[ Romance is going soft in his old age. Really, he should tell Mystery to fuck off for a while until his nerves have settled, because let's be real here - Romance is kinda pissed.
But he doesn't shut Mystery out. Instead, his heart cracks open and he sighs, reaches out to wrap his fingers around Mystery's wrist. ]
It's alright. [ He gently pries one of Mystery's hands away from his head and pulls him in, shutting the door behind him. ] It's alright, you're alright. Come here.
[honestly, that's exactly what romance should do. mystery would understand— or he'd force himself to, anyway. what he did wasn't right, no matter how fucked up he might've been, and what's even weirder is baby didn't say a single word back to him. didn't ask him why, didn't tell him to stop, but maybe that's just baby's way of it? just completely ignoring him because he knew something was up.
without him even realizing it, his breathing has quickened in pace and his whole face is burning with shame, but as romance reaches out to take hold of his wrist, it hits him like a freight train.
it's alright.] It's not, [he insists, his voice cracking, the sound immediately tearful before any actual tears start coming down his face, even though those follow shortly after. his voice is shaking as he's pulled into romance's room, the other hand still on his head, gripping his hair too tightly.] I'm sorry, I'm s-so sorry—
As smooth as Romance can be, he's unaccustomed to dealing with tears. For a moment he falters, free hand fluttering before he sets his jaw and reaches around Mystery to flip the lock on his door. ]
Shh, shh, sweetheart. Come with me.
[ He reaches to peel Mystery's other hand free, slide hands together and lace their fingers. He gently pulls them in the direction of his bed, easing himself down and tugging Mystery into his lap, an arm going around his waist, other into his hair, guiding his head to rest against Romance's shoulder. ]
[it feels a little silly, crying over a problem that he caused for himself, but he genuinely thinks that he fucked up and he doesn't want romance to leave him. he doesn't even notice romance locking the door, too caught up in his ridiculousness to let anything distract him, at least until romance is trying to comfort him again.
mystery lets his hand be pulled away and, although he feels like he should withdraw, he lets romance lace their fingers together, his chest heaving somewhat harder as he's guided toward the bed. once romance has sat down, he feels the burning urge to squirm away, and yet he doesn't. instead, he lets himself be tugged, hesitantly sliding into place on romance's lap, his forehead resting against his shoulder as he continues to cry.
he draws his hands up and clutches romance's shirtfront, fingers trembling despite how tight he's gripping, his breath coming in harsh, wet sounds while he buries his face even harder against romance's shoulder.]
I sh-shouldn't have done that, [he admits pitifully.] I'm an idiot.
[ The noise is noncommittal as he thinks, a rumble in his chest as he strokes his hand over Mystery's back, up and down, smoothing over his shirt, gently straightening where it's bunched at the hem, then back up again.
The problem is that there's no definition on this thing, is there? It's not as if they've set any sort of boundaries. They haven't even discussed it at length. They only fall into bed together, speak pretty words, and then walk away. It's as much Romance's fault as it is Mystery's. ]
You aren't an idiot. [ He tips his head to rest against Mystery's, eyes closing. ] We never defined anything. You were well within your rights to do as you pleased.
[slowly but surely, romance's hand rubbing over his back is helping to calm him. the inhale he takes is trembling, but he exhales a little more carefully, trying to stop his tears, one hand lifting from romance's shirt to scrub over his face in an attempt to wipe away the wetness. unfortunately, that doesn't help with the tears that have already fallen on romance's shoulder, which he feels silly about, too.
no, they really didn't put a name on it or anything like that. regardless of this, mystery still feels as if he should've known better, should've done better despite his inebriated state. if anything, both of them taking the blame is probably the better outcome of this situation, but he truly doesn't think romance did anything wrong.
he sniffs lightly, pressing the hand over his mouth to muffle the soft whimper that tries to escape, though he lowers it again afterward and does his best to recover.] I don't— I mean, I... I want to? To define it. [a beat, his throat suddenly going dry, even if he does his best to swallow hard and push past the forming lump.] But I don't want you to— [another pause, this one somewhat longer so he can catch his breath] —to feel trapped.
[ A thing like Romance (the demon) doesn't deserve any of the affection that he gets from Mystery. He barely knows what to do with it; his view of romance (the concept) is tainted and twisted, but Mystery makes him want to untangle the snarled thorns embedded in his soul. It's easier with Mystery (any of them, really) than it would be with someone outside of their circle, but he's self-aware enough to know that he's...problematic.
He ate someone who flirted with Mystery, for God's sake. By all rights it's Mystery who should be running off screaming. ]
You need to be honest with me, Mystery. [ He sounds mildly amused, shifting the other demon in his lap, glancing down at his shoulder that's now more than damp with sweet Mystery's tears. ] If you want to put a label on something, you need to tell me. Don't worry about me feeling trapped - I'll make that decision for myself.
[ He is being far too healthy about this. Maybe Mystery is a good influence. ]
So what do you want? The truth now, don't hide behind this lovely mop of hair you've got.
