A New Chance (18+)

[Envy]

Knight watched his brother and Akira for a moment and shook his head at them both as Adrian insisted on cuddling up to the cat.

 

Another moment and he pulled Akira away, curling one of his arms around the cats waist and lifting him away from his sibling.

 

Adrian looked at him with a small pout, looking for all the world like his favorite toy had been taken away from him. Knight moved to the closes love seat and sat down, placing the smaller male in his lap, giving his brother a pointed look.

 

“Mine. Go find someone for yourself.” he told him, sounding rather possessive, his long fingers going to the back of the cats neck, softly stroking the skin there.

 

Huffing Adrian sat back in his place on the couch where he had been before they came inside, his other brothers snickering at him since he folded his arms over his chest,looking sullen, the pout still in place. Knight chuckled lowly at his childish behavior as he continued kneading the cats neck, finding the action rather calming.

 

“So, what did you all do while we were gone?” he asked them.

 

Jasair was now poking at Adrian as the other slapped at his hand, grumbling at him. Darius rolled his eyes at them as Arion sat down finally. Despite their being grown and their royal upbringing, they still acted like siblings in private.

 

“We got drunk, and Darius chased your servants until he took three of them to his room.” Arion said with a light chuckle as Knights eyes went to the third oldest.

 

Darius looked at his younger sibling and put his hands up as if he was surrendering “I did no such thing!” he protested as Adrian and Jasair tried to choke back laughs. “I swear Knight, I didn't.” he added conveniently.

 

Knight was still, a slight frown coming to his brow “What did you call me?” he asked a little confused.

 

He thought he had called him by his last name, the name he had been demanding they call him since he was ten. They all had flat out refused, especially Darius and Jasair. Adrian was only a few years older then himself, and he hadn't been as into the teasing and harassment, so they got along for the most part, but Arion was the oldest, and he could have put a stop to everything, instead he had encouraged the others in alienating their youngest brother.

 

Darius blinked at the question “What...? Why so serious all of a sudden? I called you Knight.” he said.

 

Looking at them all quietly, he suddenly felt something was going on. They were all watching him, and they were too quiet.

 

“Is... there something I should know? You have never called me that name before, not even when I caught my mothers illness and you all thought I was going to die.” he said looking to each of them in turn.

 

Come to think of it. They all have been on their best behavior since they arrived. No teasing, no comments flung at him. They had been really respectful and even... brotherly acting. And now that his suspicions were roused, he felt a chill go up his back as Arion sighed lightly before sitting forward, placing his elbows on his knees, looking to him.

 

“Father is...dying.” he said just loud enough for him to hear.

 

Those words had Knight straightening in his seat as pang ranged through his chest. He and his father didn't always get along, but he did care for the older man. He kept his expression as neutral as he could, but he knew his body language gave him away.

 

He opened his mouth to ask how long he had, but Arion started talking again.

 

“Of course he didn't want anyone to know except family, but someone let it slip that he's ill. And the nobles... they are already fighting amongst themselves for a piece of the kingdom. Father wants to settle things before there is any actual infighting. Jasair has been engaged into an alliance two weeks ago. Darius and Adrian are next. As for you.” he stopped there for a moment before he took a quiet breath.

 

“He wants you to marry as soon as possible.” he told him finally, knowing he wouldn't want to hear those words.

 

Knight stayed silent, his gaze meeting his elder brothers as a ball of dread dropped to the bottom of his stomach. Sighing, he rubbed at his temples. He had known that one day he would have to marry, but he had hoped it would be years from now. Not like this.

 

He looked back to his brothers who were all as still and quiet as effigies siting there, waiting for him to say something, but for the life of him, he couldn't think of a thing.

 

Arion, gave a faint nod of his head “I know this is sudden. But... it's getting worse. He hid it from us even until recently. He didn't want to tell you through a message, so he sent us. And we wanted to wait until after the holidays were over. It's time we put away all the childish rivalry, like we should have done years ago, and keep a united front, or this kingdom will be torn apart.”

 

The eldest sibling then looked to Akira “I want to know little one.” he started to gain the cats attention “How much do you care for my brother?”

[Arekushisu]

Akira giggled softly and looked up at Sabriel when he was picked up and sat in his lovers lap. He curled his legs up to him and his ears instantly went back feeling his lovers hands on his neck. He started to purr softly as he leaned back into Sabriels hand. He didn't really hear what happened after that, he knew that the one talking to him (He still hadn't learned names) had gotten in trouble and he opened his eyes and laughed softly at the boy.

 

He felt the change in Sabriel's body language as soon as the word Knight came out of the others mouth. His body stiffened and his hand on his neck stopped moving. Akira's ears flattened feeling the change and he stiffened as well having felt the tension in his lover. He heard Sabriel speak the almost disturbed sound in his voice. He leaned back into him to let him know he was there let him know that he felt his feelings.

 

Akira's ears automatically flattened for they had come up at the sound of Arion moving. His eyes seemed to have tears in them for he could read the body language on the oldest male in the room.

 

"Father is….dying." at those words Akira's tears instantly started falling. He hadn't ever met the man before but the fact it was someone Sabriel cared about someone he would have met eventually was sick it hurt him and he started crying lightly. Just a tear here and there. He wiped them away easily and sat up again ready to listen. He heard about the nobles and such but when Arion spoke the one thing he wished he had never heard as the time he was with Sabriel.

