vee

⊱ ۫ ׅ ✧

Bodhi was used to this feeling–being alone. Even though he’s always felt alone–being the one to tag along with Xaden and Garrick, being Xaden’s third choice, and surviving their group home with Liam for a year, he’s never been this alone. 

It was weird to not have Xaden and Garrick at school. He didn’t even have Liam, who died a hero during the Battle of Resson. He supposed he still had his friends, but Bodhi didn’t have a best friend, nor was he someone else’s. 

“Earth to Bodhi,” a hand waves in front of his face, promptly snapping him out of his head. He registers who’s speaking to him, Imogen Cardulo and Quinn Hollis sitting across from him in the mess hall. 

“Sorry,” he apologizes sheepishly, “did you say something?”

Imogen levels a look at him, while Quinn snickers at his usual antics. Bodhi instantly became close with Imogen during their first year, despite being in different sections. In fact, he was the person who got her to become close and a trusted member of Xaden’s circle. As for Quinn, well she’s Imogen’s best friend, so by default she is also close with Bodhi. At least, according to Quinn herself.

“We’re thinking of going out with Jax tonight, do you want to come?” Quinn asks, hopeful her friend will say yes. 

Bodhi has the reputation of turning down these types of events, usually making up an excuse that Xaden needs him to do something. Despite his cousin being gone, he still has responsibilities. Some of those include continuing to take care of Violet and continue smuggling out daggers.

Bodhi opens his mouth, an excuse on the tip of his tongue, until his eyes find Imogen’s. She’s silently pleading with her friend to join them, to not make her do this alone. She easily wins him over, Bodhi forgetting whatever excuse he had ready.

“Okay, I’ll come,” Bodhi agrees, slumping in his seat slightly.

Imogen relaxes, while Quinn squeals in excitement, “okay! Be ready for nine. Meet in my room.”

The rest of the day goes by slowly. Bodhi quickly realizes something he wishes he hadn’t–he misses hanging out with his cousin. As broody and annoying Xaden could be, he enjoyed the presence of him. Garrick too. When Xaden was too busy for them, Garrick and Bodhi had gotten close as well. 

It was too risky to communicate, according to Xaden. That much was proven when a letter from Mira was opened by leadership before it had gotten to Violet. He couldn’t risk sending a letter, unless he gave it to Violet to give to him when he went to Samara. 

Perhaps he could do that. Write a letter to his cousin for Violet to deliver. Even if he doesn’t give it to Violet, perhaps it would help to write it out. He was so accustomed to telling Xaden everything, even little things that he needed assurance on. 

When Bodhi makes it back to his room after classes end, he pulls out a piece of parchment and the custom pen Xaden had gifted him after Threshing. The pen hovers over the parchment, trying to piece together what he wants to say. Bodhi takes a deep breath, clearing his thoughts. After a beat, ink meets paper.

Dear Xaden,

A lot has been going on since you and Garrick left. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to see you again, knowing how busy you can be. How is Samara? How do the other riders treat you guys? I’m certain you two have already reached the top of the chain, you always have a way with people, despite our reputation. 

Violet is doing okay. I’m sure she’ll tell you all about it when she arrives tonight. Varrish has been targeting her a lot, and I’ve been doing what I can as section leader to protect her from him. I can only do so much with Aetos as wingleader, but I’m managing. 

Bodhi pauses, not necessarily content with the contents of the letter. It’s a normal letter, it gives all the information Xaden needs. But, there’s a part of Bodhi who desires to tell Xaden more. To tell him the complaints and stories he has so far. 

You’ll be happy to know all the professors are still as insufferable since you’ve left. Carr has been the worst. He forces the marked ones, specifically myself and Imogen, to nearly reach burnout in his classes. It makes my job a lot harder when I need to recharge after class every couple of days. 

There’s also been something else going on. Lately, there have been assassinations on those who went to Resson. Someone attempted to assassinate Violet a couple days ago, but mistook Nadine for her. 

Yesterday, someone tried to kill me while I was showering. I’m not sure how I survived without even a scratch on me, considering I only had one dagger on me. Maybe I have you and Garrick to thank for that one. Someone is plotting something against us, whether it be leadership or General Aetos. 

