you shake your head, unable to battle against the growing weight of your eyelids, squeezing around the shaft of him as if to assure its presence. "do you ever get tired of hearing what i think?" it's a hushed whisper, despite the pair of you's solidarity; not wanting to break the bubble that cocoons the two of you in.

druig pauses for a moment, thumb stalling as it trails over your cheekbone, now. he licks over his lips, watching as your eyes flutter open for but a second to catch is expression. he pushes in deeper now, quelling the dull ache that broils in the pit of his belly, drawing a warbling whine from your lips. "as long as they're thoughts of me... no, my beautiful girl. i don't think i ever do."

your eyes crinkle with a small smile, rolling your hips over his cock to get comfortable once more, ignoring the grunt that it steals from him. "but i think of other things too sometimes, does that mean you don't want to hear my thoughts?" you whisper once more, leaning in close so that his nose nudges against your own.

This wasn't a new sight to behold, neither was the sting. You and Druig had been together since high school, now in your second year of college, it's felt like forever. When you two had first met, it was like you were floating. He treated you like you were the only girl in the world. Everyone wanted to either fuck him or be him, except for you. That's what you believe drew him to you.

Druig was always known as a partier and a charmer. All of those traits grew with time, only making it harder. It started with subtle flirting with girls in the high school halls, growing to grabs and winks at parties when he got too drunk. Not only was he a flirty drunk, but a bit of a hot head as well. You knew Druig would never lay a hand on you, but his venom laced barks he called words were unbearable.

-

"God Y/N, it's seriously not that big of a deal. I was jus' talking to her!" Like you totally didn't see his hand brush her ass.

"Would you quit looming over me! I'm not even that drunk, you're bein' way too much right now! God you're so annoying." If you hadn't been there he would have fallen and cracked his head.

-

You on the other hand always tried to do your best by Druig. You loved him so much, you forgave and over-looked so many things for him. Not everything was so bad after all, he was your first kiss, first lover, even your first date and he meant everything to you.

So here you were as usual, standing off to the side of this club watching your boyfriend who comes over every 30 minutes to kiss you on the cheek. You didn't even know why tears still spilled when you'd see it.

Your eyes finally trailed off from the pair, giving you a moment to breathe, knowing that if you went over there he'd just holler, he was hammered.

When your eyes reluctantly returned, your face went beat red, the tears now pouring out in pairs. He was kissing her, on the lips, nearly falling over her, grabbing at any flesh he could. Your legs practically carried you out of the door of the club, thumping against your lovers shoulder as you left.

"Y/N... Y/N wait!" Was all you heard over the music as Druig whipped around, discarding the woman he was playing with. He knew it was you from the smell of the perfume he loved so much and the soft sob that left your lips.

Any plea or apology that came out of his mouth went in one ear and out the other. "Fuck!" His voice was booming and distressed, realizing he wasn't going to get a word.

He had followed you for a while before giving up, accepting that nothing he could shout after you would make you budge. The tears continued to burn her now raw cheeks as the approached the street her apartment was on. Pain was the only thing you felt as defeat and heartbreak over came you. That was the last straw and even though it would hurt, no body deserves to be treated like this.

-

Some time passed, allowing you to calm down and gather your thoughts that still felt so jumbled. It didn't take long before the dreaded knock came thundering on your door. "Baby... babe please... Baby, i'm begging you, open the door, just talk to me please." You knew it was him before he even spoke. With every word he said your heart tugged some more. Words could not form on your tongue and the palms of your hands began to sweat. "Y/N!" he boomed out in sobs, continuing to abuse your apartment door. "I can't take this darlin', don't you leave me!"

The same sobs and words he always spoke, almost like he didn't actually think you'd do it. Annoyance began to stir inside of you, setting aside your sadness. With a huff, you stood up towards the door.

As the door flew open, you were met with a very disheveled Druig, still tispy but much more coherent. Your mouth hung open to speak but all that came out was a choked out sob. "My love..." His voice came out soft, almost pathetically.

"No Druig!" Your voice cut him off before anything else could be said. "You can't take this? I can't take this!" Your voice broke through hard sobs, fists balling to your sides. Your eyes fell to the floor below you, "I... I won't do this anymore Dru..." Your eyes now lifting and meeting his concerned gaze. "I just can't be with you anymore..."

The words sat in the atmosphere for a moment, vibrating off the walls of the tension.

All you wanted to do was shut the door in his face and hide, afraid that you'd fold to the man you love at any minute. Eye contact was avoided as your hand came to shut the door.

The sound boomed as his hand caught the wooden door, quick steps making their way behind you. Your feet couldn't have moved faster as you reached for the door knob of your bedroom. "Y/N.. baby... no" he spoke sternly yet softly as his hand grasped for yours, a little less softly.

You attempted to pull away, weak from the mental breakdown you felt like having. "hey..." he trailed off, now pulling you forward in a more gentle nature, towards him. "Don't say that.. don't-don't do that my love you're mine."

His voice had a tension to it but he continued to speak with laces of honey. "Say somethin'.." Your chest was now flush to his, his hand moving up to rub your wrist, up to your arm.

"Dru...I can't...I-" Another sob broke your words in two. The tears flew down your face, cheeks red and lips puffy. The grasp he had on your arm released, moving around your hips. He held you close, burying his face in your hair like it was the last time he'd feel it on his cheeks. Your arms wrapped around him in return, wanting comfort from the one you love even if it was his fault your eyes poured.

"I'm sorry.... I'm so sorry..." Soft kisses left his lips, planting themselves on your head. "I'll change, all for you, you're everythin' to me. She was nothin', absolutely nothin'..." His head hooked down, continuing to whisper sweet nothings in your ear to calm you down

You never understood why but the manipulation of your feelings came so easily to Druig. He always knew how to touch you and what to say to calm your nerves even when they were towards him. Your breathe evened, fully beginning to submit to the man before you, like you had done so many times.

His hands now trailed up and down the small of your back, gripping slightly at the tops of your hips. "You have to be mine, I don't want anyone else touchin' my girl.." His tone darkened, staying at your ear. His breathe fanned gently against your neck, making your knees weak and stomach bunch. His fingers tugged and felt at the end of the tight shirt you wore. You wore all black, just for him, knowing he loved it.

"Did you wear my favorite shirt just for me darlin'?" A small chuckle left his lips making goose bumps appear on the nape of your neck. His face now moved to press his forehead against yours, your heartbeat and breathe now quickening due to your arousal and nerves. "Yes..." It came as barley a whisper, still feeling the desire to please your man.

His teeth bit softly at his lip, a small smirk apparent. "Good." His voice stern yet sweet, eyes now locked with yours. His hands made it's way to cup your face in hand, gently rubbing at the tear stains on your cheeks. "No need to cry beautiful... I'll always be all yours." The words themselves almost threatened to make tears bud as you became completely immersed in Druig once again.

His lips fell onto yours gently at first, passion growing by the second. "And you will always be mine. Have you seen the way men look at you gorgeous? They can't have you." A small whine left your lips as he broke the kiss, pushing your bedroom door open. He backed you up slowly and softly towards your bed as another deep kiss filled your senses.

You took a soft fall to the bed as he pushed you towards it, now looming over you as if you were some kind of prey. "Oh darlin', your not leaving me, I haven't had my way with you yet." A comfortable burn and tingle entered your core at his words. His arms come up to pull the leather jacket he was wearing to be discarded on the floor. His shirt was tight against his body, showing every inch of him that you loved.

"Dru..." Your voice just above a whisper, coming out as a breathless moan. His shirt came off next, to join his jacket. Your eyes scanned his torso, making you bite the inside of your lip. "Sit up." His voice coming out demanding. As you sat up he dropped to his knees in front of you, never breaking eye contact. He licked his lips before running his hands up your thighs and up to the hem of your shirt.

You watched him closely as you followed his silent direction to pull off the shirt, even if it was his favorite. His hands moved up your now exposed sides as he leaned up and in closer to your chest, giving each breast a soft kiss. Your eyes felt trained to stay on his, his hands running now up your back, skillfully unclasping your bra.

With the last layer from your torso gone, his hands moved up to kneed at your mounds before taking a bud in between his lips and giving it a teasing suckle. A breathe escaped your lungs faster than you were prepared for as your eyes fluttered. He didn't forget to give the other bud attention, leaving marks on his way, before dipping back down where you wanted him most.

He started to grow impatient, pulling your shorts and panties off in one go. Suddenly his patience returned, parting your legs slightly, nipping at the most sensitive part of your thigh. You jolted, him pulling you farther into his face, now inches away from your core.

"Is this what you want?" He said, almost chuckling at your desperation, your hips rocking, gradually trying to reach his lips. He hummed, leaving a quick stripe of his tongue against your folds, making you shutter and whine. He decided you deserve good girl treatment and pressed his face against your pussy that he knew all too well, smiling against your clit. Gasps left your mouth as he began to work at your favorite spot, his hands running up and down the tops of your thighs.

Druig loved seeing you like this, all fucked out and anxious to have something, anything. One of his hands dipped in between your now wet folds from his spit and your arousal, teasing your entrance. "Please... I'll be good." The most clear thing he's heard you say all night. He chuckled against your clit, doing you the honor of entering a finger in you. You continued to beg, moaning at the new feeling. You knew the more you begged the more he liked it and the more he gave you.

Your body began to shake and the knot in your stomach started to unfold as you gripped the base of his brown locks. Your body fell back into the bed making him groan and stop all motion. A whine left your lips, feeling overstimulated from the denial of your orgasm. Your mouth opened but nothing but sounds could escape.

"I like to watch you fall apart." He said lustfully but sternly. He gave your now puffy clit a few hard taps before pulling your torso back up, now looking into your eyes. "You keep your eyes open and look at me, understood?" You nodded quickly begging for release. That didn't seem to be enough, his face still cold staring you down. "Yes! Yes, I understand." This made his expression change to delight, his head dipping back down and finally giving you what you needed.

His name fell from your lips as his fingers worked perfectly, re-building your orgasm quickly. Druig grinned, listening to his name being chanted like a prayer as your walls squeezed and convulsed around his digits. Keeping your promise you held onto his arms to hold you up, never breaking eye contact.

Once he helped ride out your orgasm, he leaned up, placing his lips on yours making you taste yourself. Moans fell into his mouth from yours as he pushed you back down gently onto the bed, now biting at your neck.

