Disclaimer: I do not own KKM or any of its characters
Casper thought he'd gotten over Errol but turns out he still had some things he needed to say to his face. Sometimes we need to face our past in order to move past it. Hopefully that comes across in this chapter! I didn't want Errol to just appear, mess about and then leave without it having a lasting impact on both Casper and Wolfram. Wolfram still has something to learn about trust.
I hope you enjoy!
Chapter fourteen: Shackles
Casper buried his face in his pillow and breathed in deep. Several hours had passed since his fight with Wolfram and he was still feeling out of sorts over it. Seeing Errol again had really thrown him for a loop. He'd never thought in a thousand years he would see his ex-lover again. To see him here of all places, while he was on what was supposed to be a romantic getaway with Wolfram, was a dark twisted irony. Would the ghost of his failed relationship never leave him be? When Errol had pressed him back against that wall he should have been able to refuse him. Why did his knees go so weak? Why did his strength desert him?
Casper sighed into his pillow. If he was honest he could sort of appreciate Wolfram's reaction. From his perspective Wolfram saw him pressed up against a wall with Errol draped over him. If he'd seen Wolfram like that with His Majesty he would have reacted in a similar way. Still Wolfram's jibe that he should go back to Errol's bed rankled. Errol had hurt him deeply and he thought Wolfram understood that. How could Wolfram ever think that he'd be so desperate for sex that he'd cheat on him with Errol of all people? The man filled him with disgust. But Errol was gifted at getting in people's heads. He'd wrapped him around his little finger within minutes. The man certainly had guts to flirt with him in front of other people even though he was married. Didn't he say he was in Caloria with his father-in-law? What exactly would Errol have done if he'd found out about his son-in-law's indiscretion?
Casper raised his head as a thought occurred to him. Maybe one way to rid himself of that pest was to contact his father-in-law? What little Casper knew about Errol's relationship with his husband was that his family had rejected Errol as not being good enough for their son and driven him away. That had led Errol and his father to Casper's father's farm. Errol's husband had somehow convinced his family to accept Errol and they'd agreed to let them marry. Casper rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling. Was Errol courting other people too? Was he unfaithful to his husband with others or was he different? Casper didn't want to think of himself as special but he did have prior history with Errol. Maybe things weren't so great with his marriage and seeing Casper had provided Errol with an outlet to blow off steam?
Casper grunted as he ran his hands over his face. It made sense for Errol to use him as an outlet for sexual frustration. He'd done it before after all. He'd seen that smirk on Errol's face as he pushed all of Wolfram's buttons and wound him up like a clockwork toy. He'd done that deliberately to upset him and to drive them apart. Casper gritted his teeth in frustration. The fact that it had worked irritated him beyond belief.
Casper sat up. He didn't want to let Errol succeed and more than that he didn't want to lose what he had with Wolfram. Their relationship was only just starting but Casper could see a future for them together. He knew he wasn't worthy of Wolfram and others, like his Uncle, would not approve of their relationship. Yet, despite all that, Wolfram chose him. He wanted to be with him. Casper refused to believe that Wolfram was faking it. Yes, maybe Wolfram was having second thoughts, and maybe that was why he wasn't willing to take that next step but if that was the case Casper wanted to hear it directly from Wolfram.
A loud knock at the door startled Casper. The maid had already been in to clear away yesterday's ashes and relight the fire. She had been surprised to see Casper in his room but had clearly picked up on his foul mood. She'd done her chores quickly and shot out the door as fast as possible. Casper had been too miserable to care for her feelings. Casper swung his feet off the bed to answer the door when it opened. Casper frowned, ready to berate the maid he assumed was barging into his room, only to see Errol swagger into his room. Casper's jaw dropped open at the man's arrogance.
"Hello Casper," Errol shut the door behind him and grinned cheerfully at Casper as if they were old friends.
"Get out!" Casper jumped to his feet.
"Don't be so dramatic," Errol commented lightly as he walked into the room as if he owned it.
"You can't just barge into my bedroom, Errol." Casper snapped. "Get out."
"I knocked first," Errol walked over to the wardrobe and opened the doors. He whistled when he saw the clothes hanging there. "Oh wow, look at these fancy outfits. Must be nice being Lord Bielefeld's pet huh?" Errol ran his fingers over the soft fur lining a pale blue jacket that Wolfram had picked out for him. That jacket was Casper's favourite. He stormed over to the wardrobe and slammed the doors shut almost catching Errol's fingers.
