veil

art credits

icon art: Dino_illus on twitter

post art: wuthering waves (official)

regardless, this angered him deeply to his core. he heard footsteps approaching him closer, turning around with a hardened expression. the tension was incredibly thick, his tone lowering at a dangerous level. at this rate, no one will be spared from his wrath. "if you are here to provoke me, i highly suggest that you leave now, pantalone. i'm currently occupied with other matters."

pantalone sighs, his eyes darting over to the chemical mess in the corner. frankly, he was clueless too in this mystery. who could have ruined his husband's experimental notes and test tubes? "calm down, i heard about the commotion earlier and i came here to check. are you injured, love?"

"my well-being is the least of my priorities right now." dottore's tone came off as harsh, his hand tightening into a fist. he was incredibly irritable, like a ticking time bomb ready to detonate. "i'm launching an investigation. someone better start pleading for their life because this is beyond despicable."

the other man reached his hand out to intertwine, hoping to give dottore some comfort although it seem meaningless. "think rationally, dottore. don't jump straight to risky endeavors"

"i am quite rational, banker"

"you're about to send someone to an early grave." pantalone argues, his eyes narrowing at his husband. "at least wait until we find enough more evidence to tie it back to the culprit." a near-growl escapes dottore's lips before reluctantly agreeing, withdrawing his hand from pantalone and marching over to his ruined work station. "fine, we'll do it your way. this shit is so frustrating."

comfort and reassurance seem pointless, all pantalone can do is assist his husband with the investigation. more footsteps could be heard, making the banker turn his head in the other direction. he walks over to the door, noticing their daughter hiding behind the wall.

"thea, princess. why are you here? you should be in your room." he kneels down, extending his arms to her. there was definitely something wrong, she look so guilty and frightened. thea couldn't even look at him in the eyes, her bottom lip trembling. "i-i'm sorry, baba." pantalone raised a brow, gently lifting up the toddler in his arms and walking back to dottore.

"why are you apologizing, thea?" she fell quiet, burying her teary face into his shoulders as her hands clutch his coat tightly. dottore turns around, walking over to his husband and daughter. he tries to soften his expression, his arms crossing over his chest. "what's wrong with her?"

"would it kill you to be nicer right now?"

"it was unintentional, pantalone. i can't help that." pantalone rolls his eyes at dottore before returning his attention to their daughter. he brush her head lightly, trying to encourage thea to look up but she was so scared and upset. "look at me, please. what happened, are you hurt?" his hand wiped a few tears away from her face, taking hold of her chin and lifting it up.

thea crumbles, sobbing in her father's arms as she wails loudly. "i-i ruined papa's lab but i didn't mean to! i wanted to see the cool cups.. but, but everything fell down and broke! im so, so sorry..." oh, at least they found the culprit to this mess but not in the best way possible. her endless curiosity is both endearing and troublesome sometimes.

"it's okay, calm down. take deep breaths, thea." pantalone rubs her back, gently kissing her temple as she weeps. his eyes lingered on dottore's expression, it was hard to decipher his husband's emotions. it didn't help that thea was beyond frightened to face her other father, knowing how bad his temper can get.

this situation was truly unfortunate, enough to give pantalone a headache for days. he could really go for a cigarette right now. a deep sigh escapes the doctor's lips, taking a step closer to his family. in a quiet gesture, dottore opens his arms and pantalone silently understood his intentions, gently passing thea over to him.

she went stiff, expecting a harsh scolding but it never came. instead, all she felt was his hand cupping her cheek, a thumb brushing her tears away. "thea, look at me. i'm not mad, at least not anymore." she hesitated, her hands shaking but she comply, lifting up her head.

dottore sighs, removing his mask from his face and setting it down nearby. he pressed a soft peck on her forehead, his crimson irises looking down to meet her violet ones. "why didn't you tell us earlier?" she sniffles, another round of tears threatening to slip again as she came clean. "because papa would hate me..."

"i don't hate you and that won't happen. i just wished you were honest instead of trying to hide it from us." he tries his best to comfort his daughter, letting thea cry into his chest. truth be told, dottore was still furious but there's no point in taking his anger out on a child who had no ill-intentions. the last thing he wants is to make his daughter afraid of him.

"i'm so sorry, papa. i'm sorry.."

"i know you are. i forgive you, it's okay baby" their little reconciliation warmed pantalone's heart, a fond smile blooming on his lips. he chuckles, resting a hand on thea's head, kissing her forehead. "all is forgiven, princess. at least we won't need an investigation anymore." dottore groans, rolling his eyes at his husband's playful remark. "zip it. cease your teasing, feofan. i'm not in the mood."

although his words lacked venom, he was more focused on their daughter's well-being. she's just as clingy as pantalone, burying her face into dottore's shoulder. despite everything, she was still daddy's little girl.

"is baba and papa fighting again?"

"no, your father is just grumpy with everyone" he really does enjoy getting on dottore's nerves. pantalone ignored the scowl on his husband's expression, leaning forward to peck the doctor's rosy cheeks. "as for the lab.. do you need help cleaning it up?" dottore shook his head, adjusting his hold on thea. "it's fine, my segments can take responsibility for that. i'll worry about it another day."

he really needs add more child safety locks in his work station, he would rather not suffer another repeat of this situation again. all of them walked out of the room, thea clinging to her father's coat. she lifts her head up, noticing that dottore left behind his mask in the lab but he couldn't care less. dottore saw her staring at his scarred face, a gentle smile tugging his lips. a peck landed on her forehead, making thea giggle as her little hands cup his cheeks.

pantalone groans in frustration, sitting up in bed as he stares down at his clothed tent. perhaps he was pent-up, it's been a while since they were active and he couldn't wait any longer. his fingers grip the waistband of his trousers and pants, pushing it off his body and tossing the clothing onto the floor. he can always retrieve it later, not important right now.

pantalone reached for a small vial of lubricant from the nightstand, popping the cap open and slicking his fingers with the cooling gel. thankfully the bedroom door was closed and there were no servants nearby to disturb him. his legs spread open, guiding two fingers down to where his hole was. at first, he circle the sensitive rim, hissing from the cool touch of the lube against his ass.

slowly, he dips his fingers into the velvet heat, an involuntary whimper left his lips. this was embarrassing, he can't remember the last time he fingered himself but he just needed a quick relief. pantalone started off slow, scissoring himself open as he tries to find his prostate.

all he can think about was his husband, how dottore would play and tug with his nipples until the buds were swollen and covered in bite marks. how the doctor's skillful hands would hit curl just right to hit the bundle of nerves precisely. how his husband's girthy cock would pummel his sensitive hole until he's crying out for more.

