lorkamedia

[corrosiveblue]

Day 1. Healing

Initially i was thinking about drawing Guts and Casca set vaguely in the Wounds chapters but then i started thinking about Farnese, I've kinda glossed over her as a character for a while. Tbh, at first I didn't care for her but she's grown on me A LOT. i really love how Casca has someone to fall on like this. I love sisterly love, I love women supporting eachother.

[talpup]

Light In the Darkness: 20

Please remember this fic is rated mature and has warnings of violence, abuse, sexual tension, eventual sexual behavior, and other possible triggers.

***If you prefer reading off AO3 here’s the link for that: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20887595/chapters/55300054

Sorry about the delay, life and writing Erase the Shadow got a hold of me and I completely forgot about updating.  Thanks to @captncappuccino for reminding me.

Thank you to those who have left hearts.  And a special THANK YOU to those who have recently left comments or re-blogged. They really mean a lot.

Taglist: @captncappuccino

20.1

It had been a little less then a week since the attacks on the four Magic Knights bases.  The day following the attack Jax had informed them that the Green Mantis, Coral Peacocks, and Purple Orcas had also been attacked at the same time their base had been.  By the attackers dress and what those at Magic Investigations had learned the reason given for the attacks had been surmised as a gathering of outlaw gangs and other nefarious criminals attempting to appear as Spade Kingdom Sorcery Lances in the hopes of war between the Clover and Spade kingdoms thus allowing them to freely do as they pleased. Beneath their robes the attackers had worn the usual dusty, tattered garb one would expect a member of an illegal gang to wear.  There had been other such evidence that supported the conclusion by Magic Investigations but Teris refused to listen to it.  She knew the truth.  Or at least some of it.  Why Alowishus Spade had given up so many of his followers lives for such a ruse was beyond her.  If he truly was a Zealot surely the Spade Kingdom couldn’t be blamed for his actions even if, as his name suggested, he was a descendant of the kingdoms first ruler.  That was unless the current King of the Spade Kingdom or some other high ranking official had sanctioned Spades actions.  The possibility gave her a chill but no worse then what possible reason the Wizard King had for keeping the truth silent.

Despite all that had happened things at the Black Bulls base had returned to normal, that was other then the fact that Bronn, Olsen, Iban, and Yami were still away on mission.  Even the great room looked as if nothing had happened.  As did Teris’ bedroom which she wasn’t sure how she felt about.  It wasn’t that she had trouble being comfortable in the room or getting to sleep.  It just seemed that something visible should have changed; kind of as a marker or symbol for the change that had happened inside her.

“Teris.” Venice called as Teris exited the bedroom.  “You sure that’s all you need?”

Teris came back to herself and turned to her friend.  “Yes,” she nodded.

“I know you’re not the typical girl.  Neither am I.  But I gotta say, that’s not much.  I came up here with you to help you take your bags down and find I’m not needed,” Venice said.

“You’re always needed.”  Teris said only half teasing.  “Besides, whatever I forgot or need that isn’t at Nova House I’ll buy in town.”

“Right.” Venice rolled her eyes.  “Sometimes I forget you’re a rich royal.”

“A greater complement could not be given.”  Teris said her tone joking but feelings serious.  “I won’t be long.  Three days at most. Hopefully.”

“Home that bad, huh?”

Teris looked around.  “This is home.”

“And don’t forget it.  I’d be lost without you.  Having Abril as the only girl again would be awful.”

“I heard that.”  Abril called from her bedroom.

“Get over here and tell Teris bye.”

“Bye.” Abril shouted.

“Bye.” Teris called back laughing.  To Venice she said.  “Let’s not make a big deal out of this.  It’s not like I’m going on a dangerous mission.”  She stopped and looked out the window that had a clear view of the wooded path that lead up to the main house.

“It’s alright.”  Venice said stepping behind and bumping her with a shoulder.  “Yami will be back soon.  Probably before you return even.”

“I hope so,” Teris said.  “Still--”

“Still, it would’ve been nice if he got back before you had to leave.” Venice went on when Teris had fallen silent.  “Yeah, I know.  I’ll tell him you miss him and dreamt of his return though.”

“You wouldn’t.”  Teris told eyes widening.

“Then hurry up and get going,” Venice smiled.  “The sooner you leave. The sooner you’ll get back.”  She wrapped her arms around herself and sighed.  “Oh!  Yami!  How I missed you.”  She furrowed her brow and deepened her voice, “I missed you too.  How about a kiss?” She puckered her lips and made kissing noises.

“Gross.” Abril yelled from her room.  “Be gone already.”

20.2

The Black Bulls had rushing out of the dining hall to greet Bronn, Olsen, Iban, and Yami upon their return during dinner the same day Teris had left.  Venice had already made the others swear not to tell Yami where Teris was till he had asked and now waited for his query.

When didn’t come Venice demanded.  “When are you going to ask about Teris?”

Yami turned to her and blinked.  “She’s not here?”  He asked despite having noticed her absence immediately and made a show of looking about the great room.  “I guess she’s not.”  He shrugged.

“Enough teasing Yami.”  Venice ordered.  “She’s not hiding somewhere. She’s really not here.”

“Okay.” He said and turned to Gendry to ask about Pilfer and Mooshu.

“She’s away visiting family.”  Venice told harshly.

“Something about the annual Nova, Silva family meeting.”  Tobin added.

At that Yami visibly tensed.  He wanted to yelled at Venice and Tobin to shut up.  He wanted to shout back that he hoped she and Nozel had a good time.  He wanted to forget that he had every heard Nozel say the word Intended.  Instead he asked Gendry.  “Pilfer or Mooshu give you any trouble?”

Gendry could barely look at Yami while Bran ran out of the room.  “Was it something I said?”  Yami asked looking at the others.

Hands on hips Venice asked.  “You really don’t care?”

“No.” Yami growled turning and stepping to her, Venice being forced back a step by the waves of angry irritation coming off him.  “I really don’t.  And, I really wish you’d quit yapping about her.”

Venice looked at him deflating.  “Yami.  What happened?”

Yami turned away but Venice could have sworn she heard him mutter, I grew up, under his breath.

20.3

Dinner at the Nova House was it’s usual quiet, emotionally strenuous affair.  Lord Jaxon Nova had not been well enough to join his children at the dinner table but Fyntch had assured Julius and Teris that he would be well enough to receive and welcome the Silva’s when they arrived on October first.

As they retired to the parlor for tea and sweet cakes Fyntch commented to his sister.  “You’ve grown.  Are you sure the gowns you left in your wardrobe still fit?”

“Don’t know.”  Teris said taking a seat by the window, away from the fire.

“Well you certainly didn’t bring enough luggage to have packed proper clothes.”  Fyntch said taking the seat their father usually sat in by the fireplace.

“Don’t sit there.”  Teris told shaking her head.

“Why not?”  Fitch asked.  “It’s not as if he’s using it this evening.  I often sit here while the two of you are off following your dreams and I’m suck here caring for father alone.”

“No one asked you to take over that role.”  Teris said thinking her brother was far from alone in a house full of servants who likely tended to their father while Fyntch did as he pleased.  “I would have--”

“What?” Fyntch asked turning to her.  “Given up the only chance you have at becoming useful to the kingdom so you can subvert my authority and not see yourself banished for it?”

“You have no authority over me.”  Teris said uncomfortably.

“I have the right of heir.”  Fyntch said lifting his chin.  “Don’t I Julius.”

“Don’t involve me in your argument.”  Julius said staring dully at the fire from his seat on the sofa.