"I told you to leave." Casper glared at Errol.
"I heard," Errol chuckled. He reached out to touch Casper's face but Casper slapped his hand away.
"Don't you touch me," Casper growled. "I have had enough of your games and I am not in the mood for more."
"You are wound up tight." Errol chuckled but Casper saw something flicker through his eyes again. "Why don't you relax and let me take the edge off?"
"I don't want anything from you," Casper stated coolly. "I don't know what you want from me but you are not getting it so why don't you just leave me be?"
"Do you really not know what I want from you?" Errol said softly. He slipped closer and reached out again to stroke Casper's chest. Casper had thrown off his jacket after storming into his bedroom so he felt Errol's hand through the fabric of his shirt.
"I don't know what is going on but something tells me this isn't just about sex." Casper narrowed his eyes. "Is your marriage not going well?" Errol's expression changed momentarily before he smoothed it over.
"I can see how your new lover's reluctance to take you to bed would frustrate you. You were almost insatiable when I knew you so it must be hard." Errol licked his lips. Casper grimaced. Errol was avoiding the question so Casper decided to defeat him at his own game.
"You are avoiding talking about your husband, problems in paradise?"
"He isn't important." Errol's expression flickered again.
"You married him so he must be pretty important." Casper countered. "Do you play around with other men or am I special?"
"You will always be special to me." Errol chuckled. "No one could beg for it like you did."
"Yeah you liked that didn't you?" Casper said snidely. "Do you make your husband beg for it too?"
"Let's not talk about him. It's just you and me here," Errol cupped Casper's face and moved in close to press his lips against Casper's neck. Casper's skin crawled at the contact. He braced himself and shoved Errol away. To his surprise Errol stumbled back.
"No," Casper lifted his chin. "I don't want you anymore, Errol, and I won't allow you to twist me around your finger with your words of poison." Casper stepped up to Errol and was pleased to see him move back. "Go back to your husband." Casper turned his back to Errol in dismissal and walked over to the window.
"Do you really think that Wolfram cares about you?" Errol spat. "You are nothing more than a plaything to him, a passing fancy and he will become bored with you soon enough."
"That is Lord Bielefeld to you," Casper didn't turn around. "And if that is true then I want to hear it from him, not from you."
"How long are you going to let him string you along? It is pathetic." Errol snorted. Casper turned and stared at Errol in dawning realisation.
"Is that what's going on? Has your husband got control over you?" Casper smirked as Errol winched. "Oh I see, he's the boss in your relationship so you thought you would use me to remind yourself of the days when you were in charge?"
"You don't know anything!" Errol snapped.
"No I think I have it all figured out. You mentioned earlier how you used to make me beg for it. I think your husband is the one making you beg for it now. He's in charge and he makes damn sure you know it. Everything you have is what he gave you and he makes sure you don't forget it." Casper glanced at Errol's fine clothing again. "You want to feel powerful and in charge and when you saw me you thought I would be an easy target. I admit I let you get under my skin earlier but I'm not going to risk what I have with Wolfram over a witless worm like you." Casper glared at Errol and drew himself up to his full height. "Now get the fuck out of my bedroom."
Errol was red faced and breathing hard. Casper felt incredible. He'd beaten Errol at his own game, he stood his ground and he hadn't let Errol get in his head again. He'd finally shed the shackles of his failed relationship. He hadn't even realised it was a weight he'd been carrying all this time. Errol spun on his heel and marched over to the door. He yanked it open and stormed out slamming it behind him hard enough to make the window rattle.
:-:
Wolfram walked down the hallway towards Casper's bedroom with a million thoughts raging in his head. He hadn't been able to settle after his argument with Casper. He'd gone outside and paced in aimless circles in the snow covered gardens to collect his thoughts. To see Casper's ex-lover had shocked him. He didn't think he'd ever meet him and he'd been surprised to see that Errol was a handsome man. He could see what had drawn Casper to him even if his personality was warped.