"f-fuck, zandik.." his back arch into a bow, pretty noises spilling from his lips. his other hand pushing up the hem of his sweater, his fingers playing with his chest, pinching and rolling the bud until he was whimpering. he was slightly frustrated, he couldn't come so easily because his fingers can't reach that far to stimulate his prostate. he grits his teeth, he was so desperate for a release, his cock aching on his abdomen.

"zandik, ah! miss you, so f-fucking much..." the rhythm was sloppy and rushed as tears gathered in the corner of his eyes. he really wished his husband was here, just to hold him and take him apart so beautifully. his pitch grew higher, thinking he was so close to an orgasm until pantalone heard the door slamming open.

he quickly yanked the slicked digits out of his ass, his hole clenching around nothing. pantalone threw the blanket over his nude lower half, ready to reprimand whichever servant that dared to interrupt him. his heart nearly sanked, his face reddening from sheer embarrassment as he realized that dottore was the one of entered abruptly "hm, so this is how i am welcomed back? not what i was expecting but it's still acceptable"

"you- first of all, why didn't you knock? and second of all, where the hell have you been?" pantalone tries to swallow down his shame, his grip hardening on the bedsheets. "what type of husband doesn't send a letter back in weeks? and now you show up randomly at an ungodly hour of the night?"

"you didn't seem to mind earlier when you were calling out my name, pleasuring yourself"

"that's not the fucking point- ignore what you just saw" pantalone groans, burying his reddening face into his hands. if his glasses were on his nose right now, he probably would have snapped it out of frustration. a deep sigh left his lips, dragging his hands down to his lap, looking up at dottore with an exhausted glare. "you were gone for nearly a month. perhaps i was just worried.. that you might have got injuried on your mission."

now he feels pathetic, admitting his worries and loneliness to dottore. pantalone wouldn't be surprised if the doctor seize another opportunity to relentlessly tease him to hell. dottore walks closer to the bed, shrugging off his winter coat and removing the mask from his face. he could care less where he tossed his belongings to, deciding to take a seat on the bed.

his hand brush a few strands of violet tufts behind pantalone's ear, leaning over to kiss the banker's cheek. "i got caught up with my experiments in sumeru and i forgot to send a written reply back. apologies for making you worry, dear." pantalone huffs, at least he's not as upset as he originally was. he returns the gesture, pecking dottore's cheek with a smile. "fine, apology accepted. at least you've returned back to me."

"and i can help with your little problem, hm?" his eyes widening, pantalone's last barrier of protection flew off his body, his husband pouncing on him with hunger and lust in his crimson irises. lips found their way to his neck, pushing the turtleneck down further to kiss and suck on the skin.

pantalone bit his lower lip, his hands gripping dottore's shoulders tightly. a choked gasp escapes, feeling the doctor's hand palming his hardened cock. "couldn't come without my help, am i right dear? tell me what do you need, my hands or my cock?" his response was cut short when two digits slipped back into his already-loosen entrance, curling up to finally hit his prostrate.

damn it, dottore was doing this on purpose. haziness clouds pantalone's judgment, his legs spreading wider as dottore added a third finger, rocking his hand lazily into his rim. pantalone was certaintly not in a teasing mood but right now, he just wants to fuck so badly.

"ngh-! fuck, i want you. your cock, just put it in. it's been, ah, too long." he didn't have to time to savor ecstasy when dottore pulls his fingers out of him, his body shuddering in response. his eyes lingered on his husband's form, dottore throwing off his shirt from his body and discarding it aside. he helps pantalone out of that pesky turtleneck, careful to not rip the expensive fabric unless he wished to pay for it.

"i like this look on you, feofan. so submissive and needy for me"

"in your dreams. now please fuck me already." dottore resist the urge to roll his eyes at the banker, already unzipping his pants. pantalone can be so bratty sometimes, as if he's not the one doing most of the work. he pulls his pants down, just enough to free his thick length from its constraints.

the doctor had a different idea in mind, his hands pulling pantalone up and placing him into his lap. not tonight, he doesn't get the pillow princess treatment. "zandik, don't you dare. i know what you are trying to do" dottore only hums, ignoring pantalone's complaint as he lowers his husband down onto his cock, shutting him up almost immediately.

a smirk forms on his lips, he didn't even wait until pantalone had adjusted. his hips started thrusting upwards, his hands holding onto the banker's waist tightly, enough to leave behind bruises. "music to my ears. i like it better when you are, ah, screaming my name." pantalone couldn't even catch his breath, it felt as if the air in his lung was knocked out.

his hands clinged to dottore's back, scratching the scarred skin as his cries fills up the room. he could feel every vein and ridge on the doctor's cock, each thrust hitting his prostrate perfectly. pantalone tries to time his bounces with his husband's relentless rhythm, his legs growing weak and sore from lifting himself up and down repeatedly. he will complain later but for now, he wants nothing more than to come already.

"shit, ah-! z-zandik, i'm gonna-"

"come for me, sweetheart. let me hear you." dottore wrapped one hand around his husband's length, stroking it simulatenously with each sharp thrust. that was enough to send pantalone over the edge, letting out a beautiful cry as his release paints his stomach and the doctor's hand white.

dottore came afterwards with a groan, spilling deep inside of the banker. out of breath and sweaty, they definitely needed this. a weak hand came up to smack dottore's chest, pantalone glaring at him with rosy cheeks and a hazy expression. "damn you, you know i hate this position."

"weren't you the one begging for my cock earlier? i don't want to hear it, princess." a vein throbs on his head, pantalone was closed to strangling someone but he was too exhausted and sore. he barely concealed a whimper when dottore finally pulls out, being guided to rest on his side.

dottore grabs a towel nearby, cleaning up the mess they made on their bodies before eventually discarding the soiled cloth into a laundry basket. it eventually became quiet, neither of them spoke a word for a while until pantalone spoke up. "...when is your next mission?" dottore turns around, holding a fresh pair of clothes in his arms as he returns back to their bed. "not anytime soon. don't worry, i'm staying for a while."

dottore helps pantalone into thd nightwear, letting his husband wear one of his spare shirt and pants. "are you sore, feofan?" pantalone shook his head, fixing up the collar of his shirt before leaning over to kiss his husband's cheek. "a little bit but i'll survive. hold me for tonight, hm?"

perhaps it wouldn't hurt to unwind from a stressful day. however, his steps came to a sudden halt, realizing that dottore was probably in the middle of another experiment. is it bad that he finds comfort in his husband's presence? sure, the doctor's experiments were rather questionable and perhaps even insane. but being around dottore was soothing, even if they playfully bicker and provoke each other.

a deep sigh left pantalone's lips, continuing to walk in the direction of his husband's laboratory. once there, he slowly pushed the door open and step inside, his eyes searching for the doctor's presence. it was unusually quiet and eerie in here, dottore was nowhere to be seen. perhaps he's not here? pantalone decided to look around, his eyes landing on a notebook.