Watching you fall apart made him eager to make you fall apart again. He made quick work of his pants and boxers, tossing them aside before coming back down to your level. He brought you into a passionate kiss, running his hands against the slick of your wet folds, collecting some and pumping his cock with it. "I love you, I love you" He chanted a few times in her ear, running his length in between your folds. Pleas and whines left your lips as you felt the familiar feeling of him sinking into you. Your head fell back, a soft groan leaving Druig's lips as he bottomed out inside of you.

He began to rut in and out of you, the sound of skin slapping together increased as his speed did. He kept it hard but passionate, claiming but also loving you. Your bodies close, sticking together from sweat as desperate sounds left both your lips. "No body feels as good as you do." He groaned out, lips brushing each other, foreheads touching. His arms captured you close, legs and arms wrapped around him, hands exploring his broad shoulders. Your bodies moved together like they belonged, hitting every spot inside of you.

You felt his movements becoming more erratic, knowing he was close. Your own release crawling it's way down your body. You couldn't even find the words before you started to have your second orgasm. Usually degrading names and dirty words would escape Druig as you came but his lips captured yours, moaning your name into your mouth as he came inside of you.

He rode out both of your orgasms as he muttered pussy drunk words to you breathlessly. Instead of falling next to you, he pulled you close now soft inside of you, wanting to be as close as possible. He made a soft hum against your neck, peppering small kisses. He reluctantly moved away to look into your eyes, adoring your scent. His voice loving but stern he spoke:

"You're only for me to have. Do you understand me my dove?"

"yes Druig."

"I love you darlin'"

"I love you too."

the end.

longing4decay

They weren't always easy to deal with, It took you a long time but you can manage to control who's internal thoughts to focus on now. Druig had similar powers to you, he was the only one out of all the Eternals who understood what you were going through. You were envious of him at times though, he could only mind control people and didn't have to deal with voices bombarding his mind all the time, only when he mind controlled someone could he read their thoughts.

Druig sat beside you with his legs crossed fiddling with a small flower he had plucked from the ground. You told him that he should've kept it in the ground so it could've flourished and grown more, he felt a little remorseful when you said that but twirled it between his fingers silently.

This was the second time you had brought Druig to your special place, knowing he sometimes needed to get away from everyone for a while and had some sort of peace. You had that in common with each other seeking refuge in being alone, wanting nothing more than to be isolated since everyone always made you anxious. Something just felt right with Druig and you weren’t sure what.

You had only said a few words to him when you both started your journey to your hill, Druig wasn't usually chatty either but the silence was often comforting between you both.

“It’s quite fascinating," Druig says suddenly, taking you by surprise.

"What is?" you ask.

"I can always hear you from a mile away, but when we’re talking, you’re always so quiet,” he replies.

He watches you in the village, he sees how you are with the people and how you hold yourself. Compassionate and very talkative but with him you always seem to be distant or one-sided, he thought it was because you were so considerate you'd give him a chance to be around you, that maybe you didn't like him as much because of how he was. He couldn't blame you though he was different than the others, the black sheep one might say.

If only he knew that wasn't the case. You keep your gaze on the horizon but could feel his eyes watching you. The more you spent time with him even after so long of witnessing him be mysterious he intrigued you. He was quiet and reserved, something you didn't find in anyone else and it drew you closer to him. Wanting to find some underlying thing about him, something for you only to see but felt so far away since he was so cut off from everyone.

The cool breeze sweeps through your hair and the tension doesn't ease away your feelings for him, only creating a severe endearment and longing to reach out to him and express yourself.

"I can see somethins running through that pretty head of yours,"

He moves closer to you slowly like you're an animal he's trying to not spook away with his movements. You try not to jump when you feel his hand on your arm gently stroking your skin up and down. It ignites heat in its trail from your elbow up to the base of your shoulder

"Please, tell me what you're thinking," he pleads.

You inhale trying to determine whether or not to expose yourself to him, but you were tired of being anxious around him even if he didn't share the same affections you had to get this off your chest.

You turn your body to face him and your eyes lock in a stare. Suddenly the nerves creep back up and you look down at your hands in your lap fiddling with the tassel from your robes.

"I'm thinking that... I care about you a lot and.." before you could stop yourself you mumble out. “I want to count every one of your freckles with my lips,” you mumble.

"What?" he laughs out, the amused smile on his face telling you he heard you perfectly fine. You face plant into your hands trying to hide your face and you muffled out. " you heard me,"

Druig pulls your hands away from your face, leaning down to meet your eye level with a gentle smile. A pause between you two as a sure relief comes over you as you both share a look of concurrence. Words settle on the tip of Druigs tongue as he racks his brain for the right thing to say, until he takes a breath.

"I really care for you Y/N," he says earnestly.

He watches as your eyes light up and your lips upturn into a smile.

"I care for you as well," you reply in a beat.

You both giggle and unintentionally lean toward each other until your foreheads meet and you reach for Druigs hand, taking it and lacing your fingers together. The tension eases away from you both as the sun is now gone and the full moon rises in the east, casting a white glow over you both like a secure shield around your moment. You wished this moment in time could last longer, but eventually, you had to return to the domo for dinner.

So hand and hand you walked back down the hill, and when you returned and made your way to the dining room everyone saw you both together in your position, freezing and stopping their speech.

Everyone had mixed reactions, Sersi squealed and ran over to you both expressing how happy she was, for you both, Ajak and Thena just smiled happily, and Kingo was exasperated how he didn't see it coming. While everyone else was just in shock still.

You and Druig were just blushing at all the attention and went to sit beside one another.

Ajak got everyone to settle down as you all enjoyed Gills cooking and engaging in conversation. As you dug into your dinner you feel Druig's hand settle on your thigh innocently stroking your knee with his thumb as a way of showing endearment. You look over at him and exchange looks of contentment and return back to your food as you listen to your erratic family banter.

-

*****

It was evening before Damra came back to the Domo. Her face was glowing and flushed, proof of just how long she had been using her powers.

As usual, all of the Eternals had gathered in the central chamber of the Domo to discuss the day’s events, hear any new directives from Arishem through Ajack, and bid each other goodnight. Makkari, still annoyed by Druig’s brooding, was resting comfortably on the bench across the chamber from him, chatting with Sersi and Sprite. Phastos, as usual, was working on one of his inventions that he planned to share with the humans (another pandering gesture Druig resented). Kingo and Ikaris were engaged in a sparring match while Thena watched appreciatively, calling out suggestions and coaching each from the sides. Gilgamesh sat quietly near Druig, lost in his own thoughts, and Ajack hadn’t arrived yet.

As soon as Damra strode in, Druig felt his jaw tense. Her neck was adorned with flower necklaces – favors the villagers bestowed upon her as a sign of their love for her and her powers. The soft pinks and blues of the blossoms made her look radiant and ethereal, and Druig hated her for it. Before he could stop himself, he was on his feet, glowering at her.

“Just how long are we going to keep this charade up, Damra?” His voice dripped with ire, and immediately the sounds of relaxed chatter in the chamber died out. All eyes turned to him, including Damra’s, the color of emeralds.

“I don’t understand, Druig,” she replied softly, the gentle smile she’d worn upon entering the chamber melting from her face as she saw his anger. He practically shook with the effort of controlling it.

“How long do you intend to keep this place and those people-” Druig gestured vaguely towards the city outside “- reliant on your powers for? How long do you intend to play God?” Out of the corner of his eye, Druig saw Makkari stand up and leave, clearly not interested in having any part in what he knew she felt was a ridiculous, misdirected, and bitter vendetta.

Damra turned to face Druig, her face placid but her body tense. He wasn’t surprised; Damra was genteel and soft around the humans, but she had a fierce spark in her soul. Secretly, he was glad she wouldn’t back down. He was itching for a fight.

“As long as Ajack allows,” she replied, jutting her chin out at him in an act of defiance.

Unsurprisingly, it was Phastos who came to Damra’s aid first. “What we’re doing here is advancing humanity by thousands of years in the span of a generation,” he pointed out. Druig shot him a dark glare out of the corner of his eye. Although Phastos had always defended Damra’s sanctuary city, Druig wasn’t interested in arguing with the inventor. Damra was his target, and he wouldn’t allow himself to be distracted.

“No, what we’re doing here is laying out a banquet for Deviants,” Druig spat back.

Damra’s nostrils flared and her eyes narrowed. She knew Druig’s position on this; they’d had this argument countless times, although never in such a public forum.

“It’s a risk worth taking,” she growled, her voice low and menacing.

Druig opened his mouth to reply, but it was Ajack’s voice that cut through the building tension in the chamber.

“Enough, Druig.” Her voice was commanding with an edge of harshness. She strode in to the chamber, coming to stand next to Damra and Druig, who were now mere inches apart, tensing for blows. “This is not how we resolve our differences,” Ajack scolded.

Ever the obsequious and dutiful Eternal, Damra backed down, stepping away from Druig and slowly making her way to the bench on the edge of the chamber to sit. Druig, on the other hand, couldn’t let it go. Sensing his mounting outburst, Ajack placed a hand firmly on his shoulder. “Not here, not now.” Ajack lowered her eyes and forced Druig to return her gaze. Despite her at times motherly countenance, Ajack was their natural leader and Druig had immense respect for her, even if he disagreed with her tactics.

Frustrated at being stymied, Druig chewed his tongue, debating whether to obey Ajack in the truce or unleash the string of harsh words ready to pounce from his lips. After a few agitated moments of deliberation, Druig thought better of it than to go against Ajack’s wishes. With a snort of derision, he left the chamber, retreating to his own quarters to spend the rest of the night in an indignant temper.

*****

Damra considered confronting Druig in his quarters to finish what he had started that evening, but thought better of it. Ajack’s instructions had been clear when they had spoken after the others had left the chamber: Druig’s points were valid, even if his delivery was lacking. Deviants were drawn to the Eternals’ powers, and the intensity with which Damra used hers to sustain the sanctuary of Babylon put all of them – not to mention the humans who flocked to the city by the hundreds each day – in constant danger.

Knowing she would not find rest quickly, Damra opted to leave the Domo. The moon was out and it illuminated the ground around her in a ghostly, chilled light. The city below was beginning to quiet for the evening, and a soft breeze blew off the river to the south.