“I wasn’t involving you in anything.  I was simply asking you to tell the child that--”

“I’m not a child,” Teris snapped.

“With that temper you sure sound like one.”  Fyntch tossed back.

“Leave her alone,” Julius moaned.

“You’re such the hero Julius.  Your little sister faces three days with the family she is bound to join; and the thought over the remaining three years she has left before that happens is distressing her and all you can muster is a simple irritated plea.  That’s more for yourself than her benefit.  Tell me, Julius, do you care for the people you hope to lead the way you do our sister?  If so you’re bound to make a wonderful Wizard King.  Though, if I’m honest, anything you do has to be better then the first son you made.  Giving up your heir-ship.  Leaving your family in it’s greatest hour of need.”

“Stop it!”

Julius stood he could barely look at Teris who had pleaded on his behave, crying out for Fyntch to cease.  “I’m not in the mood for dessert.”  He said and quit the room.

Teris stood as well and made to follow.

“Wait.” Fyntch called.

She stopped but didn’t turn back.

“I’ll be sending in one of the maids first thing tomorrow to see you measured for proper outfits,” Fyntch said.  “Can’t have you looking like the mess you are now when your future family arrives.”

Teris turned.  “You can’t wait to be rid of me.  Can you?”

“No,” Fyntch said.  “I cannot.”

“And what did I ever do to you to make you hate me so?”

Fyntch thought of the love and favor their mother had shown her.  The attention and help Julius had given her.  Of their father asking for her and calling her name during his unaided lucid moments.  “Exist.

20.4

Yami couldn’t sleep.  He knew it would be difficult once they returned and he was faced with Teris but he never imagined just being in the place they had inhabited and shared so time together much would bring it’s own difficulties.  Every room he walked in, every seat, every corner, everywhere brought to mind some image of her.  Whether it was them talking, or him having watched her play around with another Black Bull, or simply her passing through.  Every place in the house seemed to carry a bittersweet memory for him.

He had thought once he had gotten upstairs to the boys wing and the sanctuary of his own room he would be free from her ghost but it followed him in there with the thoughts and dreams he had had of her. Restless, he got up and made his way downstairs thinking some fresh air would do him good.  He found himself jealousy grateful for Teris absence, telling himself that by the time she returned he had to have himself under control.

“Gendry? What are you doing here?”  Yami asked seeing the man at Pilfer’s kennel petting the Saber Wolf.

Gendry smiled weakly.  “He howls at night if I don’t come see him,” he told.  “He misses her.  We all do.”

Yami sucked in a breath thinking for a moment that he was referring to Teris and could hardly disagree, he hadn’t stop howling on the inside since his talk on the mountain with Bronn and Olsen.  But he quickly realized that Gendry was speaking of Mooshu.

“Yami, I’m sorry--”

Yami held up a hand.  “The base was attacked.  From the sound of it we’re lucky all we lost was Mooshu.”  Yami thought of his friends retelling of the events and how Bran had possessed Pilfer and Mooshu to wreck havoc outside and save Teris.  He was proud of the boy and his two beasts.  He would have gladly given both creatures lives for Teris’ well being.  Having only lost Mooshu was a sad but an easy exchange to know that Teris had been saved.

Yami shook his head thinking of the attack on the roadside almost a year ago.  “After all my promises that I’d find and kill them they attack here and it’s Teris who saw them dead.”

“While Bran and Pilfer killed the groups leader, Teris killed more then most of us put together,” Gendry said.  “And all without her grimoire. If you ask me, that’s more than just royalty being more powerful then the rest of us.  That’s her being--”

“Something special,” Yami interrupted.

“I don’t know what happened but it’s obvious you still love her,” Gendry said.

Yami glowered at him.  “I’m working on it.”

“On not loving her or not having it written on your face?”

“Both,” Yami growled.

“How’s that going for you?”

“Obviously not very well.”

“Then why?”

“Why what?”

“Why do whatever it is you’re trying and failing to do?”  Gendry asked.  “You love her.  She loves you.  At least Venice says she does and it’s obvious, even to me, that Teris does like you.  Why pull away all of a sudden?  You said you were going to marry her. You said you knew you would marry her the day you two met.”

Yami squeezed his eyes shut and turned away lowering his head.  “I was a fool.”

“You’re not a fool.  You do and say some really stupid things quite often but you’re no fool.”

“In this I was.”  Yami said forcefully.  “She lied to me.  Deceived me.”

Gendry shrugged.  “You did the same to her about your injuries from Nozel.”

Yami rubbed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose.  “This is different.”

“How so?”

“I know what you’re trying to do and it’s not going to work.  You think I didn’t argue myself in circles when I found out she’s intended to marry Nozel?”

That brought Gendry up short.  “She’s his Intended?”

“And he’s hers cause apparently that’s how it works,” Yami snapped.

Mouth hanging open Gendry slowly shook his head.  “I didn’t know.  I’m sorry.”

“Thanks.” Yami said bitterly feeling worse when Gendry didn’t continue to try and bring him back around.  As if in learning that Teris was Nozel’s Intended was the end of it.

After a few moments Gendry asked.  “What are you going to do?”

Yami slapped the side of his thigh.  “Try to survive living here with her.  Avoid her at all costs.  Learn to hide how I truly feel until I don’t feel any more.  I don’t know Gendry.  Got any good ideas?”

[worldcakecakecake]

Office Sweet

In which Ludwig, the boss of a designing firm, falls in love with his newly hired intern. 

I’m so sorry that I updated this so late, but I explained in my last posts that I went through quite the turmoil this last month, and it is still not done as my family is moving to my grandmothers due to economic problems. Still, after finishing most of my classes and only dealing with a couple of last projects from one class, I finally had some time to edit and write. I hope you enjoy this long last chapter, once again sorry for the lateness and I hope that you continue to be patient for the rest of my works. Enjoy!

                                                   Chapter 4

Ludwig, even with his intimidation and seriousness, was quite a gem of a man that many tried their own way to flirt and get close to, only for it to be pushed aside, for Ludwig to return back to business and create no such chance for anybody. It was a wonder to everybody that the petite, sweet and charming Feliciano, the little angel that cowered so much as somebody coming close to him holding scissors, would be daring enough to somehow enchant their cold and hard boss. It was quite the loss for many who had an interest in Feliciano, who thought they would have a better chance with his friendly and easing composure, but instead he gave all that love and attention to the most frightening man in the company.

They made quite a couple, the chance bringing Ludwig into a new light, seeing him with smiles, to weaken in softness whenever they shared an embrace or when they took a spot to chat, bringing out this whole new side that the company preferred having the muscled German in.

After four dates, their fifth one to take place that coming weekend, Ludwig heavily began to wonder what kind of union they should be established on. Was Feliciano just a person he was dating? Or was he actually his…boyfriend? He was given that answer clearly one day as he handed Berwald the booth plans for a coming interior design convention they were going to participate in, both discussing his idea, hearing for his opinion, anything they could add and remove, a subject he was completely dedicated to until he spotted familiar curls by the side of his vision. Feliciano had just met up with Tino down the hall, smiling and waving, coming close for a chat, both squealing as they showed images of animals on their phones. Ludwig rolled his eyes. No matter what Feliciano was to him, they shouldn’t be doing something like that on job hours. Berwald had fallen silent, surely expecting Ludwig’s answer, one he didn’t bother to listen to as his gaze was caught by his own interest to the small Finnish blond that spoke on with the Italian brunet.

“-and this is our Maltese, her name is Hanatamago!”

“Ooohhh! She’s so cute! I have a little Pomeranian named Alfredo. My boyfriend has a German Shepherd, a golden retriever, and a dachshund!”