much to his curiosity, he lifts the notebook into his grasp and checked some of the pages. pantalone was expecting experimental logs and scientific observations but not a personal diary? since when did his husband kept something like this in his possession?

he wasn't interested initially until he saw his own name written in one of the journal entries. it was morally wrong to read his husband's diary but his curiosity got the better of him. pantalone goes through a couple of pages, taking the time to read some of the sections that stood out to him the most.

section 004: 'he's excellent at getting on my nerves. when will he cease his smoking habits? tsk, better be grateful that such a skilled scientist as myself is willing to replace his lungs. surgery will be proceed shortly in less than 12 system hours. i hope he survives'

section 036: 'once again, feofan has overworked himself to extreme limits. he reported symptoms of nausea, light sensitivity and muscle tension in face. i wish he would take care of himself sometimes ugh, why must he be so careless with his health? i will prescribe him stronger pain mediciation and herbal treatment.

section 081: 'which term of endearment would suit feofan? i hardly see the importance of this but, perhaps i can indulge once. love, dearest, beautiful, sweetheart? disregard this entry completely, it's pointless.

pantalone chuckles, it was amusing to see a lot of crossed-out thoughts on the pages. dottore would rather die than openly admit that he cared about the banker, prioritizing his reptuation as a harbinger. honestly, pamtalone never had someone show him so much affection before. their relationship in the beginning was mainly transactional and yet, it grew into something more that he wishes to cherish for a long time.

he was about to read a couple more pages until footsteps came dangerously closer, heels clicking against the floor. before pantalone knew it, the diary was quickly yanked out of his hold. he turns arounds, only to be greeted by a furious husband.

"what are you doing in my lab and why are you spying through my belongings? i suggest you be careful with your wording, i'm not feeling charitable today."

ah, shit. a few sweat droplets forms on his forehead as pantalone turns his head away, trying to avoid eye-contact. frankly, he couldn't come up with a plausible excuse to justify his actions and dottore staring him down wasn't making this situation any easier.

"oh my, i thought this was my office. perhaps my vision is still poor."

"your office is nowhere near close to my laboratory and even if your vision is lacking, you can still see the damn sign on the front door that explicitly states: "Do Not Enter."

fuck. pantalone sighs, he's not escaping this situation, especially when he got caught red-handed. he would have continue to deny it, just for mere entertainment, but dottore is known for his short temper and he rather not start an argument while he's battling an migraine.

"alright, fine. i originally came here looking for you but you weren't present. and my curiosity got the better of me. there, sastified?" dottore scoffs, his expression was a mixture of annoyance and disbelief as he crossed his arms infront of pantalone. "were you that desperate to seek my attention that you would pry into my personal belongings? do you not have any shame, pantalone?"

a rise of guilt builds in pantalone's chest, lowering his head a bit. both of them fell silent, an uncomfortable tension fills the space. at first, he treated this as harmless teasing but his mind temporarily forgot about the boundaries they established. trust is the highest honor that dottore could grant to someone and pantalone managed to break that. he realized how insensitive his actions were, given that this diary must have meant a lot to his husband.

he steps closer, his hand gently tugging on dottore's shirt as pantalone lifts his head, just to meet their eyes earnestly. "... apologies, i shouldn't have done that. i just thought that it was endearing that you cared so much about me. but, i should have left the diary alone."

frankly, neither of them were comfortable with apologizing, it was awkward swallowing their pride whenever one of them was in the wrong. dottore still seem frustrated but less tensed? it was difficult to tell when his mask perfectly concealed his facial expressions.

"you're lucky that i tolerate you or else the consequences would have been dire." the smile on pantalone's lips was hardly genuine, his tone was teasing as he tries to lighten the mood, although his own wording stings his heart."the most you can do is threatened me with divorce papers. grown tired of me already, dottore?"

it was meant to be taken as a humorous, but he couldn't lie that the thought of separation had pantalone feeling a bit self-conscious. ah, the silent tension returns, this felt incredibly suffocating. pantalone turns on his heels, he would rather just leave before he upsets dottore more. his head was still pounding from an endless day of work and responsibilities.

footsteps caught up to him before pantalone had a chance to reach the exit doors. dottore's hand reaching for the banker's wrist, pulling pantalone into his arms. huh? this was unexpected. pantalone hesitated before finally returning the hug, leaning his head against his husband's chest.

"... i'm sorry, zandik."

"i know you are. don't do it again." pantalone nodded, he tries to pull away from the embrace but dottore only tightens his hold, not letting him escape. "and stop trying to leave. yes, i'm mad at you but if you came here seeking my attention, then might as well let me hold you. you look like a disaster."

a dry chuckle left his lips, pantalone couldn't deny that. he was tired, he hasn't slept properly in a while. along with the remore he felt after intruding in dottore's space, it only worsen his exhaustion. "i already overstayed my welcome, love. and.." please don't look at me like that, as if you are only pitying me.

pantalone couldn't bring himself to say that aloud, his eyes averting in another direction. he shook his head, his trademark smile returning to his lips but he wasn't fooling anyone. dottore didn't soften his expression but his hand cupped his husband's cheek, making pantalone face him directly.

"perish the thought immediately if you think i'm going to divorce you for something as trivial as this." ah, of course. dottore was far too perceptive. now pantalone feels embarrassed, the tips of his ears turning red from the accusation. dottore decided to finally discard his mask from his face and set it aside on a nearby table. surprisingly, his expression didn't seem as upset as pantalone initially thought.

"you should be smarter than this. if you read anything in that.. notebook of mine, then you should be aware of my feelings towards you. i'm not leaving you, feofan. so stop overthinking, it's annoying me." for the first time today, pantalone felt relieved. it still didn't cure his exhaustion or lingering guilt, but he will cherish the kind words.

"you wound me, doctor. i already suffered enough shame for one day."

"i'm only stating the obvious facts. now come here and hug me, sweetheart." the banker's smile widens, this time, he finally let him fall in dottore's arms. if anything, pantalone felt rather bashful when dottore kissed his forehead. "i'm still mad at you." pantalone hums, his hands gripping on the back of his husband's shirt. "i know, i won't do it again. i apologize for breaking your trust."

"it will take a lot more than this to sever the bond we have. now explain why were you looking for me earlier?" fuck, he still hasn't let that go yet? much to his distaste, his own cheeks started to match the red color of his ears, this was beyond humiliating for pantalone. "... i just wanted a hug okay? is it so wrong of me to seek out my husband after a shitty day? then all of this happened and i felt fucking bad. at this point, i'm starting to believe you enjoy watching me grovel."

a laugh blooms from dottore, which only made pantalone frustrated. he fought back the urge to roll his eyes at the doctor, his poor pride has taken way too many blows today. "that was it, a simple hug? who knew my dear banker is so weak for me?"

