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It had been a couple of months into training that Joseph and Caesar slowly eased into a routine where they sparred for pleasure. They still fought against each other vigorously, but the flame within their hearts overflowed to where they made the mutual, unsaid agreement to go beyond their training hours, days even, to just battle each other for sport.
Within those sessions together, Joseph didn't focus too much on techniques, positioning, or pain, but rather he just let his mind drift around. He realized that he and Caesar were pretty leveled out in skill now, understanding each other's fighting tactic a bit better now.
It was easy to think more freely with him now.
When Caesar's arm slammed into Joseph's, he'd catch a glimpse at his features. Sweat dripped down his brow, and Joseph could practically feel Caesar's breathing. They were becoming in sync with their movements; it was almost like a dance between them.
Keeping that in mind, it was increasingly hard for Joseph to avoid intimacy. He carefully watched where Caesar placed his legs in order to prepare his next blow, or where Caesar jutted his head to avoid any of his own attempts of attack. They flowed together; it felt like years of practice.
Each time they came close, Joseph would look at the reluctance in Caesar’s eyes. The way they were swollen with determination and anger towards something Joseph had no knowledge over. Though they had elegant footing, they were vicious still.
On one of their sparring days, they were out in a meadow. It was full of lush grass, blooming trees, and a clear sky. It was far and wide so no one could witness them. No one would get hurt either. They were at each other, blow for blow, scratching at the Earth with their feet, lunges, and tumbles. Caesar's tactics of the day were more aggressive than usual like he was fighting frustration out. Joseph's steps were more lackadaisical.
That could be very well the reason why it led to the fall.
Joseph examined, was smitten even, by Caesar's eyes that day. The way they flared with so much raw anger within them. A fighting spirit. Someone that was truly alive. He stared too long which resulted in Caesar kicking him in the shin.
It threw his balance off, resulting in a heavy blow to the head as Caesar drop-kicked him. Joseph tumbled down at the very edge of the hill they jostled on. Joseph laid motionless for a second too long. Caesar was panting, impatient with Joseph for making him wait another second too long.
When Caesar realized that he had overdone it, he jumped back. “What’s with you today?” He chuckled awkwardly, but he had some restraint in his laugh that suggested caution. Caesar walked over to him, extended down a hand. “I’ll help you up just this once.”
Joseph raised his head; the world spinning around until there were multiple Caesars in front of him. He groaned. “I just wanted to let you win for once.”
Caesar rolled his eyes, almost threatening to take his hand back but before he could, Joseph instantly snatched it and pulled him down. Joseph flung himself further back so that they both tumbled down the hill together while Caesar yelled his curses at Joseph.
Joseph just laughed all the way down, tumbling with him until they reached the end and was laid out next to a river. Their hair was in complete disarray, clothes now riddled with dirt and were left more exhausted than when they were actually fighting.
“You’re so cheap to pull a stunt like that. What are we children to you?”
"You could learn to live a little, y'know?"
"I don't think I'd want any advice coming from you."
“I’ve seen you live a little,” Joseph pinches his fingers together with very little space between the tips of them as he peered through the space between his fingers at Caesar. “Just a little. Imagine what you could be if you relaxed a little.”
Caesar scoffed, waved him off, yet continued to lie there next to Joseph.
There was a lax shift in his tone as if he were receding into a more careless state. Joseph could hear Caesar pluck grass out from the Earth. The way they snapped from their roots.
Joseph turned towards him, beaming a radiant smile that startled Caesar. He thought for a moment that he would do something mischievous, so he nearly rolled away to avoid any sudden moment.
“Oi, where are you going?”
“I don’t trust you.”
“Huh?!”
Joseph thrusts himself forward until they were close face to face within centimeters. Caesar blushed from the intrusion. “Do you mind?!”
Joseph smiled again. “I don’t mind at all.”
“You’re insufferable, I swear.”
Caesar shoved him hard enough to where he rolled back with a grunt. He huffed with a sly smirk hidden away from Joseph as he scooted himself into an even further spot to himself. He laid down.