 

"..marry as soon as possible." Akira's entire world fell apart at those words. The one thing he never wanted to hear coming out of anyones mouth. Tears came like a waterfall rushing down his cheeks his ears flat as the purring stopped and he didn't make a move to wipe the tears he just curled his legs up to him as the men kept talking. He knew now that Sabriel would be leaving him for good. He knew that the male had never loved him, was still growing feelings for him, but he wanted to stay with him. And he had been told. he was told that the day would come when he would have to leave Sabriel's side.

 

He looked up the tears still coming as Arion spoke to him, "I…I love him…I want to stay with him even though that is impossible I understand I must go…He warned me the day would come that you would come and tell him it was time but I guess I didn't want to believe it. I know…that he doesn't love me but does have feelings for me. I know that the relationship him and I share is gradually getting to something neither of us wants to lose. As for me…I-i love him so much Arion. I don't want to leave his side. He is everything, my home, my lover, my family. All of you i..i just met you but you all mean the world to me because you mean something to him. Your father means something to me and I haven't even met him. I love Sabriel. And I don't want to leave his side. I will sit by if he has to get married i'll go through the pain of being only his weekend lover for all I care. Just…I-i can't live without him He is me. My other half. That is how much I care about him." He stood and looked at Sabriel wiping the tears off his cheeks as he stood taller. "I don't care if i'm not like you. If i'm just some lowly citizen found on the streets. I am still the property. the lover of your brother until he makes me leave. Until that day comes, i'm staying by his side no matter the words that get spit at me or the actions put against me for being so. I love Sabriel more than me…more than anything I have ever…he is what make me happy. He brings out the best in me. I mean he brought me in and gave me a home when no other person had! I hadn't thought then that I would fall in love with this man but I had! And I can't change that…not even if there is a pretty blonde woman in his life I'll still be here till he tells me to leave." he said softly and looked between all the brothers as he sighed softly and looked away his ears flattening again. He had never spoken out never told anyone how he felt. He turned and walked slowly to the door as everyone in the room was silent still. He opened it and paused slightly and looked back at Sabriel, "I love you.." he said lightly before looking at the ground his ears flat still as he left the room.

[Envy]

Arion looked to his brother on the other side of him, “Darius, go get him and bring him back.” just as the door closed behind the neko.

 

Darius got out of his seat and did as he asked, leaving the room with the intent of getting the cat to come back to the room.

 

Arion looked to Knight next who slowly looked back to him from the door

 

“I know you don't want to marry someone you don't know. And I asked father to allow me to choose your spouse for you. I even had a really good woman all picked out for you. Lord Pristins niece. You know her, and she's widowed now. Her son is still only an infant, so you could raise him easily. You would be in charge of the boys holdings from his departed father until he's of age. And she is still young and obviously fertile. A good match. Her uncle is excited at the prospect” he said, stopping there to judge his brothers reaction.

 

Knight remained silent, looking away at his hands for a moment to think. It had been nice for Arion to consider his feelings on this subject, and he did get along with the woman, in fact she had been a friend when they had been younger. He was five years older, but it didn't really matter. She was from a long line of nobility and he knew she would be a good wife.

 

Even still...

 

“Or would you rather marry your cat instead?” he was asked suddenly.

 

Knight looked up at his brother, thinking he was joking. But when he saw the look on his face, he realized he was serious.

 

“You... would let me marry someone that has no advantages? Who couldn't even give me a child of my own?” he asked in confused disbelief.

 

It wasn't that the idea of marrying the cat was unappealing. It was just, well, his father had been spouting about making a strong marriage in terms of blood lines, influences, and money for as long as he could remember. He might be his bastard child, but he was his fathers son, and that was enough to land him a titled woman.

 

Arion gave a nod of his head at the question “I would, if that is what you wanted.” he answered.

 

Knight just stared at his eldest sibling quietly as the door opened and Darius walked back inside with the neko in tow, his hand on the smaller males shoulder, his grip was light, but firm enough to let him know he wasn't getting away.

 

“I finally found him.” he said, gaining the others attention.

 

Arion smiled gently at the cat “You left before I was finished.” he told the cat motioning him to go to Knight before he looked at his brother again “Well?” he asked

 

Darius walked the neko to Knight, who took the cat by the wrist lightly and pulled him back into his lap, his eyes going to Arion for a moment. They silently stared at one another, Knight wondering if this wasn't some sort of joke, but he could tell it wasn't.

 

“Yes.” he answered after a few moments of silence.

 

A smile spread on Arion's face and he looked to the cat “How would you like to marry Knight Akira?”

[Arekushisu]

Akira wiped his eyes and walked slowly to the ballroom in which hadn't been used in ages. He walked to the window and looked out his ears flat as tears ran down his cheeks. He knew that Sabriel didnt love him. And he knew that he was nothing but someone special. SOmeone that only bore a small attraction from him but he couldn't help his own thoughts. He loved Sabriel from the moment he took him in to the last time he said he loved him just a moment ago. He knew that he would have to marry and then Akira would have to leave for himself. He wouldn't want to watch as the love of his life made off with a woman and came back with a child. He didn't want that.

