Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The world spins around the two of them. It’s as if gravity has been shifted in that exact moment in order to bring the two to their knees. There’s a rush, like an eagle soaring through the air, only not as smooth. Their hearts are pounding against their ribs, and the blood thrums through both their veins. Adrenaline greets them with a punch to the guts, and a flutter in their chests.

Both mage and paladin of the Cremé Republic, had, after all, started making out with fervor reminiscent of the greatest battles in Earthbread. Their bodies were taut, stretched beyond the normal amount, as Madeleine had brought Espresso's hands above their heads, laying limply underneath the paladin's grasp in the mattress. Their lips were slick, incomprehensible insults and praises being swallowed right up by the other.

It was so unlike their previous encounters, so different from anything that could be considered their usual bickering, the disdain Espresso held for the supposedly insufferable knight melting away as his bottom lip was bitten, fading into nothingness as Madeleine's touch on his wrists scorched his skin with the blond's desire. They split their lips for a mere second, and the sheer shock on the mage's face was replaced by utter irate annoyance. "You- you made me fall for you!" He seethed between gritted teeth, pulling the other's hair.

The paladin's cheeks turned red at his words, the tips of his ears growing hotter than the rest of him, and his eyes widened in surprise. This was the first time he'd heard such a thing come from the mage. " What ?" A breathless chuckle escaped Madeleine's lips, and he smiled, genuine bewilderment lacing his giggles, which sounded muffled on Espresso's shoulder, so unlike his confident cackles, boisterous, loud- annoying. Espresso still desperately clawed at his old views of the knight, clinging to them as somebody would to a rope upon a cliff.

Feeling hope was utterly useless if he'd already fallen, though.  So instead, the mage just huffed and pressed his forehead against Madeleine's bare chest, feeling a shiver run down his spine. "Don't ever dare backtracking now." He ordered, or more so pleaded, once again pulling onto the hair on the base of the other’s head, watching with barely concealed desire as Madeleine legitimately groaned due to the manhandling of his scalp. He instantly let go, throbbing underneath his pants.

His response came in the low chuckle that befell from the paladin, all his movement coming to a halt as the man on top of him grinded their, unfortunately and undeniably, hard lower parts against each other. “As a knight-” Madeleine started, voice tender as he let go of the other’s wrists, which instantly latched onto his back, Espresso holding onto his scarred muscles in anticipation. “I’ve sworn my loyalty before, and it has never been betrayed, so-” His blue gaze locked onto the slits in the brunette’s dark eyes, reminiscent of coffee beans.

“So-?” He bemoaned, worry filling his being, only to leave him, replaced by yearning as the blond before him left a kiss on his lips, which lingered for just a moment longer than the both intended it to. Fleeting, much like their relationship would be according to the mage’s rapid thoughts-

“So if I were to swear my loyalty to you-” Madeleine spoke softly, his grasp settling on the waist of the man beneath him, kneeling with his torso hovering over the other’s. “You wouldn’t dare betray my love, would you?” He inquired, eyes fluttering shut as he tried his best to restrain his tears from escaping his eyelashes. Once he opened his eyes again, he was bewitched by the sight which greeted him. Dark hair sprawled out across the soft mattress, a wide pair of cat like eyes dilated upon the sight of him- upon his declaration . He’d also take notice of the mage’s cheeks, which got increasingly darker with each passing second.

Espresso took in a shaky breath, his hand reaching for the knight’s- his knight’s cheek. “Fool-” He lightly scolded, no bite behind his bark. “I was yours the moment I relinquished control over my lips to you.” He uttered, softly, his hold on the paladin’s cheek slightly shifting to urge the man closer, their lips meeting halfway through. As their first kiss was a means to an end, attraction and that sentiment alone, guiding their way towards something much more intimate, this one was fueled by the sheer love they felt for one another.

The heat grew between them, and both men found themselves unable to contain their wretched clothed lower bodies from grinding against the other's, the passion coming forth came as easily as the breath fanning both of their upper lips. "We can't keep doing this-" Espresso sighed out, eyes glazing over with lust. "I don't know how long I can last until I-" he didn't have to complete the sentence, because the paladin understood right away, if the desperate way he lowered his pants meant anything, with the mage following suit.

Haggard in their movements, exasperation was so clearly showcased in Espresso as his knight had to straighten his back in order for one of his hands, previously on his hip joint, to extend beyond the confines of the bed’s mattress, a small bottle of lube being taken from the nightstand, with Madeleine having the urge to wink at him with it in hand. “Could you turn around for a se-” The mage pounced on top of him, swiftly taking the small vial onto his hands. “... My dear Essy~” He started, as if approaching a dangerous siren. “Although I’d love for you to bottom out within me- I don’t think I’m quite ready ye-”

“I want to ride you.” Espresso stated, eyebrows furrowed, lips forming an adorable pout, and arms crossed, all the while, both of their throbbing erections, a mere inch away from each other, as the mage’s legs had slotted between his own, stained their underwear with precum. Eager to go they were, huh? The thought made him scoff at first, although it rattled his mind, with how a paladin, worn out by battle and molded by war- had chosen him, out of all of Earthbread, to be his.

