(no subject)
Well, here we are, and another year has gone by... *dreamy sigh*
Yeah, I'm 25 today. How exciting... well, not. Actually, it's rather boring, and I don't see any change at all. But then again, it's been years since I've felt different on my birthday. So never mind. Here, have some cake!
I want to thank you all for the wonderful presents; I'll post a list of them later so everyone else can admire. And, as a special present to all of you, and to Ignis who shared my birthday, here's some Ignis/Marzio smut. This is set after "Shielded in Broken Armours" so it might not make much sense as a story, but it's also PWP so... yeah, you can read it. Just remember that it's not worksafe!
Special thanks go to alighiera for helping me get rid of some of the horrific sap that always happens when I write this two in a setting that doesn't imply someone else can walk in on them. *shudders*
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Midsummer Holiday
June 25, 2007
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Marzio laid aside his book and leaned back against the tree, deciding that he was content with this unplanned holiday he and Ignis were on. There was no required socializing with a multitude of Demons he knew nothing or very little about, no attention drawn to his person for being considered a "living legend", and no particularly long list of suitors of both sexes vying for his attention. Just the two of them resting under an ancient oak on the shores of a nearby lake; it was enough.
The general smiled, recalling the swiftness with which they had left the palace in Aquiline, in a plain and unmarked carriage, carrying nothing but a couple of trunks bundled with clothing and some food for their journey. Even their escort had been inconspicuous, two of the prince of Demonis' loyal guards dressed up as mercenaries. Oh, to be thought of as merely another bored noblemen going to attend Midsummer Festival somewhere other than the capital, where the celebrations threatened to be raucous at best...
And here they were, three days later, at a small and cosy lodge near a silent lake that provided a sun-filled mirror to the ancient forest, with Ignis resting peacefully, dark wings spread leisurely on the soft blanket, his head cushioned on Marzio's thighs. The guards were gone for now, having accompanied the groundkeeper and her family to the nearby village to help with the Festival preparation, so they were all alone at last.
Marzio's fingers trailed through his lover's hair as he found the loosely-tied ribbon Ignis had used to hold it back that morning, and he removed it, spreading a fall of red all around the sleeping prince. He sighed, remembering how it had looked the day before, a trailing curtain behind Ignis as they had raced through the forest, feeling careless and free, lost to the world.
"Why did you stop?"
Marzio looked down to find Ignis' eyes still closed, his breath still a whisper; but it had been Ignis' voice, no mistake about that. He looked down again and realized that he had indeed stopped playing with his lover's hair, although his hand was still deeply buried in it. "You're not asleep."
A cracked eye was answer enough, but after a moment both dark orbs looked up at him, their uncanny burgundy colour more obvious in the light of day. "Merely resting. What is on your mind, beloved?"
"I was merely thinking it's a wonderful place. Do you own all this? The forest, the lake..."
Ignis sat up and stretched, grimacing a little as he craned his neck. "Merely a third of it. The rest belongs to the Merquil-Yist and Neri-Lokh families." He watched Marzio flinch at that. "Don't worry, there are separate lodges, and I'm sure Tempesta and Owen are busy enough on their own."
Marzio let out an exaggerated groan. He should have known Ignis' friends would not let him run off without making sure he'd be safe. There was a saying in Demonis about Dreak usually sticking together like glue, and these three were proof of it.
"Don't worry, I let them know I wouldn't appreciate unannounced visits." A hand patted his shoulder reassuringly before Ignis rested his head against it. "It's been too long since I've last been here, you know. I'm glad I've decided to finally return, even if it's just for a few days."
"It's a special place."
The prince sighed. "It was my father's secret retreat, and my grandfather's before that. I don't recall anyone but family members ever staying here. I used to come with my mother and celebrate my birthday; father would come too, if he found the time. But that was it."
"And I?"
"And you... you, my silly angel, should know better than to ask. Tell me, Marzio, are you not my family now?"
Emerald eyes blinked at him from underneath a fall of gold. Marzio's hair was growing fast, but Ignis did not seem to mind the added length so he hadn't shortened it. "I suppose I am, in a way. I didn't consider your proposal yet, but..."
