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Exercise, sweating, strenuous physical assertion. Azul hated all those things. So, why then did he now find himself breathless and drenched in sweat as he hikes up a remote mountain trail? The answer to that question was hiking with much more ease a few feet ahead of him. The tall, tealhaired eel-mer humming to himself as he holds to his backpack with both hands. Swaying with excitement in each step.
"Ah, Laetiporus,"
Azul heard Jade speak from a bit ahead of him. Watching his boyfriend's towering frame bend to gently cut at the frills of a pale orange mushroom growing on the side of a stump. Artic blue eyes rolling behind glasses fogged by his heated breathes hitting their cool glass. Finally managing to catchup, and take pause against a nearby tree as Jade forages. Taking the chance of the rest to lower his glasses to clear the fog from them.
"A sort of mushroom, I presume?"
The silverhaired teen questions as he removes a cloth from the pocket of his silver/black and purple outdoor jacket. Using it to clear his glasses of the offending fog. Holding them up to peer through up into the rather intimidating canopy of trees above them. Truly, he took no interest in the mushroom, nor any of the plant-life his boyfriend had pointed out to him on their trek up the mountainside. Really, he took no pleasure in any of this at all. Questioning himself again why he had even said yes to such an outing.
*****A week prior*****
"Oh, But, weren't you just expressing that you wished to get better at traversing on land?"
Jade had spoken with an innocent tilt of his head, a gloved finger pressed to his cheek to further complete the shocked and perhaps a bit hurt expression he was wishing to convey. Earning an upwards glare of a sneer from his boyfriend/boss.
"I said I wished to work on balance. Or, perhaps ease of speed or agility to better keep up during P.E class."
Azul spoke with a certain bite to his tone. He and Jade walking hip and hip to their final class of the evening. Heeled shoes echoing off the emptying out corridor as other students file into their classrooms.
"I can't imagine how mentioning that had led you to believe that I wish to go on some sort of Hiking expedition with you."
That bite grew sharper. The pair taking pause by one of the large windows overlooking the courtyard.
"Oh, well, this is quite the heartbreaking conundrum."
The tealhaired eel-mer spoke as he turned to face the window. Lowering his gaze to the grounds below as he places a hooked finger to his chin in thought.
"I was so terribly excited to surprise you with this adventure. I had even made sure to research what I felt would be the best trail for us to venture onto."
Jade's frown, uncertain of how truly genuine it was or not, pulled at something within the silverhaired octo-mer. Breathing a rather large sigh as he steps next the far taller teen's side at the window, leaning his back to it's ledge. As much as Azul despised the idea of hiking deep into the side of some dense mountain. He hated hearing such a fallen tone from his partner even more.
"Fine, I suppose one weekend of hiking can't be all that bad. Certainly we can entrust Floyd to handle cooking, though, perhaps I should see if anyone else is up to offering up services to help. Deuce does owe me still for that last study guide, but, that would also mean getting through Riddle..."
While Azul considered, that thin lipped smile spread quickly across Jade's face. The eel-mer barely listening to his boyfriend's words as he thinks of how to manage the lounge from afar. Giving a hum of a giggle as he moves to push open one side of the window. This motion catching Azul's attention and making him take pause in his moved on suggestion of maybe asking Jamil for assistance. Turning at the feel of cool February wind ruffling silver strands.
"Alright Floyd! It's on as planned. The lounge is all your's this next weekend."
Cool blue eyes go large as Jade's smooth, cheerful tone calls down from their position on the second floor to his suspiciously placed twin seemingly having been awaiting word from them just below in the courtyard.
"Ah!Sweet~ Gonna have lots of fun!"
Floyd's laughter easily carried up to the couple in the window as he took practically skipping steps back into the lower corridors of their school. Azul turning quickly to peer down at him first with a shocked expression, before turning that same look on his partner.
"As planned? What do you mean planned? What does he have planned??"
The octo-mer could feel a tight throat panic rising into him as he thinks of what may befall his precious lounge in his absence. None of this relaxed by the nonchalant shoulder shrug he receives from Jade.
"Oh, just some of this, a little of that, you do know how Floyd is."
Yes, yes Azul does know how Floyd is, and that had been why none of Jade's answers done anything to soothe him. Still demanding further explanation as the taller male took him by the elbow and rather dragged him to their last class.
*****Back to present*****
Yes...why had he said yes? The very moment Azul had even the hint that this was all part of some setup, he knew he should have recanted his agreement. Yet, here he is, watching Jade carefully harvest the pieces of mushroom into a dark cloth bag. Holding the bag up to him as he remains kneeled on one knee on the dirt. Like some strange, mountain-man version of a proposal.