"keep talking and i'm cutting your funding again."

"you are only threatening me because you're embarrassed by your own sins, feofan." is it possible to bury oneself and how much would it cost? because pantalone hates how he's being teased endlessly by his husband. he groans, muttering curses under his breath as his hands came up to hide his face, which has became bright red as a cherry.

dottore's laughter slowly ceases to a light chuckle, hugging pantalone tighter and peppering kisses on his cheek. "i have already apologized and admitted fault. would you please shut up?"

"mhm, i'll think about it. it's a nice change of pace, watching you get all shy around me"

"zandik!" dottore was definitely enjoying this beautiful show, consider it as his little revenge since pantalone had the audacity to stick his nose into his private business. he continue to seize the opportunity to tease his already-flustered banker, the initial tension in the laboratory was replaced by a warm atmosphere of lighthearted humor and kisses.

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bonus part!

compared to his usual appearance, pantalone looked like a mess. his hair was no longer tamed and his eyes were still teary and bloodshot. if anything, he looked like a zombie. he sighs, bringing his knees closer to his chest and buried his face downwards. although dottore ordered the servants to serve him meals on a regular basis, pantalone refuse to eat it.

the sight of food frankly made him nauseous and at most, he would only consume light soups. today was no different, as if he made little to no progress since his emotional breakdown. he lifts his head up, extending his arm out to grab a cigarette from the pack on the nightstand. his ashtray was already full with an estimate of ten used sticks, one more wouldn't kill him.

before he had a chance to use his lighter, pantalone was interrupted by the sound of footsteps marching towards him. little did he know, the cigarette and lighter was quickly snatched out of his grasp, only deepening the frown on his face. "... was that really necessary, dottore?" pantalone knew he was in the wrong, given that dottore has constantly pestered him about reducing his smoking habits.

but right now, he really just want to relieve his sorrows and dottore was refusing it. "clearly my efforts to replace your lungs was in vain. stop smoking, i'm confiscating every single pack until you heal." dottore throws away the nicotine stick into a nearby trashcan, stucking the lighter away in the nightstand. one glance was all he needed to see that pantalone was in horrible shape.

"have you at least eaten today? you look thinner.." perhaps his wording was a bit insensitive but he was genuinely concerned. pantalone shook his head, burying his face into his knees again as a retreat. "of course not. why ask a question like that when you already know the answer?" dottore let out a frustrated sigh, eventually taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

comforting was not his specialty but he can tell that his husband was struggling a lot. he scoots closer on the bed, coming up to pantalone's side. he disregard the subtle flinch from pantalone, bringing his husband into his arms. the small tremors in pantalone's form didn't go unnoticed, making dottore softened his approach. pantalone could try all he wants to remain strong but in his current state, he's bound to crumble again. "cry, feofan. stop holding it in for my sake. i'm not going to judge you."

hesitantly, his hand runs up and down pantalone's back, letting him cry into his shoulder. dottore remain silent, even as his husband begun to weep again, feeling pantalone's hands come up to his back and grip his shirt tightly. at least he felt a bit relieved that pantalone was finally showing some emotions, it was disheartening to see his banker look like a corpse this past week.

"it's too much, everything feels so hic exhausting. i-i hate feeling so fucking hic weak." dottore hums, lifting up his hand to brush away a few tears on pantalone's face. "... do you remember what you told me before?" his hands cupped his husband's cheeks, not minding pantalone's attempt to avoid eye contact.

"i-i don't recall. what are you referring to?"

"you told me that it was okay to be human. if it was so easy for you to relay the message to me, why can't you do it for yourself?" pantalone's eyes widened, he forgot that he did say that to dottore. if he remember correctly, it must have been one of those nights when dottore had a panic attack. he dryly chuckles, no humor laced in his words as pantalone tries to look away, avoiding his husband's piercing gaze.

"that's different. i don't believe i can give myself the same sentiment, my dear doctor." dottore scoffs, slightly irritated by pantalone's dimissal, why was so he eager to put himself down? "no, stop that. feofan, look at me." his hand quickly coming up to remove his own mask, tossing it aside to a random corner of their bedroom.

he wasn't going to back down until pantalone met his eyes. with a defeated expression, pantalone reluctantly looks up, to which dottore pressed a soft kiss on his nose. "stop belittling yourself. i'm not asking you to return back to normal, i'm asking you to be vulnerable with me. how am i supposed to help when all you do is shut me out, love?" more tears build up in pantalone's eyes, to which he slap his hand over his mouth when another sob threatened to slip. sometimes he forget that dottore can be gentle when he wants to be.

"y-you should know this by now, i don't like crying."

"i don't either, if anything, i despise it. but if it's just us, you can be yourself. so stop pretending everything is fine when you are clearly struggling." with that, dottore pulls away from the embrace, just enough to grab some tissues from the nightstand.

"i hate seeing you wallow in self pity. i miss when you purposely provoke me. i miss hearing your laughter. i miss seeing you smile, whether it's genuine or not. i miss you, feofan. so come back to me."

he gently drags the tissue across pantalone's wet cheeks, cleaning up the last remnants of his tears. dottore leans forward, planting a couple of kisses in different areas of his husband's face. his forehead, his nose, both cheeks and his soft lips. not a single corner went unkissed. pantalone sniffles, for the first time in a while, a genuine smile blooms on his lips. it wss dottore's turn to return the gesture, smiling too as his thumb stroked the banker's cheek

"how are you feeling, love?"

"... a bit better, thank you. i need that." pantalone rest his head against his husband's chest, he didn't want to separate from this warm embrace. perhaps he has been too harsh on himself, a pep-talk is what he needed. "zandik?" dottore raised a brow, looking down at his husband. "yes, what is it?"

"hold me, just for today. i don't need anything else, i just want you." he admits weakly, still feeling a bit emotional after the whole ordeal. dottore sigh, nodding his head.

"fine, that's a simple request to grant. under one condition, you need to eat something other than just soup"

"but-"

"no, you need an actual meal. i'm not taking 'no' as a answer." he frowns, he wasn't going to let his husnand continue to starve. pantalone lowers his head defeatedly, compliing with dottore's firm suggestion. "alright, fine. i guess i can go for some steak.." even if it was a small victory, dottore will still take it with pride. he kissed pantalone's cheek, ignoring the pout that formed on his husband's expression.

his mood continued to worsen and his energy was beyond depleted. until one day, he couldn't find the strength to leave his bedroom. pantalone had long since dimissed any servants from entering the private chambers, he wouldn't want his reputation to sink because of his random period of sadness. he still chosen to not eat, to leave himself buried underneath the bedsheets.

is it wrong of pantalone that he wants to escape from his responsibilities? of course pantalone takes pride in his position as the ninth harbinger. to accumulate a wealth empire where mora seemed endless was a feat that no ordinary human can achieve. especially for someone like him who came from a poor background where money was incredibly scarce.

but sometimes, things can become too much mentally and he just wants to escape from reality. pantalone heard faint knocking on the door but he made no effort to address it until someone barged in. the door shuts and locks into place once dottore enter their shared quarters, noticing his husband was hiding underneath the blankets.

he scoffs, he couldn't tell if pantalone was just being lazy or if he was trying to get some rest. "where have you been all day? i had submitted my proposals weeks ago about increasing my funding and yet i still haven't received an update." dottore walks closer to the bed, his arms crossed over his chest. he stares down at his husband's huddled up form, waiting for a response that has yet to come.

