Chapter Text
“Isn’t he the cutest infant you’ve ever seen?” Siralos gushed over the bundle in his arms, who in turn seemed content with being held. Cradled in both the warmth of a blanket and a hug, Licorice happily enjoyed the attention. His small fists clutched the plush bat his father had made, periodic twitches moving his little arms. All the while, his pacifier repeatedly bobbed as he reveled in the comfort.
Seated beside her father on the living room sofa, Igls nodded. She softly smiled, reaching over to stroke Licorice’s cheek. He perked up at the touch, wriggling excitedly. Igls giggled, leaning in closer to give him the attention he craved. “Of course, he’s adorable,” Igls readily agreed.
Both the doting grandfather and aunt immediately cleaved onto Licorice the moment they were able to meet him. After getting clearance to leave the hospital, they each did their part in making Ivlis comfortable. Not far behind was Satanick, who eagerly tended to Ivlis’ every need. However, the flame demon insisted he was fine albeit a little sore and tired. Nonetheless, he was thankful for the assistance. He knew raising a child would be the most effort he had ever put into anything, and for the most part that sentiment stood true. Routine feedings in the night had become commonplace, dragged out of bed all hours of the night making sure Licorice was satisfied. If Ivlis had to wager what the biggest upheaval was in his onslaught of many he would certainly go with the breastfeeding. It shouldn’t have even been possible – at least, in Ivlis’ mind. Questioning things at this point was beyond foolish considering what he had just gone through. Still, like it or not, it occurred, and as such, he had a duty to perform.
“It’s not hard to figure out,” Satanick had corrected him. “You’re the mother, so it’s only natural you’d be the one feeding him.”
Mother; he still wasn’t thrilled with such a title, yet most of the time he lacked the energy to argue. Difficult as it was to admit it, Satanick was right – he was the boy’s mother. The way Licorice’s eyes lit up each time he saw Ivlis was irrefutable proof that the infant cherished him above all else. The thought alone made Ivlis fidget, but not in discomfort. If anything, he felt… proud. A tiny smile tugged at his lips.
As if the babe had read his mind, Licorice’s gaze snapped to Ivlis across the room. Per usual, his eyes gleamed, and he bounced intensely in Siralos’ arms.
The older man chuckled. “Goodness, what’s gotten into you?”
“He’s a Mama’s boy for sure!” Satanick proudly declared his masterful deduction, and Ivlis rolled his eyes. True as it might be, having him add in his two cents wasn’t necessary. Seated beside him on the opposite sofa, the other man had come over after school to check on his “favorite boys.” He had done so each day since Licorice’s birth, his devotion warming Ivlis’ heart. He was grateful Satanick had kept his promise – that neither Licorice nor him would want for his attention.
Ah, that.
Ivlis pressed his lips together, nigglings of guilt starting to eat at him once more. Truthfully he was grateful for Satanick’s part in all of this, and he wouldn’t want it any other way. However, he sometimes wondered if it was only due to obligation.
Out of his periphery, Ivlis glanced at Satanick, assessing his current mood. All doubts dispelled the moment he saw Satanick’s beaming face. Ivlis’ heart fluttered, and he let out a silent sigh of relief, shaking off such ridiculous notions.
Joining in the previous banter, Siralos noted, “Yes, I can see that quite well.” He paused, readjusting the bouncing bundle in his care. As he did, amber eyes locked onto Ivlis. “Speaking of the mother, have you gotten any real time away from Licorice, Ivlis?”
With the focal point now on him, Ivlis blinked incredulously. His lips parted, unsure what he was even going to utter. All eyes were on him, and he shifted in place, golden gaze looking down at his lap for any insight. He soon after returned to those awaiting his reply. “I don’t really need time away from him. Licorice is still young. I… can’t really leave him alone.”
The trio exchanged perplexed glances before amusement crossed their faces in various forms. Satanick openly chortled while Siralos lightly joined in. Igls politely smiled.
“Oh, Ivlis, of course he won’t be alone.” Siralos repositioned Licorice, bringing him closer to his chest. “We would happily watch him. After all, every parent needs a break, even me.” He winked playfully. “A little bit of distance can certainly make the heart grow fonder.”
Ivlis stared onward, blinking to let the words sink in. Despite the vagueness, it was easily inferable what he meant. Perhaps he had been spending far too much time doting on Licorice, though he hadn’t exactly given it much thought. It had been only a few days since he’d given birth, and school had generously given him a leave of absence. Granted, a demon’s recovery time was faster than others, yet it allowed Ivlis a much-needed reprieve. Parenthood wasn’t easy even with an abundance of helping hands. Tiring couldn’t even begin to describe it. In many ways, he was wearing a bit thin.
Ivlis supposed he really hadn’t gotten a moment away from his duties.
What would be the harm….?