“Ludwig has three dogs?”

“Yes! They’re cuties!”

Ludwig shut down, his mind burned, yet his heart quickened in intense beating. He was sure he would faint from the utter emotion he felt at the moment.

Feliciano addressed him as his boyfriend…he was his boyfriend… Gott im Himmel, he was his boyfriend! He actually had to hold himself from the wall or else he would let himself melt unto the floor.

Ludwig and Berwald later had no idea what they were talking about, they left enchanted in their own feelings and thoughts.

Feliciano continued his usual business, of helping along with suggestions and ideas in groups, bringing them their coffee and drinks, and handing reports and others papers to Ludwig, to him the best part of the day now. It was during those handings that Ludwig and Feliciano had some alone time in the office. Feliciano would lock the door and take his sitting on Ludwig’s lap, one the blond would welcome with his smile, with a hand caressing his thighs, looks of longing in their eyes before they would crash their lips into the burning, into the intensity, arms wrapped around each other, dragging them more into whatever way their lips mended. It was continuous, only to depart for breaths, for smiles, for sweet words and to see how brightly their eyes shone. Occasionally they would force themselves to stop when Ludwig received a knock, Feliciano having to leave his office with a blush expression, the same Ludwig found himself in, quickly composing himself, coughing and trying to erase any proof of what just happened to whoever entered. It was never enough, it was always clear to whoever came, only spreading more rumors, more news, more wondering over what was happening in Ludwig’s office whenever Feliciano entered alone.

One day, Feliciano forgot to put the lock, desperate to be in Ludwig’s hold. He was horny, and after the day before, when Ludwig let his hand dare under Feliciano’s underwear to give him quite a rise, Feliciano was determined to get all kinds of new touches from those calloused, gentle, yet rough hands. He smashed their bodies together in one jump, Ludwig’s chair dangling and in danger of falling to the ground. Feliciano didn’t care, he would let it if it meant being in the cushion of Ludwig’s body, of their arms still around each other, of his legs finding the right balance as they once again met their lips, as they moved, twirled, somehow keeping them standing as their passion continued. Feliciano had his hands all over Ludwig’s chest, even unbuttoning some areas to take a better feel of his skin, refreshing to his touch, to the heightening of their kiss, Ludwig now biting into his lips, while Feliciano salivated with his tongue, for now both to join as they took a secure standing without the chair fearing to collapse. It was easier for Feliciano’s hips to thrust against Ludwig’s, to rut and feel as their erections grew through the fabric of their underwear and pants, moans being shared between their mouths, Ludwig’s own hands beginning the thread of his back, falling and falling until he had his ass in his easy hold, pushing him more to have them thrusting wildly, Feliciano now bouncing on him, taking more of that rod that even with restrictions was driving him to utter ecstasy, to escaped moans, to arches, to fingers threading in the hair that escaped from Ludwig’s gel as it became too heated to maintain. So hot, so hot, they were just about ready to shed their clothing, to have more of their skin against skin.

“Aaahhh, amore, forte, più forte, dammi di più,” he breathed, he seemed to sing in the most melodic voice Ludwig had ever heard, even if he couldn’t understand it all that well. Yet he was weak, compliant to piston more of their hips together, sensing the urgency, the peak approaching, just about ready to fall on them, just about ready to scream.

“Ludwig, we just got this request from Wales- and holy mother of heaven and hell, what the fuck,” Gilbert came in with a swift opening, seeing some movements, some tight holds around two people that quickly had his mind collecting what was going on in the privacy of his brother’s office.

In the suddenness, in the trying to regain some sort of decency, Feliciano fell straight to the ground, Ludwig got a mess of papers to cover his lap, stupefied and not even helping Feliciano to stand, who rubbed his backside hoping to relieve it from the pain of the fall.

“It-It’s…not what it looks like!" Ludwig tried to excuse, but his eyes were avoiding, he still flushed, Feliciano hadn’t done anything to hide his own bulge.

“I don’t know, everything looks pretty obvious to me,” Gilbert interrogated.

“It’s uh…it’s um…uh…” Ludwig really tried to find a good enough excuse, but nothing really fit, nothing could really hide the actions that Gilbert already saw.

“Luddy, just relax. Feli, can you leave us alone for a moment, I really have to discuss this request with Ludwig,” Gilbert spoke on normally, quite a surprise, he was not one to let something like this fall between him so easily.

“Yes-yes, of course,” Feliciano nodded and made his way out, avoiding eyes with Gilbert, but he could still see his grin, his teasing eyes and Feliciano only smiled back albeit in embarrassment, Ludwig thinking he only did it to be polite.

Feliciano shut the door behind him, leaving Gilbert with an even wider grin, with a wink, trying to hold himself from letting his chuckles become any higher by biting harshly on his lips.

“Um…yes, what did they sent from Wales?” Ludwig questioned hoping it could calm enough, but no, Gilbert kept on smiling and looking on with blaming eyes like an idiot.

“Gilbert!” Ludwig groaned, hoping he could quickly get to business.

“I can’t just ignore the fact that my little brother was about to get it on in his office with his boyfriend! Really, I never thought you would become so impatient as to let yourself almost bang him against your desk,” he laughed, coming close to finally land the file on his desk.

“I-I wasn’t going to, I was just…I was just kissing him."

“Your hips were kissing his all right. You were about ready to rip your clothes off,” he chortled.

“No um…no we-we weren’t, it just seemed like that to you, we just got a little… touchy,” Ludwig tried on to excuse, Gilbert couldn’t believe it.

“Right…by the way, you got a little… drool here,” Gilbert pointed to the one that was falling down the edge of Ludwig’s lips that he quickly brushed away with a rub of his hand. “Also, you might want to close up your shirt.” It was still unbuttoned as a mess, Ludwig quickly trying to put it together as well as trying to pull back the strands of hair that fell on his forehead.

“Yes…nothing happened, but all right,” he shrugged with a still evident smile.

“Just tell me about this request,”

“Okay, so…”

  Six months since Feliciano came into the company, those last ones utter fantasy and dream. In that small amount of time, Ludwig was introduced to a chance of romance, to dinners, hikes, beaches, movies, even a weekend trip to New York City to spend with someone as Feliciano. Each day a new passion, a new smile, a new glow, a stronger realization to what this could be. Days at their houses, in the commodity of less clothes, of shared beds and breakfast, a normality that Ludwig had no problem with having for continuing days.

As he would wrap his arms around Feliciano’s figure, dressed in nothing but his shirt from the night before, with coffee staining his lips, Ludwig would lean in and clean it with his own, telling him, truly and with shine as the morning glow that came into his apartment: “I love you.”

That first time had brought a sudden shock to Feliciano, a frozen expression as he truly let the echo of the words reach him all completely. Ludwig had feared, instantly he hurt, and he was afraid for this brash telling, ready for apologies, but Feliciano then smiled, wrapping his arms around his neck, pulling him into his closeness and letting their lips meet in fire before he answered just as brightly: “I love you too.”

Ludwig had never known a more awake feeling, he had never seen the world with more a shine, never had more desire to work, to wake, to do everything in alight and promise. His company had never been more fruitful with the new dedications he gave it, with the new chances he brought to his workers that held it even higher. This was the opposite of what he expected a relationship would bring him. But like it had all changed in a matter of six months, it had its chance to do so in a single day.

“You’re…resigning?” Ludwig held to the letter weakly, knowing that any little wisp was enough to have it flying to the ground, or the wall, just anywhere that not lay between him and Feliciano.

