By the evening meal, T'senri was almost twitching with a heady mix of nerves and anticipation. If he was being honest – he simply didn't know what to expect – but after Raha more than a bit self-consciously under too many looks of the scholars and engineers – moved some of his most 'necessary' things into T'senri's tent… the Warrior was burning up with curiosity.

Sadly, just as they sat down for the last meal of the day by one of the campfires near the canteen tent, T'senri's usual luck decided to strike again. As he made it a point to 'grin' at anyone who would dare to look toward his historian funnily – which after the ruckus they caused wasn't that surprising – his linkpearl reminded him of its existence. Minfilia in her usual manner politely demanded his presence at Rising Stones – and though his gut clenched at the sight of disappointment in mismatched eyes – he went immediately, but not before demanding that his historian waits for his return in T'senri's tent. He still hoped that whatever the Scions' leader needed of him, won't take longer than maybe a few bells.

And, of course – as his usual luck would have it – it took days. Three days, to be exact – as despite his misgivings, the situation in Coerthas went bad – and he was forced to stay there to observe suspiciously acting 'inquisitor' and eventually ended up facing Shiva! All the while getting pretty pissed off by the pompous behavior of Alphinaud whom Minfilia sent over there alongside him. He understood her intentions – since T'senri sucked at diplomacy big time and Eorzea's contacts with Ishgard were… touchy at best – but between the young prodigy's smugness and him painfully missing his historian – it almost went pretty… ugly.

At least for his efforts and patience, he was rewarded, in a way. Once the mission was finished with such success that there was a talk about Ishgard rejoining the Alliance, he carefully hang back in the Solar after his friends left to celebrate – earning more than a few curious looks from them – but once he was left alone with his… mentor, the blond Hyur turned to him with a gentle, polite smile.

"May I do something for you, T'senri?" she asked, going back to sit behind her desk and rising her eyebrows expectantly.

"Yeah… actually I hope you can," he said slowly, resting his hands on the backrest of one of the chairs in front of her desk and leaning on it while smiling at her in the usual way – he did like Minfilia, and he was more than a bit grateful that he could be a part of her organization – so she was one of the very few around whom he felt comfortable enough to let his real feelings show. "I would have two requests of you if you were inclined to agree."

"Oh?" she hummed, folding her hands in front of her and looking at him curiously. "I'm all ears, my friend."

"Remember the expedition I was busy helping with before… all this?" he started and when she nodded slowly, he smiled a bit sheepishly. "I'm going back there now that I'm free – and the first thing I would ask is that I wouldn't be… disturbed again – unless there's really something only I can do," meaning Primal's summoning as they both knew.

Minfilia frowned slightly, but nodded again, picking up a piece of paper and a pen and noting something down quickly.

"That should be okay," she said without looking up. "I'll have others handle the usual, smaller requests. And the other thing?"

T'senri took a deep, steadying breath and straightened, folding his arms over his chest – feeling a slight, treacherous blush hit his face. Minfilia looked up and a hint of amusement danced in her eyes as she smiled at him reassuringly. He steeled his back and cleared his throat.

"I've… met someone," he said, dropping his gaze between them when his face went hotter. Oh, Twelve… "And… I think he might be a perfect material for the new recruit."

"Oh?" she hummed curiously, and when he looked up she raised her eyebrows expectantly but didn't look… judgingly. "Who is he? And why ask me, T'senri? If you're sure and he's willing to join our cause – you're more than capable to recruit him."

"That's the thing," he sighed, dropping his arms to his sides and shifting a bit… uncomfortably. "I didn't ask him yet… but I was hoping you could inquire in the organization he currently belongs to if they… don't mind us borrowing him before… I do. I don't want to put him in an… uncomfortable position when I do ask."

"And that is…?" she asked, leaning back in her seat.

"Students of Baldesion," he said with another sigh, resting one hand on the head of the sword hanging at his side. "His name is G'raha Tia, he's a historian specializing in the Allagan Empire and they sent him here to oversee this expedition, and serve it with his knowledge. He's as well a formidable archer – and after that stunt, the Empire pulled with Ultima Weapon… I think we can really use his knowledge of the Allag – just in case Garlemald or Ascians decide to unearth any other of their… toys."