[ As if to make a point, he lifts a hand and brushes some hair behind Mystery's ear, but doesn't peel him off his shoulder. ]
[funny, because mystery thinks he doesn't deserve anything romance gives him, either. he's too sweet to him, calling him all these nicknames, saying that he's ‘lovely’, always making him feel important in a way even fans don't make him feel. sure, he can appreciate the praise from them, but anything from romance makes his heart flutter abnormally, like it's going to take actual wing and fly away. the other saja boys make his heart do crazy things, but none so much as romance.
even funnier, he's thought about that once or twice since it happened, and yet he still doesn't think anything is particularly wrong with it; they're demons, it's what they do, isn't it?
mystery makes a soft, halfhearted noise, something that almost sounds like a complaint, but he doesn't fight romance moving him. he just lets it happen, even if he does raise a hand to press over the wet spot on romance's shirt like he's trying to hide it.
being so real right now, he's genuinely surprised at how well romance is handling this? he thought it was going to go a completely different way and yet here romance is, proving him wrong on so many levels. he feels his throat tightening again, as if it's trying to suffocate him, the words he wants to say dying on his tongue the moment he thinks he can say them.
but romance continues and he can't help laughing, a short, harsh-sounding thing, but it's there anyway. he props his forehead on romance's shoulder, breathing another sigh as some hair is brushed behind his ear, which prompts him to finally sit more upright and face romance properly.
he reaches to take romance's hands, holding them firmly within his own, his attention fully focused on the other demon while he speaks.] I want you. [somehow, his words are steady now, regardless of the fact he'd been crying moments ago.] I want to be yours and I want you to be mine and I want us to be together for as long as we can be.
[ Romance is not a mind reader - God knows that would make life easier - but he can tell when someone is sorting through their thoughts and emotions, and that's what Mystery seems to be doing. Romance doesn't say anything, just lets the other demon slowly calm, body easing as the tears slow. Romance strokes his messy hair, gently working to smooth it down, his arm that stays around Mystery's waist firm, solid. Tight.
[ His voice is low and pointed, brow lifted with that unmistakable demon who needs very clear instructions before he kills all of his friends look. Romance will run with what he's handed and take total advantage, and Mystery is lucky Romance didn't go absolutely nuts today. ]
I need transparency.
[ He isn't good at sharing, doesn't like it - even his fellow Boys will start getting death stares but if it's what Mystery wants, and it's Romance's bed Mystery ends up in every night, then he supposes they can all have their fun.
For now.
He'll only be civilized for so long. ]
Tell me what you're asking of me. [ He leans in, brushing their foreheads together, voice dropping to a whisper that’s both velvet and threat. ] Because I want you, Mystery.
[ Don't you dare tease him with something he can't have. If Mystery says he's Romance's....he's going to believe it.
Romance is a demon built on obsession and fixation. Mystery is the first one who's ever crawled their way inside his bones - in death and in life - and made him feel like he wasn't a weapon or a piece of meat, that he was important enough to keep coming back to.
The other Boys are lovely, he's had his fill of them all numerous times. And yes, he genuinely loves them - it's messy demon love, but real - and he’s not jealous of them, not in the way he is with strangers. But Mystery came to him on his knees, soft and shaking, and Romance is lost.
Don't make him rip your heart out to prove it’s his. ]
[thank goodness, mystery isn't either, or else he would've tried offing himself long ago. it's enough having to deal with his own thoughts, let alone other people's, especially if it meant having no control over it and just constantly being bombarded with voices at random times. focusing on his own wants and needs, particularly in this moment, it's more than enough to have him reeling, his emotions a jumbled mess and his thoughts even messier— but romance's grip on him is firm and it's reassuring in a way he can't explain.
he clears his throat, preparing to answer romance's question, but something in him tells him to stop, to really think about this before he decides if this is what he wants or not.
does he want just romance or does he want the freedom of fooling around with the other saja boys, too? his feelings are twisted, wanting and needing colliding with each other, but it always circles back to the same thing: he wants and he needs romance. sure, the other boys have always treated him well, but they've never lived up to the way romance treats him; romance treats him like he's everything and he wishes for it to be the same with him in return.
a fun little romp with the other boys is fine, but it's nothing in comparison to the emotions he feels when he's with romance.
that panic starts rising in his chest again, the sensation gripping him so hard, it makes his throat close up, like the feeling alone is enough to suffocate him— then romance's forehead touches his and he exhales a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. i want you, mystery. oh, and he is slipping deeper and deeper into it every second they're together.
his fingers squeeze around romance's briefly, then he releases his hands and reaches them to cup romance's face, holding him in place while he continues staring at him long and hard. he has never wanted romance to feel like he's just a one-time thing, no matter how many times they actually hook up, and if this is his chance to prove it by letting his emotions out, then so be it.]
Just us, Romance. [mystery's voice is still unwavering, dead-set and completely certain.] You and I. Nobody else.
[because romance is that important to him, so much so that even if he has to rip his own heart out and present it to him, he'll do it. whatever will make him happy.
he loves the other boys too, but not like he loves romance. and that's the thing of it, isn't it? he loves him and it's taken this long to realize that that's the exact word he wanted to put to the feeling he felt when they were first together.]
Whatever I have to do, whatever you want me to do, I'll do it to prove that I want just us.
[ Guilt is consuming him, but not enough that he will turn any of what he's being handed down. He was doomed the moment Mystery walked through his door, and he knows he'll never be able to untangle himself from this web of his own weaving.
He swallows, meeting Mystery's eyes, searching for anything that may denote Mystery is only saying what Romance wants to here, that he's giving something up just to placate him. He knows he's a silly little demon with toxic tendencies. There's a reason he's never gotten into anything serious with anyone in...hundreds of years.
But this time, he can't seem to help himself. Mystery's hands are on his face and there's emotion bubbling in his chest, a strange feeling he hasn't felt since he was alive. He knows what it is, but he doesn't dare say the words out loud, lest he damn them both.
He closes his eyes briefly and leans his head into Mystery's hand, saving the heat of his hands, and when he opens them Mystery is still there, saying those words he wants to hear and meaning them, and Romance could cry.
