#cagedhound

Kakavasha and Seth were out on a meeting with some important figures on Penacony. Or rather, they had just come out from said meeting. The Stoneheart's bodyguard felt the watchful gaze of the Family members on them. Despite carrying his twin pistols in his chest holsters hidden under his suit jacket, he wouldn't hesitate to use them if he had to. Seth noticed that something about his boyfriend was off, though.

“What's wrong?”, he asked, lifting an eyebrow.

He was walking right next to Aventurine, if just half a step behind him, at most.

“What? Me? Wrong?”, the blond’s body was still hot with the adrenaline rush from winning the last hand in the discussion.

It was like when he’d play poker, his heart raced until the last second. Did anyone notice? Did the other players at the table notice that he was sweating? That his heartbeat was going rapidly?

“I’m fine, silly. I’m just thinking. I’m thinking of things.”.

Things like how to spoil Seth. He was going to take Seth out later and buy anything that he’s been eyeing on.

Rolling his eyes, he let out a low huff.

//Of course…//, he thought.

Shaking his head, he pulled the blond around the next corner. His brown, jagged bangs fell over his eyes. Glaring at his lover, crimson eyes piercing the other's purple-teal ones, he pinned him against the wall.

“Are you sure that you can deceive me? I've known you for long enough to notice. You may fool them, but you can't say the same for me.”.

His voice rather a low growl, warning his employer to spit it out.

Sometimes, Seth wasn't sure whether his Lycan blood or his identity as a Masked Fool were shining through. Especially in moments like these.

The suddenness of his lover's action caught him off guard. Aventurine stiffened, trying to get away from the wall. His eyes widened, a lump in his throat almost clogging up entirely. Aventurine was a bit surprised that Seth could see through him like that, but he wasn’t going to show it. Not yet.

“You know me so well…”, he said in a low tone.

“Of course I do!”, the other man huffed, with his ears pinned back, shaggy dark grey tail whipped from one side to another.

A few moments later, though, he took a deep breath. Seth leaned his forehead against his boyfriend's.

“I told you that I'd share every burden I can with you, for I am your sword and your shield. So tell me. Please.”.

There he goes again. Acting all charming after threatening him with those crimson eyes. How is this man so good at manipulating his heart, he didn’t know.

Aventurine softened, leaning back into his embrace. He was safe here. He could let his fears and insecurities flow free without being judged. He could show his true self because Cerberus was always there to see it.

The blond swallowed hard before finally answering: “I’m scared, Seth.”.

His jaw clenched visibly, even though he gently returned his partner's hug. Gently pulling the smaller man closer, he supported himself by resting his forearm against the wall. This way, the Lycan also shielded him from prying eyes. Nobody ought to see Kakavasha this vulnerable but him. Seeing him show his insecurities so openly made him feel appreciated, loved, and most of all, trusted.

Cerberus sensed how hard this was for the blond to admit.

“No need to be, for I am here to watch over you and protect you.”.

Pressing a gentle kiss to the crown of his head, he hugged the other man tightly to reassure him.

The wolf’s words pierced through him, so calm yet powerful. Aventurine held onto the Lycan as if he was a shield. Because he is.

The Sigonian hated to admit how scared he was since he was the type of guy that everyone saw as the confident and brave kind of guy. But it was the truth. He was scared. And he hated himself. Deeply.

“Promise you’ll never leave me”, he muttered beneath his breath, eyes squeezed shut while wrapped firmly in the wolf’s embrace.

Seth could feel hatred bubble up inside of him. Not directed towards Aventurine, no.

Far from it.

This white-hot mix of anger and hate searing inside of him was for the IPC. They were the ones responsible for making his one and only feel like this, even though they had given him this opportunity to be 'free' albeit in a golden cage with a glimmering guillotine hanging above his head, waiting to fall.

“I vow to never leave you. I'll follow you to the end of the cosmos, till the death of the stars, and even beyond. For I have pledged to be by your side forever.”.