"Students…?" Minfilia hummed with consideration, tapping her nails against her cheek. "I don't recognize the name… but I do have a friend back in Old Sharlayan who is the granddaughter of the founder of their organization. I can give her a call and ask… But I don't believe it should be an issue – our organization has quite a… good relationship with them, not to mention similar goals. And there's not a rule stating one can't belong to both. And I do agree with your observation, T'senri – having an expert in Allag at hand can prove beyond useful. You think he'll accept?"

"I'm almost sure," he nodded, exhaling slowly with relief – if Minfilia was right, half the worry he had about that idea was out of the way. "I'm not sure how long it'll take – last I was there… the expedition ran into a bit of a snag and got stuck – but I was planning to ask him before he can think to go back to Old Sharlayan once it's ready to conclude. So he can contact his… mentors and come back here with me right when it's over. If he agrees, I mean," he shifted again, more than a bit self-conscious under her amused look at his another blush.

"I see," she said slowly, leaning forward again as her smile grew bigger. "I am to understand that if he does… Tataru won't be needing to prepare an extra room, T'senri?"

He dropped his gaze again, blushing up to his hairline, but nodded and cleared his throat.

"If she could think to… expand my room somehow," he said, feeling his blush growing hotter and hotter. "That should be… enough," his gaze shot up when she chuckled. "You… don't look surprised?" he murmured. Or disturbed.

"I did suspect that you prefer… males," she admitted, no sign of judgment on her features. "I know it's not that common here… but I don't see anything wrong with that. I'm just… happy you found someone who returns your… favor, T'senri."

She knew about Thancred. That's what her gentle, reassuring smile told him. He took a deep breath, then smiled back – with a true, goofy grin.

"He does," he said with confidence, then chuckled a bit self-consciously. "And I couldn't be happier, Minfilia. I used to be very… ashamed of my preferences – but he's… everything. And once he's free… and agrees to stay with me – you'll be the first I invite to our Ceremony."

He couldn't mate Raha – but he wanted him bad. Every single way he could have him. And after checking in with more than surprised Urianger – he knew there was not a rule that two males couldn't take the Ceremony of Eternal Bond. It wasn't a mating bond he truly wanted – but swearing to love and cherish his historian at the altar of the Twelve in front of the entire world had an appeal he couldn't resist. If Raha was okay with that, of course. He wanted to ask him before they… so his historian knows his intentions for him are true. So he knows he wanted him for more than sex – especially his beautiful heart and soul.

"Well… I look toward it then," Minfilia grinned back.

It was late evening when he came back to the camp at the edge of Mor Dhona, and he fought not to let his tail whip with impatience as he nodded toward the bored guard at the gate. That his step had more than a bounce in his step as he headed toward his tent… who could blame him? He missed his beautiful historian more than words could describe and…

"T'senri?" called a familiar voice, shaking him out of his musing and he stopped, his usual mask in place – hiding his annoyance at the snag – looking toward his friend with raised eyebrows. "You're back," said Cid, heading toward him from the direction of the tent of the leaders of the expedition. "I tried to call you… but your linkpearl seemed to be turned off."

"Evening, Cid," he nodded toward the engineer," Yeah… it was a crazy few days. Something happened?"

"Yeah…" Cid drawled, then cleared his throat and suddenly looked very… nervous. T'senri scowled involuntarily, getting a sinking feeling in his gut. "It's G'raha… After you left, some thought it's a good occasion to… express their annoyance with you taking to him… so much."

T'senri froze, feeling pure frost fill his veins. Opposite to what many thought, he didn't get hot and furious when provoked. No, it was cold and ruthless rage singing in his blood as his eyes turned into shards of ice his Raha was so fond of comparing them to – his focus narrowing into the calculating mind of a natural predator.

"Who?" he asked simply.

Cid flinched slightly, looking away from his eyes – but he knew him too well to keep from him his prey – knowing T'senri would tear the whole camp apart if he had to.

