"I Consecrate my Soul to Thee" Witch/Demon AU

[zauberdecke]

[ There was a very specific reason why Essek was here at this moment.

All around him was gathered components, and within his hand he held chalk with which he was drawing the familiar pentagram that would assist in his mission. For his entire life, he had been gatekept, he came from a long line of witches, all of them female; the power passed down through matriarchal laws and blood-- from woman to woman.

However he was the black sheep, the one who had been given far more power than was comfortable for the bloodline in which it had been strictly locked up. Because of this, no female line could inherit and even right now etched into his chest was a binding spell that was unbreakable though oh, how he had tried. It had been placed there by he who he had been given in marriage to; locked until at which point a female was conceived which would then continue the line downward.

There was nothing more vengeful than a cat who had been caged, and right now Essek Thelyss was out for blood and perhaps even a healthy dose of revenge. There was that intrinsic longing for freedom to do what he wanted, not wanting to be bound by tradition to a familial coven who cared more about the line than him. He wanted to put a stop to it, perhaps even get this angry scar of a sigil on his chest removed, wanting night upon night of assault to end.

He did not care what he summoned, the only thing he wanted was for whatever power he could bid to rise to invoke retribution, to free him. Logically he knew that he would be entrusting his fate into the devil he did not know-- but at this point in time, that seemed far preferrable.

And that was how he had roped Alex into this. Someone who was well versed in the rituals if not well practiced; he could not do this alone because there was so much that could go wrong. Best to have two hands in it, even though he knew that it was not Alex's job to intervene but rather to 'watch' but he was desperate, and Alex knew how much he hated Adeen.

Desperate times called for desperate measures, and it was then that Essek finished the circle and then set his chalk down gently. ]

The circle is complete, the components are gathered.. it is time.

Comments

[internationalrelations]

[Bren quieted, voice dropping to a low whimper as Essek sank inside him inch by inch, the slow and delectable feeling of slowly being filled by this man he so desperately wanted to belong to. He turned to rest his forehead against the wall once more, shutting his eyes.

When Essek spoke those next words, he couldn't help the involuntary way that his body tensed, hole clenching around the drow's cock.]

I... I will try.

--

[Alex was leaning heavily on Henry, and even so his feet were only barely cooperating, stumbling and clutching onto his demon. He felt foolish and vulnerable and a still hazy and dazed, but the one solid constant thing was Henry's presence.

The kiss to his cheek threatened to melt him thought, but it also jostled loose another flurry of half-aware words.]

He kissed me... I'm sorry.

[He was too head over heels for Henry to want to kiss anyone else, and there was a profound sadness in his voice as he made that confession.]

I didn't want him to.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was love there in Essek's whispered 'good boy' as he hilted himself in, to the very pubic bone--- his mouth caressing against the underside of Bren's jaw. He was far more petite then Bren was but that did not stop him from putting his weight behind Bren, and pinioning to the wall.

He used a shadowy hint of gravity to press Bren, and that gravity was weight. Pushing him so taut that he was flush and his dick was caught between stomach and wall.

He only pulled back so that he could press back in, establishing a slow methodical rythem while he showed Bren exactly what he meant when he told someone to find another person to bend them over, or bend over. At this point Essek would love for it to be both of them at some point this evening. ]

--

[ Oh no, Alex was sad. He could see it in those drug-hazed eyes. He was in the process of opening up the door when this confession came and then he left the door open as he took those shoulders and looked into those eyes-- they were eye to eye, and his pactkeeper looked so vulnerable. ]

He is trash, I know you did not mean to kiss him.

[ Leaning forward so that he could press a kiss against forehead, he continued. ]

If you had chosen it, I would have been jealous but accepted it. What matters is your consent in this, and it was clear that he did not have yours.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren had started to roll his ass back against Essek when that push, the weight of his lover and the extra push of gravity behind it, pressed him to the wall. Another startled groan -- loud enough that he had clearly forgotten to be mindful of where they were -- and his fingers clawed uselessly against the wall.

He could feel Essek's hips flush to his ass, could feel how he had fully hilted inside him, and it was a thrilling thought, never mind how exquisite it felt, how his whole body felt like it was on fire in the most amazing way.]

Please... fuck me...

--

[Alex was sad and drugged and his big dark eyes were shiny with unfallen tears. He shut his eyes at that kiss to his forehead though, taking comfort from the gesture, and from the proximity of his demon.]

