AN: Thank you for being so pateint with me~ 

This chapter is mostly unedited 

*****

Qin Rong felt an immediate sense of regret at his words. What was he thinking!? Such a thing was...

It was weird, right?

Yet, seeing how pent up Xander was, he felt it was not the brotherly thing to abandon him like this. They had a history so... a little help shouldn't be too awkward.

Besides, he'd heard that bros did this kind of thing all the time and there was no awkwardness. Sure, he'd never participated in such a bonding exercise but hearsay and TV rarely lied, right?

Feeling a bit more confident, he peeked down at Xander, only to jump as he watched the man casually remove his pants. The bulge hidden under the fabric trembled, almost freed from its prison when Qin Rong took hold of his hand to stop him.

"What are you-" He cried, snapping his mouth closed as he tried to will his nerves to relax. This was going faster than he'd imagined.

Xander, ever the evil bastard, had the gall to give Qin Rong a questioning look.

"I'm stripping down." He stated, his tone so a matter of fact, one would doubt he was sporting an erection just then. "Weren't you going to help me?"

How was this guy so calm about this?!

He took a deep breath, trying to match the other man's mood. It wouldn't do for him to get all fidgety when Xander was calm. Qin Rong was still the older of the two.

Still, this was kind of new for him so he couldn't help but complain.

"How can you be so casual about this?" He grumbled, looking away. The moon was high and bright in the sky, illuminating the room.

The atmosphere was very sultry, as if an intimate interlude was about to occur.

Surely not, right?

Xander said nothing, resting a hand on Qin Rong's shoulder. They looked into each other's eyes, a moment of... something occurring before the bastard opened his mouth again.

"Do you want to strip down too then?" He casually asked, making Qin Rong want to smack him.

Since when had the Xiao Xan he knew changed so much?! Making him, the great Qin Rong, near speechless.

"How would that help?!"

"Then we'll both be naked. We're both men so there's nothing to hide." He argued, smiling in a way that made the mercenary want to grumble.

He was right. There was nothing to hide and he shouldn't feel nervous. They were both guys and this kind of thing was normal.

At least according to what he'd heard others say growing up.

Yet despite that, he couldn't help but feel wary. It was a familiar feeling, one he'd honed over the years from his life of danger. It always told him when to be cautious and usually never steered him wrong.

So why was he feeling like he was walking into someone's web?

He looked into Xander's eyes, taking comfort in the familiar darkness that no one else in this world had. He recalled that Xander had said he'd inherited his features from his mother.

In a world filled with crazy hair and eye colors, those jet black eyes were the most comforting sight he hadn't known he missed.

There was no malice or slyness shining there, making Qin Rong let his guard down. While he trusted his instincts, this was Xander. Other than some mild awkwardness, there was nothing to worry about.

***

Xander sighed with relief when he felt Qin Rong's shoulders relax under his touch. He was sure he knew what the man was thinking but something told him that the fae was seconds from calling off this whole thing.

At this point, the anticipation was making him harder than the aphrodisiac ever could.

Every moment, his mind was filled with fantasies of his beloved touching him. Those wrong hands sliding across his skin, their contrasting shades creating a beautiful image.

Dark skin pressing down on milky white.

Or vice versa.

Either way, he was looking forward to it and didn't want to wait any longer.

Xander pouted, moving closer. "Are we doing this or-"

"Oi, why are you so eager!" He complained, though he didn't retreat as Xander wrapped his arms around him. A very eager shaft pressed against his back, illustrating his point. "Drug or no, you are way too energetic!"

How can I not be after getting a proposition like that from my beloved? He thought, resisting the urge to press a kiss onto Qin Rong's exposed neck. The pale skin glimmered in the moonlight, making him yearn to do it.

Later. He chastised himself. I can't scare him away.

"I'm being offered assistance from a lovely maid." He retorted, his finger playing with the edge of the uniform's trim. "Who wouldn't be eager?"

Qin Rong didn't fight him, not seeming to mind the proximity.

"Shut up!" The mercenary grumbled, scowling. "I had to wear this. It ain't for you."

The fact that this uniform fit him so well was very distressing but he couldn't deny he looked sexy. Having had a peek at himself on the way back, he couldn't help but admire himself.