Errol represented a threat to his relationship with Casper but Wolfram wasn't the same person he used to be. He wanted to talk to Casper, not fight. He wanted to hear his side of the story. He wanted to save their relationship not dash it against the rocks of his pride. He was always so afraid of being replaced. Even after everything he'd been through with Casper he was still scared of Casper leaving him for someone else. Wolfram shook his head and berated himself for his weakness. He knew how Casper felt for him. He needed to have more faith in Casper and his love.
Wolfram heard a door slam and looked up. He stopped dead when he saw Errol exit Casper's bedroom. Errol's face was red and he looked pissed. When he spotted Wolfram he stopped short. For a few seconds neither moved. Suddenly Errol grinned and sauntered over to Wolfram with his hands in his pockets. Wolfram watched him with narrowed eyes.
"Why hello there, My Lord," Errol swept an exaggerated bow.
"What were you doing in Casper's room?" Wolfram demanded. Errol straightened up and laughed.
"Casper was feeling lonely so I kept him company for a bit." Errol winked suggestively. "I don't think he'll have any need for you for a while. He's a bit sore." Errol sniggered. Wolfram felt white hot rage course through his blood. His hand closed on the hilt of his sword.
Suddenly out of nowhere Wolfram recalled an evening several days ago before he and Casper travelled to the lodge. He was sitting on a balcony at Flynn's castle staring up at the night sky. It was cold but the thick blanket wrapped around his shoulders kept him warm. The moon was full and the stars shone brightly. It was a beautiful night. Something soft and heavy fell against his right shoulder. Wolfram turned his head and saw Casper leaning against him. He'd fallen asleep sitting up and his head rested on Wolfram's shoulder. Warmth filled Wolfram's body and made his fingers and toes tingle. Wolfram opened the thick blanket and wrapped his right arm around Casper's shoulders tucking the blanket around him. Casper shifted but didn't wake. Wolfram looked at Casper, at the firm line of his jaw, the softness of his lips and the faint outline of his cheekbones. In that moment Wolfram felt a happiness of the like he'd never experienced before. He turned his gaze back to the stunning vista above him with the biggest smile on his face.
Images flashed through Wolfram's mind in brief snapshots. He saw Casper running towards him laughing and waving, Casper turning to look back towards him with a smile, Casper holding his hand as they walked down the street, Casper kissing him so soft and gentle. The white hot rage vanished. Wolfram relaxed his hand and released his sword hilt. He took a deep breath and looked at Errol's smug face.
"You are lying."
"What?" Errol looked taken aback.
"You're lying." Wolfram repeated. "You didn't touch him."
"What exactly do you think I was doing with him in his bedroom?" Errol laughed but Wolfram heard the undertone of frustration.
"I don't know but I do know that Casper would never allow you to touch him." Wolfram stepped in close. Errol stopped laughing abruptly. "Casper is mine and you can't have him."
"He was mine before he was yours," Errol snapped out. Wolfram lashed out and his fist connected solidly with Errol's nose. It broke with a crack and Errol fell backwards with a muffled shout his hands over his face. Blood dripped down his face and splattered over his tunic.
"Stay away from Casper or you'll have worse than a broken nose to deal with." Wolfram growled. "He doesn't want your touch. I will not allow anyone to lay their hands on him or terrorise him. If you do not leave him in peace I will make you sorry."
"Fine," Errol got slowly to his feet, "have the little slut for all I care. I hope he pleases you as much as he pleased me."
"Go back to the hole you crawled out of," Wolfram spat. Errol glared, holding his bleeding nose with one hand as he stumbled away down the hall. Wolfram watched him go to make sure he left before he turned back to Casper's door. Casper hadn't left his room at their ruckus. Wolfram waited until his heart rate settled before he resumed his walk to Casper's room. He knocked on the door and waited quietly. There was a long pause. Wolfram was starting to wonder if Casper was even in his room when the door slowly opened. Casper looked suspicious but when he saw Wolfram his eyes went wide in surprise.
"Wolfram," Casper breathed.
"Can I come in?" Wolfram asked formally. Casper stepped away and held the door open. Wolfram stepped across the threshold. There was a new fire in the fireplace filling the room with warmth. The bed was rumpled and unmade. Casper's coat was tossed across the back of a chair next to the vanity table.
"So I assume you just saw Errol?" Casper said as he leaned back against the door and shut it with a gentle click behind him.