Maybe he does, a little. Don't tell anyone. ]
I believe you. [ And he does. He can see now that Mystery is telling the truth - there's no doubt in his gaze, no lies on his tongue. ] You don't have to prove anything to me. Just...be here.
[ He tips his head and leans in for a soft kiss, the barest brush of lips as he lifts a hand to tuck a piece of hair behind Mystery's ear, slide his fingers into it and muss it anyway. ]
[frankly, romance shouldn't feel guilty. this is something mystery wants, even if it takes him a moment to consider it, but he wants to make absolute certain that he isn't just saying things to say them. no mysteriousness between them this time, just wholehearted and straightforward truthfulness; he wants to be with romance, regardless of if it's toxic.
he holds romance's gaze steadily, totally unwavering and unblinking, which may seem a little weird at first, but he wants to make sure that romance knows he isn't fucking around. not this time, not with him, and definitely not with anyone else now or ever.
it's probably best that they don't say it out loud yet, given the circumstances, but also because it would likely break one of them to a point there would certainly be no going back. (not that there is anyway, now that mystery's poured his heart out.)
his hands press a bit more firmly against romance's cheeks and when he leans into his touch, he can't help stroking over his skin for encouragement, hoping it's enough to comfort him like romance had been doing for him only moments ago. and if romance does cry, it's only right that he gingerly wipes the tears away, cradling him closer while he gently whispers whatever reassuring things he can manage.
i believe you. god, mystery's heart feels so full, it's almost like he could burst, and he almost does. tears start welling up in his own eyes again, but rather than let them spill over, he squeezes them back and nods with understanding.] I'm here.
[and when romance leans to kiss him, he moves to meet the motion, a quiet little hum passing between them after romance's hand slides into his hair. he lowers an arm, hooks it around the other demon's shoulders to tug him closer, then he breaks away to whisper against his lips, the softest repeat of what he's already said.] I'm here, [he says, though he does follow it up with a sigh and,] I promise.
[ His cheeks are damp with tears he doesn't remember shedding, Mystery's fingertips gently wiping them away, which makes his heart squeeze in his chest. He hasn't actually cried in decades, longer even, and he's embarrassed, but Mystery makes is...okay. He doesn't feel like he's being laughed at or mocked. Just cared for, and that threatens to send him further over the edge, only managing to pull it back at the last second. ]
Thank you.
[ He pulls in a rattly breath, tasting Mystery's words on his tongue, saving them and swallowing them down before he leans in to kiss him again, harder, hungrier, needier. He can feel the obsession sweeping in, taking over, mind twisting into that toxic thing he can be. Mystery is his now, his and there's no going back.
He shifts Mystery in his lap, then eases him off, but only for a moment, just long enough to push him down against the bed, hands slipping up his shirt, nails dragging over his skin. ]
[it makes him feel bad, but mystery just keeps wiping romance's face, kissing his cheeks, his forehead, his nose— anywhere that he can reach, he leaves soft little brushes of his lips for reassurance, hoping it's enough to help quell the tears. he would never do anything to make romance feel made fun of, especially not in such a vulnerable position like this, and if romance needs anything else, he's ready and willing to give it to him.]
You're welcome.
[anything, he thinks, and that's when romance leans to kiss him properly again, stealing his breath away with how fervent it really is. he dips impossibly closer, hooking both arms around romance's shoulders, his fingers lacing together at the back of his neck to effectively hold them in place.
however, his hands loosen when he feels himself being moved, both of them shifting to grip romance's shoulders instead once he's twisted and pressed down onto the bed. his breath leaves him in a soft huff as those hands dip beneath his shirt and nails scrape over his skin, causing him to immediately arch into the touch without second-guessing, the faintest smile quirking his lips at the edges.]
[he wastes no time moving so the shirt can come off, shaking his head to toss his hair afterward, a soft little laugh escaping him following romance's remark.]
So it would seem.
[but mystery meets each kiss with fervor, reaching his hands to cup romance's face again, thumbs brushing over his cheeks, their noses nudging together every now and then when he pulls back to breathe. he goes for romance's shirt after a moment, trying to peel it off him without disturbing what he's doing with his pants.]
I don't mind, though. [obviously, and he might be somewhat impatient himself, given how he immediately goes for romance's pants, too.]
[ It’s clumsy and Romance is a little frantic; his hands are everywhere, clashing with Mystery's and bumping against him. Grabbing, dragging, trying to get skin on skin fast enough to quiet the burn of jealousy still radiating from his skin.
Romance is, for all his calmness, still kind of pissed.
He has no right to be, but he is anyway, and it reflects in his movements, in the urgency with which he strips Mystery down, shoving clothes on the floor. There's a low, possessive growl in his throat, a rumble that vibrates his mirror, that rattles the windows. He's been holding back since Mystery accidentally sent him that text, alerting him to the transgression.
The second there’s skin, Romance pins their hips together and kisses Mystery like he’s trying to swallow the apology out of his mouth, hands roaming greedily, dragging down Mystery’s sides, squeezing his hips like he’s staking a claim he nearly lost.
