The Azure Son

I’m thinking about making a new blog for Billy/Ezra. Right now they are a side blog which comes with limitations for following and getting/receiving asks. It will have the same name and url, maybe a new theme. Don’t be surprised if I follow you again and start replying from the new blog. 

open to: m (b.ottoms pls!) connections: exes, boyfriends, neighbors, best friend, best friend’s brother, etc.

      it was starting to get late, and it’d just dawned on jace. but at the same time, he didn’t want the night to end. he was enjoying himself far too much that he’d barely realized how much time had passed. he wouldn’t have kept them so late if he’d known — after all, there was a huge snow storm supposed to be coming their way. he stretched his legs and sauntered over to the window to peek out at the streets below his apartment. the streets were quickly being engulfed by the snow falling down. “looks pretty bad out there,” jace declared before moving back towards the couch. he settled down, blue eyes focusing on the the other figure. a smile came over his features before running a hand through his brown locks. “you should probably stay. pretty sure no one around here actually knows how drive in the snow,” he suggested with a cock of his brow. “you can crash on the couch… or my bed’s big enough for us both. and i can make us dinner. no pressure though, of course.” jace just hoped they’d say yes.

Ezra walked into the room behind Jace, watching the way his broad shoulders moved under the fabric of his shirt as he walked. His back muscles rippled; Ezra’s gaze roamed over them like warm honey trickling over skin that quivered for more.

He bit his lip, following him like a shy kitten, at least until they reached the couch. “Subtle,” he announced breathlessly. There was something in Jace's voice that crawled up Ezra’s spine, leaving him to shiver.

Ezra nodded, “That sounds nice.” He beamed at his friend’s offer. During their friendship, this had usually been Ezra’s role; cooking while Jace did the dishes.

Sometimes Brian thought that maybe Ezra showed interest in him, but when he stopped and thought about their ages and the fact that Brian came with a daughter he knew better then to think the guy would want to get tangled in with that much responsibility.

Still, it was a nice thought.

“She certainly is” Brian said and smiled at his daughter as she bit into her cookie and swung her legs happily. “Are you kidding, you’re the reward for doing all that hard work” he said and realizing how it sounded he blushed “I mean nobody can make the good stuff nearly as well as you can” He took a sip and licked his lips “Apparently what this account is for is very important and when my dad comes into town next week he’ll go over everything. He loves being cryptic apparently”

Ezra tried his hardest not to think about how cute Brian looked when he was flustered. Something deep inside him longed to say something, to let it slip that he had feelings for the other man. If only he could, maybe they could be more than friends.

“Sounds exciting,” Ezra crooned in a charming voice, his eyes full as they slowly traced down Brian’s body before flicking back up to meet his gaze. “Maybe we both have daddy issues.” A light chuckle escaped his lips, but if you listened, you might hear the nervousness behind it.

“You never talked about your dad. What’s the story there? If you don’t mind me asking?”

Layla had insisted on coming to the coffeshop and despite it being the third time this week Brian knew  he could never tell her no. Especially when she gave him those puppy dog eyes and promised to eat all her vegetables at dinner. Sure, she would only eat half, but it was still a pretty good deal.

And if Brian got to see the barista Ezra then that would be a nice bonus. “You spoil her” he chuckled softly as his daughter squealed in happiness “Hi Ezra!” she waved and then thanked him.

“Yeah, I had a project I had to finish before the weekend and if I didn’t my boss was going to have my ass……butt”

Ezra took a small half-step back, reaching out with his free hand to lie against his chest over his heart. “Ahh, you wound me, sir.” He grinned as he leaned back, giving Brian another playful wink. “She’s a princess.” His tone was humorous, but there were slight traces of flirtation in his words. Ezra then turned to the little girl with a cheerful smile.

Ezra let his eyes wander over the man in front of him, admiring the broad shoulders and broad muscles which he could see even through Brian’s clothing. He gave a slow, languid smile. He thought nothing could look sweeter than seeing Brian with his daughter, but that was before he found out just how gorgeous Brian was when he smiled.

“Interesting punishments you have at your job, haha. Were you able to get your work done? I wouldn’t want to be the reason you got into trouble.”

Matteo’s gaze flickered down idly at the sparks that ran along his palms and fingers, almost noting the way the young man pulled away almost reluctantly. He flipped his hand over, palm up, cocking a brow at Ezra as if silently egging him on to hold his hand this time instead. The businessman wasn’t entirely sure if the more timid man would take him up on his offer, but that’s what made him all the more enticing to the Qilin.