If I say this person on the street, I might very well try and talk to her. He'd thought before continuing on his way.

As such, he was only mildly annoyed by Xander's words.

As if sensing his thoughts, Xander chuckled, turning Qin rong around so they could face each other.

"I'm not complaining." Xander said, brushing the mercenary's hair aside. "Rong is beautiful regardless of what he wears."

Xander kissed Qin Rong's cheek, feeling him jump in surprise. Yet rather than reject the kiss, the man just shoved the prince's face away.

"Shut up! God, you are so weird when you're horny." He scolded, shoving Xander back until he was lying down. "If I jerk you off, will you shut it?"

Ah, my Qin Rong is so eager~

"I don't know." He cocked a brow, teasingly. "Can you satisfy me?"

And like a moth to the flame, Qin Rong succumbed to the challenge.

"Is that a challenge?"

Xander knew enough to know not to be so overt so he sighed, looking concerned.

"I wouldn't want you to overexert yourself."

The expression on the fae's face was hilarious, as a multitude of emotions flashed by. Anger, amusement, and the best one yet, embarrassment. But above them all was one that every man knew well.

Indignation at the notion of their pride was being questioned..

"Oh, look at you!" He snapped, jumping on top of Xander with a smirk. "Acting all high a mighty when all you have is-"

Xander cocked a brow, holding in his smile. "Is?"

Qin Rong said nothing, staring down at the beast he'd unleashed upon the world. He had torn Xander's underwear off, expecting to see just an average member.

There was nothing average about this... monster.

"...This just isn't fair." He complained, covering his face to hide from the unfairness of this world. The cruelty. "Why is everyone else in this world so-"

His words stopped as he felt too wronged to speak another word. Not that his words would have been heard anyway.

Those words irked Xander, souring his mood somewhat. He was sure Qin Rong was untouched, as the man was clearly not into men and had spoken openly of his interest in women.

So who were the 'everyone else' he spoke of?

His expression darkened, his dark gaze burning into the Fae's back. Despite this, Qin Rong continued grumbling to himself about just how unfair the world was to him.

"Is this your first time?" Xander asked, his tone deep and heavy with implication.

Qin Rong, however, didn't notice and replied casually.

"Of course not!" He sighed, missing Xanders fists clenching the bedsheets. "I've seen my own plenty of times."

Xander relaxed somewhat.

"And others?" He pressed.

Qin Rong gave him a disgusted look.

"I'm not about to go around staring at other men's dicks like it's normal."

What kind of weirdo went around ogling people's privates so readily? That was just asking for a punch in the face

Xander let out a breath, pulling Qin Rong against him. The man didn't fight him, letting himself be embraced.

This made Xander feel so much better. Honestly, he was unsure how he would have responded if Qin Rong had said something different.

I might have very well have hunted his other lovers down. He thought, his eyes gleaming with a dark light at the idea. After all, he wasn't feared on the battlefield cause of rumor alone.

He could be quite cruel when need be.

Yet this cruel man whose thoughts had only briefly considered murdering a bunch of strangers continued to hold his beloved faery in his arms with tenderness. The image, if observed, would be very intimate.

Qin Rong, who was unaware of all the things going on in his friend's head, could only lie with his cheek on the human's chest and huff.

Xiao Xan is weird.

He pushed himself up, staring down at the man beneath him.

"Let's get this over with already." He sighed, pouting. "Any longer and I'll start to have second thoughts!"

Xander agreed, wanting very much for Qin Rong to continue.

***

To make this easier, Xander sat back against the bedpost, staring down at Qin Rong as he sat beside him, shoulder to shoulder.

Qin Rong had originally suggested sitting between his legs, as that would be easier but Xander complained that such a sight would be too stimulating.

This kid! What kind of thoughts was he thinking when it was just two guys helping each other out?!

Despite his thoughts, he could help but swallow as he snuck a peek at what he'd be helping with.

Xander was very well endowed, the tip reaching past his belly button yet seeing to fit his body. Actually, when he thought about it, Xander's body was very well proportioned. Nothing seemed out of place or strange to look at.

He really did have a body that anyone would admire.

Especially... that.