"... later, dottore. i will review the paperwork another time. i-i promise" something was definitely off and it made dottore's skin crawl a bit. pantalone was normally cocky and teasing, and now he sounds so defeated. why did his voice sound so quiet, so weak and pitiful? the small trembles in the banker's speech did not go unnoticed by dottore.

any irritation that dottore had before regarding funding was put aside, taking a seat on the bed. he takes off his mask, something he rarely does, as his hand comes up to rest on pantalone's side. "what's with you, banker? you are not normally this.. meek. it's unsettling."

he heard a sigh coming from his husband, the blankets begun to shuffle as pantalone had finally risen from his poorly-made hiding spot. for the first time today, dottore's gaze softened once he saw the tear streaks on pantalone's face, along with his red, bloodshot eyes. before dottore had a chance to speak, pantalone had already beaten him to it. "is it amusing to you to see me at my weakest?" dry sarcasm left his lips, as if he was mocking himself for being so emotionally fragile. "i can't even do my job right and i'm severely behind on a lot of paperworks. tsk, some banker i am..."

it was dottore's turn to sigh, these were some clear signs of depression. he had never consider that pantalone was suffering from lingering insecurities and seasonal depression. instead of mocking or ridiculing pantalone, dottore took a different and unexpected approach. he scoots closer, his arms coming around to bring pantalone into his arms. pantalone was a bit shocked, his face resting against his husband's shoulder.

how long has it been since he had received a warm hug? tears well up in his eyes, his vision becoming blurred and dottore only made it 'worse.' "stop fighting it and just cry already. you.. don't have to put up a facade around me, feofan. you can let go."

pantalone chokes up, his bottom lip trembling as a sob rips from his throat. he doesn't know what came over him but he ended up sobbing in dottore's arms. his body tremble, crying out his frustration and grief to his husband.

"i'm so tired, i-i can't.."

"shush, i know. i know, love" it was rare for dottore to comfort anybody, usually finding it to be meaningless. but this was his husband and clearly, pantalone needed some reassurance. through every hiccup, dottore would kiss his temple and rub his back gently. for a while, their bedroom was accompanied by the sounds of a banker's gut-wrenching cries.

once pantalone's sobbing came to a slow halt, dottore reached for a box of tissues, grabbing a few pieces and gently dapping the soft material on his husband's wet cheeks. "... feel better, beautiful?" that nickname made pantalone's heart clench, he knows dottore truly cared about his well-being. he nods his head, slightly embarrassed for getting emotional so randomly.

"yes, i am. thank you." his voice was a bit hoarse from crying, letting dottore finish wiping away any tears that lingered on his skin. another kiss was placed on his cheek, dottore's hand coming up to brush some loose hair behind his ears. "next time, take a break from work. you need it. stop trying to impress others, it will only exhaust you."

dottore's words came off as stern but he truly didn't want pantalone to overwork himself again. pantalone simply nodded, his head falling to rest on his husband's shoulders once more. dottore sighs, his banker can be so clingy sometimes, especially after crying his heart out. he pulls his husband into his lap, his hands resting on pantalone's lower back. they remained there for a bit, hugging each other without breaking contact.

"... you need to eat, i will have the servants make you a meal. you are dehydrated and starving."

"heh, nagging me so soon zandik?" a bit of pantalone's energy had returned, his head coming up to met dottore's face, his signature smile was much more softer than usual. dottore chuckles, pressing another kiss to the banker's forehead.

"that's the annoying smile that i missed so much. i love you, feofan."

daily lifestyles

it's not that a secret that pantalone smokes.. a lot. far exceeding what the human body is capable of. and dottore always reprimand him for being so careless. the most he can do is avoid smoking around his husband. good oral hygiene has become his best friend, pantalone always make sure to clean his mouth after smoking. so if he plans to kiss husband on the lips, at least dottore won't complain about his breath smelling bad.

100% dottore takes up the whole bed in his sleep. his arms and legs all over pantalone while he snores, which only annoyed his husband further. if it becomes too much, pantalone would simply wake up dottore and tell him to knock it off (or he will just hit dottore with a pillow, insisting that he ruined his "precious beauty sleep").

arguments/communciation

arguments? their communciation isn't the greatest sometimes. they are equally stubborn and admitting fault doesn't come easy. it seemed more easier to ignore each other until they were no longer hot-headed.

what if they blew up at each other? then everybody suffers (their poor subordinates). pantalone's smile would probably be more menacing than usual and wouldn't hesitate to cut everybody's funding. and dottore wouldn't mind needing more test subjects if his subordinates dare to speak a single word about their argument.

it's pretty rare for either one of them to get emotional after a heated argument. in most cases, it might be pantalone getting visibly upset because dottore becomes closed off and reserved. he's fine with dottore being irritated, but to be ignored? it might stress him out even more.

if pantalone did cry, he would rather fall into a pit of acid than let anyone see at his weakest. if dottore finds out about his husband's tears, then he would go seek him out and try to comfort him. they will take a long time to apologize, which usually ends in a verbal compromise and soft hugs (or a certain someone sleeping on the couch).

romance/intimacy

both of them are pretty versatile when it comes to intimacy. top or bottom? it really doesn't matter to them. dottore would probably be more reluctant to be on the receiving end. it takes a lot to earn his trust, to get him to be vulnerable. pantalone doesn't mind being patient with his husband.

if pantalone was on the receiving end, he would definitely be a pillow princess. sometimes, he just wants to be spoiled after a long, exhausting day. what's wrong with that, hm? regardless what position he's in, he still enjoys maintaing a bit of dominance.

pantalone was more likely to initiate kisses in their relationship, mainly cheek kisses whenever they were both busy. physical affection wasn't dottore's forte. he tried his best, sometimes resting his hand on the lower half of pantalone's back. maybe he hold his husband's hand in public, but kisses? that was rare coming from him. if dottore was to kiss him, it would mainly be in private. if it was in public, then dottore would settle for forehead kisses instead (even if he was a few inches shorter than pantalone).

fun activites (sorry arlecchino)

pantalone definitely has a skincare routine and he would most certaintly drag dottore into his facial experiments. dottore would always complain, insisting that this was useless and a waste of time. but secretly, he likes being pampered by his husband and yet he will never admit it openly.