“Are you done with your work then?” The older man tilted his head to the side before standing up from his chair, typing out a message on his phone and texting it so the driver would bring his car around. “Well, even if not, you’re off work now. We’re going to go suit shopping for you now. It will be the best opportunity to have a proper fitting for you, since I don’t want my new assistant looking unfit for his new position on Monday.”

The CEO waited for the other’s response, curious to see if the other had strong thoughts or complaints on it. Of course, speaking to Ezra’s manager about letting him off early wouldn’t be an issue. But Matteo was much more interested in spending more time with the young man and learning more things about him, including what would make the other blush so cutely. “Come. Let’s get you something fitting.”

Ezra’s heart was in his throat when he took Matteo’s hand. The older man was so much bigger than him, so much stronger. He could feel the warmth of the other’s skin under his fingers. He tried to focus on that warmth instead of the way Matteo’s fingers wrapped around his own.

“They only wanted me covering the morning rush. It should be fine for me to take off now.”

When Ezra stood up, the sparks traveled from the tips of their fingers where they met into his stomach, causing fluttering butterflies that flew low enough that they prickled at his skin. The feeling made something in his stomach tighten, and when he looked into Matteo’s eyes, his breath caught in his throat.

Wordlessly, he followed the older man out of the café, but when they got outside, all he could do was look around at everything with wide eyes. The sun had almost finished setting, and everything was bathed in a warm orange glow that made Ezra blink to get used to it.

Hearing the little plea from the young man, making Alec comes up. Hand slowly stroking that lengthy membrane until he stopped. A faint chuckle passes through his parted lips. Watching the Ezra shiver at the touch of the alpha’s hand.

“You’re sensitive.” The young man has mentioned it had been a long while since he’s had any action. He doesn’t blame Ezra if that is the case. Alec is in the same boat. It had been months since his last encounter with someone to release a load into or on someone. What can they do to ease the young one into sex? Ezra could have his way with Alec and go from there or Alec cna continue with teasing the man’s body.

“What do you want, little one? Do you wanna have a go or do you want to do something to me?” Looking down at his own cock, noticing the twitching, making it bounce up and down, showing he wants a turn to have a mouth on him. “Only if you want to. And if you want me to keep teasing you. Becaus I have a few ideas before we… Get serious.”

Heart racing. It felt as though the heart was going to pounce through the rib cage and out of the chest. That’s how excited he is for having a moment like this. As he thought before; he’s had dreams of this day. Just wanting to take in the little guy and make him a mess. That night is going to happen. No doubts about it.

That he knows it won't be easy doesn't stop Ezra from trying. He wants it, no matter what it takes. Wants to see what Alec has planned out for him. So when the two finally get intimate, what will happen? He will do everything he can to spend as much time as he can with the older man.

There is no doubt that he needs it. And right now, he wants to feel everything that Alec gives him. Everything that makes up his soul. All the feelings that he can’t put words to. The look that the young man gives him answers his silent request. It’s pure lust. Pure desire. Pure love. And it says everything that needs to be said.

“Wh-what ideas?” Ezra wondered. He leaned forward to kiss the corner of Alec’s mouth, placing a soft kiss between those plump lips. He felt the blush spread up and across his cheeks and down his neck.

A smirk curved along his lips, and he chuckled. The sound was low and guttural, just barely coming out. It sent chills up and down his spine. It set off a small vibration in his core. His body pulsed with the need for another taste.

“You are.” One locked door couldn’t stop someone like Xavier. He was well attuned with his magic, some through teachings from his family, but mostly just from years of studying. He embraced his power a lot earlier than the average person would, and at times, it had caused problems but Xavier learned how to get by undetected. “You didn’t show up today, and office hours are over. Figured I come see you myself.” Xavier figured it might have been unusual for Ezra to see him outside of a classroom without a suit on, but he was ready to show that he was a normal person just like everyone else.

“Something on your mind? I recall you seeking me out, and then… nothing.” Xavier trailed towards him, stopping until he was directly in front of Ezra. He let out a gentle sigh, shoulders raising and then dropping. There was nothing better than confronting someone so late in the night with no one around.