"Yes," Wolfram admitted. He turned to face Casper. Casper didn't look upset. He looked calm and resolute. "He insinuated that you and he were having a romp." Wolfram glanced at the rumpled bedsheets. "So I punched him in the face and broke his nose."
"You hit him?" Casper said in amazement. Wolfram looked back at Casper and gave him a wry grin. Casper burst out laughing. "Oh I would have loved to have witnessed that!"
"He was lying," Wolfram said. Casper stopped laughing and met Wolfram's gaze. "He didn't lay a hand on you."
"You're not going to ask me about it?" Casper asked slowly.
"I don't need to hear you deny it," Wolfram smiled, "Because I trust you." Casper sucked in sharp breath. "Casper, what I said before, that was callous. I do trust you. I trust your feelings for me. I am sorry I doubted you. I can only ask you to forgive me."
"Hearing you suggest I would betray you for Errol hurt me." Casper admitted. He pushed off the door and stood up straight. "But if I am honest with myself I can see why you reacted like that. I don't know what I would have done if I saw you like that with His Majesty." Casper took a deep breath. "I let Errol get in my head and play on my fears and insecurities and I shouldn't have allowed that. So I'm partly to blame too." Casper gave Wolfram a shy smile.
"Casper, the reason I keep pulling away from you, it has nothing to do with my feelings fading or because I do not care about you." Wolfram took a deep breath and summoned his courage. He couldn't leave things as they were between them. Errol was a perfect example of the dangers of miscommunication. Casper watched him with an unreadable expression and said nothing. "I want to be with you, Casper. I want to touch you. I want to let you touch me. Yet each time events moved in that direction I would get scared. I felt too much and it scared me. I was worried I couldn't please you or that you would be disappointed with me. I was worried that if we took that final step everything would change and you may not look at me the same way. I couldn't bear it if you left me for someone else. I truly think I wouldn't survive it." Wolfram stopped talking and let out a shaky breath. He was fully clothed yet he felt completely naked.
Casper stepped towards him and reached out to take his hands. "You're cold," Casper muttered as he rubbed Wolfram's hands.
"I was walking around the garden in circles for hours," Wolfram admitted. "The guests and servants must think I'm crazy."
"Just wait till they see Errol's broken nose." Casper chuckled. He looked at Wolfram and his violet gaze was so intense it made Wolfram shiver in the warmth of the room. It wasn't an unpleasant feeling. "Thank you for being honest with me," Casper leaned forward and gently kissed Wolfram's forehead. "Now it is my turn to be honest." Casper gave a self-conscious laugh and looked away. "I thought the reason you were pulling away from me was because you'd had a change of heart. You are a noble born and I'm nobody. I'm not worthy of you and I thought maybe you were having the same thoughts." Casper hunched his shoulders. "I feel so stupid."
"You are not stupid," Wolfram squeezed Casper's hands to force the other man to look at him. "Casper, you are the single most important person in my life right now. I don't give a damn about your blood line and I don't give a damn about what other people think."
"I know that, I do, but in the back of my mind my doubts lurked." Casper admitted softly. "We really needed to talk about this didn't we?"
"We should thank Errol for pushing us together." Wolfram commented dryly. Casper burst out laughing.
"Oh man that is wonderfully ironic seeing as he was trying to break us apart."
"Why did he want to do that anyway?" Wolfram asked puzzled.
"Errol would never admit it but I suspect his husband has complete control over him. He used to love having control over me so I think he wanted to rebel against his domineering husband while feeling good about himself by bulling me at the same time."
"He's married?" Wolfram squeaked in shock.
"Oh yeah, did I not mention that?" Casper frowned.
"No you didn't," Wolfram shook his head in wonder. "So he's unfaithful as well as a snide git."
"He wasn't that bad when I knew him," Casper admitted. "I get the feeling being under his husband's thumb has soured him."
"I have zero sympathy," Wolfram snorted, "it sounds like they deserve each other."
"I love you," Casper said suddenly. Wolfram jolted at the sudden topic change and Casper smiled. "You mentioned earlier that you were worried you would disappoint me or that my feelings for you would change. I need you to understand that that will never happen. I love you now and forever. I misunderstood your feelings and that made me frustrated and edgy. I understand your feelings now. I will wait as long as you need me to until you are ready to take that next step with me."
