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“Are you really not going to tell me where we’re going?”
Though the question was laced with anxiousness, Porter noticed the smile in their tone.
Treasure’s palm grasped within his own, he led them through their night’s journey. He supposed he could have carried them, ran with them to their destination and arrived in no time. But even these simple moments with them were precious. Why deny that time together?
“Impatient are we?”
“No.” The word stretched long on their tongue. “Was the blindfold necessary though?”
A chuckle rose from his chest. “Has being stripped of your vision made you wary? I would have assumed you enjoyed the deprivation. Considering how often we utilize that little piece of fabric.”
Against his wrist their pulse struck, the tempo increasing. And the change in the scent on the wind all the sign needed to conclude where their mind had deviated to.
“It doesn’t make any sense if it’s dark out. It’s not like I’m going to see anything anyway.”
“You would see as we approached. And that would strip away the efforts of this surprise.”
Treasure hummed, quieting. Was not that this discussion had finished, no. The lapse in their response was typical when they were in the midst of choosing their words. He couldn’t help but feel guilty of them feeling the need to walk on eggshells around him. While at the same time, grateful for their kindness and care.
“Any reason why you chose the woods?”
There was no assumption nor judgment. Only a genuine curiosity for his choice in venue. The days and nights they had spent together had been diverse. Yes, there had been simplistic engagements, those usually reserved for when he spent his evenings at their apartment. While others had been more lavish, Sky Side a reoccurring staple in their extracurriculars. They’d been to dinners and showings, plays and exhibits. From outside malls to luxury brand stores. He had wanted to experience it all with Treasure, them willing.
Yet it always seemed to matter little what the chosen activity was, the company kept proving much higher in import.
“I have my reasons. And rest assured, those reasons will be shared soon enough. Til then, perhaps it would be advantageous for us to practice patience. I heard it is a virtue.” He chuckles deep as their free hand comes to strike against his chest, them huffing at the catchall phrase he purposely used to teasingly spike their ire. They both knew Treasure held the gesture in spades, a sentiment Porter deeply cherished, even though undeserving.
Capturing the offender, he holds it close. “Now, now. Save the foreplay for later, darling. Unless you wish the surprise to be further delayed…” Guiding them back, he presses them against a tree, their breath hitching as he bends to kiss at their neck. Both in retribution, and for sating his own growing desire. A fang drags along their column and a delicious shiver courses through them, prompting their hips to arch against his own.
Pulling back, his lips languidly smooth over the shell of their ear. “I have no problem with the pause. Though, there are only so many hours in the night. What waits for us I’m afraid does not have the same impact during the day. But I will abide by what you desire, Treasure.”
He scans his lover, taking in every particular he could memorize in the moment. Hands bound as they were. Sight stolen. Chin lifted to address him. Their lips parted, breathing deep. Chest rising and falling as they tried to accommodate the heart that had sped up ever since he had come close. A wonderful meal in more ways than one given that that scent from earlier had thickened, cloying at Porter as it filled his senses, wrapping him up in only them. Temptation threatening to overtake logic in words he had only just spoken.
They wet their lips, and he watches in great detail as a flash of pink fleetingly makes its appearance.
“I guess.” Voice more labored than seconds prior. “The surprise is more important. I don’t mind taking a rain check.” Though the reluctance in their statement was palpable.
Releasing one of their hands, he cradles their cheek. They nuzzle into his palm, and he takes a second to take in their radiance, bending once again to kiss them gently. “You have my word. I’ll see that our segue is rekindled. And that the anticipation that comes with waiting will be more than worth it.”
Fallen leaves crunched beneath their feet, the ground soft from the snow that fell only days prior. Finding their zipper, they dragged it higher towards their neck, trying to combat the rush of cold that came every time the wind picked up. Winter in Dahlia wasn’t as bad as it was in other places, but it definitely didn’t mean the drop in weather wasn’t noticeable. And the woods were definitely an odd choice for a night out.
It wasn’t as if Treasure didn’t want to be here. No, what they hated about this whole thing was the not knowing. They didn’t deal well with surprises. Liked them when they themselves planned them, but knowing one was meant for them did nothing to stop their mind from trying to figure out all the particulars. It’s not like they lived from agenda to agenda, marking things off one by one as they completed them. But they knew deep down that it stemmed from a lack of control. This not being any exception.
Sure, they and Porter had their spontaneous moments. But those times rarely gave them a chance to think about anything, caught up in the enjoyment of each other.