"The ringleader seemed to be one of the scholars," he said quietly, then cleared his throat. "Sienna, I believe. She had a few of her… male admirers corner him after you left and… express her annoyance. I told Rammbroes to… punish her properly, but he was hesitant considering she's a woman… and G'raha refused to demand retribution."

Of course… his historian was too selfless and too used to this… sort of thing. Well, T'senri didn't have this sort of scruples. Male or female didn't make a difference for him – not after Livia. Touch something he considered his – and you're dead meat, simple as that.

"Where is he?" he asked calmly, even as sweet, cold rage sang in his blood.

"He's fine now," Cid assured quickly, folding his arms across his chest. "It was pretty bad… but the camp's healer is great. Last I saw him, he was heading to your tent after the evening meal."

"And… she?" he almost… crooned, swiftly unsummoning his sword and shield – and cracking his knuckles. He didn't need a weapon for this – and he hoped to make a lesson out of what he does to her – for anyone else who dares to look at his historian the wrong way. Raha might be used to it – or even believe he deserved it because some… assholes thought it's a good idea to send a kit with unique eyes to a place like Old Sharlayan alone – with them he will also deal someday – but he wasn't alone anymore… and he was his.

Cid sighed, then reluctantly pointed toward one of the tents – still lit up from inside. T'senri nodded toward him, grinning, as he headed toward it without another word.

G'raha sighed, rubbing his chin as he turned the page of the book resting against his thighs. He was laying down on top of Senri's precious blankets – his mind was still a little blown by the idea, really… after his lover a bit sheepishly explained the significance of his nest – with one hand behind his head, and the book resting on his abdomen – supported by his legs in an upright position.

After the evening meal, he was a bit embarrassed about it, but he exchanged his usual red leather vest for one of Senri's black shirts – way too big for him, but still carrying his Warrior's delicious scent that soothed his longing for him. He left it open, simply enjoying the feel of the soft material as he leafed through yet another book that seemed as pointless as the others – a boring take on a description of Allag's plans of expansion into Mercydia – and despite his hopes didn't take his mind off his Warrior's absence.

It's been three days now – which felt like years – and despite the whole… situation after Senri left – G'raha simply couldn't wait for him to come back. He knew that the younger Seeker had responsibilities outside of this expedition – so important – and he was very dedicated to his title and his friends but… he missed him.

Not to mention he used this time to… research how it exactly worked between two males. It was a very uncomfortable conversation with Krile – that left him blushing for bells and his best friend cackling madly over the call – but in her usual, kind manner she's done a thoughtful 'research' back in Old Sharlayan and got back to him day later with a full report – again having way too much fun at his expanse, but sweetly congratulating him finding someone… special he was ready to beat his embarrassment over. He didn't dare to tell her who exactly was his 'special' person – not without Senri's approval – but he was… more than grateful for his friend's words.

Now, only if…

His sensitive ears twitched at the sound of commotion outside – someone running near the Warrior's tent, then a few shouts… then a quickly cut off… shriek of pain. G'raha hesitated, sitting up, then jumped to his feet deftly, dropping the book next to the bedroll.

He poked his head out of the flap of the tent, looked around, and scowled at the sight of people gathered in a circle around… something near the biggest campfire at the center of the camp. His ears fell flat against his head a cold shiver slithered down his spine at the sound of a… snarl? It sounded… vicious and inhumane.

Did some sort of a… beast get into the camp...? Shouldn't then those people run away or at least call for guards? Or was it some sort of a spectacle he wasn't warned about…?

He frowned, then hesitantly stepped out of the tent and taking a deep breath headed toward the commotion. He didn't exactly feel safe around the camp anymore after the whole… situation – and despite the fact that he didn't demand Sienna's head for her role… other scholars had only smirks and sneers for him whenever he left the Warrior's tent. He thought that at least a few times his sensitive hearing picked up the sarcastic 'Warrior's bitch' directed at him… but he wasn't exactly embarrassed or disturbed by that. What others thought of his relationship with Senri… didn't matter. They loved each other… what was wrong with that? Not to mention he was pretty sure it was mostly caused by jealousy – same as that… attack.

