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Dante got into the prepared carriage, holding a beautifully wrapped package and setting it down next to him. He sat there for several minutes, waiting for his driver to prepare them for the ride. He sighed and looked out at the scenery surrounding them as he leaned his head against the cushioned seat and turned to the window. It would be a long ride, but he’d made sure to have enough time to leave Solaria behind. Over in the water territory, more... pressing matters were waiting for him. Who would have guessed it would come to this... merely thinking about it brought deep color to his cheeks. He closed his eyes, seeking solace in the darkness behind his eyelids, but the vibrant images of the past continued to invade his thoughts.
Edmond stood tall and poised, his military uniform clinging to his well-toned physique. His gaze, usually focused and stern, now lingered on something ahead. The air of his position never left him — an invisible coat in all manners of gracefulness.
For the first time, Dante wondered if he’d ever see him take it off.
“Sun lord?” Edmond inquired, concern lacing his voice as he turned around.
Dante tried to brush off the concern, his reply evasive as he brushed a loose strand of hair behind his ear. He still remembered the way Edmond had smiled back then, concern shifting into a gentle and understanding smile, his eyes holding a softness Dante hadn’t noticed before.
Here, in his presence, away from the weight of his heavy responsibilities, Dante found himself drawn into a world of unspoken emotions.
“It’s...I’m fine,” he stammered, his words lacking conviction, occupying his eyes with the paperwork they were previously discussing.
But Edmond, ever perceptive, could see right through him. His voice, filled with genuine care, broke through Dante’s facade.
“Do you still have some of the tea we had last time?” Edmond asked, catching Dante off guard.
The question jolted Dante back to reality, his mind snapping out of its stupor, making him turn around as if caught. Both hesitant and longing, their gazes locked, the moment stretching into infinity.
“Of course,” Dante replied eventually, his usual bashfulness familiar footing.
“Let’s continue this conversation over a cup.”
It was as if Edmond’s simple inquiry had handed him an olive branch, and Dante took it without asking. Their connection, once distant and guarded, had developed into something deeper. As Dante brushed a strand of hair behind his ear, his hesitant smile mirrored the newfound warmth in Edmond’s eyes. “Let’s go then.”
His steps were light and purposeful as he led them towards the cozy corner of the palace, just the two of them.
It was only later that he’d learned of the rest. Of him and Yakumo and how long they’ve been infatuated with each other.
Then why was he–
Dante couldn’t help but feel a tinge of frustration as he sat in the carriage, the beautifully wrapped package resting beside him. It had to be Eiden’s terrible influence. Making him act irrationally like this. He opened his eyes again, hoping the scenery would provide an answer.
Of course, it wouldn’t.
Another of Eiden’s weird, nonsensical thoughts.
The journey to the water territory stretched out before him, the passing landscapes of hot desert sands, forests, plains, and racing clouds reflecting his restless mind.
With the wind in their back, they’d reach the water territory in no more than 10 hours. 6 perhaps, if the roads were free.
Still, too long to be alone with his thoughts.
But he’d made his decision when packing the gift, hadn’t he? He wouldn’t go back on it.
“Edmond,...?” Yakumo called, voice soft as he opened the door, careful not to wake the man should he be asleep. It still felt a little weird calling him by his first name just like that, but... well, the circumstances certainly allowed for it. “... how are you feeling?”
“Not any different from when you left,” the man replied, voice strained and unusually out of breath. He seemed annoyed, in a way, and Yakumo had learned to listen past it. “Can you,” he swallowed, the bed squeaking as he tried to sit up, but Yakumo already hurried to his side. “Sir Edmond, you really shouldn’t--“
“Yakumo--“ he tried to protest, eyebrows knitted tightly, but the man’s voice was already becoming more labored.
“You shouldn’t exert yourself like this,” Yakumo said, hurriedly setting the tray on the bedside table. “Drink some water.”
“I’m not–” he continued, yet his body betrayed him, hands struggling to prop him up. “I’ve been having headaches all morning,” Edmond eventually admitted, taking the glass from Yakumo’s slender hands. He swallowed audibly. “Thank you. Sorry about... it’s difficult to think like this.”
Like this, and it’s all too noticeable. His round belly and his flushed face, and how any strength he used to have seemed to slip through his fingers.
