Red and Blue
Charles patted Cammus on the shoulder. "Looks good. I'm going to head up front and check on Hannah."
Flicking his mandibles, Cammus gave Charles a quick nod before turning back to packing products in shipping containers. Charles glanced over his shoulder at Meerka, watching for a second as the salarian looked over the shelves, pulling items. Charles left the two to do their jobs, relieved to see that miracle of miracles, he was actually keeping the place running smoothly.
Hannah and Mahlia stood next to Hannah's workstation, looking over the kiosk. The tight lines in Hannah's brow let Charles know the woman still hadn't found her confidence. Mahlia handled it wonderfully, though, taking Hannah under her wing. He stopped next to the two of them and watched as Mahlia showed Hannah how to navigate back to the main menu from any screen on the kiosk.
A customer walked in, and Charles nodded his head to Mahlia, telling her to tend to the pair of asari. When she stepped away, he moved in closer to Hannah to take over helping her find and sort through the inventory lists to fulfill the last order she'd taken. She always seemed so nervous around him, and at first it really bothered him, made him wonder what exactly she was picking up on from him, but after a day or so he realized it was just because he was her boss. Which he found a little amusing. After all, he'd only been Shift Manager for a few days before hiring her, and all things considered, he really didn't have a whole lot of room to judge anyone else.
"Welcome to Citadel Souvenirs," he said when the door chimed again.
Lifting his gaze and finding Ares, the rest of his greeting stalled on his lips and his heart slammed against his sternum. A smile spread across his face, and he turned leaning over the counter. Ares lifted his chin in greeting, lit cigarette hanging from his mouth. Technically, the front of the store was supposed to be smoke-free, but Charles had zero intention of telling his turian to put it out.
Taking in the nice, new jacket Ares' wore—black with blue trim—Charles let a little purr seep into his voice as he asked, "How can we help you today, sir?" He had a feeling Ares chose to wear something with a bit of blue to appeal to him, but he also thought Ares would never outright admit it, even if he did tell Charles that he'd look for things in blue.
"I'm … browsing," Ares said, but Charles smelled the bullshit right away. He was there to see Charles, and they both knew it.
The fact only made Charles' heart flutter. Fuck, who the hell had he become? The turian completely turned him into a puddle of lovesick mush, something so beyond anything he'd ever experienced with anyone else before.
"Any ideas of what you might be looking for?" Charles smirked, tracking Ares' movements as he approached the counter and stopped in front of Charles.
Humming, Ares pulled the cigarette from his mouth and blew the smoke off to the side. "No. I'm open to suggestions."
Knowing Ares came home to him, safe and sound, left Charles relieved and feeling a little feisty. He planted his palm on the counter and launched himself over the top, landing next to Ares. Brow plate raising, Ares hummed and watched him. So close to the turian, Charles caught a whiff of Ares' scent and wanted nothing more than to bury his face against the turian's neck and breathe him in. He may not be able to pick up on the subtle changes in pheromones, but he knew Ares' scent, and it was … everything.
"Well, let's see what we have." He chuckled, turning the kiosk around to face Ares. Hitting a few buttons, he took it back to the main menu to show Ares the different categories. He leaned his back against the counter, gaze roaming over Ares—in a very unprofessional way.
Ares put his cigarette back in his smirking mouth as he gave Charles a soft, promising growl. Turning his attention to the kiosk, he started to flip through the categories, but it was more than obvious he didn't have anything in mind. Charles let out a soft snort, just loud enough for Ares to hear.
He wondered how the turian would respond if he threw all pretenses out the window and just pulled Ares in for a kiss. Instead, he decided to toe the line and give it a little longer, let things play out and see what Ares planned. Glancing over his shoulder, he took in the nervous looking woman standing on the other side of the counter and said, "Hannah, do you have any suggestions to help our handsome turian friend?"
She swallowed and moved a little closer. "We have a wide selection of Destiny Ascension paraphernalia, including our newest set of laser engraved glassware and dish sets."
Wrinkling his nose, Ares asked, "What's with you people and trying to sell me dishes?"
Hannah swallowed loud enough for Charles to hear. "Sorry, sir. I'm more than happy to help you find something better suited to your tastes. Are you interested in looking at our selection of dextro foods? Or model ships, perhaps?"
Atta girl. You're getting the hang of it.
A teasing grin spread across Charles' face, and he kept his gaze fixed on Ares. "We have really amazing, blown-glass vases."
Ares snorted, ignoring both Charles' and Hannah's suggestions as he pulled his cigarette from his mouth and turned the kiosk a little more toward him. "I'm starting to think all this place sells is stupid fucking dishes." He tapped a few buttons and started scrolling again. "I hear any more suggestions for dishes and I'll personally go into your storeroom and destroy your inventory." He took a drag before adding, "Won't be too hard with your fucking 'blown-glass.'"
"Sor—sorry, sir," Hannah stammered. Her voice sounded so high and shaky, she had to reek of worry and fear to Ares' nose.