With that, he cupped his boyfriend's cheek, gently lifting his chin in the process. He sealed his promise with a kiss on his forehead before his lips found a way down to Kakavasha's.

Seth’s kisses always made him shiver, even though they were gentle and full of tender love. The wolf’s kisses always gave him the kind of butterflies that would make him feel like his heart was about to burst out of his chest.

The kiss on the forehead made him feel safe, as if there was never such a thing as problems in the world. And finally, the last kiss sealed a promise neither of them would ever break.

Only the two of them were relishing in this moment.

Seth knew about the blond's insecurities way too well. And yet, instead of looking down on him for them, he'd repeat as often as necessary that Aventurine was much better than what the angry, evil, little voice inside his head said. Much better than what he thought about himself.

Since they were standing in a rather dimly lit alleyway clearly not used by any people around them, he could freely kiss him outside the bounds of a closed room. Bonus points could be given since it was a one-way street, and his large figure would cover the blond's smaller frame.

After what felt like an eternity, the Lycan broke the kiss.

“How about we head back to our room and order some room service?”.

He wasn't in the mood for an overly fancy dinner. This way, they could also talk about what was weighing on Aventurine's mind.

The Sigonian leaned against the muscular man, his head resting comfortably against the broad shoulders. He had no idea how his partner had already figured out that he needed time away from the fancy dinners to talk about it.

Because he really did.

“Sounds good to me. But first, can I ask you something?”.

The blond looked up and met his partner’s gaze, a hint of nervousness in his stare despite being close to the wolf.

“Promise you won’t laugh? No matter how weird my question might seem to you…?”.

Gently caressing his head, Seth's hand ran through the other's silky golden locks. With a nod, he confirmed his words to both of his remarks and questions.

“What is it?”, he quizzed, lifting an eyebrow and gazing down much more softly than before at Aventurine.

For a few seconds, he remained quiet before eventually speaking up: “…Can I have a piggyback ride..?”.

The blonde knew how corny his question was and how goofy it made him look to ask for such a thing at his age. But he didn’t care, not with his partner standing right in front of him.

Aventurine knew how tall the man was and how it didn’t matter at all, because he’d still feel safe and comfortable in his arms.

Sure, that question was not what he had expected to hear, but he didn't laugh, at least. Seth just blinked at him for a moment before nodding and turning around. The Lycan crouched down, so Aventurine would have an easier time getting on.

“S'ppose you're tired, hmm?”.

With a nod of his head, he signaled his partner to hop onto his back.

And once the Stoneheart had climbed on, he headed back to the hotel.

As soon as they had returned to their room, Seth ordered something for dinner for both of them.

He looked over to the blond and sat him down, breaking the ice: “Okay, so, what's your plan?”.

He knew that his partner was coming up with something as he set down the tablet with food and drinks the staff had brought in front of them on the little table. He knew that specific glimmer in his eyes, the way his brows furrowed slightly whenever he was coming up with a bigger plan.

Aventurine had a smile on his face that could only mean that he was thinking. The blond glanced over at the big man in front of him, who seemed so calm, with barely any signs that he was thinking hard. It was something the Sigonian wished he could be right now.

He took a sip from his expensive wine, his eyes darting at the Lycan in front of him. Seth had a calm exterior, but the man was anything but that, judging by the way his tail was wagging slightly and his ears perked up at attention.

“So…”, he began, putting down his drink, “I have an idea.”.

“Something to do with the Family, right? The way they avoid mentioning 'death' is suspicious…”, he scoffed quietly, but awaiting his love's response.

He also began eating his steak, curious about what the other's plan might entail.

The blond was surprised that his partner knew him that well. Albeit, they'd been together for a long time now, so it shouldn't actually be a wonder.

“You really do know me too well….”.

“Certainly I do.”.

A lazy smirk graced his lips, his crimson eyes glimmering as he looked at Aventurine.

Before he could answer the wolf’s suspicions, he leaned closer, his hands grabbing Seth’s.