Despite hesitation dripping off every syllable, Ivlis murmured, “I guess… a little time away wouldn’t hurt.”
“Then it’s settled!”
Despite sitting right beside him, Satanick’s joyful proclamation startled Ivlis. He gleefully jumped to his feet, spinning to face him. With his attention fully on Ivlis, he extended a hand towards him. “Come, Buri-chan! Let’s go on a date!”
Ivlis blinked incredulously at him, a dusting of blush quickly taking hold of his face. It was so sudden, yet being asked out for the first time in a while was quite flattering. He just wished Satanick wasn’t so bold to do so in front of his family.
Stifling his embarrassment, Ivlis gave a cursory glance at those present. Siralos nodded in confirmation, and Igls smiled with a polite nod of her own. Humiliating as it was getting approval for this sort of thing, it eased some of Ivlis’ guilt. Perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to get out of the house for a little bit….
Returning to Satanick’s offered hand, he returned the gesture by placing his hand atop his. Almost immediately, Satanick joyfully yanked him to his feet. “Then it’s settled!” he exclaimed. “We’ll go right now!”
The waves of the sea were more predictable than this man! No matter how long they spent together, Ivlis could never get used to his wild mannerisms. “R – Right now?” he stuttered as if repeating it would help him determine their next course of action.
Satanick chortled. “Yes, right now. All we need is ourselves and nothing more. Leave the rest to me.” Lacing his fingers with Ivlis’ claws, Satanick grasped his hand tightly before turning towards the others. “We’ll be back soon! Don’t wait up.”
Ivlis’ bristled at his boyfriend’s lack of manners. “You’re not the adult in charge here,” he grumbled under his breath.
However, instead of taking offense, Siralos merely giggled. “Yes, yes, off you go, you two.” He waved his right hand through the air, shooing them off.
Wasting no time, Satanick happily bounded out of the room with Ivlis in tow. The young man’s eyes enlarged at the ecstatic mood flowing from the other, inadvertently contagious to his own. Still, he couldn’t help but feel negligent towards Licorice for leaving so suddenly. He looked over his shoulder, watching as Siralos transferred the babe over to Igls. The child’s eyes scanned the room in search of his parent, yet his aunt’s soothing coos were enough to distract him. It was somewhat relieving knowing he was in good hands.
Once in the entryway, Satanick released Ivlis’ hand in order to slip on his shoes. Ivlis slowly did the same, and the second they were on his feet, Satanick flung open the door, reacquiring his beloved. The warmth of the evening sun kissed Ivlis’ skin, and he bathed in its glow. However, upon stepping foot outside, he realized he wasn’t exactly in what would be considered appropriate date attire. A plain black turtleneck and trousers were decent enough, but if Satanick expected something fancier, then they would need to return. As Ivlis’ pondered these trivial matters, he soon realized Satanick wasn’t exactly dressed in his finniest either, a white button-up and dark pants his usual go-to.
Curious as to their destination, Ivlis tilted his head. “Where are we going?”
Shoes clacked off the pavement the further down they progressed down the sidewalk. All the while, Satanick gleefully escorted Ivlis, the latter having to match his stride to keep up.
“Don’t you worry your pretty little head,” he called back to him. “It’s been so long since we’ve spent some quality time together, Ivlis. I thought we’d revisit a very special spot.”
Ivlis’ heart thrummed against his ribcage, elevated breaths huffed out from both the pace and anticipation. A special spot, huh? The only one he could presently think of was where they’d shared their first kiss and how it subsequently became the place where Licorice’s name was chosen. The thought alone was sweet, and Ivlis’ couldn’t contain the tiny smile spreading across his lips. However, as the pair pressed onwards, the assumed area passed by in a matter of steps.
Ivlis voiced his perplexity, “Where – ?”
His question was immediately thwarted as Satanick peeked over his shoulder. As he did, a seductive glint in his eye was all the hint Ivlis needed.
Past the residential homes and businesses, past the empty schoolyard, Ivlis’ legs and heart recalled the predestined path.
The apartment complex finally came into view, and Ivlis’ pulse accelerated into full throttle. His feet momentarily fumbled, yet Satanick easily corrected his trajectory. Pulling Ivlis closer, he walked beside him in increasing speed. Had they been walking any faster Ivlis would have considered it a full-on sprint; his breathless lungs felt inadequate to handle such a feat. However, a fate just as daunting awaited him beyond those concrete walls.
So, this is what he had meant.
The place where it all began….
Speechless, Ivlis turned to face his bemeaning boyfriend. His thumb stroked the top of Ivlis’ rough scales, unbothered by the texture. With a heartfelt look, he mused, “It’s been a while since it’s been just the two of us. How about we make the most of it?”
It was hard to argue with Satanick to begin with let alone when he was logical. A considerable amount of time had passed since they’d spent time together in this capacity. It wasn’t like Ivlis actively sought such activities, pleasant as they might be. Still, the mere idea of such intimacy was beyond dizzying.
