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Ishgard is no stranger to the brutal cold. Unrelenting, bitter, fierce cold. While her people have adapted to their wilderness, the winter months hit particularly hard, often prompting those less fortunate to ration when they needed comfort most. Ishgard, as beautiful as she was, still needed to grow. She still needed to learn how to properly harbour her people. Though, slowly but surely, they were getting there.
Aymeric felt they were getting closer, at least. As he watched from his window while nursing a warm brew, he took note of the gentle glow of orange in the near distance. He was not notified of a communal fire, but at the very least, it would keep the people warm. Then, came a thought.
As much as Ishgard was repairing herself, there was a new problem in the woodwork. A recent one that came with the arrival of Winter. It started with small animals. Your standard rat, the occasional unlucky bird. Often he would find their corpses on the route to the House of Lords, stiff and cold. With each corpse, puncture wounds were evident, and always in a pair.
Then came the incidents of the lowborn. While it was few and easily outweighed by the deaths of smaller creatures, one couldn’t ignore the slowly tallying toll of finding corpses out in the street frozen to death with those very same puncture wounds in their neck. Was it a beast? A mortal? Or something else entirely?
Aymeric felt his features form into a scowl. This… thing, or even things, despite his best efforts, had been a problem for the past few months. No matter how much effort was put into investigating, they would always come back empty handed. With every single case that launched and ended in finding no cause, his heart ached harder. Many had met with their death intimately by now, and he wanted nothing more than to put an end to the suffering.
Trailing along the sea of thoughts, a familiar face came to mind. At the time, it seemed like for the right reasons. A man who had gone through his own rebuilding, who was once engulfed in his own misery. A man who had been nothing but supportive of Aymeric’s goals, and praised for walking his path. Aymeric was aware that he, given his past, would be just as keen to find the solution to curing the oncoming plague.
Just like that, a sound came crashing in the foyer, for all the wrong reasons.
Prompted to action, Aymeric swiftly abandoned his thinking spot and charged downstairs, ready to intervene in a seconds notice. Upon treading into the room, nothing appeared out of the ordinary. Vases stood proud, portraits remained poised. Not even the telltale sign of a breakin or struggle.
Then came another crash, and a rumble of the door ahead. A strained voice echoed from beyond, laced with concealed pain. “Ser Aymeric-” He called, the very man Aymeric’s thoughts had led him moments ago, “Ser Aymeric- are you in there?”
There was no hesitation in opening the door, the unforgiving winds of winter flowing immediately into his abode. Estinien Varlineau, former Azure Dragoon, complete with a dusting of winter’s embrace… and the stains of crimson seeping through his garments. Aymeric felt his throat temporarily go dry.
Aymeric acted with precision the moment he saw Estinien’s body starting to give. He looked pale, drained of life, like he wasn’t the Estinien he knew. Instinctively, The Blue's hands brushed the taller man’s hair away from his neck to see any evidence of those same puncture marks that had been haunting Ishgard, only to find not a single trace.
“I need to come in–”
“You needn’t say another word. Come, I have you.”
—
It was most unusual for the former Dragoon to even be in such a state. Weakened, his eyes weathered from fatigue. Even as his body sprawled itself across Aymeric’s chaise lounge, with arms dangling off the edge, his body looked like it was suffering. A fresh bandage encased Estinien’s chest, only a faint sight of blood now lingering, the worst of it having been remedied. Aymeric didn’t ask questions, though no doubt by now he had several buzzing in his mind.
Even within his current state, Aymeric couldn’t help but note the chiselled physique of the other man. Every scar, each unique, held their own tale of Estinien’s journey. Calloused hands, ones that Aymeric has only ever barely entertained the thought of holding. Holding, and perhaps, something more than that. Flaws be damned, Estinien was devastatingly handsome, even down to his core. While blunt and aloof, there was something charming about how he interacts with those around him. His companionship with Alphinaud, for example, or his silent understanding with the Warrior of Light. The man was never going to be perfect, but in a sense, that made him be so.