“I have an idea. But I’d like to ask you something first.”.

“Ask away.”.

He was awaiting the other's idea and question.

The blond played with one of his partner’s fingers as he continued to speak.

“Do you trust me enough to go through with the plan I have?”.

He waited for the wolf’s answer before he could say anything else. The blond wanted the big man to trust him and believe in him.

“Well, I do trust you with everything, so... Yes. Even more so, if you don't keep me in the dark, but I don't think I need to remind you about that.”.

A husky chuckle left his throat. If he didn't trust him, why should he have chosen Aventurine as his lover? It would make little sense otherwise.

“I have an idea, but please hear me out first. I know how crazy this must sound. I know it does, but…”, he swallowed hard, his breathing becoming shaky as he continued, “I want to try and test out my theory of permanent death in the Dreamscape. I want to know if it’s possible to actually die here or not.”.

Upon hearing and processing his lover's request and plan, he almost choked on the piece of steak he was about to swallow.

“...What-? Kakavasha, you can't be serious-”, Seth eventually brought out, albeit still out of breath from his coughing fit.

“Don't you think this is a little risky?”.

He trusted Aventurine, he truly did. He just didn't know what to do with a proposal like this.

The other male laughed at his partner’s reaction, but it wasn’t a mean or arrogant laugh. It was the laugh of someone who had just proved a point they were trying to make.

The blond shrugged, as if his plan is just a normal one and not a risky one at all.

“What’s the worst thing that could happen?”, he tilted his head to the side, a genuine innocent smile plastered on his lips.

Realizing that his employer was serious about it, he let out a heavy sigh after thinking over it for a while. Sipping from his beer, he eventually ran a hand over his face.

“Well. I for sure know I can't stop you from anything once you've put your mind on something. Especially if it involves a high-stakes gamble.. I'll just pray for our survival.”.

When he decided that he wished to stir the peace under the Elation's name, he didn't reckon it would amount to a crazy plan like this one day.

“Well, you don’t really have a choice”, he teased, still maintaining that innocent smile on his face.

He was aware of how risky and dangerous this plan was even though he didn’t sound like he did.

“You’re coming with me whether you want it or not.”.

He smirked at the man’s comment regarding survival.

“And don’t worry. We’ll survive. I don’t mind putting my life on the line for the sake of proving this theory.”.

Seth let out a small grunt, practically meaning something along the lines of 'Figured as much'.

“Can't leave you alone in this one then. I'll join you for this experiment then. Two makes for a higher chance in probability. Did I.. get that right?”.

Aventurine smiled and his eyes lit up. Seth’s words were exactly what the blond wanted to hear. Two was indeed better than one. The chances would increase and they wouldn’t be alone in this experience.

“You’re right. There’d be a higher chance for us to survive together”, the blonde agreed, still holding onto the big man’s hand, “So, are we ready to start the experiment?”.

“Of course. Ready whenever you are”, he replied.

It meant that he wouldn't let Kakavasha do this unsupervised, and if it failed, he'd simply join him. After all, it was a shame if he failed his duty, letting his partner and employer die. Truly a shame for a bodyguard.

Even if they were meant to find a tragic end.

Aventurine stood up from the dining table, his body feeling more antsy with every minute that passed.

Was he really going to do this right now? Put his life at risk for the sake of a theory?

His eyes wandered to his partner, and he could tell that Seth looked just as anxious.

He reached over to him and took his hand, squeezing it gently.

“Ready?”.

The wolf nodded, before he reached for his gun, pointing it to the blond's chest and pulling the trigger.

Click. Bang. Splash. Clank. Thud. Then sparkling bubbles. Then silence.

Seth just had watched a peculiar scene: Once he had shot Aventurine, instead of blood that was gushing, it was some kind of blueish pearlescent liquid.

The bubbles and sparkling lights were from his partner's form dissolving into them as he disappeared.

His jaw clenched.

