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It's a quiet night, even with the storm. The castle was grand and magnificent, built to withstand worse than this. The occasional rumble of thunder is like a murmur in the dark, the stolen sky above them reminding their home of its presence. It was comforting, in a way. If one were to walk by a window, they would be met with the muffled hush of the rain. A lover’s sigh in this horrific place at the end of the world, shared in gentle intimacy.
Horror continues his walk, peeling his gaze away from the clouds. It was a sight he didn't deserve, after all he'd done. This taste of the surface, the waking world, was an illusion of the life he dreamed of having as a young man. His brother was sure to have plenty to say about the phenomenon if he were here to enjoy it with him. As it was, his slippers are soft on the unforgiving floors, his lone footsteps only heard when the thunder stills.
Sometimes, he can still hear the crunch of snow. The cold of soaked socks. The splatter of fresh blood.
His slippers are soft, here. Warm. His robe is clean, and his hands don't shake nearly as much as they used to.
It wasn't paradise. Far from it - but, over the years, this castle had well and truly become his home.
Horror turns a corner, away from the window-lined hall. He knew the path to the kitchens by heart. On more than one occasion, he had walked there in his sleep.
He scratches at his sternum idly, yawning with little care. He was comfortably in his boxers, fully intending to go back to bed after a midnight snack. The walls were thick, and though the shadows were more than happy to gossip, the walls told no tales. Everyone else would typically be asleep at this hour, barring the man of shadows himself ( who would tell you honestly that he has no need of sleep, only for you to find him three nights later deep in slumber out of some form of selfish indulgence. ) Horror liked being awake when the others weren't. There was a vulnerability that he allowed himself in the idle quiet these days - permission to simply be.
He passes a couple doors on his way. His companions' quarters. It wasn't every night that each of them stayed within their own spaces, having grown so familiar with one another that shared beds were hardly remarked upon, but it seemed tonight was one of those rare occasions. He passes by most of them without much thought to their occupants.
Most, except one.
There's a flutter behind his ribcage as he pauses in front of Dust's door. The smallest of their motley crew. The mysterious, dashing rogue. The infuriating, know-it-all brat. The efficient, ruthless murderer. His dirty little open secret.
His toothy smile creeps higher at the edges. He leans in closer to the door, listening for anything at all, knowing that the walls would lend well to sound-proofing. The thing is, it really was so quiet that Horror could have heard the rustle of a frightened bunny from a mile away.
There's something on the other side of this door, and it isn't the gentle rhythm of snoring. Heavy, ragged breathing, fits the description more, in between sniffles and hiccups. A tight coil of need twists itself in Horror's gut. The need to protect and to provide.
Horror's grin falls, concern filling in the space left behind. His steps are urgent when he finally manages to tear himself from Dust's threshold, but he keeps his footing light and efficient as he speeds towards the kitchens again. He wasn't going to enter empty handed.
---
There's berries, apples, and raisins. Crackers, chips, and bread. Cheese, jam, and salami. Pretzels, nuts, and chocolates. It's a charcuterie board of sorts, filled with all sorts of finger foods and bite-sized morsels that Dust can munch away on without much thought at all. It's a lot, but most of it was just sitting in the fridge or the pantry already. All he did was put it on a big plate.
He was originally intending to heat up the leftovers in the freezer, but that process would have taken just as long and provided a much lesser yield, he thinks.
The perfect pieces are carefully collected for Dust, knowing his distaste of soggy grapes, spicy cheese, and white chocolate- just to name a few. It had taken him quite some time to learn of these preferences, however, because if Dust were served any of these hated ingredients, he would finish his meal without fuss anyway. It's a similar instinct to his need to finish his meals completely ( the leftovers in the freezer are never from his plate, thank you. ) Likely spawning from the time each of them spent hungry. Dust's completely desolate universe and Horror's eight year fast. The trick was to figure out the things they got excited for.
Filled with the intent to bring Dust not only comfort, but joy, Horror knows that everything he's plating is going to taste extra delicious, filled the brim with consideration. He cleans as he goes to save himself the headache later. He packs it up diligently, storing it safely within his inventory for the quick trip back to Dust's room.
A snack will do him well. He will be tired and worn out from spiraling so low, but Horror will do his best to give him a soft landing. He had the ability, now, to consider him so dearly. After Horror had spent many sleepless nights battling paranoia and delusions, reality had become sweeter than ever before thanks to his grounding presence.