Ezra swallowed hard, ignoring the way his heart pounded. He tried to keep himself from blushing too much, but he could feel it creeping upon him. “I-I thought y-you...” He took a few steps back until the shelf was behind him, trapping him between it and Xavier’s body. “Someone saw me leaving your office last time. I thought it was smart to take a step back. I knew you would find me, eventually.” Ezra closed his eyes when a space formed between them, but he couldn’t help it when his teeth dug into his bottom lip as he waited for Xavier’s next move. Touching should not have been allowed in this shop.

@soncfthewitch·

Xavier had gotten rather intrigued with one of his students. Ezra carried himself in a way that was different than other students he had before. He couldn’t put his finger on it, but he felt like Ezra was from a different time. He wondered if posing as a teacher to teach all of his magical history had caught the attention of someone that knew exactly what he talking about. Since Ezra stopped showing up to class, Xavier felt the need to confront him at his own workplace.

“It is rather rude to avoid me, you know?” Xavier made his entrance known with a nonchalent tone, swiping his index finger against the bar to search for any signs of dust. A smirk formed on his lips, and he kept steady eye contact with Ezra. “Not getting cold on me now, are you? I thought we were just getting to know eachother.” Xavier curved his lips into a pout, before shifting back to his usual grin.

Ezra hummed as he carefully placed the books on the shelf and wondered if maybe he should do another sweep before locking up for the night. He ran his hands along their spines, feeling contentment seeping into his body with each volume he passed over. There was something almost magical about finding the perfect book; it made him feel better than any medicine or spell could manage, and that’s why he worked at a place like this instead of spending all day in class. The bells on the door chimed, making Ezra jump since they were supposed to be locked for the night. “Shit! I thought we closed?” His brows furrowed in confusion before he turned his head to see if Xavier was here to make trouble.

Ezra walked over to where the family sat at their table, his feet moving gracefully against the tile floor. The day had drawn his brows out in a faint smile as he held out the steaming mug of coffee towards the man whose hands were full with both his little girl and her toy bear.

“Here you go,” Ezra announced pleasantly, carefully not spilling even though the cup was only slightly tipped forward. He also handed over a sugar cookie on a small plate. He smiled down at the little girl as she took her cookie with a giggle.

“Our little secret, alright,” he admitted warmly as she took a bite of the sweet treat. “Daddy has no idea that I put a little extra sugar in your cookie, just for you.”

“Brian,” Ezra turned a warm smile towards the man. “I didn’t see you in here yesterday. Was everything okay?”

The feeling is consensual. That’s key for Alec and he never felt more positive with someone he’s caught feelings for. It’s rare for Alec to catch anything for anyone. He’s been distant with people and he’s only wanted sexual encounters with strangers. A void to be filled thanks to past scars. Not with Ezra though, he felt he needs to make it special. Make it all sense to him to sleep with someone who seems to lead a calm life. Be gentle with.

Coming up to kiss Ezra on the lips once more. Making sure this is what they both want. He believes this is what the young male wants, and this is what he wants, personally. Sure, he’s had dreams of bringing this one home and have fun, but in this fashion? It was unplanned, but won’t push away. “Okay. Whatever you want.” He responds.

Leaning in once more for the kiss on the soft lips. Hips coming up to Ezra’s, the gentle grinding of their two membranes together, causing Alec to ooze out an inconsiderable amount of pre-cum. He felt some of that warm liquid rub on his lower stomach. Amazed with himself with how he’s controlling himself and not flip Ezra over.

Where to start? Alec has several ideas where he can begin, but it’s so difficult to choose. He could go for the usual when he gets with a guy. Then again, his usual thing is just going straight to ass fucking. No, this time he wants to show he’s serious and means to take things slow. Moving himself downward, kissing on the way down, chest, stomach, and hips. Stopping Right at the hips, taking Ezra’s cock into his hand, stroking slowly, watching the pre-sum slowly ooze from the tip down the shaft.

Licking the warm liquid, getting a taste of what’s coming. A little bitter, but nothing he can handle. Looking up to the young male, eyes full of desire, then back down to Ezra’s cock. Slowly, inch by inch, Alec gets that thick membrane onto his mouth, suckling the head for a suitable moment while stocking the long, thick shaft. More of that cock goes into Alec’s mouth, sucking, tongue rubbing the underside of the shaft as well.

Ezra inhaled once more before he let out a long sigh. He lifted his free hand and rested it against the back of Alec’s neck. It was then that Ezra realized he had been holding his breath, but he didn’t mind. In fact, his throat felt tight. The heat of his Alpha’s mouth was overwhelming; his stomach fluttered. A freehand fisted in Alec’s hair, tugging gently at the strands. He was careful not to dislodge that mouth as he gave a slow roll of his hips. The muscles in Ezra’s thighs quiver as the Alpha’s tongue worked across his length. The sensation of that mouth was intoxicating. He groaned.

