Relationship Status: It's Complicated

Through the Veil

(Art by SerinityAInfernoArt, Characters: (Left to Right) Johnson, Serinity, and Lada)

The lowlight of the room was enticing. The fireplace crackled and popped as it cast shadows over the two forms tangled in bed. Saalah's body was braced over the lithe form of his lovely Bai Yusheng. Their lips glistened from the kiss he had just pulled away from, and their robe had slipped open slightly, exposing more moon kissed skin and the dark blue curling lotus that curved over a pale shoulder. 

"Saalah," Bai Yusheng hummed, their hands stroking down his bare back, tracing the dip at his hip and over old scars that, while faint, were still noticeable if one looked closely. "You look very eager tonight."

"Eager is not a strong enough word," Saalah purred, kissing down their sternum. "I want to devour you and leave behind only pleasure in my wake." 

"My fierce Naga, you always leave me sated, but were we not waiting on company?" As if on cue, a knock came to the door. 

"Serinity told me you both retired early tonight," Aiden's warm voice called through the door. "From the smell I would say the night is still young, though." The door opened just enough for Aiden to slip his big body through before closing it again. He held a glass of brandy in hand, sipping it. "Did I miss anything?" 

Saalah let his weight ease onto Bai Yusheng, content as their hands stroked down his back. "Not at all. Saalah was just getting me wound up. Join us?" Bai Yusheng pat the side of the cozy bed. The frame was made from ancient oak, looking like twisting branches and leaves coming together. The pile of quilts and duvets was tossed to the side in a messy pile, having been hastily swept away. The room's appearance was both ornate and rustic. A mix of natural elements that gave it a welcoming appeal while still looking classy. The hearth added to the warm ambience. Aiden felt like he could settle in here and never leave. "It's been awhile hasn't it?"

Boots were kicked off and sat neatly by the door before Aiden divested himself of his shirt and jeans, left in only his boxers as he climbed into the spacious bed. "It really has. This brings back some old memories. With all the excitement lately, it's nice to come somewhere we know is safe and locked down. Serinity is cool, but I saw her casually flick out that scythe thing to do a bar trick and I don't think I have ever hauled ass faster. I don't think I will ever get used to it."

Saalah chuckled, leaning in enough to place a kiss on Aiden's scruffy face. "Mom would never hurt you. You know she just likes to show off. The bar has kept her entertained for millenia. Everyone always needs a good drink and good company." 

"It's always very homely here. I've missed it all. As soon as I walked in the door my hands were stuffed," Aiden grinned, wiggling his arm beneath Bai Yusheng's head and reaching out to scratch Saalah's scalp. "I actually got here half an hour ago but Kisho insisted I sit and eat and Serinity gave me drinks and asked me about life and how my parents were doing and when we plan to announce our polycule because she is too excited to keep pretending it doesn't exist." 

"I told you she would know," Saalah sighed fondly. "Don't mind her. She won't spill. She just wants to have an excuse for a big wedding." 

"I'm not complaining," Aiden grinned. He rolled onto his side so he could kiss along Bai Yusheng's cheeks. "One less parent we have to worry about their reaction. I can't wait to drag you all to one of Leodonnis's family dinners. I was asked more questions about my intentions with Naki than I thought possible. That and of course alliances. The Mountain and Cloud already have an alliance so Naki and I make for a good fit as is. Mostly it'll be Leiodus we have to plan for." 

"He will come around once he sees the benefit for his business," Bai Yusheng hummed. "I have already been slipping into business negotiations with Sega and making myself known in trade deals and offers."