"Casper…" Wolfram felt his heart do a double summersault. He flashed back to that feeling of Casper's head on his shoulder. He recalled the feeling of walking into a room and seeing Casper look up and smile at him as if he were the only person in the world. Wolfram didn't have words so he cupped Casper's face and kissed him. Casper moaned softly and kissed him back. Wolfram tangled his hand in Casper's hair so he couldn't pull away as he pulled Casper to his body with his other arm. Casper tilted his head for better access and wrapped his arms around Wolfram's waist. The kiss went deep and Wolfram's knees went weak. His emotions welled up inside him again but they no longer felt like they would overwhelm him. Wolfram undid his sword belt and let it drop to the floor.
"Wolfram," Casper pulled away panting heavily, "We need to stop."
"Why?" Wolfram kissed Casper's neck. Casper groaned and arched his neck. His hands fisted the material of Wolfram's jacket.
"W-what are you – um – what are you doing?"
"I'm getting you in the mood," Wolfram hummed as he nipped at Casper's throat, "is it working?"
"It's working rather too well." Casper panted. He pressed close and Wolfram felt his arousal against him. "Don't tease me like this, Wolfram."
"I'm not teasing." Wolfram stopped nipping Casper's throat to meet his gaze. "I want to be with you."
"Right now?" Casper's throat worked as he swallowed hard.
"Right now," Wolfram kissed Casper again. He felt Casper shiver and he pulled away to lick the shell of Casper's ear.
"Are you sure?" Casper panted out as his hands slid down Wolfram's back to cup his backside. Wolfram moaned and rubbed up against Casper.
"I'm sure," Wolfram promised. Casper moaned and turned his head to capture Wolfram's lips. Wolfram tangled his tongue with Casper's and let Casper walk him backwards towards the bed. The moment he felt his legs touch the mattress he fell backwards pulling Casper down with him. They fell in a tangled heap, bounced, and promptly fell off the bed and onto the floor with a thud. There was a short breathless pause before Casper started laughing.
"That did not go quite as I planned it," Wolfram admitted as he tried to push himself off Casper who lay underneath him. Casper tightened his grip holding Wolfram in place as he grinned wickedly at him.
"That was not very smooth Lord Bielefeld," Casper agreed, "but I can't say I mind the view." Casper slid his hands down Wolfram's back to grasp a double handful of Wolfram's butt cheeks and squeeze. Wolfram let out an involuntary squeak which made Casper laugh harder.
"May I suggest we move this to the bed rather than beside it," Wolfram tried to sound stern but it came out in a breathless gasp.
"That was my original intention," Casper chuckled. He sat up and loosened his grip so Wolfram could sit back on his knees. Wolfram stood up and turned so he was sitting on the bed. Casper stayed where he was, kneeling on the floor, but before Wolfram could ask why Casper took his leg gently in his hands. Casper slowly unlaced and pulled off his right boot followed by his left. Casper tugged off his socks and raised Wolfram's right foot to gently kiss it. Wolfram licked his lips as Casper slid his hands slowly up his clothed legs. His breath hitched as Casper hands slid over his inner thighs.
"Are you sure about this?" Casper checked as he gently rubbed Wolfram's thighs.
"Yes," Wolfram nodded. It was hard to think straight with Casper touching him like that. Casper nodded and smiled, clearly satisfied with his answer.
Casper shifted off his knees and Wolfram moved back to make room as Casper crawled onto the bed. Wolfram met him eagerly with a searing kiss. He sighed as Casper broke the kiss to unbutton his jacket. He wriggled out of the material which suddenly seemed far too hot and heavy. The cold from walking outside had gone, replaced by the searing heat of Casper's passion. Wolfram no longer held any fear for that heat. Wolfram took the opportunity to unbutton his shirt, tossing the material carelessly aside.
Casper's eyes were dark with desire as he pulled off his shirt throwing it aside to land with Wolfram's. Wolfram greedily drank in the sight before him. Casper was superbly fit with well-defined muscles and smooth skin. Wolfram reached out and ran his hands over Casper's torso feeling the muscles flex beneath his palms. Casper's fingers were rough from his work outdoors and Wolfram arched as they ran over the soft skin of his body. Casper lips travelled down his neck as his fingers played with Wolfram's nipples making Wolfram whimper.