“It was…what I decided when I first came here. All I needed were these six months of experience so I could go for that position in Rome,” Feliciano explained sadly.

It was an opportune position that should have left him with exploding joy, now it had him weakened to the point that he feared it wouldn’t let him stand.

“And…they accepted you?”

“Got an e-mail last night…” Feliciano rubbed his hand on his arm shyly.

Silence then settled, the letter between them hanging it.

“When would you be leaving?”

“About two weeks…”

“Oh…”

It only became more heavy, more hurting.

“Um…uh…” he hated to be doing this, he wouldn’t offer such a chance for anybody if they hadn’t been enough in the company, but this was Feliciano, his love, his recent sun and rain, and if it meant bending some things to keep him here…then he would try.

“I could…raise your position um…grant you the chance to lead projects, raise your wages, offer healthcare,” Ludwig tried to convince.

With the smile Feliciano wore, Ludwig thought it had done just the trick, but then it easily fell, Feliciano reaching his hands to take a hold of Ludwig’s.

“Ludwig…I’m the one who hands all your files, I know the company is overemployed, you don’t have enough to do something like that for me. I really, really appreciate it, but…even if you could, I would still really want this position in Italy,” he admitted, although breaking and downing.

“I’ve wanted it for so long, it’s exactly what I want to do. I’ll have my own office, my own clients, to control projects however I want, an amazing pay and more importantly I’ll be in my home and…this is a chance of my dreams and I don’t…want to give it up,” he told, leaning closer for Ludwig to see his purpose, one that Ludwig doubted he could break, even if it meant leaving him here in New Jersey.

Ludwig sighed, the hold of his hands becoming tighter, to then raise them to his lips to kiss, laying him there as what would happen next sink into his head, maintaining that hold as if it could maintain him forever with him.

“If it’s what you want then…I’ll accept, wish you the best in this new opportunity and…receive our…separation if we…if we have to…”

Feliciano could just feel his pain with the sudden grip in his hold, shaking, the bite to his lips, turning away, not wanting Feliciano to see the shattering in his eyes.

“Ludwig…I love you, I love you so much and what hurts the most about this is having to leave you behind, but…we don’t have to break up, I can message you every day and we can webcam every chance we get, I’ll send you all kinds of gifts, and you’ll come visit me! We can travel around Italy, and we could even go up to Germany!” He tried to light up, ecstatic for the future chances. He could leave this country behind, but he couldn’t leave Ludwig, and he would make him a part of him even if miles away.

Ludwig finally managed to smile, albeit with still lingering melancholy, because even if they did these things, it still meant time apart, it still meant they couldn’t be with each as often, it still meant him going away while he had to stay here.

“I’ll try what I can for us,” he decided, bringing Feliciano that large smile he adored.

They came into an embrace with strong promises, hands innocently on their backs, hips, necks and the back of their heads, awakening chances, strengthening a bond they knew not even distance could break.

  Ludwig and Feliciano made sure to spend those last two resting weeks together, along with other friends Feliciano had made in the company that wanted to wish a proper farewell, luck and even appropriate gifts for all he had done for them. Lovino didn’t mind him staying at Ludwig’s so constantly these last few days, it was better than having him sulking about how much he would miss everybody…especially Ludwig. Lovino himself would leave for a position in Rome like his brother in a couple of months as well, so this wouldn’t be the last he would have of his younger brother. Now with Antonio…he was glad Feliciano was out of the house to have him over more often.

Despite the time Ludwig and Feliciano had been together, the intensity of their kisses, of their touches, their grinding and rutting, they really hadn’t been able to have appropriate sex. Ludwig sometimes hated that he waited this long, that he had to leave it for Feliciano’s last night in the city, when they could have begun to enjoy from something so intimate weeks before, when Feliciano leaving was not a threat, so it would feel wholesome instead of just a kind of special goodbye.

Ludwig had invited Feliciano to his apartment for dinner, advising him to bring wine to go with the menu of smoked trout and goat Cheese rolls, grilled beef, and his try with an orecchiette with broccoli and even some Neapolitan style pizza. Feliciano said the pasta was passable but the pizza was an abomination. He was lucky Lovino wasn’t there to give him a harsh throw of words and deny any blessings to this relationship. They ended up laughing about it, cuddling in the couch, sharing in wine and chocolate coated almonds as they spoke on, hands treading on curves of hips, on arms, sometimes falling silent to just let themselves stare to the wonderful glow of red on their skin, on the stars in their eyes, of their breaths reigning, pulling them the ever closer.

It was obvious the moment would lean them into a kiss, to move themselves much closer to the other as their simple touches grew into harshened grasps, just enough to have their moans awaken, which in turn raised the intensity of their want. Feliciano straddled Ludwig’s laps, beginning that rutting they very well knew while their hands continued to move all over them, through hair, necks, chests, legs and of course grasping of growing erections. They knew just how to spin, how to push, what parts of their necks to kiss and suck, wanting more of that skin, beginning to remove their shirts, to be granted that much more area for their lips and hands to explore, to arch them, for their voices to expand their melody of passion.

Ludwig decided this was not the appropriate place to start surely what was coming, and while skillfully keeping their lips connected in their wet mending, with swirling tongues and spit falling down to their chins, Ludwig raised them, Feliciano instantly wrapping his legs around those powerful hips, arms around the strength of his shoulder, while he moved them to the comfort of his room and bed.

Before Ludwig landed him on his sheets, he had quickly removed those jeans he wore, even his underwear, so when he did sink into the mattress, he was bare all completely for him to witness.

A golden beauty, seduction incarnated unlike any Ludwig had ever seen. Yes, he wanted that treasure, all that shine, all that love that Feliciano already welcomed with the opening of his arms…and legs. Ludwig quickly removed whatever was left of his clothing, for Feliciano to see his well form, majestic and powerful, having him dread that he kept it often concealed, but also vengeful for if any other could take a stare, could have this view. No, no, only his, Ludwig was only his, and with the choking embrace he gave him, their naked bodies lying across every inch of skin to feel and grow by its warmth, he enunciated the owning of this territory for him.

While they moved, while theirs hands and arms were all over their bodies, while they kissed in ferocity, Ludwig reached for the bedside table, where he kept them, where he stored them after he bought them that morning expecting this to finally happen. A good bottle of lube, a good pack of condoms, all to which Feliciano smirked as Ludwig laid them on the bed, taking the lube to start the preparation. Feliciano was more than eager, only a small hesitation in the way his eyes took every process of Ludwig opening the package, biting his lips in anticipation as he drenched his fingers enough with the clear substance. Ludwig neared, he pointed, laying comforting kisses on his thighs, Feliciano laying down, keeping his stare to the ceiling as Ludwig took the first dive. It began simple, movements that Feliciano only gave small cringes to, slowly accepting, slowly feeling it pleasure, having him calling, moving against them.

“More…” he moaned, with bites against his lips to keep himself from giving any other larger shout. Ludwig obeyed, loving that hint of a beg, loving how he made him contort, with a harshened grip on the sheets, heightening his voice the more he plunged. He loved it, he loved that voice, he wanted it louder, and in his intent, he began to move his fingers much quicker, deepening, hitting all the nerves that made Feliciano’s movements much rougher against it, now shouting along uncaring, just the way Ludwig wanted it.

“Stop, stop, stop, stop,” he suddenly wanted and Ludwig did so, giving him the space to breathe, to settle in his sheets, to regain enough just to speak.

To help him calm, Ludwig traced his fingers over his legs, watching how it helped him enough to regain his normal breathing, for his entire body to take a sudden rest.

