He's a Mess of a Man

Book One ~ Chapter Nine

Within a few steps, the darkness swallowed Lucio and Leviathan completely. Lucio fumbled for Leviathan's hand, "Leviathan..?" He summoned a tiny whisp of light, just enough to see Lucio's outline, "Phew! There you are!" he grabbed Leviathan's hand, they were almost shoulder to shoulder. Lucio's voice echoed over and over again. Oblivion pressed in around them, threatening to smother Leviathan's light. They could barely see the steps beneath their feet. Lucio rolled his eyes at nothing in particular, "Crumbling stairs, deep dark chasm, spooky echoes." He tossed a hand, "Please, I was haunting the palace for years. This is nothing." Lucio led the way, marching down the steps. Soon enough, the darkness gave way to swirling fog. The two were able to navigate by touch. Something howled right before them, and they both jumped. Leviathan's foot hit the edge of a step. He yelped and teetered back, grasping at empty air. Lucio caught him around the waist at the last second, "Gotcha!" He staggered back, holding Leviathan against his chest. His heartbeat raced under Leviathan's cheek, and he looked down at him with his wide, goofy grin, "Hey, Levi? If you're still scared, I can keep holding you."

He couldn't help it. Leviathan grinned back, pretending to swoon in his arms, "Oh, I'm so scared of the dark! Hold me, Lucio!"

Lucio cackled with glee, "I can do better than that." With no warning, he scooped Leviathan up off his feet. He yelped, then flailed a little, startled. Lucio staggered, "Stop squirming! How am I supposed to heroically carry you if you won't hold still?" he leaned against the wall, trying to regain his balance.

"Oh? Was that the plan?"

Lucio nodded, "It's much more fun this way. Plus, it's a good look for me. Forging on in the face of thick fog and treacherous steps with a lovely magician safe in my arms. Don't worry, Leviathan. I'm not gonna drop you or anything." His arms were warm and secure around Leviathan, but Lucio wobbled a little on the next step down.

Leviathan couldn't help but worry just a bit, "Lucio..."

"I gotcha, I gotcha." Lucio stopped walking just long enough to smooch Leviathan's forehead. Shifting his weight, he lifted the magician up a bit higher. Leviathan took the opportunity to hook his arms around his neck. "Comfy?"

Leviathan snickered, "I certainly feel more secure. Let's go on." Lucio's next few steps were steadier, and the two continued their climb down the chasm. "That's odd... the fog feels less oppressive now."

"I once saw a painting like this in some rich noble's house," Lucio compared, "It showed a victorious hero carrying his lover in his arms and a huge bear laid slain on his back. The painting filled an entire wall. I've never forgotten it."

Leviathan ran his fingers along Lucio's jaw with a small smile, "You're missing the bear."

He shook his head, "I tried that once. I think it only looks great in a painting, cause it's pretty gross in real life. I wound up with blood and fur all over my back." Leviathan laughed fondly, trailing his fingers through Lucio's hair. "I'm still a pretty dashing hero, though. Don't you think?" Lucio asked, watching Leviathan with an eager smile, his eyes shined in the fog.

Leviathan hummed, "Maybe dashing is an understatement." He gently rested his head on Lucio's shoulder.

He laughed, "Levi, you devious magician. Are you trying to distract your hero?" Leviathan only shrugged. "Hm... what to do, what to do... I guess I could ignore your distractions and keep going," Lucio snickered, "But where's the fun in that?" He turned his head and his lips met Leviathan's in a slow kiss. The chill of fog and darkness faded with the warmth of the kiss. Lucio gently set Leviathan back down on his feet. Lucio was flushed pink when the two pulled back. He had a dazed smile on his face.

"Why don't I walk the rest of the way?" Leviathan suggested.

Lucio nodded, "Yeah, that's probably for the best. Just remember, if you get scared again, I'm right here." He waggled his eyebrows at Leviathan then they both burst out laughing. The fog muffled the sound. Leviathan felt an odd lurch when he stepped on solid ground instead of crumbling steps. The fog faded and more snow crunched under their feet. It was hard, compact, and strangely sticky. "Ugh, that's going to stick to my boots for days." Lucio knocked his foot against the rock wall, trying to remove the snow. It clung stubbornly. Leviathan's stomach clenched as he noticed the snow was stained livid red with blood. The two exchanged a long, worried look. "Let's not stay here for long. You said you saw steps that led up the other way, right?"