His body was so sensitive. He was too hot. He pulled Casper closer so the younger man was straddling his hips. His hands roamed freely over Casper's body wanting to touch him everywhere and commit every curve and contour to memory. Casper's hands were similarly busy and Wolfram flinched as he felt his fingers brush over the old scars on his back. Casper stilled at once.
"Does that hurt?"
"No," Wolfram pressed a kiss to Casper's collar bone. "Do they bother you?"
"No," Casper whispered softly as he pulled back to frame Wolfram's face in his hands. "You are so beautiful. No part of you bothers me."
"I was worried they might disgust you." Wolfram admitted shyly. Casper shook his head and gently ran his fingers over the scars on Wolfram's back. Wolfram shivered at the gentle feather-like touch.
"These scars are a part of you and they are beautiful." Casper whispered softly. Wolfram's heart thudded in his chest. He didn't know what to say so he kissed Casper instead. Wolfram lay back against the cool sheets pulling Casper down so he lay on top of him. Wolfram opened his legs letting Casper settle between them. He could feel Casper's heart racing matching the pace of his own.
Casper pulled back to slide down Wolfram's body leaving burning hot kisses and nips in his wake. Wolfram arched into Casper's touch dragging his blunt nails down Casper's back. Casper reached Wolfram's belt and paused. He glanced up, asking for permission with his eyes. Wolfram nodded, robbed of speech, and Casper smiled before unbuckling the belt. He smoothly pulled the garment and Wolfram's underwear down his legs and dropped them on the floor. Wolfram panted as Casper slowly slid his hands up his legs, giving Wolfram time to get used to the feel of his touch. Wolfram cried out as Casper's fingers touched him. He fisted the sheets in his hands as Casper's mouth soon followed suit.
Casper knew what to do. Wolfram writhed on the bed as Casper's touch made him lose all semblances of dignity and control. He spread his legs obscenely wide as he moaned Casper's name. The blood was rushing so loudly in his ears it blocked out all other sounds. Wolfram shook and trembled as Casper's skilful technique sent him over the edge. He panted, soaked in sweat and shaking as if he had a fever. Casper laid gentle kisses across his belly as Wolfram collected himself.
"Are you still with me?" Casper chuckled as he moved up to be face to face with Wolfram, bracing his weight on his arms.
"Ah, yeah, just – just give me a second," Wolfram's voice was already horse. He reached out and ran his thumb over Casper's plump swollen lips. Casper's hair was a mess, his face was flushed, he looked drunk, and Wolfram was certain he'd never seen anyone so beautiful. "I love you." The words were out before Wolfram had even realised he'd spoken aloud. Casper's eyes went wide.
"What?"
"I love you," Wolfram repeated. He framed Casper's beautiful face in his hands. "I love you, Casper Falken." Casper made a choked noise. He kissed Wolfram with a passion that made Wolfram moan. He could taste himself on Casper's tongue.
"You had better not be saying that because you just came." Casper broke away with a half laugh half sob.
"I'm not," Wolfram covered Casper's face with kisses, "I'll say it as often as you need to hear it until you believe it. I love you." Wolfram ran his foot up Casper's leg which reminded him that Casper still had his trousers on. He reached out and tugged the waistband open. "Off now," he commanded. Casper grinned as he obeyed, sitting up to rid himself of the last of his clothing before lying back in Wolfram's arms. His violet eyes burned and he moaned as Wolfram gently touched him.
Casper rolled them so he was lying on his side with Wolfram facing him. Wolfram knew his technique was clumsy but if the way Casper moaned was any indication he seemed to be enjoying it. Casper's eyelids fluttered shut as he arched his back. Wolfram watched in fascination as Casper's face flushed, his breathing ragged, his movements losing rhythm. Seeing Casper look blissed out made red hot desire pool in Wolfram's belly. Casper's hips jerked and he cried out Wolfram's name. In that moment Wolfram felt like he could do anything. To have reduced Casper to a panting mess made him feel incredible. Wolfram withdrew his hand and Casper shivered.
"Wow," Casper panted. He opened his eyes and the look of pure bliss swirling in those violet pools made Wolfram hungry for more. Wolfram smiled and took Casper's hand. He guided it down between his legs and pressed Casper's long strong fingers where he wanted them. Casper's breathing hitched and he looked up at Wolfram questioningly.