Immediately, Cerberus returned to reality through the same means as he had just done to the Stoneheart. There, he found the Sigonian sitting next to him in the Dreampool; gasping and panting from the shock, but unharmed. A heavy breath of relief fled from his lungs.

Pulling his boyfriend into a tight hug, he let out another shaky breath: “You're okay-”.

Aventurine wrapped his arms around the man, and he was the first one to break the silence after a few long heartbeats: “I’m okay…”.

The blond gulped down hard. His entire body was shaking and he could barely remember how to breath. The only thing that made him feel better was the wolf’s embrace, and even then, the blonde couldn’t shake off the fear that was taking over him.

“I…didn’t die”, he gasped as he buried his face in the big man’s chest.

Nodding quickly, he pulled Aventurine closer. He buried his face in his hair, his tail wagging and splashing the water everywhere. The emotional distress from shooting the blond and himself was lingering on his mind, but their embrace slowly seemed to soothe both of them out of it.

“Looks like one truly can't die in the Dreamscape..”.

Seeing the way Seth buried his face in his hair and his tail wagging made his heart calm down and beat slowly.

“Yeah…”, the blond finally said, after several tense moments of them holding each other, “We definitely can’t die in the Dreamscape. I wonder why that is…”.

“Good question. You want to investigate more?”. Seth asked in a low hum.

It actually piqued his interest, as well.

“Yes. I do”, he said, sounding way more relaxed now. His whole demeanor changed from tense and afraid to intrigued. He had several questions that he wanted answers to as soon as possible.

“So, why is it that we can’t die in the Dreamscape? Is there a reason? And if there is a reason… what is it?”.

His thoughts were slowly turning into theories.

Over the course of the next 48 hours, the two continued to investigate the questions at hand, as well as people who could possibly be linked to the issue.

But also, upon learning a thing or two in the process, Aventurine suggested teaming up with the Astral Express crew, which Seth figured could be a good move since they also might be able to figure something out.

Meanwhile, Welt and the others arrived at the decision to join forces with Aventurine.

The Stoneheart and Dr. Ratio played their 4D mind chess, being in on each other's plans for supposed betrayal, especially after uncovering the two murders.

And considering that Aventurine was present at the scene of Robin's murder, it would be the smartest to directly meet up with Sunday.

Although, their meeting certainly did take an unprecedented turn towards the end of their conversation.

The Harmony's powers were restricting the Sigonian, setting the moment of execution 17 system hours from that point.

Sometime in between, Veritas handed Kakavasha a vial of sorts with a ‘doctor's prescription’, as he called it.

And together, the couple made their way to the final stage of the plan.

The announcement invited everyone to witness the spectacle at Clock Studio Theme Park.

And exactly there, albeit a while later, a group of five finally stepped through the curtains and into the stadium-like structure.

Acheron, Welt, Himeko, March, and the Trailblazer readied their weapons.

“The dice are cast - Ladies and gentlemen, ready to unveil your cards?”, Aventurine greeted through a projection onto the massive screen suddenly lighting up.

Glancing out from under the rim of his fedora, he smiled slightly: “The Architects’ flawed stone…”.

Straightening his posture, he started laughing.

Now that the camera had zoomed out a little, Seth also got visible behind him, reloading Crime and Punishment whilst mockingly grinning into the camera: “You better run while you can, little rabbits..~”.

Aventurine threw a set of dice, they ended up actually rolling over the ground in front of the Express Crew and the supposed Galaxy Ranger.

“Of no value at all.”.

The green and golden dice all ended up with the spades symbol facing up; even the one that bumped into the Trailblazer's shoe.

“I'm putting down the bet. I'm taking the gamble. I'm claiming the win.”.

Bathed in a blinding, golden light, the Sigonian descended from the top middle frame border of the screen, having activated the Aventurine stone's powers.

His form had changed a little consequently; with his fedora being a top hat now, a golden, blue and turquoise mask covering his face, claws on his hands, and an upside-down, heart-shaped cutout on his chest, among others.