 

He was only alone for about ten minutes or more when Darius came in and spoke to him telling him he was needed back there. "I don't want to go…I don't want to listen as the man I love gets told who he will marry. You really expect me to?" he said turning to him all signs of tears gone from his eyes as he was more angered now. He was taken by the shoulder all of his words ignored. He didnt like the grip the other male had on his and his ears went back as he growled lowly as he was pushed into the room. He hissed at the male and struggled with him as he was pulled into the room.

 

He sat down grumbling in Sabriels lap as he pushed off of him to sit next to him as he looked away from all of them. He didn't want to be there. He didn't hear what the man said and he glared at him, "Why do I have to be here? I don't want to hear who he is marrying!" he said but his mind caught up with what the oldest had said and his ears tilted up as his mind caught it. "W-wait what? Me? Marry him? I don't have any class though. I was found on the street. I barely know my own name!" he said as tears came to his eyes as he looked at Sabriel. "Do you want that?" he asked as he looked between the two men.

[Envy]

Knight's eyes followed the cat when he shoved himself off his lap.

 

He couldn't help a low chuckle at the cats behavior. There he went again, being a jealous brat. Not that he could blame him. If someone had shown up and tried to take his cat away from him, he was sure he'd have the same reaction, though a lot more of the volatile kind.

 

Arion's smile spread more when the neko seemed to catch on finally. He sat back comfortably as the younger male went off asking questions. He quirked a brow at him when he finally fell silent.

 

“I thought you loved him?” Arion said “You just stood there telling us all how much you cared for him. Did you change your mind?” he finished, though he already knew the answer to his questions.

 

Knight stood up “Give us a moment to talk.” he said to them before he took the cats hand and walked from the room.

 

He went to the closes door, opening it he walked inside, gently pulling the cat in behind him. Once the door was closed again. Keeping a hold of Akira's hand, he walked over to the sofa under the large window and sat down, tugging the other down beside him.

 

For a moment he was quiet, before he looked to the younger male beside him, “To answer your question. Yes, I want that. I didn't think I would get a choice. Arion already had the woman picked out, got permission from her family. But when they got here, I had you. So he asked if I would want to marry you. And I said yes.” he told him holding his gaze steadily.

 

“Now the question is. Is it what you want?”

[Arekushisu]

Akira blushed as he answered the older male, "No." and before he knew it he was pulled out of the room from Sabriel and he blushed lightly looking up into his lovers eyes as he spoke. Sabriel seemed to be telling the truth and nothing but it. He really wanted to marry Akira, "I-i..." he began to cry as he looked up at his lover and hugged his shoulders hard. He nodded, "Y-yes yes I want to marry you." he leaned back and kissed Sabriel softly on the lips licking at his lips lightly wanting in.

 

His thoughts instantly shook him though and he jerked lightly back, "Wait! Sabriel...a-answer one thing for me...do you love me? We cant get married if you dont love me...I know you have the feelings for me and I know I'm special to you but do you love me?" He asked softly his ears flat as his tail hung limply beside him. He chewed his bottom lip worriedly as he looked at the man he loved.

[Envy]

Knight felt a slow smile spreading over his lips when the cat said yes to his question.

 

His arms went around his waist and was closing around him when he felt his lips against his own, but they stopped when the other jerked back. Meeting his gaze, he felt his smile slip from his face completely.

 

Did they not just have this conversation not that long ago in the bedroom?

 

It was fine for him to accept things when they were just going to stay together, but now that marriage was a real prospect, and one he didn't think he could have given the neko, then what he felt was no longer acceptable. If he said yes, he would be lying, and he wouldn't say it even to get him to agree.

 

Giving a long sigh, he slipped the others arms from around his neck, keeping a hold of his hands. He didn't look away as they sat there looking at one another in silence.

 

“Akira. I'm still not going to say it if I don't mean it. Here I am, offering you something I didn't think I would ever have the chance to. I'm willing to be with you for the rest of my life, and in that time, I'll be free to fall in love with you without fearing of being taken from you by anyone. I'd be no one else', just yours until I die. Are you telling me that you won't accept any of that?”

[Arekushisu]

Akitas smile fell as his arms were filled from around his lovers neck he looked into his eyes his ears flattening slowly knowing that he wasn't going to say it but still wished he would. Still hoped he would say it.

 

He blushed lightly of the words sabriel said and he looked up at him. "I love you. And I will accept that. I thought I would ask. I understand that you don't love me, yet. But I know that I...or I think I know I can make this work we can be us. Forever." He smiled lightly and tightened his fingers around sabriels. "Yes. I will marry you. And we can live with one another. Fall in love with one another." He said and leaned up kissing him softly his tail finding it's way around his waist. "Sabriel. do you wish me to stop saying I love you?" He asked lightly just wondering. "I mean...I like saying it but if you want I can stop till you can say it back." He said genuinely curious of his lovers thoughts.

[Envy]

Knight gave a nod of his head at the cats reply to his words.

 

A small smile appeared on his lips when the cat said he would still be his. When the other leaned into him and placed a kiss to his lips he welcomed it, returning it with a small press of his own before he pulled back.

 

The question made him think.

