Work Text:
Summer months on Elegy were not kind by any means. Of course the weather had nothing on the literal fabrication of the depths of hell the pair had found themselves in only recently, but it wasn’t as if the normal progression of the season didn’t play an immense impact on humans regardless.
His Starlight would often return home, turning their thermostat down low before making a beeline for the shower. When they later found him, their attire was simple, loose, giving their skin more air to breathe. Which Avior would never complain of given the sight.
Then the turmoil followed. The disdain and the discomfort, like clockwork, would begin to fall from their lips. Too hot. Too sweaty. Too humid. As a demon, it was hard for Avior to relate, but he could at the very least sympathize, sensing how much of an effect it had on them. So maybe that was why, on one Friday afternoon, he decided to do something about it.
“What?” Starlight asked as they stepped inside their apartment, first with a confused stare, then an ever-growing smile as the pieces fell into place.
“What, what?” The inchoate answered innocently.
They scoffed when their eyes swung back in his direction. “You know what. This!” Their hand waved through the air, indicating their living room.
For the most part, everything was still the same. Avior hadn’t wanted to disturb their familiarity too much. Couch and TV still in place. Their beanbag chair still sat in the corner surrounded by their nest - read mess - of books they had yet to reshelve since they last had read them. Same with the scattered pieces of their toaster. Ever the curious soul, they had taken up tinkering, attempting to take something apart and piece it back together again. Some efforts successful, some not so much. He was unsure where this attempt fell, but needless to say it left little room for a shared meal if they so desired to have one. Though, more often than not they would forgo the dining room table altogether, the pair finding themselves eating on the fold out trays as they watched some random show in the living room.
But for the chaotic state the room naturally defaulted to at rest, they weren’t blind. He had changed something. Something pretty hard to miss.
Starlight took a step closer, closing behind the door that brought in sweltering heats with their arrival, and sealed the room in a cool chill. Their stare lingered on the sight. Stretching out their hand, delicate crystals landed gently in their palm before disappearing quickly. Their held breath released on a sigh, a thin cloud of fog hovering for a moment.
“I solved your heat problem.” Avior spoke up before rocking his head against his shoulder. “Temporarily. It should only last until the end of today, but it’s up to you. If you want it around longer, let me know. Is… this ok?” The last few words said in hesitancy.
Starlight whipped their head towards him. The light in their eyes, as always, shimmering like the stars. They took a step towards him, their shoes crunching against the gathered blanket at their feet. Then another. And another. The last few steps they practically ran, tackling Avior in a tight hug.
“Oof!” He laughed. “Should I take that as a yes then?” Folding his arms around them as if they were a precious gem, holding them close.
They looked up at him with a smirk. “What do you think?”
He scoffed, but as he opened his mouth, they were quick to seal it, those would-be thoughts evaporating like vapor into the universe.
He kissed them back, squeezing Starlight to him, their arms draping around his neck. They brought warmth with them, but unlike the weather in its unpredictable moods and swings, the feel of them would always be perfect. A comfort he could melt into and be claimed by without any reservation.
As they pulled back, his Starlight gazed up at him with all the love of a thousand suns. The feeling rolling off them in waves. After a moment, they laughed softly, head lowering against his chest. Avior realized neither one of them had said anything for a while now. And while Avior could easily stare at them all day, beneath the affection pouring out from within, he also felt the rising shyness, them getting flustered when too much attention was paid to them. It was too cute a sight not to weaponize it from time to time. For now though…
His hand slid up their neck, cupping their cheek, the action making Starlight again look his way. His free hand went to their hair, wiping away fallen flakes that had begun to accumulate.
His forehead rested against their own, and he smiled softly at the heart beneath his palm.
“So, Starlight… Do you want to build a snowman?”
Starlight laughed. Then laughed some more. Then, when it got to the point where Avior stared at them in concern with a worried look on his face, they took the time to break down what he had asked.
He rolled his eyes at their childishness. It was silly, of course he had no idea what “Frozen” was, but for some reason that made it all the more funnier.