"I clearly watched you slipped two cards into your coat, you are a filthy liar." dottore only grinned, neither denying or admitting this allegation. "perhaps you obtain a lousy deck of cards, my dear banker. don't fault me for having a successful winning streak." dottore could have sworn he saw pantalone crushing some of the cards in his palm, nearly silencing a chuckle that threatened to slip unless he wished to met an early grave.

to say that pantalone was angry is understatement, he was beyond furious. clearly being ragebaited by his sly cheater of a husband. "you're sleeping on the couch, and i'm cutting your funding by 35%." pantalone stood up from his seat, ready to march out of the living room and work on vetoing any proposals the doctor had given him earlier this week.

he was stopped halfway through the door, dottore rushing out of his seat and grabbing a tight hold on the banker's wrist. pantalone huffs, clearly pouting as he swiftly turn his head in the other direction. his anger slightly dissolved when dottore placed a tender kiss on his cheek, making pantalone sigh with defeat.

"that's cheeky, you're trying to win over my favor." dottore hummed in silent agreement, bringing his husband in his arms for an embrace. "perhaps I am but I don't want you to mad at me forever." another sigh escapes, pantalone was willing to put it aside for now. "fine, just don't cheat again" with that, he finally wrap his arms around dottore, leaning into the hug softly.

"alright, dear. another round of uno?"

lust and hunger filled his violet irises, silently seeking permission to go further as his tongue ran across dottore's lips. he noticed some hesitation in dottore's actions, especially as he avert his gaze. pantalone brought his hand up to rest on his beloved's cheek, stroking a thumb to reassure him.

"too much, bluebird?"

"... no, it's not." it was difficult for dottore to meet the banker's gentle expression. conducting experiments was far more easier than initiating a kiss, he was a scientist, not a love expert. a chuckle escapes from pantalone's mouth as his hands squeezed dottore's thighs, pulling the doctor further in his lap.

"no need to be so tense, doctor. just follow my lead, mkay?"

pantalone held back a teasing smile when he heard dottore's heavy sigh, his feigned annoyance was just a shield to hide how nervous he was. their lips connect again, this time with a bit more hunger and desire. he tested the waters once more, his tongue swiping across his husband's bottom lip for permission. thankfully, there was less resistance this time as pantalone deepened the kiss, their tongues entangled as they swallow up each other's noises.

his ego definitely inflated as he heard breathy, whiny gasps occassionally leaving the doctor's lips. such angelic noises, enough to stir his cock to his life. perhaps pantalone was greedy because he's the only one who can make his beloved doctor fall apart so easily.

he need to know more, to learn what makes dottore break. their lips eventually separate with a trail of saliva on their tongues, almost breathless. pantalone wasted no time in attaching his lips to dottore's neck, dragging his teeth and mouth on every sensitive part of his lover's scarred skin. in his peripheral vision, he noticed dottore trying to cover up his noises with his hand, that simply won't do.

"don't hide, love" his teeth bit into dottore's neck, soothing it with a lick of his tongue. "I want to hear you, you sound heavenly." he murmured, his hands already working through the tedious layers of dottore's shirt. he would love to do something more with the harness on his husband's body, but that will be for another day.

"what could, ah, be so enticing about my voice?" a few curses slipped from dottore's mouth when he felt two fingers pinching his sensitive buds. the banker's lip found itself around his left nipple, his hand working on the other. pantalone took pride in watching dottore slowly lose his cocky attitude, being replaced with a series of muffled whimpers.

"you truly have no idea what you do to me, love" he punctuated this by grinding his clothed cock against his husband's ass. triumph soars in his expression once he heard dottore gasp rather loudly, his legs trembling on the banker's thighs. "lie down for me, zandik. let me take care of you."

dottore complied, shaky legs separating from the banker's lap as he adjusted himself to lie down on the expensive sheets, his head hitting the plush pillows. "it's not fair that i'm nearly naked and you're still fully clothed, banker." he huffed, a faint scowl forming on his face. "aren't you demanding, doctor?" pantalone only chuckled, his hands making swift work of his turtleneck, tossing it into a nearby pile of discarded clothes.

dottore's gaze fell on his husband's clothed tent, the outline of his thick cock through the fabric made him both excited and nervous. pantalone lifts his head, noticing his husband staring at his lower half. he leans forward, pressing a chaste peck on dottore's forehead, which earned him a half-growl, half-whine.

"it will fit, dear."

"i hardly believe your sentiment, feofan."

"don't feel so discouraged, love. let me work you open, alright?" his finger lazily hook under his pants, slowly sliding it off dottore's legs. his pupils almost blew wide at the sight of a wet spot on his husband's trousers, his cock painfully twitching in his pants. it was truly a sight to behold and it was only for him to see. "so wet and for me?" dottore scoffs, redness rising on his ears and cheeks as he dimissed pantalone's remark. "don't get ahead of yourself."

"i wouldn't dream of it, dear. may i?" his tone lowered an octave, his finger returns to hook the edge of dottore's trousers. dottore only answered with a nod, lifting his hips so pantalone could pull it off with ease. fully exposed, pantalone situated himself between his husband's legs, pushing dottore's thighs apart to reveal his slick, glistening cunt. he took this slowly, blowing air on the sensitive folds before pressing a light kiss. seems like his small experiment was successful, earning a shaky moan from dottore.

he wasted no time throwing dottore's legs over his shoulders, driving his face closer to the wet folds. his tongue licked against the sensitive lips, feeling the tremors in the doctor's legs. pantalone could truly stay here forever, like a starved man seeking a grand feast. his tongue drank up the juices that spill from his husband's slick core, feeling dottore's hands reach for his hair and clutched it for dear life.

"f-fuck, feofan.." pantalone only hummed, deciding to drive his tongue inside his husband, tight walls fluttering around him so perfectly. he moaned when dottore pulled his face closer to his pussy, wrapping his lips around his clit and sucking it. pantalone took another risk, pulling his tongue away and replacing it his finger, slowly going in and out of his lover.

dottore was beyond breathless, not faring well above as a second finger slipped in, scissoring him open. pantalone rises from between his legs, chasing a kiss on dottore's lips, allowing his husband to taste how sweet he was on his tongue. a third digit was added, adjusting his hand with a curl to hit a sensitive bundle of nerves.

"Ah-!" bingo, high risk, high reward. he angled his fingers in the perfect position, striking that spot, which only contributed to dottore singing pleads and whines of his name. "that's it, you're doing so well." that simple praise must had stirred something in dottore, his back arched in response.

"shit, ah feofan please.."