Completely lost in thought, he failed to notice the same was applicable for his knight, that, after a while of bemused desire having washed away, placed both his hands on the expanse of his mage’s ass, whose eyes widened in a mixture of horror and lust. “At least allow me to prepare you first- I wouldn’t like to hurt you.” He said, a treacherous grin slowly creeping up on his face as the brunette rolled his eyes, who promptly threw the vial his way, with him taking it with a victorious smile.

“I don’t care what you do to me,” Espresso growled, grabbing the paladin’s scalp with one of his hands. “You’ll always come off worse, anyway.” He continued, letting go of him in favor of straddling the man whose love for him oozed out with each mannerism, be it in the way he placed quite the hefty amount of lube on three of his fingers, smug smirk plastered across those beautiful features, or how he groaned deep in his throat at the way Espresso’s torso fell onto his, back arching, once a single finger came to circle around the rim of the brunette’s hole.

The way his fingers moved, gently yet firmly pressing against the inner walls, sending sparks of pleasure shooting throughout Espresso’s body, causing the mage to clench his jaw as a result of the sudden onslaught of ecstasy and pain that crashed upon him. He’d long grown used to the sensation of his ass devoid of any finger demolishing his insides… aside from his own, and yet- Madeleine had the hands of a warrior, rough and precise, and definitely bigger than his own.

He barely had time to process the other digit that entered him, instead focusing on the stretch of his ass and how it felt so good- to the point moans were the only way he could verbalize his undeniable pleasure. His hips were shifting in a desperate rhythm to have his knight hit that one spot within him-... Realization dawned on him all too suddenly, once the third finger was added, Madeleine had aimed at his prostate with the precision of an archer, the angle only shifting slightly- but that was enough.

Espresso’s innards perfectly melded with his knight’s touch, legs trembling and mouth agape as a desperate plea for more befell from his plump lips, and who was Madeleine to deny him? Apparently, someone who deemed himself worthy enough to remove his fingers from the other’s ass with a wet ‘plop’. Espresso fell from his high, and hard, glaring daggers at the man who merely chuckled upon the ferocity from his stare. “Tell me why I shouldn’t end you right now.” He stated, vicious grip on the other’s shoulder.

“ Because …” Madeleine casually shrugged, setting that innate fire of hatred within Espresso, which suddenly turned into a full blown ember of passion as his knight poured a generous amount of lube, on his now, exposed dick, balls still tucked under his underwear. The mage gulped, it was big - “I’d like for you to cum on my cock for the first time we entangle each other in such a manner.” He stated, no sign of aggression on his expression, nor embarrassment. “Is that selfish of me?”

“Hmph-!” Espresso crossed his arms, wobbly legs, bent around Madeleine, stabilized him enough so he peeled his torso off of the other’s. “Selfish or not- it isn’t a matter of importance.” He stated, tugging his underwear so it fell just below his waist, his dick throbbing with the hunger in the paladin’s eyes. “I’d say a higher priority is having anything inside of me at the current mome-” A choked sob escaped his throat, since the paladin’s cock perfectly lined up with his entrance, teasing the hole in circular motions.

“Espresso-” He gave a tentative squeeze to the other’s thighs encircling him. “Not just anything or anyone shall be doing the things we’re about to do to each other-” His voice, commanding, and dangerous for the mage’s health, who felt himself melt on the spot upon the low tone used on him- practically unaware of the meaning behind the words used on him. “Do you understand?” He pulled away the tip from the other’s eager hole, watching as Espresso whined with wanton.

“Fool-...” Espresso said, watching as the paladin’s gaze grew distant and cold with each passing second. “I want anything in regards to you ! Whatever it is that you have to offer me- much like a bumbling idiot, I’ll accept it- Because I trust you , Madeleine!” He exclaimed, terror and longing in his eyes upon the vocalization of his feelings- and terror, and it alone, was felt once his knight smirked, pushing his cock slowly within the confines of Espresso’s insides.

It wasn’t even a few seconds later that Espresso’s head fell back upon the pillow beneath Madeleine's head, hands gripping the sheets under him as tightly as possible, feeling as if his heart would burst from how tightly he was clenching, both the covers, and, the dick inching closer and closer to that spot. His eyes closed in pure, unrestrained delight as his knight bottomed out within him. “You’re doing so well for me, dear~” The paladin purred in the other’s ear, who couldn’t help but mewl at the praise. “Relax, relax~ I’m right here.”

Espresso’s ass loosened, relaxing against his knight’s needy cock, currently being enveloped by a smoldering heat so strong, Madeleine wanted to bathe on it- not only that, he wanted to mold it, be the only one allowed of such glory. And yet, as his mage’s torso detached itself from his, a ninety degree angle between their upper bodies, with their lower halves mingling by now, slowly moving in tandem, he realized that the only other being allowed to share said feeling of grandeur alongside him was- “My love -...” He sighed out, eyes half lidded, lazily rolling his hips to the initial rhythm his mage settled on whilst on top.

