Embers of the Dragon - (Exellda - WolfDog12) (18+)

[WolfDog12]

It was nearly noon by the time Sougon had woken up but when he did, e found himself on top of Gareth. It was surprising because the elf didn't think he moved much in his sleep and now he was on top of the injured male. The smaller male noticed that the dragon was still completely out of it and took the time to try and get off him. However, Sougon had forgotten that he had taken off his shirt and their chests were pressed against each other. While the warmth was so welcomed, Sougon knew that he couldn't keep putting his weight onto someone as injured as Gareth had been.

 

While his heart was in the right place, moving wasn't exactly easy. The young elf felt their fingers entwined like they were lovers or something. It made him blush and his other hand shifted down and felt over Gareth. His body was rather toned. Sougon took a while to admire the feeling he felt under his fingertips as he moved them over Gareth's body. It was such nice smooth skin and when the elf pulled himself out of his thoughts to try and move, he didn't take into account that his train of thought had actually gotten him aroused. So, when Sougon moved to try and get off, his nipples were flicked, causing him to twitch and let off a tiny moan of pleasure. Crap... That just made things so much worse.... Now he had to hold still... if he moved, he'd end up pressing his most embarrassing erection ever against Gareth's leg.

 

The elf laid completely still for a while. It was so hard for him to lay like that with his hips slightly in the air and all he could do was beg and plea that Gareth didn't wake up or move in any way. If he did, Sougon would probably lose his mind or die of embarrassment. Though, keeping the space was probably going to cause his worst nightmare because without Sougon's body pressed against Gareth's, it probably wasn't as warm... Of course, it would only be natural that one would try and follow that warmth and would seek it out. Still, he just hoped that Gareth's leg didn't lift searching for the warm body again and grind into his already hard.... Crap it was getting worse the more he thought about it...

 

Sougon tightened his grip into Gareth's hand a little as he whimpered slightly, upper body still pressed against the dragon, lower body still raised trying to seek out an escape route. Maybe he could try and get off but moving was really hard now and there was an even higher chance of Sougon having to lower his body to prevent taking all the covers right off them. If he did that, there would be no way that Gareth could remain asleep and would probably open his eyes to the sorry state Sougon had ended up in. There had to be another way out of this.

 

Thinking more and more, Sougon tried to seek out an alternative but quickly noticed that he could hear the doctor. He was looming close by and if the elf made too much noise, he'd walk in.... But there was still the chance that he would walk in anyway and see the dark-eyed male with his hips hovering above them and a doctor would of course know what was going on... Sougon had done so well to keep the fact that he found guys more attractive a secret but it would all be for nothing if he was suddenly discovered here hard because he found himself too close and toughing Gareth.... Not to mention his nipples were way too sensitive for this situation. There had to be something.... Sougon was practically in tears as his mind raced a mile a minute trying to figure out what to do. Does he move? Does he stay still? If only it would just go down... but it just wasn't....

[Exellda]

The moment Gareth felt movement, he was awake, although the mischievous dragon did not open his eyes. Sougon must have finally woke up. What time was it anyway? Before Gareth had the thought to move Sougon brought him out of his thoughts when he suddenly felt the other male's hand brushing against his... muscles..? Then Sougon shifted- Oh- What was that sound? The little noise caused the dragon to peak from under his lashes. Well, if he was trying to see anything, he couldn't... His eyes were still blurry from sleep. Guess he would have to listen... Just what was the elf doing? Why did Gareth feel a little colder..?

 

Then Sougon was completely still... And for a moment he almost thought the other male went to sleep. In fact he was falling back to sleep when Sougon started to squeeze his hand. The dragon decided that maybe it was time he 'woke up' after he heard Sougon make another... awfully sexual sound. He sounded almost frustrated? Opening his eyes was the first step, blinking was the next and seeing Sougon... Oh... He looked red in the face. "S...Sougon..?" He said in a groggy, sleepy voice, "Are you okay?" He asked before yawning. His yawn made him want to stretch, and without thinking that's exactly what he did. Gareth released Sougon's hand, lifted both arms above his head and stretched. Both of his legs stretched at the same time as well- But then he felt cold and quickly retracted, but in doing so, Gareth bumped into Sougon's crotch-

 