The thought of tasting it had come to mind just once before he ruthlessly stomped it down. Just cause his skin was like chocolate, didn't mean that what he was seeing wasn't a dick.

And he wasn't into dicks!

With this in mind, Qin Rong pushed aside all distracting thoughts and focused on his task!

Qin Rong took hold of the shaft, trying to fight down the mild intimidation he felt. While he might not be into dicks, it was natural to respect those who have more... girth than one's self.

Though 80% was mired in resentment.

Qin Rong had no time to feel either, however, his mind analyzing the situation, literally, at hand.

As expected, it was warm, almost hot despite the cool night air. Just holding it made him feel warmer. And if he wasn't imagining it, the blood pumping through it was racing.

Was Xander as nervous as he was?

He didn't dare look up to check, scared he'd chicken out. The best tactic was to push ahead, regardless of fears. It was just a dick after all. They both had one so-

He briefly wondered if Xander would like the same thing he did?

With that in mind, he wrapped both hands around Xanders cock, pressing his thumbs alongside each other, and pressed in.

"A-ah!" Xander was quick to cover his mouth but little moans slipped past his finger.

Qin Rong smiled with pride.

"Did you like that?" He teased, pressing his thumb in small circles. Xander choked, his eyes fluttering shut.

After a moment, he spoke. "E-en."

Qin Rong's smile bloomed, feeling very confident as he continued to stroke Xander's shaft one-handed. The latter would have complained but it was clear he was enjoying himself as his hips stuttered beneath his motions.

"I didn't even do anything yet." The mercenary teased, whispering in the man's ears. "I hope this isn't the face you show to your female partners."

I would never show this face to anyone but you. That thought flashed through Xanders mind but he only shook his head.

"I'm not used to others touching me like this." He confessed, his eyes darting between Qin Rongs' face and his hands. Watching his beloved hold him so intimately was just as stimulating as feeling it.

And those hands, callused from years of fighting, were doing things to his mind.

"It feels good, baby." He moaned, unable to help himself. "Your hand feels so warm and rough. It feels amazing, touch me more." He pleaded, his moans growing in volume shamelessly. He jumped, his eyes widening as he stared up at the ceiling. "Ah, like that! Play with the tip more. Squeeze it with those lovely hands. Make me come. Make me... Qin Rong!"

Oi, what was this? How could someone who had never been with anyone know so much dirty talk? It was embarrassing to hear such words being spoken and having to be the receiving party.

Yet he did as Xander instructed, pressing fingertips hardened by years of combat into the sensitive skin. Perhaps its was some extension of respect as they both had deep calluses so it was comforting. Perhaps it was just the unique friction.

Either way, Xander clearly enjoyed his touch, as his instructions faded into incoherent grunts and growls.

Qin Rong knew what he liked but didn't want to do anything Xander disliked. So he kept his ears poised, listening to every hitch in the man's breathing and moan that slipped through. Like all things, his observation skills were top-notch, creating a steady pattern that had Xander biting his lip.

"Qin Rong, I-" He swallowed his words, his hands' grabbing hold of the maid uniform.

"Then finish quickly." He snapped, feeling restless. With all the noise he was making, he should have come by now. Yet despite how swollen his cock was, it's just kept leaking. It twitched and grew hot but it looked no closer to climax than it had several minutes before.

How can a virgin last this long?! Qin Rong thought with a scowl. It'd be admirable if it wasn't him getting a workout trying to settle this monstrous thing.

"Rong. Qin Rong..." Xander finally regained the ability to speak but could only call out to his beloved. "Qin Rong!

The fae felt his heart racing. How could he not feel something when someone was calling out to him in such an enticing voice. It might have been deeper than he preferred but to hear such blatant desire in another's voice was too much.

He bit his lip, trying to ignore the tingling in his abdomen.

"S-shut up and finish already." He commanded, leaning in closer to press down on Xander's chest. The human was moving a lot more, thrusting his hips in time with Qin Rong's strokes. Chasin his touch despite them not having been apart the whole time.

"T-too good. Q-Qin Rong, please I-"

Qin Rong cut him off. "Shu-"

The world became dark all of a sudden, as his world shifted. Qin Rong had no clue what had happened at first but his body had.