He grinds in, slow but deliberate, a filthy drag of his cock against Mystery’s - not enough to satisfy, just enough to make Mystery gasp and maybe cling tighter. ]
[it's easy to tell that romance is rushing and mystery does his best to avoid getting in his way, but they do collide here or there while they're stripping each other, and he can't help grinning outright when they do. maybe he shouldn't be so amused, except he is and he has no second thought about romance still being upset with him.
yet, anyway. as they continue, it might hit him, but until then, he's letting the other demon do as he wishes and is only doing whatever is necessary to encourage him.
the growl is a pretty telltale sign that romance is still a little heated; it echos around them, shaking the mirror, the windows, and mystery's expression falters slightly. his brow furrows and he briefly glances around them, though his attention is immediately back on romance once he descends on him like that.
he hooks both arms around romance's shoulders to hold them together, a soft gasp passing between them when romance kisses him so fiercely, even if that doesn't stop him from kissing back. when those hands find his hips, he doesn't resist wriggling slightly, the motion hopefully reassuring, although he does feel a spike of anxiety striking his chest as if he's being... well, not punished, per se, but it feels different from the usual way they fool around.
nevertheless, a breathless groan escapes him and falls into romance's mouth, his arms tightening around him just as anticipated, his hips bucking against romance's in kind. there's little he can do besides latching on and, despite his momentary unease, he finds himself wanting more, which is what he's silently asking for with his movements.]
[ His control has cracked, and he's shivering, a hand skirting up Mystery's side to cup his face, thumb stroking his cheek tenderly, a stark contrast to Romance's kisses - fierce, hungry, needy things that they are. His other hand slips between them, slicking himself with whatever he can get - precome, saliva, the heat between them. It isn't elegant - it's just desperate, like he's in a hurry to claim him back, make Mystery fully his. ]
You're mine.
[ There's no way Mystery can possibly understand just how much Romance means that, or what it means for the both of them.
Mystery hasn't done anything wrong, but when Romance had gotten that misfired text, he'd seen red, almost gone after Baby in that moment, only waiting for Mystery's response and reactions and explanations. He'd tear the world open for Mystery, that's how much he affects Romance.
He positions himself, sliding his hand up and down his length, using his own slick, pressing the head just against Mystery's entrance. ]
Promise me you're mine. [ He's already said it, and will probably regret it, but Romance wants to hear it again. ]
[without second-guessing it, he leans into romance's touch, withdrawing one arm so he can reach the hand up and rest it against romance's, fingertips pressing light against his knuckles to hold him in place. he doesn't have to see where romance's other hand is going to know what he's doing; it's a rather obvious motion, if not a slightly questionable one, mostly because he isn't sure he's properly prepped for how eagerly romance is moving.
perhaps he doesn't understand it now, but he could when given the chance, and what better chance than now?
his breath comes in a shaky exhale, his hand still resting firmly on the back of romance's, like he's afraid if he lets go, it'll only make him more impatient. while it hadn't occurred to him at the time, he did think about it on his way to romance's room, how it would feel to be on the other side of such a text and he didn't like it. this is why he's not going to judge romance for still being pissed off if he is, he's just going to let him ride it out in whatever way he needs, even if it means an angry fuck.
still, his features are a clear mixture of anticipation and slight worry, as if he might move wrong and make things worse rather than making them better, which is exactly why he doesn't try moving when romance positions himself.
instead, he swallows hard, breathes another trembling sigh, then he licks his lips and strokes his fingers down romance's forearm for further encouragement.]
I'm yours, [he says it unwaveringly, keeping his gaze fully focused on romance's face while he tacks on,] Promise.
[ He doesn't want to hurt him. Not in any ways Mystery won't enjoy, but his hands are shaking and he keeps thinking about it, thinking about how he felt when he got the message, their conversation, the following confessions and labels they decided on. He thinks about Mystery looking at him and saying what he's longed to hear for centuries, I'm yours, promise. He whines, pausing in his quest to bury himself inside of Mystery, kissing a line from his lips to his ear as he lets go of his own cock to stroke Mystery's instead. ]
How would you have felt if this were reversed?
[ It's murmured in Mystery's ear, lips warm, brushing over his skin, hand stroking him slow and easy, almost lazy. ]
If I'd sent pictures to Abby. Like the ones I sent you when you were out, that one time.
[ All artful like a damn renaissance painting, draped over the bed, stretched out like a cat. ]
[to be fair, romance doesn't have to physically hurt him to hurt him. he's doing a pretty good job of beating himself up still, but when romance asks how he'd feel if it were the other way around, that shame and embarrassment rise with a vengeance, spreading throughout his chest, pressing against his heart like it's going to crush him to death. he huffs a rough breath, trying to shrink in on himself again, even if it's impossible not to roll his hips into romance's hand when he starts stroking him.]
I... I wouldn't like it.
[romance's mouth is warm against his ear, but there's a cold, sinking feeling in his stomach. he gently shakes his head, trying to fight back the burning urge to cry again, though he's careful not to bump into romance while he's doing so.]
I don't want anyone else to see you like that. [not now, not ever, and especially not when he knows how badly it hurt romance.
not only is there a burn in his face, but it spreads through his throat, down his chest and into his stomach, quickly replacing the coldness he was feeling moments ago. is this jealousy? is this what it feels like? if so, he doesn't think anyone should ever feel this way, particularly when it comes to someone he cares so much about.]
I'm sorry... [he doesn't know how much he can say it, but he will do so until romance is appeased.]
No... [ He says quietly, licking a stripe up the length of Mystery's neck. ] You wouldn't.
[ Because Romance sure doesn't like it, he can't imagine Mystery would.
He's petty enough to do it right back, but with lines defined and boundaries set, he won't. He would never. He might be a toxic bitch in other ways, but never that. ]
I know you're sorry, darling. And I forgive you. [ He keeps stroking his cock, nosing into his neck and kissing down to the join of his shoulder, and nips once, sharp. ] Do you know why I'm upset? I think it's obvious, but maybe it isn't.