But that his Warrior wanted him above all others… could only make him feel proud and nearly delirious with happiness. That despite his original shame about his preferences Senri openly showered him with attention and affection – uncaring about his reputation or what others thought – was beyond… intoxicating.

To be so… wanted – couldn't not steal his heart.

His Warrior owned him – heart and soul – and hopefully soon the body as well.

The apprehensive looks thrown his way as he approached surprised him – even more, when the scholars and engineers parted before him almost with… reverence. But once he saw what had everyone so… mesmerized in the middle of the circle… he almost understood, even as bile rose in his throat and he felt all the blood drain from his face instantly.

Senri, covered from head to toe in blood and… guts?... rose from over… something that maybe once was a person. The Warrior's handsome features splattered with blood were a mask of cold, ruthless satisfaction as he spat at the cooling corpse, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and his white teeth flashed in a vicious grin toward the silent, mortified crowd.

"This is what waits for someone who thinks to touch what's mine," the Warrior of Light said slowly, clearly, then his gaze drifted to him – and his icy irises flashed with something… almost feral. "Even look at my lover the way I don't like… and you'll end up like her or worse. This is the only warning you'll have," he added toward the crowd, who collectively took a step back in G'raha's peripheral vision. He couldn't – frozen on the spot and mesmerized by the cold gaze of the predator in front of him. Even when Senri stepped toward him, stopping right in front of him and putting his bloodied hand under his chin, then tilted his head and pressed a delicate, sweet kiss on his lips – his eyes still shards of ice, almost daring him to back away and show fear. And lose him, he realized – because this was another side of his lover – the ruthless protector – and he could either accept all of him or have none.

The decision he already made – the night when Senri so sweetly offered him his heart.

Ignoring the crowd or covering him gore, he wrapped his hands around the Warrior's cheeks and returned the kiss – accepting all of him and submitting at the same time to his claim. And the flare of something… hot and possessive that instantly melted the ice in the blue irises was more than a reward when something primal purred in the back of his head.

"Welcome back, Snark," he whispered against Senri's lips, then fell back to his heels with a furious blush and smiled at his Warrior a bit sheepishly.

"I do like how you look in my shirt," Senri purred, grabbing at the material and pulling him close to nip at the sensitive shell of his ear. G'raha moaned breathlessly, resting his forehead against the Warrior's collarbone and blushing even darker – too aware of the silent spectators – when his cock instantly twitched with more than interest. "I'll wash in the lake, then join you in my tent, Raha," his lover whispered against his ear.

"By now, I need it as well," he chuckled, uncaring as he wrapped his arms around Senri's waist tightly and pressed against him with a soft, relieved sigh.

"Even better," the Warrior chuckled, then shamelessly cupped his big hands around G'raha's ass, pulling him tighter against him until he felt his veeery interested erection poking his stomach. Unable to help an embarrassed squeak of protest, blushing up to his hairline, he leaned away and raised his head to chide his lover's… manners, only to choke on a breathless whine when scalding hot lips claimed his with a possessive snarl. He tasted copper mixed in with Senri's maddening flavor – but he could hardly care – instantly drowning in the addictive taste and the scent of apples filling his sensitive nose. Senri broke the kiss with a low, satisfied hum, then slowly dragged the tip of his tongue over G'raha's lower lip and nipped at it delicately. "I missed you, my beautiful historian," he purred when G'raha gasped, melting into the pure heat of icy-blue irises as they trailed over his face. "Are you all right?"

"Now… yes," he sighed, hiding his blush against Senri's shoulder when his heart went simply insane – dazed and intoxicated by the love and devotion in the eyes of the deadly predator who hid behind the mask of the cheery Warrior. "And I… missed you too, Snark."

Leaving the greenish-looking Rammbroes to handle the effect of his… negligence, then grabbing a change of clothes from his tent and under the starlit sky heading toward the lake Silvertear with his arm wrapped around his historian's shoulders, T'senri finally felt the frost in his blood melting.

