Pledges [Ingressus x Achillean]

Chapter 3

Note: Other than being a general, or the master of a Clan, they were also people too, just two young men purely infatuated with one another.

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 Achillean reluctantly opened his eyes to the ceiling of an unfamiliar space, while a blanket tucked him tightly in bed. There was no more warmth in his body, rather replaced by a chilling fear.

Why was he here?

Panic set in, his weapon not in arms' reach and there was nothing that could constitute. Abduction? Threat? Is Nestoria in danger? Is Ingressus in danger? That question immediately skyrocketed his alertness as a million possibilities flashed through his head. He sprung up from the bed, surveying the surroundings as he assessed potential exits and weapons.

His mind shoved his entire body into preparation for war, his breath shallow, his eyes sharp, his muscles tense as he gripped into the blanket-- potential distraction or strangling tool. His heart raced in his chest.

However, as Ingressus entered his line of sight, he immediately let out a breath, almost a sigh in relief, all the memories flooding back.

"How long was I gone?" Achillean asked.

"Less than ten minutes, I'd say." Ingressus handed him a mug of water, "I- I shouldn't have pushed you too hard, it was our first after so long." He sat down on the bed next to Achillean after the Nestoris had started sipping, "You feeling alright? You didn't know how scared I felt when you fainted on my lap just now."

"Don't worry about that," Achillean leaned his head onto Ingressus' shoulder, grinning so stupidly, "It was amazing."

It was true, he had never been this fulfilled for a while, and as if his mate was a miracle, he no longer felt headaches or the pain of Song-wielding when he's around Ingressus. In fact, he felt elevated, glowing, euphoric.

"I noticed you have cleaned the-- fluids," Achillean said, putting down the mug on the bedside table, "While I was asleep."

"Yes, except for the ones inside of you," Ingressus replied, handing Achillean a piece of cloth, "You could do it on your own, or," He smirked, "I could help you with it, though I can't guarantee what would happen afterwards."

"I- I can do it just fine! Just give me the towel!" Achillean yanked the towel in Ingressus' hands. However, an uncomfortable sensation lingered in his hips and abdomen as he tried to turn around and stand, the discomfort ensued. He froze, wincing.

"See? I told you you'll need my help." Ingressus laughed, taking back the cloth and pulling open the sheets.

"Fine." Achillean kicked Ingressus." Just don't try anything,"

"Alright, alright!" Ingressus put his hands up in surrender. "I won't." Achillean kicked him again, which made Ingressus pretend to lurch while he kneeled in front of the Nestoris. "Honest."

After a while, the leaking sensation between Achillean's legs was gone. Retracting back into the warmth of the bed, as if a boulder was weighed on his chest, he lay down, unable to move any further.

"Hey, bed-stealer," Ingressus lay down next to Achillean, pinching his cheek, "Do you plan on going back to your room?" Achillean shivered, huddling closer to Ingressus, Ingressus whispered, "You aren't afraid this would cause a ruckus?"

"...'ve caused a ruckus the moment I got in." He mumbled, "I know my risks. I didn't hire Vikare for nothing-- He'll manage." He clutched onto Ingressus' torso, mumbling, tracing the Voltaris' markings like a pouting child. "He'll just pay off anyone who has seen anything."

His face flushed into a bright crimson upon seeing the faint red marks he had left on the Voltaris, the symbol of love and intimacy he had bestowed unto him. But surely Ingressus couldn't march around the Halls parading them, could he? Hovering his palm on Ingressus' chest, he slowly focused a surge of energy onto a point, channelling the Protisium Song onto the bruises. But before the blue particles could touch the Voltaris, Ingressus batted away Achillean's hand, halting the charging process.

"Save the energy for yourself," Ingressus said before Achillean leaned in and kissed his forehead, the both of them sinking into each other.

"The pledge," Achillean said, "I'll think of something," It felt so monumental, their bond elevating to another level, going to be kept secret until the time was right.

"I shall as well, you need not worry your head about it," Ingressus said, his excitement ill-contained, simply grinning at Achillean's presence beside him. There was a momentary surge of happiness, where he had forgotten he was a master, that now, at this moment, he was just as enamoured as a young boy. He reached in and kissed Achillean again while circling the Nestoris' left horn, imagining how it would look to be decorated with dangling accessories-- oh, how beautiful it would be-- not that Achillean wasn't already handsome, to begin with.

The voices of the Songs dimmed down, his head suddenly clear and crisp, the pain of the Songs no longer plaguing every waking and sleeping moment of his mind. As if it was a pleasant hum, or a gentle lullaby, Achillean's aura drew him in like a moth towards the light, lulling him to sleep after months of nightmare-stricken slumber.

"We have all the time in the world," Ingressus purred, "You need not agitate yourself over the pledge..." He brushed Achillean's falling bangs out of his eyes. "If you are willing to use me as the excuse to reject advances and break hearts, now, I'm... certain they will understand your circumstances."

"Oh, they'll understand all right," Achillean snickered, smiling as he reached up to cup Ingressus' cheeks, and found the man staring at him in wonder, "Although, I'm afraid that Master Aegus is going to have a heart attack."