Ares, c'mon ….
Charles huffed. "He's not going to destroy anything, Hannah." He glanced at her, offering her a reassuring smile. "You're alright." Nudging Ares' foot with the tip of his shoe, he told the turian, "Be nice, she's new."
Humming, Ares tapped the screen again before leaning back to scrutinize Charles. "You look ridiculous."
Mahlia and Hannah both gasped. Snorting, Charles reached over and grabbed a handful of Ares' jacket. He did not look ridiculous, he looked good, and it was damn nice not having to wear a stupid uniform to work anymore. Although he'd admit he wasn't exactly comfortable in the black slacks and dark purple shirt, he did look good.
Tugging at Ares a little, he said, "You don't."
Ares smirked and rumbled but didn't come any closer. "I know."
Charles plucked the cigarette from Ares' mouth and took a deep drag, rolling the smoke around in his mouth before reaching up and putting it back between the turian's mouth plates. "Been home yet?" he asked, letting the smoke drift out of his nose and mouth.
"No," Ares said, taking a drag before pulling the cigarette away. "Dropped my stuff off at a hotel."
Confused and nursing the sudden emotional sting, Charles lifted an eyebrow. "Okay … well, I'll be done here in about an hour. Don't go to the apartment, I want to be there when you do. There's some things waiting for you."
Letting out a curious hum, Ares turned back to Hannah. "Do I have to wait for my shit or do you have it here?" He stamped his cigarette out on the surface of the counter.
"Hey!" Charles let out a soft, annoyed growl. "I'm the manager now, show some respect." He huffed, his frustration half-hearted, and brushed the extinguished cigarette and ashes into his hand. "Let me see the trash can," he said, glancing at Hannah.
"Yes, sir." She held the trash can out to him, letting him empty his hand and brush his palm off over it before putting it back behind the counter. Looking between Ares and the kiosk, she said, "Oh. We have everything here. It might take Cammus a moment to pull things, would you like to wait or should I have them delivered somewhere?"
"I'll wait." Ares pulled out and lit another cigarette, making Charles press his lips together, but he let it slide. "Tell Cammus to hurry his ass up," Ares said, "Aelianus is the customer. He'll know I don't have very much patience."
Charles chuckled and nodded his head toward the back when Hannah glanced between him and Ares, wide-eyed and unsure. "Go ahead," he said.
She nodded and turned, walking for the back door. Charles moved his attention back to Ares, just watching the turian with a stupid grin on his face. Damn, he missed the gruff giant. Fluttering his mandibles, Ares hummed, gaze trailing over Charles once more. Mahlia inched her way down the counter, her shuffling feet alerting Charles to her hesitancy. Ares wasn't exactly polite to her the last time he came into the store, and Charles didn't expect things to go much differently.
Meeting her gaze, Charles smiled, hoping to help ease the potential sting of Ares' response to her presence. Glancing back at Ares, he said, "Mahlia, this is Aelianus. Aelianus, meet Mahlia."
"It's nice to meet you … again," Mahlia said, the question clear in her voice.
Ares gave her nothing more than a grunt of acknowledgment before looking at Charles again. "So, manager, can't you just leave when I get my shit?"
Charles chuckled, tilting his head to the side. "And set such a bad precedent for my employees? Besides, Hannah's still figuring things out."
"I can help her." Mahlia moved a little closer when he glanced at her. "Lindsey's working late today, so I don't have anything I need to do. If you don't mind keeping me on the clock a little longer, anyway."
Humming, Charles glanced between the two for a moment. He couldn't deny wanting to take off to be with Ares; they had things they needed to talk about, and he craved the turian's touch like a man dying of thirst craved water. "Where are your hours this week?"
"I don't know the exact amount," Mahlia said with a shrug, "but I took time off three days ago, so it won't push me over."
It made his mind up for him, but he pursed his lips and looked up at Ares, pretending to be thinking really hard about it. "Hmmm. I guess that'll be okay." He glanced back at the asari and smiled. "Thanks, Mahl."
Ares flicked a mandible. "Like you care about making a good example."
Charles scoffed but winked at Ares. "I do."
A moment later, Hannah came back out, Cammus on her heels. The other turian held a cage with a hamster inside and a bag draped over his wrist. He looked extremely put-upon, mandibles held firmly against his face, head tipped away from the cage. Charles let out a bark of laughter.
Looking at Ares, Charles raised an eyebrow. "You bought a hamster?"
Ares shrugged, nodding to Cammus before turning his attention back to Charles. "It's like a dog, right?"
Charles let out another bark of laughter. "No, not exactly. But they are adorable, little fuzzballs."
"It eats seeds." Cammus hummed, setting it on the counter.
"Don't tell me," Ares said, jerking his head toward Charles. "Tell him. It's his."
Snorting, Charles held up a hand. "I already know."
Cammus flicked a mandible. "It eats seeds …." The unspoken question of 'what the fuck?' resonated in his subvocals, bringing an amused snort from Charles.