Their stroll had been longer than Treasure expected. The problem was, neither one of them were ramblers. So when someone would say something, the other would respond, before the convo petered out. Then came the quiet. And their thoughts scrambling, trying to figure out what exactly was on Porter’s mind.
These last few months had been a positive step forward for them both. It also wasn’t lost on Treasure how much he had begun to open up to them little by little. Parts of himself they always assumed, now spoken allowed. If they asked a question, they now knew that if he paused he wasn’t trying to circumvent the topic, but instead figuring out how to push those words past his lips. It felt nice. And, at least to Treasure, they felt closer to their lover in general.
When he told them he had a surprise in store tonight, they swallowed their hesitancy and followed along, despite that gnawing feeling they were still currently wrestling with.
“We’re almost there.” His voice sounded beside them. It grounded them, bringing them out of their wandering thoughts.
Hand tightening around theirs, he pulls himself up to higher ground, tugging against them to follow suit. Their free hand reaches out. Was it a cliff face? There was no way…
As their mind attempts to process how they would handle such a feat, their body is pulled upward. And for the briefest of seconds a sense of weightlessness overcomes them, before their feet find soil once more.
Leaning into him, they rebalance themselves, sighing into his chest. His thumb gently strokes over their wrist. It was slow, reassuring.
When Treasure felt themselves composed, they straightened, the pair resuming their walk along and through the forest’s depths.
“Can’t wait to see what you have planned.” Their tone light.
He hummed. “I wonder if perhaps I set these expectations too high...”
“Are you nervous? I’m sure whatever it is, I know I’ll like it.” Squeezing his palm. When he squeezed back, they smiled.
“It is beneath you to settle for less than, Treasure.”
They laughed on a breath. “I haven’t even seen it yet. Let me make that decision, okay.”
“I’m merely proposing… that you are worth only the exceptional.”
Their head turns away from him, even though they know they have no means of escape. His compliments always catch them off guard. The sweetness in his words something they were still not yet used to. Maybe that’s why he did it so often. It was one of the few ways to get them to back down.
His chuckle vibrates next to them, and they know for sure they're on to something.
“We’re here.”
Porter lets go of their hand, walking behind them as he encircles their waist. His chin rests on their shoulder, the bit of stubble slightly grazing. “Are you ready, my dear?”
They nod, feeling him reach up to the knot on the back of the blindfold. It slips free, and their eyes blink trying to adjust to the light.
Light?
As the scene unfolds in front of them, the first thing they notice is a large canopy. The fabric is transparent on all sides, save for an opaque opening near its top. Above that, their focus draws to several globes of light, many in number, stretching long across the area. They follow one end to a stream, the body of water illuminated, rocks casting various shapes and shadows throughout. At the other end, they spot a fire pit, wood already stacked and piled neatly for use.
As they turn around to face Porter, they’re not shocked to find his stare already on them. Treasure grins. “You wanted to go camping?”
“It’s… somewhat more than that. Are you pleased?”
Instead of answering they close the distance, throwing their arms around his neck and hugging him tight. “More than.”
His arms wrapped around their back, breathing a sigh of relief. “That is wonderful to know.”
“Come.” Porter led them over to one of the waiting chairs. “Rest. I can imagine you are weary from our travels.”
“It wasn’t that bad. I could have kept going if we needed to.” Taking the offered seat as they hunch forward, elbows resting on their knees.
The weight of his stare fell upon them, and under it they rub the back of their neck, eyes quickly flitting away. “Maybe for like ten more minutes.”
He smiles softly at their candor. “You do not need to push for my or anyone else’s benefit. If you are unwell or need a break, let me know. Your comfort should always come first.”
They straightened. “Really, I’m alright. It wasn’t that bad.” Though their feigned appearance betrayed the listlessness he knew to be true. He could tell. When his Treasure was full of vigor, their energy was boundless. And when they were near the point of exhaustion, their reassurance was strained, features in their expression put upon and different from their natural brilliance.
“There are those that have strong wills, and those who possess the thickest of skulls. A thin line separates the two.”
Their lips purse, brows furrowing as that stubbornness rises to the surface. Maybe they weren’t as tired as he had assumed.
Before they had a chance to rebut, he knelt down, knees settling against the ground. His hand extended towards their ankle. “May I?”
Though there was a confused glint in their gaze, they nodded. Their trust in him didn't go unnoticed.
