by Azalea Moone
It was no use; Kohaku cupped his face in his hands. Nighttime was drawing near, and so was the chill. Despite Qeoca had received no snow yet, it would come soon. The ride back to Raifut would cost him a few hours in the snow that had already fallen. There was no helping it, he’d have to camp and apologize to Sawyer in the morning.
But not here. Kohaku stood and decided to find a more suitable camping spot closer to the road.
Chapter Five
Druid’s Dance
A large, white moon hung high over the trees, guiding Sawyer’s way down the path. He followed the road east from Sakor’s Keep, riding by each small mine in search of Kohaku on his way back. As the night wore on, his heart thundered, his entire body tensed. Kohaku was nowhere to be found.
I should double back. Maybe they’d missed each other along the way, or Kohaku took another path. But this was the only safe way through the forest Sawyer knew about. What if he were hurt? He could have battled with a group of raiders; he may have lost to them and was suffering in the cold. Sawyer fought away the thought, but the longer he searched, the more those worries crept up.
Kohaku might have camped somewhere. Finding him would be a miracle—I should go back to Raifut. Yet, Fithel’s proposal repeated in his head: they’d have much better luck finding the perpetrator in Qeoca, and Sawyer would have a chance to join the troops again, and Kohaku... well, he’d be welcome, wouldn’t he?
Despite the moon’s light, it was still difficult to navigate the thick forest around him. If Kohaku camped, there should be a campfire somewhere near the road. A horse tied to a tree. The scent of cooking food, maybe, or at least burning wood.
Sawyer reared his horse to a stop as the soft melody of a flute came to him. “What in the...” he murmured.
In the near distance, a fantastic display of twinkling lights brightened up the trees. He rode slowly toward them, mesmerized by something he couldn’t put his finger on. A cool breeze swept past him as he drew closer, chilling him for a moment.
“Welcome.” A gentle voice seemed to have carried through the breeze. “Won’t you join the celebration?”
Gooseflesh stung at his skin. He pulled back on the reins, stopping his horse. Choked down his nervousness. Something was taunting him. He wanted to explore, but he needed to find Kohaku soon. He needed to... To find who played the flute so marvelously. To find the source of such beautiful lights twinkling in the gloom. Carefully he slid off his horse, tied her to the closest trunk, and stepped further into the forest.
The music grew louder, the lights brighter, the further he walked. Leaves crunched underneath his feet; the snow hadn’t reached this far south. Around him, the land was still touched by late autumn...
“Wh-what is going on?” he whispered.
Around the trees and brush, Sawyer spotted a group of dancing silhouettes, gracefully turning in a strange ballet among the trees. Orange and red leaves fell around the performers, a sure sign that autumn was coming to an end. The surrounding air warmed. The flutist changed his song to one of joyous times, allowing the dancers to twirl faster.
The music seemed to enter through him, twist and turn around his core, begging for him to join the festivity. His heart beat faster. His feet wanted to move, wanted to dance. Everyone’s faces glowed, smiles among them. Laughter reverberated in his ear. These people… Sawyer focused closer on their faces. The ominous figures moving gracefully around the forest were trees. Leaf-less trees with branches for arms, their trunks split for legs, and a face shaped below their higher branches. The flute player, a young man, or so it appeared. His golden-blond hair draped around his shoulders, pointed horns stuck through the top of his mane, and his bottom… brown, furry legs.
“Oh, won’t you join our celebration?” The voice in the wind whipped around him again.
“Druids?” Sawyer whispered. He’d only heard of the druid’s celebration, a tale he’d thought was told out of fun and mystery. “They’re…” His gaze stopped on one figure dancing amid the rest of them.
Red hair streamed down to the middle of his back, hips swaying with the beat, white button-down shirt hung loose on his lanky body with a pair of brown riding trousers secured around his petite waist. Sawyer froze on the spot, captivated by the movement. And how he’d never witnessed Kohaku dance. How oddly gorgeous. If only it were truly him…
As the man turned, Sawyer thought it’d a dream. Yes, it had to be a dream. With eyes closed, Kohaku rolled his arms out at his side. His body—never so perfect—swerved to the left and right in perfect time to the music. Sawyer drank in the sight. Mystical. Beautiful. Just as he always was.