I don’t think anyone has tried to kill Violet again, but I’m not sure what to do. She refuses to have another ‘bodyguard,’ like Liam was. My plan was to have Imogen be with her as much as possible, but they also have RSC this year, so I truly have to put my trust in her squad to stay with her 24/7. 

Anyways, this is getting long. It’s quiet without you here, which is weird because Garrick’s the loud one of our group. I love you.

Your cousin,

Bodhi

The pen rests against the desk, Bodhi’s brown eyes rereading the letter multiple times. When his eyes trace over the words for a fourth time, he folds the paper gingerly, placing it in an envelope. He takes precision in writing out Xaden’s name, just to make sure it gets to the right recipient. 

For a moment, Bodhi debates on whether or not to write one for Garrick as well. No, Garrick does not need a letter. While he does miss his friend, Garrick likes going no-contact for months. He thinks it makes reunions much more special. Whatever that means.

“Violet,” Bodhi calls out in the gym. The girl in question is training with a dummy, practicing hand to hand combat.

She turns, her expression relaxing when she realizes it’s just Bodhi. She steps away from the mats, walking over to where Bodhi waits near her pack. 

“Is everything okay?” Her eyebrows crinkle in confusion, wondering why he was here.

“Yes,” Bodhi breathes out, “I was wondering if you could give this to Xaden when you fly to Samara tonight.”

Violet’s eyes fall to the letter in Bodhi’s hand, Xaden’s name written neatly. “What’s inside?”

Bodhi knew what she was asking, if there was secret information in the letter that she didn’t know about. And if that was the case, she would demand to know this information. Bodhji’s cheeks heat at the idea of telling her that he simply wrote out his thoughts to his cousin because he missed him. Now that he was thinking it, it sounded silly to Bodhi. 

“Nothing important,” Bodhi mutters, looking away from his friend.

Violet raises a brow, folding her arms over her chest. “I won’t do it unless you tell me.”

“It’s not any important information,” Bodhi retorts, silently pleading for Violet to drop it. He knows she would never open this letter, which is why she’s resorting to bargaining. Violet’s silence is an answer itself, and Bodhi surrenders with a sigh. “I just miss him, that’s all. That’s what that letter is.”

Violet’s gaze softens, understanding Bodhi. “I miss him too.”

“I know,” Bodhi whispers, even though they are the only two in the training room.

Violet holds out her hand, “I’ll give it to him.”

Bodhi gives her a soft smile, gingerly handing over the letter to her. “Thank you.”

He watches as Violet places the letter inside one of her tomes, keeping it in a safe and secret location. The last thing either of them wanted was for it to get creased from all the other items in her pack. 

As she walked back to the mats, Bodhi couldn’t help but feel lonely. He was aware that Violet missed Xaden, but they got to see each other frequently because of their dragons. While Xaden got to see the love of his life almost every week, Bodhi didn’t even have someone he could call his own.

He’s so accustomed to being in Xaden’s shadow that nobody ever really takes an interest in him. He’s not the only one used to this feeling. At least she’s stuck in the same boat as him.

“Thank the gods you decided to come,” Imogen breathes out. Jax and Quinn walk ahead of them, hand in hand, leading Bodhi and Imogen to their destination.

“I could see the way you were practically begging me to join,” Bodhi teases, watching as Imogen rolls her eyes at him.

“I’m sick of you making me third-wheel them,” she retorts, keeping her voice down so they don’t hear their conversation.

Bodhi winces, knowing he frequently turns down anytime the three of them go out. “Sorry.”

Imogen ignores him, “do you ever wish it was different for us?”

Bodhi looks at her, furrowing his brows. “What do you mean?”

“Xaden has Violet, Quinn has Jax. Don’t you wish we could also have that?”

“You have Garrick,” Bodhi doesn’t think before saying the words. He saw it clear as day, the way Garrick looks at Imogen and vice versa. 

Imogen’s cheeks flush, elbowing her friend in the ribs. “Garrick and I are never happening.”

Bodhi rubs his ribs, knowing a bruise will blossom from her hit. “Well, people are too focused on Xaden to notice me, so we’re in this together.”

Imogen sadly chuckles, knowing how Bodhi feels. They’ve had too many conversations about this. An idea comes to her mind, a smile coming to her face. 