“ Madeleine -!” He hissed, the sound akin to a sweet melody playing alongside a chorus of skin slapping against itself. With a trembling hand, Espresso extended his grasp towards the paladin’s scalp, pulling on the hair just so Madeleine’s dazed gaze settled on his mage’s bouncing dick. The knight understood the wordless message, retreating one of his hands from the other’s hip, only to spit on it, making it settle on his mage’s leaking dick.

Moaning in approval, his entire body shook, insides getting impossibly tight. Oh, Ancients- The grip his knight had on his dick was steady, bobbing up and down to the rhythm of their racing hearts, and, having thrown caution out the window, he moved on top of Madeleine’s cock with the utmost amount of lust fueling his actions, his demeanor was utter filth, and yet, impossibly pleasurable at the same time.

It happened in a flash, all of his satisfaction building up to the point it was painfully overwhelming- he came with a cry befalling his lips, his hips stuttering in their movement, unlike Madeleine’s, who kept fucking both his insides and his cock throughout it all. His knight, now that the other was utterly spent, proceeded to move his hand to hold his mage’s ass, with the other settling on the man’s back as he raised his own, just so their chests could meld against each other. “Al-almost there-...!” He uttered lowly.

Cum painted Espresso’s insides white, the over stimulation turning him into jelly in the other’s arms, who held him with utmost care after both of them came. “Oh dear…” He whispered, rubbing gentle circles on the other’s back, whose sat down form on top of his lap was a sight he’d already ingrained deep within his mind. He carefully removed his dick from within his mage who clung closer to his chest. “You did so well for me…” Although they couldn’t see each other, faces buried in the nooks of the other’s body, the brunette still felt his knight smile against his shoulder after saying that. “Now be a good partner, and stay here while I grab a towel to clean us up.”

Chapter Text

Amidst sun rays which entered the confines of Madeleine’s room via the slightly open blinds, and the fluffy and silken covers of his bed which engulfed him and his partner in warmth, Espresso found himself in a small predicament. Tucked away between two arms riddled with muscle and scar tissue, completely exposed to his knight, who currently was in a peaceful slumber, unaware of the way his hard cock pressed against his mage’s hole, which, unfortunately- still had a bit of cum oozing out due to yesterday.

With his entire body flushed and pressed against the other’s, there was no easy way to escape this situation, aside from waking up his knight- something he dreaded to do at the current moment. The acknowledgement of his emotions was something he never struggled with, always putting them in his lowest priorities due to his research. Now, however, he owed Madeleine at least some form of admission of his feelings for him after what they’d done.

And so, he decided to wait until Madeleine woke up from whatever dream he’s having, now hyper aware of the soreness on his limbs and the thrumming of, not only his own heartbeat, but also his knight’s, the other’s chest melding against his back- with the rhythmic synchronicity found within the two slowly lulling his mind onto a sense of security. He could, and he will- admit what he feels for the paladin, albeit in the most straightforward and detached way he could muster.

His thoughts came to a halt as the man behind him seemingly choked on some of his own saliva, which pooled on the top of Espresso’s hair. Madeleine groaned, unabashedly kissing the wet spot on the other’s hair. “My love-... Oh!” He instantly let go of his partner, trying his best to detach his cock from the other’s entrance. Espresso could wait for a more proper moment in order to say those words, and yet- as Madeleine detangled their limbs and he slowly lost his source of warmth- desperation grew strong and emotions took the forefront of his mind.

“I love you.” Comically, he felt his knight’s cock throb in between the crease of his ass cheeks, but it seemed the man himself was still catching up to the words thrown his way. Espresso didn’t know what to expect- perhaps a boisterous proclamation of love would be the most likely scenario? But- as the lack of sound coated their wordless interaction, the price of his vulnerability binding him to his fears happened in a way much more real than anything his mind ever conjured.

“Truly?” Madeleine inquired, his voice tender, careful- hesitant, as he buried his face in his mage’s shoulder, lips hovering over the other’s ear. “Because, if so- I shall dedicate my very existence to you.” He whispered, the heavenly pressure in his entrance slightly clouding his emotions with lust- and yet, his next words came out of his mouth before he could think.

“Truly.” Espresso whimpered, the pressure against his bottom without any actual friction driving him mad, and so- like any esteemed scientist with an objective in mind, which in this case- was having a mature conversation centered around feelings, he decided his best course of action would be to eliminate the factor responsible for distracting them both from his current driving purpose.

And so, the esteemed coffee mage of the Republic, decided the best course of action would be to escape Madeleine’s grasp, taking the covers with him. “Essy- wait!” Madeleine scrambled forward, and as he now sat on the edge of his bed, looking down in search of his partner- he locked eyes with those dilated pupils framed by the longest of eyelashes. Kneeling down, with his hands now holding onto his knight’s thighs, he wasted no time in burying the other’s cock in his mouth, nose nestled in between light caramel coloured pubes.