He undid the laces, slipping free the soles from their feet. “Even if the mind is willing, the body needs reprieve.” Fingers working against their arch, kneading at the swollen muscle there.
They blew out a tight breath.
“Does it hurt?” Searching their face for discomfort.
“No. Just tickles a little.”
The corner of his lips raise into a smirk. Ammunition for another day. For now…
He removes their sock, careful with his touch as he applies pressure near their pads. “How does that feel?” Though the light moans they let out were telling in and of themselves.
“Mmm… It… ahhh… It feels good.” Their teeth bite into their lip, head rolling back on their spine. A sight he openly relished in.
He pauses in his actions, waiting for their attention to return to him. When it did, it came with a pout and slight annoyance to his abrupt disruption.
His fingers lightly tap against their calf. “Might I suggest a rest against the stream. The water may prove to offer further relaxation. And it would be a waste to not dip our toes whilst we’re here.”
As they looked over at the body of water, light shining over its surface, Porter was glad he opted for such wards. Vincent and his partner were only so eager to assist, pointing out Treasure’s lack of sight at night. He would need to remember such things of humans. Otherwise this excursion would have been for naught. The pair were gracious enough to extend their energies to capture the electricity making said vision possible. Maintaining it bore no weight on him, which gave more precedence to the company in his keep.
Forgoing their footwear, Porter escorted them over to the shallows, seeing that they were comfortably seated before scooting in next to them.
The sounds of night persisted. Crickets chirped their endless symphony, while hoots of an owl echoed around them, punctuating the notion that they were far and separated from the world as it continued to move outside their enclosure.
“It’s not cold.” Treasure spoke in wonder. “Let me guess, your doing as well?” Their head tilts as they smile at him.
“Perhaps. With a little fire magic I can practically make this little pond a hot spring, if we so choose.”
As their eyes narrowed, he knew they were considering.
“This is nice as is.” Bending to trace the water along its surface. “Thanks, for bringing me out here.”
“It was my pleasure.”
As time dragged forward, though their lower halves were warm, there spoke a different story for everything else above their midsection.
Taking their hand once more, both stood. But before Treasure could take their first step, Porter’s arms duck under their legs, lifting them to his chest.
The gasp that left their lips euphoric as their features transform from shock to affection. Arms thrown over his neck, they nuzzle deep against it, breath falling over his skin. With a thought a fire is set in the pit, taking a seat with them at the flame’s edge.
The soft glow licks over them. He pauses at the sight, the creature in his arms more ethereal than mortal at the moment. Fingers dive into his hair, parting through thick waves as he rests his head against their shoulder, eyes falling shut.
What was this feeling? Something instinctually foreign, but not completely unfamiliar. He had experienced it before, at one point in his life. So afraid was he that this was some cruel trick the gods had played on him, fearful that one day he would blink and find that the solace he had found was never meant for him. Was never his reality. Perhaps a dream? Maybe he was still under Felix’s keep, longing for a life beyond his fingertips. One he would never hope to grasp.
A hand stroked his cheek. Gentle. Warm. Cupping his jaw as a wayward thumb traced over his lips. He parted them, kissing it gently. Tongue, swiping over its surface, before he captured the finger within his mouth, suckling.
Though quiet, he heard them sigh, and felt their gaze upon him. Absorbed was he by the taste of them, in the pleasure on their skin from just this simple act. An arm tightened around their waist while another glided down the outside of their thigh, tracing their shape. They wriggled in his lap, and he bit gently. Not enough to break the skin, but just enough to send a jolt. Their movement stalled, free hand rising to his chest, rubbing over the material. His own moved inward, squeezing their body as their legs reflexively shut the higher he rose.
With a swirl, he popped their thumb free, replacing it with their lips. Licking his way into their mouth, his tongue dived forward to greet theirs, kissing them with a desperation that stirred throughout his core. He raised a thigh, urging them closer, them straddling him.
When the kiss broke, he stared into their eyes, need and desire staring back.
“Porter…” Their voice akin to a plea. And he was lost, feeling himself sink farther than he ever had before.
“What would you have of me, Treasure?”
“You. Just you. I don’t want to wait any longer.”
Need suffused them, purposely luring him into their spell. Their siren song the sweetest of whispers, stripping him of his senses as enticement continued to magnify. A hand reached for his hem, curling eager fingers into the fabric. The thought to will the annoyance that was their clothes away immediately surfaced. But before he could put that thought into action, Treasure shook their head as if reading his intent.