“Let’s make a pact,” she proposes. Bodhi raises a brow, urging her to continue. “If we don’t have lovers by the time we’re thirty, we’ll get married and have offspring that will continue our legacy.”

Bodhi chuckles, the thought of a child with their features, his intelligence, and Imogen’s fighting skills was humorous. But, they would rule the world. 

Bodhi eyes her again, pretending to think about it. “Deal.”

The two shake hands, not regretting it for a second. Though, in the back of Bodhi’s mind, he secretly longs to have a lover. To not be completely alone in this wretched war-filled world. But, at least he has his friends.

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<𝟑 .ᐟ

Ridoc's lips were hot against Bodhi’s, teeth and tongue clashing together in a rush. They had all night, though they acted as if they only had minutes. Bodhi runs his hand through Ridoc’s hair, lightly gripping as he keeps the younger boy in place under him. Ridoc–

“Bodhi!” Xaden says rather loudly, snapping his younger cousin out of his daydreams. Imogen was looking at him too, a smug look plastered on her face. Herself and Quinn knew exactly what happened between Bodhi and Ridoc–without Bodhi even needing to tell them. “Did you hear what I just said?”

“Uh–yes,” Bodhi not-so-smoothly lies, any images of Ridoc’s lips gone from his mind. Xaden was visiting to retrieve the daggers, per the arrangement Sgaeyl and Tairn had from being bonded. 

Xaden raises a smooth, dark brow, “then what did I say?” Bodhi sneaks a glance to Imogen, silently pleading for her help. She acts innocent, not giving a crumb of information that can help him. Before he can come up with some bullshit excuse, Xaden continues, “I was asking if all the daggers are ready.”

The daggers–right. Bodhi had barely managed to finish all of them this morning, mere minutes before Xaden arrived. From his training night with Ridoc, the last thing he wanted to do was imbue his magic into daggers while he was hot and bothered. 

“They’re finished,” Bodhi answers, straightening his posture in front of his cousin. “I finished the last batch this morning.”

Xaden nods in approval, “you and I will go get them and sneak them to Sgaeyl in ten minutes. Meet in your room, do not be late.” 

With that, Xaden left as quickly as he arrived, his shadows following him like hounds. Once he was sure his cousin was gone, Bodhi’s shoulders slumped, an exhale escaping his mouth. Imogen chuckles next to him, though he ignores her.

“You have one night with Ridoc Gamlyn and you already don’t know how to act,” she teases, playfully narrowing her eyes at her friend.

“Shut up,” Bodhi seethes, “we didn’t have a night.”

“Right,” Imogen sarcastically agrees, “as if Quinn and I didn’t hear you come back to your room until early morning.”

Bodhi’s cheeks reddened, “you two were awake?”

Imogen shrugs, “Quinn wanted to see how late you’d come back. I owe her three rounds of drinks now.”

Bodhi groans, scrubbing his hands over his face. It’s only been two days since he shared a night of kisses and touches with Ridoc, and he already felt like he was dying. 

“At least you have Quinn to talk about your relationship with,” Imogen adds before beginning to walk away.

“What?” Bodhi questions from beneath his hands, slowly removing them as he peers at his pink-haired friend. “What are you talking about?”

“Well you both are in relationship with the same–” 

“No,” Bodhi’s voice is meant to come out firmly, though he can’t hide the tremor. “Ridoc and I aren’t anything.” 

Imogen raises a skeptical brow, ready to retort, but quickly stops herself. Bodhi isn’t sure what she realizes that makes her hesitate, but she relents. She gives a curt nod to her friend before turning on her heels, leaving Bodhi alone in the abandoned hallway. He only had minutes before he had to meet with his cousin, so he began the trek to his room. 

His mind couldn’t help but wander to what Imogen had implied, that he and Ridoc were in a relationship now. That he was into men. Before two nights ago, Bodhi never really indulged in having one-night stands with anybody, even though they are in a war college. His mother raised him better than that, but he had crushes on women here and there during his first two years at Basgiath. He’s made out with a few girls too, back when they would sneak out of their group home at sixteen, and he’s never not enjoyed it. 