Damra had long felt unsettled by her fellow Eternals’ growing mistrust in her venture. She had felt so certain when she had first had the idea to create Babylon that it was what humanity needed. She and several of the others – Phastos in particular – had grown restless watching the agonizingly slow advancement of civilization. A few generations of prosperity, innovation, and abundance would launch the human race forward thousands of years, and ultimately it would shorten the time that the Eternals had to spend away from their own, Olympia. Most of the Eternals had been supportive of Babylon, at first, but not Druig. Never Druig.

Damra knew he disliked her, and she wished it were not so. For so long, she had thought of nothing else but to earn his love. When it had become clear to her that that would never happen, she had lowered her sights and aimed for his admiration, and then his respect once admiration became too tall an order. But it seemed that the more she was herself – the more she used her powers, the more she loved the people of Earth – the more he resented her. It was a deep, biting wound that she was slowly masking in anger, an ugly part of herself that she wished she could cut away entirely, like a cancerous growth. But no number of Babylonian paradises could ever fill the longing she felt for him. She felt weak and pitiful for loving someone who so clearly wished her gone. She knew that, despite Druig’s moodiness, he would never actively wish harm on any of his fellow Eternals, but she couldn’t deny the obvious: he wished she hadn’t been sent to Earth with the others, with him.

Damra was perched on an outcropping of rock, biting back hot tears of rejection, when she saw it. A shadowy outline, moving fast across the valley, golden eyes and a mouth full of fangs. Damra’s stomach clenched into a knot of fear. A Deviant.

Damra knew there wasn’t time to go back to the Domo to fetch the others, not without allowing the beast to reach the city walls and take countless lives. Her body alight with adrenaline, Damra called upon her powers to summon the nearest creature she could find. A small pheasant that had been resting in its burrow quickly approached her, summoned by her powers. With a surge of purpose, Damra sent the pheasant off in the direction of the Domo to alert the others; although she couldn’t force the bird to speak on her behalf, she knew that the others would recognize her powers at work.

Once the pheasant was off on its messenger duty, Damra placed her hands – arms alight with golden shimmering rings, a sign of her Eternals power – on the rocky ground. Focusing on the shadowy figure of the Deviant as it raced across the rocky plain, Damra forced her powers to radiate outwards in the direction of the monster. Within a few moments, the roots of all the shrubs, trees, and grasses closest to the monster erupted from the ground and began wrapping themselves around the Deviant’s clawed feet like snares. It slowed the monster, causing it to stumble and lurch sideways.

Damra saw a flash of golden light zip across the terrain towards the downed beast. Makkari dropped Thena and Gilgamesh on opposite sides of the Deviant’s head, and they began the attack. Damra could hear Thena’s battle cries from her. A second flash of gold burst into the sky - Ikaris, rising high into the night, beams of destructive energy burst out of his eyes. The Deviant let out a roar as it broke free of its bonds, slashing outwards. Damra began running towards the scene of the fight, joined by Kingo, who shot a burst of energy at the Deviant.

Damra - like Druig, Sprite, Phastos, Sersi, and Ajack - was typically instructed to hang back in fights as her powers were not always well-suited for battle the way that Ikaris, Kingo, Thena’s, and Gilgamesh’s were. But tonight, Damra found herself ignoring the yelled pleas of her friends to stay back. Staying shoulder to shoulder with Thena, Damra felt a combination of leftover anger from her fight with Druig and guilt over the knowledge that she was likely the reason the Deviant was here at all. It blinded her to the danger, and she felt drunk on the adrenaline.

Using her powers once again, Damra called to the rocks nearby, sending them hurtling through the air, aimed at the Deviant. Several struck their target, sending the creature stumbling and roaring in confusion as it suffered another strike from Ikaris’ eyes. Taking advantage of its distraction, Thena plunged her blade deep into the Deviant’s shoulder. The creature responded viciously, striking out with its powerful tail in a large defensive swipe, lifting Thena and Gilgamesh off the ground and sending them hurtling backwards. Damra knew the blow wouldn’t seriously hurt either of them, but they were thrown far enough away as to be temporarily out of the fight.

Turning her attention back to the Deviant, Damra dodged the beast’s jaws as they attempted to close around her. Vaguely, Damra registered the sounds of yelling voices screaming her name. She saw Ikaris circling above, trying to get an open angle to the creature’s throat to land a death blow.

“Damra, get out of here!” Kingo yelled, grabbing her by the shoulder and pulling her backwards as he shot another ball of flaming energy at the Deviant. It glanced off the creature’s tough flesh, setting a few bushes nearby ablaze. The monster looked even more sinister in the dancing shadows. Its ghostly eyes were drawn to the sound of Kingo’s voice, and once it had the two Eternals in its sights, Damra knew the creature was going for a kill stroke. Striking out first with its taloned claw, Damra heard Kingo emit a surprised grunt as one of its pointed, curved claws sank into his thigh.

He sank to the ground, clasping his thigh, the flesh there torn and ragged from the claw. Without thinking, Damra threw herself forward, coming between Kingo and the Deviant, which was pulling its head back for a death blow. Damra felt her powers radiating around her palms, and she felt a coil of fear wind its way around her heart as she remembered why she was never at the forefront of an attack.

Plunging her hands downward onto the ground beneath her, focusing on forcing her powers down into the rock below, Damra saw shards of shale shoot up around her and Kingo, forming a cage-like structure of rock splinters. The Deviant, momentarily confused, reassessed its angle of attack. As Damra watched the creature circle her and Kingo, groaning in pain behind her, trying to find a weakness in the makeshift shelter she’d been able to erect, Damra heard her name called out from the direction of the Domo. Risking a backwards glance, she turned over her shoulder. Between the pieces of rock, she made out Druig running towards her, her name fresh on his lips, and an expression in his eyes that she couldn’t name. As she watched Druig sprint towards her, the strange expression dancing across his face, she felt her heart pirouette inside her chest against herself.

The Deviant’s roar penetrated her momentary reverie, pulling her head back around to face the monster recoiling for its attack on the rock cage. Sending up a silent prayer to Arishem that her powers had been strong enough to save her and Kingo, she closed her eyes and tried to steady herself.

The force with which the Deviant threw itself against the rock caused the earth underneath her to quake. Several of the defensive splinters sheared off under the weight of the ravenous monster, now clawing desperately at the rock trying to gain enough of an entry to stick its deadly jaws through. Panic-stricken, Damra realized that the creature was going to be able to break through. Instinctively, she reached her hand back to connect with Kingo’s, wanting to have some connection with someone - anyone - in her final moment. The hot, rancid breath of the Deviant poured over her as it continued to tear ruthlessly at the rock. Flecks of its green-blue blood mixed with spittle splashed across Damra’s face, its snapping jaws now just inches from Damra’s face.

Suddenly, just as the beast was about to bear down on Damra for a killing bite, Damra saw a flare of light from outside the rock cage. The Deviant let out a strangled cry, its frantic movements coming to a halt, until it fell forward, its head impaling on a particularly sharp piece of rock. Damra turned back to look at Kingo in confusion, who looked pale from pain with a sheen of sweat on his forehead but thankfully still alive. “Ikaris,” he gasped out, as if understanding her unspoken question.

With a flash, Damra realized that Ikaris must have been able to get to the Deviant’s neck with the beast distracted by its cornered prey. Damra let out an exhalation, the adrenaline of the battle slowly leaving her body. She let her powers relax, the rock splinters crumbling around them, opening their vision back up to the landscape. The Deviant lay lifeless and still, a smoldering hole visible in its neck where Ikaris had landed the killing blast.

Ajack, Sersi, Sprite, Druig, and Phastos rushed into the scene of the battle. Ajack kneeled next to Kingo, quickly setting to work on his wound, his flesh seeming to stitch itself back together under her powers. Damra stood up unsteadily, her muscles sore from exertion and her mind still foggy with fear. She didn’t have a chance to recuperate, though, before Druig squared up in front of her, close enough for her to make out his individual lashes even in the dark.

“Do you see now?” he screamed, his accent thickening with rage. Damra took a step back as if smacked by the force of his words. She wasn’t surprised he was angry - he almost always was angry with her these days - but the intensity of his rage was beyond anything Damra had seen from him before.

“Druig, I-” Damra began feebly, unsure of what exactly she planned to say. Druig didn’t let her finish anyways.

“You brought that Deviant here, your powers brought it here, and it almost killed us!” Druig stepped forward, closing the space Damra had opened between them, an accusatory finger raised at her chest. The others watched, similarly stunned by the sheer magnitude of Druig’s rage.

“Please, Druig, I didn’t me-”

“Oh you didn’t mean to? You didn’t mean to almost get Kingo killed! You didn’t mean for the Deviant to attack a city full of vulnerable humans! Oh good, I’m glad that’s all cleared up!” His anger was turning sarcastic, his hands trembling with the effort to restrain himself from hitting her. Druig felt his mind go black with fury as all the animosity he’d bit back for months flew out of his lips. He saw Damra retreating from him, tears welling in her green eyes, her lip trembling, and he pressed his advantage.

“Shame the damn beast didn’t finish the job and rid me of you once and for all!”

Damra’s already tenuous composure fractured at his words, her knees buckling under her as she collapsed to all fours. Her chest heaved with silent sobs, and she couldn’t raise her eyes to look at him. Druig felt a pang of pity for his fellow Eternal, regret beginning to take root in his mind as he contemplated the words he’d just let fly. He disliked Damra for what she was hellbent on doing with her powers and for the risks it posed for all of them, but he didn’t actually wish her dead.

Unable to think of what to say or do next, Druig stood there, the burn of fury beginning to die down in his veins as Damra’s crying became audible. He looked around at the others, all frozen in place and staring at him with varying expressions of shock, bitterness, and repulsion. When his eyes finally met Makkari’s, she instantly turned away from him, leaving a golden trail of light behind her as she retreated back to the Domo.

As his desperation to undo the last few moments increased, Druig slowly sank to his knees in front of Damra, hoping she would look up at him. She didn’t, instead recoiling away from him as if he were going to hit her. The sight of her - someone he’d always considered a fair sparring partner and equally passionate rival - so utterly broken ripped something loose inside him.

“Damra, please, I didn’t mean-” The words died on his lips as the irony of the moment stripped his apology of any meaning it could have had.