Caesar put his arms behind his head, looking up at the sky as if they'd been doing this forever. Joseph jerked himself up, sitting criss-cross with one hand supporting his head. He felt the breeze brush against his body. He traced his eyes over Caesar's features from the way his hair flowed, his chest went up and down, his eyes slowly fluttering with sleep.
"Are you tired already?" Joseph whispered, crawling over to him. Caesar instinctively raised his hand up, blocking Joseph and the sun away from his gaze. "No, I wouldn't say that."
It took every ounce of his being to not want to draw closer to inspect his face. Joseph could only loom over him curiously, eyes darting to different parts of his upper body.
"You look really tense for someone who also looks dead inside," Joseph remarked which caused Caesar to smack him with annoyance.
"I am not tense!"
Despite the growing tension Caesar felt in his throat, he didn't attempt to shove Joseph again. Instead, he laid there and watched him get closer. He laid with him. He tilted his head and closed the gap between them ever so slightly.
"Is it okay if I touch you?"
Caesar didn't even blink. He watched him cautiously for a few moments before nodding. Joseph leaned in further, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. No more bickering. No more resistance. Caesar felt Joseph's hand slither under his shirt as he thumbed around his torso, massaging him up and nearly tickling him. Joseph chuckled to his moment. "W-what? Ticklish?"
"Shut up," Caesar rebuked timidly. Joseph massaged him more but was careful to any sudden flinches. Caesar began to look irritated, tilting his head away. Joseph nearly nuzzled into his neck. "Can I kiss you here?"
Caesar made an affirmative sound but still remained distant from him. Joesph kisses along his neck; his heart was beating. He didn't know what came over him at all. He wasn't even thinking that this would even happen between them. What would it mean later? Would they talk about it at all after this?
Maybe it was better to stop.
Joseph leaned away to where now they could both lock eyes with each other. Caesar had this glimmer in his eyes like he wanted something else, but his body was too withdrawn to give any indication that he'd make a move.
"Are you uncomfortable with me?"
"No," Caesar said softly. Joseph hadn't realized that while he was pulling his hand back, Caesar had placed his hand over it. The only thing separating them was their clothes.
Caesar leaned into him now, cupping his chin and kissing along his cheek, just right at the corner of his lips. "You can kiss me," Joseph playfully added, smirking at him. Caesar rolled his eyes. They kissed softly. Joesph glided his hand further up Caesar's torso, which pulled up his shirt, revealing his tummy.
Their kisses grew eager. Caesar couldn't help but moan as Joesph french kissed him now. He loomed over him slightly, pressing to him for more kisses. He hungrily tasted him, feeling his body more. He lightly glided his nails into his flesh, tracing his touch all along his skin. Caesar blushed deeply. Their minds raced.
Whereas this entire time they were in sync through fighting prowess, here they were intertwined in their desire. For once, they were connected. It was like fate was entangling them more into a deeper, more intimate destiny than one could ever imagine. They didn't quite know how, but they were melting all the same.
Their shirts were off; they felt the grass on their bare skin. With no one around, it felt like they were the only ones in the world. Joesph wrapped his arms around him, combing his fingers through his hair, kissing his lips as if he were starving. Caesar moaned in little gasps, unable to think. His fingers talked for him as they gripped at the edges of Joseph's pants.
Joseph let out a low chuckle, grabbing Caesar's hand. "I love your enthusiasm, but let's save this where we can be more comfortable, yeah?"
Caesar was taken aback, but he didn't try to press forward. "Y-yeah, I see what you mean." He looked around at his surroundings, noticing the scenery. Joesph winked. "You're a great kisser, by the way."
That time Caesar shoved him. He grabbed his shirt, tidied himself, and got up. He cleared his throat. Joesph grabbed his shirt too but took his sweet time. He was still beaming a smile at Caesar's back. This would've normally irritated him.
But just this once? He wanted to play hard to get.