Estinien didn’t catch the other man staring. Though, the moment he heard the gentle clink of a glass on a table, his hand instinctively reached out to take a hold of The Blue’s wrist.
“I need you to sit with me.” It sounded like more of a command than an ask. Aymeric, admittedly somewhat startled by the sudden request, cleared his throat.
“I would be more than happy to. Let me pull up–”
“No. With me. I need to… ask you something.” Estinien’s eyes opened for the first time since they managed to get him settled. They almost looked hungry, glazed over. While he did not know what the other man thought when he looked at him, Estinien definitely had his own view of the other. Someone he could never be, a shining beacon. Cut from a different cloth, yet still so admirable all the same. Estinien was never good with words, and he doubts he ever will be. Something akin to warmth- or perhaps, lust- was ignited every time he met Aymeric’s gaze. It took a lot to gain the Azure Dragoon’s trust, but Aymeric had earned it fair and square, alongside other feelings. Now they are here, Aymeric moments away from his touch…
Estinien cursed to himself. Under what circumstances? Selfish ones. But he had nowhere else to run.
The Dragoon had propped himself up, a strained breath escaping his throat. Once more, Aymeric held out his hands, worried the other was about to overexert himself. When he was met with Estinien’s grip holding tighter to his arm, Aymeric raised his brows.
“I need… I need something.” Estinien murmured, though Aymeric was able to pick up his words. All the while, Estinien’s hands were wanting to trail further- to prompt The Blue to tilt his head back. To feel his hands against the curve of his back- to feel his warmth and thrum of his veins against his digits. Aymeric held out another hand, only to gently take his chin, prompting Estinien to look right at him.
“I understand you are not in the best place, but. I need you to be more specific.” Aymeric was firm, though the sign of concern was riddled in his eyes. “I want nothing more than to help you, but I can’t do it if you are being vague.”
Estinien was putting everything he had in having control of his hands and body. While he was not the monster of the streets of Ishgard- he was still a monster. Guilty by default. Even now, knowing what he needed with no one else to ask, guilt riddled his being. He couldn’t- he shouldn’t put such a demand on someone he held in a high regard. A grunt left his throat.
Aymeric tried his best to see any telltale sign that something was wrong. Careful in his observation, he was almost about to prompt his question once more-
Then he saw it. Poking from his slightly ajar lips- Fangs .
Ser Aymeric gently withdrew his hands from Estinien. The man allowed it, and Aymeric took on a more rigid posture. “You’re one of them. Are you-”
“No. Though I believe the townsfolk managed to catch onto my hunting trail and burn the true culprit at the stake. At a cost…”
Estinien motions to his chest. Caught in the crossfire.
The Blue was silent for a time, watching as Estinien was observing him with half lidded eyes. It ached and burned deep, but still had enough humanity in him to not lose himself entirely. Aymeric took this moment to cup the other man’s cheek, watching as Estinien’s breath hitched upon contact. Freezing- his flesh was freezing cold. No wonder he never was able to brush against the other’s skin in the past. With no sign of Aymeric wanting to stake him then and there, he allowed himself to melt a little further into his touch.
“I am sorry. But I am sure you understand now.”
Cold eyes were wanting by this point, now staring directly into Aymeric’s. A hard lump formed in his throat, though he too was unable to look away. He was desperate, everything pointed to the fact from how his gaze burned into his and how his body seemed to twitch. To see him here asking such a request was an immense show of trust.
Aymeric knew he could trust him. A finger slipped to the top of his collar, unbuttoning the first button.
“There never was a question. I…” The words temporarily caught themselves in his throat, but swallowed the lump. “I had no idea of your affliction. But this does not make me think any less of you. I’ve always held you in the highest regard, Estinien. I am honoured you came to me.”
Estinien felt his cheeks threaten to burn. Though instead, there was the soft surge of pink instead, averting his gaze. Compliments were something he still needed to learn how to deal with.