Sawyer thought to pinch himself. It couldn’t really be him, could it? Yet, the music drew him in; he wanted to dance alongside his lover, dream or not. He sucked in a breath and slowly made his way past the tree-like figures and toward Kohaku. Only one other thing would make this dream perfect: Kohaku in his red kimono, just the way he’d met the man in the forest that night. It was just as well he couldn’t have it his way.
But this dream felt too real. Kohaku, body and soul, danced here among the beautiful red and yellow falling leaves in such perfect harmony. A celebration of the coming of winter, of love.
“Kohaku,” Sawyer whispered. “What are you doing here?”
Kohaku held out his hands, then spun around, and again. His eyes remained closed, lips pursed. Sawyer thought to catch him in mid-twirl but left him be. This certainly was how a dream was meant, right? To leave it be. But watching Kohaku dance, twirl, and parade, his fingers itched to grasp him. Hold him.
As Kohaku returned to face him again, Sawyer stepped close and grasped his chin. Soft skin underneath his fingertips felt so real. So warm. Kohaku’s eyes opened, dark brown iris’ gazed at him in respite. Sawyer closed the distance between them and gently pressed his lips to Kohaku’s. A tremble rolled through his core. This was no dream. Those lips on his were as warm and inviting as the summoner’s he’d come to love. As he swung his arm around Kohaku’s waist and pressed against him, it was all too familiar.
Kohaku threw his arms around Sawyer’s neck. A moan rumbled from the bottom of his throat. He’d missed these moments where they could be alone—though it suddenly struck him they were surrounded by dancing trees and other creatures of the night.
Slowly he broke their passionate kiss. “Maker have mercy. Is it really you?”
“Sawyer?” Kohaku whispered.
“What are you doing here?”
Kohaku raised a brow. He glanced to his right, then left. A smile spread on his lips. “I’m dancing. Care to join me?”
“J-join you?” Sawyer tightened his hold around Kohaku’s waist. “We should be leaving.” Yet, he swayed his hips back and forth, and so did Kohaku. Though Kohaku a better dancer than he, Sawyer quickly worked toward stepping in time with him.
They danced together as one for a while until Kohaku broke their motion. Sawyer paused in awe as Kohaku bowed. Took Sawyer’s hand. Gripping tight, he twirled around, keeping Sawyer in a majestic daze for the moment. Then he stepped closer and kissed him playfully.
Sawyer ran his finger across his lips once Kohaku pulled away. His warmth left a strange tingle on his skin. So much like a fairytale this was, and yet, so genuine. He stood still as Kohaku continued to dance.
“K-Kohaku…” Gooseflesh tickled his skin when he whispered his lover’s name. “You’re dancing so beautifully.”
Kohaku’s grin broadened and he chuckled to the comment. “Don’t you want to dance?”
“Oh…” Sawyer’s heart dropped. “But I don’t think I can. Not like you. You’re so perfect.”
Kohaku reached out to take Sawyer’s hand. Pulled him close. Sawyer froze in Kohaku’s warm arms… All he wanted now was to kiss those lips again. His wish must have been heard as Kohaku brushed his lips against Sawyer’s once more. This time, Sawyer deepened their passionate kiss, drank in everything about Kohaku, his taste and his scent.
His heart panged. Kohaku’s
body went taut underneath his fingertips. Gorgeous and delicate. A heady desire trickled through him. He grabbed Kohaku’s hands and yanked him away from the celebration.
“Wh-what are you doing?” Kohaku asked without sure protest.
Without an answer, Sawyer dragged him through the dark of the forest until they were away from the creatures. A small campfire was lit nearby a small path, and Kohaku’s mare, tied to the trunk of a tree, neighed her approval as Sawyer rounded the corner.
“You were here all along?” Sawyer asked, disbelieving he’d missed Kohaku’s camp.
“And where are your things?” Kohaku countered.
Sawyer glanced back toward the gentle flickering lights. The music had faded. “We should probably go get them.”
Kohaku smiled. He brushed passed Sawyer, tightening his hold around his hand, and plopped down on the ground, sending Sawyer tumbling with him onto the bed of crunching leaves and twigs.
