Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A lively night in New Delsta found Crick and Temenos at a table in one of the nicer restaurants the city had to offer. It was upscale, with crisp white tablecloths and fancy napkins. Where the delicate chime of silverware could be heard over murmured conversation.

Yet not so fancy to have a string quartet or cost a months' salary.

It was the perfect evening out for their little vacation. One of the few times they had a break between Temenos' projects and Crick had finally been at his job long enough to use time off and let them escape for a few days. Thus they jetted off to the city for a few days of leisure and purposeful gluttony.

Crick glanced around the room at the other diners and their choices. Cross-referencing the look of their dishes with the descriptions in the menu. The lamb was tempting, but so was the chicken. Decisions, decisions.

Temenos had quickly made his choice and settled in with a sumptuous bottle of wine. He took another sip from his glass and focused on his fastidious boyfriend. "Have you made your selection, my dear?"

"Almost, it's either the chicken with risotto or… Wait." Crick looked almost fully around hin his chair, distracted by a passing waiter carrying a plate with a colorful set of fins. "I didn't know they had fish." He followed it with his eyes, examining every detail he could before it got out of sight, and suddenly noticed a lone man sitting at one of the tables.

He sat window-side, calmly drinking a glass of wine and observing the people around him. There wasn't anything too attention grabbing about the man, aside from his good looks, but Crick couldn't take his eyes off him. Had they met before…?

He wasn't a coworker, not from Crick's current job nor any of his part time gigs over the years. He wasn't a member of the Wellsley family either. Not with his jet black hair and olive skin. Maybe a celebrity? He was handsome enough to be one with that perfect style and dreamy eyes... Eyes that met Crick's across the restaurant and crinkled at the corners when he smiled. Toasting with his glass.

Those eyes slide sideways to Temenos and widened.

The man got up from the table, weaving his way between chairs with long strides. Crick's heart rate shot up.

"Um, Temenos," Crick said urgently. "I'm not sure what happened but there's a man over there and he's coming over here for some reason." Quickly exchanging looks between his boyfriend and casting furtive glances over his shoulder at the quickly approaching stranger.

"A man?" Temenos turned to look and spotted the him immediately. He looked mildly surprised—which was extremely surprised for Temenos—but not panicked. "Ah. I see."

A rich voice announced itself a moment later as the man arrived to stand between the couple. "Temenos! How good to see you. What brings you to New Delsta?" Though he didn't give Temenos a moment to reply as he turned to Crick. "And would this be the boyfriend I've heard so little about?"

Even his voice tugged at Crick's mind. Friendly and upbeat, but still velvety deep. He had definitely met this man somewhere. "Oh, uh," he fumbled, suddenly remembering his manners. "I should be?" He hurriedly pushed back his chair and stood, shaking the man's offered hand. "I'm Crick, it's nice to meet you…?"

"Roi Mistral, and it's my pleasure. I'm Temenos' older brother."

Brother?! Crick blinked, clicking his vision before double checking with Temenos who was still seated, enjoying his wine and Crick's confusion. He still had his angelic face and silver hair, a complete opposite of the tall, dark, and…

Crick quickly stepped back. Roi even smelled nice from up close. "Nice to meet you as well, Mr. Mistral."

"Oh no, none of that," he said with a smile. "Just Roi is perfect."

"Roi. Right."

Crick returned to his seat that felt a bit too small and let Temenos take over the conversation. They exchanged a few words and Crick belatedly remembered he had been adopted as a baby. Right, that likely meant Roi was adopted too. But Roi… Roi… Where had he heard that name before?

"Well! In light of our spontaneous reunion and," Roi nodded to Crick, "first meeting, I propose we share a meal. What do you two say?"

Temenos allowed it after a pensive moment, and Crick hardly wanted to refuse. Roi flagged a passing waiter to have his tab moved and they all settled around a slightly fuller table, with Roi on Crick's right and Temenos on his left. Caught in the middle of two brothers and unsure if he should feel lucky or guilty.

Their waitress came by shortly after to deliver a set of silverware for Roi and take their orders. After a cheerful recap she slipped away, allowing Roi to pick up their conversation in her wake.

"So Crick, what do you do for a living?" he asked before finishing off the rest of his glass. He reached for the bottle. "Another for you, Temenos?"

Delicate fingers slid his glass across the tabletop. "You know me too well. And I suppose you could have some for yourself."

Crick watched the red liquid pour and glanced between them. Temenos had a masters and a prestigious job in anthropology. Roi, with his smart outfit and casual visit to expensive restaurants, seemed to be doing well for himself. Between them Crick felt out of place.

"I'm a paramedic," he admitted quietly.

Roi poured out the last of the bottled and set it aside. Turning to Crick with eyes so bright and warm they rivaled the ambient candlelight. "My, that is a wonderful profession," he said.

And the inflection of his voice pulled Crick back in time and space.

To when he stood in the main hall of the Montwise University dorms, a cluster of perfectly packed suitcases to his right and his perfectly dressed father to his left. The other families were full of chatter, nervously reviewing the maps or asking questions of the staff. Teenagers-slash-adults pushing away their tearful parents to try to make new friends.

But not Crick. He was a quiet ball of anxiety attempting to find his dorm room from the low quality map printed on colorful paper.

"You. Young man," his father demanded of a passing student dressed in a bright "Montwise University Student Volunteer" shirt. "Help my son find his room and move his things."

"Certainly!" he said cheerfully. "I'll be right back."

He disappeared into an alcove and quickly returned with a large cart. "My name is Roi Mistral," he said, taking Crick's hand and shaking it eagerly. "Welcome to Mont U!"

His hand was big and warm. A little rough from helping people move all day, as was his shirt streaked here and there with dust. But Roi's welcome was so warm it almost made Crick want to cry. Maybe he could find other nice people there, and finally make some real friends.

"Room twelve ten," his father said curtly and cold reality pulled him back.

"Um, yeah. Crick Wellsley. Room twelve ten. Please."

"Glad to meet you, Crick. And you must be his father?" Roi held out his hand to the senior Wellsley as well. Leaving it hanging in the air for a moment until the gesture clearly wasn't reciprocated. With a shrug Roi turned to the pile of luggage. "Well! You're neatly packed. Let's get this all in the cart."

An annoyed glare tracked the first bag's path. Tossed into the wheeled bin with all the strength of a strapping young man and none of the care they had been packed with. Crick helped him, trying to stack the bags neatly but they all ended up in a jumble. Contained, at least.

Roi grabbed the cart by one side and started pulled it away. "This way," he called over his shoulder. "You'll be on the third floor!"

The cart stopped in front of the elevators. One opened promptly to Roi's summon and he gestured for Crick and his father to go in. Following behind them with the cart a moment later. The doors creaked shut behind him and they were on their way.

It wasn't silent, not with the grinding of the elevator as it worked past every ancient layer of brick, but it was awkward enough that Crick fumbled with something to say. He wasn't as good at talking to people as his father. The CEO who took his forged connections and wove them into an enterprise; he always had a loaded list of topics for every encounter. This one was no exception when he asked Roi, "What is your major, young man?"

Roi turned, smiling. "I'm about to start my doctorate of theology now, coming off a masters and bachelors in the same field."

A look crossed Mr. Wellsley's face, as though the elevator had suddenly filled with noxious gas. "I see."

Roi's smile faded, just a touch, but he quickly pulled it back into place and switched to Crick. "And you, Crick? Do you have any thoughts on a major?"

"Law," his father answered. "Corporate law, none of that family nonsense."

The elevator dinged, announcing their floor and opened its doors to let out the stuffy air. Roi maneuvered the cart out first, clearly ready to get out of that conversation, and after a brief stop to consult the plaque of room numbers led them to the left. "This way," he called brightly, striding ahead.

The chatter of people downstairs drifted through a few open windows, but it was dramatically quieter than the main hall.

And oppressive.

Crick could feel his father's presence behind him and tried to focus on Roi instead.

"If you look out the window to your right, you can see the top of Eisenberg Hall," Roi said. He gestured to a regal building, all elegant spires and shaped windows. "You'll be spending a lot of time there, Crick. Most of the law classes are held in its lecture rooms."

"Eisenburg Hall… That's a cool name."

"Isn't it?" Roi looked back over his shoulder, eyes glittering. "Olberic Eisenberg was a famous knight who helped deliver retribution for the Kingdom of Hornburg after the murder of King Alfred. I suppose he wasn't a lawyer in the traditional sense, but he certainly meted out his own form of justice." He paused to ease the cart around another sharp turn. "I believe they named the law building after him in hopes that future lawyer's own defense of the law will be as unbending as his blade."

Crick was awestruck. He had worried about his future, second guessing the path his father had laid out for him. But following in the footsteps of a brave knight sounded… good. Noble.

