BLEED

I have some expenses and plans happening in August/September, so I'm kind of in need of some word-spread and commissions. If you know anyone who's looking for someone to do icons for them, please send them my way?

The sweet sound of Sebastian's laughter sorely tempts Vanth to smile. He lives for it, truly, to see and hear his happiness. Vanth steals a glimpse at the pearly white fangs peeking from underneath the handsome curve of Sebastian's lips, and his expression grows milder, softer, until he may as well be smiling. And then he feels Sebastian's fingers pushing up into his hair, lifting the corner of his mouth the rest of the way up. ❝ You should. I married you, ❞ Vanth reminds softly, whispering against him. His forehead shifts a little, rubbing more affection into his lover's beautiful, dark locks. ❝ I was pretty sure I wasn't gonna marry anybody before you came along. ❞

"Then, it seems we have each other's every angle." Vanth's grin, the playfulness from their bond, and the gentleness and vulnerability that they share with each other float like fireflies between them.

Well, that's pretty true. He was taller than the national height average. Guess that mattered to some. His bulk can be hidden fairly well behind baggy clothing but it's not really his style. A simple long sleeve shirt and some jeans did the job just fine for him.

"and keen eyes, mm?" Sebastian doesn't even try to hide the fact that he was indeed eyeing Toji. He had, since the moment the man entered his building, after all.

Vanth looked so excited! It was impossible not to be swept up in his energy - in his touch, his smiles and in the way he looked at him. "I know you like it" - that's why I chose this color is what his tone seemed to say without him having to utter the words.

It's hard to suppress the look of fondness and gentleness when he bears witness to how excited Vanth truly is to host a dear friend.

Peacefully, they rest against each other, their souls in silent harmony, as what remains of yesterday's ache entirely falls away. Vanth forgets all about dinner as he basks in the presence of his most loved, having missed him so deeply. To think their fight had been so brief. He couldn't bear the thought of any rift between them; it would utterly tear him apart. Eventually, the low rumble of Sebastian's sudden chuckle opens his eyes. He flits his gaze to him without moving an inch, wondering what's struck his sense of humor. ❝ Foolish? ❞ Vanth echoes. He also feels foolish for their fight. Is that what Sebastian means? But when he explains himself, Vanth couldn't be more surprised. ❝ Take me from you? Seb— ❞ And Vanth lifts from Sebastian's side to look him straight in the eyes. ❝ If I thought anybody could take me away from you, or even so much as come between us, I'd eliminate them. Immediately. ❞ He's totally serious, too! It's not a threat; it's a promise. ❝ But I don't wanna have to do that, so for everyone else's sake, I sure as hell hope they know they stand no chance. That includes Adolin, as charming and gentle as he is. ❞

Sebastian laughs. The poking against his cheek, the way he speaks, followed by the pout and the close contact, Sebastian couldn't help but laugh, honestly.

It was a storming castle?! In another universe, that probably wouldn't have impressed Adolin. But here? Here, it was a completely different story.

Everything is prepared. It is mainly for both Vanth and Adolin, seeing as how they were able to consume and indulge in human meals and such without a problem. Sebastian's palette was a whole different standard. Still, that didn't mean he didn't know how to prepare something exceptionally well.

Vanth doesn't need the bond between their souls to know that Sebastian is completely sincere. It's the deep adoration in his eyes, the reassuring touch against his hand that says everything. With a calm heart and clear mind, Vanth gazes at the fit of Sebastian's warm, broad palm around him, how perfectly they fall into each other's shape. Wordlessly, Vanth leans to press a kiss to his beloved's cheek, letting their fingers brush inside Sebastian's hold. ❝ Then... We're okay, ❞ he murmurs—to him, his world.

Sebastian's eyes close briefly, soaking in the gentle touch and the kiss from his lover. He hangs onto Vanth's words.

Vanth does not name the emotion that wells through their bond, as it is too vulnerable, too personal, for him to have that right. But he understands it deeply; his hand falls over the top of Sebastian's without him realizing. The touch is kept brief, and his expression stays the same as he lets the conversation move on, comforting but not dwelling on it. Then, Vanth reaches for his drink. After a short sip, he gazes upon the thoughtful wrinkle in his brow inside his glass before returning it to Sebastian again. ❝ Is that... the same as it's always has been? ❞ Vanth gently asks, setting his glass down with a soft clink. ❝ I'm not looking to change it, ❞ he adds, just to be open and honest with him.

Sebastian reaches to take Vanth's hand in his. Fingers grazing along the back of his hand, eyes solely on Vanth. He doesn't have to say it; Vanth knows that he is the only one he'll love at this deep of a level. The only one who knows his vulnerability as it is.

Sebastian really outdid everything. Sure, Vanth would get his comfort meal, but when he heard that Vanth had not eaten, it only made him feel that Vanth may not have eaten at all the day before today. That wouldn't do. A king could not rule with an empty stomach, he'd say to Vanth.