Espresso’s eyes watered with the intrusion on his throat, only now realizing the stretch he’d been through the day prior. If only he could see himself from the other’s perspective, nostrils flaring up in the search of air, hair frazzled and oily, eyes blown wide with teardrops occasionally befalling his cheeks- everything about him was beautiful in the knight’s eyes, who tried his best not to thrust onto the warmth of his mouth. He was thankful for his choice once with a wet ‘plop’, his mage removed his lips from his cock. “What are you waiting for, fool?” He had the urge to scoff, rolling his eyes. “Go on, use my mouth.”

Madeleine, for better or for worse- stayed put in place, blinking a few thousand times in the span of seconds. “Uhm-...” He was rendered speechless, hand hovering over his partner’s head, as he came to pat down the spot previously wet by his saliva. “Are you… sure?” He inquired, his hand coming down from his mage’s scalp to rest idly at his chin, urging the other’s gaze to rest at his own half lidded eyes. To say the paladin was lustful was an understatement, biting at his lip whilst softly stroking his mage’s face, his desire only made more evident by the way his cock stood proudly in between the two.

“Madeleine do you hear yourself?!” Espresso exclaimed brashly, letting the covers surrounding his body down the floor, only to expose skin marred with splotches of passion, be it small splatters of cum, or hickeys adorning his skin, the most beautiful of imperfections written down his body- the love they felt for each other. If that wasn’t enough, then surely his mage’s dick, stiff and erect, would be enough to convince the fool whose Adam’s apple bobbed up and down- surely swallowing down since his mouth had dried up. “This is what you do to me. The need to pleasure you- it’s… overwhelming.”

“Well then… Ask and you shall receive, my love…” Madeleine’s words, uttered so softly- were a complete opposite of how his gaze hardened, smirk devilish in its nature as he slowly sheathed himself within the confines of the other’s mouth. “Tap on either of my thighs twice, if the need for you to rest ever arises.” Both of his calloused hands came to hold at the hair on the sides of Espresso’s head, urging his partner to further take him. This is what he wanted, his knight buried within him, hesitant to move but desperate to do so. Was it selfish of him to want to watch Madeleine break as much as he’d broken him?

The subversion of each and every expectation Espresso had for Madeleine was what threw him off of his grounding, falling onto territory never charted before, that being his knight’s strong arms. And in the context of a passion so strong it overtook them both, as the paladin decided to grind his cock against his lover’s pliant mouth, every prejudice was deconstructed, rebuilt anew with the embers of love striking down every fear previously had by the duo.

Espresso cried as his throat was prodded and invaded in a ruthless pace by his knight, but he remained strong willed, taking deep breaths and refusing to tap twice onto the other’s thighs until Madeleine came with a wretched cry. His scalp hurt as his head was thrown forwards and backwards repeatedly, the sweet nothings leaving the paladin’s mouth not even being processed by him. All he concentrated on were his current tasks, sucking in his partner’s cock as a tool would aid its master.

Of course, the coffee mage wouldn’t willingly objectify himself due to nothing- Since, if only for a few fleeting moments, he wouldn’t need to restrict his emotions for Madeleine to the limits of speech- instead going beyond what any word could make sense of in order to express what he felt in the most raw of ways, love, desire, pleasure, passion. Between shared loyalties and old suspicions, every single aspect of their relationship amalgamated to bring them here. The rest of the world was in an ever present state of stasis, since all that mattered in that singular instance were the two of them. To feel desired is to relinquish control.

“I-I’m-” Madeleine stuttered between haggard and exasperated breaths. Espresso could do nothing but oblige to the man’s whims, his scalp hurting to the point he’d surely get a headache the following day, his throat so sore his voice would probably come out breathless each time he spoke for the week, and yet… Overwhelmingly confident in himself, the throes of passion had a way to bring out the coffee mage’s efficient nature, teeth grazing the veins of the other’s cock, tongue licking the underside of it. His knight came with a low growl, and all he could do was swallow it.

Madeleine let go of his head, watching with bated breath as Espresso licked clean the cum oozing out of his mouth, using his hand to aid him get it out of his chin, only to suck on his fingers. With great effort, he stood up, dusting himself off as if this was a daily occurrence. “So-” He started, clasping his hands, voice far too raspy for his liking. “I’ll go prepare ourselves a bath, you go change the sheets. While bathing- we could discuss our relationship status.” He stated- the coldness in his tone was something he fully intended for.

“Essy…” Madeleine’s eyebrows were furrowed as he stood up, both hands on his mage’s hip joints. “Isn’t it clear we’re partners?” He asked, his tone confused, but not angry. Always eager to listen to Espresso, the paladin was.