Yakumo reddened, taking the glass from him, and setting it down. “It’s alright. It’s my fault–”
Edmond reached over, taking the glass again as if to prove he was still capable. “You don’t have to worry so much,” he insisted, rejuvenated by the crisp taste of water wetting his throat. He leaned back against the headboard with a soft sigh, brows relaxing. “We’ve been over this. I’ll be fine. I am fine. It’s just… something I’ll have to get used to. That’s all.”
“Well, if you’re sure...” Yakumo mumbled, trying to get back on track with the conversation, but he had his own troubles. Looking over Edmond’s body – involuntarily, he just wanted to make sure– It was impossible to ignore his bulged stomach, filled with his eggs. A sight to behold, and one he hadn’t gotten used to either. But that wasn’t the point–
“It’s… something I have to get used to as well,” Yakumo admitted, reaching out to rub the top of Edmond’s knee comfortingly. The other man’s eyes softened at the gesture, but he continued to hold eye contact, nonetheless. Something about that gaze... Perhaps it was their mixed essence that made it easier to read the other, or perhaps they’ve been close enough for that for a while now. Either way, Edmond knew, *felt*, what the other was trying to hide.
“You seem pretty exhausted yourself,” Edmond said, maneuvering to the side. “Why don’t you lay down with me?”
Yakumo blinked in surprise and then smiled a gentle, thankful smile. Edmond blushed more under his stare, but made no attempt to go back on his offer. “Of course, if you’d like.”
He’d never asked for… any of this. Not that he wasn’t enjoying it. Underneath the layers of self-sufficience he enjoyed Yakumo’s attention on him, his mild demeanor and his exquisite cooking. But he’d never asked, never said, so how did he…?
The mattress dipped where Yakumo sat down, so close their arms touched despite the sizable bed. Normally he might have insisted on putting some polite distance between them, but the casual touch was more than welcome right now.
“Aren’t you cold?” he asked, a gentle worry and a hidden request. Instead of saying anything else Edmond lifted the blanket until the other was nested even closer beside him, their legs tangled.
“Are you sure you don’t have a fever?” he heard Yakumo ask through his embarrassment. Hadn’t he figured out what was going on, or was he truly concerned?
“It’s not a fever…” he said, wondering if he should have just said that it was. He felt as if he was burning up, overworked body exhausted from the fluctuating essence, the slippery eggs moving in all sorts of directions, making him bite his tongue. This couldn’t continue like this–
“I think I better make sure.”
Edmond’s heart skipped a beat before it started racing, his mind filled with devious thoughts he’d try to deny later. All he could do was reach for the other’s hand and squeeze, already all too affected by this simple gesture.
The sight before Yakumo was mesmerizing, a delicate beauty only for him to witness. Edmond, with his hair tousled and slightly disheveled, looked undeniably alluring. A gentle blush adorned his cheeks, adding a touch of enchantment to his features. His legs, uncovered, with the silk robe pooling around his hips, appeared delicate and inviting, beckoning him to draw closer.
"Stop staring," Edmond commanded, but his voice faltered, revealing the underlying vulnerability that consumed him. The shallow, uneven breaths escaping his lips showed his true intentions. Clenching the pillows tightly, his knuckles turned a stark white, desperate to hold on to something tangible amidst the swirling emotions.
Yakumo tried to tear his gaze away, to avert his eyes from the captivating vision before him, but he found himself unable to do so. Instead, he mustered the courage to lift Edmond's legs gently, parting them slightly, not daring to break the fragile spell that enveloped them. "But, you know... the eggs need my essence," Yakumo stammered, his voice laced with a mixture of awe and trepidation.
Edmond's blush deepened, as if he had reached the limits of his capacity to redden. "How do you even know that?" he questioned, a mix of curiosity and disbelief seeping through his words. "I couldn't find anything about it..."
Yakumo's heart swelled with a profound sense of gratitude, knowing that Edmond had made an effort to understand him better. But the gravity of their current situation quickly overshadowed the tender moment they were sharing. "I... I asked Mr. Kuya," Yakumo confessed, his gaze now avoiding Edmond's, unable to bear the weight of his scrutiny.