"There," Wolfram breathed out. A shudder ran through Casper's body and his fingers crooked making Wolfram twitch.
"Are you sure?" Casper panted out. His violet eyes were on fire. Wolfram threw his leg over Casper's hips and pressed as close as he could. He breathed in deep letting the scent of Casper flood his senses.
"If you ask me if I'm sure one more time I am going to smack you," he growled out and nipped Casper sharply on the neck. He'd never been so sure of anything in his life. Casper laughed and Wolfram squeaked as the world flipped over. Suddenly he was on his stomach and Casper was on top of him, his chest pressing against his back.
"In that case you had better brace yourself Wolfram Von Bielefeld." Casper whispered in Wolfram's ear. Wolfram shivered in anticipation and closed his eyes. He let Casper take control and sweep him away.
:-:
"That was worth waiting for," Casper hummed as he ran his fingers through Wolfram hair. Wolfram snorted and raised his head from its place on Casper's chest.
"I'm so glad to hear you approve, Casper Falken." Wolfram commented dryly. Casper flinched and looked shamefaced.
"I didn't mean it like that."
"I was just teasing, I know what you meant." Wolfram pecked Casper on the lips and dropped his head back to Casper's chest. He snuggled close and closed his eyes. Casper was lying on his back and Wolfram was curled up against him. Casper's arm was wrapped around his shoulders and his fingers gently played with his hair. It was very soothing and was making Wolfram feel sleepy.
"I've never done that before." Casper said in wonder. Wolfram frowned and raised his head to stare at him, puzzled. "I mean it, Errol never let me." Wolfram snorted.
"Don't mention that weasel's name it is disturbing my afterglow." Wolfram grunted. Casper chuckled and the sound vibrated through his chest. Wolfram opened his eyes and drew lazy circles across Casper's bare torso with his fingers. The arm Casper didn't have wrapped around his shoulders was lying across his chest. Wolfram stared at Casper's wrist. There was a mark on his skin which Wolfram hadn't seen before. Wolfram frowned and pushed himself up on his elbow.
"Is everything ok?" Casper glanced at Wolfram.
"What is this?" Wolfram reached out and took Casper's wrist gently in his hand. There were red marks in the shape of fingers wrapped around his wrist. He gently brushed his fingers against the marks. "Where did these come from? I didn't do that did I?"
"Oh," Casper raised his wrist and stared at the marks. "I didn't realise he held me that tight."
"He? Did Errol do that to you?" Wolfram's voice shook with fury. Casper grimaced and dropped his hand.
"When I was sitting in the dining room with Errol he reached out and took my hand. I tried to pull away but he just gripped me tighter. I didn't want to try and break free from him in public which is why I took him away from the dining room."
"Bastard," Wolfram gently tugged Casper's wrist towards him and kissed his wrist. "Has he hurt you like this before?"
"He was sometimes a bit rough," Casper admitted shifting uncomfortably in place.
"I should have hit him harder." Wolfram grunted letting go of Casper's wrist. "That is going to bruise."
"Its fine," Casper reached out to gently run his fingers through Wolfram's hair. Wolfram met his gaze. "I don't care about him anymore and he can't hurt me."
"If he does he'll have me to answer to." Wolfram traced the shape of Casper's face with his fingers.
"It is just a bruise," Casper chuckled, his eyes soft and warm. "It will heal."
"He didn't just hurt you physically though, did he?"
"I thought I had gotten over him." Casper said softly. "But seeing him here made me realise I hadn't really moved on. I think I needed to face him again to truly let go of the past. Now I feel better, I stood up to him and I didn't let him win." Casper chuckled. "It actually feels pretty damn good."
"In that case I'm glad you got to see him again." Wolfram smiled and pushed his face against Casper's hand to kiss his palm. "But if he comes after you again I won't go easy on him."
"I wouldn't expect any different." Casper laughed. Wolfram huffed and pouted. He couldn't be angry with Casper. If meeting Errol again had given Casper closure then he was glad. Errol's presence here still made Wolfram feel uncomfortable.
"Did Errol say he was here on a business trip?" Wolfram dropped back onto Casper's chest.
"Yes I believe so, why?" Wolfram could hear the confusion in Casper's voice.
"Do you what business he's in?"