A hand that had been clutching fabric had shifted to his head.

Said hand pulled him down.

A pair of lips met his own.

All of this had occurred in mere seconds yet his mind was elsewhere. All he could see was the darkness in Xander's eyes, burning with desire and impatience. Even when he realized what was happening, Qin Rong didn't fight, his mind fading at the long lost touch. He was being consumed by that kiss.

Xander, on the other hand, was trembling as he grabbed hold of Qin Rong's hand to finish himself. The touch of his beloved should have been enough but the press of those soft lips he had yearned for all evening broke him, a strained groan escaping from between their lips.

Qin Rong didn't notice the hot cum that spilled over their hands, the image creating quite a wicked scene to behold. No, he was too engrossed in the sight before him, of a man losing himself to intimacy and pleasure. He wanted to pull away to watch every twitch and shift in Xanders expression but doing so would mean pulling away from their kiss.

He really didn't want to.

Qin Rong yearned for the awkward feeling he had been feeling at the start. Anything was better than this flushed heat that raced through him and clouded his mind.

Was this arousal or insanity?

Either way, he felt his will to fight against the kiss fade as Xan's tongue delved through his lips and tangled with his own. His thoughts melted under the heated press of Xanders kiss.

Was this how kisses were supposed to feel?

Qin Rong's life hadn't allowed for a lot of opportunities so his only reference was Drama and anime. The leads always claimed to lose sight of the world and reality when they kissed their lead. It sounded insane.

Turns out, they were only half right.

He was still aware of his surroundings but just didn't care as he let Xander pull him down until they were side by side on the bed.

Panting, Qin Rong stared at Xander as he relaxed beside him. While he felt unsure of himself just then, he was at least confident that Xander had enjoyed himself. The look of bliss was one he was very familiar with.

To orgasm after all that trouble was therapeutic in ways. Qin Rong, who had suppressed his own arousal, relaxed beside him, wanting to fall asleep just then. It was a peaceful night and one that should be enjoyed in silence.

"Can we keep going, Rong?" Xander pleaded with a soft tone that tickled Qin Rong's heart in ways that only the most heart-wrenching drama could accomplish.

Qin Rong sighed, feeling pity for the sense of peace that had so little time to live before its life was so ruthlessly ended.

He glowered at the smiling human.

"Are you kidding me?!" He snapped, sitting up from the bed. "My arm is tired and you take way too damn long to finish."

After such an intense workout, how could he not be tired?

Yet Xander, ever the shameless one, had the gall to pout.

"How can you say that?" He complained as he followed after Qin Rong, crawling over. "Isn't it shameful to be so quick?"

"Well, I ain't a woman so it's no concern of mine how quick you are."

If anything, he'd have preferred a quick shot to all this.

"I want to enjoy this." Xander mumbled, laying his head on Qin Rong's back.

"And I want to go to sleep!" He shot back, grumbling. It was way too late to go about his mission. His target was either enjoying someone else's company or sleeping. While the latter was something he could work with, rumors about the ice prince's stamina left him unsure.

He could very well imagine that the bastard was still partaking in a hearty meal just then.

Said ice prince couldn't help but speak up, eager to convince his companion. Just this little of a taste wasn't enough.

"Qin Rong"

Unbidden, Qin Rong suppressed a shiver. His instincts told him something was happening but he couldn't tell what yet.

But Qin Rong was a man who had lived two lives steeped in danger. There was no way he was going to show such weakness in front of his friend like this.

"W-what?"

Damn it, he couldn't help but stammer. Yet Xander showed no indication that he noticed, his focus solely on his goal.

"Did you like that?"

There was no need to ask what 'that' was.

Qin Rong's scowl deepened.

"Since when was this about me?" He snapped turning away. But that just made it easier for Xander to close in on him.

"You're aroused as well, right?" He asked, his lips brushing up against the mercenary's pointed ear. The dark tip twitched as his breath hit it, enticing him to lick it.

Maybe even bite it, as his fae seemed like the type to like just a bit of pain.

Whether or not that was the case, he felt he wouldn't learn that if he pressed too hard.

As Xander pondered how to proceed, the object of his desire was stuck on one thing.