They could not run from the past, and every day was an opportunity to make the same mistakes, but if there was the hope of falling into the arms of someone who understood you, who would wait for you, who cherished you? They had come to grip that hope with all ten fingers, sinking their claws into the mere possibility. The burden of their regrets and sorrows could be shared and relieved among their rag tag group. He would do a lot for him - a midnight snack and a cuddle was a drop in the ocean of his desires.
He steps closer, raising his knuckles to rasp an even, slow three knocks to the door.
All at once, the sniffles inside the room come to a halt. The only noise still making it out into the hall is the rapid, hyperventilated panting of a cornered animal. Horror swallows.
"Dust-bun. You hungry?" It feels silly to say, but it's better than asking if he was okay when he obviously wasn't. "I have snacks."
The breathing slows. For a moment, it even seems to completely disappear. He gentles his expression just in time for the door to click open, revealing the most haggard looking skeleton he's come to adore. It's a small relief that he's in his sleep clothes, meaning this particular episode might have been a single night of unrest. ( Though, the night was many long hours in...)
"Hey," Horror murmurs.
Dust nods at him. He only opens the door a crack, but it's enough for Horror to see his hand curl into a fist at his chest. He looks especially small and vulnerable without his hoodie, red, tattered scarf pressed up to his nose. He's otherwise covered by one of Horror's old tee's. It's been well worn and lovingly stretched out, hanging all the way down to his knees.
"Do you... wanna talk about it?"
A moment passes before he shakes his head no. Dust rests his skull against the cold dark wood of the door, weary from what was most likely hours of attempted rest. Horror was about to harp on him for isolating himself again, but that could wait until morning.
Dust sighs. "i could eat," he mutters, accepting the offer extended to him - one of company and shared affection. It's not just the snacks. He knew what it meant for Horror to be here at all, so when he steps back, opening the door wider for his entry, he avoids looking anywhere but the floor.
The door locks behind Horror with a soft click. The only lights were the ambient, dim glow of their eyes and a few flickering candles, sending the corners of his room into the dark unknown. Horror keeps his gaze clear, and waits patiently to be directed.
The next thing he feels is Dust pressing against him, head coming to a rest above his sternum. Horror wraps his arms around his willowy frame, holding him together as best he could. Dust sighs again, his hands twisting in the fabric of Horror's shirt.
"Y'okay?" Horror asks softly.
Dust nods against him, hugging him tighter. "i'm fine. just... can't sleep."
Horror hums. He nudges Dust in the direction of his bed and they get the hint, moving out of his hold to walk them over. Horror shuffles, careful not to trip over anything that might be on the floor. He trusts Dust not to lead him astray, but he was more focused on the wellbeing of his host.
He's being pushed over, guided into place to sit up against his pillows. Horror follows easily, and when Dust climbs up and into his lap, he purrs tentatively, pulling him in. He responds weakly to the purring, mostly giving in and letting Horror's deep rumble soothe him. He sniffles.
"sorry," Dust mumbles.
Horror feels his soul tug at that. Nothing has happened that requires an apology. He frets over him for a moment, shushing him. "It's okay. I'm not going anywhere."
He's shaking. Horror had figured it was just his own purrs, but Dust was definitely trembling against him.
He rubs soothing hands over his tired bones, leaning down enough to press a skeleton kiss to the top of his skull. He glances over to the bedside table, where one of those lit candles sits. He reaches for it, moving it safely out of the way before bringing out the makeshift charcuterie. Dust huffs a startled chuckle against him.
"what the hell?" he breathes. "did you bring the entire fridge?"
Horror grins. "Could've, but no. It's just snacks. You'll like them."
He pats Dust encouragingly, and he shifts up into a more comfortable position to eat. Horror grabs a bunch of grapes to start off, plucking off a couple with one hand and offering them over with another hum.
Dust's hands tighten against him again, and he finally, truly looks at Horror. His sockets are already stained with his tears as more well up. Dust glares, his teeth grinding together to stop himself from chattering. His voice breaks with devastation as he asks, "wh.. why?"
Horror titters, leaning down again to brush his teeth against Dust's forehead. "Love you."
Dust's breath hitches, and he near throws himself against Horror's chest, knocking the wind out of him. Horror grunts, putting the bunch of grapes down to better hold Dust as he breaks apart on him, rattling weakly.