For the first time in his life, Bodhi found himself stuck. Was he attracted to men or was it just Ridoc that he was attracted to? Ridoc always had this beauty and overall aura that attracted anyone–but Bodhi couldn’t help but be torn between the two. He hadn’t spoken to Ridoc since they parted from the gym after making out for hours, the two sneaking up to their respective dorms. He wasn’t ashamed or embarrassed, he just didn’t know what to say or do. What did it mean? Did Ridoc have feelings for him, or was it simply physical? 

Bodhi groaned as his hand wrapped around his doorknob, a headache already forming from thinking too hard about the subject. About his feelings. 

“Someone’s in a mood,” Xaden comments from behind him. 

Instinctively, Bodhi jumps, grabbing onto one of the daggers attached to his legs before realizing it was just his cousin. His body untenses, allowing his cousin into his room before closing and locking the door behind him with a flick of his wrist. “You need to stop appearing out of nowhere.”

Xaden pouts, “but it’s so fun scaring you and Garrick.”

Bodhi rolls his eyes, a smile tugging at his lips. The two burst into laughter, recalling all the times since their youth of Xaden always finding ways to scare the absolute shit out of Bodhi and Garrick. Bodhi couldn’t help but miss those times, when they didn’t have to worry about anything and were able to enjoy their childhood. 

Xaden flops down onto Bodhi’s bed, propping his hands behind him. “So, what is on your mind?”

“Nothing,” Bodhi deflects, opening his closet door to open the secret drawer he built in for the daggers.

“Liar,” Xaden accuses from his spot. “Come on, Bods, you can tell me. We’re brothers.” 

Bodhi was glad Xaden couldn’t see his face. Couldn’t see the way Bodhi’s expression softened, though he doubted his cousin would understand his dilemma. Bodhi takes extra time taking out the daggers, contemplating whether or not to confide in his cousin. He didn’t care if his cousin told anyone else–he just wasn’t sure how he would react. 

Bodhi turns, placing the large sack of daggers on the bed, next to his cousin. Xaden looks at him, silently encouraging him to speak of what is weighing down so largely on his mind. Bodhi takes a breath, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his flight jacket before finding the words.

“I was with someone two nights ago,” Bodhi begins, testing the waters to see Xaden’s reaction. His eyes flicker for a second, long enough for Bodhi to note before his cousin conceals it.

Xaden whistles, “that good that you’re that distracted? Who’s the lucky girl?”

Bodhi internally winces, but his body doesn’t betray him. He looks away, mumbling under his breath, “it’s not a girl.”

The room goes quiet, and Bodhi thinks his cousin is either going to ridicule him or ignore Bodhi for the rest of his life. “So, who’s the lucky guy?”

Bodhi snaps his head to his cousin, who looks unamused. He’s clearly unphased by Bodhi’s revelation of being with a guy, so he either doesn’t care or possibly suspected it. “It’s not…weird that I wasn’t with a girl?”

Xaden furrows his brows, concern lacing his tone, “why would it be weird to be with a guy? You can be with whoever you want, as long as you’re happy.”

Bodhi’s mouth is left agape, shocked at his cousin. Yes, Xaden was always so nonchalant about things, but this was something even Bodhi hadn’t even expected. He closes his mouth, “it’s Ridoc.”

Now it was Xaden’s turn to be shocked. His eyes widened, speechless. “Out of all the men you can choose in this school, you choose Ridoc Gamlyn?” 

“I know,” Bodhi deadpans, knowing how much of a flirt Ridoc is. 

Xaden folds his arms over his chest, “so was Ridoc just there for a fuck or does he actually have feelings for you?”

Bodhi sighs out, moving to sit down on his chair. He looks defeated, unsure how to answer that question. “I have no fucking idea.”

“Well, let me ask this instead, what were you there for?” 

“I was there in the first place to help him train, per his request.” Bodhi answers, picking at his fingernails.

“Ah, that’s my favorite excuse,” Xaden offers him a playful smile, alleviating some of Bodhi’s anxiety. 

“We didn’t fuck, if that’s what you’re getting at,” Bodhi adds before his cousin can ask another question. “We just made out the entire time.”

Xaden puts a hand up, “I don’t need the specifics.”

Bodhi lowers his head, shaking it as a smile creeps onto his face. “I don’t know how I feel. Yes, Ridoc is gorgeous, but this feels different than my other crushes.”