 

On one hand, he did feel guilty every time the neko said those words and he couldn't return them. He wanted to be able to, to one day say them and see the reaction from the other when he hears the for the first time.

 

Though on the other, he liked hearing them. Those words, for some reason comforted him. They were said to him from someone he believed without a doubt felt them. He wanted to hear them.

But was it right to ask for them when he couldn't say it in return?

 

He sighed, a little unsure, but he met the cats eyes, “Honestly. I want to hear them. It's weird, but I feel like I need to hear that you love me. But it's not fair of me to ask that of you. I tell you what. I don't want you to say them until I can say them back. Though, whenever you feel you want to express or say them, then...”

 

He took one of the cats hands, looking down he turned it palm up, and traced the shape if the heart over his skin.

 

“You can tell me that way until that day comes. Do you think that is good enough?”

[Arekushisu]

Akira smiled at the puzzled look on Sabriel's face it only lasted a moment though because the soft touch on his hand made him blush instantly and his ears twitch, his body was still in heat sadly and at the time they were doing something serious he had to think of something other than the time being. He blushed again feeling the others finger trace a heart and he nodded, "Yes…that is enough till one day you can say it back to me." he said and tilted Sabreils head up with his small fingers and he kissed the man deeper than he had before, slipping his arms around the others neck but he quickly pulled back, "Sabriel…I'm your wife now?" he said and blushed lightly resting his forehead on the others as he giggled softly his tail finding its way around Sabriels forearm. "I'm happy. I am happy you asked me to marry you." he said softly his eyes closed as thoughts of the life they got to have with one another played through his head.

[Envy]

Knight accepted the kiss to his lips, sighing silently when it was taken away just as quickly.

 

He wished his cat would make up his mind already. Kiss him or don't, but these interrupted one were making him tempted to pin him down and take one and not stop until he was satisfied. But he didn't, instead wrapping his arms around the neko's waist, pulling him in closer.

 

“Husband Akira. You're going to be my husband, not wife. Only women get to be wives.” he said with a smile of his own before he gave him a small peck on the lips.

 

He pulled Akira into his lap so they were face to face, holding him closer “I'm happy you accepted.” he told him truthfully.

 

There was a small knock on the door, and Knight moved Akira off his lap to seat him next to him before he called whoever it was to come in. A moment later Adrian poked his head in, his hands over his eyes.

 

“I'm not looking...” he said as Knight quirked a brow at him and then chuckled with a small shake of his head.

 

His brother was an idiot most times.

 

“We're still dressed Adrian.” Knight said to him.

 

Peeking through his fingers Adrian dropped his hand and smiled at them both “Good. Arion wanted to know if you two were done talking. He has more things to talk about, so come on.” he told them before he vanished, leaving the door opened to let them know they were expected to follow.

 

Sighing, Knight stood up, “Come on Akira, lets go find out what else there is to know. Then we can talk more about us.” he said holding his hand out to him.

[Arekushisu]

Akita giggled softly at the husband title he had gotten. He blushed softly hearing the knock at the door seeing he was on his lovers lap like they were doing something. He sighed softly in argument to knight pushing him off his lap. He pulled his legs up to his chest hiding the blush as he looked up at the brother that peeked in the blush darkening knowing everyone in the other room assumed they were doing something perverted. He stood and trotted after sabriel waiting till the other male left the room to pull knight to him.

 

He slipped his arms around the older males the broad shoulders strong under his gentle touch. He blushed a moment looking up into knights eyes pushing him against the door playfully and he pushed up onto his toes and pressed his lips to knights. It wasn't like it had been, this one was needy and it was almost like crushing his lips to knights. He was hungry for his mate and he shivered, "S-sabriel...I-I want it.." He said softly against the other males lips his tail finding it's way around sabriels hips. "w-when your brothers leave. Will you make love to me?" He said softly looking up at him innocently. He wanted it but he also wished it was with someone that loved him. But he was willing to give himself all to knight so he wished for it.

 

His ears tilted back as he waited for the answer, he didn't care who all was waiting on them he wanted to know this.

[Envy]

When Akira got up to follow them out of the room, Knight turned to go.

 

Just as he got to the door, he was stopped by being pulled back, his steps faltering before he was turned and his back was pressed against the door. He was a little taken aback as his eyes fell down to the neko as he pushed up against him, his hands going around his waist as he rose onto his toes to reach him.

 

He met the kiss halfway, allowing Akira to have all the control, his hands tightening just a little. When the cat pulled back, he listened carefully to his words, each of them sinking into his mind with clarity. Wrapping his arms around the smaller male with a nod of his head, he leaned in, taking his lips with his own once again. The kiss he gave was a promise to give him what he wanted when they had the chance.

 

Pulling back, he gave a light sigh, “Come on, we can find out what they want to tell us next.” he said before he let him go, slipping his hand into the cats.

 

The rest of the day was spent talking things over about the kingdoms growing problems with it's ruling classes seeking to gain from the kings coming death. The seeming attitudes of their aligned kingdoms, which ones that were most likely break away and those who would stay loyal. And of course Knight's marriage, which his eldest brother told him would be the next evening before he and his brothers returned back to their fathers side the morning after. Some time after dinner was done, Knight excused himself and Akira so they could go rest for the rest of the night.