While they washed, he entertained his lover with the story of his exploits over the last few days – griping over the unbearable cold in Coerthas locked in ever-winter and his annoyance with people over there and especially with Alphinaud… whom he found his Raha somewhat knew from the rumors circulating the city he came from.

Only once they settled on the edge of the lake, on top of one of his precious blankets – the only fitting thing for the occasion, as he felt – did he cut off his Raha's story of his days filled with the unsuccessful search for the answer the expedition needed – grabbing both of his hands in his and intertwining their fingers tightly.

"Raha… I must ask you something," he said so very seriously, leaning in as they kneeled in front of each other, and resting his forehead against his historian's. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, despite all… nervous as seven hells. But after his Raha accepted the worst part of him – he could not ever let him slip. "And I want you to really… think about it carefully, okay?"

"Yeah…?" there was a hint of hesitation in his soothing voice – but his fingers tightened reassuringly around T'senri's.

The Warrior took a deep, steadying breath, then cleared his throat and leaned away to look straight into the curious red-cyan eyes of the man who he already knew was the love of his life – one and the only person who knew him – all the parts of him, good and bad – and still… accepted him. Understood him and his heart like he never thought possible.

And in this one, singular – perfect – moment, when his Raha sent him a sweet, reassuring smile as his beautiful eyes lit up with a hint of amusement at his hesitation – unsure but trusting – he knew, with unbreakable, unshakable conviction right down to the deepest recesses of his soul – that he will never stop loving him.

"Raha… once this expedition is over and done with," he said slowly, sending his lover a shy, hopeful smile. "Marry me?"

"Huh?" the red-cyan eyes shot so wide… it was hilarious, and when his pretty lips dropped wide open in astonishment… T'senri couldn't help himself but snicker despite his nerves.

"I checked…" he explained quickly, biting down his chuckle when the mismatched eyes narrowed at him with an offense. "…and in Eorzea there's no rule… denying it. And I asked Minfilia, the Scions' leader, to ask the Students officially… but she thinks it won't be a problem if you would consider joining us, plus we can really use the expert in the Allag, after…" he knew he was babbling at this point, his heart stuttering and pounding furiously, but he couldn't help it.

"Senri…" his lover cut him off, his mismatched eyes lit sooo beautifully and a glorious, mind-blowing grin on his handsome face. "I love you. If you want me and it's really possible… I would love nothing more than spend the rest of my days at your side."

"Oh, thank Azeyma…" he exhaled deeply, almost sagging in relief. "I was almost worried I'll have to kidnap you."

"You would?" Raha snickered, tightening his fingers around his again and raising on his knees to lean toward him. The vision he made like this – naked and bathed in the starlight – took T'senri's breath away.

"Without hesitation," he breathed, then leaned in as well, pressing a tender, sweet kiss on his historian's lips. "I love you too, Raha… More than I can ever express."

"That's good, my Warrior," his lover purred blissfully, then freed his hands to wrap his muscular arms around T'senri's neck to pull him closer – then nipped delicately on his lower lip – tearing a helpless, hungry growl from his throat as their bodies pressed against each other in the most… tantalizing way. "Now that we're spoken for, you don't mind if we… fuck?" he said, blushing beautifully, but with a teasing smile that had T'senri's heart stop.

"If you're… sure," he licked his lips nervously, then hid his furious blush against his historian's shoulder, smoothing his shaky hands down his back delicately, despite how instantly his blood simply… boiled – filling his cock so quickly he grew dizzy with it. Despite his uncertainty and earlier promise – when his fingers gently closed around the curve of his lover's tempting ass – he was dying to bite and take him… something utterly possessive inside him craving establishing his claim in the most primal way. He tried to stifle it – sating the need by spreading small, sharp bites across Raha's shoulder even as his hands against his will possessively kneaded the tight muscles, pulling his historian against his throbbing erection.

