Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The pounding of  feet against cobblestone alerted Chayne to the arrival of the visitor, judging by the quickened pace likely another of the busybody humans, phoenix bless them. So new to the village yet so eager to please, taking offhand comments as challenges with glee and giving gifts like each day was a holiday. Precious and honorable, really.

 His musings were cut short when the catalyst of his train of thought came to a stroll beside him, cheeks flushed that same sunset color that greeted him when he was gearing up to use the telescope. The telescope this same selfless human helped him fix all those cycles ago, the gesture so unexpectedly kind his ears went purple with the memory of his internal excitement and gratitude. 

Cool and collected on the surface, but internally warmed by their presence, Chayne turned from the water overlooking the bridge they crossed and addressed the subject of his reflection.

“Greetings Phoenixes' child, how may I be of service?” for that is what he does, he will serve this village for all he is able to, Maji's blessings were abundant when one knew what to look for. 

“Chayne! I’m so happy to catch you on your way to the shrine. I hope the skies will make for a clear view this evening?” They cooed, eyes and nose scrunching adorably as they smiled, making their query.

And there it was. That wide grin, inquisitive nature, and genuine selflessness that allowed the human to carve a special soft spot in the sage's heart. Maji help him, his older age and profession made him hesitate to express any affection, let alone to such a beloved member of the community. Should word get out that he was unable to maintain his wise, kind demeanor around one wonderful human, he would surely end up losing credibility with those who demanded a sense of propriety and professionalism. Surely at least Eshe would frown on such a pairing, if nothing else then for the fact he was the town's only healer. Then again…She frowned on many happenings in the village, but didn’t raise a finger. Perhaps he could…

“Chayne? Are you alright hon? Do you need to sit for a minute?” Their voice sent his thoughts scattering like chappas as he realized his dear friend was waiting for a response, and here he was, fantasizing. Oh Maji, help him . 

“Oh yes, I’m quite alright dear friend. I apologize, I admit, I lost my focus. I haven’t been getting the most restful sleep lately. You needn’t worry yourself though, I am sure it will pass like beautiful Luna each night.”

 He clasped his hands and gave a sidelong glance at them as he tried to play off his lapse. Chayne didn’t go into detail as to why he was unable to sleep, his body running hotter than the forge Sifuu took such pride in, his blood rushing to parts of him he hadn’t cared to give much attention to in years. Sages were not celibate by nature, but he felt his position as the primary healer took priority over such things. Until this one persistent creature born of mist came into his apothecary, and he was unable to get their visage out of his head the more they shared conversations. 

Gods, he was unable to think straight just glancing over at them. 

They spoke. “If you’re sure, my friend. I hope you don’t mind, but I wished to join you meditating this evening. May I accompany you? I would love to relax during the walk to the shrine.”

Chayne returned the grin, “Of course! The shrine is always available to those who wish to convene, and I would love your company. Additionally, if you are walking with me, it will give me peace of mind that you aren't flinging yourself off the highest cliff you can find.”

And it was true, more than once Chayne had seen this reckless human take a running leap off the cliffs that lead to town, and before he could even think to call out to them, much less try and emotionally prepare to heal the surely bloody and bruised mess of bones and unfamiliar flesh, he saw a downright manic grin before they…flew? 

No, not flew. They soared, kept aloft by the wooden wings of a glider. His heartbeat was all he could hear as they touched down near him, his sweet, reckless songbird. His panic clearly visible on his face, it must have been, for their concern was palpable as they rushed over on foot and took his hands in their smaller, calloused ones.

 It is a rare occurrence when he was on the receiving end of assistance with a panic attack, but such is the nature of being alive and experiencing new things. He was just glad few townspeople were there to witness his moment of flustered processing once he realized how hard his hands were gripping theirs, his glasses momentarily fogging up after he calmed as he blushed and collected himself. 

The memory itself was firmly planted in his recollection, if not for the adrenaline that surged through his being, then for how warm and right their hands had felt in his. He could see their eyes creased in worry, brow focused and furrowed, chest rising and falling as they matched his breathing. He would later dissect the memory and recall the smell of baked bread and…something spiced and earthy coming from them. He supposed they spent the day foraging and cooking prior to scaring his soul out of his body. 

“You’ve got me there, but I still want to insist you give it a try one of these days over a small distance. Over a creek perhaps, somewhere harmless. It's incredible!” They gushed over the feeling, bringing him back to the conversation at hand. Perhaps one day, he would take them up on it. But for now, he was content with the conversation at hand. 

“One of these days, you may convince me. With a helmet, and a pillow strapped to my posterior just in case.” He teased as they snorted at the mental image, continuing to laugh and chat as they walked in tandem the rest of the way to the shrine. 

‘ You will be my undoing, phoenix child.’

Chapter Text

Approaching the stairs leading to the familiar telescope, Chayne bent gracefully to adjust the lens and position of the beloved instrument. His tag along walked behind him, to the pillows nestled in front of the fountain and sat cross legged, seemingly content to observe. 