It was way too hot!

Qin Rong felt like he was in a sauna and it was messing with his mind. Cause surely, that was the reason he was hearing strange things coming out of Xander's mouth.

What's this 'can we keep going?' crap!? This wasn't some Eroge game where you can say such things with a straight face!

It was weird!!!!

What was worse was that he didn't feel the need to push the young man away. He felt none of the weariness or disgust he felt when others got too close.

Xander, despite all the time apart, was still the one he was most comfortable with.

And now he was getting all weird on him.

It was frustrating. Worse, his words rang true.

He was hard.

But don't think he's some weirdo into dude! It's natural after all, to enjoy watching someone feel pleasure. That's what pornos are all about, after all.

But now he felt way too hot and it was messing with his head cause he was tempted to accept Xanders unsaid offer.

***

Xander wasn't sure how to feel when he was pushed away. Had he done too much? Pressed too fast?

While he felt upset for doing too much, he felt no guilt.

Qin Rong was way too tempting a treat not to touch. He didn't do too much, so there was no reason to feel bad. He didn't even complain about the kiss so he was sure the fae was fine with it.

While Qin Rong might seem docile at times, he knew just how outspoken the man was.

Yet being pushed away still hurt.

At least, it did until he spoke.

"It's too hot for you to be clinging to me like this."

Eh?

"Let me take this off first." He grumbled, reaching back with ease to undo the buttons biding the maid uniform in place. "Then we can talk."

Was there a need to remove your clothes if we're just going to be talking?

Xander was tempted to say these words out loud but was too overjoyed to part his lips. Was Qin Rong perhaps...?

The human sat close, watching Qin Rong closely as he removed the dress. Unexpectedly, Qin Rong was naked under his dress. Well, nearly naked. He wore underwear that clung to his form like a lover and made Xander swallow at the sight.

He had never seen such a piece before.

The fabric disappeared between those luscious globes before wrapping about his slender waist lovingly like a firm hand.

The fabric truly left nothing to the imagination.

Then it hit him that the man had been wearing such a scandalous thing all night. From the time he arrived till now.

He had been wearing something like that while they danced.

The image of holding Qin Rong as he'd done in the ballroom appeared in his mind, slightly different as that lovely dress was stripped away, leaving only succulent pale skin to bloom under the chandeliers.

Had such a thing taken place, Xander would have wrapped the beautiful fae in his cloak and taken him away. He would have pinned the man to the wall, kissing the breath from him for daring to show such a sight to others. For tempting him in such a public place.

Knowing the mercenary, he may have even challenged the hapless prince to try it.

And he might have done so. He might have taken him there in a shadowed corner, unconcerned about those who could hear them or what they would say after seeing their prince ravish the man.

None of that would matter as long as he got what he wanted.

He wanted nothing more than to be inside Qin Rong. To bury himself in his warm body and claim it for his own. To own that which he knew no one else could come close to.

But that would have to wait. It was too soon.

"Qin Rong" He couldn't help but call out to him. Those lovely gold eyes turned to him, realizing how near his companion was.

They were close. Closer than they had any right to be but neither seemed willing to say anything. Though this was for vastly different reasons, of course.

Qin Rong was focused on getting out of the dress, wanting to be free from its confines.

Xander, on the other hand, was still a bit dazed from his recent climax and yeared for some intimacy.

That kiss wasn't enough and his fantasies had ignited his blood. He was hard again, his shaft throbbing at the thought of this lovely creature before him.

Peeking at that scandalous strip of fabric, he saw that he was not the only feeling that temptation. The bulge hidden from sight twitched as he stared, nervously seeking his attention.

Qin Rong, though his expression looked sour, was flushed a delicious shade of red as he allowed himself to be ogled.

Xander growled. "Qin Rong."

The shiver that followed was all he needed.

***

The was calm, save for the bedroom of a certain prince. If anyone were to peek inside, they would very clearly see writhing shapes on the bed. The panting breaths of the two as they parted lips for only a moment before diving back in.

Darkened hands calloused from many battles slip seriously over pale skin, taking hold of the tender flesh that had tempted him for hours. That soft ass, the only part of Qin Rong with any excess, was putty in his hands. His hands were merciless in its fondling, though neither of them complained about it.