“I want to.” Emphasizing their point by slowly moving their hands to his collar, pulling his zipper low. His coat falling open. “As much as I love seeing you all at once, I really want to uncover you bit by bit.” Already pulling his outerwear off his shoulders.
“I can see the allure of building upon our anticipation…” Fingers edging along their waistband. “Would you allow me the pleasure of doing the same?”
Their mouth finds his again. A hum confirmation enough as hands begin to roam. Unrushed at first, soon falling into an urgency that nearly had them both tearing the final pieces off the other.
Porter cradled their body, bringing them with him to the ground. Sat on his hips, he looked up in adoration. A million feelings passed through him. Their stare open. Unabashed. Something he felt but knew was far too assumptive of him to assume reflected back at him. Interpretations could wait. Now, physicality took center stage. Interwoven with emotion that had long since become inseparable.
Though a shower was not readily available after their lovemaking, nature provided. Wading into the stream, Porter manipulated its water, passing it over and through them both. It took a while for Treasure to get used to it. But when they did, they delighted in the feeling. Smiling bright, they bent to splash towards him. He chuckled as he successfully dodged each attack, their determination only growing with their want to hit him just once. When they managed to graze him, perhaps with or without a lapse in his vampiric speed, they brought themselves back onto shore.
Within the canopy sat a bed. Which given Treasure’s widened expression, they hadn’t expected. There was a duffle, prepared with a change of clothing and pajamas for the night. As well as toiletries for the upcoming morning. After changing, Treasure spotted the cooler in the corner. Lifting the lid, they laughed with glee, withdrawing the chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers he so handily prepared.
“Craving a midnight snack?” He teased.
They shrugged their shoulders, not put off by the jabbing comment. “I mean, I can always have you again later right?” They winked. “Right now I have a sweet tooth.”
A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes for the briefest of seconds before vanishing whole. “Well then, we’ll have to make sure you’re satisfied. On all fronts.” Stare purposefully dragging down their body, earning him a beautiful blush as they quickly looked away. “For now…” He grabbed the marshmallows from their hand. “Tell me, do you prefer barely golden or deeply charred?”
Treasure sat again on his lap, back against his chest while he cuddled them close from behind. The fire waved gently as a breeze passed over it, and Porter hugged them closer, protecting that warmth that the fire provides.
As they made up their third combination, they passed it back over their shoulder, Porter eating the gooey treat from their fingers.
“Well?” They asked in anticipation.
He swallowed, licking his lips. “Better. This time however, the chocolate wasn’t quite as consistently melted through.”
They groaned, kicking their head back as they stared at the sky. “You’re impossible to please.”
“Yes. I would wager that I indeed have refined tastes.” Slowly bring his mouth to their shoulder, giving them a chaste kiss. “What can I say? I’ve always been a picky eater.” He laughs lightheartedly.
“I’m going to get it perfect, just you wait.”
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you prefer making the s'mores than actually eating them yourself. How many have you had?”
“I ate one…” They said haltingly.
“And there it is. The giver in you shining through.”
“I mean… It's fun. Like, come on. Outside of being a kid, when do you get a chance to enjoy something like this?”
He hummed. Resting his chin on their shoulder, watching as they placed another marshmallow on the roasting stick. He’s quiet in his thoughts for a moment. “You know, the last time I did this… it was with Dana.”
Their breath caught as the marshmallow hovered not quite over the flame.
“It was the last time I felt at peace.” Porter reaches forward. “May I?”
They pass him the stick. Leaning forward, he slowly rotates it this way and that, a nostalgic look in his eyes and a calm smile curving his lips. As he pulls it back, he examines his handiwork. Removing the treat, he holds it out for them to try. They open their mouth, slowly biting into the sugary sweetness.
“It’s not bad.” They mumble, mouth still half full.
He chuckles, lowering the stick and pulling them back into his arms. “I suppose I must strive to do better if I’m to satisfy such a picky palate.”
“Did you just uno reverse me?” Laughing on a breath as their hands clutch him tight.
“Perhaps. Though, I don’t see this as a negative. It only gives us more time to practice together.” Tenderly kissing the top of their head.
“Very good point. No complaints here.”
They naturally fell into stillness. Treasure taking the time to trace along Porter’s hand, him lazily stroking their midsection.
“You asked me a question earlier. Do you remember?”