He pulled at Alec’s hair, pushing his head down. His hands cupped the sides of Alec’s head. His thumb stroked the soft flesh behind the ears. The pressure against his shaft increased. Ezra moaned, feeling his balls tighten. The pressure became unbearable, and the Raiju dropped his head to rest against the pillows. He panted, taking quick breaths. His heart raced in his chest. He couldn’t stop himself from pressing closer, or from reaching down to grasp the base of Alec's neck. To run his fingers through those silken locks.

The fire that sparked at the base of his cock flared brighter. Ezra exhaled, his teeth sinking into his lower lip as he tried to pull himself together.

Heart pounding in his chest. Three words uttered to the alpha. Someone has a desire for him. Much like he has a desire for someone. Someone who is currently in his arms. Eyes fluttering shut the moment those small hands came to his jawline. Embracing the sweet gesture.

Opportunities like these don’t come up very often. Alec can’t remember the last time he’s had sex with someone. Work kept him busy. At first he had a lot of free time, but now, it’s time consuming. If he has consent from someone, like now, they he won’t deny them a good night.

A faint gasp passed between his parted lips. Hands on his bulge, a sensation that he hadn’t felt in a long while. Another kiss to those sweet lips. “If you’re sure, then I won’t object.” Leaning in for another kiss, this time a long moment. The erection in his sweatpants grew with every second. Finally, making itself long and hard.

A strong desire to turn this young male over and just have his way with him, but seeing as how gentle Ezra is, Alec will go slow and gentle. The hand that was on Ezra’s head slowly made its way down to the young male’s behind, squeezing it firmly. Just as Alec thought; this one has a nice round behind. A feeling of constriction. The alpha took not only his own sweatpants, but Ezra’s too. Throwing them off the bed. Now naked.

Kisses to the lips, then to the neck. Alec is going to take his time with this one. Moving further down to the shoulder. A gentle push so that Ezra is on his back. Climbing over him, leaning down, kissing the neck once more, but making his way to the chest, then the nipples. There, he had a little fun with teasing the little nipples with this tongue.

He has had sex before, but nothing like this. Alec kisses him with vigor, fingers tracing the lines of his body. The hands are roaming over his skin, even in places that are sensitive to touch. Gentle caresses spread warmth throughout every nerve in his body. He is not used to most people wanting to take their time with him… they always want something quick and dirty.

It causes a stirring inside of Ezra; it builds up already! But when the calloused hands cup Ezra’s face and his lips press to the Alpha’s, time seems to slow down. He comes out of his daze when he feels a hand on his own clothed backside. Even more shocking is how Alec slides the sweats off, making Ezra shiver with anticipation. Then his hands feel the bulge in his pants and he groans, fingers digging into Alec’s shoulders. Ezra presses their bodies together and kisses him.

“Are you sure?” Ezra whispers in Alec’s ear before biting down slightly on the lobe, tugging it so lightly with his teeth that it just stings with pressure. His fingers tease over the muscles of the Alpha’s body displayed before him. There is no need to rush this, he thought. Time stands still as they hold on to each other and embrace these first precious moments.

I want you... Ezra kisses him deeper, feeling every word on the tip of his tongue as if Alec’s breath brings life into Ezra’s own lungs. The Alpha’s fingers trail down those delicate curves until they reach his thighs, where he spreads them apart as far as they can go while Ezra lies on his back before him. The young man’s eyes dart up to meet those of his Alpha. That look alone has him harder than steel, throbbing with a need to be satisfied. He feels desperate in a way he hasn’t felt since... well, not since ever!

+

If Teddy could have kept them frozen in that moment he would have, his lips on Billy’s as music crackled softly through the radio. The stale lighting of the compound wasn’t exactly romantic, but his lips against Billy’s felt right, like something was falling into place just as Teddy knew that it would. When at last they pulled away somehow Teddy knew that whatever spell had been cast to buy them some time together had ended. 

“That comment feels very uh… specie-ist, I don’t think you can say stuff like that.” Teddy said, jokingly. His breathing was still uneven, but he couldn’t bring himself to let go of Billy just yet. The other’s cheeks were flushed, his lips red from kissing Teddy’s and idly the man let his thoughts run away for a few moments. “If you could go anywhere, where would you want to be?”