Roi pointed again, this time to a nearer building. "And that's Albright Hall. You'll have a few history courses–"

"Is any of this necessary."

Roi stopped speaking mid-sentence, stride unbroken. Crick couldn't tell if it was a trick of the light, bright beams of alternating sunshine that streamed through the windows, or if Roi's hands tightened around the handles of the cart. But when he finally looked back at them, his expression was just as radiant as it had been. "Just pointing out where Crick will need to go on campus, sir."

Mr. Wellsley scoffed. "We didn't ask for a tour."

The rest of the journey passed with only the sound of their footsteps. Roi's brisk and slightly faster, Crick's pattering behind him. Until finally they reached Crick's room and Roi explained how to open the door with his ID card.

The door made a mechanical whir followed by a loud click. Crick took the handle and pulled to reveal a small room. Two beds tucked into opposite corners with a pair of desks and chairs between them. Nothing on the plain white walls, yet, nor on the clean linoleum floor. A basic dorm room. Crick had read about them.

His father cast a critical eye around the sparse furnishings. "Good. Living in destitute conditions builds character. You'll appreciate how much better your life is once you graduate." He turned to his son. The only time he had looked at him since they walked through the main doors. "Now remember what I told you."

"No drinking, no drugs, and no fraternization."

A sharp nod. "Good. You'll come home for the holidays."

And that was it. Footsteps from polished shoes echoed down the hallway, getting fainter and fainter until it was just Crick. Nearly alone in his new home, all his worldly possessions sitting just outside. No goodbye hugs or well wishes, not even an offer to share one last meal before the semester started. Crick knew this was how it would go, but it still hurt. He started down at the floor. Trying hard not to cry in front of the nice upperclassman.

"Hey." A hand came to rest on his shoulder. Crick looked up into warm dark eyes. "You'll make a lot of friends here, you know? The time to the end of the first semester will just fly by, and then the rest of your undergrad years. I remember mine like it was yesterday; it all went so fast," Roi said kindly.

"Um, that's good." Crick sniffed, blinking furiously.

"And… you don't declare your major until after freshman year. You have some time to think about what you want to do. Not your parents or anyone else."

"I…" Crick took a shuddering breath. Defying his father, his family, was a terrifying prospect. Far worse than the dreaded final exams he had heard about. No, he wouldn't get to decide his major, but…

"I want to be a public defender. I– I want to use the law to help people."

The hand on his shoulder squeezed. Gently reassuring. Someone was there to hear him and when Crick looked up again he saw a smile as warm as the sun. "I think that's a wonderful career, Crick," Roi said. And in the warmth of his expression, Crick felt better. Maybe it was all going to be alright.

The same warmth came back as Crick pulled himself back to the present and the dim lighting of the restaurant. He looked over Roi again, comparing his face with the one in his memory. His hair was longer now, neatly pulled into a ponytail at the base of his neck. But his bangs were still swept back to keep them out of his face. There were wrinkles at the corners of his eyes when he smiled, but it was the same smile.

"Y-you're Roi."

He looked amused. "I am."

"I mean, we've met before. You helped me move into the dorms at Montwise University when you were just starting your doctorate, and my father…" Crick trailed off.

Temenos took a long sip of wine. "Was an utter jerk, I'm sure. As he probably still is." His idle hand found Crick's under the table and squeezed. A gesture Crick appreciated, as well as his words. "I didn't know you two had met," Temenos added.

Roi swirled the wine around in his glass. "Ah yes," he said, suddenly stopping, "I remember now. Your father certainly was a character…" He frowned into his wine and took a sip himself. A way to wash away the bitter recollection of the man. "I believe he said you were going into law?" he noted, tilting his head and the rim of his glass towards Crick.

"Yes, but I dropped out before getting my degree. I… haven't spoken to him in a few years now."

"I'm sorry to be delighted to hear that."

Crick laughed. A sudden, confused "ha!" that erupted into more as relief flooded through him. His education wasn't a big deal. His stumbling path through life wasn't a deal at all. Actually…

Crick caught his breath and looked at Roi curiously. "I never saw you again after that. Did you also…?"

Roi set down his glass, looking remorseful. "I am sorry. I wish I could have been more help to you, especially after I noticed you were having a hard time. Sadly, shortly after we met, I was lost. Left alone to be tortured in the dark."

"He had to write his dissertation," Temenos interrupted.

"It was awful though. Some of those books I had to find…" Roi shuddered.

Crick remembered when Temenos was writing his master's thesis. He was away often, poring bits of carved stone and ancient jewelry in an effort to piece together how ancient peoples worshiped the gods. Though he wasn't alone in his hard work; Crick had been knee deep in studying for the rescue academy certifications at the time. Their dates were quick and full of coffee.

All of them worked hard to get where they were.

Worries over, Crick found curiosity in his relief. Roi was kind enough to fill him in, detailing how he put his theology degrees to good use as a priest. Crick was surprised he had to go so far just to be a simple man of the cloth, but Temenos was happy to explain.

"He's gunning for pontiff, and all the higher ranking positions in the church require further schooling.

"Gunning is a bit strong. It's more of a… an aspiration. Should the gods will it, I will take up the mantle, and if not–"

"You have your hobby," Temenos finished.

Roi settled back, smiling mysteriously. "I do indeed."

More questions sprung up that Crick wanted to ask, but their waitress was already back with a trio of steaming dishes on her tray. He was forced to set his questions aside as a large plate was put in front of him, a roast bird arranged on a bed of risotto. It smelled delicious.

They all tucked into their meals, talk of the drudgery of real life forgotten.

As a good boyfriend should, Crick checked on Temenos to make sure everything was to his liking. His steak was cut into thin slices and speared one by one. Temenos caught his eye mid bite and sighed happily. Crick smiled. Good. Temenos was picky about his steak.

To be polite he looked to Roi as well, but found the man wasn't paying much attention to his dinner. His dark eyes wandered the room. Idly spending a few seconds on one of their fellow patrons before moving on to the next. He had been doing the same sort of thing when their eyes first met that evening.

Crick took a bite of his own meal, musing amid the dance of flavors. If Roi had come here to meet someone, then he wouldn't have asked to join them. Perhaps he was looking for parishioners of his church, or someone he wanted to avoid? Crick swallowed and set his silverware down. "Are you looking for someone?" he asked Roi.

"Not exactly," Roi said and returned to their table. "How is your chicken?"

But after a few moments his eyes wandered away again. Crick didn't know what to make of it.

Temenos lightly kicked his leg under the table and beckoned Crick closer. "It's his hobby," he whispered. Roi's hand, resting on the table, twitched.

"Hobby?"

"He's a manwhore."

Crick choked on his bite of chicken. He coughed it back up while Roi gently patted his back. Once he had regained the ability to breathe Roi shook his head at Temenos. "That's not a very nice thing to say, Temenos," he chided as if his little brother was a child.

"Am I wrong?" Temenos shot back.

"I prefer pleasure seeker," Roi said with all the smugness that an elder brother could carry.

Crick kept looking between them, so fast his head was spinning. Temenos was in the wrong, surely, for hurling a casual insult at a priest, and his brother no less! But what kind of priest did that make Roi? One who had one night stands and then got up the next morning to preach sermons? Crick could hardly imagine it, then had to actively will himself not to imagine it.

Roi, for his part, didn't seem upset by the accusation. He returned to his wine and fish unaffected.

He didn't deny it, but that didn't make any sense. "Don't priests have to…" Crick dropped his voice to a whisper, "…take a vow of celibacy or something?"

"Mm, well…" Roi set his silverware aside, looking a touch sheepish. "The texts are vague on certain matters," he started, gesturing in the same vague way with his hands. "There are words forbidding those closest to the gods from tying themselves to another mortal, but that's interpreted to mean marriage."

"Bishops and higher are forbidden from marrying," Temenos added. "And anyone already married wouldn't be considered for those positions."

"Okay, but–"

"Which means Roi utilizes a gray area in the interpretations of scripture to have casual sex."

Crick went back to his dinner. His delicious chicken didn't ask such moral quandaries of him. Nor did it try to discuss sex at the dinner table. The very idea would have knocked his mother right out.

Crick inherited some of the chasteness of his parents with his inability to comfortably talk about such things. Temenos, on the other hand, could say anything. A boon on their early relationship when Crick was too new and blushing to get through any intimacy without Temenos' guidance. But this was different. Not a discussion behind closed doors between Crick and his lover about their relationship, but about his brother! And concerning the gods Temenos worshiped, although mildly.

Roi seemed to be of the same temperament as his brother. He sipped his wine without a care.

