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“Damn. It’s hot as hell out here.”
Taking one of the promotional flyers, Milo folds it in half, beginning to fan himself with it.
“It’s not that bad. You’re just being dramatic.”
He scoffs. “Oh, you’ll know when I’m being dramatic. As of right now, I’m being factual. As in, it is factually as hot as an oven, and I’m baking."
Milo didn’t miss the way his mate tried not to laugh at him. “Try” being the operative word. He could still catch that smirk of theirs even from the side.
“You’re telling me you’re okay with weather like this?” He asks.
Sweetheart shrugs their shoulder. “I was a summer baby. I thrive in the heat. But, hey. At least the sun is setting, so you should cool off soon.”
“Not soon enough. Why couldn’t we drive again? At least then we’d have AC.” Milo grumbles.
“Oh, come on. A movie in a field, presented on a huge projector, enjoying some goodies while watching said movie. Sounds pretty romantic to me.”
“It’s suffering when we don’t need to.”
They scoff. “Just give it a chance. We’re already here.”
Milo sighs. “Fine. I relent. But next time…”
They kiss him, cutting him off.
“That’s all I need to hear.” A lopsided smile, resting on their face.
He opens his mouth to argue again, but Sweetheart was swift. Their lips were on his again in an instant.
He sighs in defeat, placing a hand against the back of their neck as he deepens the kiss. They mewl as his tongue eases its way in.
“Ahem!” A voice clears itself next to them.
Milo eases back, annoyed by the interruption, but thinking it was probably best they got stopped when they did. He had easily forgotten that the pair were not exactly hidden from the public eye.
“Oh hi! Yes! We’re ready to order. Thanks for checking in.” Sweetheart recovers first, speaking casually. “I’m feeling popcorn. Hmm, maybe some nachos too. And… a sweet tea.” They turn to their partner. “How about you Milo?”
“I stand by what I said earlier, it’s hot as hell.” He addresses the server. “Got any soft serve? How about toppings, what are we looking at? And make that two sweet teas.”
Shortly after taking their order the server returned, snacks in tow.
Milo made short work of his sundae, and after swiping a few kernels from Sweetheart, he eases back on the blanket. The sun had finally set, the temperature just now starting to cool. The sky clear as countless stars twinkled above. Waiting for the film to start, he shut his eyes. Throwing his arms behind his head, he let the sounds of the great outdoors envelope him. A brisk breeze blew, ruffling his hair. The smell of grass tickled at his nose.
This was nice. Peaceful. He could appreciate getting out of the city from time to time. Away from the hustle and bustle and relaxing out in the open like this.
A weight settled beside him and he instinctually threw his arm around them, Sweetheart curling into his side.
If they didn’t start this film soon, he was liable to fall asleep like this.
A finger draws down his forehead, past his nose, and settles against his lips, the digit tracing his mouth. He snaps at it gently and hears the small gasp from his partner. He releases them, laughing low.
Sound rising from the speakers gathered his attention as he lifts his lids, the beginning credits playing out on the screen. He could barely see the images from his current position. Glancing over, he notices Sweetheart having the same amount of difficulty as he was.
“Come on. We should probably sit so we can actually see the movie. Otherwise, this trip will end up being nothing but a waste of our time.”
With reluctance, they pull away from him, lifting themselves up. He follows suit, trying to come out of his temporary listlessness.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The movie wasn’t bad. It wasn’t great either. But as B movies went, it was entertaining, nonetheless.
“You know, I really didn't think you’d be into black and white films.” Sweetheart says.
“One of my guilty pleasures. Got to pay respect to the cinema that got us where we are today. And if they’re cheesy, bonus. I love the practical effects. Shows how much care the creators threw into it. And, if you see some strings or the crease of a mask, well, that’s a fun little Easter egg to catch and share with someone.” Milo chuckles. “Thanks for finding this place, Sweetheart.”
“Not a problem. I’m glad you like it.” They smile, before letting it falter a little. “To be honest, I was kinda nervous to bring it up with you.”
“Why?” He asks curiously.
“I don’t know. We pretty much know what the other likes and dislikes after all this time. I thought it might be fun. But it’s new. So that always makes me nervous, wondering if you’ll enjoy it or not.”
“Baby…” Milo’s tone soft as he brings their hand up to kiss their knuckles. “You don’t have to worry about anything like that. Alright? When it comes to me, and when it comes to you, just doing the thing with you is why I have a good time. It could be whatever.”
Their smile lifts again. “You say that now, just wait til I bring you here on Fright Night.”
Sweetheart felt Milo tense, before he narrows his eyes at them. They bite their lip to keep from laughing.