"use your words, love" his lips curled into a smirk, watching dottore become frustrated with his teasing. this bastard was enjoying this very much.

"dammit, just.. ah-!" his eyes widened when pantalone went faster, a sharp gasp ripped from his throat. he was so close and yet his husband was purposely delaying his orgasm by missing his g-spot over and over. pride be damned. "please, feofan.." he loathes how vulnerable he sounds but dottore was truly desperate for more. "just fuck me already."

"as you wish, love." pantalone did promise to be nice, given it's dottore's first time but how could he not seize the rare opportunity to make dottore feel hot and bothered? his fingers withdrew, leaving his husband's cunt clenching around nothing but air. he snaps the belt open, loosening it enough to pull his pants and boxers down, slipping his legs out of the constraints.

he was hard, his cock aching for a release as pre-cum oozes from the tip. pantalone reaching for a bottle of lube on their nightstand, popping the cap open and slicking his hand. he hisses, the cool gel coating his thick length before wiping the excessive away on the sheets. he lines up with dottore's entrance, his arms caging in on both sides of his husband's head.

"it will hurt, so try to relax. if it's too much, we can stop."

"... it's alright, i trust you." his expression softened at his husband's comment, despite everything, it was a privilege to earn dottore's trust. he slowly pushes the tip of his cock in, hissing at the sensation of warm, velvety walls sucking him in with little resistance. once he was fully seated, his head fell to dottore's shoulder, both of them groaning in unison.

"oh, fuck. you're so tight, love. so fucking perfect." pantalone rubbed his hands on his husband's hips, trying to ease any discomfort dottore might feel from the intrusion. taking the doctor's virginity is definitely a memorable experience. he peppered kisses on the column of dottore's neck, leaving purplish hickeys in his wake.

"feofan, move.. please."

"alright, hold on zandik" with a final kiss to dottore's forehead, pantalone shifted his hips to start a slow, sensual rhythm. each slow drag of his cock ran through his husband's tight, slick walls.

his hand came up to intertwine with his husband's hand, pressing it down on the bed as he went a bit deeper. this was far better than what pantalone had originally imagined. he waited so long for this and he wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

when dottore's hands reached for his back, blunt nails dug into his skin, only encourage panatlone to go faster. dottore wrapped his legs around the banker's waist, his voice rising at volumes that he never thought he could achieve. the pace gradually grew relentless, the rhythm was sloppy as their skin continue to make contact repeatedly. nothing but loud moans and cries filled the comfort of their bedroom, the bed shaking with the force of their movement.

"feo, ah-! fuck, i'm- close"

"i know, ah, you can let go. come for me, pretty" he angled his hips, going faster to purposely hit his husband's g-spot repeatedly. pantalone lowered his hand, rubbing the swollen clit in time with his rough thrusts. dottore came with a loud chant of his husband's name, his head falling back with tears sliding down the curves of his cheeks.

pantalone kept thrusting into his already overstimulated husband, chasing his own release. "fuck, you're perfect. love you, ah!" he slows down until he came to a halt, spilling his seed deep inside of his husband. they were both sweaty and exhausted. after a moment of catching their breaths, pantalone slowly pulls his softening cock out of dottore, watching globs of his seed leak out of his husband's folds.

he shifted his position, lying on his side as he pulled dottore closer in his arms. a kiss on the nose, pantalone brush his thumb underneath his husband's wet eyes. "are you okay, zandik? was i too rough?" dottore shook his head, he was awfully bashful about the whole ordeal. his voice was a bit hoarse from his earlier screams.

"i'm fine, feofan. just sore."

"let me run you a bath, hm? you did so well tonight." pantalone sits up, getting out of bed. he pressed another kiss on dottore's forehead before leaving into the bathroom, turning the faucet on to fill up the bath. they definitely needed this, they were beyond sticky and sweaty.

he returns to the bedroom, gently lifting his husband up in his arms as pantalone effortlessly carried him to the bath. he set dottore down first carefully, stepping in right behind him. the warm water was relatively soothing, dottore leans back into pantalone's chest.

"feofan?" the banker hummed in response.

"yes, dearest?" he could only wait patiently, as dottore collected his thoughts. his gaze softened, feeling dottore kiss his lips shyly. he chuckles between their lips, pressing their foreheads.

"thank you for being patient with me. even if your stamina is rather.. insatiable."

"ha! you're welcome. you certaintly weren't complaining earlier."

intimacy was scarce, neither of them indulge into any further than just light kisses and hugs. there were a few occassions where pantalone initiated something more with dottore, but the doctor always slip away each time, making up excuses to avoid being tangled under the sheets.

patience was indeed a virtue but it seems like pantalone's patience had long since ran incredibly thin with the doctor. now he stands before his lover, cornering the doctor with a hint of frustration in his glare. composed and unyielding, dottore brushed off his question with a scoff.

"i will not engage in your petty dispute, banker. if you are only here to annoy me, i suggest you leave while i'm giving you some grace."

"petty as it seems, at least i'm not running away with my tail stuck between my legs." bickering was nothing new but it's uncommon for them to be this stupidly stubborn. terrible communication always leds to unfortunate misunderstandings. his brows furrowed behind his mask, growing irritation had risen in dottore's voice.

"why are you so painfully desperate to seek an amicable conclusion? my aversion earlier should have been the end of this conversation."

"so you admit that you were avoiding me?" a groan of frustration left the doctor's lips, nearly concealing a growl that threatened to manifest. pantalone was definitely pushing his luck, he doesn't tolerate being provoked by the banker's sharp tongue.

pantalone sighs, it was clear that this conversation was going nowhere with little to no success. as frustrated as he was, perhaps dottore had his own reasons for dodging intimacy like the plague. he steps forward, unfazed by dottore's hardening expression as a gentle hand rest on his husband's cheek.

his fingers slid to the edge of the mask, feeling dottore flinched. pantalone didn't move until he saw a soft nod of permission, gently peeling the pesky mask away from dottore's face, resting it on a nearby table. gruesome scars scattered across his face, as if a beast had mangled his skin beyond repair. the doctor's weakness, a century-long insecurity that he hid with shame.

pantalone cupped his husband's cheeks, thumbs caressing the rough skin as a soft smile grew across his lips. "perhaps i was too harsh in my questioning but my point still stands, doctor. why are you avoiding me? does the thought of being intimate with me terrifies you?"

dottore's throat tightened as his posture stiffen. he hates how the banker is so merticulously good with his deduction skills. with a defeated expression and a regrettable sigh leaving his lips, dottore lean into pantalone's hands. his voice fell to a whisper, averting his gaze in another direction. "if i were to say yes, would you scorn me with laughter?"

"not at all." pantalone answered, moving his hands away from the doctor's face and resting them on his waist instead. "have you ever been intimate with someone else before?" a redness surfaced on dottore's ears faintly, a simple shake of his head was sufficent enough as an answer.