Damra finally steadied herself enough to make eye contact with him. Roughly swiping away the tears from her cheeks, she held his gaze for a few moments. Damra felt an overwhelming urge to reach out for his hand, to throw her arms around him, to beg him to take back what he’d said; anything to get him to say that he wasn’t serious. She thought she saw a flicker of regret in his face, which was softened considerably from the mask of rage he’d worn only seconds before. The acidic sting of rejection and bitterly hot tears reminded her of how she’d gotten there. With a resolute inhale, she stood up, waiting for him to rise to his feet as well.

“Goodbye, Druig,” she whispered, her voice hitching with a faint sob. Before she had a chance to reconsider, she turned on her heels and started walking. She silenced a protest from Sersi with a sad shake of her head, her mind resolved. She knew there was no way she could stay there after what Druig had said. It would be too painful. Not only had his rebuke lodged in her heart like a blade, but the fact that he was right made it hurt all the more. The Deviant had been drawn there because of her powers, and she had almost gotten them killed, Kingo most closely.

Druig took a few steps after her, his hand raised in a reconciliatory gesture, but found the words tangling in his throat. He opened and closed his mouth futilely a few times, unable to put his emotions into sound.

She had no destination in mind, nor the gift of speed that Makkari had, so she let her feet carry her aimlessly into the darkness…

Eros was a charmer, everyone saw that from the moment the brother of Thanos walked into the room. His smile. his eyes. his voice. Everything about him drew in women and men alike. Eros however, had an attraction towards the one and only Y/N. Maybe it was the fact that his own abilities only heightened hers and made it more difficult for him to wrap her around his fingers. Druig would watch from across the Domo as the two would flirt, they would flirt the same way Druig and Y/N used to. Ever since the Prince of Titan had shown up it was like Druig was invisible and this nobody was everything. He didn’t care if everyone else wanted to talk to the stupid prince, he only cared that Y/N was talking to him all the time. 

It was yet another day of searching for more Eternals across the galaxy, sending out signals but only ending the day with nothing. Y/N stood at the window and watched as they all floated amongst the open nothingness. She was lost in thought until she felt a hand rest upon her shoulder. She instantly fell out of her thoughts and looked up at Eros, who had now taken the spot next to her.

“Jesus, Eros you scared me.” Y/N laughed softly as she playfully put a hand over her chest. 

Eros chuckled softly as he folded his hands behind his back and looked out the window. “My apologies, I thought you would’ve heard me.” He half smiled. That smile was enough to make any man, woman, or child fall to their knees and beg him to spend any amount of time with them. Not Y/N though. Though she did like the flirting and teasing, her mind always wondered back to Druig, whom she had not spoken to much since Eros’ arrival. 

“Is there something you needed?” Y/N asked as her eyes watched him. There was something off this time, something felt different. 

“I think you and I both know about how our conversations always feel a little more than what they are.” The prince started out, watching as Y/N’s eyebrows knitted together. He continued, “I think we should stop this little charade and come clean about our feelings for one another.”

Was he kidding?

Y/N laughed nervously, her eyes looking out at the stars. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Eros. It’s just some harmless flirting, fun, that’s it.” There it was again, the feeling of something being off, the tension was rising but couldn’t pin point as to why. 

Eros turned to Y/N, causing Y/N to turn her head just a little bit to lock eyes with him. “I think we both know that’s a lie,” Eros said in a quieter yet deeper voice. Before Y/N could even respond Eros had closed the space between them and placed his lips against hers. It startled the Eternal to say the least,  but what startled her more was what separated them. 

When she finally came back to, her eyes landed on Druig pinning the prince against the wall. Both the men were radiating anger, making Y/N sick to her stomach. Anger was an emotion she never liked dealing with but somehow always dealt with, but too much of it often made her want to vomit. 

“Don’t you dare touch her, you hear me? She is not yours to touch.” Druig seethed out as his forearm pressed into Ero’s jugular. Eros smirked as he watched Druig become some angry.

“I believe that it is the lady’s decision, no? Last time I checked, she wasn’t yours either.” Those words seemed to make Druig’s anger boil even more. He released the prince which stunned him, but only for a moment before Druig punched Eros straight to the ground. 

Druig stood above the prince, fists balled tightly. “She is mine.” Y/N couldn’t register what had just happened fast enough before she saw Druig stalking towards her with a hunger in his that she never seen before. 

Y/N was dragged to Druig’s room, the door sliding shut behind her. “Druig, calm down please you’re making me sick.” Y/N said as she shut her eyes tightly. She felt Druig’s emotion begin to calm down and shift. He was still angry, but there was something else she had never really felt from him before. Lust, the hunger that some people could never feed on enough. When she opened her eyes he stood right in front of her, so close in fact that his breathe fanned her face.

“I’m never letting anyone touch you ever again, you’re mine. Only mine.” His accent sounded deeper, causing an ache to form in the pit of Y/N’s stomach. 

Y/N backed up against the wall as she was now the one pinned underneath him. Her heart was racing, thrumming in her ears. “D-druig you’ve got to calm down, please this is all so much.” Her e/c eyes darted across his face, searching for anything she could, though didn’t even know what she was searching for. 

“Say you don’t want me the way I want you. Say it and I’ll let you go, we can forget all about this.” His blue eyes pierced through her like knives, causing an uneasiness to coarse through her, but she also wanted more of it at the same time. When she didn’t respond he took that as her giving him permission. “I won’t be gentle, dove. Once I start I won’t stop till you’re begging for me to stop.” His lips grazed over the shell of her ear, causing a ray of shivers to run across her skin. 

Y/N pushed herself off the wall a bit to close the small gap between the two eternals, her eyes now resembling his. “I won’t break.” Y/N leaned in to his ear before whispering, “Do what you want.” That was enough for Druig to finally let go and grab the girl in front of him, turning her around swiftly and throwing her onto his bed. Y/N propped herself up on her elbows and watched the man in front of her make his way over to where she was positioned on the bed. Druig removed pieces of his clothes one by one as he watched Y/N with a dark shadow in his eyes. 

“Do you know how bad I want you? The thought of you beneath me has always lingered in the back of my mind.” Druig placed his thumb and index finger under her chin, drawing her in closer to him. “I can’t wait for everyone to hear you screaming my name.” He growled lowly. Y/N visibly gulped, her body shuddering slightly at all the intrusive thoughts that began to form in her head. “Get on your knees.”

Y/N didn’t waste a second as she scrambled off the bed and went to her knees, practically bowing to the man she was in front of. He looked at her with a cocky smirk, something behind his eyes told her that she was in for a very long night. Without even having to be told what to do she began to pull Druig’s boxer shorts from his body, watching eagerly as his cock grew in anticipation.

Before she could completely remove the article of clothing she felt a hand slap her left cheek. It wasn’t hard but it was just enough to leave a sting against her skin. Y/N looked up at Druig, her brows furrowed together with a slight tilt to her head. “Did I say you could touch me, dove?” Y/N shook her head no which made the God chuckle darkly. “Such a needy little slut aren’t you? Can’t even wait to be told what to do? You think you just know everything?”

“N-no, no not at all.” She said quickly, Druig traced Y/N’s face delicately, leaving feather light touches in his wake.

Druig smirked as he gripped her chin tightly, leaning down just a little bit. “Now you can touch me, puppy. Hope you won’t disobey me again.” Y/N nodded, mumbling a ‘Yes sir’ as she went to remove his shorts. This time she was successful in getting the piece of clothing on. Her mouth watered at the sight of Druig’s cock standing upright in front of her. She had always dreamt of him pounding into her for hours on end, not stopping until she was crying and begging for him to stop. 

Y/N glanced up at Druig again, seeing him nod to let her know that she could now begin to please him. She took the base of his cock in her hand, squeezing softly as she placed her tongue on the underneath of his dick and licked a thick stripe from the bottom to the top. Her eyes were trained on Druig the whole time, watching his actions and ticks. Druig’s eyes were becoming heavy as he resisted the urge to just force this beautiful mouth down on his cock and fuck her face till his heart was content. Instead he watched her intently, trying to get into her mind. 

As soon as Y/N felt the familiar sensation of Druig poking at her mind she let him in with ease. She watched his golden eyes as he slipped into her thoughts, placing such dirty images and ideas in her head. Watching him think of her like that caused a pool of arousal to drip onto her panties, which reminded her that she was still fully clothed. Druig told her her place her mouth on the tip of his cock and she easily did so. He thought he’d be able to hold back from just completely face-fucking her, but the intense feeling of her warm mouth enveloping just the tip sent him into a wild frenzy. Y/N didn’t mind either, she wanted to be used by him in every way, shape, and form. 

“Such an obedient little thing aren’t ya?” Druig teased the mindless girl, “All you needed was for someone to take over and take control, hm?” He chuckled as Y/N followed his commands and was bobbing her head up and down on his length, taking in every inch of him. Every time the tip of his cock hit the back of her throat she would let out a little whine, whether it was voluntary or involuntary, it was driving Druig crazy. Druig began to lose track of time as Y/N continued to bob her head up and down, licking around the base and then bringing her tongue all the way back up to the tip. 

Though Y/N was being mind controlled, there was a little voice in the back of her head that was guiding her movements. The feeling of being controlled was a high that she didn’t think she’d ever get enough of. Her mouth was pooling with a sweet mix of her saliva and his pre-cum. some of it falling down her chin. The sight was enough to get Druig to the edge, his large hands gripping Y/N’s head and holding her in place as his load spilled down her throat. Y/N whimpered as the salty substance filled her mouth quickly. Druig thrusted his hips softly a few more times, moaning as he began to come down from his high. 

Druig pulled himself from Y/N’s mouth and ended the little mind control game, smirking as she came out of his trance. The fact that she let him do such a thing to her, make her so vulnerable, it warmed his heart in an odd way. Y/N swallowed his load, opening her mouth to show him that she had taken all of it,

“Fuck, you’re a fuckin’ dream, puppy.” Druig groaned. He helped her to her feet, his hands firmly grasping her ass through her pants. “And I think you need less clothing.” Y/N smirked as she stepped back and began to strip layer by layer. She was teasing him and he knew it. By the way she was wiggling to get out of her shirt to how slow she was pulling it over her head. 