 

So, he and the cat would be married by tomorrow night; he thought as he got their bath ready. It amazed him really how calm he was with that thought. He hadn't giving it any thought, and it didn't bring up any doubts.

 

This was what he wanted.

[Arekushisu]

Akita smiled brightly hearing that knight would allow him what he knew not only he wanted but what also knight wanted. He knew that his lover wanted it as well but he didn't know how to say it Untill now. He sat through the boron conversations of the rest of the matters playing with his tail most of the time. He and knight were excused soon after and he rushed to their room a smile playing on his lips as he heard knight already getting the bath going.

 

He walked to the closet slipping off the stupid shirt knight had put on him to keep his brothers from seeing his looks and body and changed into a big shirt that was knights and he giggled softly walking to the bathroom door his tail perky and the tip of it around his head. "So...we shall be married soon?" He said walking up behind knight as he was crouched down making the bath and slipped his arms around his neck easily. "I can't wait. It will be wonderful! I mean...we technically already act like we are with one another that way. If you haven't noticed I sleep wth you and we do other...acts in bed that a couple would do. So hehe maybe this was coming all along!" He was so happy he was babbling as his tail made circles on knights neck.

 

He didn't care if he was heavy cause he knew he wasn't. He was tiny and he knew it. So he put all his weight on knight waiting till he had finished the bath. "Can I take one with you?" He asked blushing lightly as he spoke the words in knights ear.

[Envy]

The cats appearance was expected, as were the feeling of his arms going around his shoulders.

 

Knight chuckled as Akira babbled on about the only news he seemed to care about at the moment. He had serious doubts that he had been paying attention to much else. In fact, he was certain since most of the times he had looked to him, he had looked like he was ready for a nap or playing with his tail. Though it was fine. He didn't need to worry himself about the rest. He would take care of it.

 

At his last question, Knight twisted enough to slip an arm around his waist. He pulled his cat onto his lap and kissed his cheek with a quick press of his lips.

 

“Who else is going to wash my back?” he asked in way of answering him “You'll be my husband tomorrow night, it's your job from now on.” he added before he brushed his lips over his.

 

Standing, he took the smaller male with him, placing him on his feet when he was completely on his own. Another small kiss was placed on his lips before he began to undress the cat. When he was done, he helped him into the bath, cutting the water off right after. Joining him when he was undressed as well, Knight sighed when he was submerged into the water, letting the heat relax his muscles.

 

One hand reached out and began to play with the skin on the back of the cats neck, as always, touching him soothed him further. It was something he didn't understand, but being near Akira, touching him was like a comfort to him. A small smile settled on his lips as he continued to run his fingers on the others neck.

 

When they were clean, dried and in bed, Knight pulled his cat to him in the dark of the room, placing soft kisses on his lips as his arms closed around him.

[Arekushisu]

Akira giggles as he was undressed by knight and placed into the tub. He waited patiently for knight watching the lean man undress himself and he was happy to sink into the males arms when he relaxed into the water. The water level rose to about Akiras shoulders when his lover got in. He sank back into the hands that played with his neck and his body shivered himself still sensitive as ever.

 

When they were all cleaned they curled up together in bed and Akira blushed feeling knight touch him lovingly. He moved closer to him kissing him back. "Nn...knight. Give me your hand." He said softly biting his lip trying not to say the words he was forbidden to say. He took the mans hand in his and he took his forefinger and traced a small heart over his palm a blush raining over his cheeks as his tail made it's way to the other mans thigh.

[Envy]

Knight held his hand out to the cat when he asked for it, the corners of his lips lifting faintly when he felt the finger trace over the palm.

 

Interlacing their fingers, he brought the cats hand up and placed a kiss on the back of it. He couldn't say the words, but that didn't mean he couldn't show his own affection for the other male.

 

“Sleep Akira. We have a long day tomorrow.” he said lowly as he rested their hands between them.

As he closed his eyes, he had no idea how true those words would be.

 

They were woken early and Knight was kicked out of his own room so that Karen and the others could get Akira ready. He did mention that the cat wasn't a woman and didn't require a full day of preparation, but that seemed to fall on deaf ears as he was shoved out. Sighing he was soon dragged away for other things. Like the kitchen, which seemed overly busy making food for the party that seemed to be taking place after the wedding.

 

He had no idea there had been one planned.

 

It seemed Karen had went a little overboard and demanded that 'her boy' got a real wedding party.

 

Knight didn't argue, he just test tasted everything that was shoved at him, picking what he was sure the cat would like most. Things seemed to get a little more hectic when three of his brothers arrived to 'help' which turned into arguments between them about what they liked to eat. But Knight reminded them this was about him and Akira, and not them as he sent his choices up to the cat to taste so he could decide if he liked Knight's choices, and if not they would find something else.

 

After the food was settled on, he was then pulled to the ballroom where the wedding was to take place, and the more formal dinning room that was attached to it was opened and cleaned. It was then he found out his eldest brother had sent word to the closes nobles and all of the town merchants to attend. This caused Knight to sigh, but it was too late to turn them away when they began to arrive later in the afternoon.