And the dragon went completely still and silent, his mind went completely blank. Was that... What he thought it was? The realization hit him hard and a blush crept right onto his face, highlighting his cheeks. Jeeze. What an interested way to start off today... His birthday of all days. "Well that was certainly unexpected. Say, you were not trying to mate with me while I was unconscious, were you? I've never had anyone present themselves as a gift before..." Gareth said in a hushed voice, surprise evident in his voice. Surely this was some kind of mistake. Perhaps the poor thing had one of those dreams. Gareth was calm about it, he wouldn't make fun of the other male. "I'm sure this is a misunderstanding... I promise I won't tell your lover." Gareth said with a wink, tucking a lock of hair behind his own ear. It was obvious that Gareth had not suspected that he was the reason for the other male's boner.

 

Now then... How to address this situation? How could he help Sougon..? Hold up. He just realized that he could hear the doctor walking in the hall. And by the sound of it he was heading this way. So they had to act quick. Gareth thought he had a clever idea. So in one movement, he sat up, pulling Sougon with him and onto his lap. He pressed his index finger to Sougon's lips and simply hushed him, "Shh..." Then Gareth shifted so that his legs hung over the edge of the bed. Well, he guessed he'd have to figure out how to walk after being unconscious for almost a day. Sougon would have to trust him. He hadn't asked what the other male wanted to do, Gareth had just reacted on impulse because something told him that Sougon didn't want to get caught.

 

Up he went, wrapping his arms around Sougon's slender frame, even grabbing the blanket with ease, Gareth started to wobble over to the fire pit. The dragon shivered again, once more reminded that he was not fully healed. Damn the fire felt so nice... For Sougon, probably not as much? He didn't know. But Gareth had a high heat tolerance. So he sat down, more or less actually falling down onto his butt, Sougon landing on his lap. "Nothing to worry about now, he won't be able to tell..." Gareth said, slowly helping the boy off his lap. By the time he got Sougon to sit down next to him and wrap the blanket around the both of them, the doctor just walked in.

 

Gareth was a pro at acting as if nothing happened. Although, if one looked at his eyes, there was a mischievous look, a fire that burned in his eyes. They had not been caught.

 

The doctor looked at the two males with interest, "Out of bed again, are we... Gareth? Was it? You should really learn how to stay put. You might open your wounds if you're not too careful. And Sougon, since you went out of your way to save your friend's life, I would have thought you'd make sure that he would stay in bed, especially after what happened yesterday." The doctor lightly scolded.

 

"Awe, come on doc." Gareth huffed out, almost like a pout. "I feel alright enough to be out of bed. Besides, I'm not doing anything too extreme... Just sitting with Sougon by the fire. I was cold, so I moved. Don't blame Sougon." Gareth said, easily coming up with an excuse that both covered why they were sitting there and why he was out of bed. He was lying, but for anyone who didn't know him, they couldn't have guessed. Sougon was the only one who could see through the lie. There was also the fact that Gareth still felt uneasy around this doctor... Why? He still hadn't a clue...

 

There was a pause and then a sigh that escaped the doctor, "Alright boys..." He crossed his arms, "I suppose you two are hungry. I'll be back with some food... I better see you back in your bed resting, Gareth, by the time I get back... I don't mind if you move your bed closer, but you must rest. You're still ill, I can tell, you're awfully pale and I don't want you to lose consciousness again." The doctor lectured, making his way out of the room once Gareth told him that he would be back in bed.

 

Once the doctor left the room, Gareth leaned back onto the ground. He looked over at Soungon with a faint smile, "Now what? You better take care of that problem of yours." The dragon teased lightly, letting out a small chuckle. "Better hurry, because I'd like to move my bed closer to the fire..."

[WolfDog12]

Sougon was really trying to hold his composure but it seemed impossible given the situation. The young elf jumped as his name was called and started at Gareth, eyes wide with fear, face red from embarrassment. This wasn't good but he might still be able to get out of this. If he could move quickly enough then Sougon should be able to move and get out of the bed before his secret was dis-.... too late. The dragon had stretched but retracted his legs quickly causing Sougon to let out a tiny yelp as his crotch was hit. He quickly looked away feeling completely mortified. Damn now Gareth would know the truth, would know of his feelings and.... nope, he didn't seem to understand one bit... though why did that hurt so much more than him knowing the truth?