Once Y/N was completely bare for Druig he pushed her back onto the bed, her back hitting the mattress with a soft thud. Druig hovered over her body, his eyes drinking in the sight of her naked chest and her glistening pussy. His fingers instantly went to her throbbing cunt, teasing her bud before dragging the pads of his fingers through her folds. Y/N let out an obscene whine, head tilting back into the duvet beneath her. Druig’s blue eyes glanced up at her reaction, loving how just the smallest touches could get her whining. He continued his journey through her pussy, fingers scissoring her opening. While he watched Y/N writher on the bed he began to slide a finger into her, relishing in the sounds of her wetness. 

The moan that Y/N let out just from the slight touch had her blushing such a bright red she was sure even Rudolph would be jealous. Her hands went to her mouth to try and cover up her sounds, not wanting to disturb the other Eternals too much. Druig pushed a second finger into her and began to pump them in and out of her cunt at a steady pace, curling his fingers upwards every so often. The sensation of his thick fingers opening her up like that made Y/N’s mind foggy, only wanting more. 

“Move your hands to the side, I want to hear you.” Druig demanded as he quickened his pace to see what kind of sounds he could pull from Y/N’s mouth. Y/N did as he said, moving her hands to her sides and gripping the duvet with a strong force. Druig’s fingers continued to quickly move within her, curling, and scissoring at her insides. Everything began to blur together and Y/N was sure she’d pass out. Her moans became even louder with each move of her lover’s hand, each sound radiating across the room and through out the Domo. 

“Druig, please, ‘m so close.” Y/N whimpered, her tear filled eyes meeting his strong gaze. “Can I cum, please?” 

She was so nice about, but Druig wouldn’t let her get off that easily. He shook his head, bringing his mouth down to her nipples and sucking harshly against the skin. When he pulled away he did the same to other side, leaving large, purple bruises against her nipples. “You can cum when I say you can cum.” Y/N whined loudly, her back arching and trying to pull away from Druig and his brutal attack on her pussy. Druig grabbed Y/N’s thighs tightly and pulled her back to him. “Don’t fucking run.” His tone was threatening, though he would never harm her in any way. 

It was another few minutes of Druig pushing Y/N to the edge, tipping her over just enough and then pulling her back. She couldn’t contain her orgasm much longer, the pain becoming to much and her pussy was aching for that release. Without warning her legs closed around Druig’s hand tightly, preventing him from pulling away as she convulsed under his grip. Her moan was so pornographic even professionals would be jealous of how it sounded. Y/N’s eyes rolled back, head tilted into the cushion of the duvet as her hands gripped the material so hard she could’ve ripped it. 

Druig watched in aw at the sight in front of him. Not only did Y/N look even more ethereal than usual, but her pussy was just gushing with her juices. He had made her squirt. First orgasm of the night and she was already a gushing mess. Y/N’s body shook as she pulled herself back down to reality, eyes fluttering open to meet Druig’s stern gaze. At that moment she wished she could shrink into the covers and hide. 

“Thought I told ya, puppy,” Druig cooed slowly as he pulled his sopping hand from her core, bringing the digits to his fingers and licking them clean, “Thought I told you that you cum when I say you can cum.” 

Y/N whimpered, “’m sorry, I just couldn’t hold it anymore. It felt so good, everything was just too much.” Her eyes were pleading for forgiveness, and who was Druig to not give his little dove that? 

“If that was too much for ya, then maybe you can’t even take my cock.” His words made Y/N sit up right, shaking her head. “Too bad, I was gonna mold this messy cunt of yours to my cock. Make you mine forever.”

Y/N reached out for Druig who only let her hold his hands. “Please Dru, I want your cock. I need to feel you inside me.” 

Druig sighed dramatically, “Promise to be a good puppy for me? You won’t disobey me again, will ya?” Y/N shook her head in response, her big eyes starring up at him with such innocence but yet such sin made his cock twitch. “Alright then, I’ll give you m’ cock.” The way Y/N squealed in excitement was embarrassing but neither one of them could care less. 

The two lovers backed themselves up onto the mattress, their bodies bumping against one another just enough to send bolts of electricity through their bodies. Druig lifted Y/N’s legs over his shoulders, pushing his cock through her still sopping folds. He eyed her body, the way she twitched, the way she tried to pull back from how sensitive she still was. He smirked to himself, proud that it was him who made her feel this way. There was silence that surrounded them for a moment, it reminded them that once they do this there is no going back to how things used to be. Y/N nodded to Druig who was waiting for permission to finally push himself inside her. Druig leaned down and pressed his lips against hers in a passionate kiss, his tongue slipping against her lower lip as he began to press himself into her. The gasp that escaped her lips as he slipped into her allowed him to push his tongue into her mouth and explore the inside. 

The stretch Y/N felt as Druig’s cock spread her open was something she never felt in all her life. This was perfect, like they were made for each other. Druig waited a moment before moving his hips, going slowly to make sure that he didn’t hurt the goddess beneath him. By the way Y/N’s mouth hung open in a silent moan was enough of a confirmation to let him know that he was on the right path. His movements sped up, hips now slamming against Y/N’s ass with such a strong force that it sent her body moving up the bead a bit. He held onto her thighs to keep her close to him, wanting her to feel him so deep within that she’d be ruined for any other man.

“Fuck, Dru you’re so big.” Y/N whined, “It’s like you want to ruin men for me,” Y/N teased, though in all honesty she knew that she was Druig’s now, just like he was hers.

Druig leaned against her ear, his breathe fanning against her skin as he continued his brutal pace. “I only want you to think of me from now on. Every moment of every day, I want you so ruined you only think of me.” He growled deeply as he nipped at her neck, red marks now trailing along her skin. Druig’s moans echoed in her ears, sending a shock wave to her already swollen and puffy pussy. 

Y/N nodded weakly, too blissed out to think or feel anything other than Druig inside her. The feeling of finally having him inside of her, claiming her in ways she hadn’t even thought of made her lose any and all thoughts. Y/N’s ankles were hooked around Druig’s neck, his body pressed closely to hers as he lifted her hips up a bit to reach even deeper. Every sound that left her mouth was like music to his ears, it made his confidence grow and he was becoming even more cocky with every thrust, lifting her hips to hit that spongey spot inside her that had Y/N shaking in his arms. 

His cock was just barely brushing her cervix, causing shivers to run throughout her body as she felt all of him everywhere. HIs mouth sucked dark spots along her neck and across the top of her tits, his cock sliding in and out of her at such a fast pace she thought she might fall into the pit that is space. Druig was grunting into her ear, mumbling about how good her pussy was and how this is the only pussy he’ll ever fuck.

Once Druig started to slow down but still continuously thrust harshly into Y/N’s messy cunt she knew he was close, which was a relief because she felt her core on fire moments after he had started fucking her into the mattress. 

“’M gonna cum, dove, you gonna cum for me? Let me fill you up so you’re walking around  with my cum spilling out of this tight little pussy?” He groaned into her ear. 

Y/N nodded, her nails digging into the skin of his biceps, “Please Dru, been waiting to cum, want it so bad.” She had tears brimming her pretty eyes, the feeling becoming too much yet again. Y/N swore she was going to explode at any second, but she wanted to cum with Druig. His lips attached to hers, bodies pressed as close they could go. 

“Cum f’me dove, want to feel you cum around me.” Seconds later Y/N was squirting around Druig’s dick and he was spilling his load into her pussy, creating a mess on his sheets. Y/N’s legs convulsed around his neck, his hips did the same as he made small thrusts into her to get them through their high. Druig was obsessed with the way Y/N’s face scrunched up in pleasure as she came, her eyes rolled back and mouth hanging open- it was something straight out of a hentai porn video. 

Druig slowly pulled out of Y/N, careful not to hurt her as he knew how sore she was going to be. He watched his cum slowly spill from her used hole, but the sight of his cum leaking out of her made him mindlessly stuff back into her with his fingers. Y/N whined, her body pulling away from him since her senses were too over whelmed.

Druig walked to his bathroom and warmed up a washcloth to clean up his lover. He was gentle as he cleaned her up, trying to steer clear of her sensitive bud. Y/N was still catching her breathe and coming back to reality as Drug had pulled out the dirty comforter from under her and covered the both of them with a fuzzy blanket. She didn’t know how long she had been spaced out, but either way it was definitely worth it. 

“Are you alright dove, I wasn’t too rough with ya, was I?” Druig asked softly as he pulled Y/N close to him. Y/N let him envelope her in his embrace, her head resting just right above his heart. She listened to his heart thump against his ribcage as her body finally began to relax. 

“I’m more than alright, that was amazing.” Y/N breathed out happily. Druig smiled, an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment washing over him. Y/N snuggled into Druig’s side, breathing softly as her eyelids grew heavy with sleep.

Druig stroked her cheek softly, looking down at the beauty beside him. “Good, because it’ll be happening more from now on.” He kissed the top of her head as the two of them drifted off to sleep, their bodies succumbing to the wave of tiredness that overcame them.

He wanted to go to Fiji, and so they asked Druig to help.

“I don’t need a babysitter.” “He’s for company.”

She hoped he was having a great time; it was awful and disastrous without him. None of them knew how to cook, so the brunette needed to buy meals several times a day—which he absolutely loathed. She missed Gilgamesh, an episode happens, and she was put to sleep. It was harder than the empath had anticipated, and once it worked, Thena didn’t wake until after Gilgamesh came back.

He refused to leave her side for two years before the Goddess of War managed to convince him again; she did not wish to take away his chance to see the world. She’d gladly stay locked in this house rather than tying him down for her cause.

This time though, instead of Druig, stood the other empath in their found family; You.

Much like Druig, you were her friend—the closest to her then. Neither of you knew where you stood with each other now, no words were exchanged between, only a ghost of smile on your lips as greetings. Thena stood by the door as her housemate explained every single detail of every corner of the house and where to hide should you fail to take control during an attack, your ears perking as you listened intently, your bottom lip trapped between your teeth and she couldn’t help her eyes from travelling to them.

Hours passed quickly and by the time Gilgamesh had to leave for the train, it was almost midnight—less traffic, he said. There was anxiety creeping up Thena’s chest as she watched his back go further and further, but a piece of her heart beat just as steadily by your presence.

“Planning on going to bed?” The sweet sound of your voice sent her once stable heart reeling, her brain working down the many memories of which she’d heard the enticing tone. Her mouth opened, but no words were formed as she was too stunned by the glimmer in your eyes as you trailed them over her features. You raised your eyebrows and tilted your head to the side in question, a small smile making its way to your face and Thena noticed something she hadn’t since you arrived.