Ares shared a look with Cammus and shrugged before glancing at the bag Hannah carried. "That my food?"
"Yes, sir." Hannah held the bag out.
"I'm taking off," Charles said, turning and opening his omni-tool. He used it to clock himself out before picking up the hamster and the starter kit supplies that came with the critter. "Mahlia's staying on for a bit."
"Enjoying being the boss?" Cammus rumbled, fluttering his mandibles.
"Yep." Charles grinned and turned back to Ares. "Ready?"
Ares grunted, his attention on the bag in his hands as he dug through it. He pulled out a chocolate bar and used his teeth to tear through the wrapping before taking a huge bite. "Lead the way," he said around the mouthful.
Still grinning, Charles tucked the hamster's cage under one arm and looped the other through Ares'.
Ares led Charles into the keeper tunnels, beyond a point so narrow the turian had to turn sideways to pass through. A couple of keepers passed in front of them, heading into another passage. Before the tunnel narrowed again, just past where the keepers disappeared, Ares crouched down and pulled aside a wall panel and reached inside.
"Nice hotel." Charles grinned.
Grunting, Ares pulled out his duffle bag and slung it over his shoulder as he stood. "It was faster to stash my shit here than go all the way to the apartment before heading to your work."
A slow, soft, mushy smile spread over Charles' face, and he moved closer to Ares. Tugging at the man's jacket, he lifted his face up to Ares for a kiss. "I missed you."
Ares rumbled softly and leaned down, rubbing his forehead against Charles'. A sigh slipped past Charles' lips, and Ares leaned in further to press his mouth plates to Charles' waiting lips. He knew Ares couldn't really put words to how he felt, but every now and again, the turian let a certain gentleness shine through that told Charles all he really needed to know.
He savored the kiss for a moment before letting go of Ares and whispering, "Let's go home."
As they approached the door to their apartment, the jitters set in for Charles, nerves eating away at him as he tried to prepare himself for Ares' reaction to the things he bought in the turian's absence. He'd been doing his best to stay busy, and making the apartment more accommodating and homey for Ares occupied a lot of his sleepless nights. Something about it seemed to help keep the beast at bay, too. Faced with the moment of truth, however, he suddenly felt completely positive Ares would tell him it was all stupid and a waste of credits. He was stubborn enough to take the blows, though, believing that even if Ares didn't admit it, he'd like the fact Charles did it for him.
He opened the door and moved in ahead, warding off Eezo as she came running toward them. Setting the hamster on the breakfast bar, he trapped his lip between his teeth and turned to watch Ares' reactions. Ares stopped just past the partitioning wall and looked around the living room, a curious sounding rumble filling the air around him.
After a moment, he looked at Charles. "You decorated."
Charles smiled, letting go of his lip and asked, "Do you like it?"
Humming, Ares walked further into the living room and stopped in front of a painting of blooming trees. "This is spring on Palaven. I recognize those trees."
Charles crossed the floor to stand next to Ares, wrapping his arms around himself. "You said you were born in the spring …. I have somewhere I want to take you later, too."
Letting out a hum of interest, Ares raised a brow plate and looked down at Charles. "Where?"
Charles just smiled, popping up a shoulder in a half shrug. "It's a surprise."
Ares flicked a mandible, narrowing his eyes but not saying anything. He turned and headed down the hall, not really stopping to look too closely at the other paintings, weapons rack, or turian style chairs he passed by. Charles followed him to the hall closet, bringing his thumb to his mouth to chew on his nail before tasting the black licorice flavored crap Ares bought him to stop the bad habit. Making a face, he shoved his hand in his pocket instead.
Ares removed the panel at the back of the closet, leading to the maintenance space for the apartment. Charles raised an eyebrow but didn't ask any questions. Stuffing his duffle bag into the hidden space, Ares put the panel back in place.
Looking over his shoulder, he snorted. "What?"
Charles shook his head. "Nothing. Just wasn't expecting that. It's a good idea." He didn't mention he was still waiting for some kind of solid reaction from Ares on the changes he made to the apartment.
Ares hummed and moved back to join Charles at the door. "I plan to make something more permanent, but it'll do for now."
Heart stuttering at Ares' casual use of the word 'permanent', Charles took a slow breath, staving off the stupid flood of love and warmth before smiling and holding his hand out to Ares. "There's more."
"Lead the way, then." Ares put his hand in Charles'.
Tugging Ares along, Charles took him to the kitchen. "You asked for junk food. I got you plenty of that," he said, opening cabinets and the refrigerator, "but I also got you some stuff that maybe won't lead to clogged arteries." He chuckled, stepping back to let Ares see the stocked kitchen. "I also got you some dishes that'll be easier for you to use."
Ares snorted. "I do plenty to make sure my food doesn't 'clog my arteries.'"