When their abs finally felt like they had gotten a good enough work out, they kissed his cheek in apology. His frown eased a little, replaced by a look so soft, they wondered if they squeezed his cheeks together if he would be as malleable as playdough was. Their fingers itched to try. Instead, they answered his question.
“I would love to.”
Avior’s smile lit up, and for some reason Starlight began to wonder about his youth, or lack thereof. Would he get the same rush as they did when they were a kid, the joy that came from playing in the snow? For a second, a brief instance of sadness overtook them, that yeah, he’d never had such a childhood. But, there were a bunch of things they knew he had only read about and never experienced on Elegy. They were set to change that over time. They would see and experience it all together, mark their words.
Though that fleeting instance must have been enough for him to catch that shift in emotion, eyes narrowing slightly in concern. Of course he’d pick up on that. He always paid attention. Hence his surprise today.
But thankfully, he didn’t ask, just took their hand within his, his thumb, gently rubbing over the back of it, and brought it to his lips, holding their stare the whole while. They squeezed his hand in reassurance. It must have been enough, watching as his brow began to relax.
With careful steps he walked them over to the middle of the room. It wasn’t too far to move considering their apartment was about as big as a breadbox, but it did give them enough time to take in the scene again.
Snowflakes fell softly from their ceiling, gently blanketing their floor in white. It wasn’t just what they saw either. The snow was wet and cold to the touch. Their brain, though they knew it was magic, still wrestled with the idea that it was 90 degrees outside but nearly below freezing in here. They looked over at the window, the hazy sun shining through. At the same time, icicles had formed around its frame, droplets dripping along its sill but still persisting.
Yep, no doubt about it. Avior had brought Christmas in July. Or close enough anyway.
“First…” Avior began once they stopped. “We should probably change into something a little more layered. It’s not exactly my intent to have you catch a cold.” His hand lifted, hovering just above their shoulder. “May I?”
“You may.”
He nodded, gliding his hands from their shoulder downward, then back up their arm. He didn’t have to touch them to use his magic, they both knew that. They also both knew how much his touch made Starlight’s breath catch in their throat. How much it made their heart quicken. How the gesture made them shiver more than the cold. Slowly teasing them and trying to shatter their composure. It was only fair. They’d do the same thing if given the chance. And they’d had – and have – plenty of chances.
When a satisfied smirk lifted the corner of his lips, he finally focused. Magic, his magic, coursed over their skin. They felt it bend and shift. The core of what made up their clothing slowly becoming undone, down to a molecular level, before recombining into something new. They recognized it as transmogrification, and grew a little excited they had just gone over its root foundation this past semester.
The material found its shape as it clung to their form, the fabric growing thicker. Their feet, encased in heavy leather. Soft wool wound gently around their neck. The shells of their ears found themselves covered in muffs. Interweaving between each finger, gloves formed around their hands, stretching and flexing with ease. The light coat kept their chest warm and the cold at bay. And the snow pants were easy enough to navigate in. Avior fitted himself in nearly the same, only difference being his earmuffs had been switched out for a knitted hat.
“Hmm.” Avior hummed, his eyes traveling the length of them. “Cute.” Cinching the ends of their scarf, pecking their lips.
“I know you are.” They teased, mimicking his wandering gaze of appraisal. “Didn’t need a new wardrobe to tell me that. Not that it’s not nice to look at.”
He laughed on a breath, an incredulous look in his eye. “Noted. If you like it so much, maybe I should switch up my style from time to time. Keep you on your toes.”
One hand laid against his chest, fanning out as they smoothed over muscle beneath the many layers. “Only if it’s not too much trouble.” Tugging at the zipper of his coat, their voice dropping low. “But you could be wearing nothing at all and I’d still… Mph!”
He pulled them in, cutting off their words like they’d done with him earlier, the sneaky… They couldn’t finish that thought as his lips descended on their neck, kissing along the collar of the still exposed skin. They squirmed, but his hold on the garment left little room to get away. And to be honest, they weren’t sure they really wanted to.
As a mercy, he stopped, chuckling deep, the sound striking their ear despite the muffs in place.