“You would do that, you menace. Well jokes on you. If it means I get to wrap my arms around you and bury my face in your neck, that doesn’t really sound like a bad time then.” He grins, wrapping his arms around said menace. “Who cares about a little shock to the heart from some cheesy jump scare. Especially when I have the number one perpetrator of said shock in front of me. Someone who practices that little habit each and every day. Your threats falling on deaf ears, Sweetheart.” Leaning in and kissing them.
They kiss him back, chuckling against his lips.
“You bring up a very good point.” Taking his hand, they squeeze, resting it in their lap. “They have a showing here every weekend, if you’re up for it. And don’t mind making the trip.”
“Yeah. I’d be down. We should bring a cooler next time. Pack up some real good snacks without having to shell out money for overpriced concessions.”
They nod. “Hopefully the weather won’t be so extreme.”
“I… suppose it wasn’t that bad.” Milo says hesitantly.
“It wasn’t. I just know you like to complain.” They grin.
“I do not like to complain.” He stresses. “I just call it as it is.”
“Sure, baby.”
“Don’t ‘Sure, baby’ me. Me and heat do not work well together.”
“Even if I’m the source of that heat?” They laugh, resting their head against his shoulder.
“That is different. When you get me hot, it’s a whole ‘nother story… mmm!” Milo exclaims, as Sweetheart begins kissing along his neck.
“You know, I really like this spot. Have I ever told you that? The noises you make are really… enticing.” They tease.
“I do not make noises…Ahh…” Cut off when they begin to suck gently. “Ohh…fuck!…stop that right now…God…” Trying not to howl.
Their blanket was spaced far enough away from others where their conversation wouldn’t be overheard so easily. Not so much that they wouldn’t be able to pick up on what Sweetheart was putting down. Especially when Milo wasn’t one for not being vocal.
He growls, trying to lower his voice. “You fucking menace…stop…nggh…” The demand evaporating as Sweetheart swipes their tongue across the shell of his ear.
“Fuck you…” He says through gritted teeth.
“Only if you ask nicely.” They tease.
“Oh, you little brat.” Breathing shallowly.
He feels them bite his lobe and he shivers, trying to keep the moan at bay.
They release it, their giggle hitting him as they ease back.
“What? You said it’s different when I get you hot. Just proving your point.” They say with an innocent lilt in their voice.
Milo narrows his eyes, but all that earns him is a burst of laughter. Was he a joke to them? He thought.
“Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up real good. Because…after we leave this venue, all bets are off.”
Dissuaded and unafraid, they still wear their grin, a challenge on their part for him to do his worst. Something he very much intended to do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“A bet?” They ask.
As customers begin to file out, Milo and Sweetheart remain one of the few that were left on the property. Some staying behind to watch the credits to completion, while others meandered about, discussing the movie.
“Yeah. A little wager. If you’re up for it.”
They look at him skeptically. “And what would this bet entail?”
“A little bit of hide and go seek.” Milo says, flashing his teeth.
Sweetheart quirks their eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.
“What? Never played. It’s very simple. One person takes time to count down, while the other person hides.”
“I know what hide and seek is. I’m just curious why you’re suggesting it.”
“Let’s just say I’m in the mood for some fun. A way to stretch our legs and burn off that junk food after sitting for 3 hours.”
They had crossed their arms now, trying to make sense of the words that were coming out of his mouth. They were in full investigator mode. Gone was the aloofness and now they were attempting to decipher what exactly Milo was up to.
Sharp, his mate. Real sharp.
Milo orders his words. “What I’m seeking to do, is to pit my natural hunting nature against your exceptional skills as a stealth.”
“What’s the catch?” They ask bluntly.
“No catch.” Except when I catch you. He thought. “Just allude me for one hour. Don’t get caught. Don’t get pinned. And you win.”
They still looked cautious.
“Nervous? I would think you would have more confidence in your abilities, Sweetheart. We both know you’re more than gifted.”
“I’m plenty confident.” They say assuredly. “What does the winner of this bet get?”
A slow smile spreads across his face. “In so many words, they win the loser’s complete and total submission. At least for the night.”
Their eyes widen for a fraction, muscles tensing slightly. The response so slight that Milo would have missed it had he not known their body language so well. He knew they didn’t expect such a direct answer. Especially one like that. Yet, no matter how caught off guard they were, they stood undeterred.
“So, that means the winner can have the loser do anything they want?” They ask.
“Yeah. Anything.”
The corners of their mouth lift. “So, I can finally get you to clean the gutters?”
Milo blinks a few times. “I was gonna get to them this weekend, smartass.” He huffs. “I’m offering you unlimited control and you say something like that?”
“I really want clean gutters.” They laugh, muscles beginning to ease. “And I just have to stay away from you for an hour?”
“Yeah. A difficult task, I’m sure. Considering how drawn you are to me.” He chuckles. “But yeah. That’s the challenge. You up for it?” Holding out his palm.