“I'll let fate spin the wheel, a daring gamble. Walking the brink of death… for rebirth. All for the Amber Lord!”.

Whilst he was speaking, he seemingly crushed his Cornerstone in his hand, and the cutout on his chest began to glow in a blue light.

The next moment, Trailblazer charged forward, dashing at Aventurine to attack him. Alas, he pushed them aside with ease.

Instead, Seth shoved himself in front of his partner, firing at the Express crewmember inhabiting the Stellaron to keep them back.

A red light flashed high above their heads, cutting through the dark clouds of the night sky. A massive laser beam was fired focused on the duo’s current position. The huge explosion kicked up dust and dirt, sending debris flying. Himeko hoped that her satellite had hit its mark.

Cerberus had reacted just in time, giving his partner a little shove into the direction he ought to evade before he’d leap out of the way himself. He returned the fire and just barely missed her from a full-blown hit instead just a little scrape on her side.

“Ah, so close… Pretty tricky with this handicap.”.

“Always hide your ace with a straight face…”, Aventurine sighed and with a swipe of his arm, the smokescreen seemed to clear up.

He grinned behind his mask for a moment when he noticed that his watchdog positioned himself in front of him, kneeling and yet pointing his guns at the Astral Express crew. His left hand found itself on top of the wolf’s head, akin to how proud fighting or hunting dogs would pose with their pet.

With the other hand’s extended index finger, he was pointing at the group in front of them, he clicked his tongue in irritation: “I’m starting to get a bit impatient with you all.”.

Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed to illuminate the darkness once the dust and smoke had settled. It showed the worry and fear in the Express crew’s eyes. What a beautiful painting.

As he rose further into the air, he chuckled arrogantly. Aventurine held onto his mask for a moment, his head tilted back. He spread his arms shortly before he was as high up as he had planned. The coat tails fluttered in the strong winds at this altitude.

“Friends, to fully relish this- I’m betting every last chip!”.

Playing with a golden and green coin, he eventually lifted the arm he was holding it with until he threw it higher up into the air.

“Only by casting aside reason does one truly gamble..”

Even though Seth’s expression had been rather cold and aloof, yet somewhat tense before, it relaxed a little bit now. He trusted his partner. Cerberus was prepared to die here tonight if fate had planned it this way and they’d lose the gamble.

Coincidentally, he had never seen Aventurine use these powers before either, so it was a first for him too. He had to admit that the glittering gilded sphere extending around and above them with golden-white chips was quite the breathtaking sight, even if the wind blowing could be compared to a storm rather than a breeze.

He simply relished in the apparent fear displayed on Trailblazer’s and March’s faces at this point.

“Haha! ‘Emanator’ - I know you’ll match my wager. Right~?”.

Laughing, the blond launched the various stacks of chips at the scene before him. He didn't care what the collateral damage would be.

When Himeko lifted her satellite for another attack, accompanied by Welt summoning a quasi-black hole, with each of them having one of the young ones behind them, Seth took the chance to shoot at them in an attempt to distract them.

“Don't focus on just one target.”.

After all, they were both equally lethal.

Crime and Punishment both spat out shell after shell that landed on the ground with a quiet clink, practically drowned out by the loud bangs and rumbling around them.

Cerberus used the descending chips and other objects as jumping pads to elevate his position all whilst he continued to shoot his projectiles as their opponents. He intentionally missed his mark by just a millimeter, just as planned.

That is until Acheron stepped forward.

Time felt like it was slowing down. Something sinister yet melancholic sent a shiver down everyone’s spine.

“I wish to mourn the departed, weeping like rain, to swell the crossing stream…”.

Her voice sounded calm, her steps alike. Her hair turned white, her arm red, skin paling. She raised the arm she held her sheathed sword with. A bloody tear rolled down her right cheek as she drew the blade.

“...as the tide arrives, leading you back home.”.