I chose you. And he isn't you.

[And no one else would ever be Henry, and Alex drugged as he was right now had no filter at all.]

[zauberdecke]

[ If Bren groaned and everyone passing by heard him, it would only cause Essek to become even more smug. The deliciously debauched sounds that Bren was emitting were the sweetest symphony to his own ears and he wanted to coax more out. His hip starting that sure and certain thrust in and out, angling and sliding against walls. He lifted himself up from the ground but only enough so that he could become more comfortable.

The raise in height gave him even more purchase while he nibbled at each bit of skin afforded him. Rolling his hips so that Bren could feel him fuck him, while their bodies collided into each other and against each other. ] You are mine, you belong to me and I will let no one else have you.

--

Oh, Alex.

[ The sad puppy eyes, like he had displeased him. But he had not, and Henry wanted to let Alex know that. He tenderly settled Alex to sit down on the seat and then he leaned in to once again press a kiss to the tip of that nose. ]

You did nothing wrong, so do not cry or be sad. I am only glad I could jump in and save you before he did any damage to you.. but then I can track you, I will always be able to track you-- the blood of yours that I consumed allows that, nothing will tear us asunder I promise.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren was all too happy to let Essek feel as smug as he wished because he deserved it. Gods did he deserve it. He was taking Bren apart piece by glorious piece. The demon had dissolved into a mess of need, any thought more complex than need, more, fuck, more or that overwhelming desire to please his pactkeeper had fled entirely.

When Essek suddenly seemed to rise up, the angle of that thrusting change, Bren heard himself cry out in surprise and bliss. Bracing one hand against the wall, he reached back with the other to slide his fingers into Essek's hair, needing to touch him somehow as he was fucked straight into ecstasy.]

Yes.. yours. Only yours. Always yours.

--

[Alex was not really capable of resisting anything right now, even if he wanted to. But this was Henry, and he trusted his demon so there was no desire to resist anyway, letting himself be guided to a seat, blinking in surprise at the kiss to his nose.

Were... were demons usually so sweet? He felt himself melting at the gesture, at the words.

A small nod, and he reached up to brush his fingertips over Henry's lips, like he could trace the shape of what he'd said in the wake of the words.]

Nothing... [Alex agreed, and then, even if he knew vaguely that he ought to let Henry get in the car so they could go home, he lifted his chin and murmured a plaintive, quiet.] ...kiss me?

[So that the last taste on his lips wasn't that utter douchebag.]

[zauberdecke]

[ In drow culture, the hair was personal and kept private-- not just anyone was allowed to touch it. But Essek arched like a cat and purred into it, as if he was being pleased in some way shape or form by the intimacy of it; allowable in a way that felt almost profane-- but then Essek was done being obedient and good. No longer would he be that model of perfection who adhered strictly to tradition.

Oh no, Bren could grasp in that hair and cling to it-- and Essek would offer more to him.

His lips found pulse and he sucked even as he thrust sharply into Bren's welcoming body, into that tight heat that melted like fire around him. He was heady with desire, and his eyes hazed pleasantly at the litany of ownership that came from Bren's perfectly parted lips. ]

--

[ Henry melted just as much as Alex did-- to that soft intimate plea for a kiss. ] I would do anything for you.

[ And then Henry does exactly that, he leans in and gives Alex the sweetest and softest kiss, their mouths soft against each other. Lips that were tender and reverent as he threads his fingertips through Alex's black curls, feels that pout staining his own and oh there was nothing he wouldn't do for him.

He wanted to burn the kiss off of Alex's, to make sure that Miguel never hurt him again. ]

If he touches you again, I will kill him.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren let his fingers sink deep into soft starlight-white locks, aware somewhere in his higher consciousness that this was an intimate gesture given who his lover was. It felt right though, as Essek continued to crash into him.

His head lolled to the side at the feeling of that mouth latched to his neck. With each thrust of Essek's cock inside him, with each maddening crash of their bodies together, he could feel the pressure building, his release threatening to overtake him.

But he'd been given a command, and he wanted to obey. To be good.]

I am... I am going to come.. I am so close, please.

--

[It was what Alex needed in that moment, the tender softness of it, sweet and gentle and soothing away the memories (hazy though they were) of what had happened just before. Some of the tension he held in his body eased out of him as he leaned into Henry to kiss back, just as reverent, just as tender.