“... I have always admired you, Aymeric. More than I let on.” Estinien’s words were low, only meant for the other man. His heart felt exposed, and he could feel his throat tighten from vulnerability. He hated it- every inch of him wanted to implode. But when his chin was graced by The Blue’s hand, he no longer felt that burn in his gut. Instead, a rush of admiration filled his chest, the pain of his hunger temporarily subsiding.
“Is that so?” Aymeric’s voice was calm, genuine. His voice felt like a cure for the soul. “I feel the same about you, you know. You’re inspiring. You’re…”
His voice trails off, allowing himself to get closer. Faces mere inches apart, drinking the sights of their image. Estinien felt his restraint loosening, eyes swooping from Aymeric’s eyes, to his now exposed neck. Noticing this, Aymeric decided to close that distance, sealing what was wanting to happen for months.
The kiss was chaste at first. A clash of warmth and cold, both men experiencing a different sensation. Feeling how warm The Blue’s lips were against his, Estinien felt the very threads of his sanity being severed string by string, mind racing with every single little thing he has ever thought of the other man. Aymeric was the same, The Dragoon’s embrace comforting in its own unique way.
However, soon enough, Estinien withdrew his lips, instead opting to wash his breath over Aymeric’s neck. His hand cradled the curve of his back, easing him downward to allow himself to climb above. Aymeric gazed above, his cheeks flushed from the sudden motion. A shudder came across him temporarily as he saw Estinien’s hunger paint itself back on his features.
“Please.” Estinien drawled, fangs painfully close and yearning. “Let me… Let me do this.”
Aymeric cups the back of his silver locks, fingers intertwining themselves into the mess. A hum escaped from his throat, tilting his head back. “You have my word. Go ahead-”
It was mere moments after Aymeric spoke that Estinien’s fangs made their descent into his neck. It was like ice- sharp, unforgiving, and bitter. The initial puncture sent Aymeric’s eyes widening, a sharp hiss brushing through his teeth. Though what came after was a euphoria mortals rarely had the pleasure of receiving. The Blue had trouble holding back the moan that followed from the rush of adrenaline, digits tightening their grip against the back of The Dragoon’s head.
Feeling his blood being drained was dizzying, but in such a way the lightheaded feeling made him feel he was flying. A sinful deed, the temple of his body invaded by a darker power. He felt his body adjust, Estinien’s fangs now feeling like they were meant to be in his flesh. But just as soon as he was beginning to feel comfortable- It was gone.
There was a mixture of relief and disappointment once he felt the cold air hit his neck once more, though he jolted when he felt Estinien’s tongue lap up the remaining trickles of blood surfacing from the new puncture wounds.
Oh, how he wished he didn’t look down when he felt him do that. Estinien looked ravenous now, the feed rejuvenating him. Such a sight made The Blue feel more faint, though this time, his blood had opted to rush downward instead of being drained from his body. It became blatantly obvious where his blood decided to run upon the other man grinding against his crotch.
“Fuck.” Estinien groaned lowly, his fangs gently biting the bottom of his own lip. “How are you this perfect? Even down to how you taste.”
Aymeric should have been the one complimenting the other. Feeling himself growing more and more flustered, The Blue hummed, though in turn gave a small buck of his hips in return. This man was doing things to him, unspeakable things, and he wanted every last bit of it. Aymeric cupped both of Estinien’s cheeks, devouring the sight of his hungry eyes and bloodstained chin, and gave a heated sigh.
“If you keep talking like that, you’re going to make me suffer.” Aymeric drawled, eyes glinting with a growing need. Estinien was tuned in to the fact the other man was turned on by the whole ordeal, a bonus he wasn’t expecting.
“Suffer?” Estinien questioned, a smirk forming. “I think not. I won’t allow it.”
Aymeric’s hands wandered, etching their way beneath Estinien’s shirt, mindful not to interfere with his bandages. Estinien’s words were a promise, the promise of something far more euphoric waiting. Aymeric could feel his member growing harder by the mere implication. “Please…” Now it was Aymeric’s turn to plead, his hips bucking upwards once again. “You have me. All of me.”
It was all Estinien needed to hear.