“What happened? Did I…do something wrong?” Ludwig asked worriedly, ready for any kind of apology.

“No, no, quite the opposite, you were so good and I…didn’t want to cum before um…” he turned so beautifully shy with an enchanting shade of red that Ludwig couldn’t help his chuckle, from leaning and placing a dear kiss on his head.

“Thank you,” Ludwig told him, coming down into his embrace, settling well between his legs, making sure he was comfortable, that there was no fear in his expression before he let his hand line up his erection with his entrance, deliciously letting his tip rub against it, creating already enough of a sensation to Feliciano, who was arching and letting out little moans.

“May I?” Ludwig asked like such a gentleman that Feliciano found himself shouting in delight.

“Aaahhh, sì, sì, dio, sì!” He begged once again in the most beautiful way and Ludwig couldn’t deny him, as well as himself, any longer. He took the plunge, a hardened feat at first as he tried to make his way in, wanting not to be as hurtful, but no matter it was still a hard intrusion that had Feliciano whimpering, straining, gripping ever harsher to the large pillow now. It made Ludwig hesitant to continue, to just leave it at this depth, but then Feliciano moved his gripping to his shoulders.

“Ke-keep going,” he still wanted.

“Feliciano you look really strained, I don’t want to hurt you."

“Oh god, Ludwig! Just keep going! I’ll get used to it, it’s just-ah! It’s just big, bu-but I can deal!” He whimpered.

With a sigh, keeping a hand to soothe his hair, the other balancing on the bed, he began his push, slow no matter the commands Feliciano gave him. He did obey in trying to get deeper and deeper, until all his member was buried in his tightness, in his warmth, and it was the most amazing wrapped feeling Ludwig had ever experienced and he feared it would be enough for him to release that instant.

“Mmm, so good, so damn good-aaahhh,” he vocalized along with moans, breathing beside Feliciano’s head as he tried to control himself from going crazy in this kind of high and delight. Feliciano arched as he slowly got used to this delicious, amazing fullness, hands tracing sweetly on his back, easing him into their union, into the air of ecstasy, in the accomplishments of finally having each other like this. Feliciano smiled against the side of his face, one hand now rubbing at the back of his hair, then filling it with kisses and licks, until it had awakened Ludwig enough to begin his slow movements. So simple, yet enough to have Feliciano shouting, tightening his hold and whispering so enchantingly into his ear: “Aaahhh, moreee.” Ludwig couldn’t take it any longer, and with a tighter grip of the hand on his bed, the other on Feliciano, he began fastening and fastening and fastening until the bed joined along in his harsher movements, until Feliciano was shouting with each thrust, moving them along, in his hips, in the grips he had of Ludwig’s shoulder, in his moans, in his shut eyes lost to the euphoria, enough of a request of continuation and hardening. Any intensity, any loss of control was accepted and Feliciano welcomed it with wrapping his legs around his waist in a heavy grip, only strengthening Ludwig’s desire to go as untamed as he wanted, potent in those dips that had Feliciano’s screams heightening, into a mess, into frayed movements that only personified the extreme bliss he felt as Ludwig kept bringing him those powerful thrusts. God, how he still wanted him to go harder and faster and Ludwig would find a sure way to comply, to drive him crazier, to always bring a new alight of stars to both their eyes. Ludwig swore that this was what heaven felt like, that there would be no warmth more fulfilling, an embrace more loving, moans more symphonic, a more cushioned ass and thighs that held to him in quite a refresh he never thought he would find in an act such as this. So euphoric, so delighted, he didn’t feel the scratches on his back or wherever Feliciano desperately carved, it only added to his rapture, to the nearing climax that he tried not to give into, but oh god Feliciano tightened, he extended the most beautiful moan, his curls and bangs departing to reveal a face of angelic glow.

“Aaahhh, Ti amo, ooohhh, Ti amo cosi, cosi, cosi, tanto-aaahhh!” How could he continue to hold himself with someone that beautiful, that divine, that damn…perfect? Ludwig strengthened those last thrust, a quickening that made Feliciano lose any kind of ground essence, letting his screams take a volume of their own, uncontrolled as Ludwig’s meeting movements and raises.

“Du bist ein Engel des Himmels, Und oh Gott, ja, ja, ja, ich liebe dich, Gott ja, ich liebe dich!”

That did it.

Hoping to have them both joined in release, Ludwig helped Feliciano finish with a pump of his erection, drenching them both in white as they shouted out, as they gave in to the deepest shallow to let themselves ride the last of that force.

As soon as it began to settle away, Ludwig dropped and Feliciano left him use himself as his rest, both creating a melody of exhausted breaths. Sweat coated skin mixed along as one as their bodies still moved against each other while regaining their breaths.

As energy was restored, as other movements were given, they used it to caress at their hair, at their sides, meeting with a deepening gaze of their eyes, smiling and in it enough to show each other how incredible, intensifying and loving it had all been.

As it dwindled, as they had enough to be aware, Feliciano dared move back against him, to the union that still continued. Ludwig was left wide eyed, starring back to Feliciano to see him with a smile, a bite on his lips, teasing eyes and raised eyebrows.

“You…want to do it again?” Ludwig wondered as much.

“Luddy, I’m leaving tomorrow. I want the most I can get from you and I’m prepared to have no sleep tonight.”

Oh god that smirk, that new heat, that new vivacity that Ludwig completely wanted a part of.

“At least…let me change the condom,” he blushed in embarrassment, to Feliciano so cute, so sweet, leaning to place a simple kiss on his cheek.

“Of course, caro.”

  Three more times, he had Feliciano four times in total that night, against the headboard of his bed, sideways, and had him riding lastly, in that very position falling against his chest, three in the morning when they decided to finally fall asleep, Ludwig so tired he couldn’t even stand for a shower, preferring to just hold Feliciano tight and let themselves drift together to dream.

Somehow they woke up in the shine of the morning, on the heaviness of a day Ludwig would lose Feliciano. The first thing they met as their eyes opened was their own gazes, with meeting smiles, new caresses…and new passionate heats. They were quick with reaching towards their lips, with hardening, with biting, licking, tongues swirling, continuous crashes of that softness that they never wanted to cease. Oh, Feliciano wanted him, for a full day to go at it again and again and again. He picked a condom from the package as he leaned down to take his penis into his mouth, licking, sucking and even rubbing with his hands, all having Ludwig begin new moans and bucks. In a break, he ripped the new one, beginning to place it on him, placing kisses down to the last of skin before it was completely covered. Feliciano didn’t waste time in mounting him, in rising enough to prepare him into his entrance, only a small amount of lube to enter in his hole. He was confident that he was slicked enough after the many times they did it in the night. He had it in him easy, the intrusion one now of ultimate bliss, that he welcomed with his own high moans as he adjusted, hands on his chest to balance himself, Ludwig extending his arms to grab his thighs, feeling on their creaminess, sending an assurance to start the movements he craved and Feliciano didn’t hesitate.

The rocking began, a hard one that messed the bed once again, that lost them in the wonder, moans released, Ludwig by know knowing just the spot to hit to drive Feliciano crazy in his rise and drop. Ludwig raised his legs to give Feliciano a better hold and rest, better to let himself harsh as he grasped tightly to his knees, head rolled, looking upward as if he was accepting heaven.

Of all the moments to receive a call.

Any other and Feliciano would have easily ignored it, continue on uncaring when he had these onslaughts. There was nothing else he wanted to give his attention to at the moment…but it was Lovino and they had decided he would take him to the airport, with his car having his luggage and everything. He reached for his cellphone from the bedside table, while leaning down his chest above Ludwig’s face, Ludwig taking the chance to lay kisses, to let his hands caress so endearingly sweet on his back, Feliciano shouting, but he had to bite it down as he accepted the call.