[ It is to him, but when it comes to things like this, his obsessions, others aren't drowning in limerence like Romance is. ]
[while it takes all his willpower to do so, he manages not to withdraw from romance licking up his neck, but he does raise his shoulders afterward in an attempt to duck down.
this isn't fair. mystery fucked up and here romance is, touching him and kissing him like it's totally fine when it's not. if anything, romance should be allowed to do whatever he wants, even if only briefly, then they could have things settled. (or that's what mystery's twisted mind thinks, anyway.)
but romance forgives him and keeps touching him, trailing down to his shoulder where he leaves a bite that makes his hips jolt and his mouth pop open in a soft gasp. again, he shakes his head, a little more wildly this time, but he's still careful to not knock their heads together or anything.] I don't— [which is why he doesn't say much else and what romance says next, well . . .
i love you. desperately. for a split second, he stops breathing altogether, his heart squeezed like it's in a vice, the sensation making him want to both scream and cry at the same time.
it doesn't dawn on him immediately that he should breathe, though when it does, he sucks in a breath, raises both his hands to romance's face and grabs him, forcing him up so they're face-to-face. he stares, his mouth hanging open slightly, as if he's searching for words that he can't find despite them being right on the tip of his tongue. he loves me? he loves me!
another, sharper inhale comes and he pushes forward to press their lips together in a searing kiss, one hand moving up into romance's hair, tangling through the strands while his opposite arm moves to wrap around him in a tight embrace. he holds it for a long moment, pouring all his feelings into the gesture first, but he does withdraw afterward, cheeks wet with fresh tears, his voice shaking slightly as he answers.] I-I love you too, Romance.
[ Mystery drags him up and Romance lets go of his cock without a second thought, bracing himself with his forearms on either side of Mystery’s head as he’s hauled into the kiss. It hits him like a punch to the gut - hot, desperate and leaving him trembling with everything Mystery doesn't say fast enough.
Is it returned? Or is he pushing something now that Mystery doesn't want? Does he need to back off, give them both some time with the truths spilling from his lips? Is the kiss simply to shut him up?
Hands in his hair always makes him weak and distracts him and he shivers, hips grinding against Mystery like he's afraid of losing him if he lets go. His breathing stutters in his chest when Mystery clings to him, eyes closing as Romance rubs their cheeks together, feeling the damp of Mystery's tears against his skin.
Maybe he said it too fast. Maybe he said it at the wrong time, it's entirely possible.
His concerns evaporate along with his anger and jealousy when Mystery looks him in the eyes and says those words, ones Romance hasn't ever heard in earnestness before. He's been told in the heat of the moment, when he's been on one of their kings little 'missions', but it's never meant. People say shit like that in the heat of the moment when he's been manipulating them, pretty lies coaxed out from humans Romance didn't care about. But Mystery means it; Romance can hear it in the way he says it, the tremble in his voice.
He shifts so he can cup Mystery's face, brush his thumb over his cheek and speak between soft kisses. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
@mysteriousness
[ Romance is going soft in his old age. Really, he should tell Mystery to fuck off for a while until his nerves have settled, because let's be real here - Romance is kinda pissed.
But he doesn't shut Mystery out. Instead, his heart cracks open and he sighs, reaches out to wrap his fingers around Mystery's wrist. ]
It's alright. [ He gently pries one of Mystery's hands away from his head and pulls him in, shutting the door behind him. ] It's alright, you're alright. Come here.
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without him even realizing it, his breathing has quickened in pace and his whole face is burning with shame, but as romance reaches out to take hold of his wrist, it hits him like a freight train.
it's alright.] It's not, [he insists, his voice cracking, the sound immediately tearful before any actual tears start coming down his face, even though those follow shortly after. his voice is shaking as he's pulled into romance's room, the other hand still on his head, gripping his hair too tightly.] I'm sorry, I'm s-so sorry—
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As smooth as Romance can be, he's unaccustomed to dealing with tears. For a moment he falters, free hand fluttering before he sets his jaw and reaches around Mystery to flip the lock on his door. ]
Shh, shh, sweetheart. Come with me.
[ He reaches to peel Mystery's other hand free, slide hands together and lace their fingers. He gently pulls them in the direction of his bed, easing himself down and tugging Mystery into his lap, an arm going around his waist, other into his hair, guiding his head to rest against Romance's shoulder. ]
You're alright.
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mystery lets his hand be pulled away and, although he feels like he should withdraw, he lets romance lace their fingers together, his chest heaving somewhat harder as he's guided toward the bed. once romance has sat down, he feels the burning urge to squirm away, and yet he doesn't. instead, he lets himself be tugged, hesitantly sliding into place on romance's lap, his forehead resting against his shoulder as he continues to cry.
he draws his hands up and clutches romance's shirtfront, fingers trembling despite how tight he's gripping, his breath coming in harsh, wet sounds while he buries his face even harder against romance's shoulder.]
I sh-shouldn't have done that, [he admits pitifully.] I'm an idiot.
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[ The noise is noncommittal as he thinks, a rumble in his chest as he strokes his hand over Mystery's back, up and down, smoothing over his shirt, gently straightening where it's bunched at the hem, then back up again.
The problem is that there's no definition on this thing, is there? It's not as if they've set any sort of boundaries. They haven't even discussed it at length. They only fall into bed together, speak pretty words, and then walk away. It's as much Romance's fault as it is Mystery's. ]
You aren't an idiot. [ He tips his head to rest against Mystery's, eyes closing. ] We never defined anything. You were well within your rights to do as you pleased.