 

"Er, It's not like that...." he mumbled. But was it? 'This really isn't a good time to say happy birthday is it?... Damn... if I was smoother I'd say it and then tell him that I really was presenting myself..... I'd probably grind my hips against him a little.... There is no way I can do that!!! Too embarrassing!!!' Sougon was thinking to himself in a complete panic and yet, still he managed to hold still trying his best to hide his shame... It wasn't really working.

 

"... I promise I won't tell your lover."

 

Oh wow. Seriously? Sougon is in bed with this dragon and has a terrible boner and yet, Gareth thinks he has a lover? They kissed and got really close... and HE THINKS HE HAS A LOVER?! Damn, it was hard to tell if this dragon was stupid or just unusually dense or something. On top of it all, Gareth topped it off with a wink that just made the elf want to grab the pillow and hold it over the dragon's face until he stopped struggling. So he was oblivious and stupid... great... Why did Sougon fall for this guy?

 

The anger was slightly present though hard to see beyond the bright red face and that Sougon wasn't looking at Gareth not and just had his head down. He was shaking slightly through rage though that could easily be misinterpreted as fear as the doctor could be heard approaching.

 

The dragon seemed to be a quick thinker because at least he wasn't stupid enough to think Sougon wanted to get caught in his current condition. He was switched into a sitting position with the blanket still around him and Gareth got up, taking the elf with him. Sougon quickly adjust his weight to be even lighter than usual but it was all he could think to do. He was brought to be in front of the fire and landed on Gareth's lap gently before being shifted next to him and the blanket brought around both of them. It was mere seconds after they settled that the doctor came in but at that moment Sougon could only focus on trying to make his erection go down... It was rather difficult.

 

"I can't help it, he's a dumbass," Sougon said in response to the doctor about him being out of bed. Of course, the dark-eyed elf was really thinking about how Gareth didn't realize that erection was because of him. The comment was more of a shot towards the dragon than an explanation for their sudden change of scenery.

 

After the doctor finally left, Gareth leaned back and commented on Sougon's little problem, even telling him to hurry up because he wanted to move the bed. "I swear, you are more dense than Palu bread (Basically corn bread with a slightly sweeter flavor)!" Sougon stood up, moved the bed himself just lifting it almost into the air and pushed it right next to the fire before the elf turned to leave. "Happy birthday you moron! And just so you know, I don't have a lover, I don't have wet dreams and honestly, I'm more into guys. Also, I have only kissed the person I like so if you need it more spelled out than that you can drop dead from idiocy." Sougon was usually level headed but something about this made him snap. The elf ran out the door avoiding the doctor completely. He was pissed and sprinted for the woods.

[Exellda]

The other male was becoming harder to understand, or at least that's what Gareth thought. He didn't get it... No, he didn't get Sougon... Especially right now. The small man seemed to be a bundle of angry and displeasure. Well, at first he seemed all shy and flustered that he had been caught but then... then he got all mad? After he helped him out? Man, Sougon had even made fun of him when the doctor had come in just now... Gareth was starting to think that maybe it was a bad idea that he stayed here... Maybe he should leave sooner, rather than later. This guy sure threw many tempter tantrums. Sougon reminded Gareth of a child... That was all he could think when Sougon moved his bed, then ranted at him, then bolted out before Gareth could think of an explanation.

 

What is... Palu bread? He wondered whilst laying on the ground. Gareth could only imagine that it was some kind of dense bread..? Heck, if only he knew... Being from a different continent and all, Gareth was kind of in the dark. Then there was the fact that Sougon had no other lovers... Which Gareth thought was a little weird. He would have thought Sougon would have had one. In Sabbas, it was more or less normal to have a couple of 'lovers'... Sometimes one lover was your mate, one was your comforter, one could be your cuddler... and so on. However, there was only one person you mated with usually... The people of Sabbas usually stuck with one mate during their life time, not because they can't change it, because they don't want another mate. It was usually fate, destiny, soul mates... that's what brought them together, so why break it? Gareth had suspected that Sougon had another lover... Was that not customary here? Apparently not... It also seemed that it was somewhat offensive? Strange lands... Also, there was that part where Sougon mentioned that he only kissed people he liked... Well, for Gareth that meant three things... Sougon liked him, which was an interesting thought. Secondly, Sougon kissed him... was there anyone else? If so, how many others?

