With a quiet exhale, Vax pushed open the door. The familiar chime of a small bell greeted him, and immediately, the warmth of the shop enveloped him, chasing away the chill of the evening air. Inside, the world was alive with color and sound; rich tapestries draped from the ceiling, and shelves overflowed with exotic goods from lands far and wide. But it was the man behind the counter, dressed in his usual vibrant robes, who truly commanded the room.
Shaun Gilmore looked up from a ledger as Vax entered, his dark eyes sparkling with the kind of warmth that could melt even the coldest of hearts. His lips curved into that ever-present smile, a blend of mischief and genuine delight. "Ah, Vax'ildan! My dear, you look as though you've tangoed with death itself. Again." His voice was smooth, like honeyed wine, each word wrapped in a melody that only Gilmore could conjure.
Vax couldn't help but smirk at the remark. "You know me, Gilmore. Death and I are old friends."
Gilmore set aside his ledger and leaned forward, his hands gracefully folded on the counter, adorned with rings that glittered in the dim light. "And yet, you continue to surprise him by showing up here. I must say, I'm flattered." His tone was playful, but there was an undertone of concern that Vax didn't miss. It was a subtle thing, masked beneath Gilmore's usual charm, but it was there—genuine and real.
Vax shifted his weight, letting his eyes drift over the vibrant trinkets and treasures that filled the shop. "I came for supplies," he said, though even he could hear the hollowness in his own words. Supplies were always a convenient excuse, but tonight, the need was deeper. He knew it, and from the way Gilmore's gaze softened, it was clear that he did too.
"Supplies," Gilmore repeated, drawing out the word as if savoring its taste. He moved around the counter with a grace that belied his size, his robes trailing behind him like liquid silk. "Well, you've certainly come to the right place, my dear. But I think perhaps you need something more tonight."
Vax felt a flicker of resistance rise within him—an instinct to retreat behind his walls, to keep things simple, transactional. But the walls were thinner here, in this place, with this man. Gilmore had a way of reaching past them without force, just with presence, with understanding. Vax could feel the exhaustion in his bones, the weariness that no amount of bravado could mask.
"I'm fine, Gilmore," he began, but the words sounded as unconvincing to him as they likely did to the man standing before him.
Gilmore stepped closer, his expression softening further. "You know, Vax, one of my many talents is recognizing when someone isn't fine, despite what they might say. You've spent enough time on the edge of a blade for one day." He hesitated just for a moment, then added, "Why don't you stay the night? Stay the night and then I might be more inclined to let you have some of those restorative potions in the morning."
"Just for tonight," Vax said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll stay."
Gilmore's smile broadened, a mixture of triumph and tenderness. "Excellent choice, my dear. Follow me, and let's get you settled in."
Vax couldn't resist adding in a barb. "But you get what you pay for, so I expect at least six restorative potions as well."
Gilmore laughed. "We'll see how good you are before the payment, hmmm?"
Vax always tried for more, pushed to make these little deals of theirs seem less like matters of the heart than what they truly were. As Vax followed Gilmore through the shop, he couldn't help but notice the small, thoughtful details that adorned every corner. Gilmore's touch was everywhere, in the carefully arranged displays and the soft lighting that bathed everything in a golden glow. It was a stark contrast to the dark and dangerous world Vax usually inhabited, and he felt a pang of gratitude for this moment of peace.
They ascended a narrow staircase at the back of the shop, leading to Gilmore's private quarters. The room was as opulent as the man himself, with plush carpets, intricate tapestries, and a large, inviting bed draped in rich fabrics that seemed to shimmer in the low light. The scent of lavender and sandalwood hung in the air, calming Vax's frayed nerves.
"Make yourself comfortable," Gilmore said, gesturing towards the bed. "I'll fetch us something to drink."
Vax nodded, removing his cloak and weapons, placing them neatly by the door. He sat on the edge of the bed, running his hand over the soft fabric, feeling the tension slowly begin to seep from his body. It was a strange sensation, allowing himself to relax, to let down his guard even for a moment.
Gilmore returned with a decanter of amber liquid and two crystal glasses. He poured generously, handing one to Vax before sitting beside him. "To surviving another day," Gilmore toasted, clinking his glass against Vax's.
"To persevering," Vax echoed, taking a sip of the smooth, warming liquor. He glanced at Gilmore, noting the genuine concern in his eyes, mixed with something else—something deeper, more personal. "You didn't have to do this, you know."
Gilmore shrugged, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "True, but where's the fun in doing only what's necessary? Sometimes, it's about what feels right."
Vax chuckled softly, the sound surprising even to him. "You always know how to make things sound so simple."
"Ah, but that's the trick, isn't it?" Gilmore said with a wink. "Life is complicated enough. Sometimes, we need to find the simple pleasures to keep us sane."