"More than anything," Raha cooed, then to his surprise pushed against his chest meaningfully and T'senri reluctantly released him, unsure and beyond embarrassed as he fell back to sit on his legs. With a frown he watched his historian fumble with the pile of the clothes they brought to change into – to pull from between them a small, green bottle. He was beyond flushed as he returned to him, then pushed against his chest again, until T'senri complied, shifting to lay back on the blanket while blinking at his historian with uncertainty. "I know what you… wanted," Raha said softly, then moved to sit astride his waist, under the Warrior's curious gaze opening the bottle and spreading some… oily substance smelling quite strongly of apples over his hands, to close it with his teeth and carefully put it aside. "But after… using the time you were away to learn a bit more about… this, I think… we can go for a compromise, my Warrior," he chuckled a bit sheepishly, then leaned over him to press his lips against the corner of younger Seeker's mouth. "I'll lead… but I do find… I quite like the idea of… your c-cock inside me," he whispered shakily, pressing one hand between them and lifting… and T'senri arched with a whine when his oiled hand wrapped around his erection, pumping the eager flesh lazily. "Maybe more than I should… but you looked glorious, Senri…" his low voice dropped into a growl, and he whimpered softly when his historian's hand left his flesh. "My powerful, ruthless Warrior," there was a slight gasp in his voice, but T'senri could hardly mind or wonder about it when Raha claimed his mouth into an earth-shattering kiss, blowing all the thoughts away with his maddening taste.

The Warrior wrapped his hands around his lover's jaw, devouring his pretty mouth and the soft mewls he fed him, losing himself in the contact of their lips. Until he almost lost it utterly when Raha wrapped his hand around his cock again, then pulled back, raising on his knees around him.

"I'm yours, Snark… as you're mine," a happy, delicate smile tilted his bruised lips… red-cyan eyes filled with so much love… T'senri's heart simply… stopped at the most beautiful vision – his mind so busy committing it to his memory, he could only stare in numb awe when his lover shifted above him, then lowered and something… insanely hot and incredibly tight closed around the head of his cock.

He arched with a breathless whimper, coiling his shaky hands around Raha's thighs when his lover gasped, then mewled softly as that pure, tight heat slowly lowered down his length. T'senri panted harshly, fighting to catch his breath as the pressure at the base of his spine almost had him spill instantly when too-hot, too-tight squeeze of his historian's insides clenched and quivered, adjusting to the intrusion.

The thought alone… was almost too much to bear as he watched his lover arch above him with a choked groan, resting his shaky hands on top of Warrior's stomach.

"Are y-you… o-okay?" he panted out, involuntarily digging his fingers in Raha's skin as the pure craving for friction had his hips roll against his will, his long, black tail whipping against the blanket with furious speed.

"Oh… g-gods…" Raha whimpered, closing his eyes with a choked whine, then without answering, pressed against T'senri's stomach, lifting slowly, then dropping again with a gasp. Warrior mewled at the friction, the heat, the feeling… his hands scrambling to wrap around his historian's hips. When Raha lifted again, ohhh, so slowly, he couldn't help but pull him back, rolling his hips involuntarily. When that had his lover gasp again and arch above him with a choked shout… he lost his mind.

Using his unnatural strength – praying to all the possible gods that he doesn't hurt his love – soon he was pulling his lover's almost too beautiful body up and down his cock – rolling his hips on every downward thrust when it had his historian mewl and moan helplessly. And Raha let him – resting his hands on T'senri's chest and hanging his head as he panted, with a mind-blowing expression of bliss on his flushed, beautiful face. As mesmerized by this sight as by the maddening feeling of his tight ass around his dick, T'senri fought his body screaming need to come, choking on his nearly feral snarls and groans until his lover arched above him with a keening shout, his almost too-hot seed painting the skin on Warrior's stomach in thick spurts.

Hypnotized by the way his historian shook above him, soon mewling his name breathlessly, shakily wrapping his hands around T'senri's wrists – his blissed-out purrs and the boundless love in mismatched eyes as they met dazed icy-blue irises – he pulled Raha down hard on his cock with a roar, then groaned deeply with bliss as he came, shooting his lover's insides in almost too violent spurts. His muscles clenched and jerked harshly as he mindlessly pulled him down, lost in the mind-shattering orgasm when his instinct took over completely.