“Yes, it’s clear.” The coffee mage stated, hands now intermingled in the locks of hair which befell Madeleine’s back, the silken strands a grounding presence as the other visibly perked up, his smile as blinding as the Light Magic he so often spoke of, and as sincere as the feelings Espresso held for him. “I merely would like to determine our boundaries-” He swallowed, tiptoeing to bury his face in his knight’s shoulder. “To make each other aware of our fears, so as a couple- we’ll learn not to feel said emotion towards one another.”

“Ah-...” The paladin lifted his hands from the other’s hips, cupping Espresso reddened cheeks within his careful grasp, a blue reminiscent of the skies clashed against the brown of coffee beans. Madeleine nodded, letting go of his lover’s face. “Go ahead, I’ll already have changed the sheets by the time I arrive at the bathroom.” He pointed out, a chuckle leaving him at the way his mage seemed to gawk at his acceptance of his request. “What?” His smile dipped into one side more than the other-... He dared to smirk at a time such as this-?!

“Madeleine, this is a serious topic-!” Espresso seethed through gritted teeth, the crease between his eyebrows something the paladin wanted to kiss away until it faded.

“Well, if it is such a serious and important topic, then… It’d only be expected for me to oblige to such a wish.” Madeleine stated with unwavering confidence, even if his mage rolled his eyes- the act lacking annoyance. “Now go, for it’d be best if we get this over with sooner rather than later.”

–

Espresso’s nude body could be seen maneuvering over his partner’s bathroom, either as he searched for the ideal kind of liquid soap amidst the countless options, or as he slowly sunk his body onto the warmth of the bubbly water present within the tub. The pain previously found on each limb and joint of his seemed to fade onto the background as the warmth seeped onto them. For a lack of a better word, the feeling was divine. His erection soon faded with the pain.

“Hello, my dear-” Madeleine’s words were muffled as the door to the bathroom was still closed. “E-Es-...Essy…” He stuttered out once the visage of his mage sprawled out across the tub finally before him, the artificial lighting from above framing his water soaked body in a light unlike any he’d seen before, and he was blessed by the Light for Divine’s sake- “I have changed the covers and sheets for the bed! Everything will be in perfect condition after it’s washed, I assure you!”

“Well then…” Espresso took a steadying breath, inching closer to a corner of the gigantic bathtub. “I suppose it’s time for us to discuss… things-” Eyes fluttering close in order to steel himself for their conversation, the only indication his knight had entered the tub was a hand, bigger than his own, that interlaced both their fingers. “Are- you willing to start, Madeleine?”

“I suppose I am-!” He exclaimed, jovial, confident, and yet, his mage narrowed his eyes, side eyeing him, already aware of whenever the other’s antics weren’t genuine. The paladin, in response- brought his free hand to scratch at the nape of his neck. “I’d say-...” He closed his eyes, preparing himself for whatever reaction he may ignite within his mage. “I’m scared of my own optimism sometimes…” His gaze now refocused as his eyelashes fluttered open, who he saw staring back at him- was someone overtaken by curiosity.

“Explain.” Espresso told him, and so- he would.

Madeleine held a little tighter onto the other’s hand. “Ever since I met you- ever since we started talking, I mean-” He bit onto his bottom lip. “I can’t help but wonder whether or not my optimism stems from a place of ignorance.” Heaving a sigh, he let his eyes droop lower, to both their interlaced fingers. “Although always confident in whatever that may happen to me, that oftentimes has brought me situations which I cannot deal with by myself” His voice, always deep, now sounded gruff.

The paladin looked to his side, and all he saw was Espresso, urging him to speak more of his mind with that compassionate gaze of his- something he rarely showed to most. And so, he cleared his throat, readying himself-

“Even if you’ve made me thoroughly aware that one shouldn’t feel guilty for their background-” The both let out a chuckle, humorless, but there nonetheless. “I feel like I’ve failed those responsible for raising me, always putting me as a priority… to the point I failed to notice not everything would go my way, failing to notice that there are wills other than my own.” His body momentarily shook, a goosebump of some sorts. “Espresso, my dear, you are many things, including my voice of reason. And I can’t help but wonder that I only listen to you due to what I feel towards you.”

His mage, bless his soul- finally reacted, letting out a soft gasp. “You’re questioning the love you feel towards me, Madeleine?” Espresso scoffed, closing his eyelids in order not to inadvertently roll his eyes. “It seems the role of ‘voice of reason’ befell onto me once again…” He smiled for a mere second. “You do recognize the errors in your ways, you did verbalize how said mistakes have influenced you, and yet- you dare question your love? Madeleine- all you’ve done up to this point is prove how much you feel said emotion towards me!” Espresso turned around, back now directed towards his lover. “Now if I say ‘I love you’, will you wash my hair?”

Madeleine started chuckling, the adoration in each breathless giggle soothing his mage. “Of- of course!” he said in between laughs.