“Well have you stopped thinking about it?” Xaden questions, already knowing the answer.

“No,” Bodhi truthfully responds, peering up at his cousin.

“Well,” Xaden begins, leaning forward on the bed. “I can’t tell you what you truly are feeling, that’s up for you to figure out. But from what you’re telling me, this doesn’t seem just physical. I’d bite the bullet and talk to Ridoc.”

Bodhi groaned, leaning his head back and he heard his cousin scoff at him. “I know you hate confrontation when it comes to your feelings, Bods, but you’re a Durran and a Riorson. You can do it.” Xaden stands, pouch of daggers in hand. He claps Bodhi’s shoulder, “I’m proud of you, don’t forget that.” Without another word, his cousin leaves, leaving his shadows behind. They swirl at Bodhi’s feet, giving their own farewell before drifting under the door to follow their master.

“I hate this,” Bodhi mumbled to himself.

He hated it indeed, because he had no fucking idea how to have this conversation with Ridoc. More importantly, he had no way of cornering Ridoc alone. He’s always with his squad, which is great in hindsight, but not great for Bodhi. 

By dinner, he’s had enough of waiting around and letting his nerves get the best of him. In the corner of his eye, he notices Ridoc leaving alone, heading in the direction of the dorms. With a sudden burst of confidence, Bodhi excuses himself from dinner, discreetly following after him. He maintains a good distance from Ridoc, using the shadows to his advantage to stay hidden. His cousin may not be at Basgiath anymore, but if there’s anything he’s learned, it’s how to hide in the shadows without being a shadow wielder. 

Now, he stood outside Ridoc’s door. He could hear the boy humming to himself within the room, maybe cleaning, changing, or doing work. Bodhi wasn’t sure, but it wouldn’t be long before someone catches him, either Ridoc or one of his squadmates. Bodhi raises his fist, knocking lightly on the door. In a split second, the door swings open, revealing Ridoc shirtless and in a pair of loose pants. Clearly, he was getting ready for bed before Bodhi knocked. 

Ridoc’s smile becomes softer at the appearance of Bodhi, stepping to the side to let him in. Bodhi enters, taking in Ridoc’s smaller room as he closes the door and locks it with lesser magic.

“This is a lovely surprise, what’s for the visit?” Ridoc questions, moving around him to sit on the bed.

“I wanted to visit,” Bodhi comments, still looking around the room. “I wanted to talk.”

Ridoc sits up straight abruptly at the comment, “about what?”

“About what happened during training,” Bodhi answers, gaze falling on Ridoc. 

Ridoc gulps, nerves heightening at the implications of what type of conversation Bodhi wanted to have. Ridoc would be lying if he said his heart rate didn’t speed up every time Bodhi entered the room. He may be known to sleep around and flirt with everyone on the Continent, but he’s never felt what he feels for Bodhi–and it scares the shit out of him.

Ridoc pats the bed, gesturing for Bodhi to sit with him. Bodhi sits, eyes falling on his hands in his lap. Silence envelopes them, Ridoc allowing Bodhi to find his words, not wanting to rush him into the conversation.

“I’ve never been with a guy before,” Bodhi confesses, noting the way Ridoc’s eyebrows fly up in surprise. Not in a judgmental way, just genuine surprise. Bodhi continues on, treading carefully in this conversation. “I’ve always had crushes on girls, but never really pursued anything.”

“Garrick was always the whore, wasn’t he,” Ridoc jokes, an attempt to calm both of their nerves. 

Bodhi laughs, genuinely laughs, nodding his head, “yes, yes he is. I don’t know if I’m one hundred percent into guys, but I am interested in you.”

Ridoc smiles, full of admiration and endearment. “Not everyone knows who they are interested in at first. I didn’t think I was into guys until after being with a couple. It’s something you have to explore.”

Bodhi nods, absorbing his words. “I would like to explore that with you, if that’s something you’d be interested in.” Heat creeps up Bodhi’s neck, spreading to his cheeks. He looks away, suddenly embarrassed for suggesting such a thing. Perhaps he rushed the conversation–

Ridoc’s fingers lightly grip his chin, forcing Bodhi to look at him. There is no judgment or snarky retort ready to roll off his tongue, just happiness and fondness. “I’d be honored to explore that with you. I know my reputation precedes me, but with you–you’re different, Bodhi.”