Which left Crick in the middle, without a single coherent thought to express. More ridiculous thoughts ran through his mind, ranging from pity that Roi wouldn't be able to settle down and find a partner, to wondering just what his criteria was in flings.

He certainly didn't say any of that. Instead choosing to stay quiet and eat while the brothers pivoted to talk about their home and family members. How everyone was doing in Flamechurch.

And soon enough they were done. Appetites satiated and plates cleaned and cleared away by the same smiling waitress. She passed out dessert menus and Temenos dove into his immediately. Eyes wandering down the list with laser focus. "I'll eat whatever you don't finish of yours," he said absentmindedly to Crick. Murmuring further to himself over the options, "The tiramisu looks good, I could have that and the soufflé…"

Roi glanced up from his menu. "Are you having dessert, Crick?"

"Oh, no. I hardly finish them."

An eyebrow raised. Gaze shifting to the other member of their dining party. "Do you still refuse to share your desserts, Tem?"

He glanced up, then back to the all important list. "We make enough money that we don't need to. It's hardly–"

"Not one single bite?"

Temenos didn't look up the second time. "No."

"Even with your own boyfriend?" Roi tsked. He leaned over Crick and his open menu. "What do you say we split something ourselves? Let's see…" Roi put a hand on Crick's shoulder to steady his balance and Crick was suddenly intensely aware of his touch. How large his hand was. His idle movements to smooth a wrinkle from Crick's shirt. Crick turned, just a fraction, and realized they were nearly close enough to bump heads.

Crick started to stammer something but was silenced by a finger on the page. Roi's finger, slowly dragging down cream-colored parchment. "The panna cotta?" he murmured in Crick's ear. "Do you like the sound of that?"

"Y-yes!" A little too loud.

"Perfect." Roi pulled the vibrating menu from Crick's hands and stacked it neatly with his own. "Waitress! A moment of your time please!"

She was a star, that one. Bringing them their desserts in near record time as though carried by the wind. She neatly set each one down, a small work of art each, along with a handful of spoons. Temenos took his and tucked in, leaving Crick with Roi.

And their shared panna cotta.

It slowly disappeared by the spoonful into Roi's mouth. The same spoon dipping back into the custard for another bite. Crick swallowed with a great degree of difficulty, watching.

"Go on," Roi encouraged. "It's deliciously smooth."

Smooth. Crick slipped his spoon in from the untouched edge and glided through the formed cream. Careful of propriety, legs suddenly hot with the awareness that Temenos was just off to one side and Roi was even closer on the other. He popped the spoonful of dessert in his mouth and swallowed it down. Rich and sweet and, just as Roi had put it, smooth.

"It's good, but that's all I can eat," Crick said quickly. He nudged the plate and half-finished dessert towards Roi and abandoned his spoon by this napkin.

Then he looked over to find Temenos watching him. Silently licking the remains of cocoa off his spoon.

- - -

They left the restaurant in the deep evening. The skies above dark and bolstered by the puffs of light dotting the streets and buildings.

Roi left with a wave from the window of his cab. He had insisted on paying for dinner, Temenos and Crick were guests, he said, in the city he would only live in for a few years before he finished his assignment and moved back to Flamechurch. He mentioned an apartment by the water before the night drew to a close and they parted.

It was just Crick and Temenos again. Walking up the sidewalk to their hotel a few blocked away. A cool wind pushed bits of litter past them as they went; late autumn wasn't quite as cold as their home in Wellgrove, but Crick knew it was enough to chill Temenos. He took his boyfriend's hand, interlacing their fingers before he tucked both into the pocket of his coat.

Temenos took his next step closer, their arms brushing. His eyes reflected all the lights of the city when Crick looked into them, sideways as they walked. Lights that were reflected back at Crick when he looked back with a complicated stare.

"You haven't been with anyone before me, correct?"

Crick knew it was a rhetorical question. They had discussed their dating history back when they first got together. Temenos had past relationships—how many and how long Crick didn't want to know—but for Crick Temenos was his first everything.

Though the rhetorical question seemed to need an answer. "Right," Crick said.

"Do you regret that?" he asked. Voice quiet against the noise of the city.

Crick squeezed their joined hands. "Of course not. Temenos, I love you, and I'm happy with you. It doesn't matter if you're my first boyfriend or my hundredth."

"Mm, and yet you'll live to be one hundred never knowing the touch of anyone else."

"And that's fine," Crick said hotly. A retort a little harsher than he meant. In his ebbing indignation he felt a little finger of unease plucking at his intestines. Or perhaps he just over ate. Hesitantly, Crick added, "Is there anything wrong with that?"

"No."

But it was an unconvinced "no". Crick could feel the unsaid "but" hanging between them after; it lingered between them all the way through three city blocks and across the lobby of the Delstasch Queen.

Another splurge for their mini vacation. The hotel, one of the oldest in the city, was said to be frequented by royalty through the ages. Their suite certainly painted such a picture, with a sumptuous couch Temenos flopped onto as soon as they made it through the door.

Crick nudged off his shoes and fished out a change of clothes from his suitcase. "Are you coming to shower?"

"You go ahead, my dear," Temenos replied. His phone in hand, idly flipped over and over. "I have a call to make."

He looked distracted. Crick wondered if it was related to their conversation, or if something work related had come up. Temenos was often struck by inspiration at the oddest hours and would rush off to call a colleague or look something up. So his behavior wasn't unusual, but Crick still felt a nagging worry.

One that quickly melted away under hot water.

He stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a fluffy towel and found Temenos right where he left him. The phone turned off and Temenos' expression just as blank as the screen. "Temenos? Is everything alright?"

He looked up once his boyfriend reached his side. Smiling in an odd way as he reached out to touch Crick's towel. "You're quite the fluffy little lamb with this, hmm?"

Crick groaned.

Then, Temenos' expression shifted. A little more serious, and that worry was back. "What did you think of Roi?" he asked. Another question ran under it. One Crick couldn't make out.

"He was nice. I'm surprised how similar you two are when you're nothing alike."

That wasn't the right answer. Temenos' lips quirked and he tried again. "The consequences of growing up together, I suppose. Do you find him attractive?"

What.

Crick's mouth opened to answer the question only to find his brain had not supplied one. He was too caught up in the meaning of the question and what he should be saying. It was definitely the wrong answer to call another man attractive in front of one's boyfriend. Crick knew that, even without previous dating experience.

Though with Temenos, it was difficult. He could always tell when Crick was lying, or just trying to dodge the truth. It was as if his beautiful seaglass eyes could see straight through Crick and read his heart like an open book.

Crick cleared his throat. "I… do think he is good looking."

And to his disbelief, Temenos looked pleased. He turned to Crick with a sly smile. "Good. I'd like for you to go on a date with Roi tomorrow."

What. "Pardon…?"

"And have sex with him after."

"What!?"

Crick jumped, nearly tripping over the plush carpet before he could find his footing again after the world suddenly turned upside down. His reply an obvious "No!" expressed with the same confusion.

That, too, was not the right answer. Temenos' brows knit together, eyes darkening. "No?" he repeated. "But you just said he was attractive."

"I did, but–!" Why did he have to explain this? "He's not you!"

"Oh?" One eyebrow unknotted itself. Angling up for a line of questioning Crick had seen Temenos use and did not relish being the target of. "Are you saying if we broke up, or, gods forbid, I died, you would be celibate the rest of your life?"

"That's not– Temenos…" Crick shook his head. "You're my boyfriend! I'm not going to go off dating other guys and having… relations with them while we're dating."

"Even if I say it's alright?"

"Yes! I mean no. I mean…" Crick let out a loud groan in lieu of any actual words to express his tangle of emotions and sank down next to Temenos on the couch. "I mean whatever doesn't encourage whatever,"—he gestured frantically with this hands—"this is."

"Crick." Temenos gently took his jittery hands and held them tightly. Thumbs smoothing over Crick's palms. The calming friction of skin on skin. "You know I care about you deeply. More than I'm able to express, as you're aware." His face turned away, turning pink at the edges. "But I hope you also know that I want this to last, and that I also want you to have every experience you missed growing up with your dreadful parents."

Temenos had done a stellar job. Their dates ranged from grand—amusement parks and carnivals—to the mundane cafe visit. Hiking in the woods to camp. Swimming in the sea without renting a private boat.

It was Temenos who gave Crick the courage he needed to drop out of college and defy his family's wishes. Not in saying as much, but in how passionately he pursued his own dreams. Crick hoped someday he could be half as brave, and felt for a moment that he was when he submitted his withdrawal paperwork and applied for the rescue academy. And when he ignored all of his father's calls that came after.

But this was too far. After a moment to process Temenos' ask, Crick remembered their conversation on the walk back. "Is this about earlier? You're worried about my dating experience?"