“Be careful, beloved. A comment like that is only begging to be misunderstood. Or did you intend for my mind to make that next logical leap.”
“I was only speaking the truth. I’m innocent. It’s not my fault if… Ah!” They gasped as a wet tongue traced along their pulse. Their fingers did their best to grab hold onto him, wishing that their gloves didn't make the task harder than it needed to be.
“You know exactly what you meant, troublemaker. And I’ll be sure to hold you to that, later.” He cooed, tone sweet as honey, though the words beneath were layered in heat, hotter than the world outside their apartment.
His eyes crinkled in mischievous humor as he released them. Something much darker found itself in the center of his stare, before he sobered, shaking himself from his would-be imaginings of what “later” actually entailed.
“Does it fit well? Not too tight?”
And back was their ever attentive demon.
“Very cozy. Thank you.” Feeling spoiled from his efforts. “Now…”
Before he had another opportunity to fluster them, Starlight sat low, knees buried in the snow, tugging at Avior’s sleeve to follow. When he settled in beside them, they cleared their throat in mock exaggeration.
“It’s time for Starlight’s school of snowman building and majesty! We’re still working on the name. Make sure you listen up, there will be a test.”
One eyebrow quirked in amusement, nodding along at their over the top act.
“Ok, lesson one.” They dug into the snow, scooping up a decent amount into their palm. “Gather a big chunk into your hands. You wanna smooth it out and roll it best you can into a ball. Don’t worry if it’s not too big, that’ll come later.”
He did as instructed. Though, Avior never really did have a hard time following instructions. Handling the snow gingerly, it still was an awkward sight as he struggled a bit, some of it slipping free. They set their own ball down and guided his hands, showing him how to shape its form.
“I see.” He said.
“Yep! And don’t worry, it’ll get easier with practice.”
“I’m sure. Just like many things.”
“Exactly. Now, take your snowball and roll it against that pile.”
Again, he did what they asked.
“See? The snow gathers together and grows bigger. This will be the base, and we can decide how big or small we want it to be.”
He smiled. “What size would you recommend a novice start at?”
“Hmm…” Starlight tilted their head in thought. Eventually their hands fell into their lap. “Can I be honest with you?”
“That’s up to you. But just know I’ll be able to tell if you’re lying regardless. You’re a horrible liar.”
They gasped in indignation. “I am a fantastic liar.”
He leaned back on his heels, fighting a grin as if they had just told the world’s funniest joke.
“Last week you ordered lasagna and tried to pass it off as your own.”
“Oh. You notice that, huh?”
“Starlight, I say this with all the love in my heart. The last time you boiled pasta the neighbors kept knocking on our door because their fire alarm kept going off.”
They felt their face grow warm from embarrassment. “Well… why didn’t you say anything then?”
“Because, more than you having prepared the meal yourself, and me not needing to eat, I enjoy spending time with you. In any capacity. It doesn’t matter what we’re doing or any sort of presentation.”
“Avi…” They pursed their lips. “Fine. But it’s not like I actually try to go out of my way to lie to you anyway.”
“And I still stand by, you couldn’t if you tried.” He grinned. “Your face is very telling. Outside the literal spike in your emotions, it’s not that hard to tell.”
Starlight huffed. “Now I don’t even know if I want to tell you.” Pouting as they turned away from his scrupulous eye.
“Please.” The word sincere, falling from his lips and taking hold of their heart, melting the cold around their phony fleeting façade of fury.
“Well… Since you asked so nicely.” Starlight sighed as they gathered their thoughts. “It’s not a big deal, but when I grew up a lot of people went out of their way to make the biggest snowmen they could. And yeah, most of them were huge. Sometimes taller than some adults. But for me, I liked building smaller ones. I’d make as many as I could. Made a small community and gave each of them names and jobs. They all had backstories.”
“Hmm. That sounds like you. Taking care of others.”
They waved their hand. “It was just dumb kid things. It wasn’t too deep. Just felt like you got more bang for your buck that way. I mean, why have one when you can have a lot.”