His chest ached, but that ache had turned sweet. Even at the promise of murder.]

I was wrong earlier... [He murmured, voice still a little distant, the fog in his mind lingering, like he was in some dream -- a dream now and not the beginning of a nightmare.]

I'm not falling in love with you. I already fell... I love you. [It should be impossible for that feeling to be so true and so stark so quickly, but Alex thought perhaps their hearts had known one another for a long while now.]

[zauberdecke]

Not yet...

[ Essek hoped that his command was absolute. He did not touch cock, rather his fingers gripped into hip as he pumped himself in deeper and deeper while he hit that prostate. And then he bit down, feeling the way that his own orgasm was threatening to break. But he had to push Bren to the very edge, needed to and each thrust held that distinct purpose. ] If you come without me telling you to, I won't let you bend me over...

---

[ The demon hadn't meant to be so vocal about what he would do with Miguel, perhaps had even feared the fact that Alex would think it was a bit excessive to murder Miguel who had only infiltrated his pactkeeper's boundaries. But it wasn't only and if someone did that, they were capable of much.

He was wrong.. for a moment Henry's heart sank, until he heard what it truly was and that caused his arms to squeeze around the effervescent man, to hold him close. ] Your heart is a treasure that I will never take for granted.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren whimpered at the words, but nodded. He'd do his best, because he wanted to be a good boy and he very much wanted to fuck his pactkeeper. He wanted to be with Essek each and every which way that he could, that they could.

His entire body was trembling with the effort of holding back his release, but that didn't stop him from rocking back to meet each thrust, even if it edged him closer and closer to losing his grip.]

--

[Alex was wrapped up in those arms, and he couldn't imagine feeling safer or more where he belonged. He wound his arms around Henry in turn, turning to bury his face against the demon's neck, breathing in the scent of him, eyes shut.]

It's yours. You already have my soul, so... guess it only makes sense my heart is yours too.

[He pressed a kiss against the neck he was still hiding in.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek was painfully close, but he had wanted to see if Bren could hold out to come with him, wanting to feel that trembling against his chest while he pressed kiss after kiss against neck. There was power in this, but also there was acknowledgement that Bren was placing his trust in him.

None of which Essek would abuse in the slightest.

Finally after three slow and languid thrusts where deep inside he kept building up, he reached downward and once again his fingers wrapped around dick, and then he was pumping. All he said was one single word and that was ] Come--

--

I will let nothing happen to you, you are mine and I am yours.

[ He meant this, he could feel the lips against his skin-- putting down sloppy yet heart-felt kisses and so he gave a warm squeeze while he leaned into the other man to keep him safe and protected. ] Why don't we go home and I can make you something to eat? I am not very good at cooking except I can make a wonderful toasted cheese.

[ Over the burner, it was one of his specialties. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren needed no further prompting than that one single word, a command that his entire being leapt to obey immediately. His hips jerked towards that hand, and he came with a wordless cry, spilling himself over Essek's fingers, his own stomach, the wall.

His body clamped down around the prick thrusting inside him as if trying to pull Essek deeper, to make certain that his lover -- his pactkeeper, his mate -- did not leave without filling him with his seed.]

--

Mine.

[Alex murmured, very pleased by this. They belonged to each other. He'd never expected he'd want to belong to someone else so much, but with Henry, with knowing that the other man was his in turn, it felt perfect.]

Yeah. Let's go home, baby.

[He murmured quietly.]

[zauberdecke]

[ When Bren's walls clamped around him, he could feel the other man milking him of his own orgasm.

He let out a muffled groan against the side of that throat and then he came, it was hard and fast-- heatedly sweet as his body fucked into Bren over and over and he spilled his seed deep within, the warmth that emanated had spiked up and made him groan.

There would be a little bit of leakage most assuredly, which was why perhaps it would be a good time to go home after this. Ribbons curled within Essek, all of them sweetly gathered as if painting the inside of Bren a present. ] Good boy.

--

[ Another kiss levied to the forehead and then he pulled back but only so that he could shut the car door firmly. He decided at that point to reach out to Bren's mind and then he spoke within it carefully. ] ~We are heading home... I trust you both to get back safely.~

[ Henry did not give any details as to what Alex went through, that did not need to be advertised. He then moved to behind the wheel and then glanced over at Alex, putting his hand gently on Alex's knee. ]

I like it when you call me baby.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren could feel Essek filling him full of his seed, was awash in the thrill of being marked and claimed that way. They would have each other in each and every way that they could at this rate, and he was all for that. So very much for it that the thought threatened to undo him all over again.