In an instant, Edmond sat up, his common sense battling against the fog of their desires. "You... you told him?" he exclaimed, mortification etched across his features at the mere thought of it.
"No!" Yakumo protested, his voice crackling with a mixture of shock and earnestness. "He already knew. He said he could discern it from my essence, and..."
Worried that he had inadvertently added to Yakumo's concerns, Edmond swallowed his initial shock and composed himself. "Well, I suppose we can't change what's already done," he admitted, reluctantly accepting their reality. "But please, don't believe everything he tells you..."
"I won't," Yakumo reassured him, his voice carrying a sense of conviction. "But I do believe he might be right."
Edmond swallowed audibly, averting his gaze to not see Yakumo’s hungry eyes raking over his body. “Well…” he said, his body betraying his nonchalant behavior. “... I think you know best.” He was no expert on yokai behavior, nor on essence management.
And he trusted Yakumo. With his life.
His slender hands felt awfully good on Edmond’s sensitive skin and he spread his legs with little protest, sinking back into the bedding. Why was he still holding onto… any of this? He could feel his insides burning up, his body reacting to the slightest brush of skin against skin, and could practically hear the eggs rubbing against each other inside him, driving him insane. When he wasn’t asleep, it was always like this – intense and overwhelming, and he couldn’t deny being with Yakumo made it more bearable.
But Yakumo had stopped, and that caused him to drop the thought entirely.
“Edmond,... I… If you’re actually not feeling well, maybe we shouldn’t…”
It was cute if it wasn’t so damn frustrating sometimes.
“I’m fine…” he wanted to shout, yet it was nothing but a faint murmur, as he finally looked back. “I might… be better, after.”
He couldn’t say how much he needed it. How much his body ached to be filled further. If he did, there might be no going back–
But Yakumo seemed to understand, and his hands were back on Edmond’s thighs, spreading them further.
It was the rivers that captured his attention the most. Their tranquil waters flowed with a serenity that eluded Dante’s troubled mind. The gentle currents glimmered under the warm sunlight, carrying with them the secrets of life hidden beneath the surface. It reminded him of Edmond, the man who had unwittingly become entangled in Dante’s tangled web of emotions.
Edmond, with his kind eyes and unwavering support, deserved better than what Dante could offer. The thought gnawed at his conscience, filling him with a sense of guilt and longing. He knew he couldn’t continue to hide behind his insecurities, nor could he deny the feelings that stirred within him. It was time to face the truth, to confront the complexities of his own heart.
Dante’s decision solidified in his mind as the landscape transformed once more. The carriage approached a grand mansion, nestled amidst the verdant beauty of the water territory.
The carriage came to a stop, and Dante stepped out onto the grounds, the package cradled in his arms. He took a deep breath, feeling the cool, moist air of the water territory fill his lungs. It was time to put aside his reservations and step into the role that had been thrust upon him.
A loud knock startled both men out of the warm haze. Yakumo’s usually pale face grew paler as he looked around for any evidence of what they’d been up to, relieved to find none.
“Y-yes?” he called, rushing to the door. When it opened wide, he had to catch himself from falling over, seeing Dante, with two small baskets of food, staring back at him. He stepped aside, allowing the other man entrance. “Sun lord...” His tone was unsure, not finding the right words in the man’s presence.
The sun lord gathered his usual courage and gave a tentative smile, masking his insecurities. “Good evening. I... brought some food.” He held the package high before shoving it toward the man, masking his awkwardness at the situation. If it was about the food, and not about him being here, maybe he could manage.
He knew Edmond wasn’t used to people caring for him, and he couldn’t figure out if his being here made it worse or not. He couldn’t exactly blame him. They were alike in that. Even though he was still overwhelmed by this sudden change in their relationship and his emotions regarding it, he couldn't disregard Edmond's current state or his feelings. “I was in the area and thought you might want something.”
Yakumo returned from his shock and nodded, taking the basket from the sun lord and motioning him to follow inside.
Dante’s eyes drifted involuntarily to the bed, to Edmond propped on pillows emitting an unusual glow.