Your smiles were genuine, but they didn’t reach your eyes the way they used to. Sadness filled your dark orbs, and though there was a layer of fake content and joy covering them up, the golden haired Eternal could see right through your façade. Your movements were unsure compared to the confident, bold ones she was used to.

Thena blinked; her eyes cleared up and your worried face came into view, your right hand hesitantly reaching out, but was retracted once she eyed them. “Goodnight.” The word came out harsher than she intended, but it was too late to take back as her feet moved on their own accord towards her room.

The other Eternal stood by the window, wondering if the choice to split from the team, from her, was a good idea after all. Over the centuries spent by yourself, loneliness had become a friend, not present as much but never leaving you to be at peace. You heaved a sigh; the company that used to chase away all the doubts in your mind was now the one putting them there. And even with the known presence of the Goddess, you’d never felt more alone.

★☆★☆★☆★

The restless night had you wandering through the depths of their home, the lounge, there was no electronics, safe for a few lights, it was all accommodated to the simplest of their needs and safety. Your feeble feet had taken you to the cupboards of Gil’s kitchen, fingers softly brushing each equipment he’d stored before stopping at the rough frame of an old book.

You pulled it out without a thought, curiosity taking over your mind as you dusted it off—a small light floating just above it to illuminate your way through the darkness of the night. The covers were worn, and the pages even more so, scribbles and writings covering up most of the seemingly printed words.

And so your night was spent flipping through the sheets of Gilgamesh’s cookbook, scanning through the ingredients and you found yourself engrossed in the task of searching for each of them behind each wooden cabinets. As you gathered them on the table in the middle of the room, the small light accompanying you flickered, your eyes fluttering closed under the weight of exhaustion.

★☆★☆★☆★

The sun had yet to rise when Thena’s eyes opened, the sky still pitch black with the moon and a few stars adorning it, the patterned blinks of them reminding her of those nights spent on your side, the memory of your constant murmurings about the galaxy ringing in her ears even with the silence filling the early morning. Usually, Gilgamesh would’ve been up and tinkering around the house, and though he’d try to be quiet, she’d always wake even from the smallest of noises. So to be woken up by the stillness in the air was nothing but unusual.

Her footsteps were the only sound she heard as she made her way outside, the cold and unforgiving wind hitting her body and Thena curled inward, rubbing her arms to bring some warmth. A distant light coming from the kitchen caught her attention, the somewhat familiar glow guided her way through her home, and the sight she was met with had her curling her lips to stop a smile forming.

Various types of vegetables and kitchenette were scattered about the table, a huge worn book opened on the centre of it, and you, laid out, head resting on your arms as you let out small puffs of air in your sleep. The floating light stayed steady in her wake, never once wavering even as you shifted, your arm surely feeling dead from the long and heavy pressure.

The white haired Eternal froze when your eyes pried open, scrunching her eyebrows with an amused smile as she witnessed your inner panic from her presence. “Good morning.” Her greeting was met with a ‘hello’, followed by the clinking of glasses, and not even a minute later, a hot cup of tea sat on the table. And just in a moment, Thena felt like she was back centuries ago, when her family was whole as the sweet smell of your drinks filled her nostrils.

“I uh- didn’t mean to intrude, I apologize.” You made a quick move to remove the book from her sight as she took a seat, but she caught your arm quicker than you could reach it. Her emerald eyes met yours and you shuddered, the intensity you’ve seen and dreamt of now displayed before your own eyes. “If you wish to try some, I’m sure Gilgamesh wouldn’t mind.” Her silk voice carried a faint affection, your brain immediately differentiating it from the cold tone she’d uttered the night before.

Light conversations were exchanged throughout the entirety of the morning, the tension slowly melting away with the little time you were given and something else grew within the period of which you’d stayed together. You didn’t allow her to do so much as extend her hand towards the stove, not trusting her inability to function around the kitchen as well as her combat in a battle.

Thena’s always loved seeing you work—not a job, but your magic. For the Eternals, something ‘magical’ would be considered bland by the band of immortals. But for a certain Goddess of war, you were the embodiment of enchanting—your words so alluring like those of a siren; eyes so captivating that Thena found herself getting lost in them on multiple occasions.

Watching you in your element never gets old; her sharp eyes following your every move like a hawk focused on its prey, except the predator was too afraid to strike, having to consciously restrain herself from moving an inch. Your hands were calmly picking on a spinach, your gaze more often than not drifting to the other being in the room, the other utensils moving on their own—the wooden spoon stirring the contents in the pan, the knife chopping some onions and turmeric while the water runs to wash the used tools.

Her stare never strays away from your frame; and it might come off as scrutinizing to others, yet it only sent your head into a fuzzy and butterflies fluttering their wings in your stomach when you caught her eyes on accident, the same spark as the one she held in them a thousand years ago had you biting your cheeks.

It was one thing to live alone all these years, your memories and thoughts the only thing accompanying your days, and it was another to stand and be in the presence of the very same person who disturbed your loneliness to crave for even the smallest trace of her.

Thena didn’t say much, the silence deafening to the ears as you sat facing her on the table, a series of dishes laid out on it. You observed in anticipation as she took a bite, your lower lip caught between your teeth as she let out a low hum, the renowned flavours swiping across her taste buds like old friends. She wouldn’t say you were a good cook; but it just so happened that her favourite meals were the imperfect ones you’d make her.

“So,” There wasn’t much for the two of you to do—you wondered how Druig managed to pass the days with the legendary Protector of Athens; for it’s only been a day and you were already drowning fast and deep while trying to stop yourself from falling face first onto the floor, the conflicting feelings you’d had once again showing its ugly face. So to have Thena creeping up on your back startled you out of your skin, causing the hold you had on the high tent you were putting up to tumble down onto yourself.

A genuine laugh erupted from the warrior, her head tilting back at the sight of you getting tangled up in ropes and dense fabrics before stumbling onto the ground, huffing out a string of curses at the piece of cloth. Once you’d gotten out of the mess—while Thena stood on the side trying to steady her breaths—you rose onto your feet to face her, delivering a light punch to her shoulder before facing the tree you were trying to build a shelter around. Extending your hands, the ropes began to disentangle themselves while the fabrics straightened out, floating far above your heads to shield the burning sun from your eyes.

“A zoologist, huh?” You snorted suddenly, earning an offended look and raised eyebrows from the other eternal. Thena of all people would know that if you weren’t an Eternal, then you’d work with animals; it was one of the many thoughts you’d shared with her, a dream out of so many others that you’d wish for. And they came true, just not with the white haired woman around like you’d always planned. She knew that, too—having heard from the passing letters Gilgamesh would read out loud, having known fully that she wouldn’t read it by herself.

“Have you any idea why?” You acted indifferent, testing the waters absentmindedly while swaying your arms in a practiced manner, seeds planting themselves in the well dug soil you’d made. “Animals are always better than humans.” It took Thena less than a second to respond, providing the answer as if it was the most natural thing in the world to know it. She couldn’t count how many times you’d told her that everytime anyone asked of ‘why?’ in regards to your choices. A faint smile graced your lips and she mirrored it with her own, the thick air around you softening just a touch as the conversation carried on without caution.

It was days before Gilgamesh came back that an attack happened. Her hideout tree had blossomed into a full-on garden, colourful petals scattered around the usually greasy soil, trees had grown tall and proud in just a matter of days, a gentle breeze of the wind blowing softly through the leaves. There were even animals roaming the place, though they’ve made a note not to bother the white haired human shaped creature; her presence was enough to intimidate innocent souls. It was as if you’d made a residency here—everything was different, the atmosphere lighter, small chatters from the animals filled the deadly silence Thena had gotten used to. Gilgamesh was in for a surprise, it seemed.

You were talking upon yourself, explaining the wonders of an uncanny creature you’ve found on the ground of Australia, the other Eternal stood just behind you and listening intently—she couldn’t care less about the animal, but she was too addicted to your voice and would find herself reveling in the melodic sound. She’d hum and chirp in a few questions every now and then, the zoologist answering them wholeheartedly despite the strange questions she’d ask. You’d stared wide-eyed at her while she looked up innocently after asking ‘Can we eat them, then?’ to a small species of butterflies. Safe to say, these sessions were never boring.

Today, she decided to take ‘not boring’ to another level. She was always quiet during, only you’ve failed to notice she was completely silent, not once did the constant peering over your shoulder even bothered you. You broke out of your reverie when the buzz of her weapons rang out in your ears, only ducking away from her attack fast enough to avoid getting sliced open from behind. You weren’t the best fighter, but your magic was powerful enough to take out deviants so you’d say you were at an advantage.

“Everyone is going to die.” She gritted through her teeth, uttering the same words just how you remembered them when it first occurred. A cosmic shield were the only barrier between her strikes and your face, your mind hastily attempting to find a gap long enough to distract her. When she drew back, building up an attack, you disappeared into thin air with a ‘whoosh’.

Gold strings enveloped your fingers, and as she turned around, the whites flickered from her eyes. “Thena?” Your feet carried you towards her cautiously, mindful of her grip on the sword, arms outstretched to her front—a trick Gilgamesh told you about. She made no move, however, her eyes still blank but you could see her tracking your movements. Both of you waited for a right moment; you for her to come back and her for you to.. Thena didn’t know what she was waiting for.

A long sword sliced your skin when you took another step, unconsciously releasing the energy you’ve been holding on the tips of your fingers—pushing the warrior a few feet back. Your heart dropped to your stomach when she didn’t budge and you strode hastily towards her, letting out a sigh of relief as her surprised gaze met yours.

★☆★☆★☆★

“Why didn’t you do it as soon as it happened?” You could feel her breath hitting your skin at the close proximity she’d held while cleaning up your wound, the soft jabs of cotton the only thing keeping you awake. “I wasn’t sure it would work.” You had wished to try out Gil’s trick first—which didn’t work as well as he said it would—and only planned to use your powers as the last resort.

“I trust you.” Tilting up your head to meet her eyes, her heart warming smile sent your insides melting and you beamed. “I’d hoped so.” She leaned forward to attach your foreheads, two of the Eternals easing the little gesture affectionately, basking in the feeling of the other.