Temenos nodded, still holding Crick's hands tightly. "Yes. But not for my own benefit," he added briskly. "I don't want you to wake up twenty years from now and wonder 'what-if?'. And should our relationship be so tenuous that a single night with another man would cause it to crumble, then it's best to nip this in the bud now, isn't it?"

"Is it?" Crick echoed weakly. His head was spinning again, and he was suddenly painfully aware he was still wearing only a towel.

"I can see this request as strange, but… If I can ask this favor. No test or trickery; I want you to know what it's like with another. Just once."

Crick looked at Temenos. A long searching stare where he tried to recall everything Temenos had noted over the years about determining someone's true feelings. The moment of his pupils, his lips, and how warm Temenos' hands were over his. Temenos was being sincere, and Crick had never been able to turn him down.

"Alright," he sighed. "Just this once. The date, anyway. I don't know about… the other thing."

Temenos brightened. "We'll see," he said cheerfully. "Now let me pick out your outfit."

Chapter Text

The date was scheduled for the next day. Their short vacation meant it was the only time they could spare.

Crick dressed in the clothes Temenos had picked and sat patiently while Temenos fussed with his hair. Wondering who was really going out on this date until he was pushed out the door with a wink and a cheery "Have a good time!".

He used the cab ride to calm his nerves. At least, he attempted to.

The restaurant was a decent ways from downtown. Old theaters and chic cafes flashed past the window, slowly replaced by rusting warehouses from the city's industrial past. Some had been updated into apartments, while others stored and processed fish caught in the Sundering Sea. Crick craned his head, trying to get a view of the ocean.

Soon enough the cab stopped in front of the Sunken Maw, a charmingly dilapidated building only steps from a pier. The freshest fish in the city, Roi had promised through Temenos. Though the window Crick could smell the salt of the water and roasting fish.

As he was fishing leaves out of his wallet, Crick glanced out the window and saw Roi. His hands froze for a moment as he realized how just prepared Roi was for all this.

A long coat with the collar turned up against the wind over pressed slacks and a sweater with the sort of sheen that less screamed cashmere and more whispered it in Crick's ear. His hair perfectly in place to show his dark eyes that wandered the crowd. Glancing at each person who passed for a moment. The same thing he had done at the restaurant.

Crick's limbs turned to ice, thawing after a second as he wondered if Roi was indulging in his "hobby". The thought made his heart ache, and stomach tighten from the guilt of the feeling.

"Sir?"

"Ah! Right. Here you go." Crick pushed enough bills into the cabbie's hand to cover the cost and quickly opened the door. He looked up at Roi again, eyes meeting across the sidewalk.

What a dazzling smile.

Roi was there in an instant, helping Crick out of the cab with one hand and shutting the door with the other. The vehicle took off before Crick's feet had both made it to the sidewalk, causing him to stumble right into Roi's arms. "Sorry," he apologized, chuckling nervously. "guess he was in a rush." Roi's sweater was soft against his cheek.

"New Delsta cabs always are," Roi said, righting Crick by the shoulders. Politely not mentioning Crick's lack of coordination as he gestured to the door. "Are you ready for dinner?"

The inside was just as shabby as the outside, but sufficiently clean and honestly smelled so delicious Crick didn't care about anything else. They were seated right away at a little table that overlooked the ocean and had a good view of the rest of the room. The rainbow of dishes laid out before him were too tempting, so he let Roi pick.

Soon enough they were served. Crick tucked into fish so light it was as though herbs and lemon were delivered to his tongue on clouds.

Roi looked just as pleased with his choice. Eyes closed as he exhaled a blissful sigh. "You must try a bite of this," he offered. Spearing a piece of fish and vegetable. He held his fork up to Crick's lips, urging him to try.

The same fork that had passed Roi's lips.

A cluster of butterflies exploded in his stomach. Crick wasn't nearly as nervous as he had been on his first date with Temenos—a disastrous affair—but the thrill was still there. Roi was new, and different, and…

Crick enjoyed his bite (carefully ignoring their quasi-kiss) and Roi's stories. Silly anecdotes of his childhood with Temenos, then answers to Crick's endless questions. Roi turned the questions to him occasionally, asking about his childhood before pivoting gracefully to his rescue work.

"I haven't been working very long," Crick said, "but I feel like I'm really helping people."

"I'm sure you are."

"But…" Crick had his worries. Ones he hesitated to trouble Temenos with. He didn't want his boyfriend to think he wasn't cut out for the career he chose, or to worry for him. But Roi was older, and distant enough that Crick didn't feel the same pressure. "Since I haven't been a paramedic for long, my calls have been minor compared to what I've heard." The horror stories from teachers at the academy and older co-workers during training. "I don't know if I'm ready for the worst."

A sympathetic nod encouraged Crick when his words trailed off. "I don't want to let anyone down," he said quietly, "or say the wrong thing."

"You have a difficult job," Roi agreed. "I often face questions from parishioners regarding those who have passed on, but I'm not with someone in their final moments." He went quiet, sipping from his glass. "I have something that may help you, if you don't mind stopping by my apartment after we eat?"

"Oh, sure." There was a nudge of implication in Crick's stomach. It shifted when Roi's hand patted his.

"You have a gentle heart. I believe you'll do what's best, even in the most difficult of circumstances."

And then his whole heart was floating on clouds.

He rode that feeling through the rest of dinner. A light meal amid lighter conversation. Roi paid again, slipping his card to the waiter before Crick could react. He covered with a little joke about sending the bill to Temenos as he ushered Crick outside.

With perfectly sated stomachs they walked around the corner to Roi's apartment. One of the warehouses-turned-housing, industrial on the outside but decently modern in the lobby. "We could take the stairs if you'd like to work off some dinner?" Roi joked before pressing the button for the elevator. Their second elevator ride together, much nicer than the first all those years ago.

Though Crick was still jittery with nerves for a completely different reason.

Roi's apartment was small. Perfect for one man, with an open kitchen that flowed into the living room. An open door led to a dimly lit room Crick couldn't quite see but he could certainly guess. The bedroom. It must be.

His skin prickled as though he could feel Roi's movements in the air. Were they going to…?

But Roi went to the living room instead and pulled something off a bookshelf. "Here, this is what I mentioned. You should take it." He put the object in Crick's hand; a tiny book of prayer. Small enough to fit in Crick's pocket and about as thick as his pinky. He flipped through a few pages and found them to be mostly in the same vein. Solace and the afterlife.

"Thank you. But don't you need it?"

"I've long since memorized the contents. You're doing me a favor by helping me declutter, really." Crick slipped the book into his pocket with a quiet thanks that Roi waved off. "Come here," he said, leading Crick towards the other room. "I have something to show you."

With trepidation Crick followed. This was it.

The room was lit by a single lamp on the nightstand, casting a circle of light on a portion of the bed. The rest of the room was formed by shadows of varying shades of black, ominously watching Crick as he followed Roi in.

Though Roi didn't lead him to the bed. He went to a wall, reaching for something in the dark. With a sudden movement and hush of curtains parting he revealed what lay on the other side.

Windows. A row of floor to ceiling panes of glass that made up nearly the entire wall and showed a panorama of the city. The sea glittered in the sunset off to one side, almost finished consuming the quickly sinking sun. The rest was made up of pinpricks of light and the glow of a thousand other windows.

Crick stood speechless before the magnificent view. Roi stepped back, arriving at his side. "Wonderful, isn't it?" he said quietly. He left and Crick heard the mattress shift behind him. Looking over his shoulder he saw Roi, hand laid on the space next to him.

There was an invitation in those dark eyes.

Crick hesitated. "Just to watch the sunset," Roi soothed. "Nothing more."

Gaze firmly glued to the windows, Crick sat. Together they watched the sun slowly disappear and the city come to life around them. With the passing time the room darkened, shadows thrown into sharp focused by the remaining light source. Crick's worries also honed to a fine edge. It was just the two of them.

Roi's breathing. The sound of his clothes. How his fingers rest on his knee. Crick was acutely aware of it all. And when a hand was held out to him, palm up, Crick thought his heart might burst from the stress.

Crick didn't place his hand in Roi's. He didn't move at all.

A voice came out of the dark. "We don't have to go any further." Roi's hand fell back to his knee, adjusting his pant leg. "We had a nice date."

That's all Crick had promised Temenos. The sex wasn't necessary. What could he really find from it that he didn't already know? He loved Temenos, loved feeling close to him. Crick didn't need to feel that way with anyone else.

Silence stretched as the sky turned from navy to black. Stars appeared over the sea.

Suddenly Roi chuckled. Soft as velvet. "I was surprised Temenos called me and proposed… this."