Then those two words Good boy actually did undo him, a small aftershock of his orgasm, another tightening of his muscles, body rocking back against Essek even still, making the come leaking from his hole all the more obvious.]

Yes, Master. Always good for you...

--

[Alex watched as Henry settled into the driver's seat, head lolling back against the headrest as he looked at his demon with an overwhelming affection that he could not possibly have hoped to contain.]

I like calling you baby.

[He murmured, looking down to the hand on his knee, his hand finding its way to set over Henry's, slotting their fingers together.]

Baby...do you know how to drive?

[Around the time that question was asked, Bren's voice filtered into Henry's mind, sounding more than a little pleasantly worn out.]

~We will manage, yes. Enjoy your evening!~ [And then after a pause, as if he'd almost forgotten to mention.] ~I neglected to say it earlier, but congratulations, Your Highness, on your spawn.~

[Said Bren who hadn't yet noticed that Essek's own state was equally as expectant as Alex's. Too close to it perhaps. And it wasn't as if every demonic pact resulted in the conception of a child. Something about only the deepest bonds, a connection that went beyond simply a deal with a devil.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek rested against Bren's own back, his head making itself comfortable as he just pressed Bren up against the wall from the weight of him. He did not even notice that Bren had gone a little bit quiet from communicating with the other demon; but rather Essek languished in the feeling of warmth and safety.

Beyond the coat closet they could hear the beating of the club beats and it would likely be best to leave sooner rather than later, but he was his own brant of contented.

And it was a surprise that Bren hadn't noticed, especially with all of the times he had rested on Essek's lap, as an orange cat-- pressed up close to navel where just underneath the surface a pearl grew.

Conversely, he was an orange cat. ]

--

I know of driving.

[ Henry said with a wry smile as he turned the key in the ignition, and then that was when he heard the voice in his head, and then he glanced over at Alex at the words spoken. ] Wait, what.. Spawn?

[ Oops, he said that out loud, even as he squeezed Alex's hand a little bit tighter and looked at Alex, really took in his features and well-- everything. ]

[internationalrelations]

[..he was an orange cat, yes. Bren was, by all objective measures, a brilliant mind. Bren was also, in the same measures, an absolute idiot. He would notice it eventually, and probably dissolve into a frantic mess of anxiety and joy and then more anxiety.

Right now though? He was too busy being high in the afterglow.]

Mm... shall I take you home?

--

[Alex's eyebrows rose sharply. He may be drugged and woozy, but not so much that he didn't catch that wry smile. Demon without a driver's license behind the wheel. What could possibly go wrong?

He opened his mouth to say something smart, surely, but was distracted by that seemingly random outburst, the tightened grip on his hands.

The way Henry was looking at him.] What? Spawn? [What did that mean exactly?] Is something wrong?

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek acknowledged that Bren was very intelligent, it was the mind and the ease of conversation that had kept him interested; the fact that they could talk about magic and that was the entire world and nothing else existed except for them and the books that they had taken into their sphere of influence.

He pulled away and cast a quick prestidigition spell against the wall, though not against those thighs of Bren's; when Bren fucked him-- he wanted that come dripping down those thighs, wanted to mingle their thighs together into something hot and dirty.

And Bren brought it out in him. ] Mmm yes, please take me home.

--

I promise we'll be fine-- [ He did not want to talk about the spawn quite yet, especially not when he was precariously driving a car that he was uncertain how to truly manuever. How hard could it be right? All you needed to know was the gas pedal as well as how to turn left and right.

He knew the difference between his left and right. ] I will tell you when we get home, it is probably if we talk about it when you are comfortable.

[ He thought perhaps Bren could be wrong.. there was no way.. was there? Could demons get humans pregnant? ] You have to keep me on the straight and narrow.. where this road is concerned.

[ Might want to buckle your seatbelt, Alex. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Bren loved to see Essek using his magic as if it were the second nature that it ought to be for the drow. He'd been chained down too long, and every step he took into reclaiming what was his was a thrill to see.

He smiled a lazy, pleasure-hazed smile, even as a soft breath left his lips as Essek drew free from where he'd been hilted inside him. Bren did not bother to redress. His clothes came and went as he wanted them, and he didn't see the reason for it now.