Marzio was stopped by a pair of warm lips covering his, making him forget what he was saying as he savoured the sweetness that was his lover, a mixture of honey and fire that always left him breathless.
"I said you could take your time about that, and I meant it. Now," the prince said as he manoeuvred Marzio so that he was stretched on the soft blanket and looking up at the prince through blond lashes, "I believe it is time to claim my present."
The way in which he said it unsettled the Angelian, especially since Ignis was eyeing him in a strange way. "Present? What do you mean, present? I am not..."
"Really?" Ignis graced him with the evil chuckle that usually signalled he was up to no good. "Let me see. It's my birthday, and you're the only thing here. That makes you a present from the gods. And they seem to favour me this year," he added, caressing the red feathers of Marzio's wings.
Ah yes. There was that to consider. He knew he'd forgotten something important since that morning.
In Angelia it was considered good fortune for a child to be born during the Midsummer or Midwinter festival. A blessing from Seleh, to be born around Midsummer, Marzio's mother would say. Well, it was five days to the festival, and to the superstitious minds Ignis was thus doubly blessed - by Seleh and Drako, by water and fire.
The hidden truth behind it was, at times, hard to accept. But the more time Marzio spent around Ignis, the easier it got. Even when the prince came up with uncanny ways to distract him.
But back to the matter at hand, the actual birthday present he'd gotten his lover was stashed in one of the trunks in the lodge, and if only Ignis would let Marzio up to go get it...
"Stop squirming, will you!" The command sounded imperious enough to keep Marzio from trying to get up. "How do you expect me to enjoy my present if he's trying to get away from me?"
"But I am not your present!"
Ignis gave him a pointed look. "But you are my lover. And I, in my great mercy as sovereign of Demonis, order you to be my birthday present. Understood?"
The startled look on Marzio's face must have been his undoing, for he ended up kissing Marzio's shoulder in apology, and the Angelian couldn't help but join laugh. That haughty prince attitude was always a bit disconcerting when used, for Marzio could never quite figure out if Ignis was serious or not.
This time, he didn't complain as his lover's innocent caresses grew bolder. It was what they both wanted, after all; and there was a shared trust between them now, something that had not been there at first, and which still amazed Marzio. It was strange to be trusted and asked for advice even before Ignis' oldest friends.
The creature of fire looking down on Marzio was a sight, his hair now shining in a million different shades as the warm sun framed his lithe, toned body. Skilled hands were undressing him, quickly and mindful of his clothes until a lace would not yield. Because then, his shirt became a pile of cloth quickly thrown away, and he could feel himself exposed to the sun's rays, but more importantly to a pair of hands and a smart mouth that knew every inch of his body intimately.
A small cry escaped him as Ignis found that sensitive spot behind his knee and, his caresses a sweet torture as he aimed to please, always to please... Those agile hands, deadly on more than one occasion, were now dancing on the general's body, and speeding up his blood until it was definitely boiling.
"Get rid of these clothes!" Marzio rasped, pulling at Ignis' offending garments. He wanted him naked, and pleading under him. Yes, pleading was good, very good...
"You are not ordering me around today, my love. It's my birthday, not yours!"
It was all it took for Marzio give in. Ignis took him so rarely, but when he did...
Another rip, then two quick tugs, and he found himself naked, the forest air a balm on his burning flesh. He let out a contented sigh and pleaded, "Kiss me."
Ignis leaned down, red hair cascading down all around them, silky against Marzio's skin as Ignis teased his lips before locking their mouths into a proper kiss.
"Sweet, so sweet..." he murmured, pulling away and preventing Marzio from following him with a firm palm on his chest. "You are made to be savoured, my angel, my love..." He nipped at Marzio's neck, kissed his way down his chest and carefully bit on a nipple, drawing a disarticulate moan from his lover.
Marzio tugged at the prince's shirt. "Please, I need to feel you... your skin on mine... Ignis, please?"