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the weight of the day slowly lifting. Vax could feel the warmth of the drink spreading through him, easing the tight knots of tension in his muscles. He glanced around the room, taking in the opulence and the care that Gilmore had put into creating such a space. It was a reflection of the man himself—vibrant, welcoming, and undeniably enchanting.
"Gilmore," Vax began, his voice softer now, "thank you. For this. For everything."
Gilmore's expression softened, the usual playful glint in his eyes replaced with something more sincere. "You don't need to thank me, Vax'ildan. You're important to me. More than just a customer or a friend. I want you to know that you always have a place here, whenever you need it."
Vax felt a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the drink. It was a feeling of being seen, of being cared for, in a way that he wasn't used to. He looked at Gilmore, really looked at him, and saw the genuine affection and concern in his eyes.
"Sometimes, I don't know what I'm doing," Vax admitted quietly. "I feel like I'm always running, always fighting, and I don't know if I can keep it up."
Gilmore reached out, placing a gentle hand on Vax's arm. "You don't have to do it alone, Vax. You have people who care about you. People who want to help. Let us in."
Vax felt a shiver run through him at the touch, at the sincerity in Gilmore's voice. He nodded slowly, his defenses lowering just a bit more. "Maybe you're right," he murmured.
Gilmore's smile widened, a soft, reassuring presence. "Let's start by getting you comfortable." He knelt down with graceful ease, the rich fabric of his robes pooling around him like liquid silk. His fingers, adorned with rings that glinted in the candlelight, reached for the laces of Vax's boots.
"May I?" Gilmore's voice was gentle, seeking permission. Vax hesitated for a moment, then nodded, watching as Gilmore deftly unfastened the laces. Each movement was deliberate, almost reverent, as he loosened the knots and gently tugged the first boot off. The cool air caressed Vax's foot, a stark contrast to the warmth of Gilmore's touch. It was a simple act, yet it carried a profound intimacy that made Vax's breath catch in his throat.
Gilmore moved to the other boot, his fingers working with the same careful precision. He glanced up occasionally, his dark eyes meeting Vax's with an unspoken promise of care and understanding. As the second boot was removed, Vax felt a wave of relief wash over him, the tension in his legs and feet ebbing away. It was astonishing how much better he felt, just from this small act of kindness.
"Thank you," Vax whispered, the words carrying a weight of gratitude and vulnerability he rarely allowed himself to show.
Gilmore looked up at him with a soft smile, his eyes warm and inviting. "It's my pleasure, Vax. You deserve to be taken care of." He stood and moved closer, his hands reaching for the clasps of Vax's cloak. With practiced ease, he undid each clasp, the metal catching the light and casting tiny reflections on the walls. The cloak slipped from Vax's shoulders, the heavy fabric falling to the floor with a muted thud.
"You carry so much," Gilmore murmured, his fingers brushing against Vax's neck as he removed the cloak. "Let me help lighten the load." His touch was light, almost teasing, as he moved to the fastenings of Vax's leather armor. He worked with a steady patience, undoing each strap and buckle with the same care he had shown with the boots.
Vax stood still, his breath coming a little faster as Gilmore's skilled fingers worked their way down the fastenings of his armor. Each release of a buckle felt like a small surrender, a letting go of the burdens he carried. The leather pieces fell away one by one, revealing the simple tunic beneath, already damp with sweat and the remnants of the day's battles.
With each piece of armor that dropped to the floor, Vax felt a little lighter, a little more exposed. The room was filled with the quiet sounds of their breathing, the rustle of fabric, and the occasional clink of metal hitting the floor. Gilmore's movements were unhurried, almost meditative, as if he were savoring this moment of vulnerability and trust.
When the last piece of armor was removed, Gilmore stepped back, his eyes roving over Vax with a mixture of admiration and concern. "There," he said softly, his voice a soothing balm. "Does that feel better?"
Vax nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude and something deeper, something he couldn't quite name. "Yes," he replied, his voice rough with emotion. "Much better."
Gilmore's smile was warm and genuine, his hands moving to the hem of Vax's tunic. "May I continue?" he asked, his fingers brushing against Vax's skin, sending a shiver down his spine.
Vax swallowed hard, then nodded. "Yes, please."
With gentle hands, Gilmore lifted the tunic over Vax's head, the fabric sliding easily against his skin. The cool air of the room met the heat of his body, creating a delicious contrast that made him shiver. He was now bare-chested, the scars and marks of his life's battles stark against his pale skin.
Gilmore's eyes softened as he took in the sight before him. "You're beautiful, Vax," he murmured, his fingers tracing the outline of a particularly old scar. "Every mark tells a story, and they all make you who you are."