They nodded, their curiosity on the matter never having quite left.
“Why here? Why do I prefer the woods? The quiet. The escape from the ever-persistent throngs of people. Both those with perceived wills, and those undercut by malintent.”
They knew. But only in the sense of what he had told them. Treasure was sure his world was darker and much more dangerous than he was willing to say. And could guess that it was only for their benefit that he hadn't told them anything thus far. The fact that he had shared even the smallest bit meant so much. Assured that it must not have been easy to be a blade for a king.
“The tongue can convey many different languages. And the body can expose limitless secrets. From the barest of hums, to the slightest of ticks. And through those soundless acts, the things they yield are deafening. A drum continuously hammering against my senses. Trained to focus and pay attention to the littlest of details when I was human, now magnified a thousand-fold. It bears a toll on me.” His hand raises to his temple, rubbing at the phantom pain. “Which is why, when I can, the woods are my respite. And when I’m with you, it’s healing.”
Treasure turned in his arms, wanting to watch him as he spoke. His smile was small, hand lifting to tuck a wayward strand of hair behind their ear. When he pulled back, they caught it, clasping it tight within their own. It was more than enough for him to compliment them, but comparing them to his place of comfort…
They kissed his cheek, returning an easy smile.
He watched them for a breath before he continued. “When I found myself here under William’s command, in between assignments I would occupy my time with these trees.” Sight reaching towards the top where Treasure had no hope to view, but sure Porter saw well. “I often knew which buds would bloom and when they would flourish during the spring. When the colors would start to shift, changing from verdant greens to amber golds. And when branches were bare, stillness that was almost frightening as it stretched long through winter months. I often found myself returning, catching sight of deer that chose to graze or rabbits as they moved to and from their burrows. Cicada’s punching through the Earth, the vibration of their wings echoing through the air. Often I treaded through the stream as it gently flowed, greeting the shore and providing for animals and fauna alike.”
As he spoke it was with adoration. They could feel how much this place meant to him from words alone.
Porter inhaled, before exhaling deep. “I wanted to share a part of myself with you. It’s not so much grandstanding, and yet… to me this area is priceless. As are you. Mixing my two greatest lov…” He clears his throat. “It is a place that has provided me with solace and comfort in the past. As you do now.”
He came forward, his lips finding theirs. The kiss, slow. Reverent. Quietly asking of them while pouring everything of himself into the act. And Treasure felt as if they would willingly lose themselves in the feel of him. A fire steadily building, warmer than the flame they were currently sitting next to. Their fingers tangle in his hair as they attempt to do the same, body and mind of the same accord of who they wanted, who they were with, and what this man truly meant to them.
As they broke the kiss, his head lowered, watching them from underneath hooded lashes.
“Thank you.” Their laugh, light. This is probably the best surprise I've ever gotten.” Fingers lifting to trace just under his eyes. He lets them explore, watching them with rapt attention. “You… You're unbelievable. And I like being with you.” They pursed their lips, carefully forming their next words. “Can we come back again? If it's alright with you?”
His smile widens, clutching Treasure against him as he hugs them tight. Their arms holding him back.
“I would be honored.” He said against their ear. “You are wrong though.”
“Hmm? About what?”
“You are the one who is unbelievable.” Cradling their face as he stared into their eyes. The same eyes he saw in his dreams. Eyes that reminded him of what waited for him upon his return. Assignments completed, his reason to want more. “Yours is a heart that gives freely, expecting nothing in return. That’s rare. Especially for me since my life is made up of favor in exchange for favor. With you, there is no double meaning. No assuming. You just are. And I am fortunate enough to have crossed paths with you. Let alone for you to have chosen to stay despite my… sheltered nature.”
“You mean hardheadedness. It's okay, you can say it.” A playful grin on their face.
“Only if you allow me to bring your stubbornness to the forefront.”
“Or, agree to disagree."
“No.”
Their brow furrows, and he smooths away the lines. “Our differences complement each other. A sort of package deal. One that, if we're honest, mayhaps drew us to one another in the first place. I've told you before, Treasure…” Whispering close to their ear. “The fight is half the fun.” Chuckling light as they gasp softly. “Although with you… the pain never does subsist. And as time goes on it becomes less and less noticeable.”
“We don't want it to come back then.” Gliding their fingers over his heart. “Guess that means you're stuck with me.”
His smile, like always, came naturally. “A punishment akin to paradise.”