"You, my love, are in need of a lesson in obedience." This declaration was accompanied by the shirt being discarded. "Several lessons, actually. However, I don't think I'll give you any just yet; I like you spirited and - Marzio, stop that!" He slapped his lover's hands away from the waistband of his light summer trousers, but his eyes softened at Marzio's pout. "Although, you can touch me. Not undress me, though," he threatened as he grabbed one of Marzio's wrists and lifted his arm, placing a kiss on his palm.
Marzio allowed his free hand to caress the prince's hips slowly, sensually, watching his lover's eyes darken with lust. Ignis moaned and leaned down to capture his mouth again. "Mine!" he moaned.
"Yours," Marzio agreed, pulling him as close as they could possibly get and petting the soft feathers of his wings. "I love you, Ignis."
And how easily had the words come out, how easily followed the reply. "I love you too, my angel."
The Angelian's hands were freely roaming Ignis' back now, going lower to clasp perfect buttocks hidden under thin fabric as he ground their pelvises together firmly, feeling Ignis shudder against his body and pull away suddenly, only to get rid of his remaining clothes and return, as naked as his lover, touching and caressing.
Marzio's breath quickened and he buried one hand in that wonderful hair that had become an object of adoration for him. So beautiful, his Demon, his soul mate... Marzio could never deny his love, could never keep away the overwhelming security he felt each time Ignis kissed him, whispered sweet words in his ear.
The prince's touches grew passionate as he prepared his lover, teasing and pleasuring until Marzio's flesh sang under his hands. And then they were joined, Ignis filling his lover and moving against him, rocking his body even as his hands found Marzio's arousal and began stroking it, slowing down whenever he felt tension building dangerously high, trying to delay the pleasure for as long as possible until Ignis shuddered as he collapsed on top of Marzio, who moaned his lover's name as he came.
They rested like that for a few moments, with heaving breaths the only sign they were alive. Then Ignis started rising and pulling the Angelian up before moving on his side and drawing his lover to rest next to him, mindful of their wings.
Marzio rested his cheek against Ignis' shoulder and sighed. Then a stray thought brushed his mind. "I really hope Owen and Tempesta were not busy spying on us."
His muttered comment was covered by the prince's chuckles. "Oh, I'm sure they too had an entertaining afternoon."
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Yeah, I'm 25 today. How exciting... well, not. Actually, it's rather boring, and I don't see any change at all. But then again, it's been years since I've felt different on my birthday. So never mind. Here, have some cake!
I want to thank you all for the wonderful presents; I'll post a list of them later so everyone else can admire. And, as a special present to all of you, and to Ignis who shared my birthday, here's some Ignis/Marzio smut. This is set after "Shielded in Broken Armours" so it might not make much sense as a story, but it's also PWP so... yeah, you can read it. Just remember that it's not worksafe!
Special thanks go to alighiera for helping me get rid of some of the horrific sap that always happens when I write this two in a setting that doesn't imply someone else can walk in on them. *shudders*
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Midsummer Holiday
June 25, 2007
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Marzio laid aside his book and leaned back against the tree, deciding that he was content with this unplanned holiday he and Ignis were on. There was no required socializing with a multitude of Demons he knew nothing or very little about, no attention drawn to his person for being considered a "living legend", and no particularly long list of suitors of both sexes vying for his attention. Just the two of them resting under an ancient oak on the shores of a nearby lake; it was enough.
The general smiled, recalling the swiftness with which they had left the palace in Aquiline, in a plain and unmarked carriage, carrying nothing but a couple of trunks bundled with clothing and some food for their journey. Even their escort had been inconspicuous, two of the prince of Demonis' loyal guards dressed up as mercenaries. Oh, to be thought of as merely another bored noblemen going to attend Midsummer Festival somewhere other than the capital, where the celebrations threatened to be raucous at best...
And here they were, three days later, at a small and cosy lodge near a silent lake that provided a sun-filled mirror to the ancient forest, with Ignis resting peacefully, dark wings spread leisurely on the soft blanket, his head cushioned on Marzio's thighs. The guards were gone for now, having accompanied the groundkeeper and her family to the nearby village to help with the Festival preparation, so they were all alone at last.