Red static crackled in the electrified air, a black domain swiftly extending with her in its center. The crimson blade dragged across the ground with a metallic clink, until she aimed a vibrant red slash mainly directed at Aventurine. The impact created a shock wave, and a bright white light blinded anyone present.

The slash cutting through the massive gilded dome also sliced through the ground and any buildings in its path, wreaking havoc and leaving destruction in its wake, blasting a thick smokescreen through the area.

Only once Acheron pushed the blade back into its scabbard, time seemed to flow normally again, heavy rain falling and drenching everything.

Alas, for the two men, everything went black. Pitch black.

Seth didn't feel nor see nor hear anything. He could barely form a coherent thought. He didn't know where he was, nor whether they were alive or dead. It simply felt like a void.

As for Aventurine, he found himself in some kind of pocket dimension, standing in front of a black sun, as he bidded farewell to a projection of his own self as a young boy before striding towards the sun where he’d expected to be reunited with his beloved wolf or find his salvation.

Besides the fact that someone had announced they’d come after Aventurine's life, the two have had a normal evening like any other.

After dinner, the two men went to one of the casinos in Penacony, and once it was time for bed due to a meeting before noon the following day, they headed back to the hotel.

So, Aventurine went to bed with a goodnight kiss, with his bodyguard and secret lover staying up to fend off any threats.

Seth had no issue pulling an all-nighter to keep watch over his employer. He secured the front of the door with a little table and a chair from inside their shared room.

On said table, he had placed down the utensils and parts of his disassembled pistol as well as the still whole one, so he could clean them one by one.

Nothing and nobody would get past him.

Nothing but peace and quiet. The only thing that could be heard was the quiet chatter and steps of the few people wandering the distant hallways, the quiet buzz of electricity, and the muffled, soft splashes and bubbling of the liquid filling the Dreampools.

Well, besides the clicking of metal and soft rustling of the thin brush or the cloth he was using to clean ‘Crime’ and ‘Punishment’ - his faithful twin pistols - with.

Alas, after a while, he did hear quite some noise and screams from inside. A loud thud. Immediately, Seth jumped up and barged into the room. Alarmed.

The chair toppled over. Thud. The door flung open. He readied his pistols. They clicked. Checked the room for his boyfriend. For any threat that might've infiltrated the room. His muscles tensed up. Unable to find him. Blood and adrenaline rushed through his veins.

“Aven?!”, he called out.

No signs of a break-in…

His eyes darted around the dimly lit room. Spotting a tuft of blond hair next to the farther side of the bed, he relaxed his posture. Held the guns so they'd point up, until he'd eventually put them away.

His crimson eyes checked for any possible injuries on the smaller man. Hopefully just a few minor bruises from falling off the bed, from what he assumed. His gaze spoke more a “You okay?” than he’d voice out.

“Seth!”, said one exclaimed before letting out a sigh of relief upon spotting his bodyguard and partner to the rescue. His heart was racing. His eyes darted around in panic. His throat felt dry. Cold sweat glistened on his pale skin. Crystalline, almost sparkling tears streamed down his cheeks.

“You're awake..”.

His voice rarely sounded so thin. So shaky. So scared.

The nightmare must have been a particularly bad one.

With a small breath of relief, Crime and Punishment slipped back into the holsters on his harness. He pushed the door closed using his foot. With just a few strides, he walked over to the bed.

After picking him up like a sad wet cat, he placed the smaller man down on the mattress.

Handed him a glass of water he just poured from the carafe on the nightstand. Watched as his boss emptied it in one go, cupping them with his own hands to steady the blond's trembling own ones.

“Hey hey hey- Shh..~ Bad dream?”, he asked in a hushed but concerned tone.

Sitting down on the edge of the soft mattress, Seth spread his arms. Offered a hug to his panicked partner. His jaw clenched. His heart sunk in his chest.

He understood that Aventurine didn't want to share everything with him, and he respected his decision. But it hurt to see him in so much pain that wasn't willing to have Seth share carrying the weight of the pain he was experiencing.