"Ever since he was a kid, Temenos has been possessive of anything he believes is his. Toys, food, even people." Crick had a sudden mental image of a small Temenos hoarding an entire cake for himself. That fit.

"We were so close," Roi continued, "Brothers and best friends. Temenos would fuss if I went to go play with other children." In the dark Crick could hear his smile. Fond. "So when Temenos asked me to take you out and give you, how did he put it? 'Some of life's greatest experiences'? I almost couldn't believe it was him."

He turned to Crick, face softly lift by the lights of the city. A just as light touch of his hand on Crick's shoulder. "I'm proud of him and how he's matured. And I'm proud of you too, Crick. You've built the life that you want, and even though it was difficult, you tried something new today." Roi squeezed, smiling. "Hopefully not that difficult though, hmm?"

And with his little joke Roi rose, his hand and warmth leaving Crick. "I'm sure Temenos will be proud of you, too. You've done plenty, Crick. Let's get you home."

He moved towards the door. Just a few steps to the rest of the apartment and the door. If Crick followed him he could be outside in minutes and on his way back to Temenos. Back to his familiar, his comfort, his love. It was the simplest thing to do.

But Crick thought of Temenos, who wasn't even willing to share his dessert, but was willing to let Crick go for a night to ensure that he wouldn't have any regrets for the rest of his life.

"Wait," Crick called. Roi paused. "Could we, um, have s-sex? If you still want to…"

Decision made, both his heart rate and time slowed. Roi reached up for the tie that held back his hair and pulled it out with a languidity that could only be deliberate. It fanned out across his back in a cascade of ebony, its flow soon interrupted as he pulled off his sweater. He turned as it rose, showing off a flash of skin when his shirt tried to follow. Crick stared at that line. Smooth skin that he suddenly desperately wanted to touch.

Roi joined him again on the bed. Sweater discarded, one knee on the mattress to lean over Crick. "I would very much like to," he confirmed. Fingers brushed over Crick's cheek then turned back, following the curve of his jaw to his chin. Roi lifted Crick's face to his. "But only if you're sure."

Crick struggled to nod, as though Roi's finger had him locked in place.

"Good," he whispered, breath warm on Crick's face. "Shall we start with a kiss?"

Crick reached to grab Roi's shirt. It was impossibly soft under Crick's fingers, warm from Roi's body heat contained by his sweater. The heat rose freely, threatening to boil Cricks blood. His fingers tightened as he pulled Roi in and brought himself up. Heart pounding, his hesitation morphed into excitement. Reaching its peak when their lips met.

In the room, far away from the noise of the city, the only sound was their kiss. Soft gasps and heavy breathing. Crick was lost to it, the smell of Roi's shampoo curling around him like smoke. He shifted closer. Needing to touch. A hand threaded through Roi's hair to comb it back out of his face, and Crick distantly wondered why everything about Roi was so soft.

From his hair to his fingers, tickling against Crick's sides. An accident, Roi assured when Crick broke off their kiss to laugh. The mood light when Roi tugged Crick's sweater over his head, taking his undershirt with in, and set them aside. Crick felt his skin prickle in the sudden chill, emerging to full gooseflesh under Roi's wandering hands. His fingers traced Crick's abs with reverence. "I see you're keeping fit for your job," he murmured.

Crick was a humble man, usually. But when it came to his body he was proud of what it had become. His strength forged from months in the gym and what he could use it for. Crick flexed under Roi's admiring gaze, showing off his arms and twisting to reveal his back.

Roi touched where Crick was proud. His whole body left tingling with the ghost of Roi's hands. Chest to hips, then down his legs as Roi pulled off his pants. "Even your calves," Roi said. Crick didn't think he was kidding.

It was nice to be appreciated.

And to return the favor, Crick helped Roi out of his shirt. Reveling in the swath of unmarked skin underneath. He wasn't as muscular as Crick, but the contours of his body flowed with the suggestion of strength. Subtle muscles shifted around his chest when he moved, and Crick let his eyes wander down. Hands itching until they found a place on that defined waist; they drifted further to unearth hip bones from under his slacks. "Do you work out too?" Crick asked as he went.

Roi hummed. "A bit. To keep healthy, and its a nice way to focus on oneself."

Crick nodded. His "yeah" breathless as he thumbed at the elastic to Roi's underwear. Fingers trembling as he pulled them off, near feverish to find what lay underneath.

His hopes were rewarded as Roi's cock burst free. Ready and hard for him.

It was a matter of course with Temenos. Crick knew his body as well as his own, thus he knew exactly where to kiss and touch to stoke his arousal. But Roi was new, and had certainly been with more people than he and Temenos combined.

Crick's head swam with the unspoken flattery. He couldn't tell if he was running so hot because of it, or the growing need below his belly. Eagerly Crick reached forward for Roi just as Roi reached for him. Taking Roi's erection and Crick's boxers in hand simultaneously; a strange dance that had Roi breathing out a low moan, hot against Crick's ear.

With a little more squirming they were both bare. A pile of useless clothing scattered along the foot of the bed that neither of them looked at. Crick's focus entirely on Roi. Up on his knees and straddling Crick's lap, Roi's hands fell to Crick's shoulders and face with quiet tenderness. "Do you have any preferences or anything I should know before we start?" he asked. One hand came to rest on Crick's chest where he could surely feel his pounding heart.

"No blood or bruises or anything. Please," Crick said quickly.

"No marks. Understood. Anything else?"

Crick had done most things with Temenos. He struggled to think of anything else specifically off the table, too focused on the main question. "How far are we going?"

"As far as you'd like," Roi answered over the pulse pounding in Crick's ears. Exchanging beats with the heartbeat in his cock, blood rattling through his body. He hadn't realized how much he wanted this until now. Crick wondered if he had unconsciously made the decision all the way back in the cab.

Roi leaned around Crick to open the drawer of the nightstand. Lamplight poured in to show various objects. Roi grabbed two: a small bottle and a wrapped condom. He pressed the first into Crick's hands. "If you're up for it then, I'd like you to help me prepare."

"Yes! I– Let me just…" Crick nearly dropped the bottle passing it from one hand to another to get it open. He squeezed a generous portion over his fingers and tried to set it aside. Reaching back for the nightstand without taking his eyes off Roi, naked and close.

Roi drew closer to help him, guiding Crick's hand to put the bottle down, then his other arm to wrap around his waist. His hips at just the right level for Crick's hands to slide down over the soft curve of his ass. Crick squeezed gently to find firm but yielding flesh. His slicked fingers continued on to Roi's entrance and he pushed one in. Crick meant to go slow, but it was as if Roi didn't need help at all with how easily his finger slipped inside.

"Another," Roi groaned from above. The second joined the first just as easily. The implication of just how ready he already was went straight to Crick's cock. How easily Roi would be able to take him.

The third faced some resistance and Crick set to loosening tight muscles. Fingers crooked in and out. Roi rocked unsteadily above him. His head tilted back in rapture, chest heaving with his breaths right in front of Crick's eyes. His nipples hovered tantalizingly close to his mouth, calling to Crick's tongue for attention. He licked one, slow and firm, to taste salt. Roi moaned. The sound echoing through his chest, vibrating against Crick's tongue.

"You can bite," he gasped, breath hitching around the fingers working him open. "P-please do."

His voice. Those breathless and wanton words went straight to Crick's cock. With gentle teeth he obliged and nibbled around a nub in a way that made Roi's back arch. Crick's free hand followed it automatically, settling at the small of Roi's back to keep him steady. Holding tight as plaintive whines dripped from his mouth, shivering down his spine under Crick's hand.

Crick kept working. His cock painfully hard and leaking; he could feel it rub against Roi's leg, painting him with his desire while Roi's did the same across Crick's stomach. He desperately hoped Roi would be ready soon. The sounds he was making were driving Crick right to the edge.

"Okay," Roi panted. "That's enough." He brushed through Crick's hair, gripping lightly when his fingers pulled out. "Top?"

"Yeah, just lie down." Quickly, Crick begged to himself. Urgency thrummed through his veins. He needed Roi now.

But when Roi lay down, fully stretched out next to Crick, he had to pause to take in how big he suddenly realized Roi was. Not in that sense—though the gods certainly hadn't held back in his endowment—but in the length of his limbs. The entire half of the bed, all Crick could see, could reach, was Roi. The sudden expanse of skin was a little overwhelming… and terribly thrilling.

"Come here," Roi cooed. He pressed lightly on Crick's thighs, guiding him to settle between his legs. "I'm ready for you."

He passed Crick the condom and he frantically worked to open it. Fingers too slippery to grip forcing him to use his teeth to rip it open in the end. He had never put on a condom faster in his life.

