#oyg1

It was impossible to miss the way the other trembled next to Fiyero. It was a rather brisk night, and they were deep in the woods on their walk by that point, so it was too late to try and find some mutually beneficial solution. And, had it been anyone else, Fiyero isn't so certain he'd be so outwardly worried about their comfort.

Though, there was no hesitation in the prince as he slid his jacket off of his own shoulders and onto Ares'.

"Give me your arm," he instructed delicately, tenderly guiding his arm up with the tips of his fingers in order to slip the deep blue, velvety sleeve over it. Within moments, the jacket is secured over Ares and Fiyero is smoothing out any creases.

"Is that any better?"

Physical intimacy was something that was as easy as instinct for Fiyero. In some strange way, it's the only time he feels like he's honest in his desires. He's always had a facade of someone who doesn't care, because it's always been easier to just stuff down anything meaningful.

But with intimacy, any love and desire he felt could come through.

It'd dawned on him that, while intimacy may be something to come easily to himself, that it's something new to Ares all together. Though, if Ares hadn't been the one to initiate the affections, Fiyero isn't certain if he'd have ever demonstrated them towards the other.

Still, Fiyero knew he'd do everything in his power to ensure Ares enjoyed everything he did and that he didn't do anything Ares wouldn't enjoy.

It was just a fan — an over - zealous, shouting one — but Ares was nonetheless quick to react. He scooped Darren up without a word as the young girl slipped past the first security guard. Ares held the star against his chest protectively, as if Darren weighed little more than a doll that he could treasure. Luckily, another member of Darren's staff caught the fan by the arm before she could get close to Ares. The leather - clad man relaxed at that. He breathed out slowly, and Ares' unblinking eyes softened. They gained moisture, seemed to spark, and became life - like again. Ares looked down at Darren. He realized then what he had done. "Are you alright ?" he asked. The flicker of red in his irises was gone. All that remained was pure, deep blue, the sort that could be drowned in.

Everything happened so quickly that Darren didn't initially know what was transpiring; and yet, despite his ignorance to matters at hand, he knew he was safe.

He was always safe when Ares was around.

Only when he picked up on what Ares was protecting him from- when he made sense of the whirlwind around them- did he look back up at the other. A hand came to cup the side of Ares's neck, pad of his thumb stroking along the jut of his jawline.

"I'm alright," he reassured sincerely. "Are you?"