Giving him a noncommittal grunt, Charles closed everything again before taking Ares hand and leading him to the bedroom. He opened the closet and dresser drawers before taking a seat on the bed. "Anything you don't like can be returned … but … I wanted you to have some things here, you know? Even when you're gone."
Ares lifted a brow plate and looked down at his clothes. "What's wrong with the shit I'm wearing?"
Huffing, Charles shook his head. "Not a damn thing. In fact, I really like the new jacket." He gave Ares a crooked grin. "The blue looks really good with the black."
Ares shrugged and turned to the closet, looking through the clothes hanging inside. "And these will fit?"
"I sure hope so. I checked your sizes before you left, but seeing as we didn't go to a store where you could try things on …." Charles trailed off with a shrug.
Ares hummed and nodded before closing the closet. "See you picked a few designed after human shit," he said, giving Charles a smirk. "Trying to show me new and interesting fashion?"
Charles laughed and leaned back on his elbows. "Please. I'm not that cultured. I just thought they'd look good on you. I tried to pick things I thought you'd actually like, but really, I can easily return anything you don't, no hurt feelings."
Shrugging, Ares pulled off his jacket as he moved to the bed and sat down next to Charles. "We'll see." He started pulling off his boots.
Charles let out a little hum before shifting to pull out his cigarillos. If he wanted to talk to Ares about the blackout, he'd better do it before any more clothes came off, otherwise, it'd be the furthest thing from his mind. Lighting a cigarillo, he pushed himself upright to grab the ashtray. "There's something I want to talk to you about." He took a heavy drag and kicked off his own shoes. "Something … I need to talk to you about."
"And what's that?" Ares tossed his boots in the corner and sat back, digging out his cigarettes.
Folding his legs up onto the bed and tucking them under himself, Charles set the ashtray on his knee where Ares could easily reach. He wasn't really sure how to go about telling Ares, but he knew he needed to. It was a big thing, and he'd promised he wouldn't keep shit from Ares anymore. So, he decided to just jump off the deep end.
"When I was a kid, still at home, going through all that shit with my dad …." He took a deep breath, fingers starting to tremble as he brought the cigarillo to his lips. "I sometimes had these … I guess you'd call them blackouts. Big chunks of missing time. I'd come to and not remember how I got where I was or what I'd been doing. No one really said anything about it to me. I guess I just did normal shit." He cleared his throat. "Anyway, they stopped after a while when I left Shanxi. I pretty much forgot about them until the day I had to ask your contact for help." He took another drag and scraped his teeth over his lip. "I'd lost more than fifteen hours. Some of it came back to me later, but when it happened, all I remembered was waking up, feeling like … like I'd waited too long. Then, the next thing I knew, I was standing over a dead guy covered in blood."
"Sounds like you did wait too long," Ares said, flicking his ashes. "Your animal instinct kicked in."
The simpleness of the response and the calmness used to deliver it took a huge weight off of Charles' shoulders. He relaxed a little, taking another drag of his cigarillo. "I've been trying to keep busy, you know? Feeding that energy into work since I've got this manager thing to focus on. But … I think I may take a trip off the Citadel sometime soon. I've got to figure out a way to control this so it isn't controlling me."
Humming around a drag, Ares blew the smoke back out and nodded. "Need to go alone?"
Charles blinked, looking up to meet Ares' gaze. "I'd rather you were with me, but I'm prepared to go alone if I need to."
Ares shrugged. "Where you thinking?"
Staying quiet for a moment while he mulled it over, Charles finally said, "Omega. No one gives a fuck there."
"You're right," Ares said, letting out an amused huff before taking a drag. "I got a place we can stay over there if you're good not having the best place on the station."
Charles snorted. "You know that I am."
"When do you want to go?" Ares fluttered his mandibles softly, gaze steady on Charles.
Turning his cigarillo around in the ashtray to knock off the ashes, he thought about it for a minute or two. "I think I'm alright for now … maybe in a week? Two weeks?" Not that he would've minded going sooner, but he did have responsibilities he didn't want to blow off.
Ares shrugged, humming around his cigarette. "Just let me know when."
Finishing off his cigarillo, Charles blew out the last of the smoke as he put it out. Pushing up to his knees, he inched his way toward Ares and set the ashtray down on the side table. He straddled Ares' legs and wrapped his hands around the back of the turian's head. "Thanks. It really means a lot to me that you're so … accepting of this." He absently rubbed his fingers back and forth across Ares' hide.
Rumbling, Ares crushed his cigarette in the ashtray. "And why wouldn't I be?"
Charles shrugged and smirked. "If you're okay with it, why would I bring all the reasons why you should be to your attention?"
"Because I'm curious as to what makes you think I wouldn't be completely understanding about needing to kill something," Ares said, raising a brow plate. "Me? Of all people?"
Smile dying down a little, Charles swallowed. "That's not what I meant. I mean … having blackouts like that." He sucked in a deep breath, letting it seep back out of him. "I know it makes me even more of … of a liability."
