Original: "Look Again." Slash.
Forgive any errors, I wrote this quickly and it is very early here.
Title: Look Again
Rating: PG
Warnings: Forceful kisses.
Summary: A Royal Masquerade. Mistaken identity. Forceful kisses. What more could you ask for?
"Hello, pretty bird."
Kaelan looked up, startled. A tall, broad-shouldered man stood before him, face obscured by a porcelain white mask trimmed in gold. It covered most of the man's face, curving outward and down to form a large nose. Mahogany curls tumbled around the mask and curious green eyes peered out from underneath. "H-Hello," Kaelan returned tentatively.
"What is such a pretty bird doing sitting here all by himself?" He asked, tilting his head to the side. Kaelan couldn't see his new companion's mouth but the way in which the question had been posed gave him the suspicion he was grinning. It was unsettling, to say the least.
"Perhaps I like the solitude," he replied softly, touching his own mask self consciously. It was far less spectacular with colors of pastel blue and dull silver lining. It was simple, fit well and had been surprisingly cheap for the quality.
"Mmm," his companion mused, extending his hand outward towards Kaelan. "Care to forgo your solitude for a dance, pretty bird?"
Kaelan stared at his companion's outstretched hand, clad in silk gloves no doubt worth a fortune, and hesitated. His twin brother, Caelian, had all but dragged him kicking and screaming to the annual Masquerade thrown by the Royal Court. How he had acquired passes, he wasn't sure he wanted to know. Still, Kaelan hadn't expected to be asked to dance, much less by a man who oozed the aura of a wealthy noble. "I'd rather not," he said uneasily, swallowing the lump in his throat.
For the first time, his companion frowned and something like doubt flicked across his eyes. Then, it was gone, replaced by a playful smirk. "I know it is not because you cannot dance," he said. "After all, you were dancing so very seductively with the red haired gentleman not ten minutes ago."
Caelian, Kaelan thought wearily. He knew his twin had been up to something when he'd requested he buy two of the same masks, but this had not crossed his mind. So I am simply a decoy for all the men who wish to bed him now? "I am sure you are mistaken, sir," Kaelan said resignedly as he stood and pushed past him. He was going to find Caelian and inform him he was leaving. Whatever his sly brother was planning, he was not going to be a part of it.
He didn't get far before his arm was abruptly seized. He was jerked around to face his green-eyed friend, hips pressed all-too-close. Kaelan's face was aflame as his mysterious partner guided him to the dance floor. "S-Sir," he sputtered in disbelief, "please unhand me at once!"
"Oh, I don't think I will," he returned playfully, twirling Kaelan in a dizzying series of spins before pulling him close once more. "This is far too much fun."
Kaelan had no choice but to go along, desperately trying to avoid stepping on the other man's toes and generally trying not to make a fool out of himself. Caelian was the good dancer, the flirt and the one everyone preferred; in comparison his people skills were embarrassingly lacking and his only talent lied with ink and parchment. The ink stains on his fingertips were a testament to that.
He risked a glance upwards, only to see his masked partner frowning at him. "You really are a horrible dancer," he mused, confusion alight in his eyes. "Are you playing me for a fool?"
Kaelan sighed and opened his mouth to explain.
"Never mind," his companion said suddenly, cutting him off. "I don't want to hear one of your lame excuses. Come with me."
Before he could protest, Kaelan was being dragged onto the balcony and into the dark night. His companion shut the door behind him with a soft click. Kaelan stood in place obediently, wholly confused. Everything this man did confused him as his actions were no doubt meant for Caelian. If only he could explain but he hadn't the opportunity since the man had dragged him onto the dance floor.
"Look, sir, I-"
Kaelan never got to finish his sentence as in the next second his companion pulled off both of their masks in quick session and mashed their lips together for a hot, bruising kiss that lasted far too long. He pinned Kaelan to the wall with his hips and grasped both of his delicate wrists in his hand, forcing them above his head with crushing force. Stealing another harsh kiss, he pulled away only to linger at Kaelan's ear. "Where are you hiding your dagger, my pretty assassin?" He whispered harshly. "Your shirt?" he breathed as one of his hands trailed up Kaelan's spine. "Your trousers?" His other hand trailed the hem of his waistline, teasing but not quite daring to slide past. "Which is it?"