 

Oh, and how did Sougon know it was his birthday..?

 

Gareth didn't have much time to dwell on that fact because the doctor just walked in, carrying two trays. "My, my, you must have said something to make Sougon mad." Commented the doctor.

 

The dragon let out a sigh, "Yeah, sure did apparently. I am noticing that he has a habit of storming out of the room like a toddler when he's angry..."

 

"Well," The doctor said after a chuckle, "The lad has more years to grow... He's still finding his way. Just leave him, I'm sure he'll get over it eventually..." He said, setting the one tray down next to the dragon. "I had made dinner the both of you... but seeing how Sougon just ran away, who knows when he'll return." The doctor said with a shrug. "I recommend that you get back into bed after you eat. Get some rest, and you might even be ready to go by tomorrow... You're still way too injured to fly, Gareth, please head my words." The doctor said very politely, and then started to head out, "I'll take Sougon's tray into the kitchen and leave it there for Sougon, so if he returns, he knows where it is." But then the doctor paused by the door, looking a little worried, "And Gareth... I know you've made friends with Sougon, but please do tread lightly around him. I am sure he might mean well, but that doesn't mean his father will. Sougon's father is a cold man, who, I wouldn't put it above him to chase you down. Please be careful, or you might not make it home..." And that would be the only warning the doctor would give Gareth...Perhaps if the Dragon would have little trust in Sougon, it might be a little easier to capture him...

 

And so, the doctor left quietly, shutting the door behind him.

 

Gareth found himself alone in the room now... Unsure how he felt now. As much as he tried, he couldn't get what the doctor said out of his mind. Made him worry... Perhaps... It was strange how Sougon was leading him on so quickly? Gareth hadn't been opposed to being a lover... but what the doctor said made him feel incredibly uneasy. It wasn't Sougon he was nervous about... Or was it? Would he tell his father about him? Should he expect betrayal? Gareth felt contradicting thoughts mess with his mind... Maybe if he ate something he could finally clear his mind... So that's what Gareth did.

 

After finishing his plate, he left it on the ground, pulled himself up and then plopped onto the bed. Maybe... He would head the doctors advice and get the hell out of Quig... After a nice nap... Gareth got comfortable, pulling the blanket over him and then curled up. He promptly fell asleep without much resistance. The doctor's medicine working wonders...

[WolfDog12]

It took a couple hours but Sougon finally managed to calm down and think things through. He usually had such a long fuse and everything... and yet, Gareth had only said a few words that set him off. Damn he felt so stupid for falling for that. The teen looked at the sky just realizing how stupid he had been. The dragon was from another land with another culture and yet, Sougon didn't take the time to think about that. All of this could have been avoided if he just calmed down and explained everything to him. Taking a deep breath, the dark-eyed elf knew he was in the wrong... The only reason he reacted like that was because he was too damn embarrassed not to. Hell, he got caught with a boner, while laying on top of his injured friend... How terrible was that.... Though, no one was blaming him for being embarrassed just for acting the way that he did after being confronted about it. Sougon took a nice deep breath and stood getting ready to head back.

 

The elf quickly prepared himself for any and all questions as he walked over towards the doctor's place again. Just outside, however, his father saw him and grabbed him. "You have some nerve disappearing for the past couple days!!! You're such a useless boy!!!" His father was so loud that it caught a lot of attention, though most took one look and looked away to keep on walking.

 

"LET GO!!" Sougon shouted as he pulled trying to break from his father's grip. Of course, he was unable to as his father twisted and threw Sougon to the ground before using his power to pin the young man down. The dark-eyed elf shouted and tried to use his power to lighten the pressure but his father's anger was too much for the younger one to go against. He struggled but the pressure on him was too great and Sougon could hardly breathe as his chest was forced into the ground, nearly breaking bones.

 

The doctor came out to defuse the situation not wanting it to go on in front of his house. That ticked Sougon's father off but he at least respected the doctor enough to do as he was told. He made one more direct force straight down on his boy's chest until he coughed and turned onto his side to spit up some blood. His father then went into the doctor's house looking for some medicines while Sougon laid on the ground outside for a while, breathing heavily.