Ares let out a long breath. "True, but I don't know why you do it, so I can't really rip your ass into fixing it." He shrugged. "Maybe you just need to blow off steam, get someone's blood on your hands. Who knows?" Humming, he laid his hands on Charles' hips. "Blacking out isn't something I'm a stranger to, but I can't really say the reasons would have been the same between us."
Charles swallowed again, throat drying out on him as a spark of hope lit up the back of his mind. Maybe he wasn't so alone in his insanity. "It's happened to you?" And if it happened to Ares, then it meant Charles could learn to deal with it and still keep himself out of trouble.
Ares shrugged and rumbled. "Sometimes. Mostly when I was unable to work because of this shit," he said, gesturing to the scars on his face hidden by prosthetics. "Then again when I was high on drugs. Again, circumstances for us are different."
Mulling it over, Charles let out a weary sigh and leaned forward to rest his head against Ares'. So, it wasn't exactly the same thing, but still, he refused to let go of the little bit of reassurance he'd found. "There's something else. You remember how we talked about how I hear my dad's voice sometimes … in my head?"
The silence stretched for a moment.
"Yeah?" The word trailed off as Ares let out a questioning rumble.
"Well, I've been hearing your voice lately, too." Charles swallowed, focusing on his breathing, hoping to keep himself calm enough not to worry Ares too much.
Ares seemed to think on it as he hummed. "Saying what?"
Shifting to scoot up closer to Ares' chest, Charles took a deep breath. "The first time was when I cut myself bad enough you decided we needed to practice stitching. When I did it, you told me to stop being a fucking idiot. Then, when C-Sec showed up at work, you told me things like to stop acting suspiciously." He huffed, shaking his head against Ares. "And the other day, I don't know, just listing off the shit I needed to do to get out of the situation without being caught."
"Sounds like my voice is different than your dad's, then," Ares said, and it made Charles realize how it must've sounded to Ares at first.
Charles nodded. "Yeah. Definitely. Even when your voice is being gruff about shit … it helps."
"Sounds good." Ares fluttered his mandibles.
Snorting, Charles smirked. "Totally batshit crazy, but good."
Ares huffed, flicking his mandibles. "And the way you started made it out to be bad."
"Wasn't sure how you'd feel about the idea of me hearing your voice in my head." Charles brushed a thumb over Ares' mandible.
"Not like you can cut the shit out," Ares said, returning the shrug.
"No." Charles hummed. "But if I could, would you want me to?"
Shrugging again, Ares said, "Only if I was saying stupid shit."
Charles chuckled. "I don't think I've ever heard something you wouldn't really say or haven't already said. Same with my dad." Suppressing his smile long enough to put on a serious face, he pulled back to meet Ares' gaze. "But if you start talking like one of those asari love stories, I'll let you know, and you can beat it out of me."
Letting out a teasing rumble, Ares smirked. "By the Goddess, that sounds horrid," he said, adding a breathless quality to the raised pitch of his voice.
A surprised bark of laughter escaped Charles. The contrast between the Ares he knew and what-the-hell-ever just came out of the turian's mouth sent him into a convulsive fit. Breathless and unable to stop laughing, he rolled off of Ares and wrapped his arms around his stomach, face heating up as he struggled to bring air into his lungs.
Chuckling, Ares shook his head. "You look ridiculous."
Gasping for breath, Charles swatted at him. Just barely managing to get the words out between bouts of laughter, he said, "You sound ridiculous."
Ares shrugged. "Just making sure you know what to listen for."
It only made Charles laugh harder again, but he rolled over, pushing himself up to hands and knees. Sucking in a breath and fighting back the laughter, he climbed onto Ares' lap once more. Finally regaining control, he sucked in a deep breath and wiped his eyes. "I fucking love you."
Ares purred and tilted his head, looking Charles over. "I know. What's not to love?"
"The fact we're both still wearing clothes." Charles smirked.
"Well, why didn't you say anything?" Smiling, Ares stood, turned around, and tossed Charles back onto the bed.
Letting out an oomph as he hit the mattress, Charles rolled to his back and propped himself up on his elbows. He watched Ares start to undress, intent on enjoying the show and then making the turian take off his clothes, too.
Ares loosened the clasps of his shirt before pulling it off and tossing it away. Looking at Charles, he raised a brow plate. "Plan on fucking through your clothes?"
"Nope. Plan on you taking them off for me," Charles said, winking and then waving a hand at Ares, urging him to continue. "After I finish watching you."
Huffing, Ares flicked his mandibles as he opened his pants, Charles soaking in the sights. Plates already parting, he gave Charles a glimpse of the slick, blue cock tucked away inside. He worked the pants down over his hips and off his spurs before kicking them aside, the strip show doing wonders to stir a delightful hunger in Charles. Leaning onto the bed, Ares grabbed Charles' ankles and pulled him down closer to the edge, the manhandling making his cock rock hard.
He looked Ares over, licking his lips. "So fucking sexy."