Marzio's fingers trailed through his lover's hair as he found the loosely-tied ribbon Ignis had used to hold it back that morning, and he removed it, spreading a fall of red all around the sleeping prince. He sighed, remembering how it had looked the day before, a trailing curtain behind Ignis as they had raced through the forest, feeling careless and free, lost to the world.
"Why did you stop?"
Marzio looked down to find Ignis' eyes still closed, his breath still a whisper; but it had been Ignis' voice, no mistake about that. He looked down again and realized that he had indeed stopped playing with his lover's hair, although his hand was still deeply buried in it. "You're not asleep."
A cracked eye was answer enough, but after a moment both dark orbs looked up at him, their uncanny burgundy colour more obvious in the light of day. "Merely resting. What is on your mind, beloved?"
"I was merely thinking it's a wonderful place. Do you own all this? The forest, the lake..."
Ignis sat up and stretched, grimacing a little as he craned his neck. "Merely a third of it. The rest belongs to the Merquil-Yist and Neri-Lokh families." He watched Marzio flinch at that. "Don't worry, there are separate lodges, and I'm sure Tempesta and Owen are busy enough on their own."
Marzio let out an exaggerated groan. He should have known Ignis' friends would not let him run off without making sure he'd be safe. There was a saying in Demonis about Dreak usually sticking together like glue, and these three were proof of it.
"Don't worry, I let them know I wouldn't appreciate unannounced visits." A hand patted his shoulder reassuringly before Ignis rested his head against it. "It's been too long since I've last been here, you know. I'm glad I've decided to finally return, even if it's just for a few days."
"It's a special place."
The prince sighed. "It was my father's secret retreat, and my grandfather's before that. I don't recall anyone but family members ever staying here. I used to come with my mother and celebrate my birthday; father would come too, if he found the time. But that was it."
"And I?"
"And you... you, my silly angel, should know better than to ask. Tell me, Marzio, are you not my family now?"
Emerald eyes blinked at him from underneath a fall of gold. Marzio's hair was growing fast, but Ignis did not seem to mind the added length so he hadn't shortened it. "I suppose I am, in a way. I didn't consider your proposal yet, but..."
Marzio was stopped by a pair of warm lips covering his, making him forget what he was saying as he savoured the sweetness that was his lover, a mixture of honey and fire that always left him breathless.
"I said you could take your time about that, and I meant it. Now," the prince said as he manoeuvred Marzio so that he was stretched on the soft blanket and looking up at the prince through blond lashes, "I believe it is time to claim my present."
The way in which he said it unsettled the Angelian, especially since Ignis was eyeing him in a strange way. "Present? What do you mean, present? I am not..."
"Really?" Ignis graced him with the evil chuckle that usually signalled he was up to no good. "Let me see. It's my birthday, and you're the only thing here. That makes you a present from the gods. And they seem to favour me this year," he added, caressing the red feathers of Marzio's wings.
Ah yes. There was that to consider. He knew he'd forgotten something important since that morning.
In Angelia it was considered good fortune for a child to be born during the Midsummer or Midwinter festival. A blessing from Seleh, to be born around Midsummer, Marzio's mother would say. Well, it was five days to the festival, and to the superstitious minds Ignis was thus doubly blessed - by Seleh and Drako, by water and fire.
The hidden truth behind it was, at times, hard to accept. But the more time Marzio spent around Ignis, the easier it got. Even when the prince came up with uncanny ways to distract him.
But back to the matter at hand, the actual birthday present he'd gotten his lover was stashed in one of the trunks in the lodge, and if only Ignis would let Marzio up to go get it...
"Stop squirming, will you!" The command sounded imperious enough to keep Marzio from trying to get up. "How do you expect me to enjoy my present if he's trying to get away from me?"
"But I am not your present!"
Ignis gave him a pointed look. "But you are my lover. And I, in my great mercy as sovereign of Demonis, order you to be my birthday present. Understood?"
The startled look on Marzio's face must have been his undoing, for he ended up kissing Marzio's shoulder in apology, and the Angelian couldn't help but join laugh. That haughty prince attitude was always a bit disconcerting when used, for Marzio could never quite figure out if Ignis was serious or not.