“Thank you.” The man mouthed, his voice softer than usual. No cloak. No armor. Dante smiled and sat on the edge of the bed while Yakumo faded into the background for a moment. It took every ounce of strength in him not to stare at the knight before him — his lips, his hair, and the silhouette he remembered under his palms. He shook his head slightly to rid himself of any thoughts of such things. No matter how hard he tried, he could never escape the image of their kiss, or the sensation after. A kiss that had turned into something else, something more, something that had moved him across the country to sit right here.
“Will you stay for dinner?” Yakumo asked, turning to them both. It wasn’t jealousy. Not only. There was a sense of belonging as well, one he’d only have to reach out and take. A new connection linking him to the sun lord who always seemed so unapproachable.
Dante looked up from where he was getting lost in Edmond, surprise evident in his eyes. “Oh, I didn’t want to intrude...” he trailed off, unsure of his place in the intimate setting.
Yakumo shook his head, a soft smile playing on his lips. “No, please stay. It’s the least I can do for you bringing all this food.” His eyes flickered to Edmond in wordless understanding. They hadn’t talked about it before, not like this, but he knew Edmond and Dante had gotten closer since his last visit. It had made him softer, somehow. But Yakumo didn’t want to pry, and seeing him radiant and content like this was answer enough. Despite his initial reluctance towards Dante, he couldn't help but wonder if Edmond saw a side of him that others didn't. And he trusted Edmond’s judgment.
Dante hesitated for a moment before giving a slight nod. “Alright then, I’ll join you for dinner.” Yakumo immediately felt a sense of relief, smiling warmly. “I’ll get everything ready.”
And before Dante could object, he left the two men alone to their secrets, helping the staff prepare their dinner.
He had the dinner table ready just in time for Dante and Edmond to arrive – a picture he’s sure he’ll remember forever. An old bickering couple emerged from the hallway, too alike in their pride to let the other take the lead, and yet Dante had somehow managed to wrap an arm around his waist, slowing his steps to match, moving him to the declared seat.
The staff, the professionals that they were, left them unattended.
As they began to eat, the atmosphere gradually shifted from tense to relaxed. The trio engaged in light conversation, sharing stories and laughter amidst bites of food. Dante’s vibrant personality shone through, his infectious laughter bringing smiles to both Edmond and Yakumo’s faces.
Yakumo watched Dante closely, marveling at the way he effortlessly put Edmond at ease. The sun lord seemed to have a knack for brightening up the room, his presence like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. It was comforting, almost familiar, and Yakumo found himself slowly opening up to the idea of allowing someone else in his life. And it seemed he wasn’t the only one.
In between mouthfuls of food, their eyes met — tentatively, but open, curious, grateful. A surprising mix of emotions Yakumo had trouble processing, but he’d have enough time for that later.
Eventually, Dante glanced at Edmond, concern etched on his features, chewing his last bite. “How are you feeling, Edmond?” he asked gently, his voice filled with genuine care, putting his cutlery aside to focus on the man.
Edmond looked up and met Dante’s gaze, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I’m feeling better, thank you,” he replied softly. It was the first time Yakumo had seen such a genuine smile on Edmond’s face, and his heart swelled with a mix of happiness and longing.
Yakumo reached out, placing a hand on Edmond’s, offering silent support. Their eyes met briefly, a shared understanding passing between them.
Dante, sensing the unspoken connection, smiled warmly at the pair. “I’m glad to hear that,” he said sincerely, his voice laced with warmth. “And if you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to help.”
Yakumo smiled gratefully. He knew Edmond appreciated the company of the sun lord. But as he glanced at Dante, a flicker of something more passed through his eyes. The evening had brought them closer, unveiling layers of their true selves. Yakumo couldn’t help but wonder if there was potential for something deeper between them if only they allowed themselves to explore it.
As dinner came to an end, Yakumo and Edmond exchanged tired smiles, their exhaustion catching up with them. Dante rose from his seat, gathering the empty plates. “I’ll take care of the dishes,” he offered, his voice filled with genuine kindness.
Yakumo’s heart swelled with gratitude, his voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you, Dante.” It was a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes. At that moment, Yakumo knew that he wasn’t alone on this journey anymore. He had found companionship, support, and maybe, just maybe, the possibility of something more.
The sun lord hesitated for a moment before sighing. Edmond would look past it either way.
“Of course,” he said, picking up his plate. He wanted to make an effort, after all.