Ashrain

36. Hooves Back Home

Some smut in the middle of the chapter until the time skip

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After the party, most centaurs in the terrain were pleasantly tipsy. Their fruity alcohol mixtures drew them to each other and had them resting with their bodies aligned and tails tangled. Couples sweetly fed each other and mothers held their exhausted children in their laps.

The wines didn't leave Hongjoong untouched either, and his blood was warm in his veins as he leaned in Seonghwa's arm. The fire danced vibrantly in their midst and brought joy and light upon them.

"Perhaps it's time to go to sleep." Seonghwa nuzzled into Hongjoong's scalp.

His silky hair made Hongjoong scrunch his nose as he sleepily curled up in his grip. He kissed mindlessly at Seonghwa's neck and revelled in his chuckle.

"Mother, I will take Hongjoong to sleep," Seonghwa announced, far more coherent than Hongjoong, despite the long tale he told. His glee to be home kept him enthusiastic while the many new impressions made Hongjoong drowsy.

"Pick your own space if you want your privacy with him. Your father and I will survive another night without you sleeping next to us. We know you in good hands." Fond, Seonghwa's mother gazed at Hongjoong. Seonghwa's delicate fingers grazed through Hongjoong's hair.

"Thank you. Have an enjoyable night." Seonghwa hoisted Hongjoong into his arms and stood cautiously so he wouldn't tumble to the ground. Trusting, Hongjoong clung to his nape and ignored the snickers and wishes for a good time while Seonghwa brought him away from the round.

The shadows of mighty trees passed by as Seonghwa picked a free area to rest in the forest. The centaurs liked to curl up under their blankets wherever; sleeping places were flexible since they never slept much. Some cuddled with their friends, others were found on romantic walks with their partners. Hongjoong spotted none leaning against each other while standing on his sleepy exploration, since most of them were too exhausted for quick naps.

Seonghwa discovered a nice area between two oaks hidden by the scrubs in the back of the forest. He set Hongjoong into the soft grass before he placed his blanket and his bag next to them. While he knelt, Hongjoong snuggled into his handmade blanket that was the softest thing on earth.

"Ah, I didn't tell Yunho goodnight," Hongjoong grumbled into the fabric when he remembered the other centaur. Seonghwa's chuckle carried joy even through his foggy mind.

"You'll see him in the morning," he assured Hongjoong as he stretched out next to him. As their bodies clicked together despite the difference in build, Hongjoong ran his fingers through the pattern in Seonghwa's fur. His awed noise made Seonghwa grin in the night.

"You like it?"

"I like you," Hongjoong pointed out, offended Seonghwa might think he only appreciated his fur.

Seonghwa ducked with a giggle. His fingers found Hongjoong's chin and angled it up so they could kiss. Wrapped in his arms and with his feet lazily draped over Seonghwa's relaxed front legs, Hongjoong rested at ease as their lips shared the taste of the sweet apple pie and their affection for each other. Hongjoong could swear that in the safety of Seonghwa's home, where the centaur thrived with exuberance, his kisses were even more tender than usual.

When Seonghwa drew their bodies together around Hongjoong's hips, Hongjoong scooted in over the grass to drape his arms around Seonghwa's nape. They rested together as they kissed each other's lips until Hongjoong believed to float away on a cloud.

After what could have been an eternity of doting touches and innocent pecks, Hongjoong broke away with a whine when Seonghwa parted their lips. His head dropped into the grass, eyes sleepy as he let go of a satisfied sigh. Seonghwa snickered as he roamed Hongjoong's neck, leaving faint nips and licks in his wake that warmed Hongjoong's serene body.