Turning to face Essek, he held out his hand towards him.]

Home it is.

[Once Essek took his hand, Bren would bring them straight to the transportation circle he'd left (under a very elaborate glamour) in Essek's private chambers.]

--

[Something was up. But luckily for Henry, he was still brain-addled so he wouldn't push right now, not when he'd been assured that Henry would talk about it once they were safely home.

Also he was quite concerned with getting home in one piece now.]

Mm... straight apparently isn't either of our strong suits.

[Haha he made a joke look at him.

Leaning over, Alex reached and very deliberately pulled Henry's seatbelt across the demon and buckled him in before seeing to his own.]

...just in case.

[zauberdecke]

[ There was gratitude and love in those soft violet eyes, the stars in them seeming to glow as he leaned in to take the hand that was offered to him. Just as well there was also trust there in the soft squeeze of fingers.

He wanted to fall into bed with this beautiful demon, wanted to be worshipped and adored- everything he read in pleasure drowsed eyes. Those words were foreign to him but he very softly bunted his forehead very lightly against Bren's jawline as if he was marking him for himself.

As if what they had done here in the shadowed coatroom of the club hadn't quite been enough. He stepped with Bren into the circle and then they were home and it was quiet in his darkened chambers. ]

--

I bet you've been holding that in so hard that it's been starting to hurt.

[ Henry said wryly because he knew it to be the truth, he knew that there was quite a bit that now Alex could say unironically; the extremely british demon would give him that much even as he saw that his seat belt was getting buckled by Alex.

Love beamed out of those blue eyes, adoration too. He really was a simp for this man, for all of his effervescent charms, winsome and engaging smiles that wooed him quite spectacularly. ] Thank you, ah..

[ No one has ever wanted to protect a Demon before, a lot of people didn't think it'd be possible. Oh gods, his heart melted into the fiery pits of hell-- never to be seen again. ]

[internationalrelations]

[Back in the privacy of his pactkeeper's chambers, Bren was all too happy to lean into the way that Essek's forehead nuzzled against his jaw. It was a very feline behavior, and that sang to something inside the demon who even as a human had often found cats far easier to understand than other people.]

Bed?

[A quiet murmured suggestion because Bren did not see the appeal in allowing any space in between them if it could be avoided, and the bed did afford the perfect venue for enacting just that.

Although.] ...ah, but I should clean up first. I have been made a mess. [Something he was quite pleased about, thank you.]

--

I really have.

[At least he could admit it? His sense of humor was, at best, suspect. But Henry must have figured that out by now, and it hadn't chased the demon away yet, so Alex expected it would be fine. Hopefully.

He was entirely oblivious to the melting of Henry's heart -- because of course he wanted to protect him, wanted to keep him safe. So Alex only offered a grin at the thanks, and perhaps a curious tilt of his head at the expression on Henry's face, in those absurdly lovely eyes.]

You're welcome. But let's still try to make it home without needing them, yeah?

[Alex cozied himself over so he could rest his head against Henry's shoulder as the other man drove.]

You've got this, babe. I believe in you.

[zauberdecke]

[ Essek noted the solo 'I should clean up' with quite a bit of displeasure. Especially since the suggestion had been made for bed before that; and to a man who was perhaps more cat than drow, he found himself resting his chin against Bren's shoulder almost consideringly. ]

You know, there is room in a shower for two people.

[ As if to insinuate that perhaps they could clean up together. But truth be told, Essek did not want to part from Bren so readily, and it felt most expedient to wash up together. ] Unless you do not want to bathe with me... [ Teasingly he made an attempt to draw away, perhaps a test to see if Bren would pull him close. ]

--

[ For Henry, it was important to use two hands to drive-- as much as he was tempted to wrap one arm around Alex, he figured that was probably level two driving when push came to shove. But it felt nice to have the Talamascan rest against him.

As he pulled out he managed to levy a kiss to the top of Alex's head. ] Your faith in me is much needed, as much as I would love to cuddle with you while we drive.. I understand that two hands on the wheel is probably for the best if I want to make sure that us and other people on the road get home safely.

[ What a polite demon ]

[internationalrelations]

There is, isn't there?

[Yeah Bren was completely on board with them sharing a shower. How much cleaning actually took place would remain to be seen, but it would be a very enjoyable time. He was certain of that.

And then Essek started to draw back and Bren did indeed wrap his arms around the drow to stop his withdrawal, and to urge him even closer.]