When it comes to Vanth, Sebastian never does things in half-heartedness. He should have expected that he would prepare a full spread of his most beloved dishes upon hearing of his hungry state, and yet Vanth is no less in awe of the impressive sight of their table when they sit together—as they always do, despite its grand, banquet-suited length. Vanth's fork stakes a stewed potato before he brings it to his mouth and chews contemplatively. Like every meal his husband prepares for him, it melts divinely against his tongue, curing the empty anger of his stomach in an instant. It also forces him to pause before speaking; he can't help but savor it first. ❝ So while I was out of the house, you two were talking... ❞ Vanth peers at him sidelong as understanding dawns over his features. Here he thought Sebastian had left him alone out of anger, when really, he had sought to make things right. For Sebastian to do such a thing despite his position as king... His eyes soften. ❝ I'm proud of you, apologizing like that. ❞

There's a look of surprise from Sebastian. To have someone be proud of him, or at least voice it...He's not entirely sure how to deal with the emotion that springs up inside of him. He hums but says nothing about it.

The way Sebastian trails off leaves Vanth to blink. He was so sure he was to blame, that he had misunderstood and messed it all up. And yet Sebastian's lips against him tell him that could never be the case, apologizing once, twice, and again. By the third time, Vanth's mouth nearly chases after him as he pulls back, a soft shade of pink gently settling over his pale skin. ❝ Jealous? ❞ Vanth echoes faintly, surprised to hear his lover admit it aloud. The thought makes his pulse grow quick and light, not because he never thought he possessed such a power over Sebastian—they both do, over each other—but because of his maturity to confess it so plainly and take responsibility for it. Vanth couldn't be any more in love with him.

Sebastian really outdid everything. Sure, Vanth would get his comfort meal, but when he heard that Vanth had not eaten, it only made him feel that Vanth may not have eaten at all the day before today. That wouldn't do. A king could not rule with an empty stomach, he'd say to Vanth.

The inevitable always seems to find her at the least convenient time. Here she had been enjoying a nice cup of tea in a nearby park when Sebastian graced her with his presence.

She truly did stick her nose in businesses she had no part of being. Wasn't that how she lost her wings? Laughable. Sebastian scoffs.

Vanth, too, sinks into the familiar and safe shape of Sebastian's arms, breathing out a little of the ache that runs between their souls like red string. Oh, how deeply he missed this, the sweet embrace of his most loved, their hearts so close they may as well touch. Fervently, Sebastian whispers promises over his scalp, and Vanth's eyes open gradually, as if confused. What reason is there to make them? Vanth's happiness has one sole source—Sebastian, and no one else. Sebastian pulls back to find Vanth's gaze, already searching for him. He gives a small, tentative glance to the thumb against his cheek, stroking away the tears he shed alone the day before. ❝ ... Happy? ❞ Vanth's voice is so quiet that it cracks, the inflection of his question tapering into silence. ❝ Sebastian, I... ❞

He shakes his head. "You..." Sebastian leans down, pressing his lips to Vanth's. He kisses him with a gentle peck once and twice before giving him a deeper kiss the third time. Sebastian shakes his head again once he pulls away. "You could never," he says with a soft huff. "It was me. I was jealous when I should not have been.

It's a sunny summer morning when Vanth returns to Sablespire. The walk through the Mistwood is quiet and lonely, its woodland creatures singing somber sounds. His footsteps had trudged a slow rhythm home, reluctant to face the emptiness of the castle again. As he climbs its grand front steps, his heart senses Sebastian's nearness, beating a little faster with nerves. What if their home still feels empty, even with them both in it? Silently, he pushes into the foyer, the forest song fading out as he closes the door behind him. And then he pauses. A melody pours from the music room, filling the hallways and welcoming him home. It carries a different sorrow from the one outdoors, lamenting gentle notes of regret from a harp's strings. Vanth's chest grows tight; he's always loved the sound of Sebastian playing his instruments, and even now, he wishes he had the heart to hum along as he does every other time. His feet move him closer. His heart may not have it in him to hum, but he still wishes to listen. Before long, Vanth finds himself lingering at the music room door, a hand placed lightly against its wood. The mournful tune trickles to a close without him, and the ache becomes so much that it brings him to enter, coaxed into Sebastian's presence by the message woven into those strings. Their eyes meet. Vanth's breath stills. Sebastian draws closer. And he wraps him in a firm embrace. Against his hair, Vanth feels his apology. Briefly, his eyes are wide.

Sebastian seemingly melts when he has Vanth in his arms. He holds him close as if worried---scared, even, that he'd lose Vanth. That he'd just disappear.

"Is that right? I try to blend as well as I can. Doesn't do me any good to be at the center of someone's attention."

"Hm! You are too big to blend in with the commons." His energy compared to everyone else there had been so vastly different. It's laughable.