 

A few minutes later, his father left and returned home as the dark-eyed elf finally found it in him to get to his feet and stumble back into the doctor's house. While the doctor wanted to help, Sougon refused his offer and walked over to Gareth's room. He reached out unsure if he should knock or just walk in... Finally he raised his hand enough to knock properly on the door. Heck, the dragon was probably out like a light if he didn't get woken from the fight.... It was rather loud but short so maybe he did wake but fell straight back to sleep. Sougon just wanted to make up with Gareth as soon as possible. He acted so stupid and now wanted a chance to make it right. His chest hurt so much but this pain would all be worth it if he could once against make up with the one he found he liked.

 

"G-Gareth...." his voice came out a lot weaker than expected. Must be from his inability to get air in properly. How could his own father do damage like this to him? Well, Sougon knew it was because his father truly hated him. Sure, he didn't want to be his father but the man was absolutely insane so there really was no way anyone would want to be something that greedy. Sougon just wanted adventure.

[Exellda]

"Gareth... Gareth..!" The dragon heard a familiar voice call out to him. He found himself sitting on a flat field, tall blades of grass moved like waves as the wind blew softly. Gareth was completely aware that he was dreaming. This was a certain special kind of magic his people could do. When two minds were close to one another, they could communicate whilst they dreamed. So family members, loved ones, other friends or even lovers could talk with you. The person in particular that Gareth wanted to talk to was Marel.

 

"Ma'..." He said groggily, even in his dream his body felt heavy. It was difficult for him to sit up. As he did, he found himself being pulled into a hug.

 

"I have been so worried about you..." Marel said as she squeezed him tightly, "Why are you not home yet..? I thought you would be here by now... Everyone is awaiting your return, dear..." Sensing something was wrong, she pulled away, looking at his face. Her brows furrowed, her face was that of worry, "Gareth... What's the matter, dear? I can tell something's not right... So out with it."

 

A soft smile formed on Gareth's face, "Even when I am dreaming you can still read me so well..." He said with a soft chuckle. Then he cut right to the chase. "On my way to Quig, I was struck down with lightning. I crash really hard into some trees... I got severally wounded... I... Honestly thought I was going to die there. But then Sougon had miraculously showed up. Long story short, he got me to his healer... I am currently resting in one of the beds. I think my wounds are fully healed by now."

 

"Oh Gareth..." Marel said softly, "I am so happy that you're still alive... I've worried about you since I saw you off... When I felt sleepy, my instincts told me that you were reaching out to me. I knew you were alive. Relief overwhelms me..."

 

"I know, I know..." Gareth could feel a light breeze caress his skin. "However, I think I have been betrayed... I am unsure. I wanted to hear your thoughts on it." Marel gave him a nod, signalling him to continue. "As you might have noticed, I have been having a hard time moving. I think... I think I might have been drugged by the healer. I've never felt so heavy before. And at the same time, I worry about Sougon, whether I should trust him or not. The healer made me aware of his father, who, no doubt would hunt me... It unsettles me if I am being honest-"

 

"Gareth..." Marel interrupted with a small smile, "I almost don't know why you are consulting me about this. Don't your instincts work anymore? I am sure your heart knows who and who you should not trust." She tucked some of his hair behind his ear before pinching and pulling on his ear. "Who has your eyes, besides the people of Sabbas?"

 

"U-uh, ...Sougon?" Winced Gareth.

 

Marel nods, "And who saved your life?"

 

"Sougon."

 

"Who fearlessly approached you at the festival?"

 

"..Sougon..."

 

"Why then, are you resisting him? Haven't you a clue, dear? I am sure your instincts have told you the truth by now. Tell me, what are they saying?" Marel said, releasing his now pink ear.

 

Gareth closed his eyes, focusing for a moment before saying, "I can trust him."

 

Marel nodded, "Anything else?"

 

"Well..." Gareth hesitated, "At first, I was unsure if it would be this easy... I was as hesitant as I am now. I... probably foolishly had mistaken Sougon's advancements and possibly his sudden feelings towards me... I, admittedly, ignored my feelings, as I found it strange that I could have an attraction so effortlessly... It was strange that someone I just met seemingly wanted to share his world with me. My instincts told me that. I fear I might have made him upset. However he ran away before I could even discuss it with him."

 

"So what is Sougon to you then?" Marel asked, knowing that Gareth was about to come to a realization.