This time, he didn't complain as his lover's innocent caresses grew bolder. It was what they both wanted, after all; and there was a shared trust between them now, something that had not been there at first, and which still amazed Marzio. It was strange to be trusted and asked for advice even before Ignis' oldest friends.
The creature of fire looking down on Marzio was a sight, his hair now shining in a million different shades as the warm sun framed his lithe, toned body. Skilled hands were undressing him, quickly and mindful of his clothes until a lace would not yield. Because then, his shirt became a pile of cloth quickly thrown away, and he could feel himself exposed to the sun's rays, but more importantly to a pair of hands and a smart mouth that knew every inch of his body intimately.
A small cry escaped him as Ignis found that sensitive spot behind his knee and, his caresses a sweet torture as he aimed to please, always to please... Those agile hands, deadly on more than one occasion, were now dancing on the general's body, and speeding up his blood until it was definitely boiling.
"Get rid of these clothes!" Marzio rasped, pulling at Ignis' offending garments. He wanted him naked, and pleading under him. Yes, pleading was good, very good...
"You are not ordering me around today, my love. It's my birthday, not yours!"
It was all it took for Marzio give in. Ignis took him so rarely, but when he did...
Another rip, then two quick tugs, and he found himself naked, the forest air a balm on his burning flesh. He let out a contented sigh and pleaded, "Kiss me."
Ignis leaned down, red hair cascading down all around them, silky against Marzio's skin as Ignis teased his lips before locking their mouths into a proper kiss.
"Sweet, so sweet..." he murmured, pulling away and preventing Marzio from following him with a firm palm on his chest. "You are made to be savoured, my angel, my love..." He nipped at Marzio's neck, kissed his way down his chest and carefully bit on a nipple, drawing a disarticulate moan from his lover.
Marzio tugged at the prince's shirt. "Please, I need to feel you... your skin on mine... Ignis, please?"
"You, my love, are in need of a lesson in obedience." This declaration was accompanied by the shirt being discarded. "Several lessons, actually. However, I don't think I'll give you any just yet; I like you spirited and - Marzio, stop that!" He slapped his lover's hands away from the waistband of his light summer trousers, but his eyes softened at Marzio's pout. "Although, you can touch me. Not undress me, though," he threatened as he grabbed one of Marzio's wrists and lifted his arm, placing a kiss on his palm.
Marzio allowed his free hand to caress the prince's hips slowly, sensually, watching his lover's eyes darken with lust. Ignis moaned and leaned down to capture his mouth again. "Mine!" he moaned.
"Yours," Marzio agreed, pulling him as close as they could possibly get and petting the soft feathers of his wings. "I love you, Ignis."
And how easily had the words come out, how easily followed the reply. "I love you too, my angel."
The Angelian's hands were freely roaming Ignis' back now, going lower to clasp perfect buttocks hidden under thin fabric as he ground their pelvises together firmly, feeling Ignis shudder against his body and pull away suddenly, only to get rid of his remaining clothes and return, as naked as his lover, touching and caressing.
Marzio's breath quickened and he buried one hand in that wonderful hair that had become an object of adoration for him. So beautiful, his Demon, his soul mate... Marzio could never deny his love, could never keep away the overwhelming security he felt each time Ignis kissed him, whispered sweet words in his ear.
The prince's touches grew passionate as he prepared his lover, teasing and pleasuring until Marzio's flesh sang under his hands. And then they were joined, Ignis filling his lover and moving against him, rocking his body even as his hands found Marzio's arousal and began stroking it, slowing down whenever he felt tension building dangerously high, trying to delay the pleasure for as long as possible until Ignis shuddered as he collapsed on top of Marzio, who moaned his lover's name as he came.
They rested like that for a few moments, with heaving breaths the only sign they were alive. Then Ignis started rising and pulling the Angelian up before moving on his side and drawing his lover to rest next to him, mindful of their wings.
Marzio rested his cheek against Ignis' shoulder and sighed. Then a stray thought brushed his mind. "I really hope Owen and Tempesta were not busy spying on us."
His muttered comment was covered by the prince's chuckles. "Oh, I'm sure they too had an entertaining afternoon."
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