As Avior was about to speak, a response poised and ready on his tongue, he shut his mouth instead.
“What?” They pushed in curiosity.
“I myself never really liked a crowd. And… At this point in my life, one will always be enough for me.” His gaze filled with nothing less than affection.
They knew just what he meant. “That’s why I prefaced this whole thing by saying it was when I was a kid. No need to get so sentimental.” Playfully shoving against his shoulder.
He chuckled. “Well excuse me for saying what I was thinking. I could always shut up. Let you enjoy the ‘eye candy’ – as you so put it a few days ago – in peace.”
“No!” They protested, throwing their arms around him. “I like your flowery words, silly man.”
He only stared, a lopsided smirk teasingly challenging them.
“Are you gonna be difficult? Do I have to make you talk?” Holding his face between their hands. The most they got was the occasional chuff of a laugh.
“What shall I do? What shall I do?” Their hand raked through his hair. “Maybe… Maybe I could tickle you. Find all the weak points that make you lose your mind and double over in laughter.”
His brows lowered, cocking his head to the side in thought.
Starlight stroked his chin. “Or… Should I bite you? Leave little marks all over your skin.”
The darkness in his gaze made a swift return, and they felt him swallow as their hand caressed the side of his neck.
“Or… Perhaps I should tie you up. And take my time exploring. See what I can do to get you close to the edge. And have you begging for more.”
Starlight didn’t know when the ceiling filled their vision, the ground pressing into their back. Their demon had a knee between theirs. One arm next to their head, while the other lingered on their hip, body hovering. His eyes had taken on a preternatural glow, teal green eyes reminiscent of deep ocean waters. His pupils, a beautiful vibrant hue as his gaze held them in place. They always loved his eyes, especially like this. And even more so knowing it was only reserved for them and them alone.
They shook a bit, breath catching as something slid up their ankle, slowly wrapping up their leg to their thigh, his tail ensnaring them.
They reached up, fingers smoothing against his cheek. He closes his eyes at the gesture, the sound he makes akin to a purr as he nuzzles into their palm. If it weren’t for all the magic and strength pouring out of him, they’d swear he was nothing more than a big old house cat.
“Starlight…” He called out to them, breathless.
They smiled wide. “I knew I could get you to talk.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “You… are reckless.”
“No. I’d call it strategic.” Wrapping their arms around his shoulders. “After all, I’m right where I wanna be.”
He bends low, kissing their lips, warming them from the inside out. “Starlight.” He whispers. “Is this okay?”
They curled their fingers against his collar, their legs parting to make room for him. “Like I said, I’m right where I wanna be.” Before brisk cool air passed over their bare skin.
“Achoo!” Starlight sneezed, hugging the quilt tight around them. Avior had slid it from the back of their couch, drying it of course before bundling them in it. It was warmer than normal, and they could feel the residual fire magic within the material.
The snow was still falling, but only because of their request to Avior, who although hesitant, still let them keep the scene. However, as part of the compromise, the patch of white was now gone and the carpet could be seen once more.
“Bless you.” The inchoate said as he exited the kitchen, two mugs in hand. His features were morphed in concern. “This is not how I wanted our evening to turn out.”
They put on their best smile, trying to assuage his worries as he passed them one of the cups. “Thanks.” Taking a sip. “And don’t worry. I’ll be fine.” But Starlight knew those words would only make him worry more, the sweet bean.
As he stepped closer, there was a shift in the air, similar to ripples on a water’s surface, stilling once again after Avior fully passed through the ward. Smart, if not stubborn as the demon put it, thinking on their part. He settled behind them, his warmth at their back, sweeter than the hot chocolate in their hands. They took another drink, feeling as the heat spread within their chest, chasing away remnant cold.
“It’s too bad we couldn’t finish our lesson.”
“I think I got it for the most part. May I?”
They gave their mug back to him. Both cups are placed on the coffee table nearby, hands returned to clasp at their own, fingers massaging and rubbing at a numbness that had long been gone at this point. But a fact they weren’t too quick to mention given the special attention he was paying them.
“We can always continue at a later time. How does that sound?”