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no, they really didn't put a name on it or anything like that. regardless of this, mystery still feels as if he should've known better, should've done better despite his inebriated state. if anything, both of them taking the blame is probably the better outcome of this situation, but he truly doesn't think romance did anything wrong.
he sniffs lightly, pressing the hand over his mouth to muffle the soft whimper that tries to escape, though he lowers it again afterward and does his best to recover.] I don't— I mean, I... I want to? To define it. [a beat, his throat suddenly going dry, even if he does his best to swallow hard and push past the forming lump.] But I don't want you to— [another pause, this one somewhat longer so he can catch his breath] —to feel trapped.
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He ate someone who flirted with Mystery, for God's sake. By all rights it's Mystery who should be running off screaming. ]
You need to be honest with me, Mystery. [ He sounds mildly amused, shifting the other demon in his lap, glancing down at his shoulder that's now more than damp with sweet Mystery's tears. ] If you want to put a label on something, you need to tell me. Don't worry about me feeling trapped - I'll make that decision for myself.
[ He is being far too healthy about this. Maybe Mystery is a good influence. ]
So what do you want? The truth now, don't hide behind this lovely mop of hair you've got.
[ As if to make a point, he lifts a hand and brushes some hair behind Mystery's ear, but doesn't peel him off his shoulder. ]
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even funnier, he's thought about that once or twice since it happened, and yet he still doesn't think anything is particularly wrong with it; they're demons, it's what they do, isn't it?
mystery makes a soft, halfhearted noise, something that almost sounds like a complaint, but he doesn't fight romance moving him. he just lets it happen, even if he does raise a hand to press over the wet spot on romance's shirt like he's trying to hide it.
being so real right now, he's genuinely surprised at how well romance is handling this? he thought it was going to go a completely different way and yet here romance is, proving him wrong on so many levels. he feels his throat tightening again, as if it's trying to suffocate him, the words he wants to say dying on his tongue the moment he thinks he can say them.
but romance continues and he can't help laughing, a short, harsh-sounding thing, but it's there anyway. he props his forehead on romance's shoulder, breathing another sigh as some hair is brushed behind his ear, which prompts him to finally sit more upright and face romance properly.
he reaches to take romance's hands, holding them firmly within his own, his attention fully focused on the other demon while he speaks.] I want you. [somehow, his words are steady now, regardless of the fact he'd been crying moments ago.] I want to be yours and I want you to be mine and I want us to be together for as long as we can be.
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Mystery isn't going anywhere Romance won't follow. ]
Just us? Or...?
[ His voice is low and pointed, brow lifted with that unmistakable demon who needs very clear instructions before he kills all of his friends look. Romance will run with what he's handed and take total advantage, and Mystery is lucky Romance didn't go absolutely nuts today. ]
I need transparency.
[ He isn't good at sharing, doesn't like it - even his fellow Boys will start getting death stares but if it's what Mystery wants, and it's Romance's bed Mystery ends up in every night, then he supposes they can all have their fun.
For now.
He'll only be civilized for so long. ]
Tell me what you're asking of me. [ He leans in, brushing their foreheads together, voice dropping to a whisper that’s both velvet and threat. ] Because I want you, Mystery.
[ Don't you dare tease him with something he can't have. If Mystery says he's Romance's....he's going to believe it.
Romance is a demon built on obsession and fixation. Mystery is the first one who's ever crawled their way inside his bones - in death and in life - and made him feel like he wasn't a weapon or a piece of meat, that he was important enough to keep coming back to.
The other Boys are lovely, he's had his fill of them all numerous times. And yes, he genuinely loves them - it's messy demon love, but real - and he’s not jealous of them, not in the way he is with strangers. But Mystery came to him on his knees, soft and shaking, and Romance is lost.
Don't make him rip your heart out to prove it’s his. ]
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he clears his throat, preparing to answer romance's question, but something in him tells him to stop, to really think about this before he decides if this is what he wants or not.
does he want just romance or does he want the freedom of fooling around with the other saja boys, too? his feelings are twisted, wanting and needing colliding with each other, but it always circles back to the same thing: he wants and he needs romance. sure, the other boys have always treated him well, but they've never lived up to the way romance treats him; romance treats him like he's everything and he wishes for it to be the same with him in return.
a fun little romp with the other boys is fine, but it's nothing in comparison to the emotions he feels when he's with romance.
that panic starts rising in his chest again, the sensation gripping him so hard, it makes his throat close up, like the feeling alone is enough to suffocate him— then romance's forehead touches his and he exhales a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. i want you, mystery. oh, and he is slipping deeper and deeper into it every second they're together.
his fingers squeeze around romance's briefly, then he releases his hands and reaches them to cup romance's face, holding him in place while he continues staring at him long and hard. he has never wanted romance to feel like he's just a one-time thing, no matter how many times they actually hook up, and if this is his chance to prove it by letting his emotions out, then so be it.]
Just us, Romance. [mystery's voice is still unwavering, dead-set and completely certain.] You and I. Nobody else.
[because romance is that important to him, so much so that even if he has to rip his own heart out and present it to him, he'll do it. whatever will make him happy.
he loves the other boys too, but not like he loves romance. and that's the thing of it, isn't it? he loves him and it's taken this long to realize that that's the exact word he wanted to put to the feeling he felt when they were first together.]
Whatever I have to do, whatever you want me to do, I'll do it to prove that I want just us.
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He swallows, meeting Mystery's eyes, searching for anything that may denote Mystery is only saying what Romance wants to here, that he's giving something up just to placate him. He knows he's a silly little demon with toxic tendencies. There's a reason he's never gotten into anything serious with anyone in...hundreds of years.