I very much want to bath with you. Bitte.

--

That's right. Both hands on the wheel. Nine and three. Check your blindspots.

[And Alex would be in charge of the snuggling, while trying not to distract Henry while he was actively on the road. For the good of all pedestrians and fellow motorists and also themselves and maybe also the trees along the roadside?

He did shut his eyes though, finally feeling at ease enough after how shaken what had happened had left him.

[zauberdecke]

[ Exactly the response he had wanted from the Demon, to keep him there and prevent him from leaving. Coaxing, even. For the most part, Essek could be easily convinced even as he leaned up to brush his lips almost tenderly against the curve of the jawline, the bristle oF hair pleasing in a near primal way.

Since you said please so sweetly.

[ The bedroom door was already locked, so he did not have to worry about that; then he started to move with Bren toward the bathroom room, a place that was very much for pampering. A haven of sweet smelling soaps, fluffy towels, and more drow cosmetics then one could shake a stick at. Once inside he started to slip out of his clothing. ] Get the shower ready, Chathtiu?

--

[ It was, thankfully late enough that there were not too many drivers on the road. So he would take the advice to heart; he could've had it drive itself but Henry had never been the type to have others do the work for him (unless it was punishing insolent men who intruded at a club) but right now only trusted himself to get Alex home safe and sound. ]

This GPS is pretty hand, at least I can find my way back to your place with it.

[ He could not even imagine trying to find some place with a map.. that felt strange. ] But all I want you to do is relax.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren turned into Essek to let his lips leave a kiss against one sharp cheekbone, following it with a nuzzle, all sweetness in affection. Very demonic, of course. He looked undeniably pleased at Essek's agreement.

He followed along with the drow, close enough to not break contact until he had to just long enough to let his pactkeeper undress.]

Of course, Schatz.

--

Yeah, miracles of modern tech.

[An amused little huff.] For the ancient demonic prince of Hell. Gotta give you credit for keeping up with the times, grandpa.

[Alex was relaxing, and needling at his demon for fun. It was done with full affection though, especially at those latter words. He opened his eyes to look up at Henry, taking in his features from his current vantage point. He was beautiful, like something from a painting by one of the old masters made flesh. Everything about him made Alex's heart struggle to remember that it's job was beating and not fluttering like a twitterpated bird caught in the cage of his ribs.]

[zauberdecke]

[ Perhaps there was a little bit of seductive flourish to it; because Bren made him feel like a sensual creature-- someone who was powered by something other than logic. Unveiling a part that had been long buried, so buried that even Essek had not known it existed.

The same Essek that had danced against Bren, letting the music guide him.

First the shirt discarded, and then the tight leather pants that was shoved down hips, and then he stepped out of them with a little shimmy-- very soon revealing an expanse of skin-stars. ]

--

If Henry wasn't so intent on driving, he would've preened in a way that was very much suited to the Prince of Hell; but instead he was keeping his eyes on the road and for the most part managing to keep within the lines. There was only a few swerves, but only because of the people who rudely used their brights. ]

It is my experience that gives you orgasms, so perhaps you shouldn't knock it.. Whippersnapper.

[ Yes, he just did-- his voice absolutely answering to the tease in Alex's. ] It seems as if you are rebounding quite nicely from whatever it was that Miguel did to you.

[internationalrelations]

[Bren was entirely too happy to be part of Essek's awakening as a sexual creature who understood just how alluring he truly was. The demon was a fool for him, though that was true whether Essek was stripping seductively or curled up in a chair with a book with a lap that was perfect for a wayward orange cat to curl up in.

So maybe Bren was a little distracted by the shimmying. It was a very nice shimmy.

He shook himself out of the reverie enough to turn on the water and get the shower to warming up. Bren moved to step beneath the spray, holding a hand out towards Essek, beckoning him to join him.]

--

[Alex had apparently chosen to trust in Henry's driving skills entirely because he was entirely relaxed leaning up against his demon. His shoulders shook with a laugh at Henry's retort. He liked it, the easy banter that they'd found themselves falling into like a second nature.

Henry was a challenge in the best way.]

Mm... that is a good point. And you are good at that.

[Alex would give him that accolade because it was incredibly deserved.]

I guess so. I feel like I can think clearly again. [And then quieter.]

I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't found me. [Yes he did. He knew, and he didn't like thinking about it at all. But he didn't have to, because Henry had found him.]