"They're common name though, is 'Chicken of the Woods'. They are often used in cooking of curries in place of chicken. It is said you can even boil and grind them into a pulp to be shaped, before adding breading to them and frying in oil. Much like chicken karaage."
Azul's favorite food...and the octo-mer knows Jade knows this. His words finally catching his attention. Moving cool toned eyes from the outstretched bag to the beaming grin across his partner's face. 'He's so damn proud of himself,' the scoff of a thought moving through Azul's mind though his expression speaks much differently. 'This smile, this pleased expression. Perhaps that is why I simply couldn't...' A dusting of flush moving across cheeks finally calmed of blotchiness as he had had a moment's rest from their climb. Moving his glasses back onto the bridge of his nose before allowing his smile to pull at the corners of his lips. 'Perhaps this, is why I simply couldn't deny him my company in an activity he so greatly enjoys.'
"Intriguing,"
This is the single word he allows to pass through his lips. Keeping a smug air as he pulls his arms to fold at his chest. Gaze following Jade as he moves to his feet once more. A smiling nod from him as he gently places the dark drawstring pouch into the lower pocket of his navy and sliver jacket.
"Mmhm, I thought so as well. Quite the promising alternative for making such a dish, but with far less calories. I dare say, one could most likely eat double the amount of it for still a fraction of that of the original dish."
Jade's smile spreads at the reaction his words earn from his partner. Watching icy blue pools grow enlarged and sparkle at the very idea of such indulgence. His hand laying pridefully at his chest as he gives a chuckle at Azul's attempt to right his expression. The clear of his throat turning his smile toothy, rather enjoying any time he could get a rise out of his boyfriend. Octo-mer's on land or sea, always turned the most fun colors. This reddish pink Jade found he particularly enjoyed.
"Yes well,"
Azul speaks as he regains his composure. Adjusting the knit beanie on his head as he stands up from his lean on the tree.
"That sounds quite beneficial indeed."
"Yes, I am certain we can turn quite the profit on it in the lounge"
Jade's smile remains as he offers his hand to guide Azul over a few higher arching tree roots. The pair continuing their trek up the mountainside. This time, the shorter rather led by gentle guidance from the taller. For now at least.
"Ah, yes, that is true. Fresh mushroom dishes often do bring in patrons curious to try something outside their comfort zone."
Of course, these mushrooms were meant for the lounge. Azul feeling rather ashamed at the lustful, appetizing thoughts that had invaded his mind at the very idea of them being prepared as his favorite dish. Certainly, Jade had sought out that mushroom for that very reason. Possibly even planned this whole trip just to watch him lose his composure over something so gluttonous. A pout having worked it's way onto pale features as they hike. His own boots not seeming to make the same strong grip as Jade's do the deeper they go. Or perhaps he was losing more stamina than he believed.
"Do not fret, my sweet Cephie, I will ensure you get to enjoy the beta test of the dish all to yourself. Floyd is spending the weekend making certain that we have all the necessary ingredients and equipment in place to make them as soon as we return to the dorm."
'Cephie' Azul rather disliked the nickname, thinking to protest his insistence in calling him such, only to have that thought die on his tongue. Had, prepping for this dish been why he had spoken with Floyd prior to their excursion? This whole while he had been wracking his brain, trying to come up with what terrible sort of insanity could be occurring currently at the lounge. Only to hear that the less than predictable eel-mer had been given a mission from his twin. The very idea made Azul's already speeding heart give a skipping 'thunk' in his chest. Any sort of recant cutting short in his throat, simply managing a head shaking smile at the absurdity of it all.
The bright winter's day was quickly turning dark. The sun almost blocked out by the tall, thick trees surrounding the couple as they hike deeper into the mountainside. Azul felt certain now that his body was quite ready to give out. His chest aches with each hard breath of cold air that enters his lungs. The octo-mer's steps becoming much less stable. Clumsy even maybe, as a rather heightened tree-root sends him stumbling forward into the larger back of his boyfriend. A grunt of dissatisfaction in himself leaving his lips as Jade turns at the sudden feel of the smaller male tripping into him.
"Oh, are you quite alright?"
Heterochromiac eyes appearing soft as they turn to observe Azul taking a flushed step back to try and right himself.
"I'm fine, but, we're losing light. Should we not be making camp soon?"