 

He was glad the cat was secreted away with Karen and some of the women when he had to deal with over night accommodations for everyone, since he knew there would be lots of drinking. His brothers Adrian and Darius handled the wine selection from his stores in the basement while Arion entertained the guest.

 

At least they were being helpful as his home was turned upside down.

 

Sneaking away, Knight got a little reprieve before he had to tackle what color banners and what flowers to use from the hot house gardens. Then he had the idea to just move the wedding there instead, so the whole ball room was packed up and moved there along with the tables of another dinning room. The kitchen was just off the gardens, so it would do for both the wedding and party.

 

They strung banners and candles from a quickly erected arbor that extended the whole length of the garden where the wedding was taking place. A platform was put down for a steady floor and the circular tables brought in along with the chairs.

 

By time it was all done, Arion ordered Knight to go and get ready.

 

Knight totally agreed. He was hot and dirty from all the moving and cleaning they had been doing. He was going to be pretty tired once this was all over. His other brothers went with him and using the baths on the first level, they all got cleaned and then dressed. After that, he was shoved into his office to wait.

 

He looked outside to the dark.

 

They said he had an hour and half before the wedding started, and he was nervous as hell, but satisfied with how things were going. He relaxed on his sofa, closing his eyes to help calm himself. He wasn't sure how long he has sat there before his office door opened and Arion walked inside, closing the door behind him. With a smile he walked to his youngest brother, throwing an arm around his shoulders, he brought him into a hug.

 

Surprised,but Knight returned it, wondering what was going to happen next.

 

Arion pulled back and released his brother before he was going into his coat pocket, pulling out a small red box, “I had Jasair run into town and pick these up for you both.” he said as he handed the box to his sibling.

 

Knight accepted the box with a thank you. He was glad for the gift once he opened it to two silver bands with interweaving knots engraved into them. He slipped the smallest one out to examine it, noting it looked small enough to fit the cat's finger. With a small smile, he slipped it back inside with the larger ring.

 

“Thank you.” he said honestly looking to his brother, his nerves vanishing in that moment.

 

He was really going to do this.

 

Arion smiled in return and slapped a hand on his shoulder “Come on. It's time.” he said, walking with his brother out the office door.

[Arekushisu]

Akiras smile faltered hearing that he must sleep. He was promised the night of his life tonight. But he hadn't gotten it. He sighed and fell to sleep thinking about the morning soon to come.

 

He smiled softly hearing the sounds of knocks at the door. He laughed softly watching knight get pushed out of the room as his mother, Karin, came in with two or three other women he smiled at them hugging her. "Hello Karin. How are you?" She just shook her head and pulled him up out of the bed.

 

He was thrown into the shower and told to hurry so he did just that cleaning himself properly then getting out once more. When he left the bathroom it was madness. People were everywhere in the room. Some with flowers some with clothes others with food. He smiled happily. He was happy. And ready for this day.

 

Karin pulled him over to the stool infront of a mirror and began working on his hair nothin fancy but just something to make him look good. His ears were brushed out along with his tail. He looked good by the afternoon. He was then handed over to the food and he tasted everything picking out some dishes. He didn't know where knight was but he believed he was being productive. He was nervous and he felt like he was going to puck up everything he had tasted.

 

Soon after he had picked from the long line of food he moved to the flowers picking out from millions of flowers from the large gardens outside. He smiled happily slipping one into his hair. It was now later in the afternoon by the time he had perfected everything he wished to get done. Now he only needed to get dressed.

 

He let Karin dress him. She had picked out a lovely white outfit. A button up shirt with a suit vest to cover it but no jacket. He rolled up the sleeves to make it a casual look but still formal. He also had on white shorts that were formal and he had on white boots with buckles on them as well. He smiled softly at the cute look he brought out. And lastly there was a hat that was small nothing more than a small hat to sit up on his head. It had a veil that slipped over his eyes and he blushed. "Do I really have to have the veil?" He asked touching it lightly. He wasn't answered as he was pushed to the doors into the hallway where Karin was waiting. "Oh my boy! You look wonderful. Come. It's time to go." She said motioning to the time which was just thirty minutes to the wedding. He walked down to the main hallways seeing people busying about. Karin came up behind him and touched his tail and smiled. "Don't be scared. Its all worth it don't you think?" And she passed him on the stairs.

 

Akira was missing knight by now and really wanted to see him. He sighed and walked down as well following people as well as himself. He smiled and nodded to the people that said hello to him. He was pushed into a small room that had two double doors on the other side by Karin. "This is where you will enter the ballroom. It's almost time." She said and he was ready now. A smile ran along his face and he was smiling happily.

[Envy]

Light reflected off the wedding band that now graced his finger.

 

The wedding ceremony had run smoothly, with his eldest brother doing the honors of tying their bonds for them himself. And the party after was filled with lots of laughter, dancing, eating and drinking. The guest were enjoying themselves immensely. Some had brought gifts and others didn't due to the suddenness of the invitations, so they promised to send them as soon as they could. It was fine with Knight, who was currently sitting by his cats side at their table at the head of the garden.

 

It was getting later, and he had danced with everyone present, except his brothers, and the waiting staff. He had drank his fill of wine, and to the toasts that were given for him and Akira's happiness. But he had cut himself off before he began to feel tipsy. Now he was drinking nothing but juice in his wine glass. That had been close to two hours ago.