Though he slowed after. Taking himself in hand to carefully line up with Roi's entrance that shone with oil. Roi encouraged him onwards with words and drawing Crick in with frantic grasps of his fingers. Just as ready as Crick as he slide into warmth.

"Y-yes," Roi hissed. "Keep going."

He sighed with a heavy exhale when Crick finally bottomed out. Eyes slid shut, hips shifting to deepen Crick's reach inside himself.

"Is this okay?" Crick panted.

Roi's eyes opened halfway. "Better. It has been many moments too long since I've been with someone, and–" He groaned with a sudden cant of his hips. "Gods, Crick. You are blessed."

Crick flushed with pleasure. Temenos had praised him, many times, but for a priest to thank the gods themselves was new. Though he cocked his head, remembering how easily he slid in. How comfortably Roi fit around him. Could it have truly been so long?

Then he remembered something he saw in moments when Roi opened the bedside drawer. An object wrapped in black velvet, larger than all the other items. His mention of how long it had been since he was with another person.

Oh.

Crick could have burned toast on his cheeks. Some of the fire between his hips temporarily diverted as he realized he had glimpsed too closely into Roi's personal life, that rushed back immediately after with the mental image of Roi alone. Caring for himself.

Roi wouldn't need to now. Crick would see to that. He thrust once experimentally, a half slide out to gain ground before he pushed back in.

Both of them sighed with pleasure and Crick continued. For a moment he had worried about how their movements would work. Crick was used to Temenos' small frame, light and easy to manipulate, though he didn't think he'd be able to move Roi in the same way. But he needn't have thought of it; Roi was perfectly happy to move himself. Hips bucked up to meet each of Crick's thrusts in time. Skin meeting skin with a perfection that left Crick dizzy. Roi's face swam beneath him. Lips shifting and blurring until they disappeared; his breath stolen by a hungry kiss.

What felt like only a moment later, they broke apart. Roi red-faced and panting. "C-close?" he gasped. Crick nodded furiously, unable to catch his breath enough to answer. It was all too fast, he knew, but Crick couldn't find it in himself to slow down.

Knuckles brushed his belly. Roi's hand snaked between them to take hold of his cock, rubbing in a rhythm only he knew until, with a gasp, his expression shifted. Eyes closed and mouth open as the sensual noises he was making rose to higher whines. Crick stared past his glistening lips to his tongue, swollen with his sounds, and felt the urge to devour. He took the initiative then. Sealing over Roi's mouth with his own and thrusting recklessly into tightening heat.

Crick came to the slap of their meeting bodies and the taste of Roi on his tongue. It was different, but not bad.

He pulled back, opening his eyes just in time to see Roi sweep back his hair. A devastatingly effective gesture that he regretted not having the blood flow to make use of. Crick mourned his finish as well. A bittersweet thing caught in the condom that was tied it off and tossed it into the bin Roi gestured to.

Roi was still licking the last of his finish off his fingers when Crick came back to the bed. Crick slowly eased himself down next to him, worried Roi would want him to leave. Was it alright to linger?

A playful shove to his shoulder tipped Crick over and he flopped easily onto his back. Roi propped up on his elbows to look him over, all smile with a flash of teeth when he licked his lips. The gentle play of it got Crick to relax, easily surrendering to the comfort of the mattress. Worn out with all the motion. Crick traced a hand down his abdomen and could already start to feel the burn in his core. A new set of muscles he had to work with from just a slight change in position.

The bed creaked, mattress dipping as Roi's legs folded themselves neatly on each of Crick's sides. His weight settled on Crick's thighs. Heavy enough to feel his presence, but not so much to be uncomfortable.

Without asking, Crick reached for Roi's legs. There tight lines of muscle under the smooth expanse of skin. Crick hummed approvingly.

"There are nearly five-hundred steps up to Flamechurch's cathedral. Not counting the mountain path," Roi said. "I could hardly return home and struggle to climb what I've been walking up my whole life, so I rented a fifth floor apartment to keep in shape."

"It's working," Crick said. He tried to keep his eyes on Roi's face and not the fingers skimming his half returned erection. A difficult feat to keep up as fingers wrapped around his cock, long enough to fully take it in hand and wide enough to hold most of it in his grip. Crick hadn't thought about how large Roi's hands were for this specific purpose but. Wow.

The memory of Temenos' first try to do the same flickered through Crick's mind with the sensation. Both hands wrapped around, trying to determine if it was more effective to interlace his fingers or move his hands independently. Crick's cock throbbed seeing his face in his mind. Silver hair plastered to his lover's forehead, pink lips parting to test if his mouth would prove more effective.

"Oh? I believe you're ready to go again," Roi observed, and the memory faded.

"Again? We don't have to." Temenos usually tired after one round. Crick was perfectly fine with that.

Roi leaned towards the drawer again, tilting his hips enough that his cock rubbed against Crick's. Standing ready on its own. He pulled back and their erections parted as he settled back on Crick's thighs. Another condom idly flipping between his fingers. "We don't," he agreed. "But would you like to? It certainly seems that way."

"I wouldn't want to impose…" The night had been enough of a favor already and Crick didn't want to wear out his welcome.

"It is not. And…" Roi traced a finger down the center of Crick's chest. "…if you're too worn out, I swear you won't need to lift a single finger." His own lifted off Crick's skin right around his belly button. Held up in promise.

Crick's mouth ran dry with anticipation. He opened it, found no words, and nodded. Roi smiled back.

Though he didn't touch Crick again, not right away. He worked open the wrapper, slowly pulling out the condom inside for inspection. Checking every angle for a flaw.

His eyes slid to Crick's and he grinned. An unsaid confirmation that he was going slow on purpose. Teasing with all the touching and then leaving Crick to ache for its return. Wanting and wanting still when Roi finally began unrolling it down his length. Carefully with only two fingers, the barest of touch.

Crick didn't want to rush the man, but he couldn't help the unconscious thrust of his hips, nor the growl in the back of his throat. "Patience is a virtue," Roi teased. Hushed, as though they were in church. His fingers skimmed a delicate line from base to tip that sent a jolt of electricity to Crick's heart. After all their urgency earlier and the lingering sensitivity of his first orgasm, Crick felt as though his nerves were being stroked. Overwhelming, yet he needed more.

Roi walked forward on his knees, rising to the right height as he used a hand to guide Crick's cock to point straight up. Once in place he lowered himself. Taking all of Crick into himself again with aching slowness. Crick grabbed Roi's calves, squeezing as Roi squeezed him back.

Then, Roi moved.

How impressive that he could do the motions with just his legs. His hands completely unneeded to brace as he pounded Crick into himself with just muscles and gravity. They found a different purpose in touch, one to languidly stroke his cock while the other traced his chest. A lovely view for Crick who couldn't do anything but watch. Roi was squeezing his hips so tightly that Crick couldn't thrust up to match his movements.

It felt good, of course. Gods, it did. Roi dragged Crick closer and closer to the edge without requiring any input from him at all. He seemed perfectly content to let the other man lie there, and it an attractive prospect to feel such pleasure without having to do anything. But Crick felt an overwhelming itch under his skin. His hands flexed on Roi's legs, anxious for something to do.

He could finish as things were. He didn't want to.

It was in that swirl of pleasure and frustration that Crick had a revelation. Roi taking the lead and doing all the work felt good, but Crick wanted to do those things for himself. He liked feeling the burn of his muscles put to use. An orgasm was an orgasm, but only half of one if he didn't earn it himself.

The strength in his arms and legs that could save lives could also bring pleasure. He loved that feeling. He craved it.

"Roi," Crick gasped, tapping at his legs with frantic fingers.

He slowed, easing back in one last time. Roi was winded enough to take breaths between words as he panted, "Is everything alright?"

"Great. Really great! But, can we change positions?"

Roi adjusted himself, shifting his legs to keep them from cramping. His eyes carried a question, blinking over Crick's features. "I believe we could," he said simply. "What would you like?"

Crick thought. Attempted to, at least. Roi's movements were very distracting in the tiny amount of friction constant along his length. Still, he did his best to focus. They had already done the usual way, with Crick on top and Roi beneath. This was Roi on top, which didn't really work…

"You go on your hands and knees with me behind you?" Crick asked, hopeful.

A brief tightness answered for Roi. He climbed off and settled into the new position. Roi lay his hands on the low headboard keeping his chest level with the bed. Back shining with a thin sheen of sweat, hair falling off his shoulders. Crick looked him over, taking in the beautiful picture.

"Is this better?"

"Uh-huh," Crick agreed dumbly. Unable to take his eyes off the sway of Roi's ass. Drawn towards it, he lined himself up and nudged his cock back in. Just the head at first.

With a backwards glance and nod from Roi, Crick gripped him with hands and hips and brought them back together. Perfect. Crick sighed with relief at how right it felt. His legs and core wound tight with strain as he thrust into Roi. Deeper than he could go before.