“What are you—” Sawyer objected shortly, but Kohaku cupped his cheeks and leaned into him.
“What’s the hurry?” Kohaku whispered, husky breath wafting past his chin.
Those plump lips so close to his drew a sizzling heat through Sawyer’s face and down to his groin. “B-but my horse is—”
“It’s okay.” Kohaku breathed. “No one’s around for miles.”
Sawyer swallowed. “The druids...”
Kohaku’s face flushed cherry red, full of need and passion. He leaned in closer, their lips brushing against each other. At that moment, Sawyer couldn’t care less whether he’d tied his horse on the opposite side of the field or if the druids would see this act. All he wanted was Kohaku. The sexy body now pressed into his, tongue seeking his in wanton fervor, and the heady musk that was his lover’s, all surrounded Sawyer until he couldn’t think anymore.
Surely the druids had seduced them both with their music; Kohaku had seduced Sawyer with the way he moved his body, the way he gyrated his hips to the playful tune, and especially now with the way he succumbed straight into Sawyer’s arms.
Closing his eyes, Sawyer thought of all the times they’d made love. All the times he’d seen Kohaku in his natural form, pale skin glistening in the easy light of the candles of their castle room and the fine hairs which stood out on Kohaku’s arms, legs, and groin.
Beautiful, just as Kohaku was tonight.
Kohaku broke their kiss and before Sawyer could gain his composure, Kohaku had rolled him over onto his back, straddling his legs. He leaned over, red hair shielding them both, a giddy smile stretching his lips.
“What are you doing?” Sawyer said, surprised by this sudden advantage Kohaku had on him.
“You do so much for me.” Kohaku’s focus never broke away from him as he slowly sat up and wrenched at the button of his shirt. As his fingers worked, he revealed his pale, lanky chest to Sawyer, and to the night. “Let me do something for you this time.”
Unsure of what he meant, Sawyer knitted his brow. “Like...?”
Kohaku chuckled slyly. He stared down at Sawyer, running his tongue across his already shimmering slick lips. Sawyer’s heart skipped a beat. Or two. Hell, by the way it was hammering, he wasn’t sure if he could take any more of this type of mischievous play.
Kohaku stretched out his hands along Sawyer’s fabric-covered chest, moving them down to his waist. He situated himself on Sawyer’s lap, allowing room to untie the belt holding Sawyer’s pants against his waist. Sawyer went taut as he knew what was to come next.
As his pants loosened, so did Kohaku yank his overshirt away from his stomach, followed by the thick undershirt, and pressed his air-cooled hands against warm skin. Sawyer huffed, delighted by the cold and Kohaku’s persistence. He turned his attention away; their shadows flickered with the firelight on the leaves next to them.
Scooting down a little more, Kohaku bent down at Sawyer’s crotch, loosening Sawyer’s drawers, and slipping his hands further inside. Sawyer twitched... was Kohaku really... He sat up on elbows. That full head of fiery hair shielded Kohaku’s face, tickling Sawyer’s belly where his shirt was pulled up.
The cool air bit at his skin where Kohaku was attempting to pull down his knickers. Sawyer petted the back of his head. “W-wait... Kohaku.”
No answer. Instead, Kohaku continued to struggle.
“K-Kohaku... stop. Stop.” Sawyer sat up further, grabbing Kohaku’s arms.
“Why?” Kohaku met his gaze with one of frustration.
“M-maybe we should wait until we get back to the cast—”
“I don’t want to wait,” Kohaku said with a pout on his lips. “I want to do this, Sawyer. Now please lift your bottom so I can pull these away.”
Another twitch seized through Sawyer, straight down to his groin. His pants suddenly too tight, his erection begging for release. He did as Kohaku pleased, lifting his ass away from the ground, letting Kohaku slip his pants away further. Kohaku was quick to wrap his fingers around Sawyer’s length. Was even swifter to tighten his grip and stroke.
Sawyer eased a breath and laid his head upon the ground, staring up at the shaded trees, and further into the starry sky above them. Maker help him, he didn’t really understand what had gotten into his lover but didn’t mind it either way. And when Kohaku’s warm lips brushed against his skin there, he fought with the desire to thrust up into that heated mouth.
