"Don't-Don't touch me,"
In which Noah Harden despised being touched and is dragged in front of three thrones. Noah took one look at those blinking red eyes and was certain he'd made a mistake in vacationing in Volterra. That is, until he realised th...
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Sneaking away from Aro's wretched ball was one of the very best decisions they made that night and Noah found no end to his pleasure as they ended up tangled together in the glass garden conservatory-- it was a risky venture but Noah doubted anybody would bother to venture beyond the ballroom walls; they would not want to risk the wrath of the Volturi by wandering. Those who already lived within the castle had heard enough that it would make no difference if they stumbled across them among the shrubbery-- The thought made Noah chuckle, to which Caius inquired about his thoughts.
"People are probably wondering where we are," Noah mused, his bare back against Caius' bare chest where he leaned against one of the pillars. They had originally only headed out into the garden to escape the cluster of people inside but one thing led to another-- as it so often did.
"Let them wonder," Caius returned, holding up Noah's hand and seeming to silently admire the look of his slightly tanned skin against the vampires. Caius was unphased about anybody looking for them, or finding them and it gave Noah the confidence to also stop caring.
"We have come a long way," Noah remarked, looking up at the stars through the glass roof and feeling a degree of chill from the lack of warmth. Caius looked down at him and placed his chin against the human's temple.
"We have... remember when I punched you in the face?"
"That was fun," Noah smirked and Caius laughed, partly in shock while equally amused. Noah knew he'd enjoyed it too.
"I love you," Caius released, words Noah never thought he'd hear from the stone-cold king-- words he never thought he'd hear from anybody, in fact. His heart fluttered in the most amazing way, nothing like the way it hammered when he was in a panic. He and Caius truly had come a long way. They had gone from enemies, hating one another and despising the connection they had-- to lovers.. to more.
"I love you too," Noah responded and he was proud to say that he genuinely meant it, he truly felt it. There was no lie in his tone, no dishonesty. He loved Caius wholeheartedly and he felt as though he was floating from just acknowledging it. The two of them looked at one another for a long moment, grinning like fools before they burst out laughing, against their own judgement. Noah had never seen Caius with an expression so carefree-- he seemed to de-age simply from the width of his grin.
Their joy, as ever, was short-lived.
The shadow of Felix appeared beyond the glass, his back to the door, giving them privacy but clearly having something to say. Caius grumbled and kissed Noah once on the head before peeling himself away. Noah was still securing his belt when Caius pulled open the glass door.
"Can we help you?" Caius wondered and Felix did not turn around. Soon enough, both of the men were re-dressed and entered the chilling garden once more.
"We have an issue, Master," Felix spoke in such a strained tone that Noah knew the problem must have been severe. It made Noah wonder-- what could possibly scare the Volturi? With all their strength and power?