Bodhi smiles, any embarrassment long gone. He relaxes under Ridoc’s presence, glad to have gotten it off his chest. He leans forward, connecting his lips with Ridoc’s, the kiss soft and full of an emotion Bodhi couldn’t quite name. Ridoc smiles into the kiss, breaking apart from Bodhi to rest their foreheads against one another.

“What does this make us?” Bodhi questions, his voice small enough only for the two to hear. There were no wards around Ridoc’s room.

“Whatever you want us to be, baby,” Ridoc answers, Bodhi’s heart fluttering at the petname.

Bodhi softly chuckles, “you should know, you have more experience than me.”

Ridoc smugly smirks at the implication, “we’re boyfriends.”

“Boyfriends it is.”

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚

Bodhi’s footsteps echo within the empty hallway at Basgiath. These were the rare moments in which the chaotic war college was eerily silent. Had he not had a target on his back, perhaps Bodhi could relax within the silence. He always craved the silence, just like his mother did. He picks up his speed, the familiar sight of the stone doors of the gym coming into view.

He didn’t believe he actually agreed to this, especially when he has too many responsibilities to juggle in his cousin’s absence. Last night, either out of pure idiocy or because he was too tired to properly think straight, he had agreed to a one-on-one training session for one of the cadets in his section. Bodhi knows Ridoc Gamlyn doesn’t need training, he’s watched him spar Sawyer many times. But that didn’t stop him from agreeing.

“Durran,” the sound of Ridoc’s smooth voice enters the space in which Bodhi was quietly listening to Quinn and Imogen bicker. They’ve grown accustomed to his silent presence, while Bodhi has come to love the sound of their bickering. 

Bodhi’s back straightens automatically, ensuring to keep his mask in place. “What?” He slightly narrows his eyes at the younger cadet, though his eyes don’t hold as much ice as Xaden’s.

Ridoc leans one muscular arm on the table, ignoring the way Imogen feigns disgust at the move. “I need your help, since you’re our section leader.”

Bodhi raises a brow, thinking it must have to do with Violet. “What is it?”

“I was wondering if you could train me with sparring. Sawyer refuses to help me fix my weak spot.”

What? Ridoc made it seem as if someone was in trouble, but he was simply asking to train. Bodhi couldn’t find it in himself to be angry–he had no energy. With all the events of the day thus far, he didn’t bother to stop and think before the words were tumbling out of his mouth, “sure.”

Imogen and Quinn perk up at this, shooting a look at their friend. Ridoc’s arm leaves the table, slightly taken aback before a mischievous grin tugs at his lips. “Tomorrow night?”

Bodhi waves him away, slightly nodding his head in confirmation. Ridoc gets the hint, leaving as quickly as he entered. Bodhi can practically feel the way Quinn and Imogen are glaring at him, “what?”

“Did you actually just agree to being alone with Ridoc?” Quinn questions, leaning in to keep the conversation amongst themselves.

“I–” Bodhi begins, abruptly closing his mouth. He drops his head into his hands, “I’m so fucked.”

“Gods, I can’t wait to hear what happened,” Imogen chuckles. 

Now, Bodhi stood in front of the closed doors of the gym. He had a strong feeling Ridoc had beaten him here, as he saw him leave dinner a little early, presumably to change into his training clothes. Thankfully, Bodhi’s last period of the day was sparring, so he was already changed and could mentally prepare himself before leaving. But now he was here. His heart hammered in his chest–forcing deep breaths to calm down his heart. He didn’t need to pass out before he even started training. 

With another deep breath, Bodhi pushes open the doors, met with Ridoc’s bare back. 

He’s so fucked.

Ridoc turns, his signature grin already on his face, “for a second, I thought you’d be late.”

“I’m never late,” Bodhi scoffs, closing the doors behind him as he nears Ridoc.

“I know,” Ridoc says softly, a stark contrast to his usual tone. Bodhi ignores it, not allowing his soft tone to squeeze his heart.

“So you said you need help fixing your weak spot?” Bodhi questions, casually folding his arms over his chest. 