“Well then, I love you- you fool.” He stated once again, not being able to watch as Madeleine grabbed the bottle of shampoo he’d selected, smothering it in both his palms- only to bring them to the sides of his mage’s head, tucking a few stray strands of hair behind his ear, only to- “If I recall our previous conversation correctly- it’s your turn to speak of your fears…” A whisper, soft and poised- and yet, it’d sent shivers across his mage’s spine. He proceeded to apply shampoo to the other’s scalp, merely waiting.

“It’s a stupid fear-”

“No emotion is rational, my love!”

“Smartass-” Espresso gritted through his teeth, crossing his arms, unaware of the way his lover smiled upon his words, slightly faltering in his movements. “I-” His mage slumped further down the tub, his entire body now submerged aside from his head. “I suppose my fears would be considered superficial to most- hence why… I don’t feel comfortable talking about them.” his back straightened as he came back to his original position. “Desirability is, after all- the only factor in our relationship I can’t quite grasp. Don’t get me wrong, I very much desire you, but-...”

Madeleine wouldn’t dare subjugate his lover’s opinions about himself to his own, regardless of how much they disagreed. All he could do was place a soft kiss of reassurance on the top of the other’s head, whose reaction was a drawn out sigh.

“Masculinity is a performance for me, and regardless of me identifying as a man, I’m not an actor, Madeleine.” His words evoked emotion, even if frail in their nature. “How can I feel comfortable with myself if the sheer fact I’m attracted towards the same gender I belong to is considered…” He took a steady inhale, exhaling through his mouth. “Not masculine?” His hands formed fists as they trembled underneath the soapy water. “How can you, a man the same as me- have a claim over your masculinity, even if I’m devoid of such confidence…” His words, although well structured, were nothing if not raw emotion.

Madeleine’s jaw was tightly locked into place, his eyebrows furrowed and lips forming a pout, as Espresso briefly looked over his shoulder, his expression one of disappointment. “What I lack in reason, you make up for. What you lack in confidence, I provide for us both.” The paladin started, hands intermingled with the other’s locks of hair. “This… isn’t something that can be deconstructed easily, Essy… for as long as those around me perceive me as straight because of how I present-... I’ll remain confident when it comes to my masculinity.” He let out a breathless laugh. “I suppose our love makes up for what we can’t find in ourselves.”

Espresso nodded, and they proceeded to bathe in a comforting silence. Madeleine’s face had relaxed, while Espresso remained stoic as ever, despite knowing exactly what went on in his knight’s mind. And it was as though that was enough to put everything they’d been fighting so hard for the past couple years to rest in the back of their minds.

Chapter Text

Espresso reeled himself in for his next words, a hand held up to cut off whatever the other man might try to say to him. “I can’t believe this,” he said, voice shaking with barely suppressed anger. "You told them all about our relationship." His eyes narrowed. “And I know it’s true that none have actually seen us act any different than usual, but still...!" His face contorted into an ugly sneer, before his shoulders slouched, head lowering. He sighed. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” He questioned, almost rhetorically.

A moment passed before Madeleine answered in a small voice.  “I wasn’t sure you’d even wanna listen to me.” He mumbled halfheartedly.

A snort of disbelief left Espresso’s nose, and he lifted his gaze back to stare into his lover’s blue eyes. “What do you mean I wouldn’t?!”

"...Between my confidence and your pessimism we would've never reached a conclusion." He shrugged, glancing to the side. "I wasn't ready for it. For any kind of confrontation, I mean."

"So you wanted to keep it on the down low for a while?" He scoffed again, turning to look away from the other. He leaned back against the wall. “If so, why out yourself to everybody?!" The coffee mage exclaimed, no longer trying to hide his anger. "I mostly don't try to think about what others think of me, but for Ancients sake, Madeleine!" In this state, his feet floated above air, as he unconsciously used his magic to seem more intimidating. Upon his knight's reaction, who donned a fearful expression, he took a steadying breath, no longer suspended mid air. "Your entire career revolves around what strangers perceive of you-!"

"My dear-"

"And even if I know by firsthand experience you're the most reliable of them all-..."  He trailed off, biting his lower lip before releasing a defeated sigh. "Do you really want all this attention on you?" he asked softly, not expecting a response. "... I know how important this job has always been to you- most won't take kindly to this... to- us." His face fell at that word. It felt as if it was stuck there, hanging off his features. "... You deserve so much better, we both do." He finished, resisting looking anywhere but at his lover. The silence stretched until its breaking point, but neither man moved a muscle; neither daring to break eye contact.

"Espresso..."  his lover spoke, his voice so soft, it almost sounded like it came out of a lullaby. Espresso's eyes widened, slowly turning towards him. The tension between them grew heavy, a sense of anticipation washing over them both. As a result, the two began leaning forward, until their foreheads touched each other. “I’m sorry…” Whispered his knight. "Is this what you wanted to hear? An apology for loving a man who feels the same way towards me?"

The atmosphere seemed to soften at that confession, Espresso allowing his shoulders to relax in the slightest. “Don’t apologize… Not for that.” He murmured. “But for making this situation worse...” he added quietly. “For keeping things hidden from me...”