Aventurine was usually a stoic person, but the nightmares appeared to be slowly chipping away at his resolve.

He’d only confessed to Seth once how the dreams had changed, from childhood fears to more of a recurring, vivid one that was almost too painful to share. That hit too close to home.

Cerberus’ brows furrowed. A mask of concern replaced his usually either lazy grin or his slightly irritated expression.

He wasn't a man of many words. A firm believer of “actions spoke louder than words”. Which is why he didn't force Aventurine to tell him about his nightmares.

The Avgin accepted his partner's hug eventually. Crawled closer to wrap his body around the other's much bigger frame. The warmth he provided was soothing. The nightmare had left him freezing even though the room had a comfortable temperature.

As he was held close, he began to relax little by little. Let go of his worries. Seth was his safe haven, even if he didn't want to admit it.

Pulling the blond man in, the bodyguard also wrapped the blanket around him.

“Hope the holsters aren't in the way…”, he whispered to his boyfriend.

Seth leaned his head against his, gently rubbing his back.

Slowly, he felt Aventurine relax in his arms, his muscles losing more and more of the tension from before. Based on the shorter one’s response, the holsters didn't pose too much of a hindrance.

So, the two snuggled in silence for a while until the gambler spoke up again.

“It was a.. terrible dream”, he whispered.

His voice sounded weak and threatening to crack and break out into tears. His eyes closed as he continued to settle down. He didn't have the confidence to look up at his beloved protector and partner.

“A recurring one… One that I can't seem to shake off.”.

Pressing a gentle kiss to the other man’s temple, he pulled him even closer, onto his lap, intently listening in silence.

Whenever they sat like that, Seth realized just how small, how fragile Aventurine was in comparison to himself. That alone made the dual-hair-coloured man want to protect him even more. To hold him even more gently.

Feeling the blond nuzzle more into his chest, he buried his own face in the crook of his boyfriend's neck. Inhaled his sweet scent.

Seth still hadn’t lost any words for a good couple of minutes.

“Don't worry. I'm here to chase them off as often as you need me to. I swore an oath to protect you till the end of time, so I will come whenever you call my name.”.

His low, raspy voice rumbled against the blond's neck as he placed soft kisses along Aventurine's cheek, jaw, and neck to distract him. His stubble tickled his delicate skin.

His partner felt more vulnerable than ever, his body being propped into his arms like that.

He was already short compared to Seth, and the difference in size and stature made him almost feel like a child again.

That was okay, though. Because it reminded him he had someone strong and devoted to protect him now. Someone who kept him more or less sane in this insanity surrounding the IPC.

When his personal guard hound kissed him, he shivered at the touch of his lips. Shuffling up a bit higher as the kisses continued down his neck.

“Just… stay close to me, okay?”, he sighed, relaxing completely.

Seth's breathing was calm and slow, much like his heartbeat since realizing that his employer was not in danger.

He was a man of his word. Not even once did he let anyone touch his boyfriend. Giving a nod and a low grumble, he agreed.

“Want to lie down again or stay like this?”, he inquired.

His crimson eyes glanced up at the teal and purple ones of Aventurine. Those beautiful eyes he often got lost in.

His boyfriend thought about his question before replying with a small smile reminiscent of his usually so confident one: “I feel very comfortable in your arms. If you don't mind, I'd rather stay here a little longer.”.

His hands came up to rest on the taller man's chest, his lips curling upwards a tad more. After everything, He was still trembling slightly.

“You smell nice”, he murmured, his eyelids fluttering a bit.

With another nod, he accepted the other's decision.

“Fine with me” is what his smile meant.

Rubbing the blond's head, he glanced down at the hands on his chest before he planted another kiss on Aventurine's forehead.

“Thank you. I'm trying out that new perfume.”.

It seemed that it was something that suited his partner's taste. Even though Seth was nothing but his bodyguard in public, he did go for items he knew the shorter man would like to see on him.