And with the new angle there was more he could do. He wanted to make the experience better for Roi. As thanks and to stoke his own pride. Crick slowed his thrusts to gently probe. The spot was there, somewhere within Roi, and he was determined to find it. Each new thrust drove in at a different angle until Roi cried out. The curve of his back deepened, body shuddering.

"T-there… Please, Crick."

The way he said his name made Crick shiver. He worked eagerly at the spot, striking it over and over with a singled-mindedness to hear Roi made the same sweet "ah" with each thrust. Roi trembled beneath him, legs and voice shaking as he struggled to gasp: "Touch me".

Roi cock bobbed below him, straining and untouched where he couldn't reach it while gripping the headboard. Crick adjusted, spreading his legs to encompass Roi and lean closer, balanced on just his knees so he could drag the tip of his cock over that special spot. Rocking only enough to simulate it and make Roi moan so suggestively.

"I've got you," he murmured, nearly chest to back. He could feel the heat rising off Roi. The same heat burning himself from inside that begged for release. His slick hand wrapped around Roi's cock and stroked, pulling a whimper and then a keen when his other caught a nipple and pinched tight.

Roi's head drooped. Arms and legs shaking to stay upright in the right position for everything Crick was doing to him. His groans more like sobs as he pleaded for Crick to continue. Begging on his knees to release.

Crick obeyed, holding himself at bay to hear a sermon of broken prayer and shattered fragments of his name. Until Roi no longer attempted words, shifting to breathless vocalizations as he pushed back into Crick's movements. Chasing his end.

With a cry Roi spilled warm over Crick's hand. Crick shifted to thrusts again, letting the deliciously tight ring of muscle work over his length until he too unraveled. He could hardly feel himself. The ache of his muscles, the drag of his voice in his throat. All sensation was narrowed down to his cock and the pleasure it found. He finished in Roi for the second time that evening. Colors bursting behind his eyes like flames, licking his body from the inside out with searing heat.

Crick pushed in and rode out the rest. Heat ebbed away to curl at his core. In the warm afterglow he noticed Roi's hands, white knuckled on the headboard, and waited for both their breaths to even out. The sound of panting eased into quiet.

With a hand under Roi's chest Crick slid out. Afraid the other man might collapse if he let go, he helped Roi down to the bed. He landed in the wet spot of his own creation, but didn't flinch.

"Sorry…" Crick panted. "…sheets."

Roi's laughter was deep. Tattered from somewhere in the back of his throat. "I believe I can wash them," he said, breathless. He patted the place next to him. Crick joined him, tossing the condom with a prayer it would land in the trash.

They settled in to face each other. Still breathing heavily, but smiling. Roi reached for Crick, seizing the curls along the back of his head to pull him closer in a bruising kiss. "Gods, Crick," he said. "I haven't been fucked like that in years."

And Crick, come to think of it, hadn't fucked like that ever. Temenos usually only needed one round, and their heights made that sort of position difficult. It had been hard work, but a sense of accomplishment flooded Crick's exhausted body. How much he had done in one night!

He basked in it while Roi left to disappear through the other door.

Crick heard a squeak that was quickly followed by the rush of water. Roi must be cleaning up. How tidy of him; fitting of his spotless apartment and perfect clothes. Crick let his eyes drift shut to the soothing sound of water.

He had only shut them for a second when a hand lightly shook his shoulder. The faucet abruptly turned off at the same time. "Would you like to join me in the bath?" Roi asked.

"Sure," Crick said sheepishly. Embarrassed he had accidentally fallen asleep.

He got up, slowly getting his sore legs used to moving again, and followed Roi into the bathroom. It was mostly the expected layout. A sink and toilet were arranged closest to the door, with a rectangular shower tucked in a corner. Though on the other side lay a large soaking tub along the same windowed wall as the bedroom. With a window of its own the bath overlooked a blurry view of the city. Fogged from the warm water.

Judging by how full it was Crick had spent a while completely knocked out. Though, he reminded himself, it had been quite the workout.

Roi climbed in first. His long legs disappearing in the water as he slowly lowered himself. Coming to rest against the back of the tub, knees bobbing above the water on each side. He rest a hand amid the bubbles between them. Eyes looking up at Crick in another unspoken invitation.

The water looked so inviting, as did the red flush over what of Roi Crick could see, that Crick didn't hesitate. He started to step in, meaning to put his back to the other side so they would be face to face, but was guided around by Roi. He ended up with his back to Roi's chest and long fingers in his hair. Crick melted as they massaged his scalp, working soothing paths. He dimly noticed the smell of shampoo but was too relaxed to focus on it.

The feeling of Roi's fingers was almost better than the sex. Almost.

"This bath is nice," Crick drawled. His arms spread lazily to each side to take in just how wide it was. They could have nearly sat side by side.

Roi's massage continued, scrubbing behind Crick's ears. "Many believe priests must follow the ascetic lifestyle, but I believe I'm allowed a few comforts." The pads of his fingers climbed up to Crick's crown, then worked down the back of his neck. "A hot bath after a long day. There's little better."

It was wonderful. Crick's tired muscles relaxed in the hot water and his eyes drifted shut again. Comfortable in Roi's touch, warm and solid. How nice it would be to do the same with Temenos. They would have to find a bathtub large enough to fit them both, but Crick could see himself cuddling with Temenos in the embrace of softly scented water.

Roi pulled lightly on his shoulders. Crick leaned back with his suggestion, falling back into the water until his face was floating. Warm water poured over his forehead to wash out the shampoo and the sounds of water splashing slowly lured Crick back to the present. "Do you do with with all your, erm, partners?" he asked. Fingers fiddling out of sight.

"Goodness, no," Roi chuckled. "Few people have bathtubs this large, and most hotels only have showers these days." The water rippled, cresting over Crick's ears as Roi turned to grab another bottle. A hand pushed Crick's upper back. Encouraging him to sit up again so Roi could work the second contents through his hair. Long languid brushes instead of scrubbing.

"I prefer this time to myself, anyway. It's a relief after a long day to have some time to unwind by yourself."

"Oh."

It took Crick a moment to process the implication. His brain sluggish from all the gentle touches. "Should I leave?" he asked worriedly. He straightened up. Legs tucking under him in preparation to get out.

Another laugh, gentler. "Certainly not. I invited you to join me, didn't I?" Roi's hands settled on his shoulders again. Thumbs tracing his shoulder blades, easing away his tension before fingertips climbed his neck and disappeared into his hair. "I'm not so polite as to do things I don't want to," he whispered in Crick's ear.

Crick shivered despite the steaming water and Roi's chest pressed against him. The closeness kindled the flame within him again, stirring under the soapy water.

"Nearly done," Roi added. He helped Crick rinse out the rest then washed his own hair. Moving around in the bath to clean himself. He had to get closer to Crick again. They were joined at the hip when Roi leaned back to rinse and Crick had to steady himself when Roi's legs tightened around Crick's thighs in a way that could only remind him of what they had been doing before.

Though Crick didn't mention it. The bath seemed to symbolize the end, and what a nice punctuation it was on the evening. He wouldn't disturb the cosmopolitan sanctuary Roi had built for himself with anything further.

Roi sat up after his last rinse and stood with a splash. Crick tilted his head to see him standing there, dripping and flush. Hair running like spilled ink down his shoulders. Crick thought it was a little unfair how good Roi looked. And how between he and Temenos they spanned the entire range of beautiful characteristics.

"You can soak as long as you like," Roi offered. He stepped out onto the mat and reached for a towel. It drew across his skin, hugging every curve. Crick had to look away. His cock waking further, considering another round.

"I'll get out too," he said quickly and clambered out. He had to stand next to the wall to give them both enough room on the bathmat, but there was just enough space for him to use the second towel Roi handed over. He's take care of his hair back at the hotel, but in the meantime he wiped off as much water as he could from his skin. A corner of the towel lingered over his hips to hide his unintended reaction.

Roi was waiting once he was done. Dry, but still standing on the mat with him. "Take a step back for me, please," he said.

Crick turned his head and nearly ran his nose into the wall. A step back? He barely had any space. An issue he was about to voice when hands suddenly took hold of his waist and forcefully moved him. His back pressed against cold tile and Crick gasped at the sudden change of temperature against his warmed skin.

Roi's hands remained, trailing down to his hips while Roi lowered himself to kneel on the rug. Just a mass of black hair spilling over wide shoulders. Swollen lips parting–

Crick gasped again when Roi swallowed his cock whole.

He wasn't fully hard when Roi's lips kissed the base of his shaft. The heat of the water and Roi's gentle touch tempered his arousal to stay benign. Crick had done his best not to give Roi any indication he needed more, but, somehow, Roi figured it out on his own.