“I simply want to enjoy the moments we’ve spent together without worrying about what might happen in the future. We needn’t have to worry about anybody else ruining it.” Madeleine stated with confidence. “But-... to withhold information from you so we could bask in each other’s presence for just a moment longer- that… was wrong of me.” His hand, scarred and trembling, came to hold the other’s chin. “I-” Both his hands were now laying limply at his sides, his mage’s chin still raised by his previous touch. “I shouldn’t have made a decision for the both of us.” Now looking at his feet, Madeleine didn’t know what to expect.

He felt a tugging on his arm, gently guiding it upwards, as that hand was now resting in his chin, tilted up to meet the other's gaze. “Look at me…” Madeleine did so, and was met with the sight of his beloved’s tender smile. “Even if we don’t understand what it means to be in love, we will learn together.” Espresso's animosity came back in his expression, but alongside it, there were also the signs of the incoming affectionate banter, if his lips, tilted upwards, were a sign of anything. “Now don’t go mellowing out your fears again- just… talk to me.”

In return, Madeleine gave a chuckle. “Alright, alright.” He pulled Espresso closer to him, until he could lean down his lips onto his mage's own, arms wrapping tightly around each other.  They stood there holding each other close, lips occasionally brushing against the other’s own as they embraced. Eventually, after a few minutes of slow kisses and deep breaths, they broke apart, a smile on both of their faces. “That was…” Madeleine hummed, closing his eyes. “Thank you."

"Hm-..." Espresso now fully detached himself from his knight. "I'm sure there are more effective ways to thank me." He smirked, watching as Madeleine flushed a beautiful shade of red. "Besides," He continued, placing a kiss upon his nose. "If your title as the Republic’s knight commander truly doesn’t influence what goes between the two of us, then surely you wouldn’t mind submitting to me for a while, hm?” He tilted his head, a Cheshire grin plastered on his features at the way the other’s eyes widened.

The latter shook his head vigorously, chuckling lightly. "No," Madeleine replied with an exasperated laugh, cheeks still stained slightly pink as Espresso’s smile widened. Realization dawned on him with a flutter in his chest- "Not happening." His knight finally replied, even if his pants started growing uncomfortably tight. “At-at least not now!” He exclaimed, watching as his mage hummed, deep in thought.

"Hmm…" He paused, his gaze shifting to gaze off into space as he tapped his chin with his index finger, which he then proceeded to rub against his lips as his mind drifted away from whatever he had been thinking before. He eventually came to a conclusion, and smiled. “Perhaps some other time,” he agreed, nodding his head.

Madeleine frowned, confused. "Huh?"

Espresso smirked once more, bringing his free hand to cover his mouth in order to hide his laughter. "Well, as you've said, it'll happen later." The corners of his mouth lifted higher as he spoke,  a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Until then, however, I'd suggest finding something else to occupy yourself with, yes? A good book, perhaps?" He suggested smugly, merely watching with barely concealed amusement as his partner shifted in place, unspoken words drifting across the thick air.

He watched as Madeleine seemed to finally reach a conclusion, letting out a chuckle at the suggestion, before turning on his heels, and walking toward the door to their bedroom. "Oh my dear Espresso..." His words trailed off, reaching for the handle as he looked behind his shoulder, giving his boyfriend a wink. "We'll see how long you can remain calm when it's your turn..." He stated as he closed the door behind himself, leaving a bemused and horny coffee mage behind.

"Oh, what an oaf-" Espresso mused to himself, finally regaining his composure as his steps carried him through the corridor leading to their bedroom.  "A fool who thinks he knows everything…" He sighed, before stepping inside. "Although, as long as those lips are pressed against mine, nothing else matters." He chuckled, closing the door behind him. The sight which greeted him was of his knight, sitting on their bed, one leg propped up the mattress, the other swinging loosely from the side, resting comfortably on the carpeted floor beneath. He was engrossed in a book, eyes half lidded as his fingers traced the worn pages.

Oh- and he was naked, fully hard cock in between those spread legs, his folded clothes on the nightstand, alongside a small bottle of lube. Espresso slowly blinked, taking notice of all that had happened within the last few minutes, a blush rising up along his neck as he averted his gaze from the sight. "Dammit..." Was the only thing that came out of his mouth as he crossed his arms. His lover let out a low chuckle, closing the book and placing it on the nightstand. He raised his hand in greeting, and Espresso returned the gesture, though he remained rather reserved about the whole encounter as he sat down upon the edge of their bed, watching as his knight reached for the vial, handing it to him.

Espresso heaved a sigh. “Are you sure you want me to top-?” He asked, worry clearly in his tone.

The paladin shrugged nonchalantly. “Yeah,” he answered casually, as if it was no big deal. “Just make sure the pillows are nice and fluffy.”

“The pillows are always ‘nice and fluffy’, Madeleine. This is your bedroom we’re talking about-”

“Our.”

“Hm-?”