Raha merely mewled breathlessly in submission when he bit him, and he wrapped his arms around the smaller male with a choked snarl. Even then – a small, unconscious part of his mind lamented his inability to mate his historian… fuse their souls as their bodies were connected. Without breaking his bite, his hands scrambling across his beautiful body, he tilted his head meaningfully… He knew… but… he wanted, needed…

Raha – his sweet, caring Raha, who knew all of him – complied without the need to explain, growling softly as he bit him in turn. The sound rang in T'senri's head, heart, and soul…

And he knew no more.

"Hey, Ares, wait up!" he heard behind him a familiar voice and he turned around with a smile. Hythlodaeus's bright, purple eyes shone with usual humor as he approached him, with an even more familiar, white-haired (customary scowling) figure trailing behind him.

"Hythlodaeus," he nodded politely, trying to keep back his smirk when narrowed, golden eyes flashed toward him with annoyance. "And Hades, so nice to see you both… as usual," okay, maybe he did smirk a little… but he loved to annoy his little brother – if Hades thought he was oh, so very good a hiding his crush on the purple-eyed man… he had to think again.

"What brings you here?" his younger brother's adorably unaware companion smiled at him fondly… causing Hades to simply… fume behind him! Ah, so cute…!

"Ah, I hoped to kidnap my husband for early dinner," Ares grinned with a usual cheer, running his fingers through his short, black hair. "Did you see him?"

"No," Hades scowled, folding his arms over his chest. "And shouldn't you be busy with your work, Azem? Lahabrea just the other day almost talked my ear off because you didn't return the proper report from your last travel. Like I am the one to bother about you," he scoffed adorably – for Ares anyway… but he was the best in reading his brother's huffing and puffing… which as enamored as he was with his little brother – he never minded.

"I'll talk with him, Hades, he won't ever bother you again," he promised, sending him a reassuring grin – and almost snorting a laugh when that only worked for the younger man to fluster with another, dark scowl.

"I don't need your protection, brother," Hades hissed, his golden eyes a furious slits – but the slight coloring gave him away.

"Of course you don't," Ares agreed with a grin, knowing he will have that talk with the Speaker of the Convocation anyway – Lahabrea had no right to pester his brother when he has an issue with him – he just needed to remind him of that. "Now, if you excuse me," he said, seeing a familiar figure appear at one of the doors leading deeper into the Bureau of the Architect. "I think I see my prey," he grinned again when without breaking his stride, his beautiful man caught his gaze and turned to head toward him.

"Ares, what are you doing here?" bright, cyan eyes lit up with pleasure when he stopped at his side and his husband gracefully accepted a sweet kiss with a beautiful blush.

"Annoys everyone," he heard Hades murmur under his nose, and saw his man almost snort a laugh at his little brother's expanse.

"I thought I'll kidnap you, love," he grinned, taking a hold of his hand and pulling him toward the exit of the massive building, briefly waving goodbye to his little brother and his friend.

"I have work!" Damon sighed with resignation, but with more than a hint of humor in his low voice.

"But… it's our anniversary," Ares whined inelegantly, knowing his man couldn't resist it.

"Our anniversary is next week," when he looked back, cyan eyes shone with amusement.

"Yeah, I know…" Ares agreed, then smirked, wiggling his eyebrows meaningfully. "I didn't say for how long I'm kidnapping you, did I?"

"You're impossible," Damon chuckled, anyway letting himself be pulled along. When they left the building, he took a deep, relieved breath, then smirked toward Ares with bright, shiny eyes full of love. "Hades and Hythlodaeus hook up yet?"

"I think it's going to take a while," Ares snickered, wrapping his arm around his husband's shoulder and leading him down the street between the tall buildings of Amarout "So you don't count your wins yet, love."

Damon laughed, coiling his arm around his waist and hooking his fingers in his robe.

"You still think you can win that bet, Ares?" he chuckled, looking at him fondly. "World would have to end for them not to end up together, as we did."

A sudden chill slithered up Azem's spine as he looked up at the bright, perfect sky of Eitherys. He blinked his eyes – as blue and bright as the sky above them, then chased the ridiculous feeling away.

"You're probably right, as always," he hummed, yet his arm involuntarily tightened around his lover.