—
Within moments, their lips were crashing once again. Aymeric could taste the distinct flavour of iron against his tongue- his own blood- once their tongues were dancing against one another. His grip was needy on The Dragoon’s chin, wanting him to be as close as possible, cherishing every single last inch of him. Feeling his strong jawline against the pads of his fingertips was comforting- as it were arousing, too. Estinien’s hands wasted no time in finding themselves beneath The Blue’s own shirt, digits tracing the tones of his muscles. He too had his scars, Estinien feeling one that came from a stab wound from one fateful day.
In that moment, he allowed himself to kiss Aymeric more passionately, intently. He will only ever know love from now on.
A trail of saliva linked them once Estinien pulled away, his cock twitching at the sight of Aymeric’s flushed demeanour. The Blue bit the bottom of his lip, one of his digits twirling a strand of The Dragoon’s locks. Their breaths were visible in the otherwise chilly room, their pants pacing quicker and quicker. Estinien, eager for another taste, tugged at the Lord’s pants, a silent gesture for them to be removed. Complying, Aymeric shuffled himself to assist in the removal, his breath hitching once both his outerwear and smallclothes were pulled down. Cold air made his cock twitch, already hardened from their embrace.
Estinien wasted not a moment in taking a hold of the man’s member, calloused hands surprisingly gentle. With his stiffening cock in his grasp, Estinien planted a passionate kiss on the head, earning him a gentle throb. “Mh. Sensitive?” Estinien piqued, peering up with a near hypnotising gaze to the other man.
“It has been some time since I last… Yes.” Aymeric drawled, closing his eyes slowly as he felt Estinien’s lips engulf the head of his cock. A hand was brought up to his mouth, an attempt to stifle the moan that threatened to break free. The Dragoon swirled his tongue around the thick head, though peering past his locks and watching as Aymeric tried to silence himself, he pulled away.
“None of that, my dear. I want to hear your ascension.” Estinien encouraged. In turn, Aymeric looked past his hand, and slowly removed it from his face. Once uncovered, The Dragoon’s lips returned to his cock, taking him into his mouth once again.
The sight was everything to him. From how his hair fell around his features, how tenderly he took his member into his mouth- Aymeric felt another moan rumbling forth. This time- there was no shame, nor any reason to be quiet. As the moan left his lips, his hips instinctively rocked forward, earning him a hum from Estinien. He made no quick work of his lover, instead, he took it slow. His head bobbed up and down his shaft with precision, pressing his tongue flat against its side. Feeling the subtle vein on the side and how good he tasted from here made Estinien want to reach down and touch himself, but once more in favour of restraining himself. No. He wanted to be let loose on the best part.
“Estinien…” The Blue murmured, throwing his head back and giving a slightly louder sigh. He was surprised- Estinien was proving himself to be decent at the art of blowjobs. A pleasant surprise indeed.
Hearing his name, Estinien pulled off with a gentle ‘pop’, now moving onto mouthing the side of his impressive shaft. He was tempted to spend the night sucking him dry- but an urge in his own region was the only thing holding him away from that idea. Aymeric reached down to cup the back of Estinien’s head, an encouraging “please, more” leaving his lips in the process. Estinien perked up at this, a sinful idea emerging.
“I can give you so much more than this. So, so much more.” He nearly growled, his eyes darkening. “Just give me the word.”
His free hand slipped underneath the hand currently rubbing the base of Aymeric’s cock, opting to find his hole. He gently pushed inside, cautiously easing him up. The action caused Aymeric to hitch and buck his hips once more, trying to keep some sense of dignity. A soft sigh, followed by him gazing down at The Dragoon with a soft smile.
“I want more of you. I want to see more of you, feel more of you–”
With his words he was being pushed down by a hand, Estinien once more crawling on top. One hand still remained fingering his hole, one sole digit pushing deeper. Aymeric accommodated his insertion, spreading his legs further, which in turn prompted Estinien to slide in an extra digit. While he
adored
seeing the man so open to taking more of his touch, he wasn’t quite satisfied with his words just yet.
“Say it. I want you to say exactly what you want me to do to you.”