"Ha," Ares said, voice dry and flat before snorting under his breath. He leaned in to nip Charles' neck and pull the shirt free from his pants.
Charles grabbed and squeezed Ares' crest, reprimanding the bullheaded turian even as he moaned from the feel of Ares' teeth against his skin. "You are so fucking sexy. No 'ha.'"
Lifting his head, breath hot against Charles' lips, Ares said, "Too much talking, not enough sex." At that, he pulled open Charles' shirt, popping off nearly all the buttons.
Charles let out a groan—he liked that shirt—even if the action made his cock twitch and strain against his pants. He licked Ares' mouth plates before shifting his head to nip at a mandible. "Show me how much you missed me," he said, voice husky as he brought his mouth back to Ares'.
Growling, Ares shoved his tongue into Charles' mouth, using his body to pushing Charles back against the sheets. Abandoning Charles' shirt, Ares slid a hand down to rub his palm over Charles' crotch, teasing his cock. He dragged the talons of his other hand down Charles' side, tearing a moan from him. Savoring the sting of Ares' talons along with the pressure and warmth against his cock, Charles pushed back, throwing himself into the kiss. He squeezed Ares' crest again, egging the turian on as he dug the fingers of his other hand into Ares' waist.
Ares snarled and pulled from the kiss, ducking his head to scrape his teeth along Charles' throat again. Licking his way back up, he closed his mouth around Charles' skin, just below his jaw creating as much suction as a turian's mouth allowed. It certainly didn't feel the same as a human mouth leaving a hickey, but he didn't doubt Ares would manage to leave his mark. Letting out a throaty rumble, Charles tilted his head, giving Ares better access. He dug his fingertips into Ares' hip, dragging them up along Ares' waist and ribs. He let go of Ares' crest, slipping his hand underneath the spikes to knead the sensitive, exposed hide.
Rumbling, Ares let go before dragging his teeth over Charles' shoulder, adding in just enough pressure to draw a little blood before licking it clean. He jerked opened Charles' pants, pulling them down enough to wrap his hands around Charles' hips and squeezed. Charles shuddered, goosebumps raising up in Ares' wake, the scent of blood filling his nostrils and sending his brain spinning, amping up his need for Ares until his thoughts became incoherent. Blood splatters danced on the backs of his eyelids when he blinked, and he pushed against Ares' hands, cock desperate to reclaim the delicious warmth and pressure from Ares' body. Turning his head into Ares' neck the first chance he got, he sank his teeth in, biting down as hard as he could, seeking out the taste of Ares' blood on his tongue.
Ares huffed, subvocals rough as his grip tightened on Charles' hips, sure to leave bruises. He pulled himself free from Charles' mouth, earning him an unintentional, frustrated growl. Meeting Charles' gaze, the edges of his mouth red with blood, Ares smirked and said, "You want my blood, huh?"
Charles licked his lips, working up enough saliva to speak. "Yes," he said, no longer ashamed or afraid of his longings, but still, his voice cracked with the strain and dryness.
Humming, Ares slid the tip of his talon along Charles' lower lip. "Your teeth are too flat. You'll need help …." He looked around the room. "Where's your razor?"
Charles swallowed, taking a few seconds longer than normal to process the question with the haze surrounding his mind. He didn't need his razor, he'd managed to draw blood from Ares using his teeth before. And …. "The razor might threaten my control right now …."
Raising a brow plate, Ares gave him a challenging hum. "You're what? Afraid you'll cut me too deep or something?"
Fuck, Ares, it's not a joke.
Charles cocked a brow, standing his ground. "Yeah … but even if I don't, it'll just start the ball rolling in my head until I cut someone else too deep."
"Isn't that why we're going to Omega?" Ares asked, not backing down either.
"Yeah, in a week. I thought I should wait … learn to control … oh, fuck it." Charles pushed himself up from the bed.
His pulse throbbed in his temples, the desperate craving for blood and Ares' cock too much to ignore or continue to be rational about, especially if Ares wasn't going to listen to reason, either. He crossed the floor to the dresser, shrugging his pants and shirt off as he went. Retrieving his razor, he flicked the blade open. Immediately, the beast stirred, waking from it's contented slumber to rattle and push against the bars of its cage. He licked his lips, looking up to meet Ares' gaze with a raised eyebrow.
"Well?" Ares growled, jerking his head toward the bed. "You're not going to kill me, and so long as you don't start a fire, I'm all in."
A slow smirk slid over Charles' face, and he moved back toward the bed, movements feeling unusually smooth and sleek like a predator stalking prey. Except Ares wasn't prey. Ares could never be prey. "No fire. I promise." Putting a knee to the mattress, he let his gaze roam over Ares, hungry and half-crazed. Reaching out with his free hand, he trailed his fingers down over the man's keel, voice coming out little more than a rasp when he asked, "Where?"
"Wherever you want. Well, not my cock. That's off the table." Ares raised a brow plate. "You haven't killed anyone sick with it, have you?"