Kaelan squeaked in fear as he tried unsuccessfully to struggle free. "No," he breathed, trepidation clear in his voice. "Please, stop this. I don't know what you're talking about." Tears welled up as he tried to force his mind elsewhere. Why did Caelian always get him into these situations? Why did he always have to pay the price for Caelian's stupidity or lust for power? It all seemed so hopelessly unfair. All he wanted was to live in peace in his book shop, restoring scrolls and living a quiet, unimportant life. That was all.
His tears stalled his attacker for a moment. The hand trailing the hem of his waistband came up to wipe the tear away. "You're crying?" He asked in apparent puzzlement.
The sound of the balcony door being thrown open came as swift relief to Kaelan. "Sir Eldwyn," a short, fat man huffed, red-faced. "Prince Luther has the assassin subdued in one of the guest rooms…" the man trailed off as he took in the scene before him. He looked straight at Kaelan in confusion. "What …" he breathed, "you look just like him."
Eldwyn released Kaelan at once and took a step back, shooting a guilty glance in his direction. "You are not Caelian, are you?" he asked softly.
Kaelan shook his head. "No," he said miserably. "I am merely his scapegoat."
The messenger continued to gawk. "Twins?" he sputtered in disbelief.
Sir Eldwyn sighed, raking a hand through his unruly curls in obvious frustration. "Albert, go tend to the Prince. Notify him I will be there shortly and that I have something to attend to first."
Albert nodded before quickly bowing and scurrying off the balcony.
Kaelan bit his lip and kept his eyes focused on the floor.
Sir Eldwyn advanced slowly towards him and Kaelan tried to subdue the flinch that came as Eldwyn cupped his chin and forced him to meet his eyes. "I am truly sorry," he said gingerly, remorse plain in his eyes. "I did not realize you were not who we so desperately wished to capture," Eldwyn released Kaelan's chin and slid his hand downward to grasp Kaelan's hand. He fell onto one knee and pressed a soft kiss to the back of Kaelan's hand. "I offer this apology in the dim hope you might forgive me."
Kaelan was silent a moment, astonished at the humility he was being shown. He sighed. "All is forgotten," he whispered and then smiled sadly. "Really, I am as much at fault as you. I always indulge Caelian when I know I shouldn't. Love is a silly thing, is it not?"
Eldwyn go to his feet, a half-smile on his lips. "Yes, I suppose it is," he agreed. He settled his green gaze on Kaelan as he asked tentatively, "Might I know your name? Otherwise you will forever be pretty bird."
Cheeks flushing at the ridiculous pet name, Kaelan nodded. "Kaelan," he said shyly. "My name is Kaelan."
"Kaelan," Eldwyn said, testing out the name. It flew off his tongue with ease and sounded almost provocative. He smiled a slow, affectionate smile. "It's fitting."
"Thank you," Kaelan murmured in reply.
Eldwyn's hand was once again grasping Kaelan's chin, gently tilting it upwards. Before Kaelan could protest, soft lips were on his once more. This kiss, however, was completely different. Softer, affectionate, and undeniably pleasant. Strangely, Kaelan found he didn't mind at all when Eldwyn kissed him so gently. They broke apart only for the need of oxygen.
"Forgive me for taking such liberties with your person," Eldwyn said, but nothing about him was apologetic. "But it seems I simply cannot resist you."
Kaelan flushed. "Perhaps I do not wish to be resisted."
Eldwyn's grin was devilish. "Oh? I shall test that theory later. For now, there are matters I must attend to. You will be alright on your own?"
Kaelan nodded before asking, "What will become of Caelian?"
All at once, Eldwyn's face fell into a grimace. "Execution would be the King's choice, but the Prince will lobby for banishment. He is not a cruel man, even if your brother did try and assassinate him."
"I would not blame him if he did execute Caelian," Kaelan said somberly. "I love my brother, but I will no longer turn a blind eye to his foolhardiness."
Eldwyn pressed a tender kiss to Kaelan's cheek. "I will return," he said before he dashed off the balcony and into the mass of curious Masquerade attendees.