"W-what are…" Crick attempted. The rest of his sentence pitched off with a whine. Deepening into a groan as he felt himself stiffen in that wet warmth. Velvet tongue and pinched cheeks pulling him deeper, hungry for more.

Roi continued his ministrations, holding Crick firm by the hips to keep his trembling legs steady. Crick's hands, still hot from the bath, slipped against the tile. Uselessly trying to find purchase. He tried so hard to keep still to let Roi's kindness go at his pace. His body had other ideas, thrusting in jerks into Roi's mouth. Seeking another finish. Crick felt horribly greedy.

Deep in the back of his throat Roi hummed. Approving of the effect his actions had, and in turn the vibration along Crick's head sent him over the edge. Without warning he spilled into Roi's mouth. The lights of the city turned to halos as he swam through another orgasm.

"S-sorry. I didn't mean–" Crick mumbled.

But Roi stood, smiling radiantly. He patted Crick's ass with a chipper, "good work!" and sauntered out of the bathroom. Licking his lips around a satisfied smirk.

Crick had to grab hold of the tub to keep from falling over.

It was a long minute before Crick had enough coordination to wobble his way back to the bedroom and put on his clothes Roi had left neatly on the edge of the bed.

Once dressed Crick found Roi in the kitchen. He had changed into sweats and a plain shirt, and stood at the counter drinking from a glass of water in a way one might argue was criminal. Hair shining, throat bobbing with each swallow.

He offered the glass to Crick, who hesitated for only a moment before he downed the rest in a few quick gulps.

"Well? You're not too tired are you?" Roi asked. "I'd imagine you're eager to go back to Temenos, but you're welcome to spend the night if you'd rather rest."

What a strange evening it had been. It was good, definitely good, and fun! The way he could interact with Roi satiated something in his more primal instincts and Crick knew he'd remember this encounter for the rest of his life. Not just because Roi would stay a part of his, as Temenos' brother, but because of all he had learned about himself.

Temenos had been right, Crick sighed to himself. Temenos was always right. The experience had been useful, and certainly a memorable life experience as he so intoned.

For an outsider, one might even say his night with Roi had been superior to all his ones with Temenos. With his strength and stamina, Roi was better suited to keep up with Crick. Sexual compatibility and all that.

But… Crick was happier with Temenos. It wasn't anything close to a question.

The way he tired and needed Crick to help him finish. His "big strong ram" as he liked to say, breathless. A nickname that made Crick groan and complain even though he really loved it. His strength was for Temenos, and he was happy to put it to his use.

And after a night of lovemaking, when Crick would carry his tired anthropologist to the shower, he was happy to help clean the sweat and spend from his body as well. Artifacts of his strength, removed with more of it.

He loved it when Temenos found his legs again too, re-energized by the water, and would wash Crick himself. When he stood close enough that Crick could rest his forehead in the little dip of Temenos' shoulder and feel him laughing as he called Crick his "dirty little lamb". The smell of the soap he had picked out for them both.

Crick loved that nickname too. He loved everything about Temenos. He loved Temenos.

And he loved that after a night with someone else, that fact hadn't changed one bit.

"Thank you," Crick said, meaning it in more ways than he could express, "but I'm going back to the hotel."

Roi's look was knowing. He didn't make any more offers to have Crick stay, just pulled on his coat and shoes by the door. "Let's go down then. I'll hail you a cab."

Their last elevator ride passed in contented silence. Crick finally felt at peace.

On the sidewalk Roi waved and another of the yellow checked cars quickly pulled over. Crick climbed in the back. "The Delstasch Queen," Roi told the driver, adding a teasing "Quickly please, this man is eager to get home." He turned to Crick with a wink and caught the door before he could close it. "A moment! I'd like you to pass a message to Temenos for me."

A message? Crick knew they must have each other's phone numbers. "What is it?"

"Just tell him 'three'. Thank you!"

"Three?" Crick repeated. "Like the number?"

Roi shut the door with a sly smile and patted the roof. Crick had seen that smile before. The same type Temenos had whenever he was getting into mischief. As soon as he took a step back the cab roared off into traffic. Any chance of an answer quickly disappeared in the rear view mirror.

Crick watched Roi wave, confused. Three?

- - -

"Temenos!" Crick called the moment he opened the door to their room. It looked the same as before, nearly everything in the same place he had left it.

Except Temenos, who was lounging in bed and deliberately playing coy. "And how was it?" he asked with false indifference.

Crick slipped off his shoes, nearly tripping in his haste to get closer. "It was nice. We went to a great restaurant down by the water. I'll take you there tomorrow–"

Temenos cut him off with a frown and a flurry of sheets and blankets. "You know what's not what I meant," he said as he came around the bed. "How was the sex?"

Crick didn't know how he could be so direct. He withered a little inside at Temenos' choice of words. "Good," Crick answered cautiously. Relieved to see Temenos relax. "But…"

A whole range of emotions crossed Temenos' face.

"…it wasn't you."

That got him. Temenos jerked, a pink flush spreading across his cheeks in a way that only happened when Crick was exceptionally mushy and he didn't know how to handle it. Crick loved that expression, and holding those warmed cheeks in his hands to keep Temenos from looking away. He cradled them then, holding Temenos close. "I made sure to thank Roi for the opportunity, but I think I got it right the first time. I only want you, Temenos, and tonight proved that."

"I see," Temenos stammered. "That's good."

Crick lowered his head, gently pressing their foreheads together. This was what he wanted. Temenos, close to him, loving and warm. "Good," he agreed. "I'm so happy to be back with you."

Temenos cleared his throat, but didn't try to wiggle away. His hands climbed up Crick's back, sharing warmth to shake off the autumn chill. They stayed wrapped in each other until Crick remembered Roi's words.

"By the way, Roi asked me to tell you something. 'Three.'"

"'Three'? Three of what?"

"I don't know," Crick said with a shrug. "I tried to ask, but the cab pulled away. I thought you would know."

Temenos pulled himself out of Crick's arms and went to get his phone. He tapped at it a few times before he brought it up to his ear. Crick could hear the faint ring of an outbound call.

Then a soft click and the murmur of a voice.

"It's me. What exactly do you mean by 'three'?" Temenos demanded.

Crick could hear the barest sound of laughter and more murmuring. He couldn't make out what the other party was saying, but it had to be Roi on the other end. Temenos got an answer but didn't look pleased with it.

"You're lying," he said immediately.

More words Crick couldn't hear, followed by a severe slant to Temenos' eyebrows. "He did not!"

A pause. No words spoken on either side.

"Crick," Temenos said. He finally looked up from the phone, voice tempered to a deadly calm. "How many times did you finish tonight, with Roi?"

"Uh, well…" Crick ran it all through again. There had been the first time, with Roi lying on the bed. Then they switched positions, and switched positions again. That was just the second time, though. And a third, he remembered with a jolt, when Roi ambushed him in the bathroom.

"Three. Oh! Is that what he meant?"

He had been given a message to tell Temenos that?! Crick pressed his hands to his face, trying to cool off his suddenly warm cheeks.

Temenos, meanwhile, appeared as an angel of patience. His eyes closed and he took a long deep breath before opening them again. "Then," he continued, "did you also tell Roi he was 'the best you've ever had'?"

"What!" Crick shouted, for the second time glad their room seemed reasonably well soundproofed. "No! I–" He spoke up, hoping Roi could hear him through the phone. "It was good, thank you again, Roi, but I certainly didn't say it was the best I've ever had! And it wasn't. I swear, Temenos."

A hand went up to silence his rambling. "I believe you," Temenos said, then continued into the phone, "You, on the other hand. I believe priests aren't supposed to lie."

More unintelligible words.

"He did not 'say it with his eyes', you liar! You charlatan, you–!"

Temenos' rant was drowned out by loud laughter on the other end of the line. Loud enough Crick could hear it clearly, for as long as Temenos could stand it before he mashed the button to end the call and he turned his passions on Crick.

"Take your pants off," he said. The icy calm was back.

"To get changed for bed?" Crick asked hopefully. "It's a bit late to do anything else."

"Pants. Off."

"Er…" Usually he was always ready to go. Anything for Temenos. But after the strenuous workout, Crick was beat. "Maybe tomorrow?"

"He. Broke. Our. Record," Temenos hissed through gritted teeth, and Crick remembered the time they went camping and got rained in. Their tent full of humidity not caused by the water outside.

"I will not–" Temenos took a step forward. "–have our record be broken–" He took another step and Crick was starting to fear the condition of his legs in the morning. "–by him!"

Oh dear, Crick thought as Temenos pounced, dragging him to the bed. It was going to be a long night.