“I’ve missed you, Thee.” Thena closed her eyes when you brushed her cheek, soft skin leaning into your touch instinctively, her grip on your arms tightening, as if you would disappear in a blink if she ever let go. “I’m here.”

★☆★☆★☆★

Gilgamesh had to pause and sit on the front porch for two hours, his eyes assessing the changes made to his yard. He loved it, of course, but there was something hilarious about the way your eyes widen in alarm when he jokingly examined the place disappointingly.

“Should I take it down?” You whispered to Thena’s ear, earning an offended look from the latter. She would never admit it, but she’d became attached to the sanctuary you’ve built in thr short period of time—just like the attachment she has with the inventor. Gilgamesh could only stare in amusement as he watched the silent celebration Thena had when he allowed it, only to see her deflate at the topic he’d chosen to discuss; of when you’d be leaving. Soon, you’d said. The Olympian frowned, not quite understanding the way her heart dropped at the mention, resisting herself from cutting off your conversation.

You didn’t take much with you, only a pouch the size of a purse, but Thena knew better than to assume the stuff that could fit inside it, some animals didn’t want to detach from you and took residence on your shoulder and bags, and she envied them. Why could they easily get a free pass to follow you whereas she was stuck in this place? She longed for a time where she’d travel from place to place, itched for the feeling of her powers on her palm as she battled to protect, wished for a way where she could be free.

You’d decided to stay another night, settling down everything to the brim that they wouldn’t need to do anything for the garden to stay alive, having been blessed with your magic. Sensing a piercing stare on your back, you were met with a troubled Goddess of War. “You’re really leaving?” You tilted your head to the side before nearing the timid warrior, smiling hesitantly. “I can’t just stay here forever, can I?” She stayed silent, eyes hard and an eyebrow raised in a challenge. Realizing she was serious, you drew a sharp breath, averting your eyes to your shoes.

“I-” “Stay.” Her voice was no more than a whisper that you wouldn’t have heard it if not for your enhanced hearing. Truthfully, you would’ve done anything she asked,, and this was one thing you’d do gladly even without her asking. Only then, your doubts were louder than her words, as if you needed a reason to leave the lonely life you’ve made for yourself. It took only a second for slender fingers to cup your cheeks and bring you into a bruising kiss, leaving you no time to prepare for the sparks of fire that ignited from the contact.

★☆★☆★☆★

Thena never expected herself to be crestfallen to wake up to Gilgamesh in the kitchen and silence filling the house. She swore if she closed her eyes, remnants of the night before still plays out clearly in her mind, the feeling of your lips on her skin still fresh as the apples in your garden. The man greeted her with a smile and cheeriness on his features, glad to be home despite having been absent for only a week. He failed to notice the gloomy temper she’s got, deeming it as part of the aftermath—the two were loud, no one could blame him for hearing them.

Gilgamesh started on one of his many stories from the journey, his partner in crime listening absentmindedly while playing with her food, a knit visible on her forehead as she wondered where you could’ve gone off to. Back home, a voice in her head supplied, but how could you leave after what happened? Was she too naïve and stupid to fall under one of your spells? If it were anyone else, she wouldn’t even give a second thought, but it wasn’t just anyone, it was you. And Thena had never been able to shield herself from your enchantments.

A loud swoosh broke her from her reverie, causing her to drop her fork with a clang, her ears perking up at the sound of mumbling from her back, and then a low ‘hush’ before it went quiet. You stood up from your crouched position, hair disheveled and covered in dust, an old robe that looks a lot like a wizard’s draped over your body, a large cat on your feet, plus a mysterious-looking plant on your shoulder. Smiling sheepishly, you waved your hand, suddenly uncertain of the decision you’ve made.

Gilgamesh made the first move, freeing your hand from the suitcase and eyeing it carefully, questioning the contents of it. “A wardrobe.” The small rectangular case could fit no more than three of his shirts, but he didn’t dwell on it. Stuff like this shouldn’t be news to him; having lived with you for millennia, but 500 years without it to suddenly welcome it back surely is quite a struggle. Which didn’t apply just on him, it seemed. The protector of Athens was dumbstruck that she hadn’t moved an inch from her spot, a flicker of rage visible on her face before she marched your way, forcing you to back up until your back hit the wall.

Thena is a fearsome warrior, yes, but it was no secret that when she cares, it was fierce and deeply, the love she carries no less than the passion she held for slicing human-eating monsters. So when you came back bearing your suitcase, something in her clicked, explaining the immense happiness that was unlike anything she’s ever experienced before.

“Sorry, it took longer than expected to pack-” Her lips pressed against yours forcefully, the urgency sending your head backwards and a low growl to release from your throat. “Shut up.” Strong hands gripped your waist possessively, feeling the wind knocked out of you at the rate of kisses she was demanding.

The clearing of a throat disrupted the two Eternals, their actions staggered into a stop in a jolt, the silver haired woman finally stepping away and leaving some room for you to breathe in. Your breaths were heavy, pants audible to the ears of your friend and you could feel the heat creeping up your neck, squeezing your eyes shut in shame and biting your lower lip while cursing mentally.

Gilgamesh left the room—not before sending a wink to Thena, shaking his head with a smile on his face and chuckled to himself at the situation these two managed to get themselves on.

“Don’t do that.” Opening your eyes, she’d invaded your sight once more, this time giving you more space that let you view the features that haunts your dreams most nights. Your eyes found hers questioningly, an unexpected innocence layering your gaze, unknowingly attracting the impending defeat from your.. partner? Thena sighed, folding her arms loosely, ducking her head downwards as she mumbled quietly. “I thought you left.” You reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear, lifting her head, the immense distress you must’ve caused her eating you alive. “You asked me to stay, didn’t you?”

★☆★☆★☆★

“I did not have a crush on you.” Thena rolled her eyes exaggeratingly, a knowing smirk settling upon her face. “Oh, as if.” You gasped dramatically, a hand on your chest to emphasize the offence made. “if I remembered correctly, you were the one chasing after me.” It was your turn to grin smugly, poking her sides as she averted her gaze, her lips pressed into a thin line as she attempted to hold in a smile. Swatting your hand away, she broke her façade and sighed, resting her head on your shoulders and shutting her eyes. “I’m glad you came back.”

Your head rested on top of hers, eyes scanning through the small forest you’ve called home for over a century. You didn’t stay long at her old place; deciding to leave far quicker than expected, but not without her. Reluctant as she was , a blink of your puppy eyes was enough to melt her insides, and so Thena agreed to come along, the reassurance of being by your side was enough to be an anchor.

Off you go, to every corner of the earth you could reach—basically all of it, since transportation wasn’t really a concern, it was the timid Goddess on your arms that was. Certain places triggered her more than the others; war sites most of all, but you’ve managed to break record of the longest period without a single episode. You’ve gone back to settle in a deserted spot of earth, far from human kind to avoid confrontations, but still close enough should there ever be any emergencies.

Thena was content; no longer stuck in a place fighting herself, instead she was enjoying life, her favourite person right by her side. Though you made her doubt the last part from time to time, like when you left a plant on the windowsill and watched her water it for weeks, only for her to find out it was a fake lilly. Or the time where you sent her to gather some herbs, fully knowing some of them weren’t even there, resulting in Thena coming back hours later, confused and disappointment seeping under her skin. You did feel bad and apologized plenty after that, deciding to never grace her with the same task ever again.

She insisted on joining your daily activities, more than happy to learn what you had to in store to teach her; failing more often than not, but it was the thought that counts.

You’d go out of your way to make sure she was enjoying herself rather than to please you with her help, and some days, where her days were darker and storm rages in her heart, your arms were the only safe place she’d ever known.

“Oh no, you’re fired. Just kidding.” The soil Thena was holding went flying through the air, aimed for your head and landed just on the tree behind you, a mortifying expression plastered on your face when you saw the amount of force she used, evidence clear on the state of the log. “You wanna play? Oh, you’re so on.” You spent the day chasing down each other, a grip of dirty and heavy soil on each hand, pants and squeals ringing in your ears as you reached her.

The grass were damp as the sun sets, leaving the sky void of light except from the moon, smudges of dirt filling your bodies, hair tangled from all the wind, and the both of you had never been happier. “I guess I’m not the only one chasing you, hm?” You giggled, finding the black spot on her face funnier than her statement. The light you’ve created floated above your heads, giving a clear view of the other’s state, grinning as you met each others eyes. She climbed over to your lap, arms stretched out on her sides to avoid more dirt getting on your skin before trapping your head in between them, holding herself up on the tree you were leaning against.

“What are you doing?” She raised an eyebrow, strands of hair falling from her bun and over her face, drawing in a breath before giving you a deadpanned look. “I’m all dirty.” She leaned in closer, as if challenging you to refuse her advances, “I’m dirty.” You closed the gap between your lips to cut off her mocking, tasting the earth and something else incredibly Thena. Sighs and hums of delight filled the air, though it was becoming hard keeping your hands to yourself. Your mischievous grin were covered by her kisses, her closed eyes unknowing to your creeping hand.

Your fingers dragged over her cheek, smearing more dirt as you went and laughed heartily as she detached herself from you. Pecking her lips once more at her shocked state, you waved cheekily and winked before disappearing off into nowhere. “Catch you in the shower.”

As always, Druig paid careful but limited attention to the villagers. He eventually came to a stop just near some of the farmers.

"You will be assisting in the kitchen today," he informed you.

You frowned. "Excuse me?" But Druig didn’t look like this was up for debate. You didn’t particularly care. You had never been shoved into the kitchen before. You weren’t even certain Druig had considered it for you.

"I want you helping with meals for the day," he clarified despite fully aware that you heard him the first time.

You glanced over your shoulder at your crafting circle. Your project wasn’t laid out yet the women were still gathering. The circle was moving without you today for some reason. "I don’t understand," you muttered.

"Darling, please," Druig said with a sigh.

You could easily sense there was something he wasn’t sharing but you also know there was no way you were going to get it out of him very easily.

"Oh-Okay." You also let out a sigh. "Kitchen duty could be…fun." It actually did not sound fun to you but what could you do?

"Thank you," Druig muttered before grabbing your hand again and leading you to where meals were prepped.

The cooking was done on what appears to be a patio towards the back of the village. In this designated square there were tables littered with ingredients, utensils for preparing said ingredients, and large posts sitting over open flames ready for cooking. All of this was covered by a makeshift roof.