Kaelan looked on after him, liking the warm glow that grew in his chest. Somehow, he thought. Everything will turn out alright. pi
Title: Look Again
Rating: PG
Warnings: Forceful kisses.
Summary: A Royal Masquerade. Mistaken identity. Forceful kisses. What more could you ask for?
"Hello, pretty bird."
Kaelan looked up, startled. A tall, broad-shouldered man stood before him, face obscured by a porcelain white mask trimmed in gold. It covered most of the man's face, curving outward and down to form a large nose. Mahogany curls tumbled around the mask and curious green eyes peered out from underneath. "H-Hello," Kaelan returned tentatively.
"What is such a pretty bird doing sitting here all by himself?" He asked, tilting his head to the side. Kaelan couldn't see his new companion's mouth but the way in which the question had been posed gave him the suspicion he was grinning. It was unsettling, to say the least.
"Perhaps I like the solitude," he replied softly, touching his own mask self consciously. It was far less spectacular with colors of pastel blue and dull silver lining. It was simple, fit well and had been surprisingly cheap for the quality.
"Mmm," his companion mused, extending his hand outward towards Kaelan. "Care to forgo your solitude for a dance, pretty bird?"
Kaelan stared at his companion's outstretched hand, clad in silk gloves no doubt worth a fortune, and hesitated. His twin brother, Caelian, had all but dragged him kicking and screaming to the annual Masquerade thrown by the Royal Court. How he had acquired passes, he wasn't sure he wanted to know. Still, Kaelan hadn't expected to be asked to dance, much less by a man who oozed the aura of a wealthy noble. "I'd rather not," he said uneasily, swallowing the lump in his throat.
For the first time, his companion frowned and something like doubt flicked across his eyes. Then, it was gone, replaced by a playful smirk. "I know it is not because you cannot dance," he said. "After all, you were dancing so very seductively with the red haired gentleman not ten minutes ago."
Caelian, Kaelan thought wearily. He knew his twin had been up to something when he'd requested he buy two of the same masks, but this had not crossed his mind. So I am simply a decoy for all the men who wish to bed him now? "I am sure you are mistaken, sir," Kaelan said resignedly as he stood and pushed past him. He was going to find Caelian and inform him he was leaving. Whatever his sly brother was planning, he was not going to be a part of it.
He didn't get far before his arm was abruptly seized. He was jerked around to face his green-eyed friend, hips pressed all-too-close. Kaelan's face was aflame as his mysterious partner guided him to the dance floor. "S-Sir," he sputtered in disbelief, "please unhand me at once!"
"Oh, I don't think I will," he returned playfully, twirling Kaelan in a dizzying series of spins before pulling him close once more. "This is far too much fun."
Kaelan had no choice but to go along, desperately trying to avoid stepping on the other man's toes and generally trying not to make a fool out of himself. Caelian was the good dancer, the flirt and the one everyone preferred; in comparison his people skills were embarrassingly lacking and his only talent lied with ink and parchment. The ink stains on his fingertips were a testament to that.
He risked a glance upwards, only to see his masked partner frowning at him. "You really are a horrible dancer," he mused, confusion alight in his eyes. "Are you playing me for a fool?"
Kaelan sighed and opened his mouth to explain.
"Never mind," his companion said suddenly, cutting him off. "I don't want to hear one of your lame excuses. Come with me."
Before he could protest, Kaelan was being dragged onto the balcony and into the dark night. His companion shut the door behind him with a soft click. Kaelan stood in place obediently, wholly confused. Everything this man did confused him as his actions were no doubt meant for Caelian. If only he could explain but he hadn't the opportunity since the man had dragged him onto the dance floor.
"Look, sir, I-"
Kaelan never got to finish his sentence as in the next second his companion pulled off both of their masks in quick session and mashed their lips together for a hot, bruising kiss that lasted far too long. He pinned Kaelan to the wall with his hips and grasped both of his delicate wrists in his hand, forcing them above his head with crushing force. Stealing another harsh kiss, he pulled away only to linger at Kaelan's ear. "Where are you hiding your dagger, my pretty assassin?" He whispered harshly. "Your shirt?" he breathed as one of his hands trailed up Kaelan's spine. "Your trousers?" His other hand trailed the hem of his waistline, teasing but not quite daring to slide past. "Which is it?"