“The perfume suits you”, Aventurine replied with an appreciative smile.

It smelled nice, almost like the cologne Cerberus occasionally wore when he took him to nice places.

The Stoneheart would never ask directly, but he knew that Seth bought those things solely for him - if he wasn't the one spoiling his beloved dog, showering him in them. There was no denying that Seth was good at taking care of what he loved.

“I love you”, Aventurine mumbled.

His words were soft and gentle as he pressed his cheek against the broad chest in front of him.

“Thanks, I was hoping you'd like it.”.

“I love you too”, he rasped, resting his head atop of his boyfriend's.

There was no doubt that his heart began to flutter in his chest whenever he snuggled up against him like that. A soft blush spread on his cheeks as he relaxed his pectoral so they'd be a more comfortable pillow despite the vest, tie, and dress shirt being in the way either way.

Leaning his head against the other male's, Seth seemed so mellow.

Out on the field, in sight of prying eyes, he always seemed so battle-hardy, cruel, cold, and emotionally distant.

Everybody who'd be told that this man, also known as 'Cerberus', was such an affectionate softie behind closed doors, they'd never believe it.

Aventurine sighed contently, his body pressed against Seth’s, burritoed in his arms. He felt content and safe in his embrace.

For a moment, he contemplated just falling asleep here, but the thought of missing out on spending quality time with his loved one deterred such a tempting idea.

His eyelids fluttered as his breathing became more relaxed, but his mind was still a little active.

“Seth?”

"Hmm?", he asked with a low rumble vibrating in his chest.

Glancing down, he couldn't see the other male's face regardless, but it helped him focus more on the blond. Seth was waiting patiently for the other to tell him what he needed.

Aventurine’s voice was soft and tender when he spoke, a pleasant contrast to his usual composed demeanor. A luxury only Seth was allowed to see. How vulnerable he was. How human. How delicate.

“Promise me you won’t ever leave my side, Seth. There’s so much of the world I’d like you to see. With me. You're the only reason why I haven't fully gone insane yet. Just promise me you’ll always be with me.”

Though it was a bit of a silly thing to ask someone who worked as his bodyguard, he couldn’t help but want to hear his answer.

Hearing Aventurine voice out those words made him chuckle softly, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Picking up the smaller man and setting him back down next to him on the bed, Seth slipped off the mattress. Kneeling in front of his boyfriend, he gently grasped his small, pale hands. Bringing them up to his face, Seth pressed a soft kiss to the back of his hands. As he gazed up, rubies gleaming softly in the dim lighting, he locked eyes with Aventurine.

“I pledge to never leave your side, to never let any harm befall you, to always be your spear and shield~ I shall guard you with my life, even if it's the last thing I do.”.

Aventurine’s heart skipped a beat as Seth kissed the back of his hands. Though he’d already promised to protect him, the gesture was as powerful as the words he spoke, if not more.

His lips pursed together slightly as his eyes met yours. He could tell this wasn’t just a simple promise.

It was a vow. A vow to protect and cherish him till death.

Even though Seth was no knight in shining armor, he'd still do anything in his power to protect the one he loved. Since he had accepted that people nicknamed him Cerberus, He could see what made them call him that in the first place. He viciously protected the blond, much like how the three-headed Hellhound was guarding the Gate of Hell.

Without warning, he pulled his bodyguard down and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. His heart was racing with each passing second.

Seth was caught off guard, something that was hard to achieve. But just a few seconds later, he cupped Aventurine's cheeks and returned the loving kiss.

The bodyguard was a loyal, fierce man, but there was a tender and affectionate side to him that not many people had the luxury of witnessing.

Aventurine kissed him passionately, not wanting to waste another second apart. He knew that he wanted to hold his boyfriend close all night, and it was exactly what he did as he pulled him down to the bed.

Seth’s strong arms enveloped him in a tight hug, pulled his lover on top of him, so he could settle down. Watching the exhaustion eventually win the siege against Aventurine's determination to spend some quality time with him.