But this time, he can't seem to help himself. Mystery's hands are on his face and there's emotion bubbling in his chest, a strange feeling he hasn't felt since he was alive. He knows what it is, but he doesn't dare say the words out loud, lest he damn them both.
He closes his eyes briefly and leans his head into Mystery's hand, saving the heat of his hands, and when he opens them Mystery is still there, saying those words he wants to hear and meaning them, and Romance could cry.
Maybe he does, a little. Don't tell anyone. ]
I believe you. [ And he does. He can see now that Mystery is telling the truth - there's no doubt in his gaze, no lies on his tongue. ] You don't have to prove anything to me. Just...be here.
[ He tips his head and leans in for a soft kiss, the barest brush of lips as he lifts a hand to tuck a piece of hair behind Mystery's ear, slide his fingers into it and muss it anyway. ]
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he holds romance's gaze steadily, totally unwavering and unblinking, which may seem a little weird at first, but he wants to make sure that romance knows he isn't fucking around. not this time, not with him, and definitely not with anyone else now or ever.
it's probably best that they don't say it out loud yet, given the circumstances, but also because it would likely break one of them to a point there would certainly be no going back. (not that there is anyway, now that mystery's poured his heart out.)
his hands press a bit more firmly against romance's cheeks and when he leans into his touch, he can't help stroking over his skin for encouragement, hoping it's enough to comfort him like romance had been doing for him only moments ago. and if romance does cry, it's only right that he gingerly wipes the tears away, cradling him closer while he gently whispers whatever reassuring things he can manage.
i believe you. god, mystery's heart feels so full, it's almost like he could burst, and he almost does. tears start welling up in his own eyes again, but rather than let them spill over, he squeezes them back and nods with understanding.] I'm here.
[and when romance leans to kiss him, he moves to meet the motion, a quiet little hum passing between them after romance's hand slides into his hair. he lowers an arm, hooks it around the other demon's shoulders to tug him closer, then he breaks away to whisper against his lips, the softest repeat of what he's already said.] I'm here, [he says, though he does follow it up with a sigh and,] I promise.
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Thank you.
[ He pulls in a rattly breath, tasting Mystery's words on his tongue, saving them and swallowing them down before he leans in to kiss him again, harder, hungrier, needier. He can feel the obsession sweeping in, taking over, mind twisting into that toxic thing he can be. Mystery is his now, his and there's no going back.
He shifts Mystery in his lap, then eases him off, but only for a moment, just long enough to push him down against the bed, hands slipping up his shirt, nails dragging over his skin. ]
I want you. Now.
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You're welcome.
[anything, he thinks, and that's when romance leans to kiss him properly again, stealing his breath away with how fervent it really is. he dips impossibly closer, hooking both arms around romance's shoulders, his fingers lacing together at the back of his neck to effectively hold them in place.
however, his hands loosen when he feels himself being moved, both of them shifting to grip romance's shoulders instead once he's twisted and pressed down onto the bed. his breath leaves him in a soft huff as those hands dip beneath his shirt and nails scrape over his skin, causing him to immediately arch into the touch without second-guessing, the faintest smile quirking his lips at the edges.]
Take me, then. I'm all yours, Romance.
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I'm afraid I'm a little impatient.
[ Extremely, as evidenced by his urgent kisses, hand sliding back down over his side, fumbling between them to tug at Mystery's pants. ]
Extremely impatient.
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So it would seem.
[but mystery meets each kiss with fervor, reaching his hands to cup romance's face again, thumbs brushing over his cheeks, their noses nudging together every now and then when he pulls back to breathe. he goes for romance's shirt after a moment, trying to peel it off him without disturbing what he's doing with his pants.]
I don't mind, though. [obviously, and he might be somewhat impatient himself, given how he immediately goes for romance's pants, too.]
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Romance is, for all his calmness, still kind of pissed.
He has no right to be, but he is anyway, and it reflects in his movements, in the urgency with which he strips Mystery down, shoving clothes on the floor. There's a low, possessive growl in his throat, a rumble that vibrates his mirror, that rattles the windows. He's been holding back since Mystery accidentally sent him that text, alerting him to the transgression.
The second there’s skin, Romance pins their hips together and kisses Mystery like he’s trying to swallow the apology out of his mouth, hands roaming greedily, dragging down Mystery’s sides, squeezing his hips like he’s staking a claim he nearly lost.
He grinds in, slow but deliberate, a filthy drag of his cock against Mystery’s - not enough to satisfy, just enough to make Mystery gasp and maybe cling tighter. ]
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yet, anyway. as they continue, it might hit him, but until then, he's letting the other demon do as he wishes and is only doing whatever is necessary to encourage him.
the growl is a pretty telltale sign that romance is still a little heated; it echos around them, shaking the mirror, the windows, and mystery's expression falters slightly. his brow furrows and he briefly glances around them, though his attention is immediately back on romance once he descends on him like that.
he hooks both arms around romance's shoulders to hold them together, a soft gasp passing between them when romance kisses him so fiercely, even if that doesn't stop him from kissing back. when those hands find his hips, he doesn't resist wriggling slightly, the motion hopefully reassuring, although he does feel a spike of anxiety striking his chest as if he's being... well, not punished, per se, but it feels different from the usual way they fool around.
nevertheless, a breathless groan escapes him and falls into romance's mouth, his arms tightening around him just as anticipated, his hips bucking against romance's in kind. there's little he can do besides latching on and, despite his momentary unease, he finds himself wanting more, which is what he's silently asking for with his movements.]