 

Looking over his eyes fell on Akira's hand, the one with the band to match his own. With a serene smile, he took that hand in his, and before he could say anything Karen appeared with a large smile on her face.

 

“Master Knight, Akira. Your ride is waiting out through those doors there.” she said as she indicated the glass doors behind their table some feet back.

 

Knight followed her finger, turning in his seat, but frowned.

 

“What ride?” he asked as he turned back to her confused.

 

Karen smile seemed to get bigger, “Since the wedding was such short notice, none of us had time to get you a gift. So we set up an honeymoon for you two as our gift.” she said, beaming at them both.

 

Knight hadn't expected that. Maybe he should stop underestimating Karen.

 

“It's ready to go when you are.” she said before she gave them one last smile and walked off to see to some other matters.

 

Chuckling, Knight watched as she disappeared into the crowd and looked back to his husband. Husband... he would have to get use to that word.

 

“It seems you and I are to make our escape soon.” he said just loud enough for only him to hear him. “Whenever you want to go, I doubt anyone would notice.” he told him.

[Arekushisu]

Akira loved the party. People dancing and laughing. People singing and jumping around. The loud clatter of people talking shocked him. He didn't know this many people knew knight. He sighed softly sitting next to sabriel and his mind was tired. He had met so many new people that he felt he was going to explode. He jumped hearing sabriel talking again finally and he looked up at him and a smile spread across his face and he didn't even need to know what he was saying. He heard they could leave and he nodded to him and pulled lightly on his hands getting up. "Please can we go. I have about had enough of the party. I want us time." He said blushing lightly but I was true. He hadn't had any time with his new husband and he wanted that time. Akira had danced with everyone but sabriel and he sorta wanted to dance with him but was okay that he didn't. They would have their whole life to dance.

 

They rushed to the ride which awaited them and smiled once he got in. "I love Karin. She is amazing. She is always surprising." He said and scooted close to sabriel and fitting under his arm pressed against his side. He didn't mind the closeness anymore. It didn't matter to him it was just space. But right now it mattered to him. Right now it meant something to him. It meant they were closer than they were before. Now not only do they see themselves as married but so does the world. Akira had a title now. He was someone. And he didn't even realize it till now but everything, every penny sabriel head was now his too. He looked up at him and sighed. "I'm just know noticed that I'm someone now...I'm not just that kid you found on the street anymore. I actually have to be strong and stop being child like. You're someone. And I have to help your reputation. I don't want to be the lazy husband." He said thinking aloud and he slipped his hand into sabriels drawing a heart playfully. He loved him. He truly did and he couldn't wait till sabriel could say it back if he ever would. But in the long time he was with this man he had learned patience. That work gives you things you want. And that doing good and not annoying people makes things fonder.

 

He blushed knowing the were headed to a honeymoon home and he covered his face. He wanted to sleep with this man. He wanted to yesterday but he knew that maybe sabriel didn't want to? Or wanted to wait till they were married? He didn't know but he could try and seduce him. That's for sure.

[Envy]

Knight smiled when his cat said he wanted to leave right away.

 

He was all too happy to get away from the celebration. It was nice, but he wanted to be alone with Akira now. They walked out and no one seemed to notice and he was glad, that meant no delays. After they got inside the dark interior of the carriage, Knight pulled the heavy fur that had been spread out on the sit around him and his cat when he fitted himself under his arm and close to his side. He wrapped that arm around him after he closed the fur to keep them warm.

 

Looking down at the dark head by his side, he listened as Akira spoke about his realizations. A faint smile lifted the corners of his lips when he felt the heart shape drawn on his hand, he pulled the smaller body pressed to his side closer, kissing him on the temple.

 

“It's not going to be too difficult Akira.” he told him as he pulled just enough so he could speak without the threat of the cats hair entering his mouth.

 

“I'll help you as much as I can, and Karen will be more than happy to help you too.” he assured him.

 

He turned his head then and looked out the window, wondering where they were headed exactly. But the ride wasn't that long, and soon they pulled off the main road and onto a wooded ane he was all too familiar with.

 

Turning back to Akira he chuckled lowly. “We are going to be staying at the cabin I took you to. So it looks like we are going to get that stay over I promised you.” he said as the the carriage slowed.

 

When it came to a stop, he threw back the fur as the door on his side was opened. After he climbed out, he helped the cat out next. He looked to the driver, who happened to be Rei, a big smile on the half elf's face. Knight chuckled and

patted him on the back.

 

“When are you coming back for us?” he asked the younger man.

 

Rei smiled up at him for a moment before he reached out and pulled Akira into a hug for moment, happy for his best friend, stepping back when he let go, “I'll be back in three days. And we brought you both more than enough food and clothing until then. Also, we brought your stallion master, in case you need him for any reason.” he informed him.

 

Knight looked to the stable a few feet away and sure enough, there was Laferis.

 

Nodding he turned back to the other two, taking his husbands hand, “Alright Rei. We'll see you then.” he told him before he turned to the cabin, noting the windows were alight from inside.