They both knew the routine by now, Chayne would search the sky for guidance and knowledge, and the resident adrenaline junkie would stretch out on the blankets nearby and search for falling stars as they enjoyed the warm night breeze. The crickets were playing a quiet symphony, and they could smell the crystal lake lotus from the shrine. The incense curled into the air, and lulled the pair into a serene headspace. It was perfect. Except for one issue…

Chayne swayed on his feet, determined to stay upright even as his tired limbs protested. He was exhausted, and his racing mind wouldn’t allow him to get much restful sleep. His companion was quick to notice his quick change in demeanor, observant as they were. 

“Hey hon, why don’t you come sit with me? You look like you're fighting to stay standing, much less observe with the focus you usually maintain. Won’t you take a moment here and rest?”

 Their voice floated over to his pointed ears and he nodded blearily, eyes blinking hard as he walked over to the pouf next to them. Kneeling, then deciding to sit in front of it and use it as a backrest.

“I suppose I must. My mind has been…turbulent. Restless. I am not my best at the moment.” He sighed, head tilting back on the cushion. “Your company is a welcome respite. I feel at peace.”

They smiled softly, head ducking. “As do I, I am glad to hear I can offer the same stability you gift me with each conversation,” they replied as they looked over at him. “Is there anything I can do to help you with how you're feeling right now?” 

Chaynes’ mind raced with possibilities, a soft touch, warm skin on his, worn with weather and work, freckles and the sweet scent of grass and baked goods. Maji how he wished to bury his nose into their soft neck, their smaller hands fisting the necklace he wore to bring him closer, mouth laving over collarbone as they sighed so sweetly, his hand threading through the nape of their neck to tilt their head back in gentle submission. His teeth poised over their neck, hot breath making them shiver under him as he imagined them shuddering and grinding up against him. 

“Good Lord Chayne, you’re sure you’re alright? You can hardly hold a conversation compared to an hour ago!” For what felt like the millionth time that evening, he was violently pulled into the present and was very aware of the flush traveling up his ears and down his neck. 

“Ah, yes! I am…fine.” Convincing, Chayne, really. Honestly, get a grip on yourself, pervert.

He glanced at his companion, happy his robes covered his pants as well, praying the blush he felt wasn't as obvious as he feared. Their steady gaze doing nothing to quell the heat in his bones, but being in the present helped stay focused on the conversation at hand. The last thing he wanted to do was make a fool of himself in such a way. Normal bodily function aside, if they figured out his inappropriate fantasies he couldn't imagine their relationship would ever be the same. 

“I suppose I am just…struggling to regulate myself physically.” He eventually stated, breaking eye contact and looking up to the dragon statue. “I have been struggling to relax enough to sleep, and my mind races out of control despite my meditation.” He confides, shoulders slumping slightly as he admits what he tried to conceal from the rest of the village. It wouldn’t do to worry them, after all. But he was as mortal as the rest of them, he supposed he would be a hypocrite if he tried to bottle his problems up and hide his vulnerability from those who he had seen at their best and worst.  

“Regulate, huh? I know what sometimes helps with that. I don’t remember a lot from my old life but…I loved when people I trusted would play with my hair. It helped ground me, and gave me something soothing to help my body settle down. How long has it been since you've been in contact with another person outside of in a medical or uh…priestly sense?” They asked, sitting forward and hugging their knees. 

“A while, occasional hug or handshake aside,” Chayne admitted, “I love the community, but it is very difficult for me to be comfortable being vulnerable with them. They mean well, truly. However I have struggled with showing my own problems. They come to me for assistance and grounding, but there is so much I can pour from my goblet until it runs dry as well.” 

“Understandable. You’re a pillar of the community, its a lot on one person with limited support. You know…” Their smile turned coy, “ I could help you physically relax the way that often helps me.” 

Chayne inhaled sharply, “Oh? And how is that?” He tried his best to keep the tremor out of his voice. 

“I will use my hands of course!” they gestured to his head. “Bald or not, lots of nerves there, and I have sharp nails. Let me try and see if this makes you feel better!” They stand up with a smile and make their way over to the pouf Chayne took as a backrest, and sit on it behind him so their knees are straddling the back of his head. 

He doesn't know how to react. Frozen, Chayne remembers he has a tongue in his head and goes to protest, only to be shushed by his persistent songbird.

 “Trust me hon, this is going to help relieve tension and possibly put you to sleep right here at the shrine.” They laughed at his flustered reaction, but after a moment he calmed and resigned to his head being used as a metaphorical grimmalkin scratching post. Sighing through his nose he tried to relax and not think about the heat emanating off their thighs he could feel at his ears.

Their hands are warm and calloused, as he recalled. And he feels a strange tingle go down his neck as they lightly, gently use their nails down the top and back of his head, down to his neck. Goosebumps break out on his skin, his body giving a small shiver at the cloying sensation. It is soothing, the repetitive strokes and gentle touch.

 He gives a long sigh, and can hear them give a small huff of endearment as he relaxes. His head lolls to the side to rest on their thigh, and they run those wonderful nails behind the raised ear down to his neck once again. His body slowly releasing tension, his brain trying to cement this memory inside forever. 

“Hmmmmmh, okay. I concede, you were right. This is very, very nice.” Chayne murmurs after a few moments. “I feel like I could float right to bed.” 

He can hear a smile, “That’s the goal hon. Do you want me to continue for a bit longer?”

 “ Please.” 

“Alright.”