“Yes,” Ridoc suddenly remembers, tucking his hands in the pockets of his pants, “Sawyer said I have an unguarded spot on my right side.”

Bodhi nods, “let’s do a round of sparring so I can see for myself.”

At least Bodhi could smugly tell Imogen she was wrong. He practically got his eyes stuck in the back of his head from the amount of times he rolled his eyes at his two friends for betting on him. Imogen’s highest bet was that Ridoc actually didn’t need help with anything. Quinn disagreed, not worried if she lost all the money to her name for a silly bet.

“So?” Ridoc questions, a light layer of sweat covering his chest.

Bodhi willed his eyes to not look at his chest, especially the defined muscles of his abdomen. “You do have a weak spot on that side, but it’s not bad.”

Ridoc nods, resting his hands on his hips, “so how can I fix it? I can’t have an opening like that in this war.”

Right, the war. For a moment, Bodhi had forgotten his mission at Basgiath. Keep getting the daggers out of Basgiath for the Resolution, to fight against the venin. He hadn’t realized Ridoc knew about it, but before he could question it, the younger boy clarified–”Violet told us. Rhiannon, Sawyer, and I. We won’t tell anyone, but I’d like to be prepared if I’m going to fight to protect thousands of lives.”

Bodhi nodded, seeing the truth in Ridoc’s eyes. It was a stark contrast to the usual demeanor he put on. Not caring about academics, flirtatious–the list goes on. Without a word, Bodhi steps closer, noting the way Ridoc’s breath catches. His hands land on Ridoc’s arms, readjusting them so they are in the position they were moments ago. Stepping around to his right side, he taps on Ridoc’s thigh, watching as he readjusts his position. 

“This is the position you were in that opens up your side,” Bodhi acknowledges, gesturing with his hand how the right side of his ribcage is easily open for someone to attack. “The worst injury you could get aside from your chest is your ribcage.”

Ridoc frowns, “couldn’t I just swiftly move to block?”

Bodhi scoffs, a smile tugging at his lips, “some of them throw daggers–just like how Violet does. They’re fast, it’d be dumb luck if you move fast enough to block.”

Ridoc winces, knowing how Violet throws her daggers. A way that Xaden had worked day and night with her to perfect. “How do I fix it, then?”

“It’s actually really simple,” Bodhi says matter-of-factly. He steps to Ridoc’s right side, placing one hand on his shoulder while the other one grips the bottom of his elbow. Ridoc’s body relaxes under his touch, allowing him to easily move his arm into a lower position. “Are you a righty?”

“Yes,” Ridoc answers, confused as to where Bodhi was leading with this.

“Your shoulder is too bunched up on the right side, probably because you use that hand to land your punches. It allows you to put more weight into your punches, but it leaves you open. The stance is now muscle memory, even when you’re wielding weapons. Am I wrong?” Bodhi raises a brow on him, a playful smirk gracing his lips. 

Ridoc goes to say something, a rebuttal–anything. He finds himself speechless at how Bodhi figured it out so quickly. A flirtatious smirk makes its way to Ridoc’s face, “you got me, I cheat with my punches.”

Bodhi playfully rolls his eyes, “mystery solved.” He turns on his heels, ready to retreat to bed before Ridoc makes him too flustered with that smirk.

“Where are you going?” Ridoc questions, folding his muscled arms over his bare chest. “You need to help me make sure I remember this new stance.”

Bodhi takes a deep breath before turning back around to face Ridoc, who’s looking as smug as ever. It’s going to be a long night.

“Again,” Bodhi orders as Ridoc places his hands on his knees, trying to catch his breath. He was far more sweaty now, and Bodhi took the opportunity to drink in the miles of toned skin while Ridoc was distracted.

“We’ve been at this for hours,” Ridoc responds. It’s true, it was taking too long for Ridoc to break the habit of his stance. Every time he returned to his original stance, Bodhi forced him to start over from the top. 

“You’re the one who said you wanted me to help you break the habit,” Bodhi reminds him, cringing at the feeling of his shirt sticking to his own sweaty skin. Bodhi peels his own shirt off, the cloth sticking to him like a second skin. He throws it to the side of the mat they occupy, landing a few feet away from Ridoc’s.