There was always a first time for everything, and for Kohaku, this was the first time he’d ever taken such initiative.
Just let him do what he wants. Sawyer continued to focus on the night sky, fighting away the urges to take control of the situation. Besides, in their bed at the castle, he was always the one to have the say during lovemaking. The only time he’d ever let Kohaku have the lead was... their first time together in Kohaku’s forest hut many months ago.
The first time... Sawyer glanced back to that head of hair. Those lips had wrapped around him, taking him deep into Kohaku’s mouth. Sawyer arched his back and reached out to flex his fingers against Kohaku’s hair.
Hot breath wafted against his stomach, warming him even more. The whimpers echoing into the air were his own, but there was another sound, lighter than his own moans, vibrating from Kohaku. Sawyer gasped. Kohaku had sped his pace, moving even deeper until the barrier of his throat stopped him.
It wouldn’t be long... no. Sawyer seized onto the head of hair, jerking Kohaku’s head up to stop him.
“S-Sawyer?” The drawl from his lips wasn’t convincing anymore.
Sawyer sat up again, scooting away from Kohaku. He couldn’t let his lover have the upper hand. He always needed to win these fights of love, to be in control of everything, every single moment of his life.
He grabbed Kohaku’s arms and pushed him down into the dirt. “There is something awfully wrong with you tonight.” He couldn’t stop the words. “But I can’t have you taking the lead.”
“There is nothing wrong with—” Kohaku’s words faded as Sawyer pressed his lips to his. He opened his mouth, tongue mingling with Kohaku’s passionately, dangerously.
He slid his hands across Kohaku’s sides, down to his pants, and eased them away from Kohaku’s waist. Kohaku had never worn so many layers of clothing, never had a need to in the past, making it easy for Sawyer to undress his lover.
Sawyer found Kohaku’s length, wrapping his lips around it, and taking it in deep. Kohaku’s frustrated breaths soon turned to moans of pleasure. But the lustful desire in Sawyer’s body was suddenly gone, replacing it was a strange need for control, to possess every single inch of Kohaku’s body.
Reaching between his legs, he found his own erection still moist and ready. He fisted around it, stroking his length with the same timing as he sucked in Kohaku’s. A white and red haze came over him.
The sound of Kohaku’s tender voice echoing throughout the forest and toying with his strange needs made Sawyer release his tensions quickly into his fist.
Kohaku was next; a gasp and the way his body arched told Sawyer it wou
ldn’t be long... the hot seed trickled into his mouth, and he moved his body away to finish what he had started.
As his mind cleared, so had his vision of Kohaku laid there with his attention focused up on the night sky and his body lax after orgasm. Then had the realization hit Sawyer... what had he done tonight?
He blinked. Wait. He’d fought for control. He’d been scared out of his wits earlier when Kohaku was begging him to do this, so much so he’d forced Kohaku down and taken him instead.
“Sawyer?” Kohaku muttered, eyes still focused on the sky.
He let the frightening thoughts wane and laid down beside his lover. “I’m here.”
“W-what happened just now?”
Sawyer scooted in closer, although he was slightly hesitant to even touch Kohaku now. What could happen next if he’d lost control like that during what was supposed to be a passionate tryst?
“It’s nothing. Let’s sleep now.”
Kohaku nodded, gently resting his eyes. But Sawyer couldn’t ease away from the fear; he’d have a long, sleepless night.
Chapter Six
The Unknown Country
A reddish veil draped over his face, shielding the world from view when Kohaku awoke the next morning. He brushed away the autumn kissed leaves from his face and focused on the blue sky above. Birds chirped around him, making for a lovely wake up call. But his arms hurt, and strangely, his ears rang.
The coolness of the morning dew bit his chest, and he shuddered. Cold. Furrowing his brows, he felt his body, the lack of fabric there where it once was; his button-up shirt should be secured around his chest, instead, it flapped open.
“What in the...” A snap of twigs next to him stopped him midway. A body shuffled, the familiar tunic and leggings, and... “Sawyer?”