“This is our bedroom, Espresso.” Madeleine softly reprimanded, his demeanor shifting as he now put both his legs on the mattress, spreading them without an ounce of shame. “And here, we can do to each other whatever it is that our hearts desire.” He winked once again, even if his cheeks were reddened and his body was exposed, his mage seemed to be the embarrassed one in the current scenario if his features, contorted in an incredulous manner, were anything to go by.

“Madeleine- you …” With his hand which didn’t hold the small vial, he lowered his pants alongside his boxers, cock jumping to life underneath the clothes he previously wore. “You’re an absolute fool of a man.” That very same hand came to haphazardly unbutton his social shirt, his own mouth practically ripping the cloth of it apart as the uppermost button rolled down the floor. “I can’t believe I fell for you-” He gritted through his teeth, placing part of the contents within the bottle on the top of his fingers.

The paladin was too focused on making a mess of the man in front of him to properly react to what came next. There was a loud, guttural noise coming out of his throat as he jerked forward, the tip of the other's finger digging its way into his ass, causing him to arch his back, his moan sinfully desperate for more, more- more .  As the digits began moving up and down, the sound which was emitted was almost inhuman in nature. Madeleine's back arched further, a high pitched whine coming out from his parted lips.

His eyes fluttered shut as he leaned his head backwards, allowing the fingers deeper inside him, his back tensing as his hips jolted up of their own accord, a hand tangling itself in his hair, desperately gripping at the strands. “Now, now~” Espresso purred, and all the built up pleasure had gone too soon, the paladin’s body left aching for more. “Let’s not be hasty.” His mage added a generous dollop of lube on the top of his cock, lining himself up with his entrance. “Patience is, after all- a virtue.”

Madeleine nodded, biting his lip, trying his best to keep himself together. Slowly, ever so slowly, he pushed the tip of his cock inside Madeleine's hole. Espresso took his time, his pace slower than usual, as he did not rush to enter his knight. Instead, he took his time to enjoy the sounds he was hearing.  The soft whimpering of anticipation; the gasps and whines coming forth; the ragged breathing of his lover. It was an agonizing torture to listen to, but he made sure to indulge himself anyway.

After a few months of experience, Espresso knew his knight loved being fucked, regardless of how much denial occurred, so, why not allow just this one moment of suspense? Afterall, they would always take care of one another, regardless of how much stalling occurred. So, Espresso gave him a few more seconds, enjoying the sight of his lover squirming underneath him, his face painted red, his insides full of his mage’s cock, buried to the hilt. “I’ll start moving.” He whispered, and beneath him, all Madeleine could do was nod with desperation- eagerness.

“Al-alright.” With that one word, the two bodies moved as one. First, Madeleine’s hands found purchase around Espresso’s shoulders, pulling him closer, their bodies colliding as they moved together. Next, Espresso used his free hands to grasp the back of his knight’s thighs, pulling them above his shoulders,  hoisting them upward until the back of Madeleine’s knees rested on his shoulder blades. Finally, his cock moved, stretching Madeleine’s hole, his member rubbing over the tight walls. And, as if that wasn’t enough, Espresso began thrusting, his movements slow and steady, yet forceful, his thrusts becoming harder and faster with each passing second.

He was determined to push Madeleine over the edge, and by the look in his lover’s eyes, he was ready to grant him that wish. And, it showed as their faces flushed, sweat dripping from their foreheads, as their breaths quickened. Moving in tandem, Espresso’s body hovered over his knight’s, his face plummeting onto the paladin’s neck as his mouth latched onto the other’s pulse. This wasn’t the careful love making they’d been through countless times before, this was pure lust clouding their conscious minds, urging them to move with only a single thought in mind, to pleasure themselves.

They were no longer in the midst of some grand romance, it was a battle of wills, an effort to prove the strength of their relationship, their desire stronger than themselves. Both men were well aware of what they had signed up for, and yet, each thrust shook both to the very core, as they sought for more, more- more . So, only in these moments in which emotion overtook them both, would they allow themselves to indulge in the presence of each other as greedily as they did at the moment.

They craved to feel, to savor, to be in each other's presence. They craved intimacy, love. A feeling they never thought they would have the chance to experience, yet, as they lay there, locked in the embrace of passion, neither had any regrets of having fallen for one another. And so, despite their exhaustion and fatigue combined, the two lovers fought with every fiber of their being to stay in control of their passion, their love, their lust for each other, each push, each pull, bringing them to the brink of madness.

Until finally, with a deep breath, a final thrust, the pair released their emotions in one fell swoop, spasms shaking their bodies as the sweat glistened on their skin, trickling down their chins, mingling with saliva, as their bodies convulsed and twisted with pleasure. It didn't matter how far their passions led them, as long as those two were intertwined, that's exactly what they wanted, needed - needed their bond to be complete, to feel complete, to feel loved . The feelings were mutual, and realization only truly dawned on them, as, despite their current states, the only place they could’ve possibly belonged in was in each other’s arms.