They eye it for a heartbeat before taking it between their own. “The tiles in the bathroom need a good scrubbing too.” They grin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A ten minute head start, that’s what Milo said. Wherein Sweetheart could take any chance they could to put a good distance between them and him.
This whole challenge got Sweetheart fired up, their blood pumping as they made their way in and out of trees. The terrain didn’t necessarily make this game difficult, although, they were moreso used to sneaking in and through offices and homes. Maybe the occasional out of town function. But they felt confident enough to navigate these woods. Or at least find a good hiding spot within them. They knew how to cover their tracks, leave no evidence of where they had been nor where they were going. No matter their surroundings.
No. The part that tickled the back of their mind was Milo’s part in this. They knew the scope of his capabilities and tracking was well within his toolkit. With any other person, empowered or unempowered, they were sure that Milo could find them without any difficulty. Which is why their stealth component through an uncertainty into things. Though both knew the others magic well enough, their power had never been put into practice against one another before.
Sweetheart takes a deep breath, calming themselves. “Don’t think about that. This is just like all the other times. You’re in the field, on assignment.”
After trekking for about eight of their ten minutes, they find a spot to settle against. They quiet their mind, willing their body loose and languid. They look up into the night sky, the moon just starting to become visible above the tree line. With the soft light cast against the terrain, they cloak, blending into the shadows and erasing their presence. Just as they hear a howl emerging from the distance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Milo shifts, his muscles stretching, body elongating as his senses come alive. He rests his paws against the ground, standing still for a moment.
He hadn’t seen which direction Sweetheart headed, opting to have them have as much of an advantage as possible. After settling into his wolf form, he lowers his nose to the ground. He sniffs, searching for any indication of a scent. When he couldn’t pick up a trail he gave up on that endeavor.
Pride swelled within his chest as he was reminded that his mate knew how to take care of themselves.
With the ground failing, he turns his nose skyward. The wind was steady, and he was hopeful that he’d be able to catch a whiff of something on the breeze. And, though faint, and possibly a misread on his part considering they were still close to the outdoor theatre, Milo picks up the faintest scent of butter. “Thank you, cheap junk food.” Testing his luck, he rushes toward that direction. As the scent would start to fade, he adjusts his course as many times as he needs to.
Twenty minutes had already gone by. He knew he was moving slow, but he didn’t want to make a mistake. Any assumption on his part on where they were or what path they might have taken and he could easily lose them.
As the scent started to grow in strength, he came to a stop. Ten more minutes had come and gone until he was confident that they were close by and in the area. He shifts back. The wolf exhausting all he could do in that form with limited time.
Standing straight, he closes his eyes and listens around himself. The sound of night ever present. Crickets chirping. An owl whooing somewhere in the distance. Quiet yet noisy at the same time.
Milo concentrates and the sounds began to fade, the noise being drowned out with the beating of his own heart, pounding loud like a drum in his ears. The rhythm steady, strong. He places a hand against his chest, feeling it pulse under his skin. Against his palm, he feels his core warm, his magic churning within him, active and restless. Seeking. He sends his magic out. Searching. Intent on making a connection. Finding its endpoint and meeting the other half it had become so used to intertwining with.
Milo feels a pull, an echo. It was faint, but it was close. He lets his magic lead him to a clearing, confident they were here somewhere.
His partner, his love, his mate.
From the beginning when he first proposed the idea of this little bet, he could sense a wariness from Sweetheart. What trick did he have up his sleeve? Why spring this out of nowhere? They must have known. A gentle push and nudge to bring out their competitive side. Sprinkled with the promise of a tempting reward. The stage set for their little “game.” But this game was rigged from the start. Milo knew it, and subconsciously Sweetheart knew it too.
“Sweetheart!” Milo calls out, not surprised when he doesn't get a response. “Remember our deal, right? Cause I sure do.”
He creeps forward, eyes scanning the area, looking for movement out of habit, knowing he would see none.
He is surprised however when he hears retreating footsteps in the opposite direction behind him.
He grins as he shifts once more, bounding in that general direction.
He chases after them. Occasionally they would change directions or try to circle back in a direction they had already come. Try to confuse his senses by sending sounds out opposite to where they were going in order to mask their taken path. Though he would slow on occasion, he never lost them.
All at once, they stop again. Milo stood panting, listening for their own breath. Again, to their credit and their abilities, he heard nothing. When they weren’t moving, it was nigh impossible to sense them.
He changes back once more. Checking his watch, 50 minutes total had gone by since they started.
“You know, that was good, baby. The chase, the hunt. Real good. Makes this next part worth it.”
He steps slowly, the foliage crunching under his feet.