Letting out a soft purr of sound, Charles leaned into Ares, nipping his mandible and pushing against his chest. "Not to the best of my knowledge, but I've been taking good care of my baby. It's clean. Sterile, even."
Ares nodded once, sitting back against the pillows. "Then have at me."
Climbing onto Ares' lap, Charles took a few seconds to let his gaze roam over Ares, gauging his self-control and choosing his spot with care. Finally, his gaze settled on Ares' right forearm, Charles' name standing out against the otherwise smooth hide. He brought Ares' hand up to rest on his own shoulder, brushing his fingers over the letters. He glanced up at Ares, feeling the beast also watching through his eyes.
"Don't mess up the name." Ares shrugged, rumbling. "More scars won't hurt my modeling career."
Charles smiled, letting out a soft snort. "I'd never mess it up." He brushed his fingers over the mark again, and the beast purred at the feel of the scars marking Ares' as his.
He wanted to know if Ares would feel the same rush he felt whenever Ares sank his teeth into the bite mark scars on his shoulder. Setting his blade to Ares' hide, he took a deep breath and cracked his neck, ready to test his control. It mattered more than ever, cutting into Ares. No matter how willing Ares seemed to let him push the limits. Swallowing, he pressed the blade into Ares' hide, heart hammering as blue blood welled readily to the surface. Slowly, carefully, he used his razor to trace the 'C' carved into Ares' arm.
Blood dripped down Ares' forearm, dropping down to roll over Charles' chest. The beast purred, licking its chops and salivating at the sight. The metallic, intoxicating scent filled Charles' nostrils completely, making his cock ache with need. Turning his face to the wound, he ran his tongue over the cuts, nearly cumming as soon as the taste of blood filled his mouth. Moaning, his eyes fluttered closed, grip tightening on the razor as he fought to maintain control.
"Tell me what it tastes like," Ares said, voice low, subvocals rumbling deep in his throat.
Charles looked at Ares through hooded eyes, rolling the blood around in his mouth before swallowing. "Like metal and salt, but …" He licked his lips, undoubtedly leaving smears of blue. "… like life, and power, and death and …" He furrowed his brow. "… survival." The last part sounded more like a question than a statement, but the word felt right.
"And?" Ares flexed his arm, quickening the flow of blood, as he turned his hand to palm the back of Charles' neck.
"And mine," Charles said, licking the wound again.
Ares chuckled, pulling Charles to him and into a bruising kiss. Wrapping his arm—bloodied blade still in his hand—around Ares' neck, Charles pressed his forearm against Ares to pull him even closer. Ares growled and wrapped his tongue around Charles', grabbing his hips in a death grip and pulled him further up onto his lap. Moaning, Charles rocked his hips, pressing against Ares' cock. Working blind, he grabbed Ares' hand and adjusted his fingers so one talon stood out rigid, and he used it to dig into his own flesh, just below his collarbone before dragging it down over his chest. Hissing and groaning, he nipped at Ares' tongue.
Breaking the kiss and leaning back, Ares' nose twitched as he scented the air. He growled, scratching the talons of his other hand down Charles' back and leaned in, biting into the scar at Charles' shoulder. Charles shuddered, sucking in a stuttering breath as he arched his back into the sensations and threw his head back. Eyes closed, he growled, fighting to keep from cumming all over Ares' stomach as he wrapped a hand around the man's crest, squeezing and urging him on. Hum vibrating through Charles' shoulder, Ares released him and licked the bloody wound. Wrapping a hand around Charles' cock, Ares latched onto Charles' throat, sucking with his mouth plates, teeth pricking at the skin.
Groaning, Charles' grasp on his control slipped, and he went spiraling over the edge, cum washing out of him in hot, sticky waves. When they stopped, he shuddered again before letting out a throaty chuckle. "Fuck."
Rumbling, Ares released Charles' neck, apparently happy with the result before moving to another spot, licking and starting again. His hand slowed to languid strokes on Charles' cock, cum acting as lube. Charles purred as he caught his breath, enjoying the aftershocks of sensation against his overly sensitive cock. He knew before long, he'd get hard again, and he had every intention of making the night last.
Charles offered more of his neck to Ares and ran his hand through the blood on his shoulder. Smearing it over Ares' cowl, he rubbed and kneaded it into the hide and plates. "Showing them I'm yours?"
Humming, Ares let go and lapped at the fresh mark. "You love it."
"I do." Charles rocked his hips, pushing against Ares a little. Bringing his blood-covered hand down between them, he worked his hand past Ares' ministrations to wrap his fingers around Ares' cock. Squeezing, he started a slow stroke. "If it were up to me, I'd never leave this apartment without some evidence of you on me where the rest of the fucking galaxy can see."
Ares growled and brought his head up to look at Charles, a smirk slowly spreading across his mouth plates. "Hold onto me," he said as he released Charles' cock and scooted them to the edge of the bed.