The teen speaks with a rather apparent pout. Absently moving a silver strand of hair that had slipped from his beanie to tuck behind his ear. Blue eyes a bit unwilling to meet the mismatched ones looking to him with such concern. Pitiful, Jade had to believe he was pitiful. To not even be able to sustain his energy for one simple day of hiking. They both had the same disadvantages, as merpeople, and yet, Jade done this on the regular, as though it were quite literally a walk in the park. To say it felt utterly humiliating was an understatement. Feeling this spent, unable....unwilling, to force his feet to take another step. Disgraceful.
"Hmm, I see,"
Gaze having lowered to his dirty hiking boots as Azul wallowed in his self pity, it rises at the understanding tone in Jade's brief words. Watching the contemplative look as a gloved finger is held to the other's chin. Further observing as a smile spreads on his lips just above where his finger rests.
"It's but just a short distance further though."
Jade spoke, his gaze moving from the trees above them as he ponders before lowering once more to his lover. His smile growing toothy as his next words leave it.
"I, do suppose I could be bothered to carry you the rest of the way? This is, at it's core meant to be a romantic excursion. And my, I do feel I have quite exhausted my poor, unfortunate Lover."
Jade's words sounded apologetic, but as Azul searched the eel-mer's features, he found nothing in his expression supported that sentiment. His own gaze narrowing at his suggestion. A huff of annoyance leaving his throat as he begins to move and push past the other.
"Sevens no. Do you really see me as so pathetic as to require su-"
Azul's words cut short. His boot meeting with slick, unsteady ground as he steps through a rather thick brush pass. The slip felt quick, instantaneous. His boot loses all traction with the ground. His footing failing, sending his arms up and flailing into the air above his head. A startled scream escaping his throat. He was falling, this was it. From head to toe he would be covered mud, muck, all sorts of unsavory matter of ick! And what of what awaited him below?? Rocks? water? a cliff? a pit?? The unknown options were endless and ran in quick succession in his head as his scream continued to echo off the surrounding trees. Only slowly dying off as reason brings the octo-mer round to the sensation of fingers closed round his forearm. An alarming amount of strength in their hold as they sustain him in his position above a sloping drop off the mountain path.
"Oh, actually, it seems we have arrived."
Shock still spinning frightening expectations in his mind's eye, Azul forces his gaze to part from his agile boyfriend's tight grip on his arm. Instead following where Jade's focus has drifted. A flush of embarrassment and prostration rising into his cheeks as he looks to stone steps just off the mountain pass. Leading gently down to a vast, sprawling structure at the base of the slope.
"An, Inn?"
The words rather choke out of Azul's dry throat. Watching the building coming into clearer view as Jade pulls him back up onto his feet with ease. Bringing the smaller male to his chest once on more level footing.
"Hmm? but of course? Did you believe me so cruel to drag you out all this way without a grand goal in sight?"
Again, Jade fiend hurt. Azul at this point in their relationship, easily seeing through such acts. Of course he had believed the other had a grand goal in mind. First, he had believed that goal had simply been to see him tortured and out of his element. Then second, there was the mushrooms, 'Chicken of the Woods' he had called them. Then, perhaps a few times along the trail, when Jade had lingered on his knee a bit longer, Azul was ashamed to admit how his heart had sped. Ashamed at how each time it would simply be to just bring another woodland plant, fungi, or insect to his attention. The very thought having finally left him, albeit how much it pained to release it. They are, after all, set to finish their third year at Night Raven this semester. If not now, then when could he expect true commitment from his lover?
"I, certainly believed you had a goal. But, it is always good business to admit when one has been bested. Thus, I must admit I had not suspected our hiking excursion would lead to a remote mountain retreat."
Despite reservations about his boyfriend's tactics that had led to this moment, Azul feels the curve of a smile pull at his lips. Cool blue eyes finally raising to meet the mismatched ones peering down at him. Having came up from Jade's grip to him, he still lingered very much in the other's embrace. The ruffling of jackets sounding against one another as both seem to take a shared inhale before releasing it in a chuckle. The dusting on Azul's cheeks now seeming to be mirrored onto his partner's pale complexion.
"Does, that offer to carry me still stand?"
The question leaves the octo-mer's lips with a playful batting of dark lashes. This Gesture met with a fluid motion of feeling his feet leave the ground as he is lifted bridal style into Jade's arms. Sparking a startled gasp from the smaller male.
"With pleasure. If nothing more than to show my gratitude for your patience in me today."
Again, Azul couldn't be certain he trusted that smile. But as he wrapped his arms round Jade's neck for stability, he had to admit it's appearance rather sent his heart jumping within him. Perhaps, all this has been quite worth it. This thought further solidifying in his mind as the warm waters of the hot springs wash over him. Humming in content as he rests back on the rock lined ledge, allowing his form to fully stretch out upon the sandy floor. Deep blackish purple tentacles following the flow of the heated water as it pours into their private bath. The scent, the sound, Azul breathed it all in. A welcome moment of relaxation after such a strenuous day.