Pre leaked from Aymeric’s member, the request shooting more adrenaline to surge through his veins. Staring right at the other elezen, he pleaded his request;
“I need you to fuck me, Estinien. Take us to new heights.”
Aymeric swore he heard the other man growl at his words. In moments, he could feel Estinien’s digits push as deep as they could go, before removing themselves. His outerwear discarded with swift moments, and it wasn’t long before Estinien was grabbing a hold of Aymeric’s thigh to spread his legs further.
“Then you shall have me, and my all. ”
Aymeric braced himself as he felt the head of Estinien’s cock press against his entrance. Mere seconds later, Estinien was pushing inside, stretching his walls inch by inch. Gauging Aymeric’s reaction, he was careful not to push too much when his partner was still adjusting. For a couple of minutes, Estinien was switching between pushing in, and slowly pulling out, stretching him further and further, until he was fully ready to take his member.
Estinien buried his face in the crook of Aymeric’s neck, breathing in his scent. Even with his lips gently grazing above his skin, he could feel the thrum of his pulse quicken from their act. He was half tempted to take another bite, to drain more of that wonderful lifeblood that thrived within. Instead, he opted to plant tender kisses against The Blue’s neck. Satisfied with the peppering of kisses, he then begins to thrust, his own breath hitching.
Aymeric’s arms wrapped themselves around his neck, wanting him closer. He wanted Estinien to feel warm, embraced, and to match up to his thrusts with his own hips. The Blue managed to sneak a kiss, moaning into the embrace, and edged his hand towards Estinien’s back to feel him up. Estinien did the same in return, but instead opted to grab a hold of Aymeric’s cock once again to jack him off.
“By the–” Aymeric stopped himself, taking a moment to moan, “Estinien- Ah, fuck…”
Estinien thrusted a little harder upon hearing him curse, his breath becoming more laboured and heavier. Aymeric peered up at him, not having heard the man moan once. Instead, he could see Estinien’s features were furrowed, concentrated, but definitely still turned on.
“You’re so fucking tight.” Estinien spoke lowly, his voice laced and dripping with lust. His hand gripped harder onto Aymeric’s thigh, to the point where he could feel his fingernails threaten to dig into his flesh. He was obsessed with how Aymeric’s chest rose and fell with every single moan and breath he took, obsessed with every last curve of his muscle and body. Estinien began to bear his teeth, feeling himself getting closer and closer. Aymeric let out a particularly loud moan, feeling Estinien’s hand pick up the pace in jacking him off too.
“Ah-! Please, I-”
Aymeric’s back arched, feeling Estinien grind against his sweet spot during his thrusts, pushing him closer and closer towards the edge. His hands grabbed the Dragoon’s face, pulling him down once more for another kiss of passion. Lips were smacked together in a rushed fashion, moving more needily and with less precision. As much as they both wanted to be clashing their lips together, the closer their orgasm came, the harder it was to keep a hold of one another.
“Ngh- Fuck, I can’t hold-”
Just as sudden as his words came out, Estinien was now pounding into Aymeric at a far more ruthless pace. The sudden shift in gear made Aymeric cry out, burning his head within the crevice of Estinien’s collarbone. More pre started to leak from his cock, dribbling down Estinien’s digits. Pumping his cock had become a breeze, though his hands were beginning to falter due to the threat of his climax approaching. Estinien now released a low, gravelly moan of his own, closing his eyes shut as he felt its approach-
Aymeric’s cry was what pulled them both through. Ribbons of white shot upward as Aymeric hit his peak- soon followed by Estinien releasing his seed deep within The Blue’s walls. Both men clung to one another, unified by one last, final moan.
Both of them collapsed onto the couch below, Estinien slumped on top of Aymeric. Despite the intense orgasm they both endured, they held to one another tenderly, comforted by the embrace of another. Soft pants were heard between them, accompanied by the gentle signs of their breath in the cold.
Estinien mumbled into Aymeric’s neck, murmuring words of appreciation and thanks. Aymeric couldn’t be too sure of the exact sentence, but knowing they were safe in each other's arms was enough.