If anything, the focus was on something else entirely.

The pleasure they were giving each other as they ground up against one another. Between them, two equally hard shafts rubbed against each other. Like a well-oiled machine, they moved in tandem as they both wanted this.

Just a little more and-

"Ah!" Qin Rong cried out, tossing his head back as Xander's naughty hand squeezed his ass again. "S-shit, do you have some kind of fetish or something?"

"Is that something you should be asking me?" Xander shot back, noticing the drops of clear liquid that had leaked from Qin Rong's tip. It twitched, as if to answer the man's question. "Qin Rong seems to be the one who likes being fondled."

"Shut up." He growled, grabbing hold of Xander's head and pulling him into another kiss. The fae had made it a point to teach the man how to properly kiss.

After all, if he was going to experience one of those time-stopping kisses, he was going to get it all.

For a while, Qin Rong had enjoyed being the proactive one, straddling over his partner and controlling the rhythm. Even with Xander molding his ass as he likes, any friction was initiated and controlled by him.

That is, until Xander chose to take over and roll the bluenette onto his back.

"Ne, how about we review what you taught me?" Xander offered the shocked man beneath him.

Qin Rong opened his mouth to complain but Xander kissed him deeper, hooking his partner's leg over his hip as they rubbed against each other.

"X-Xiao Xan, I-" His words were cut off by another kiss, taking his thoughts away as he kissed the man back. It was a battle and Qin Rong was not about to lose.

When he finally got a chance to breathe, he sucked in the air, glaring up at Xander.

"Don't look at me like that." the human warned, leaning down to press another heated kiss against Qin Rong's neck. "I'll think that I haven't satisfied you yet."

Satisfied?! Just how much do you think you can prick at a man's pride like this!

"Xiao Xan, don't be-"

"Should you really be calling me that?" Xander asked, confusing the man beneath him. He clarified. "At a time like this, I mean?"

The situation, with both men naked and rubbing against each other like teens, was not really the time to be calling someone 'little'. It was very inappropriate. While Xander adored the sweet feeling that nickname elicited, sweetness was not what he wanted just then.

He wanted Qin Rong's pure, hot passion.

Qin Rong couldn't help but feel a bit awkward. This was a first for him and he wasn't sure how to handle it. "What should I call you then?"

Xander smiled, kissing the faery's sensitive ear. "What do you call a lover in the Faery realm?"

"We ain't-" Qin Rong was quick to argue but was interrupted just as quickly.

"Won't you indulge me just for tonight?" Xander pleaded, continuing to lick the tip of the Faery's ear. The man shuddered, letting out a moan that sent shivers through the prince. "I'm sure you are enjoying yourself as well."

"I..." Qin Rong struggled to regain his rational mind as he spoke. To nibble his ear like that... that was too evil. He peeked up at those endlessly dark eyes. "W-wife?"

"Ah? So I'm the wife?" Xander placed a chaste kiss on Qin Rong's lips. "Does that make you my husband?"

"No!" That would be too much! Kisses and hickeys were one thing but surely-

As if hearing his panicked thoughts, Xander continued.

"Then I'll be your husband." He offered, continuing to mark the Faery. He leaned in close to whisper, "Just for tonight?"

Qin Rong tried to think of a response, something to defeat that leap in logic but his body, which had been starved of intimacy for quite a while, refused to let such petty things like logic get in its way.

It was getting its release tonight and Qin Rong was along for the ride.

"J..." Qin Rong cried out, his voice echoing through the room as his body moved in time with Xander.

The man held him tight, pressing kisses where he could reach without moving a single inch away from the mercenary. Xander's hand roamed about the latter's form, taking note of every soft and firm inch that had been hidden by that damnable dress before.

Qin Rong, never one to lie about, was doing his own exploring. While his arms couldn't wrap around Xanders body completely, he made his marks on what he could reach. Anyone seeing the prince's back would see scores of scratch marks, illustrating his partner's passion as well as their activities.

Perhaps it was the sensitivity of two virgins indulging themselves with the one they trusted the most or perhaps something else all entirely. Whatever the case, neither of them lasted nearly as long as the first time.