“Pronto?” He answered as normally as he could, rising once again to his sitting, eyes on nothing but on the shine of Ludwig’s eyes, all while continuing his movements.

“Hey, I’m about to head out to Ludwig’s place to pick you up, be ready and all that,” he warned.

“O-okay, wi-will do,” he tried to control his voice, although he couldn’t avoid how his face contorted in pure ecstasy, how he smashed himself more harshly unto Ludwig, the blond forcing himself to bite his lips to not come out with any moans that might reveal. This was not the position he wanted Lovino to suspect, even though it somehow made the situation hotter, Ludwig raising his hips more strongly, as if really testing Feliciano. No matter how he rolled his eyes, how he met those movements, how his grip on his knees turned tighter, Feliciano avoided all screams, all mewls, but he did leave out some huffs, some breaths, ones that surely Lovino would notice.

“Hey, are you all right? …Don’t tell me you’re crying with Mr. Hasselhoff over there,” Lovino still angered.

Feliciano wanted to laugh, but he only managed a smile in Ludwig’s direction, with quite a seductive wink that couldn’t make Ludwig hold that small groan.

“Oh yes, we’re really sad, sorry.” Harder slaps, pushes, Feliciano falling until he had one arm supporting him on the bed, only centimeters from Ludwig’s face, with a smile, hips continuing their banging.

Ludwig was incredibly tempted to ravage those lips that instant.

“Well pack it up and get going, I’ll be there in like fifteen minutes,”

“All right.” Feliciano hung up without another hesitation, letting the phone drop to the floor so he could focus instead on those impending thrusts, of screaming out before they finally crashed their lips, as harshened as the meet of their hips, hands on their rears pushing into the intensifying, into the growing of their sounds, into the bang of the bed against the wall.

With Feliciano keeping a last tightening hold of the headboard, he shouted out his release, Ludwig giving one last buck to give his own, joining in Feliciano’s screams, falling into the same heap that was common for every time they finished.

Oh god why did they have to say goodbye to this, to their naked holds, to caresses no matter the sweat that fell, even the sweet kiss they now shared.

A new rumbling in Feliciano’s phone, this time a text from Lovino saying that he was on his way and he would be there in a couple of minutes. They both jolted up and rushed, taking their shower together, fixing up their clothing and Feliciano dealing with a quick breakfast, not really enough after all the energy they used last night plus his still hurting hips.

Feliciano had just finished dealing with his hair when he heard the honk from Lovino’s car, of course impatient and hurrying. Feliciano sighed but knew they he had to, his being saddening, holding himself to the curtain of Ludwig’s window as a sort of way to keep him grounded there. Ludwig, now appropriately dressed, came forward, wrapping himself around his waist, kissing his shoulders, getting Feliciano exhilarated, with little huffs, a hand going to caress at his hair, savoring this. Another honk, elongated and annoying, interrupting, both defeated and knowing they had to apart.

Keeping a hold of their hands, Ludwig brought Feliciano over to the door, only a simple bag with last night’s clothes over his shoulder. The door was opened and Feliciano was out the threshold, but he turned to him, placing a hand over Ludwig’s chest, rubbing the area, looking up to him, taking that last gaze of those blue eyes in person, Ludwig letting his hand caress at his, taking the last of that softness there for him.

“Please come see me in Italy, and message me when you can. If you want, I can call you every night,” Feliciano wished hoping to make this more easygoing, filling it with more hope.

“I’ll send you all kinds of pictures of the dogs.”

“And what you bake?”

“Definitely.” To assure him he placed a kiss on his hand.

They came into an embrace, getting that warmth, that protection, that last familiar hold. A last kiss, longing for something more, but another honk reminded and Feliciano really did have to go before it got too late.

“I love you, so, so, so much,” Feliciano wanted to assure before leaving.

“And I love you as much,” Ludwig smiled, with one last little peck to his lips before Feliciano had to move away, never stopping his waving until he was taking the elevator down.

Ludwig heard him mount Lovino’s car, then driving on ahead fast…in speeds Ludwig was starting to think had been illegal.

He was gone, out, leaving his apartment empty and desolated, with no song, no passion and no light. Was this how things were going to be like from now on? Could he really just…cook, bake, take the dogs on their walk, work on some designs, continue on like it was any other day without Feliciano being a constant presence anymore? He dropped and slumped in the couch, for now accepted, but already missing that heat of his skin, that brush of any part of him over his own body, his voice, his topics, his smile. The dread had been so much that he hadn’t really stood from the sinking until he got a text from Feliciano reading: ‘Just about to board the plane. I’ll send you something once I land in Rome’ and three little hearts that added quite the sweetness.

He sighed, he would just have to deal, continue on, do what he could with only but messages like this to fill whatever needed presence of him.

In his mind he was already planning his visit to go see him, and so he would work to earn himself that chance.

  ‘Aww, Sasha adorable as always’

‘She’s a sweetie and she loved the Nussecke’

‘Now I want some Nussecke. I wish I could be babysitting with you~’ Feliciano truly pouted from his lean on the desk, going up the conversation to stare at the picture Ludwig sent him just a bit earlier.

It was of a little girl munching on the triangle treats, brown hair and face covered in flour as well as her shirt and jeans, but it did not cease her joy, her smile as she took it into her mouth.

She was the daughter of a neighbor from the apartment next to Ludwig’s, a single mother who constantly needed help with her daughter and Ludwig offered himself as a good babysitter. Feliciano never thought such a job would be so fitting to him, making him the more endearing and sweet, letting him blush the more at the pride that this man was his boyfriend.

It had been a year and a couple of months since they got into this relationship, months of this long distance, of missing one another heavily, of sad nights where they really wanted their embraces and closeness to relieve of whatever anxiousness, dread or load from their jobs.

Yes, Feliciano currently had the job he wanted, a great office, frames on his wall of his best projects, establishing and getting a known name in the city. The pay was great and more than enough to pay his living by himself even if Lovino was living in the city too, even had his own office in the very building. Everything was perfect…he just wished Ludwig could be a part of it as well, that he could finally visit him and spend those weeks they constantly planned and talked about. But then he would leave…and it would be the same repetition, the same suffering, the same longing and fault that left him crying in the nights already. Oh he loved Ludwig, he loved him so much and yes he would love to keep a hold of him for their entire lives, but he hated that they had to deal with their relationship like this, that they both could have such and amazing sweet moments on their own and they couldn’t be there to enjoy from them together.

‘I know you’re in your office, but can I call for a moment?’ He then texted.

Feliciano wasn’t really doing anything but dealing with some messages sent from the customers he worked for in the month. ‘Of course!’ In only seconds his phone was ringing with his call.

“Caro!” he greeted as dearly as always, just enough joy to lift him from his earlier sorrow.

“Liebling, how is everything?” Ludwig asked before anything.

“Oh, everything is going well. You know the Never Land theme I made for the Toselli kids?”

“Of course, it was spectacular. I showed it to others here in the company and they were heavily impressed. Now I’m trying to convince Gilbert not to buy a ship and stick it to his living room wall.” Ludwig rolled his eyes but Feliciano chuckled at the thought.

“They finally showed it to their kids, they sent me package of pictures of their reactions and it’s all adorable. They loved what I did and now I have new numbers of parents who want something similar for their own.” He was truly proud, excited to try new themes and bring more wonder to the living spaces of these kids.