Kaelan squeaked in fear as he tried unsuccessfully to struggle free. "No," he breathed, trepidation clear in his voice. "Please, stop this. I don't know what you're talking about." Tears welled up as he tried to force his mind elsewhere. Why did Caelian always get him into these situations? Why did he always have to pay the price for Caelian's stupidity or lust for power? It all seemed so hopelessly unfair. All he wanted was to live in peace in his book shop, restoring scrolls and living a quiet, unimportant life. That was all.
His tears stalled his attacker for a moment. The hand trailing the hem of his waistband came up to wipe the tear away. "You're crying?" He asked in apparent puzzlement.
The sound of the balcony door being thrown open came as swift relief to Kaelan. "Sir Eldwyn," a short, fat man huffed, red-faced. "Prince Luther has the assassin subdued in one of the guest rooms…" the man trailed off as he took in the scene before him. He looked straight at Kaelan in confusion. "What …" he breathed, "you look just like him."
Eldwyn released Kaelan at once and took a step back, shooting a guilty glance in his direction. "You are not Caelian, are you?" he asked softly.
Kaelan shook his head. "No," he said miserably. "I am merely his scapegoat."
The messenger continued to gawk. "Twins?" he sputtered in disbelief.
Sir Eldwyn sighed, raking a hand through his unruly curls in obvious frustration. "Albert, go tend to the Prince. Notify him I will be there shortly and that I have something to attend to first."
Albert nodded before quickly bowing and scurrying off the balcony.
Kaelan bit his lip and kept his eyes focused on the floor.
Sir Eldwyn advanced slowly towards him and Kaelan tried to subdue the flinch that came as Eldwyn cupped his chin and forced him to meet his eyes. "I am truly sorry," he said gingerly, remorse plain in his eyes. "I did not realize you were not who we so desperately wished to capture," Eldwyn released Kaelan's chin and slid his hand downward to grasp Kaelan's hand. He fell onto one knee and pressed a soft kiss to the back of Kaelan's hand. "I offer this apology in the dim hope you might forgive me."
Kaelan was silent a moment, astonished at the humility he was being shown. He sighed. "All is forgotten," he whispered and then smiled sadly. "Really, I am as much at fault as you. I always indulge Caelian when I know I shouldn't. Love is a silly thing, is it not?"
Eldwyn go to his feet, a half-smile on his lips. "Yes, I suppose it is," he agreed. He settled his green gaze on Kaelan as he asked tentatively, "Might I know your name? Otherwise you will forever be pretty bird."
Cheeks flushing at the ridiculous pet name, Kaelan nodded. "Kaelan," he said shyly. "My name is Kaelan."
"Kaelan," Eldwyn said, testing out the name. It flew off his tongue with ease and sounded almost provocative. He smiled a slow, affectionate smile. "It's fitting."
"Thank you," Kaelan murmured in reply.
Eldwyn's hand was once again grasping Kaelan's chin, gently tilting it upwards. Before Kaelan could protest, soft lips were on his once more. This kiss, however, was completely different. Softer, affectionate, and undeniably pleasant. Strangely, Kaelan found he didn't mind at all when Eldwyn kissed him so gently. They broke apart only for the need of oxygen.
"Forgive me for taking such liberties with your person," Eldwyn said, but nothing about him was apologetic. "But it seems I simply cannot resist you."
Kaelan flushed. "Perhaps I do not wish to be resisted."
Eldwyn's grin was devilish. "Oh? I shall test that theory later. For now, there are matters I must attend to. You will be alright on your own?"
Kaelan nodded before asking, "What will become of Caelian?"
All at once, Eldwyn's face fell into a grimace. "Execution would be the King's choice, but the Prince will lobby for banishment. He is not a cruel man, even if your brother did try and assassinate him."
"I would not blame him if he did execute Caelian," Kaelan said somberly. "I love my brother, but I will no longer turn a blind eye to his foolhardiness."
Eldwyn pressed a tender kiss to Kaelan's cheek. "I will return," he said before he dashed off the balcony and into the mass of curious Masquerade attendees.
Kaelan looked on after him, liking the warm glow that grew in his chest. Somehow, he thought. Everything will turn out alright. pi