"No," Casper admitted still sounding confused. "He said his father-in-law brought him into the family business after his marriage, and he was here for some trade deal with his father-in-law." Wolfram hummed thoughtfully. "Are you plotting something, my love?" Wolfram could hear the smile in Casper's voice. Wolfram turned his head to prop his chin on Casper's chest. Casper was grinning at him.
"You know me so well, love." Wolfram grinned wickedly. "I was thinking about what you said before; that Errol is under his husband's thumb. Maybe we can use that to our advantage to make sure he doesn't bother us again?"
"I don't think Errol will bother us anymore after I soundly rejected him and you punched him in the face." Casper pointed out logically.
"I'm not willing to take the risk." Wolfram said simply. "If he's here with his father-in-law I was thinking of contacting him and telling him what his son-in-law is up to. That way we can leave Errol's family to deal with him."
"That is devious," Casper snorted. "And I was thinking about the exact same thing myself not that long ago."
"Do you know anything about his father-in-law?"
"No," Casper admitted.
"No matter, I'm sure the staff will know something." Wolfram shrugged. Casper thought back to the dismissive and rude way Errol had spoken to the servants and smiled.
"I have a feeling they will be happy to help us out." Casper rolled Wolfram underneath him and smirked as Wolfram gasped in surprise. "I didn't realise you were so vindictive."
"Have I disappointed you?" Wolfram smiled back and stretched out lazily underneath Casper.
"Nope," Casper shook his head, "I find it rather endearing actually." Wolfram laughed.
"I love you." Wolfram answered simply. Casper's eyes softened and the tenderness made Wolfram feel warm all over.
"I love you too." Casper kissed Wolfram gently. He pulled back and chewed his lip. Wolfram frowned and framed his face.
"Is something bothering you?"
"I was just wondering….was it ok? Was it good for you?" Casper sounded self-conscious. Wolfram pursed his lips in mockery of deep thought. Casper actually looked concerned, which made Wolfram want to tease him a little.
"I haven't experienced this before so it's not like I have anything to compare it to." Wolfram slid his hands up and down Casper's bare back. "I can't really be expected to form an opinion after only one experience. I think I need to experience it many more times and in different positions to truly answer your question." As he spoke Casper's concerned expression gave way to a cheeky grin filled with promise. Wolfram waggled his eyebrows at Casper making him laugh. Wolfram loved the sound of his laugh.
"You are a very wise man," Casper grinned as he slid a hand down Wolfram's leg. His fingers brushed a spot that was still slightly tender making Wolfram's breath hitch. He grinned and kissed Wolfram's neck. "How about we practice some more?"
"Hmm," Wolfram moaned and captured Casper lips. He was a bit sore and not entirely sure another round so soon was the best idea he'd ever had when Casper's stomach saved him from his rash hormone infused decision with a loud gurgle. Casper froze and Wolfram pulled back startled. Casper blushed as Wolfram snorted. "Was that your stomach? I've never head a sound like that from a person before." Wolfram giggled uncontrollably.
"I skipped breakfast and it must be midday by now," Casper protested. He sat up his face aflame as Wolfram rolled around in helpless laughter.
"That was some perfect timing," Wolfram giggled. Casper groaned and dropped his head in his hands. Wolfram smothered his giggles with difficulty and sat up. He kissed Casper on the cheek. "Don't fret, let's have something to eat and we'll resume my education at a later date. We have plenty of time after all." Wolfram kissed Casper again. Casper smiled and turned his face to kiss Wolfram's nose.
"You're right as always. There's no need to rush anything." Casper kissed Wolfram on the lips.
"Food first," Wolfram pulled back before Casper could get any ideas. Casper grinned bashfully before he pushed the covers away and got out of bed. Wolfram rolled out of bed as well and gathered up his clothes.
As they dressed Wolfram knew that their relationship had changed now they'd shared a bed. This knowledge filled him with warmth and forced his lips into a goofy smile. He'd been so afraid that if things changed Casper would drift away from him. The reality was sharing intimacy had brought them together.
"Are you ready?" Casper stood by the door smiling at him. Wolfram smiled and finished lacing his boot. Casper most likely meant if he was ready to leave but as he stood there Wolfram decided he was ready. He was ready to start his life with Casper by his side. He was ready to make this courtship final. He didn't even care if his Uncle didn't give them his blessing. Wolfram stood up and brushed down his coat.
"I'm ready."