"you shouldn't."
Horror clicks his teeth. "Too late, little bunny."
"i- i'm not..."
"Yes, you are," Horror huffs, not letting him finish the self-deprecating thought. He's wrapped around them as wholly as he can be, nuzzling against him. "You are worth it, and I want you, and I will do it again."
Dust whines, protests trying to break through the wall of Horror's resolve, but they've had this debate before, and there is nothing that Dust can say to convince Horror not to want him. They stay together like that for a while longer, until Dust's cries settle back into shallow breaths.
"You have been through enough," Horror grumbles. "Rest now. I have you."
Horror cups his skull in his scarred hands, lovingly pressing him into a flutter of smooches. Dust whines again, but it's scrunched through a tired babble of giggles. His hand comes up to push his entire face away, and Horror grins wolfishly before licking his palm like a hungry cat. Dust yelps, wiping his hand off on Horror's shoulder. He just grins wider.
Dust huffs, rubbing his face on Horror too, just to get the message across. Horror doesn't mind. He's been covered in worse things. Dust presses his full weight against him, his eyes giving away just how tired he is.
Horror tries again with the grapes, offering just the one. Dust looks at it for a long moment.
That's fine.
Horror was skilled at prolonged bouts of patience.
That is, until Dust leans forward and deliberately, gently, eats the grape directly out of his fingers.
Horror freezes, sweat beading up on his skull as his soul starts to pound - his purrs quiet... and then ramp up tenfold. He couldn't hide how it affected him if he tried, and Dust definitely notices.
He chews slowly - testing a small hum of satisfaction at the fresh crunch - as Horror just watches. He doesn't give any impression that he's aware of his gaze other than the show. The sweetness goes down easy, and Dust offers a quick sigh before his mouth opens again, anticipating the next bite.
He picks up another grape and brings it closer to his teeth, so all Dust has to do is bite down. He sucks in the offering, another perfect crunch eliciting that same soft moan. Horror swallows, his big red eye light taking in every detail - his pinprick pupil frozen with a predator's focus.
This continues until they finish the small bunch Horror had prepared. Dust has completely melted against him, finally soothed enough to resonate his own purr with his.
He's being real cute, Horror thinks. Not that he's complaining, but Dust wouldn't usually go out of his way to be adorable like this. He says nothing about it, not wanting the fun to end too quickly.
He wiggles in his lap, teasing him further. Horror groans under his purrs, reaching over for the next treat. Apples, a slice of cheese, a cracker- he can do little else but watch as Dust so sweetly accepts each morsel, his small sounds pulling something animalistic from Horror's gut.
He dips a piece of bread into some jam, and when Dust eats it out of his hand, he licks a drop of jam off of Horror's thumb, too. A sinful thought occurs to him, leading to Horror dipping his fingers directly into the ramekin of sweet sauce and presenting it like a meal.
Dust reaches out to grab his wrist and shifts just enough for their eyes to lock. He licks up every drop, his searing gaze never leaving Horror's. There is no hesitation when he wraps around each sticky finger and sucks them down to the knuckle. His pretty tongue swirls around each digit, his sockets half-lidded in apparent pleasure.
When Dust slightly bounces on him, and Horror knows his own pleasure was more than apparent - that brat knew what he was doing to him. He can't complain now, relieved to see evidence of his lover's spark after a hard night.
Horror presses against that wicked tongue, teasing his claws against his softness. Dust moans, swallowing around him eagerly as Horror pushes in farther.
Shallow strokes in and out of his warm, wet mouth end with a lewd slurp. Horror stopped himself from breathing altogether, certain that any wayward sound may spook his prey.
Dust doesn't have any intention of running, now. He's given Horror ample opportunity to give up the chase ( to leave him in the dust where he belongs ) and he's chosen to stay. ( Again and again, he has chosen to stay. ) To stalk, to sink his teeth into his soft soul and rend his body to pieces under his rapacious talons. Dust pushes himself up, getting close enough to brush the point of his nasal aperture to Horror's cheek, close enough to feel his heavy gaze, close enough to kiss.
Horror shivers. Dust readjusts until he's straddling him properly, chest to chest. He sighs when their cores align through their boxers, his eyes fluttering shut with another soft moan. One large hand latches onto Dust's hip, urging him to roll harder against that heat.
Dust opens his eyes halfway again, looking up at Horror with a ravenous hunger. He licks his teeth, opening his mouth obediently for the next bite, vibrant purple tongue dripping with drool.