Vax felt a warmth spread through him at Gilmore's words, a kind of acceptance he hadn't realized he needed. Gilmore's touch was gentle, reverent, as he traced the scars with a tenderness that made Vax's breath hitch.
Gilmore's hands moved to Vax's trousers, his fingers deftly undoing the laces. "I want you to feel completely at ease," he said softly, looking up into Vax's eyes for permission. Vax nodded, the trust between them deepening with each passing moment.
The trousers slid down Vax's legs, pooling at his feet. Gilmore helped him step out of them, leaving Vax standing in just his underwear. Gilmore took a step back, his eyes roaming over Vax's body with an appreciative gaze.
"You're incredible," Gilmore said, his voice filled with admiration. "Let's get you into bed, where you can truly relax."
Gilmore guided Vax to the large, inviting bed, the sheets cool and soft against his skin. The bed was an expanse of rich, silken fabric, intricately embroidered with patterns of gold and deep crimson. It felt luxurious beneath him, the kind of comfort that was both foreign and incredibly welcome. Vax lay back, feeling the tension drain from his body as he sank into the plush mattress. The pillows cradled his head, their softness a stark contrast to the hard ground and rough inns he was accustomed to.
Gilmore moved with a fluid grace, his robes whispering against the floor as he approached the bedside. His fingers, still adorned with glittering rings, found the hem of Vax's underwear. Gilmore leaned in closer, his breath warm against Vax's ear. "Let me take care of you tonight," he whispered, his voice low and filled with promise. Vax felt a shiver run down his spine, a mix of anticipation and desire surging through him.
With a swift, practiced motion, Gilmore slid Vax's underwear down, exposing him fully. The cool air against his heated skin was a delicious contrast, making Vax gasp softly. Gilmore's eyes darkened with desire as he took in the sight before him.
"You're incredible," Gilmore murmured, his voice thick with emotion. His hand trailed back up Vax's body, wrapping around Vax's hardness with a firm but gentle grip. Vax let out a low moan, the sensation sending waves of pleasure through him.
"Shaun," Vax whispered, his voice rough with need. "I need more. Please."
Gilmore looked up at him, his eyes dark with desire and a hint of surprise. He didn't need to be asked twice. With a slow, deliberate movement, Gilmore began to kiss his way up Vax's body, his lips leaving a trail of fire in their wake. Vax's breath hitched as Gilmore's mouth traveled closer to where he needed it most, each kiss and touch heightening his arousal. He tangled his fingers in Gilmore's hair, guiding him lower, his need evident in every movement. "Please, Shaun," he urged, his voice barely more than a desperate whisper.
Gilmore's eyes flicked up to meet Vax's, a wicked smile playing on his lips. He kissed the sensitive skin just above Vax's groin, his breath warm against Vax's most intimate places. "As you wish," he murmured, his voice sending shivers down Vax's spine.
Without further hesitation, Gilmore took Vax into his mouth, his movements skilled and deliberate. Vax gasped, his hips arching off the bed at the intense sensation. Gilmore's mouth was warm and wet, his tongue and lips working in perfect harmony to drive Vax to the edge.
Vax's world narrowed to the feeling of Gilmore's mouth on him, each movement sending him spiraling closer to release. He moaned, his hands fisting in the sheets, his body trembling with the intensity of the pleasure coursing through him.
Gilmore's tongue traced along Vax's length, swirling around the tip before taking him in deeper. The rhythm was unrelenting, each bob of his head bringing Vax closer to the edge. Vax's breaths came in ragged gasps, his control slipping as the heat between them intensified.
"Shaun," Vax groaned, his voice thick with need. He couldn't hold back any longer, the pleasure overwhelming his senses. Gilmore's hands gripped Vax's hips, holding him steady as he continued his ministrations, drawing out every ounce of pleasure from Vax's trembling form.
Vax's vision blurred, his entire body taut as a bowstring as he teetered on the brink. With one final, skillful movement, Gilmore pushed him over the edge. Vax cried out, his body convulsing as he found his release, waves of pleasure crashing over him.
Gilmore didn't stop, his mouth and hands working Vax through every pulse, drawing out his pleasure until Vax was left panting, completely spent. When Gilmore finally pulled back, he looked up at Vax with a satisfied smile, his lips glistening.
Vax's chest heaved as he caught his breath, his mind still reeling from the intensity of the moment. He reached out, pulling Gilmore up to him, their lips meeting in a heated kiss. He could taste himself on Gilmore's lips, the sensation igniting a fresh wave of desire.
"Shaun," Vax whispered against his lips, his voice still breathless, "I need you." His hands roamed over Gilmore's body, desperate to feel every inch of him.
Gilmore's smile turned predatory, his eyes dark with hunger. "Then take me," he replied, stepping back and releasing the clasp of the robes he wore with nothing else underneath.