 

Gareth furrowed his brows at the question. "Well he's..." The dragon paused, "...not exactly a lover of sorts. It's... He's... Well..." His face softened, "A soulmate..? Is he my soulmate?"

 

Marel laughed softly, "Dear... Only you can know that. But yes, if I had to guess, that's what he is to you... Fate has wondrous ways of allowing people to meet. You shouldn't take it for granted that you met your soulmate while you are still young. With that being said, is that what you wished to discuss with me?"

 

Gareth nodded softly, "Yeah... I think so... I feel... Kind of foolish for not acknowledging my feelings and instincts..."

 

"I am sure Sougon will understand. You two are from different lands, you both must give each other time to understand. I am sure it will all work out, hun...." Marel said, slowly releasing Gareth all together. "Will I get to see you return home?"

 

"Yeah... I think so... I just need to get out of here first. I'll see you maybe in a day or two... Depending on whether I can fly or not tonight." Gareth gave Marel one more hug, "Thank you for being here for me... I'll talk to you later. Goodbye for now..."

 

"Goodbye, Gareth." Marel started to fade.

 

---

 

Gareth awoke with a start. He panted a little, trying to regain his breath. His eyes opened and looked about the room which was empty. How long had he been out? Shit. He wouldn't be going anywhere if he didn't get out of bed... Just then a knock on the door startled him. Gareth was momentarily relieved to know that it was Sougon... But he could sense that something was wrong... It was probably time to listen to his instincts... Maybe Marel was right... Besides, out of everyone, he trusted her the most. Hearing his name, his eyes lazily glance over to Sougon. He could smell a hint of blood, actually there was some on Sougon. What the heck happened while he was passed out?

 

"Are you... Okay? What happened?" Gareth asked slowly, feeling groggy as hell. He was fighting it now, since his dream had enlightened him. "Sougon... You've got to help me get out of here... I'm healed enough. I need to escape as soon as I can but I cannot do it without your help. My instincts tell me that your healer has me captive by drugging my food... While I cannot prove this, I can say that I have not felt this way before. Trust me. Help me, please." Since Sougon had arrived, he would take this chance to have his aid. At the same time he wanted to care for whatever injury Sougon had sustained while out and about. Gareth, slowly but surely forced himself into a sitting position.

[WolfDog12]

Sougon stumbled in still panting as his chest could still feel the pressure of his dad's power. Seeing that Gareth was awake made him a bit nervous but it seemed the dragon had other things on his mind. This probably wasn't the safest place for him anyway so if they should move and get out of here as fast as possible. The elf nodded and grabbed onto Gareth's arm, placing it over his neck and helping him up to his feet. As shaky as he was, Sougon was at least able to use his powers enough to make it easier to lift the dragon onto his feet. Though, his own body felt like lead and he just wanted to fall right over.

 

Taking a deep breath, Sougon began walking trying to keep the two of them on their feet for a while. As they approached the door the long-haired elf glanced out to find the doctor. He wasn't anywhere in sight. "We have to be quick or he'll force you back into bed." Clearly Sougon had no intention on talking about himself or his injuries. Gareth had enough on his plate, no need to add worrying about him... He was already trying to ignore what happened between the two of them earlier. He should apologize though because it really wasn't the dragon's fault as he probably had different ways of doing things on Sabbas. That was such a basic thing taught to everyone of Quig because they were all merchants... Never get emotional over how other countries run. They have different ways of doing things so get to know them first... Damn did he forget such a basic concept.

 

They managed to slip out of the building without being detected but now they had to make it to the edge of the island without anyone getting worried. "Do you at least think you can stand on your own two feet? I'll keep your body light, you just need to stay balanced in case anyone comes by. This way, no one will see you injured and suggest we go back to the healer," He explained. Maybe not apologizing was rude but they'd have time for those kinds of things once they were safely at the water's edge and as far away from people as possible.

 

Sougon kept pushing forward, stopping only long enough to let go of Gareth and let people pass them without giving a second glance. It was fairly normal to see outsiders so Quig was definitely the easiest for them to navigate without prying eyes. Still, thankfully no one paid enough attention to realize it was a dragon of Sabbas because, that was one visitor they weren't so use to having. It worked out and the two were able to move on to a safe location where Gareth could take off without anyone noticing... Though he would probably have to fly in a different direction for just a little while until he couldn't be seen by the people. Shouldn't take long as the day grew closer to night.