"pleasurable desires were meaningless in the pursuit of greater knowledge. besides, other things required my full attention. particularly your lungs that you so carelessly ruined with your insatiable cigarette intake"

"this new set of lungs has the pleasure of inhaling the finest packs of nicotine. who wouldn't seize this rare opportunity, hm?"

"you're impossible" dottore grumbled, his expression only laced with faint irritation from pantalone's remark. but it didn't last long once he heard the banker's light chuckle, making his heart softened. dottore leans forward, pressing their foreheads together, the inital tension from their argument had faded, nothing but a calm stillness filled the space of the lab.

"you know i wouldn't judge you, zandik."

"... i know, feofan." pantalone's eyes slowly open, violet irises were now visible as he smiled at dottore's response. "then we can go slow, take it at your pace. if i ever do something to make you uneasy, we will stop. okay?" for once, dottore can breathe a bit easier than before. he nods, tilting his head to chase a soft kiss on pantalone's lips. it was brief, nothing special and yet it carried so much weight and meaning. perhaps he could just let go one day.. to fall and crumble in the banker's arms.

"fine, i can accept those terms. sorry for.. my earlier behavior."

so nothing would had prepare him emotionally to witness such a rare sight. dottore, down on one knee, as he lifted up a black box. the box clicks open to reveal a silver ring, an amethyst stone sitting pretty on top. clearly, dottore had the intention of crafting a ring that match the banker's violet irises.

pantalone was stunned, to say the least. it became harder to fight back the tears building up in his eyes, a few slid down the curves of his cheeks. his glasses left his face quickly as pantalone rub the palm of his hand across both eyes.

dottore was a bit anxious at his lover's reaction, was the ring not suitable to his tastes? but any doubts that had initially risen were calmed as pantalone threw his arms around the doctor. dottore let out a sigh of relief, his arms resting on the banker's waist. they withdrew slightly from the sudden embrace, just enough for dottore to slide the amethyst ring onto pantalone's right hand. a rare chuckle left dottore's lips, pressing a quick kiss on his fiance's cheek.

"so emotional over a single ring, my dear banker. has your heart truly grown soft?"

"hush, don't ruin the moment. just.. kiss me dammit."

"demanding as always, feofan."

that is until he met pantalone, a merticulous banker whose empire reign across teyvat. dottore always been cautious in his interactions, calculating every variable as if he needs to gain the upper hand. and yet, with his husband.. he finds himself slowly crumbling.

a specific night proved to be troublesome, his mind plagued with unnecessary memories that dottore tried to so hard to erase. his slumber was cut rapidly, the lack of air in his lungs caused to him rise almost immediately. it hurts, everything hurts as he struggle to gain some fresh air. his hands claw at the collar of his own shirt, his vision slowly becoming blurred.

"mhm, love?" dottore snapped his head in the direction of his husband's soft, groggy voice. pantalone noticed the small beads of sweat surfacing on his husband's face, a deep sigh escapes his lips.

dottore found himself in the arms of his husband, the soft drumming of pantalone's heartbeat grounded him.

"breathe slowly. in & out, zandik." he further enourages this by rubbing gentle circles on dottore's back, holding him close. to think the second habringer almost had a panic attack, it only worsen dottore's shame. he hates this, the feeling of being so weak, pitiful and vulnerable. this should be beneath him and yet, he almost succumb so easily to the weight of his dreadful past.

as his breathing even out, wet droplets stain pantalone's shirt, to which the banker avoids pointing out. his voice softens, a gentle hand coming up to cup dottore's cheek.

"do you want to talk about it, love?"

"... no, just hold me. please."

he utterly disdain how his own voice grew wobbly, as if he was trying to hold back tears. a sob threatened to rip from his throat and yet, his husband remain so patient with him.

pantalone knew a bit about his husband's past, how he was treated so harshly before he had a chance to prove himself. if he could, he would love to crush those unworthy pests with his bare hands. how dare they rip out someone's wings before they had a chance to soar?

the banker pressed a soft kiss on dottore's forehead, holding him close and offering quiet, hushed reassurances in his ears. he would rather let his actions speak louder, anchoring his husband down through every sob and hiccups.

minutes passed by and all that pantalone heard was the soft breathing of dottore, realizing that he might had cried himself to sleep. he carefully guided his husband to lie down, pulling the blanket over their bodies. pantalone brought his husband closer in his arms once more, offering dottore a quiet, safe space, even in his dreams. he whispers one final time before letting slumber overcome his consciousness.

and yet, his husband was furiously good at making him see stars. dottore was infuriatingly exceptionable with his tongue, lapping at his tight rim with precision. how he teases pantalone, calloused hands gripping the banker's thighs apart as his tongue slowly eases in. pantalone tossing his head back into the soft pillows, hands eagerly tightening on his husband's blue soft curls. he grows frustrated by the minute as dottore purposely misses his prostate, delaying his orgasm multiple times. it's enough to drive a man insane, breaking his resolve and reducing him to pleading mess.

it was even more infuriating to see pantalone smiling softly at him, as if he wasn't offended by the harsh remark.

"not at all, my dear doctor. i can see beauty right infront of me"

"you're sprouting nonsense, banker. i will not tolerate any further discussion."

his words lack venom, a failed shield to hide his fragile ego. pantalone could easily have fun with his segments, so why must he insist on staying with him?

"zandik, darling" a gentle hand wraps around zandik's wrist, his thumb rubbing across his wrinkled skin so gently. zandik hate this, he hate how soft he can be for his husband. he hate false promises, knowing that his time was running out.

"i don't want to hear it, please"

"my dearest, look at me. stop crawling back into your shell"

two hands cupped zandik's cheeks, as if pantalone was holding the world in his grasp. his expression softened at the sight of zandik trying so hard to not break, to not show an ounce of guilt and remorse.

"i married you because i love you. i adore your endless nagging, i admire your resilience and i chose to remain by your side all these years."

zandik hadn't realized that he was crying, and yet pantalone didn't seem bother by it. thumbs swiped underneath his eyes before his lips made contact on zandik's forehead.

"until death do us apart, remember? i'm yours forever and more."

"... you really are insufferable, feofan." he chuckles, his hands gently gripping pantalone's waist and bringing him closer to sit on his lap. to return the favor, his lips hover above his husband's for a mere second until pantalone lean forward.

soft breaths mingling into the kiss, cherishing the moment with very fiber of his being. until he draws his final breath, he promises to finish the elixir of immorality and ensure its longevity for his husband. it's the least he can do before his time runs out. they withdrew from the kiss, pantalone's lips curling up into a soft smile.

"you kiss as if it's the last time, zandik"

"i have to make every moment count, feofan. after all.."

.

.