He hated him. The gods only knew how much. The thief, Lysander. The fortunate recipient of Hermia's affections. Demetrius spent every waking moment seething with frustration thanks to the tall, golden-haired man. So, when Helena came and told of Hermia and Lysander's cowardly flight, Demetrius stormed into the woods, mind filled only with thoughts of Lysander's strong arms cradling Hermia instead of him – cradling Hermia, of course. No one had ever accused Demetrius of being queer before Lysander's off-handed comment about Egeus' love, but since then it had been all Demetrius could think about.
How completely absurd a thought. Him? The most sought-after bachelor in all of Athens, craving the affections of another bachelor, like Lysander? Preposterous.
As he finally managed to shake off Helena, whom he'd once wooed in jest, resulting in an unfortunate fondness on her part, Lysander loving him was all he could think about. What a foolish idea. Completely wrapped up in thought as he was, Demetrius tripped over an unseen obstacle and fell directly upon... Lysander?
"Didst I summon thee?" He cried in shock, body still draped over Lysander's. While the abrupt weight did not wake the man – he must be quite strong, Demetrius thought, idly – the sound of a shocked voice directly next to his ear did cause Lysander's eyes to spring open. They were beautiful eyes, Demetrius thought. Too bad they were not set in the face of a woman. For a moment suspended, the two held each other's gaze, breathing in the same air, before Demetrius sprung back as if struck.
"Where is Hermia, you wretched man, if that you may be called? Have you left her at the mercy of these woods? Speak!" Demetrius was rattled by the way Lysander wasn't responding, simply continuing to stare, unblinking.
"I believe thou art the most beautiful man to walk these woods, or any others that rest beneath the night sky. Like lodestars, your eyes guide me in this love. And, oh, how deeply I love you. As Eros loved Psyche, cloaked in shadow and secrecy. But now I am made bold, and I reveal myself before you, seeking only your acceptance of my devotion." Lysander's silvery orbs peered up at Demetrius as he finished his monologue, and Demetrius had only one thought in his mind: Wait, what?
YOU ARE READING
A Midsummer Night's Revelation
Hayran Kurgu"A Midsummer Night's Dream" but Lysander wakes and sees Demetrius instead of Helena. But it seems like the feelings might have existed before the involvement of magic. Will they find true love? And what will happen to Hermia and Helena? CW: internal...