Rattling with desire, Horror picks up a piece of chocolate next. He places it deliberately into his open maw, keeping his warm fingers on it and urging Dust to savor the rich flavor. Dust whimpers, his brow stitching for just a moment as the decadence melts on his palate. The sight of his weary expression mixing with pleasure gets Horror's magic thrumming through his ley lines, his purr teetering on the edge of a true growl.
That desperate desire to provide is sated in this process, seeing Dust eat the food Horror prepared specifically for him. It's incredibly gratifying to hear those soft, happy little moans, to feel his body warm up under his hands. Dust was playing it up for him, not wanting him to worry for too long - and hell, that was a good sign. In order to get to this point, Dust had to trust him, in the dark, with a sudden meal under the fingers currently stuck halfway into his mouth.
His other hand could easily come up and crush his neck. He could have shoved that hand down his throat and torn out his soul. Could have broken his jaw, could have pinned him to the wall in the dark and taken everything he desired from him, protests muffled by the dusty scarf of his dead brother.
He couldn't even deny the thrill those thoughts threatened to invite. Dust was beautiful in every shape and form, whole or in pieces, in the highest peak of ecstasy and the lowest pit of despair. He had seen the worst of Dust, and still, and still, and still...
Though, Dust had every opportunity to do the same.
He was pressed up against Horror's shaking ribcage, inches away from the open wound of his skull, looking at him like he was the answer to every question he's ever had, and still, and still, and still...
Dust licks his fingers clean once more. He seems to have slowed down, his half-lidded eyes flickering like he's seconds away from sleep. Horror's hand moves from his hip to press reassuringly to his spine, and Dust shivers.
"i want you," Dust rasps, his hands reaching to paw at the line of Horror's underwear. "i can feel how fucking hard you are, babe. you like feeding me that much?"
"You're the one trying to ride me through our shorts," Horror grumbles. "I can get off just fine. You know you don't have to-"
Dust shakes his head and chuckles. "nah, i know. and i know you can, but... i don't.." He looks down, suddenly sheepish, almost afraid to disappoint. "i don't even know if i have the energy to get dicked down, i just..."
"Want to feel full?" Horror says, his mouth splitting into another grin. He licks his fingers, the same ones coated in Dust's own spit, and watches as Dust tries not to be horrifically turned on by it. He huffs, flushing brightly. Horror leans in to press a kiss to his pout. "S'alright, bunny. Whatever you want. Y'know I don't need much."
Dust's anxiety is eased from Horror's quick assurance. He nods, pawing at him some more. Horror kisses the corner of his mouth and maneuvers them to make this process easy. Once their boxers are off, Horror rearranges himself against those luxurious pillows, trying to find a spot that he wouldn't mind sleeping in.
Once he's sure, he pats his chest, and Dust climbs right back on. Horror does the hard part, guiding his erect cock into the inviting heat of his beloved's cunt. He groans low in his throat at the same time as Dust. There's a few tentative rocks as Dust considers changing his mind.
Horror doesn't let him think much, pulling him down to kiss him properly. Dust moans; a quick, soft little thing. He's sloppy in his fatigue, but Horror only finds that sweeter, happy to lead in even this. He enjoys every bit of Dust’s magic, savoring his familiar flavor. ( If he had this years ago, in the middle of the famine, he might have even considered biting his tongue clean off, delicious as he was. )
When they pull apart, Dust looks dazed, his colorful eyes warbling from lack of sleep, adoration, and desire. Horror lays back patiently, looking up at him with a truly besotted expression. Dust realizes he's looking, and when he meets that gaze, he blushes all over again. He mumbles something under his breath before flopping over and burying his face under Horror's chin.
They wrap around each other. Horror pulls the edge of a blanket over Dust and brushes his teeth to his skull.
"Love you."
Dust hums an affirmative, his breath slow and even. "love you."
A few minutes pass in the dim dark, lovers entwined under the cover of the night. The shadows dance on the walls thanks to the flickering light of the candles. Horror's desire to provide and protect is sated for the night, rumbling gently through his purrs. Dust is lulled to a gentle rest, tummy and soul content.
The silence is broken only by purrs, tiny snores, and a smacking crunch.
"oh my god," Dust mumbles through his sleep.
"What?" Horror says innocently, mouth full. "I'm hungry."