He's a Mess of a Man

Book One ~ Chapter Ten

When Leviathan came to, he found himself in Lucio's arms. He smelled of burnt hair and metal. Voices softly argued in the background. Leviathan opened one eye very slightly. "...have to be so reckless? Leviathan could've been killed with that stunt!" yelled Asra.

"I didn't see you coming up with any better ideas!" Lucio retorted.

"That's not the point! He passed out! Are you even worried about him?!" Leviathan stirred a little, looking up into Asra and Lucio's faces. "Levi? Oh, thank goodness!"

"Stay still. You were out cold for a few minutes," said Lucio.

"I don't hear any more chains..." - "Did it work..?" Leviathan asked groggily.

Lucio pointed over his shoulder to the stone prison. It was empty. The chains were gone, and so were the familiars. "It worked."

"I'm just glad you're alright," Asra said with a small sigh of relief.

"Listen to this worrywart. I knew you had it in the bag," said Lucio, with his usual confident smile. "Still, I'm glad you're okay too." His softly smiling lips rested on Leviathan's forehead.

Asra cleared his throat and quickly stood, heading for the cave exit, "You might want to rest for a bit. Just to be safe. I'll wait outside with everyone else."

The moment Asra left, Lucio resumed fussing over Leviathan, "You do look pretty warn out. We can stay a bit longer if you want. I think you deserve to be spoiled a little after being such a big hero." He nuzzled Leviathan's neck, his hair tickling his cheek. A few strands were singed at their ends, but Lucio looked happier than ever.

Leviathan smiled and rolled his eyes, "Alright, sure. Spoil me. It's not like there's anything I could do to stop you."

Lucio laughed, "You're right. Now, close your eyes and relax." Leviathan did as he asked, letting his arms support him. "You took a spill when you fainted. Does anything hurt?"

Leviathan shifted a little in Lucio's arms, stretching his body, "No pain here, but my neck's a little stiff." Lucio's thumbs found the back of Leviathan's neck, gently pressing away the tension. With his eyes closed, Leviathan could hear Lucio's shallow, tense breathing. He could tell something was up with him. "Are you okay?" he asked, opening his eyes.

"Aww, Levi, don't worry about me. I'm supposed to be spoiling you, remember?" Lucio said with a wiry smile.

"Lucio..." He sighed and held his hands out for Leviathan to inspect. Angry red blisters crossed his palm matched by dark score marks on his gauntlet. Leviathan shook his head. Lucio flushed pink. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I... You were really impressive back there. You didn't see it, but there was this bright light all around you when you broke the chains," Lucio explained, "You looked incredible, like some invincible angel rushing in to save the day! But when you fainted... I... I just wanted to do something nice for you. Without you having to worry about me."

Leviathan smiled softly, grasping Lucio's hand and soothing away the burns with a warm flicker of magic, "I appreciate it, but you should tell me if you're hurt."

"Alright, alright. If you insist." Lucio flexed his fingers and grinned at Leviathan, "Now can I go back to spoiling you?" he resumed massaging Leviathan's neck.

The contrast of cool metal and warm skin sent fine shivers down his back, "Ah... that's nice." He let his head fall back, his eyes fluttering half-shut.

"Should I go harder? Softer?"

"This is perfect."

"Of course I am." Lucio tried for an innocent smile, but failed. His hands moved from Leviathan's neck to his shoulders and arms. Lucio's palms worked the strain out of Leviathan's muscles, his arms soon started to release their tension. Lucio let out a soft, almost wistful sigh, "When I'm Count again, I'm going to spoil you rotten. That's the best part of being important. Delicious food, expensive wine, fine furs. You'll love it too, I promise. Anything you want, anything you need, I'll snap my fingers and you'll have it. We could find the finest masseuse in Vesuvia to take care of you."