Ridoc finally rises to his height, a retort on the tip of his tongue–finding himself speechless at the sight of Bodhi’s bare chest. Whenever they sparred for the past two years, there were two people that never stripped their training shirt. Dain, mostly because he was critiquing cadets rather than sparring himself, and Bodhi. And fuck, Ridoc would be lying if he said Bodhi wasn’t attractive. 

Air becomes taut in the large gym, though Bodhi shakes it away. Alongside Ridoc’s stares. He gets in his usual stance, watching as Ridoc ever so slowly joins him. The next couple of minutes are filled with grunts, curses from Ridoc’s end, and a tangle of two sweaty bodies. The ending to their sparring is one that not even Bodhi could’ve predicted.

Ridoc’s body pressed against Bodhi’s, keeping him in place against the mat. The two of them are breathing heavily as Bodhi fights against Ridoc, attempting to escape his grasp. He wasn’t entirely sure how he ended up in his position, or how Ridoc had found an opening in his stance.

“Fuck,” Bodhi breathes out, finally giving up. And gods, that may have been the hottest thing Ridoc has ever heard leave his lips. 

Ridoc sneaks a glance down at Bodhi’s lips, full and slightly bitten from Bodhi’s habit of gnawing on it in high-stress situations. Ridoc knows he shouldn’t do what he’s thinking, especially when he’s mostly certain the boy under him is not into men. He takes a moment to contemplate, but when Bodhi’s body is pressed against his own, his willpower is a thin thread that is ready to snap.

Fuck it.

Ridoc dips his head, pressing his lips against Bodhi’s. He feels Bodhi gasp against his lips, and for a moment Ridoc thinks he royally fucked up. That is, until Bodhi kisses him back. Ridoc’s hands leave their spot on Bodhi’s wrists, dragging his hands down the various planes of Bodhi’s chest and abdomen, relishing the way he tenses under the heat of his hands. Bodhi’s relic-clad arm reaches up, his hand firmly grabbing onto the back of Ridoc’s neck, keeping him in place as Ridoc’s own hands settle on Bodhi’s hipbones. 

Bodhi knew he should not be laying here, under his subordinate, allowing him to run his hands down his body as his lips and teeth clash with his own. 

Bodhi knew he should have left the moment Ridoc requested him to help him remember the stance–to throw out some excuse and assign it to Imogen or Sawyer. 

Bodhi knew he had an overwhelming pile of un-imbued alloy-hilted daggers hidden in his closet that needed to be done within the next 48 hours before Xaden arrived. 

Bodhi Durran knew all of this, but for once in his life, he didn’t care. He didn’t care that he would most likely be scolded by his older cousin for not completing his work. He didn’t care that he’d be given dirty looks by other section leaders and wingleaders if word spread about him and Ridoc on this mat. 

The boy above him tasted like sin, and Bodhi loved it. His tongue runs against Ridoc’s lips, pressing against, demanding that Ridoc grants him entry. He obeys, opening his swollen lips for Bodhi’s tongue to enter, their tongues fighting against one another. Bodhi may be under, but it didn’t take long for Ridoc to submit, their fight quickly turning into a dance as Bodhi memorized every curve and plane of Ridoc’s tongue and mouth. 

When the need for air becomes too necessary, Ridoc retreats from Bodhi’s mouth with a slight pop, resting his forehead against Bodhi’s. The hand that has been locked at the back of Ridoc’s neck slides to his cheek, resting there for a moment. Bodhi’s thumb extends, tracing Ridoc’s swollen and wet lips as the two catch their breath. 

“So,” Ridoc is first to break the silence, finally opening his eyes to look at Bodhi. “Safe to say my stance is fixed, wouldn’t you agree?”

Bodhi’s gaze goes from Ridoc’s lips to his eyes, a smile tugging on his lips. “I think you need a little more practice,” Bodhi teases.

A mischievous grin spreads to Ridoc’s lips, his gaze falling on Bodhi’s lips, tempted to feel how perfect they fit around him. As Ridoc goes to dip down to feed his craving, Bodhi moves them in one smooth motion, flipping so that Ridoc is now under him. Bodhi gives him his own mischievous grin, relishing the way the boy under him becomes flushed. Bodhi dips his head down, pressing hot kisses along Ridoc’s neck, promising a long future ahead of them.