Up, up, and up, the two climbed the myriad of stairs towards the apartment. It was only when they reached the landing of his floor that a thought occurred to Ivlis.
“Your brother.”
Satanick momentarily paused before letting out a full-bodied chuckle. Ivlis’ expression knit, wondering what was so funny about such a simple question. However, he was soon awarded with an answer.
“Luckily for us, he’s off with his club again. Isn’t that wonderful, Ivlis? We have the whole place to ourselves.” Satanick winked, and Ivlis’ accelerated heartrate skyrocketed.
It really was just like the first time….
Trepidation threatened to cement his wobbly legs to the ground, though a part of him was somewhat eager. Parenthood had certainly taken its toll on him, and blowing off a little steam did sound enticing. Truthfully, it was surreal he was even considering such things. Where he was once timid – and for the most part still was – a sense of bold expectancy pumped through him.
It didn’t take long for them to reach the sixth door and enter the tiny space. Ivlis bent down to kick off his boots, and the second they left his feet, Satanick enveloped him into his embrace. The flame demon let out a light gasp at the abrupt hug, and tingling sensations he’d forgotten once more resurfaced. Cradled around his hips and lower back, Ivlis stared into the violet embers drilling into him. Oxygen steadily began to flee his lungs as Satanick’s lips hovered above his own.
“It’s been so long,” he breathed out, tone dripping in sensuality. “I’ve missed this, Ivlis.”
Ivlis’ lips parted, eyelids steadily veiling as the warm headiness washed over him. Fawning under such intensity, he melted into Satanick’s hold the moment their mouths met. The kiss hastily deepened, and Ivlis tried to match that same rhythm, allowing his body to override his brain. His movements were sloppy yet affectionate, returning each of Satanick’s pecks and plunders amidst his inexperienced nervousness. With slotted mouths, their bodies swayed in similar fashion. Stumbling legs brought them over their discarded shoes and bumping against walls; all the while, Satanick supported his weakening lover.
Unbeknownst to either of them, they sashayed down the small hallway towards Satanick’s bedroom. Finally pulling away for fresh air, Ivlis’ vision blurred as he was lowered onto the mattress. His heart jumped into his throat, the reawakened memories rendering him immobile. They had barely begun and already he was overwhelmed.
Noticing Ivlis’ hesitation, Satanick eased atop him. Pushing himself onto his palms, his left hand trailed along Ivlis’ cheek. Kneading the heated flesh, he reassured, “We’ll take it slow, and this time, we’ll use protection.” Ivlis’ confusion was once again clarified as Satanick removed his hand to dip into his pants’ pocket. In a flash, he extracted a small package. The open doorway’s dim light produced a faint sheen across its surface.
Ivlis let out a hefty sigh at the display, riskily closing his eyes to let out his mild agitation. He reopened them to continue his line of questioning. “You planned this all along, didn’t you?” He quirked an eyebrow at the niggling discrepancies surfacing in his head. “How’d you even know this was going to happen?”
Satanick’s eyes twinkled, lips curving into a smarmy smile to frankly reply, “I didn’t. I was simply waiting for just the right moment.”
Ivlis rolled his eyes and let out a disgruntled sigh followed by Satanick’s hearty chuckle. However, as soon as the mischievous demon dove in, all of Ivlis’ gripes melted away in the stream of kisses and roaming hands. Gasps filled the air, panting nostril breaths in abundance alongside a myriad of groans and moans. Already overheating, copious amounts of sweat beaded Ivlis’ frame, his clothes sticking to his body. However, Satanick easily peeled them off bit by bit until the younger man’s slender form was fully exposed. Ivlis’ labored huffs filled the air as Satanick hummed in approval. His own clothes were quickly stripped off, leaving Ivlis once more breathless and awestruck. He stared ahead, half-tempted to avert his gaze. Despite his nerves, he simply observed the other man’s methodical movements, leaning in to Satanick’s guiding hands.
“You ready, Ivlis?”
Towering above him, Satanick’s ebony bangs hung before his eyes, his shining amethysts appearing almost otherworldly from the shadows.
Ivlis’ bashfulness returned in full force, the ever-present nerves refusing to receded. Nevertheless, his life – and subsequently him – had changed these past few months. Unashamed and unhindered, he reached up, placing his hands atop Satanick’s shoulders.
“Yes, but make sure you wear the condom.”
“Of course,” Satanick cheekily concurred. “We wouldn’t want you pregnant again so soon, would we?”
Whatever quip Ivlis wanted to make was swallowed up in the oncoming onslaught of heated kisses, tender words, and unbridled debauchery.
The past few months had been riddled with all manner of emotions, yet one fact stood firm – despite the distance, the fondness Satanick and Ivlis shared would never change.