A group of villagers was already fast away at work when you and Druig arrived. Their heads turned towards you both like everyone possessed some sixth sense when Druig was around.

"Good day," he said in greeting to the workers. Once they acknowledged him, Druig adapted his tongue to their language, the explanation of his expectations and requests flowed from his mouth in Spanish so easily and…beautifully. You had to admit, his tone and speaking were of such an attractive uniqueness.

Not that you ever planned to admit that to him.

At least, not right now.

The villagers replied in a mix of English and Spanish. They sound enthusiastic that you were going to be joining them for the day. Or, really, for however long Druig decided this is where you belonged.

"Very well," Druig said with a nod. He then pointed to an unoccupied table that held mounds and mounds of fresh onions. "You are on chopping duty."

"Chopping duty?" You repeated with a chuckle. Sounded almost intimidating.

"Chopping duty," Druig repeated. He took your hand and led you to your station. The other villagers returned to their work, likely resisting their urge to peak at you.

Druig slid over a knife that had been at the end of the table. He then placed an onion in front of you.

Carefully, you picked up the pretty impressively fashioned knife and cut off one end of the onion. "These were grown here, I’m guessing."

"Of course," he replied. "We have a set of very skilled gardeners, naturally."

You chuckled. "Naturally."

You continued dicing up your first onion while Druig lingered by your side. He looked like he was wrestling with saying more but you tried not to notice.

Eventually, he spoke lowly and asked, "You will be okay here for the day?" His tone was suddenly just as off as his posture. But, again, you didn’t press him, not sure how much you wanted to step on his toes anymore — at least for the time being.

You mustered up a smile in encouragement as you glanced at him. "I’ll be just fine." You sighed. "I swear."

He nodded once like it was a definitive, contracted statement. And then he left. All you had to practically do was blink and then poof. It was like he couldn’t vanish fast enough. It was odd behavior but in a different way than earlier this morning. Druig in the morning had been cautious, curious. This, now, was him was anxiousness.

You fought back your thoughts about it. You had to. You had been tasked with a new chore today and while to some it may seem silly, you didn’t want to mess it up. Sure, it was just chopping onions — cooking wasn’t high on your hobby list but it was still fun — but you were trying, and trying meant putting in an effort to help the community run.

Carefully, you finished dicing your first onion and moved on to the next. There had to be at least fifty of these circular, tear-inducing vegetables waiting for you, and judging by the other vegetables on other tables, there was another stew to prepare. The fuel for the village, you joked to yourself.

Meticulously, you cut and diced, diced and cut, cut and diced. Attentively, cautiously, keep to yourself, letting the hours tick by, if that was even possible with such a mundane task. You tried to match the other villagers in focusing as you all worked in comfortable silence.

***

You did as you had been asked for pretty much the entire day. It wasn’t exactly as relaxing or exciting as knitting your blanket — a blanket you were very much missing right now — but it was…fine. It easily kept you busy and there was a hint of pride stored somewhere within you about the fact you were contributing to the village on a larger scale.

People would eat these cut-up onions. They would cook and add flavor wherever needed. Sure, it was silly to think of it like that, but it kept the knife moving.

You went on like that until you noticed the sun beginning to sink below the trees. Shortly thereafter, Druig came from around the corner, your eyes locked on one another immediately. He waltzed over to you slowly, his hands locked behind his back, a little something twinkling in his eyes. The entire thing almost — just almost — made you forget about the fact he had vanished, dropped you like a hot potato, this morning.

You broke the silence first. "Good evening." A couple of the other workers looked towards you two but then shifted back to their task.

"Hello, dear," Druig replied.

"Where have you been off to today?" You asked. You had to ask.

Something on Druig’s face flinched so quickly that you just about missed it. You pushed away from the last of the onions and set your knife back on the table.

"I have a surprise for you," he said before you could ask another question. Your brows furrowed.

"Druig—,"

"It’s smaller this time," he quickly rebuttal. "I promise."

Before you could interrogate him any further, Druig successfully distracted you by producing a lovely, large bouquet of flowers from behind his back. Your eyes grew wide at the sight of the vibrant, mixed flowers. So, his posture this time wasn’t some power act. He had been hiding flowers meant for…you.

Your jaw went slack as you gently took the bouquet from him. The fresh, sweet scents filled your nose. The gesture was just kind…so kind. Your body felt like it could nearly burst, the bond went crazy.

"Druig, these are so beautiful," you said in awe.

A light pink tinge graced Druig’s cheeks. "They’re fresh. Picked this afternoon."

"You… You picked me these flowers?" Stunned was an understatement.

Druig nodded. "We have a flower garden on the other side of the village, separate from the crops. I’m not kidding about our talented groundskeepers. I’ll… I’ll have to show you it sometime."

You stared down at the arrangement of Lillies, roses, and tulips, the whole bunch staring back at you. This too felt right, receiving flowers from your soulmate. You welcomed the tugging in your chest.

"I’d love that," you replied. "These are very gorgeous."

"Gorgeous flowers for a gorgeous girl," Druig said with a light laugh, but there was nothing light about that statement. It felt like a bolt of lightning struck the kitchen as an interesting silence crept between you two.

Druig ignored it though, not waiting for your response, and changed the subject swiftly. "I’d like to make us dinner tonight."

Your eyes shot back to your soulmate. "But I chopped all these onions."

Druig smirked as he glanced at your pounds and pounds of diced vegetables. "Your onions will be used for weeks to come, dear. No need to fret about it, I can assure you."

"Alright," you sighed in faux dramatic fashion. You were almost amazed now by how comfortable you were getting, especially at this moment. "That sounds nice."

"Wonderful," he said then motioned for you to walk ahead of him. "Shall we be getting home then?"

Home. Druig appeared eager to leave but your feet were planted. You were caught off guard by that word. A simple, one-syllable word, but still. It was a heavy word. Home.

Home as in…a place you two shared. A place you resided with him, turned to at the end of a long day. Together.

It had always just been the house, but now it’s a home. At least to Druig it was. Was it for you, as well?

"Darling? You alright?" Druig suddenly asked, pulling you out of your swirling thoughts. He had turned back to you, his eyes searched over your features frantically, concerned. You knew he could feel your fear just as you felt his worry now.

"Y-Yeah." You cleared your throat and tried not to choke your flowers. "Let’s go…home." Tasting the word on your lip, letting it flow carelessly, was both weird and liberating. The bubble had been popped, the bomb had exploded, and now it sat between you two. Your eyes met Druig’s only briefly before you were charing ahead of him, towards the home.

A distance was kept between you two as you walked through the village and off towards the back where your home sat. You walked this path a good number of times by now but this time, there was something new in the air.

You could feel it everything. In each step. In the flowers you held. In the words you had just spoken. In the way Druig’s eyes were on you as you climbed the porch steps of your home.

You two entered silently, Druig immediately heading towards the kitchen, starting whatever he had decided would be for dinner. You followed cautiously, staring down at your flowers.  

"Would you like a vase for them?" Druig asked, breaking the silence in the most shocking yet comforting way.

"Do we — you have vases?" You asked. We. You hadn’t caught yourself in time. You said it like all these things belonged to you both and always had.

But, also…didn’t they? Didn’t Druig elude to that on your first day? Everything was falling into place for him. That was the something in the air. His eyes glimmered ever so slightly as he nodded towards the cabinet above the kitchen sink.

You quickly turned away from him, making a beeline for where he had pointed to. Gently, you placed the flowers on the counter beside you then opened the cabinet. Sure enough, there were a few vases hidden away. You didn’t know what to make of it as you grabbed the first one you saw and began filling it with water.

You were so into this mindless, pointless task that you hadn’t noticed Druig coming up behind you until hands were planted on either of your hips. You jumped, making the vase fall out of your hands. It landed in the sink with a thud, the sound almost as loud as your heart, which threatened to beat out of your chest.

"Aren’t you… Aren’t you making dinner?" The words stupidly tumbled out of your mouth before you could stop them. Dinner? Really? That’s what you were worried about? You mentally kicked yourself. The man was practically breathing down your neck, his hands like locks on your hips, and you asked about dinner?

The air in the room shifted. It was heavy like you could almost grab whatever it was. "I have a question for you," Druig muttered.

"A—A question?" You were lucky you were able to get out those words. You weren’t sure you could even answer a question at this point. He was just so close. Everything about him was overwhelming constantly but this was a level on par with last night. Your mind flashed back to your night together under the stars. Giving in felt so good so you’d do it again.

You relaxed in Druig’s hold as you awaited this question.

"You’ve sensed it too, haven’t you?"

You blinked, unsure of how to respond to the incredibly vague yet incredibly deep question.

"Sensed…it?" Was playing dumb the way out of it?

"Last night in the forest… When I gave you those flowers… When you agreed this place was home… You’re enjoying yourself here. With me."

Your heart was torn at his accusations. You had to admit, being here with him, your soulmate, was panning out fairly well. But how could you come to such a conclusion so fast? Even before you agreed to "try," you hadn’t been living in misery. Uncomfortable from time to time, sure, but …you certainly weren’t suffering per se.

"Maybe we should see how it goes the next couple of days—,"

You felt Druig shake his head. "Am I wrong?"

The sink was still running so you turned it off and then force yourself to twist in his grasp. He allowed but his hands never dared to leave your sides.

When you finally faced him, looks of longing, desperation, and admiration all shined throughout his tempting, soft eyes. A completely different persona than that seen among the villagers. You weren’t sure you had seen anything like this before but it was for you, it was right. You didn’t know how you knew that, but you did.

"No," you whispered. "No, I don’t think you’re wrong. I—I’m maybe not sure, but—,"

Druig apparently wanted to hear no more. Everything happened so fast. His eyes left your gaze, landed on your lips, and then he was leaning. He completely cut off your words as he captures your lips with his.

Soft and supple, the kiss was no different than that of the one on your first date. Only this time, you responded to it with much more confidence and passion. You tried meeting him where he was and, yes, it felt pretty damn good to do.

As your lips worked together, in what could be described as a fiery fight, Druig’s hands left your hips and slowly crept up your side until he was caressing your face. You leaned into the touch, letting him hold you into his body even more. It was like your body was coming alive. A key turned in its lock.

Hesitantly yet forcefully, Druig broke the kiss. He pressed his forehead against yours and muttered two words that sent your heart spiraling: "Follow me."