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You're mine.
[ There's no way Mystery can possibly understand just how much Romance means that, or what it means for the both of them.
Mystery hasn't done anything wrong, but when Romance had gotten that misfired text, he'd seen red, almost gone after Baby in that moment, only waiting for Mystery's response and reactions and explanations. He'd tear the world open for Mystery, that's how much he affects Romance.
He positions himself, sliding his hand up and down his length, using his own slick, pressing the head just against Mystery's entrance. ]
Promise me you're mine. [ He's already said it, and will probably regret it, but Romance wants to hear it again. ]
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perhaps he doesn't understand it now, but he could when given the chance, and what better chance than now?
his breath comes in a shaky exhale, his hand still resting firmly on the back of romance's, like he's afraid if he lets go, it'll only make him more impatient. while it hadn't occurred to him at the time, he did think about it on his way to romance's room, how it would feel to be on the other side of such a text and he didn't like it. this is why he's not going to judge romance for still being pissed off if he is, he's just going to let him ride it out in whatever way he needs, even if it means an angry fuck.
still, his features are a clear mixture of anticipation and slight worry, as if he might move wrong and make things worse rather than making them better, which is exactly why he doesn't try moving when romance positions himself.
instead, he swallows hard, breathes another trembling sigh, then he licks his lips and strokes his fingers down romance's forearm for further encouragement.]
I'm yours, [he says it unwaveringly, keeping his gaze fully focused on romance's face while he tacks on,] Promise.
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How would you have felt if this were reversed?
[ It's murmured in Mystery's ear, lips warm, brushing over his skin, hand stroking him slow and easy, almost lazy. ]
If I'd sent pictures to Abby. Like the ones I sent you when you were out, that one time.
[ All artful like a damn renaissance painting, draped over the bed, stretched out like a cat. ]
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I... I wouldn't like it.
[romance's mouth is warm against his ear, but there's a cold, sinking feeling in his stomach. he gently shakes his head, trying to fight back the burning urge to cry again, though he's careful not to bump into romance while he's doing so.]
I don't want anyone else to see you like that. [not now, not ever, and especially not when he knows how badly it hurt romance.
not only is there a burn in his face, but it spreads through his throat, down his chest and into his stomach, quickly replacing the coldness he was feeling moments ago. is this jealousy? is this what it feels like? if so, he doesn't think anyone should ever feel this way, particularly when it comes to someone he cares so much about.]
I'm sorry... [he doesn't know how much he can say it, but he will do so until romance is appeased.]
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[ Because Romance sure doesn't like it, he can't imagine Mystery would.
He's petty enough to do it right back, but with lines defined and boundaries set, he won't. He would never. He might be a toxic bitch in other ways, but never that. ]
I know you're sorry, darling. And I forgive you. [ He keeps stroking his cock, nosing into his neck and kissing down to the join of his shoulder, and nips once, sharp. ] Do you know why I'm upset? I think it's obvious, but maybe it isn't.
[ It is to him, but when it comes to things like this, his obsessions, others aren't drowning in limerence like Romance is. ]
It's because I love you, Mystery. Desperately.
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this isn't fair. mystery fucked up and here romance is, touching him and kissing him like it's totally fine when it's not. if anything, romance should be allowed to do whatever he wants, even if only briefly, then they could have things settled. (or that's what mystery's twisted mind thinks, anyway.)
but romance forgives him and keeps touching him, trailing down to his shoulder where he leaves a bite that makes his hips jolt and his mouth pop open in a soft gasp. again, he shakes his head, a little more wildly this time, but he's still careful to not knock their heads together or anything.] I don't— [which is why he doesn't say much else and what romance says next, well . . .
i love you. desperately. for a split second, he stops breathing altogether, his heart squeezed like it's in a vice, the sensation making him want to both scream and cry at the same time.
it doesn't dawn on him immediately that he should breathe, though when it does, he sucks in a breath, raises both his hands to romance's face and grabs him, forcing him up so they're face-to-face. he stares, his mouth hanging open slightly, as if he's searching for words that he can't find despite them being right on the tip of his tongue. he loves me? he loves me!
another, sharper inhale comes and he pushes forward to press their lips together in a searing kiss, one hand moving up into romance's hair, tangling through the strands while his opposite arm moves to wrap around him in a tight embrace. he holds it for a long moment, pouring all his feelings into the gesture first, but he does withdraw afterward, cheeks wet with fresh tears, his voice shaking slightly as he answers.] I-I love you too, Romance.
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Is it returned? Or is he pushing something now that Mystery doesn't want? Does he need to back off, give them both some time with the truths spilling from his lips? Is the kiss simply to shut him up?
Hands in his hair always makes him weak and distracts him and he shivers, hips grinding against Mystery like he's afraid of losing him if he lets go. His breathing stutters in his chest when Mystery clings to him, eyes closing as Romance rubs their cheeks together, feeling the damp of Mystery's tears against his skin.
Maybe he said it too fast. Maybe he said it at the wrong time, it's entirely possible.
His concerns evaporate along with his anger and jealousy when Mystery looks him in the eyes and says those words, ones Romance hasn't ever heard in earnestness before. He's been told in the heat of the moment, when he's been on one of their kings little 'missions', but it's never meant. People say shit like that in the heat of the moment when he's been manipulating them, pretty lies coaxed out from humans Romance didn't care about. But Mystery means it; Romance can hear it in the way he says it, the tremble in his voice.
He shifts so he can cup Mystery's face, brush his thumb over his cheek and speak between soft kisses. ]
Don't cry, my little star.
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