#He's...come...so far!! HURRRRGH

[shroudingmists]

41.  “I’ll meet you in the changing rooms.” IOLAUS

One leg folded over the other, he shifted to lean back on both palms in impish delight. Yes, I do look beautiful, the pose screamed–as it was supposed to.

The after-hours show was a rare treat, but the money and patrons it brought were well worth the wait. And the cause the funds went towards? Secret, but more noble than anyone could ever expect. Eve wiggled the half-emptied (second? Third? Hm) glass of wine between his fingers a little, and smiled widely.

Of course, he got in for free. Perks, and all.

Especially when he performed. The Imperial that he swore was part Maren, the way he shifted through water as if it were nothing…as if it were carrying him, caressing him. He was even dressed as one tonight, his very skin painted with patches of scales along his legs, up to his hips, and all across his slender torso.

He looked dangerous, like this. Dangerously beautiful, and he had the crowd panting in moments. Eve wriggled in his seat, giddy with wine and the fact that that particular person was sneaking glances at him.

When intermission hit, he knew what awaited.

The Fireflies always mingled with the crowd during these shows: a very, very special treat indeed. And all he had to do was wait, until a pair of damp arms wound around his neck.

“Hello, sweet Eve,” Iolaus hummed, breath still a bit heavy from his performance. Immediately, he nuzzled into his jaw, taking a deep breath. “Did you like it…?”

“Like it? I loved it,” Eve was hamming it up now. He could feel the eyes, and oooh, the delicious jealousy, digging daggers into the back of his head. Empty wine glass now abandoned, he swung both legs around the taller man’s hips. “You were sublime.”

Iolaus bit back a laugh, but he loved these ‘performances.’ He loved his confidence, the way his head tilted back just a little too far when he laughed. What was that word Gazsi had used? Ah…extra! But, he had to admit…

His damp hair fell across his shoulder as he buried a kiss into the Wildclaw’s neck, his little squeal of joy only spurring him to push him almost fully back onto his back. Ahhh. I love it…

“I’ll meet you in the changing rooms.”

Not so much a question, as a demand–though still, somehow, quite polite.

Iolaus bit his lip, and glanced over his shoulder. So many people were watching–some of the closest ones leaning far forward to listen.

And he was gone, hips swaying the whole way. His hand glanced Shesha’s chest as he walked by, fingertips barely brushing, so that he could raise bumps on his dark skin. Raising his head from kissing Dorian, the Guardian smiled almost serenely.

“…you two, too.”

Shesha’s purr deepened.

How far you’ve come, little minnow, Iolaus told himself, in the words of his former Flower. Now, give them what they came for.

But this time, it was his choice. All of it.

And he chose the ones he loved, every time.