 

"Hey," Sougon began as he lowered the dragon to the ground where they could both sit and take a minute to rest before Gareth had to leave. "Sorry about how I reacted earlier... That wasn't exactly fair of me, I know. You probably do things differently on Sabbas but here, you like one person and that's it... You find one love and you don't look towards others or you're considered a cheater," Sougon explained... Was he really saying this right? "Basically, I like you... like, a lot and you're the only one I like... I reacted that way because it sounded like you expected me to cheat... or that I was a cheater.... or something like that... Sorry, I don't fully understand it myself but I've been alone most of my life because of the color of my eyes... but I do know what love is." Ok... now he was rambling.

 

This day probably couldn't get much worse.... He was going to make himself crazy at this rate... time to calm down and hope that Gareth didn't hate him or something...

[Exellda]

Being escorted made it so much easier to walk. Gareth sometimes would allow his eyes to close and to feel Sougon's influences. He had always been wary about his eyes being different and maybe that had something to do with the wall he put around his feelings. It's probably the reason why Marel was his only 'lover'- of comfort and family. They weren't actually related but again, he still loved her as family. And now, here he was, walking with his soulmate. A soft nod was his only response when Sougon asked if he could walk. While it was true that they'd look less suspicious... He himself was quite the eye catcher.

 

No one of this land had ever seen someone from Sabbas... Then again no one actually knew that he was from Sabbas, so who couldn't have guessed? However, the difference was blatantly obvious... His black hair, his noticeable height difference. Gareth could practically feel the eyes looking at him while they walked though the village. However, he said nothing. He wanted to leave without causing a scene. And even though he was glancing around out of curiosity, he felt like this would all be a blur to him... Which actually made him sad that he wouldn't be able to remember half of his journey through Quig. Well at least Sougon was helping him by keeping him light on his toes. What a strange, unique power...

 

Eventually, as the day slowly got closer to night, they found themselves near the shores of Quig. Sougon lowered him to the ground and Gareth let out a huff of air. Once Sougon was done talking he took a moment to think about what he wanted to say. Maybe if he explained his own culture, Sougon would better understand him. "I see..." He said softly. So that explained why Sougon got so upset earlier. "I don't know how you expected me to know that when we've only just met." He sighed, "Then again, how would you know about my culture? I haven't even the chance to explain myself yet... So now I will."

 

And so Gareth, grabbed and tugged onto Sougon's hand gently. He wouldn't allow Sougon to pull away, so while his grip wasn't meant to hurt him, it was firm and guiding him, pulling the other male closer- until Sougon was sitting on his lap, facing away from him. Together, they were both looking at the ocean, the waves that crashed gently onto the shores. It was practically night time, so the stars were very prominent. "I shall explain to you, first, what the term 'lover' means in my country. It is not actually of love but of something that one likes. I'll try to explain in the purest of terms, so try to follow." Gareth said softly, pointing at the waters. "If I like the ocean, and you like the ocean, then we are both lovers- Lovers of the ocean."

 

"Let us say that all of the people of Quig adore the stars above, they too, are lovers. Lovers of stars." He said while looking, pointing up at the beautiful sky above them. "At home, we say things like lover to imply you like to something or even someone. Hmmn... Like Marel, we are not actually related but I consider her family. She also comforts me. Therefore we are lovers of both family and comfort- we like to act as family and we like to comfort one another. Meanwhile, there are those who are cuddler lovers, or tree lovers, or flying lovers... and so many more. I hope that makes sense to you." He said, leaning forward to press his lips to the top of Sougon's head.

 

"Now... In my country, when it comes to love- the one you describe... We merely say 'soulmate' or 'mate' for short. This means that they are your one and only. There's no use on seeking other love, once you know who your soulmate is, it is your destiny to be with them- without fail." Gareth slowly, wrapped his arms around Sougon, carefully, as he noticed that the other male had been hurting and struggling to breathe earlier. "However... if you really are my soulmate, and now I don't doubt that, you're are my forbidden fruit. Only I can have you. I will not share. I wasn't sure at first and I admit that because of my disbelief I might have given you the cold shoulder... But Marel spoke to me in my dreams and she opened up my eyes..."