“See, but I do feel bad, though. Should have given you a fair shot. But…when have I ever been fair…” He chuckles.
He places a hand on a nearby tree, sidling around it.
“Sweetheart…you should know, I don’t have to see you. I know exactly where you are. Always. Because we’re connected. You, you’re my mate. That means no matter what, I’ll always be able to reach you. And at the end of the day, you and I both know that because of that bond, you can’t hide from me. And… both of us also know… that deep down, you really want to get caught.”
He passes a nearby bush, continuing to edge forward.
“It’s your core. It’s calling me, baby. Pulling me. I’ve known exactly where you’ve been since the start.” He chuckles. “Everything else has just been filler. The chase. The rush of adrenaline. That sweat dripping down your brow as you try to get away from me, trying not to get caught.” Milo inhales deep, surprised to catch their natural scent. He growls. “God, you’re a four-course fucking meal, Sweetheart. And all you did was work up my appetite.”
His eyes land on one tree, drawn to it. Slowly he reaches forward, surprised when his fingers brush up against something solid. He focuses his magic, concentrating on the spot as his fingertips trail up what feels like smooth skin before the sensation shifts away. Not too far, still in proximity. So, he reaches forward again, higher this time. If he believed them to be directly in front of him, his hand stretches up to where he knew their face would be. He made contact once more, thumb gently circling their cheek.
“There you are.” He laughs in awe. “My mate.” Leaning in.
To the outside perspective, he knew he looked ridiculous, like he was making out with air. But he felt his lips come to rest against something soft. Something warm which shifted as he worked his mouth against them. His body felt the length of them against his own as he deepened the kiss. His ears perked up as a small moan sprang free. And in the next second, where once was nothing appeared the visage of the one he held most dear.
He pulls back, palm still resting on their cheek as he takes in the features he had memorized down to a tee.
“There you are.” His voice filled with wonder. “Hi.”
They purse their lips as a blush lines their cheeks. “Hi.” They say softly. “How did you do that?”
“Don’t know. It just kinda…happened. Felt natural. Felt right.”
They hum, wrapping their arms around his neck, pulling him closer, his arms settling around their waist. He exhales slow, his breath tickling their ear.
Sweetheart tangles their fingers in Milo’s hair, tugging gently at the curls. “You know what the funniest thing about all this is?” They ask against his ear.
“What’s that?” He asks, relaxing into their touch.
“You would have won the bet if you hadn’t stopped to monologue.”
He froze. Lifting his wrist as his eyes settled on the time, two minutes too late.
He sighs against their shoulder. “Oh, come on. Can’t we round down? I was here. That has to count for something.”
“It counts for finding me, but I believe your exact words were ‘Don’t get caught. Don’t get pinned.’ If memory serves.”
“Fine, fine. You win. I’ll have the gutters and the tile done in the morning.”
“Hmm…I don’t want that anymore.”
“That is what you said.”
“No that’s what I said needed to be done. We didn’t talk about what we would get specifically if either of us won. Although I have a pretty good idea of what you were aiming for.” They laugh.
He growls. “Alright. What is it that you want then?”
Sweetheart smiles gently at Milo. Cradling his jaw, they kiss him, holding onto his shirt as they pull him closer. He kisses them back without hesitation, angling them so their back is pressing against the tree. Wrapping their arms around his neck, they bite his bottom lip, his grip tightening around their waist.
Sweetheart breaks the kiss, smiling as they look into his eyes. “I, for one, want to take a page out of your book. I want to be able to do what I want. Without repercussions.”
Milo bites his cheek. “No getting you back. Sure. I don’t have a problem agreeing to that. A deal’s a deal.” Hands starting to move over Sweetheart, tracing their shape. “Now tell me, what did you have in mind?”
They stay his hands, holding on to both of his wrists as he eyes them with impatience. They knew they were pushing it, teasing him as they were, but this was their prize to claim. He would have to wait. Something he’d have a chance to do this evening.
“I’d say, it’s pretty late out, don’t you think? No one’s coming to look for us. And we can pick up the car from the lot in the morning.” One hand moving to travel up and over his chest. “So, tonight… what I want…is to hear you. Just hear you. I did say I like the noises you let out. And… I like knowing I can get you to make those noises. So, I wanna hear how loud you can actually get.” Their finger gliding along his column. “Just remember, no touching. Otherwise, we might have to try this again until we get it right.”
Milo narrows his brows while Sweetheart flashes a grin. “After all, got to have ‘complete and total submission’, right baby?” Coming close and giving open mouth kisses along his throat. Milo’s hands reflexively come up to grip their shoulders before he catches himself, dropping his arms to the side, hands clenching. He throws his head back as his mouth hangs open, moaning as their teeth drag along the skin, Sweetheart sampling the first of many spots they would be tasting tonight.