Qin Rong came with a shout, his nails biting into Xanders back as he followed behind. A mess of white erupted from between them, leaving them trembling in each other's embrace.

Panting, Qin Rong reached up to clench a fist in Xander's hair, tugging those dark locks until they were eye to eye.

"Just for tonight... Husband."

***

The next morning was abuzz with excitement.

Rumors had spread about a certain noble miss being caught showing an indecent side of herself at the royal palace. Not only did she allow herself to be seen but she chose to pair up with a lower-class man.

Someone of her pedigree slumming it with a man who wasn't even plain, it was a major scandal!

The young miss's family didn't even have the opportunity to clamp down on things, as the rumor spread to the outside long before it ever reached their ears. Her indecent act was already reaching the far edges of the capital before they could even act.

It was chaos.

Rumors of raised voices from the Hegnan family house had also come about as many curious commoners stood close by.

There were few things that brought joy to their lives. Hearing that some stuck up noble miss had brought shame to their family by 'indulging' was one of the few entertainments they could have. To snicker at the so-called 'noble' acting so vulgarly, how could that not be the talk of the town.

Arthdal, however, was not having such a good morning.

He had had a pleasant evening but he had hoped he'd see his partner when he was done. Yet despite his attempts, he couldn't find Qin Rong.

The castle was vast and while there were obviously places he couldn't easily enter, he was sure he'd be able to find the mercenary. If not that, he would at least be at their rendezvous point.

He still wasn't able to find the man.

If not for his knowledge of the man's capabilities, he might have been worried.

Staying out of sight, Arthdal leaned against the garden wall, considering where to look next when he heard a clamor from somewhere. He might have dismissed it but he heard a familiar whistle.

Qin Rong!?

Looking up, he saw a figure sneaking out a window, a small bird circling him as he gently closed the window. Hair as blue as the sky glimmered in the morning light as the figure looked around for a means of escape. The robes he wore ruffled in the wind, showing off all the skin it was meant to hide.

Confused but relieved to see his partner alive and well, Arthdal let out a signal whistle, drawing the man's attention. Without hesitation, Qin Rong jumped down, aiming for the large man.

Their movements were practiced, as they often worked together. As such, he had no problem catching the bluenette as he fell.

"Shinei-san, why are you-"

"No time!" Qin Rong cut him off, jumping from his arms. There was a faint redness to his face that the other man was not used to seeing. "We've got to get out of here."

"But-" Arthdal stopped, realizing they truly didn't have time. Their mission was over so there was no reason to stay.

Following after the shorter man, Arthdal took note of his appearance.

Disheveled robes.

Flushed face.

Red marks evident on his pale skin

Had Qin Rong been eaten? Or had he been the one partaking in the company?

He didn't dare ask, as there was something more important.

"Did you get the item?"

"Shut up."

"So no then?"

"Shut up! It... wasn't..." Qin Rong pursed his lips, looking strange. Like he was angry and embarrassed at the same time. "Something came up. Afterward, the way in had closed. I can't get in without some kind of key."

"Key?" He echoed. He had to assume the key wasn't something that could be picked or tricked. "Magic then?"

Qin Rong nodded. One of the complications that the two had faced since arriving in this world was the obstacle of magic. While they had their own unique brand of it, there were incantations that locked out everyone outside of certain conditions. The conditions could be varied and complex, making it hard to get past. Some were blood-based, others requiring a certain phrase

The worst were the ones based on magical signature, which were individualized to the point where one was better off just blowing up the seal and suffering the backlash than trying to fake it.

This was what was lying between them and their target. It was no longer as simple as snatching it off a desk.

The mission became a lot more troublesome.

As they slipped from the palace walls, Arthdal spoke one more time, wanting to get something off his chest. He couldn't not ask.

"One last question."

"What?"

The towering man smirked. "Did you have a nice evening?"

"Fuck off."

*****

AN: Super very sorry about the lateness. I've recently started playing the Kingdom Hearts series and have gotten really into it. So far, I've played KH1, skipped Re: Chain of memories (cause F*ck that card system), played through 358/2 days (which emotionally destroyed me) and I'm partway through KH2. I'm having a lot of fun~