Reluctantly, Charles let go of the warm, slick cock in his hand and wrapped both arms around Ares' cowl, getting a good grip and shifting to wrap his legs around Ares' waist. Ares stood, holding Charles against him, and made his way to the bathroom. Humming as he hit the light, he sat Charles down and turned him around to face the mirror. Charles grinned, tilting his head back and forth to get a better look at the new, red and purple splotches covering his neck.
"Too bad they'll fade." Blood trailed down his chest, smears of red and blue covering his torso. Reaching behind him, he wrapped his arm back around Ares' neck, taking in the sight of them together, naked, bruised, and bloodied. It didn't take long before the hunger stirred in him again. Meeting Ares' gaze in the mirror, he said, "Fuck me. Right here. I want to watch you fuck me."
Growling, Ares smirked and shifted to stand directly behind Charles. "Bend over and grab the counter," he said, slowly pushing on Charles' back and grabbing his hip, talons digging into the skin. Dragging his fingers over the scratches on Charles' back, Ares lined himself up with Charles' asshole and pushed inside.
Sucking in a breath at the sudden, gloriously painful intrusion, Charles held the air in his lungs a moment. He pushed back against Ares, never looking away from their reflection. "Oh, fuck." His cock started to stir, the pressure against his prostate building his desire.
Ares' gaze remained focused on Charles' face in the mirror, jerking on his hips and thrusting forward until Ares' body pressed flush against him. He growled and pressed his thumbs into Charles' back on either side of his spine, slowly pulling out only to thrust again, hard and fast.
Charles' eyelids fluttered, eyes rolling for a moment before he forced himself to focus again. A hungry whimper escaped his throat, and he gripped the counter, tilting his head back a little as he found Ares' pace and tried to match it. "Tell me I'm yours," he said, voice rough as gravel.
Growling deeply, Ares leaned down without breaking eye contact and spoke directly into Charles' ear. "You're mine." He pounded into Charles, hard and rough. "And don't you fucking forget it."
Charles shuddered, the sound of Ares' voice, the command, sliding through his soul. His cock strained against gravity, hard as a rock once more. Ares looked away only to bury his teeth into Charles' shoulder, and Charles very nearly lost it again.
His knees buckled, and he whimpered. "Never."
Ares snarled, tightening his grip on Charles' hips, teeth sinking deeper into his shoulder. He pounded into Charles, fucking him harder and faster than ever before, setting such a punishing pace, it pushed Charles to the limits of his pleasure-pain threshold. Moaning, Charles bucked against Ares, desperately trying to keep up as his fingers tightened around the edge of the sink.
"God, yes." He moaned again, fighting to keep his eyes opened, determined to watch every second of it in the mirror. "I'm yours. Fuck me. Fuck me."
Ares' growling took on a more primal, animalistic edge as he bit down even harder, hands holding Charles' hips in place, talons digging into his skin as he leaned his weight on Charles. Getting the drift Ares wanted him to stay still, Charles braced a knee against the cabinet and fought the urge to buck and writhe, each thrust sending him closer and closer to the edge. Talons and teeth creating fresh waves of pain with each movement very nearly became more than what even Charles could find pleasure in. For one insane reason or another, instead of scaring him, it only turned him on more.
Seeming content with Charles' submission, Ares slammed a bloodied hand on the counter, using it for leverage. His hips shifted, the angle changing and the force of his thrusts moving Charles, pressing him further against the counter. Charles grunted, the position no longer anywhere near comfortable, corners and edges digging into his ribs and stomach, cock pressing awkwardly against the cabinet. He didn't complain, though, not even a little, and his gaze never left the blood-and-lust-crazed turian in the mirror.
Releasing Charles' shoulder, Ares panted for air. Blood and drool trailed down his chin and a rumbling grunt tore through his throat. He dug his talons into the counter as his hips lost a touch of rhythm. A few, harsh thrusts later and Ares let out a sharp snarl, pushing roughly against Charles as he came.
Euphoria rushed through Charles, hearing the sounds Ares made as he spasmed inside of him. Seeing his blood on the turian's face, trailing down his chin and over his neck, smeared across his mandibles sent Charles over the edge. Despite having his cock pressed painfully against the counter, Charles groaned so loud and harsh it burned his throat as he started to cum, too. He fought the urge to buck with each fresh wave of release, eyelids drooping closed despite commanding them to stay open.
When Ares' shallow thrusts slowed to a stop, he released Charles' hip and laid both hands on the counter, holding himself up. He hung his head, still panting, blood and saliva dripping from his mouth onto Charles' shoulder and neck. Charles turned his head enough to nuzzle the side of his face against Ares', breathing heavily as he gathered himself. Letting out a rough rumble, Ares nuzzled back for a moment before pushing himself upright and slowly pulling himself free from Charles. The various scratches, bites, and bruises making themselves known with the movement, Charles let out a little hiss. Turning to face Ares, he took his hand and urged him toward the shower.