 

He opened the door he let Akira inside before him, closing the door behind him as the carriage pulled off into the night. The cabin was warmed by a large fire in the fireplace, the thick mattress was laid out where he had left it the other day, made up with fresh linen. There were dimly lit lanterns hanging from the walls by the door, and one at the back. The cabin was clean and stocked with food, more than enough for two adults for a week, and heating braziers in the corners to help with the warmth.

 

Knight was pleased with his peoples gift to him and Akira.

 

“Want to go take a soak in the hot spring?” he asked the cat, beside him.

[Arekushisu]

Akira blushed softly having been pulled closer to knight he looked up listening to him talk aboht how he would help him with fitting into his new life. He was happy this man would take him in. And help him with his life and he may not love him but he did have feelings for him which was good enough for him so far.

 

He stepped out of the carriage and looked around smiling happily but blushing remembering what him and this man had done in this home. Before he knew it he was hugged by Rei and then pushed into the cabin. He smiled happily running to the kitchen and picking up a grape which was laid out with all the other food. "Oh! So good!" He smiled blushing taking off the hat that was connected to the veil.

 

"Of course I want to soak with you!" He smiled and stripped off his shirt and he smiled lettin it fall to the floor before he ran to knight hugging the man around his neck his tail flicking happily. "Carry me there? Like your bride?" He giggled and kissed knight softly on the lips a blush on his cheeks all the while.

[Envy]

Knight chuckled as he wrapped his arms around the cats waist as he was being hugged and kissed on the lips.

 

“Sure.” he told him indulgently.

 

He leaned in and gave him a more firmer kiss before he pulled back “But you have to get undressed first.” he reminded him before he unwrapped them both so they could take off their clothes.

 

When they were finished and in their robes he took the cats hand and lead him to the back door where he picked him up after he opened the door. He closed it and walked down the path towards the hot spring like he had done once before. Once there, he let him down long enough to remove his robe and helped him into the water first before he joined him.

 

He pulled the other onto his lap, coiling his arms around his waist, his chin falling onto the cats shoulder. This day had been so busy, and he was beginning to feel tired, but he was looking forward to the rest of the night. With a long breath, he closed his eyes, letting his stiff muscles relax and calming himself further. He couldn't believe he had done it. He was now married, and thankfully it was with someone he felt a connection. Someone who cared for him and not anyone just doing it for the money, or position, or his family linage.

 

Just someone that wanted him, and only him.

 

Now he just had to face his father later, and he knew he wouldn't be too happy about this arrangement. But it wasn't like he could do much about it. Arion made sure there had been too many credible witnesses, word had already been spreading about his sudden marriage. And he was happy about it. Except one little detail.

 

Children.

 

He had wanted a family of his own. To carry on his mothers name. But he guessed he would just have to settle for adoption instead. Those were thoughts for another time, something he would discuss with his husband later.

 

Turning his head, he buried his face into Akira's neck for a moment before he kissed his skin and rested his chin back onto his shoulder.

[Arekushisu]

Akira giggled and undressed the rest of the way when he was released from the kiss. He then grabbed knights hand and followed him giggling once again when he was picked up and walked to the hot springs. He hadn't gotten to see it the last time they had been there and he was surprised to see the beautiful water that reflected the light of the moon. He blushed and waded down into the water his eyes falling to his body which was visible through the clear water. He blushed even darker looking back at knight who was taking off his robe. Akira could see all the muscles in his body and his chest and he wanted to touch him. His hands wanted to run across his skin and feel him.

 

He scooted forward for knight and he smiled a small giggle leaving his lips when he was pulled in the water up onto knights lap. He felt the mans form jawline on his neck and he closed his eyes his body already tingling from the water working at his muscles. He sighed softly feeling the soft kiss to his neck before he opened his eyes leaning back against knight.

 

"What's wrong? You haven't said a word..." He said a slight sound of worry in his voice as he turned slightly to see knights face. "You shouldn't worry about how life will be or what happened tonight or what people will think or where we are going after this. I have thought too..,and I know the rules of lineage you're father is going to want heirs and such. But tonight isn't the night to worry. Remember tonight is our night. The time for us." He said taking the mans hand in his and tracing the heart that goes there. It seemed to happen more than he meant to but it didn't to make knight smile and cheerful again. "I am worried too...about where our life is going to go but with you. I'm not scared...with you as long as I have you...I don't care what happens to us. We could live in a box with no money and just having you would make me the happiest person on earth." He blushed looking away trying to hide his face. "I...I' know you're tired so you shouldn't worry about such things till we have to.

[Envy]

Knight looked up when he heard Akira's voice.

 

He was silent as he listened to what he had to say, a small smile curving his lips as he felt the finger run over his palm. Tightening his arms slightly, he settled back with the cat pressed close.

 

“I'm not too tired to stay up with you.” he told him.

 

Certainly he was not going to sleep without consummating their marriage.

 

Shifting the cat in his lap, he turned his head a little more so he could lean in and give his lips a soft kiss. A soft kiss that turned into a rain of kisses, each one getting a little firmer and a little longer until he finally pulled back, a small smile coming to his lips.

 

“Besides, I have a promise to keep. One you asked me for, remember?” he said before he nipped gently at his bottom lip.

 

His eyes lifted enough to look down into his “Something about making love to you I believe. And I did say I would,” he finished before he gave the nipped lip a small kiss.