“I’m very proud of you, and speaking of ships and Never Land, I think we should really start discussing my visit to see you.”

Feliciano jumped silently on his position, smiling wildly and ecstatic.

He was finally coming, he was finally coming!

“Yes, yes, yes, I want to be with you so badly. You have to see Rome! And we should go down to Sicily! Oh, oh! I have relatives that have a beautiful villa in the countryside, and we can go to Genoa too!”

Ludwig chuckled, not minding any of those mentionings at all.

“And then, and then, Germany! We can go see your family at Hannover, and I’ve always wanted to do a road trip around Bavaria!”

Ludwig could practically see the stars shinning around him. “I’m sure we’ll have the time. What’s the best time to visit?”

“It doesn’t matter! Come any time you want! I’ll reschedule projects if I have to!”

“How about right now?”

“Well if you can find a flight at this short notice, sure!”

“Actually I already went through my flight.”

Silence.

“Huh?”

“I think you should head out of your office.”

“Don’t tell me you just arrived to the airport! Luddy!” He hurriedly picked his car keys and headed straight to the door, ready to make his fast haste to pick him up.

“Actually…” Feliciano opened the door. “I’m right here.” With a proud smile, holding the phone still to his ear and surrounded by large luggage.

“Luddy!” Feliciano shouted, jumping head straight into his embrace, both dropping their phones to feel the caress of them after so long, that missed warmth, those scents familiar and non-changing, Feliciano not missing a chance to bury himself in it at the crook of his neck. He nuzzled him and Ludwig indulged in the form of his back, in the softness of his arm, placing an occasional kiss on his hair, until Feliciano raised his head and instantly had their lips meet, in enough of a melt to actually lean them down both to the floor, in the loss of everything but this. There was the luggage as obstacle but they somehow managed to lay somewhere between them, until they were laying upon one another as if they were in the privacy of their own beds.

“You’re here! You’re here! You’re here!” Feliciano kept shouting, not believing it still, holding him tighter, proving himself to this more real, and if it was a dream, maintaining himself in it for as long as he could.

“But-but-” he suddenly stood, sitting them and hoping that they could now talk appropriately. “When did you leave? How did you find the company? And why did you bring so many bags?”

“Last night. I called Lovino, he told me, convinced him to keep my visit a surprise, still couldn’t get him to pick me up, so I just took a taxi,” Ludwig shrugged it, helping Feliciano to get them both to stand once again. “As for why I have so many bags…well I wanted to tell you later but-”

“Hola! Estoy aqui y listo para la vitta bella!” Feliciano did not expect to see Antonio crashing in through the elevator with his own countless bags, waving ecstatically and making his way between them, surely to where Lovino’s lay.

“Antonio?”

“Um…” The elevator dinged once again with a group now, most not holding luggage, others with many as Antonio and Ludwig.

“I like our building better,” he recognized Neereja, there was also Gupta, Roshaun, João, Sadiq, Yong, Corisande, basically many who had been in the company.

“Um…what are they all doing here?” Feliciano asked, hoping that the question wasn’t rude, he was just curious.

“So um…I decided that the company should have a new base, so I opened a new one here…in Rome.”

Feliciano was frozen, letting that settle well, letting him realize. “You…you-you…seriously?”

Ludwig nodded eagerly.

“He really did,” Corisande assured.

“Hired many of us to make the move over here,” Gupta added.

“Right after you left he started working on this idea,” Roshaun.

“I wish my own significant would open up a new base just to be closer to me,” Sadiq dreamed.

“But I mean, a chance to work in Rome, Italy, who could deny that?” Yong exclaimed.

“The new place is three blocks from here, it’s still in the preparations, I actually suggested that they should just wait until everything was rightfully ready, but…” The elevator rang once again, yet another group coming, waving and greeting and making their space in the hall, filling it with all kinds of chatter now. “They were impatient, and most of them wanted to see you and-”

“Can we all crash at your place while we get our own?” Emil said squeezing himself between the crowds to greet others.

“How many came?” Feliciano wanted to know, seriously thinking how he was going to fit them all in his apartment.

“About…” Ludwig really tried to count how many he brought on his head.

“Twenty-seven!” Elizabeta shouted from her spot.

“Ludwig…I don’t think…”

Ludwig shushed him and leaned to whisper enough, “don’t worry, I got some contacts, three hostels to take them until then, but they’re still looking for an excuse to stay at your place.”

Feliciano took a breath of relief. He would drive himself crazy dealing with all these people, even if they had been once amazing co-workers.

“Well, we could all go out to eat?” He didn’t think he had enough groceries at home to feed them all, but they all chanted and celebrated at the chance.

“Are you paying?” Sadiq shouted.

“Haha! No!”

While all excited, all who had been downstairs reached up as well, Antonio and Lovino leaving the office hand in hand giving each other sweet smiles to join the rest. Feliciano pulled Ludwig away into a corner they could leave to themselves for a moment.

“So…you’re really moving here?” He had to really make sure.

“Yes, for as long as I’m able. I’m not going to let anything separate us now.” He raised his hand to leave a kiss to them, rubbing them in oath.

“But-but, what about your company back in America? And Gilbert, and your family?”

“I left it under new management, and Gilbert actually left back to Germany, got himself a good opportunity ther. He promised to come over here to visit. Germany is either a car ride, a train ride or a short flight away. I’m closer to my family than I was back in New Jersey. Honestly I didn’t care about the states, I was just there because of the offer I was given, but this one, it means more, with a perfect location, and you, you, you.” It was truly what excited him the most, the sureness that didn’t make Feliciano question this any longer, that just accepted his now staying presence with another strong hug, with sways, with laughter.

“Can we still plan that trip we were talking about?”

“Of course, we have a couple of days before we all start working here.”

“I still can’t believe it…Luddy….your Company is going to be my competition!” He laughed.

“I’m pretty confident in mine,” Ludwig dared smirk.

“Who knows, things can happen, maybe you’ll end up being my intern,” Feliciano teased.

“Hmm…” Ludwig leaned and whispered: “I assume that would be enough of a permission to make out in your office.” He had once been so shy and embarrassed about this, but now, it was all he wanted and could think about in his more heated moments.

Feliciano smirked in turn and leaned to whisper in his own ear: “We could do so much more than just make out.” He licked his cheek to signify enough of the implications.

Ludwig found himself wanting to act on them right now. It was deserving after having only dealt with pictures, naughty webcam chats and sexting. Then again…they were still out there, with a hall full of people that wanted to celebrate this beginning of a new opportunity.

“How about we leave that for tonight?” Ludwig smirked and Feliciano accepted, tippy toeing and leaving a kiss on his cheek.

Taking their hands, letting themselves be close finally, the touch of their waist fulfilling enough, they moved into the group to enjoy from the missed chats, from the missed environment that had granted Ludwig and Feliciano their love.

 < previous chapter

[highladyofthenightcourt5]

Bright as the Night Sky (Part 12):

Alright! So the moment everything will start to be explained! Hope you enjoy the ride! (As you can see I have added the [AO3] account and will update it immediately after posting this)

READ BELOW FOR AN EDIT THAT I ADDED UNDERNEATH AUTHOR’S NOTE!