The inn though, had already exceeded his expectations. He and Jade having been greeted by the keepers at the front gate. Their bags taken to their rooms for them as they were given fresh, cozy, black lounging dressings to change into for massages followed by a feast of a dinner. After which they had retired to their room. Their cot already laid out for them with red petals scattered upon it's white and lavender linens and duvet. A warm light had filled the room from lanterns on simple tables at two of it's corners. The aged wood feeling warm beneath their bare feet as they had unclothed. Taking mere steps to the sliding doors of their room that looked into the sparkling green-blue waters of the bath adjoining their suite.
Normally, Azul would hold reservations about allowing themselves to revert to merform in a public setting. But, it was apparent this bath is private, and that he and Jade are quite clearly the only guest. This fact also being the reason why he does nothing to fend off the form that creeps slowly up against him. A steady, stealthy movement as Jade's thin body moves onto his. The smooth texture of his skin as he slides across him, raising bumps to spread across Azul's torso and appendages. A breath of a moan escaping parted lips as Jade's form more-so sinks onto his. Their lips meeting in an unspoken want, need even. The stresses of the day were all but forgotten. A distant annoyance of a memory as the octo-mer focuses instead on how Jade's teeth feel as they nibble at his lips. Or, the tingles of pleasure that move through his every inch as his tentacles rise to embrace his lover.
"I could simply devour you,"
It could be an idiom, or the eel-mer could mean it. In this moment though, Azul found he rather didn't care. A deeper, more throaty moan bursting from his lips as sharp, thin teeth sink into the flesh of his neck. His tentacles tightening round the other in a defensive response though nothing in him wished for this to stop. Inhales heavy, as toothy suckles move upon his skin. Jade's slick, long body becoming further ensnared by the girthy hold of Azul's tentacles as they press and grind into one another. Their motions sending crashing waves of steaming water onto the rocks and vegetation surrounding them.
"Then do,"
Jade hadn't needed permission, but he graciously took it. His lengthy tongue flicking out across the pointed crests of his teeth as he takes in the meal beneath him. Glasses, in this moment, didn't obscure his view of icy, glinting with lust, blue eyes. Eyes that well reflected the after effects of the frisson their thrusting had brought upon them. The feel of those risen bumps still pressing into his slick skin as they lay onto one another.
"With pleasure~"
The rest of the evening was very much a blur to the octo-mer. Waking covered in teeth-marks, and vaguely recalling just how ravenous Jade had seemed that night. Azul finding himself still quite unsteady as he tries to rise to his feet the next morning. Spending the night in the waters, sprawled fully out against his lover, his human form somehow now felt restricting. Tucking a strand of messy silver hair behind his ear with a sigh as he watches the water sparkle as it falls into the bath. Not even the sound of their suite's door opening pulls his attention. Breathing a hum into his cup of coffee as he moves it to his lips. Smiling at it's edge as hands move to his shoulders then forearms in a massaging motion. Tilting his head expectantly to expose his neck and feeling Jade take the offered bait with a gentle kiss to marked skin.
"Did you rest well my Cephie?"
Azul would allow it, simply chuckling at the nickname.
"I did. I must say, I feel quite refreshed."
"hmm, wonderful,"
The octo-mer could feel the smile against his skin. It's spread raising a strange sort of unease into him as Jade's warmth leaves from against him.
"Then I am sure the trek back down the mountain will go much more smoothly."
The eel-mer's cheerful tone struck through Azul like a deep impalement. Already shaking his head in unwillingness to believe that coming here, certainly meant they too would have to hike back. A fact he had somehow blissfully allowed to slip his mind. The fall of his face at this news being quite in contrast to that of the bright, cruel, toothy, grin of his lover. There was no mistake, this moment, this build of a perfect night, only to wake to such disappointing words, was truly Jade's ultimate goal. Of this, Azul was certain. The look of pleasure at his inner turmoil quite present upon Jade's features. Seeming positively giddy as he holds expectantly to the straps of his backpack. Eager and ready for another day of what Azul could only describe as pure torture. A groan of exasperation leaving the silverhaired male's lips as he slumps against the framing of their suite's door. Already missing it's tranquil comfort before they even part for their trek. A dispirited feeling washing over him at the realization that this is indeed just how things will be with Jade as his partner. It was best to not dwell. Begrudgingly going to change out of the enveloping warmth of the lounging robe and into his hiking clothes to once more meet his sworn enemy, the great outdoors, and exercise.