“I don’t even know where I’d want to go anymore, outside of here,” he admitted, his heart beating quickly in his chest. He wasn’t thinking about the rules they might have broken or if it would lead to dire consequences down the line. All that Billy could focus on was Teddy; how attractive he looked when he was focused and moving forward with purpose, how good it felt when their bodies were pressed flush against each other like this.

Billy’s eyes wandered shyly over the curves of Teddy’s body before locking with his gaze again. He took a deep breath in order to steady himself and then reached out to take hold of both sides of Teddy’s face, cradling it in his hands as though Teddy’s face was a delicate treasure he didn’t want to break. Billy could feel Teddy’s breath tickling his neck as the other man exhaled. “You’re so beautiful,” he choked, half in awe at the sight of him.

Billy waited until Teddy’s eyes met his again before leaning forward to press their lips together for a second time. The kiss was far less tentative than it had been when they were laughing, and Billy could feel Teddy opening up to him more readily this time around. His hands dropped to rest on Teddy’s shoulders instead of his face, pulling their bodies closer together.

The way Teddy’s body felt in his arms was almost familiar; after living with another person in such close quarters for so long, it was difficult to still away. To obey the new rules against relationships among the Avengers. After Wanda and Vision.

+

It was obvious that Esdras was fighting back -something- that emotions were seeping through, somewhere the knight thought he should lecture the other man. Tell him to stuff it down, control it, or better yet use it. But he didn’t have the heart to, maybe in that respect August was failing the squire after all because instead of shutting him down and telling Esdras to pick up his sword again, August embraced him. “It’s okay.” The knight promised, because he chose to believe that no matter what happened he would always be there to protect him, Even if that meant protecting his squire from himself. 

August held him there for a beat, and then another. He breathed in the scent of what felt like the after effect of a thunderstorm, when all the earth was coated in a deep, rich petrichor. At last the knight pulled away and created some distance between them again, any softness that had dotted his irises previously were replaced with steel, August had indulged himself and Esdras enough for today.

“Pick up your sword,” August commanded, whatever monster lived inside Esdras, the squire would overcome it, and the knight would help him. No matter the cost. “you’re far from finished.”

Esdras looked up at him with a mix of relief, shame, and gratitude. He knew that the other man was just trying to help, in his own way. He always did. Esdras took a deep breath, trying to calm himself before walking over to pick up his sword from where it lay. He could feel August’s eyes on him as he walked back towards the center of the practice area so they could continue training.

He bit his lip, staring up at August with wide eyes. The knight was so handsome. He had an unfair amount of confidence and blind self-assurance that Esdras found himself envying.

The squire’s brows drew out in a deep frown, though there was no real hostility in the expression, only doubt and frustration as he looked at his mentor. His expression matched the other man’s gaze.

It felt like August’s gaze could see right through him and underneath his skin, as if he knew all the fears and insecurities that plagued Esdras.

“How do you never doubt yourself?” Esdras wondered. Was August so aware of the demons in his own mind? How much strength did it take not to bring them out into the world for others to see? While for Esdras, his came out in his training when he needed to push himself beyond what he thought were his limits.

“It’s not that fancy.” It’s a quick dismissal, but the grin on his lips gave away that maybe he liked the idea of living in the fancier dorms. Not that he really deserved that sort of place, he was here on a scholarship for his work rather than being abl to really… afford a place here. A though he stuffed aside, aware enough of his own issues that he didn’t need them ruining what as probably one of teh best things to happen to him in months.

Werewolf blck out the night before put aside, of course.

He led the way through the building with ee, still not straying far from Ezra. Brushing off the japes from the few people milling around this early in the day, and thankful his roommate was one of them. He took more time to explain the situation with him, otherwise known as lying his ass off, but still. It got them both in to his shared room.

“You, uh, can make yourself comfortable if you want?” Oh, great. Now the nerves kicked in. A nervous grin offered to Ezra.

Ezra glanced around shyly before taking a seat on Ryan’s bed, trying to look casual. He was never good at making himself comfortable in unknown places. “yes, sir. It looks like your roommate was awake after all?” He attempted to smooth back his hair, trying not to think about how unkempt it seemed at that moment.

The other boy was at least kind enough to give him space while they talked. Ezra took in the room; it wasn’t anything extravagant, but the white walls were decorated with posters and pictures of what looked like family members. He smiled, longing for home creeping back into his awareness again.