Shout Out: @rowan-buzzard-whitethorn @rowanismybae @feysandfeels @mm23219 @iwouldtrustmylifetohagrid @feyreismeiamfeyre @acourtofredqueens @hellosparkyislove @dr-woodsprite @dragonbound135 @rowanrhysand @daughterxofxnight @nestasbucket @feysand9299

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[AO3]:

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Part 3:

Part 4:

Part 5:

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Part 7:

Part 8:

Part 9:

Part 10:

Part 11:

Part 13:

Part 14:

Part 15:

Part 16:

Part 17:

Part 18:

Part 19:

Part 20:

I stifle a gasp as I stare at the glass enclosure, its dirty surface in the dim light making it almost impossible to peer into its contents. But despite the lack of visibility, it was all too clear to notice the large membraneous shadows clustered in the stifling coffin.

My fingers are a trembling mess as I try to summon courage, to will my heart to stop its frantic beating, as my fingers grasp the sides of the glass panels and pull with all my might. But the glass does not budge, dirt is now encrusted underneath my nails and I nearly growl in frustration.

“Why won’t it open?” I growl, fingers balled into fists as I try to restrain my erratic emotions.

Tamlin swallows audibly. “It has a spell—“

“What kind of spell?” I ground out as I stalk towards him, ready to strangle him if need be.

“Uh…um…a locking spell…I didn’t want anyone to-“

“Listen to me Tamlin and listen closely.” I whisper, voice deadly quiet, “If you do not open this chest in the next two seconds, I will unleash upon you the darkest night that my Court has to offer and I will plague your lands until you forget how the sun even felt on your useless hide.” I threaten and Tamlin’s eyes widen as he takes in my ferocity.

“You wouldn’t dare.” He breathes and I nearly launch myself at him at the disbelief in his voice.

“Open it NOW.” I roar and he nearly trips in his haste to reach the damn glass and press a smooth palm over its surface. It begins to release a feverish light, almost blinding, until it winks out and the glass slowly pivots open, the creaking of the hinges raising the hairs on my arms as the contents of that hellish cage are finally clear.

My heart suddenly gallops to a stop as a cry is nearly ripped from throat, one hand clamping over my lips as I take in the majestic wings pinned to the wooden panel behind it. I’m hesitant to come any closer.

But I do.

I step so close that I run a delicate finger over its dry surface, the normal leathery feel gone…all that remains are wrinkles in its papery surface, their texture that of fall’s broken leaves, all that remains their broken carcasses before being swept away in winter’s storm.

I can hardly swallow as I turn my gaze to the wings to my left, the talon adorning its uppermost portion dull with age, its points blunt from continual use. I pass a soft hand over its delicate skin until I reach the uppermost corner where dried muscle and tissue are only charred chunks from where they were ripped from their backs. I whimper escapes my lips as hot tears rain down my face as I imagine their suffering, their pain, their—

I pause as I take in a tiny spot hidden in a crook of the wing, so achingly familiar that I nearly jolt back. The tiny blemish brings a roar to my lips as I scream against the hot flash of pain in my chest, in my heart, in my soul, as I realize who this wing belonged to.

For how could I not recognize the familiar blemish that was all too similar to the one on my mate’s. After centuries of gazing upon him in wonder, there was no way that I would not recognize them anywhere.

I can hardly control myself as I slam my knees onto the floor, hands clawing at my eyes as I try to erase the face behind the wings, the woman who loved my mate so much. How can I tell him? How do I tell him that I found his mother’s wings?

For a few moments, I had believed that maybe this was just a dream or someone else’s wings, my mind refusing to believe that this could be all that is left of Rhysand’s family.

Pain so fierce is gripping my chest as I try to breathe. Pain for the mother and daughter who remained pinned in a box for nearly 300 hundred years and most of all; pain for the male who would have to relive their deaths all over again.

For that was what was scorching my soul, the pain, the fear, the hate that would possess him. How I loathed to be the one to tell him, to rip open those scarred wounds. For I don’t think he would ever survive it and I could not survive in a world without him.

So I screamed.

I screamed so loud that I hoped that all of Prythian would hear my cries and know that these women were loved and that they did not deserve to die. That my mate did not deserve this pain, that he should never have to go back into the darkness of a starless night.

I am nearly at my wit’s end when the door to the townhouse swings open and I nearly barrel into Feyre as I scramble towards the entrance, desperate to make sure she’s alright. I grip her by her shoulders, feeling for anything even though she still hasn’t opened the bond.

I can sense Nesta’s anxiety behind me, along with Cassian and Azriel’s curiosity tinged with their need to defend their High Lady. And before I can say anything they quietly usher themselves out of the house, giving Feyre a quick once-over for any visible injuries and disappearing into the darkening skies.

“Feyre? Feyre look at me.” I nearly beg as I try to brush the wisps of hair out of her eyes and find the dark circles underneath them. Her cheeks are tinged with pink from crying and those round eyes swollen and red. “What’s wrong my love…talk to me…” I murmur as I try to coax a reaction out her.

She takes in a shuddering breath and allows her meek gaze to reach my own, those doleful eyes laden with sorrow that I cannot understand. “I’m so sorry…” She whispers hoarsely as if she’s been screaming for the last few hours. “For lying to you, for—“

“Shh.” I silence as I bring her frail body and press her against my own, hating the quiet of the bond and the heat of her tears soaking my shirt. “There’s nothing to forgive…I just want to know what has caused you these tears…who hurt you?” I growl quietly, heat pooling in my veins as my instincts roar for me to find the person who did this to my mate and destroy them.

“No one!” Her head snaps up as she presses those delicate palms over my chest, those eyes supplicating as she tries to rein in my temper but her eyes are pooling up again and I can’t take it anymore.

“What’s going on Feyre?” My voice losing some of that gentleness. “Why did you close the bond? I almost went insane! I didn’t know where you were or what you were doing and I…” I loose a deep breath and run my hand through my disheveled hair. “I was so afraid of losing you. I hate not knowing where you are or if I can help and then you lying to me just made me feel—“

“Please Rhysand…” Feyre interrupts, fresh tears running down her face as her fingers curl into the fabric of my shirt. “I’m so sorry! I lied and I hate myself for doing it and I wish I never did…I didn’t trust you and it’s my fault. I should have trusted my mate as I have trusted my High Lord and I betrayed you and you have every right to be angry with me. Nothing should be worth our trust and I don’t ever want to lose you.” She sobs and I crush against my chest, feeling the hot tears trailing my cheeks and landing onto her golden hair.

“I’m not angry darling, I could never be angry at you but I was worried. I was so scared that I couldn’t reach you and I still don’t understand why you’re crying or why you closed the bond.” I pull away and keep her at arms length, forcing her to meet my eyes. “Show me your trust…tell me what happened Feyre.”

I can see her jaw clenching as she tries to suppress her emotions, wiping angrily at the onslaught from her eyes before pulling herself together momentarily and opening those chapped lips.

“I hate that I have to be the one to tell you.” Her voice wobbles as she grabs my hands and tries to encase them in her clammy ones. “But I love you Rhysand and please don’t shut me out—“

“Feyre you’re scaring me…what have you done?” My eyes narrow onto her skittish features and her guilty countenance. She lowers her eyes and swallows audibly before whispering oh-so-quietly that I fear that even the breath that escaped her lips didn’t hear;

“I found their wings. I saw them.” And before I can even comprehend what she’s telling me she finally opens the bond.

Author’s Note:

So I have rewarded my faithful followers with a juicy update and hopefully relieve some of that pent up angst. 

ps. You know something’s bad when the shout out list is longer than the actual post...

BTW SO SORRY THIS IS AN EDIT!!!!! I FORGOT TO ADD THIS PICTURE!!!!

This is pretty much how I pictured the box and the wings, I thought it would give you guys an idea. Either way I’ll post this on the next chapter for those who missed out on the picture. (and no I didn’t draw this, I got this off of google images)

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