 

The dragon let out a hum, and actual steam escaped his nose. "And I don't think I can leave you here, knowing that you're my soulmate... I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I left you here, finished my journey, had the celebration and then return- only to find you have vanished, or worse, have died without me at your side." Gareth found these words slipping right out of his mouth with ease, like he was meant to say it. And he felt the connection, with everything he said, he wanted Sougon to hear him- to hear his honesty and know that he was giving the other male a choice. "That being said, I will not force you to come with me. I understand if you have things to do, family to attend to or perhaps a business to run... We can rest here for the night, and I can give you that time to think it over. Either way, with or without you... I will be leaving in the morning. It's your choice." And he left it at that for now.

[WolfDog12]

Just after setting Gareth down near the water, Sougon was pulled down with him and forced to sit nearly on his lap in front of him, back turned towards the dragon. They were so close that the young elf could feel the warmth radiating into his back from the one he liked. Even now, Sougon still seemed to be working to catch his breath. On top of it all, his heart was racing and he didn't suspect it was from the running alone. Honestly, the explanation came as a comfort for now they could talk about something else and it was helpful to learn more about the Sabbas culture in what the word Love meant to them in hopes that there would be less of a misunderstanding. Of course, hearing the explanation only made the young elf feel far more embarrassed about the way he'd been acting. Part of him wished he could go back and do it all over again so he wouldn't get mad the way he did.

 

"I understand. When you mentioned lovers before with the kiss You could have thought I had a "Lover of kissing?" or something like that. Sadly, Quig doesn't have anything like that. The word "Love" Is something used for the one or ones you devote yourself to. And I only use ones in this case because if you start a family you'd love your kids," he explained a lot more calmly. Though, he wasn't all that calm with what Gareth said next. He was explaining that he thought of Sougon as his soulmate and that he was the only one for him. Not only that but the dragon seemed to have almost a possessive quality towards the young elf not wanting to let him go or allow him to find someone else. In that sense they seemed to be on the same wave length as Sougon didn't want to give up Gareth to anyone else which was why accepting his other "Lovers" Had been so hard at first. There was no one else for him but this dragon who's arms were wrapped firmly around his center. It felt so warm.

 

Running fast on this rollercoaster of emotion, Sougon knew that he had a choice to make. Gareth was going to leave, and while he wanted to take the elf with him, there were other things holding Sougon here. He still had to care for his ungrateful and greedy father, would have to receive punishment for helping Gareth escape, and he would have to make sure his sister didn't do something stupid to cover for him because despite tension, his sister did care for him and could potentially lose it on their father or the doctor and get seriously hurt. If he were to suddenly disappear what if she attempted to search for him and died in the fog trying to reach Sabbas? The risk seemed to be weighing heavily on Sougon and made it much harder to follow his heart and go with the dragon.

 

For now however, he was happy to be facing away from Gareth as his face was quite red. As worried as he could be with everything going on, it was always overly present with just how close he was to the dragon behind him. There was no one around now and all that talk about soulmates and Gareth's desire to dominate the young elf's affection was growing in his head and and making other parts of his body grow a bit more painful and tight. Was he that big of a pervert to want to just turn around and make out all night long? Maybe even touch each other? Probably... After all, Gareth was still injured so there was no way they could possibly do anything like that.

 

"I'm honestly a little surprised you trust me after everything that happened back there..." Sougon said almost without warning. "The people of Quig are all very greedy and couldn't possibly pass up on selling a dragon. I don't know if they wanted to sell you alive as a pet or if they wanted to sell you in pieces but I am so sorry that they drugged you like that. I'm no good as a doctor so I trusted him to keep you safe and clearly his greed devoured his judgement and I nearly lost you... See, I want to be with you, I never want us to part but my life is tethered here and I don't know if I can break the thread... Nor can I guarantee that I won't be killed by my father or the doctor. They may even go so far as to sell my eyes in replace of you..." This wasn't something he wanted to admit to but it was something he felt he had to say.

 

"I am unsure of what tomorrow will bring but for tonight, can we act like lovers... No... Soulmates?" His face was so red and not once had he been able to bring himself to look back. It would have seemed rude but even his ears were red so Gareth could probably already tell just what was going on with Sougon without even having to look at his face. His fists clenched and he seemed nervous about making such a request but his heart was racing and the insecurities about tomorrow seemed to give him just the amount of courage he needed.