Maybe that was why he felt so at ease with Ryan. Their experiences were similar in that way.

Ezra leaned back into his hands and glanced up at Ryan. “Maybe you should eat something if you’re still feeling a little weak. Who's got that hidden mini-fridge?”

+

“I’ll take on anyone that comes for you.” Teddy offered, “That comes for us.” What did he care about what the world feared, maybe they should be afraid - because Billy was right. None of them knew what Teddy and Billy could do together, the world could be scared, but somehow Teddy felt like if they had each other then it didn’t matter what everyone else thought. If he knew anything it was that the world was cruel, and terrible. At any moment the fucking sky could come crashing down, or half the universe could disappear in a blip. People, relationships, connections, these were the sort of things worth fighting for. 

“I’m not gonna say no,” Teddy smiled, “so you can stop that now.” He stood in front of Billy, his fingers brushed against the other man’s cheek. He’d been thinking about this for weeks now, he waited for the sound of security powering down and then leaned in and pressed their lips together. One hand came to rest on Billy’s waist while the other hugged the soft curve of the man’s neck, two minutes was plenty of time, and Teddy intended to make every second count.

It was hard for Billy to think. Both of them were standing, and that wasn't quite what he had in mind either, but it felt too incredible not to let the moment linger for a while. He knew how bad it could be afterwards; hell, tonight might even turn out to be the night where they were caught and sent and locked and taken and stolen away from each other. And if that happened? Well, at least they could say goodbye with their lips pressed together under the fluorescent glow of the compound’s lights.

He leaned in closer, hugging Teddy by the waist until there was no more space between them - not that Billy would change a thing.

One hand remained around Teddy's head while the other ran down his side and rest on his small of his back as their tongues entwined as the kiss deepened. It wasn’t what he’d expected or imagined their first kiss to be like, but it felt so much better than anything else had before now.

“Wow, who knew you tasted like green jolly ranchers and beer?” Billy smirked, trying to catch his breath, his heart pounding against his chest.

+

“It?” That was an interesting turn of phrase considering his squire was talking about a power that he possessed, but fear was written all over Esdras’ features. The man furthered with an explanation that the magic that lived within the other was very much alive, willful, and with a mind of his own. Often August considered circumstance and destiny, whether chance meetings were every really that or if there was something written in the stars that marked meetings as predetermined. Moments like this made these thoughts stick out that much more, because if Esdras’ fear of this power that lived within him was so crippling then August was perhaps the perfect person to have brought him under his wing. 

“You never have anything to fear when you’re with me.” August pointed out, a strong hand came to rest along the side of Esdras’ face as their eyes levelled together. “That magic inside of you can’t touch me, and if you lose control I’ll be there to help you back along the proper path.” 

“I will always protect you.” August promised, Esdras was his responsibility so long as he was his squire, and further than that… There was an affection there. It bloomed in rare tender moments such as this one, and flourished when he watched Esdras perfect something he’d been working on steadily. “You’re my charge, my responsibility, and you are far stronger than whatever magic lives inside of you.”

Esdras bit his lip, staring up at August with wide eyes. He wanted so badly to believe him. His mentor always said such wonderful things to him, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was just another way to keep Esdras’ dependence on him strong. Even if it wasn’t, even if everything he said was true - that didn’t change the fact that there was something growing between them. Something passionate and powerful; something he couldn’t let impede their mentor-student relationship because if either of them were to be hurt, it would destroy him.

There was a warmth in Esdras’ chest as August’s hand pressed against his cheek. He fought the tears that were building in his eyes. “I trust you August, I mean... sir.” Esdras whimpered, looking away from the other’s face to avoid letting August see him like this. He was not weak. He would show this man that he could handle things on his own...

Even if deep down, he was terrified of what would happen to him without August in his life.

“You’re my charge, my responsibility, and you are far stronger than whatever magic lives inside of you.”

Ezra’s walls crumbled even further. He could feel himself slipping - breaking apart under the weight of it all. But... It wasn’t bad. It didn’t leave him feeling empty like it had in the past when he failed to control his magic or when he felt helpless against someone else’s strength. No, the shattering only came with relief now that he had finally let go of everything that weighed him down emotionally. And most surprising of all was that what filled the spaces where things once were only made Esdras feel stronger.

“I know,” Esdras whined, his heart pounding loudly in his chest as he lifted his head and looked into August’s eyes. “T-thank you.”

“Should we get back to it? Or did you want to call it a day?”