had a piece made by him delivered in person, and for free. G'raha is truly a lucky person. Special one can say :D
(And yes I did think up a FFXIV equivalent of cannabis/marijuana, and it affecting miqo'te more strongly, adding some catnip flair in there.)
This was fun to write, allowing me to explore a state of mind with Y'sato I have never done before although not written from his POV, but it also made me nervous, as well as this being one of my first written make out scenes, and the first I choose to show. I can but hope I delivered. (new-raven and AuroraRayne's writing was of much help to inspire me to delve into m/m romance in the first place so credit where credit is due 3 )
I can't say exactly when I will start posting the first part of my upcoming series, in addition to it being my first multichaptered fic, but hopefully soon. Life still busy, more family visits on the horizon, but hang tight.
Meanwhile I hope you enjoy this newest installment 3