Vax didn't need further encouragement, he leapt forward despite the tiredness in his muscles. He reached the older man, allowing his hands to slide down the smooth skin of his back before gripping his hips with a possessive intensity. He pulled Gilmore closer, their bodies pressed tightly together, the heat between them nearly unbearable.
With a swift motion, Vax flipped their positions, pinning Gilmore beneath him. The sudden movement elicited a surprised but eager gasp from Gilmore, who looked up at Vax with a mixture of excitement and lust. Vax leaned down, capturing Gilmore's lips in a fierce, demanding kiss, pouring every ounce of his desire into it. Their tongues tangled, the kiss messy and heated, filled with the raw need that had been building between them.
Vax's hands roamed Gilmore's body with a newfound urgency, exploring every curve and line, committing every inch of skin to memory. He wanted to feel every part of Gilmore, to leave no part of him untouched. His fingers trailed down to Gilmore's hips, where he gripped him firmly, positioning himself between Gilmore's legs.
Gilmore's breath hitched as Vax's hand moved lower, teasing him with deliberate, torturous slowness. Vax reveled in the way Gilmore's body responded to his touch, the way his breath quickened, his hips arching into Vax's hand. "Vax…" Gilmore breathed, his voice trembling with need, "I need you… now."
Vax met Gilmore's gaze, his own eyes dark with desire. "I'll give you everything," he promised, his voice rough with emotion.
With careful precision, Vax positioned himself, pressing forward slowly, giving Gilmore time to adjust. The sensation was intense, the heat and tightness around him driving him nearly to the edge again. Gilmore's head fell back against the pillows, a low moan escaping his lips as Vax filled him completely.
For a moment, they both stilled, savoring the overwhelming sensation of being completely joined. Vax leaned down, pressing kisses along Gilmore's neck, murmuring soft words of affection and desire into his skin.
Then, with a deliberate, measured pace, Vax began to move. Each thrust was deep and purposeful, drawing moans from Gilmore that only fueled Vax's own desire. The bed creaked beneath them, their bodies moving in sync, driven by a shared hunger that had been simmering for far too long.
Gilmore's hands gripped Vax's shoulders, his nails digging into his skin as the pleasure built between them. Vax's pace quickened, their breathing ragged, the room filled with the sounds of their passion. Every thrust brought them closer, the tension between them winding tighter and tighter, like a string about to snap. Vax's breath came in ragged gasps as he pushed deeper, his body moving with a primal need to claim and be claimed. Gilmore's moans grew louder, more desperate, his hands clutching at Vax, urging him on.
The intensity of the moment, the raw, unfiltered connection between them, was almost too much to bear. Vax could feel the edge of release looming closer, each movement driving him nearer to the brink. Gilmore's body writhed beneath him, meeting each thrust with an equal fervor, their shared desire burning hotter with every passing second.
"Vax… I'm so close," Gilmore gasped, his voice trembling with need.
Vax leaned down, capturing Gilmore's lips in a fierce, breathless kiss, swallowing the moan that escaped Gilmore's throat. He increased his pace, each thrust harder, deeper, pushing them both to their limits. The room around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, completely consumed by their shared passion.
With one final, powerful thrust, Vax felt the wave of release crash over him, his entire body tensing as he found his climax. Gilmore followed almost immediately, crying out Vax's name as his own release surged through him, their bodies locked together in a moment of pure, unrestrained ecstasy.
For a few heartbeats, they remained intertwined, their bodies trembling with the aftershocks of pleasure. Vax's breath was harsh and uneven, his heart pounding in his chest as he slowly came down from the heights of his release. He gently withdrew from Gilmore, rolling to the side and pulling him close, their bodies still slick with sweat.
Gilmore turned to face him, his eyes half-lidded with exhaustion and satisfaction, a soft, contented smile playing on his lips. "That… was incredible," he murmured, his voice husky from their exertions.
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Vax leaned in, pressing a kiss to Gilmore's temple, feeling the dampness of sweat on his skin. "I hope that was worth it," Vax whispered, his voice low and intimate, filled with a quiet pride in having brought Gilmore to such a state.
Gilmore finally opened his eyes, the usual sharpness softened by the afterglow. He looked up at Vax with a lazy, satisfied smile, his hand reaching up to caress Vax's cheek. "More than worth it," Gilmore replied, his voice rough and edged with exhaustion. "You've certainly earned your keep, and then some."
Vax grinned, a flash of mischief in his eyes as he leaned in for a deep, slow kiss, savoring the taste of Gilmore on his lips. When he pulled back, he whispered, "I'm always happy to earn more. And I'm not done yet."
Gilmore's breath hitched at the implication, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Insatiable," he murmured, though there was no denying the spark of renewed desire that flickered in his gaze.