“Sounds like a date.” Starlight leaned back into his chest, as Avior rested his chin on their shoulder, wrapping his arms around them.
It was like they were in their own little bubble, separate from the world. That might as well have been the pair’s calling card at this point given their time in the trap. Hard not to see a pattern. But it wasn’t a bad thing. Just the two of them, the snow falling gently around them.
“Are you comfortable?” He asked.
They nodded, curling their hands around his forearms.
“Want anything to eat?”
They hummed. “There were these candied fruits I got the other day. They were giving out free samples and I wanted to try them with you.”
“Of course you did.” He chuckled. “You want them now?”
“I do, but… I don’t want to move. And I don’t want you to move.”
“That is a problem.”
“Isn’t it? Betrayed by my own sweet tooth. It’s your fault for making me think about it, you know.”
“I suppose it is. Guess I should take responsibility.”
Starlight jumped, eyes swinging in the direction of the kitchen, startled by the sound of their refrigerator door opening and closing.
Just as they were about to spring up thinking someone had broken in, Avior held them in place. As Avior walked in from the kitchen, sampler tray in hand.
They stared up at him at a loss for words.
“You know, you’ll catch flies if you keep your mouth hanging open like that. God that’s such an awful saying." Avior said.
“Right?” Avior responded as he took what Avior offered. “One of humanity’s weirder words of wisdom.”
As Avior’s hand returned to his side, he winked at Starlight, before disappearing into the ether.
“Prompt delivery. Maybe I should consider a side gig as a delivery driver. Only without the car of course.”
For a moment, they could only blink at the empty space where he had been. “There were two of you?” They asked, astonished.
“Yes, love. I'm pretty sure you saw. Or do we need to consider setting aside time to go see the eye doctor? Double vision is nothing to play around with I’ve heard.”
“Since when could you do that?”
“I could always do that.”
“Could you do it more?”
He scoffed, the sound turning into a laugh, rumbling against their back. “I already told you, my preference is to stick to one. And I would hope that would hold true for you too.”
“But it is you. It’s one. And it goes without saying that you’re the only one for me. Just… you know, doubly. Please?”
He chuckled, kissing their shoulder before whispering deep. “Now who’s begging?”
They huffed, popping an orange slice into their mouth.
“How about this? I’ll consider it. Since you’re so desperate for the extra attention.”
“You could just say yes.”
“Maybe. But I call it like it is.” Hugging them tight. “It’s not a bad thing, it’s cute. Desperation looks good on you.”
They turned in his grasp, squeezing his cheeks together with all their might. Until he grabbed at their wrists, dragging them down and holding back their assault.
“Okay. Okay. No more teasing.” Avior kissed their temple. “We both get full resets come tomorrow. Right now, just relax. I know you had a long day today. This evening, I want to help you unwind.”
“I’d say you’ve done a good job so far.”
“I can always do more. With you, it’s never enough.”
“Can I make a request?”
“Anything.”
“You sure you want to give me that much power?”
“Yes.” He said without hesitation, and in turn, their heart skipped a beat.
“It’s nothing too much I hope. But… I want… Can we…?”
“You’re stalling, love. I meant it. I’ll fulfill it, no matter what.”
They sighed in resignation. “Can you tell me more about when you coalesced?”
“More than I’ve already told you? It’s nothing too exciting.”
“But it’s still part of your life. And I wanna know. About you and about Aria, the home you hold so dearly.”
“You’re not tired of my stories?”
“No.”
“There’s only so much I can say. But if you’re interested then…”
His hand stretches out in front of them, and the ward warbles. Like a bubble right on the cusp of bursting. But the shifting makes way for an image. A scene displayed that shows a roiling landscape. Like rising smoke that crests and falls. And lightning streaking across an expansive skyline.
“…I can always show you.” Avior finishes, his arms returning to hold them close. “And Starlight…”
They blink, tearing their gaze away as they refocus on their demon. His expression full of tenderness.
“Don’t misunderstand. Aria may be where I’m from, but the place I hold so dearly is currently within my arms. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”