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Chapter Text

Leo closed his eyes and leant back against the haystack. He had spent the last hour mucking out the horses when Cancassi had arrived for a ride, now they were off, and he could finally take a break. He watched as Cancassi galloped over the fields, their braided hair blowing behind them. A Maeve on a horse was a site to behold, and Leo got to see it frequently.

Cancassi was Leo's favourite visitor to the Crux's stables. He admired the gentle way they handled the horses, whispering little secrets to them that seemed to create an unspoken connection. Leo could watch them for hours, and if he were honest with himself, he had to admit he had a small crush on them.

Despite the captivating allure of Cancassi, Leo had to remind himself of the differences between them constantly. He was just a stable hand (albeit a handsome one), and Cancassi, a Master Wizard. Yet, in these quiet moments, Leo allowed himself to dream.

When Leo lost sight of Cancassi he turned his gaze to towers of the Crux, glistening in the sun. It was a place that held an irresistible fascination for him. Rumours about magic's creation by sex were certainly true, but Leo hand witnessed that plenty himself. But he sensed there was something more to it than just sex. And that thought sent shivers down his spine.

The late summer’s sun warmed his face and Leo let his eyes close and mind wander. Quickly, he found himself dreaming of Cancassi’s beautiful lips, their slight body and their copper eyes. He sighed and let himself fall deep into the daydream.

Leo lifted his hand and pushed a strand of Cancassi’s white hair behind their pointed ear, he looked deep into their mesmerising eyes. Then he pulled them close and kissed them. Their lips were soft, and he melted into the kiss, imagining their taste. They nibbled at his lips and suddenly pulled him close, so he would feel their hard cock against him.

“You want to suck it don’t you?” they whispered while biting his ear.

Then they both were naked, skin touching, bodies moving. His hands ran over their body, savouring every inch of it all. He imagined their breasts and licking down their pale chest to their hard cock.

“That’s a good boy. Take it all in.”

Leo was getting hot, he slid his hand down into his breeches. He let out a sigh.

“Hey, Leo.” Leo jumped as he opened his eyes to see Cancassi, rosy-cheeked and panting, holding the reigns of Elaxi. He pulled his hand out of his breaches and up into the air, open-palmed. Blood flushed into his face, making his olive complexation red.

“Cancassi. Hi. Sorry, I was just…” Leo tried to explain his compromised position. Finally, he settled on, “I got lost in a daydream.”

“A sexy one, it seems.” They grinned at him and added, “I’m sorry to interrupt.” Cancassi winked at him, they didn’t seem that sorry, and they led Elaxi back to her stable. Embarrassed, Leo followed them to help un-tack the horse. After taking the saddle and bride off in silence, Leo finally got over his embarrassment.

“Seemed like an intense ride?” Leo said as he hung the saddle up, and grabbed the brushes, then chucked one to Cancassi.

“You were watching, huh?” Their eyes rolled leisurely slowly over his body. “I needed to blow some steam off.” They looked up from his crotch and smiled, eyes sparkling.

“Well, I find horses help with everything.”

 “Almost everything.” Cancassi laughed, then added, “You’d love my home island. We have a saying just like that.”

Leo did know how much the Maeve loved their horses. Cancassi had brought several with them when they had arrived. They were different from the mainland ones, long legged, sturdy and fast. Beautiful horses, a pleasure to ride, but he would always prefer his Ladybird.

“I’d like to travel again one day.”

“Again?”

“Yeah, I came here five years ago from Malaga.”

“Oh, near the Eastern sea, right?” Leo nodded as he picked up Elaxi’s leg to clean her hoof. He watch as Cancassi washed the horse.

“You know you don’t have to do this, it is my job.”

Cancassi laughed. “Horses help with everything. Plus, I like chatting with you Leo.”

Leo flushed again. They put a hand on his shoulder, and their deliberate touch burned through him.

“Why’d your family move?”

“Oh, it was just me. I travelled by myself. I’d heard about the Streatham clinic and felt like I needed a cure.”

“What? You travelled alone when you were like 13?”

“No, I was 17.”

“Gods, sorry you look so young.”

“I’m 22, actually, but I know I have a baby face.” A slight smile appeared over Cancassi’s face as if they had found something new to play with. Cancassi every so slightly shook themselves out of it and then cocked their head.

“Did you get your cure?”

“No. But I got something better.” Leo winced at the reminder of his former self. Then, a sudden burning of pride at his growth made him grin. “It was a long journey, but I am so much happier here.”

“That’s wonderful.” Cancassi smiled. A comfortable silence fell over them as they finished settling Elaxi down.

The sun was getting low when Cancassi left, and Leo waved them off as they headed back towards the castle. He sighed and stroked Elaxi’s nose.

Leo rattled through his last few chores, making sure to say goodnight to all the horse and then stable manager. Then he grabbed his saddle and went out into the field, where only one horse was left.

He called out, “Ladybird.” The brown mare, who had a white line down her nose, trotted over.

“Hello beautiful girl, did you have a good day?”

The mare nuzzled her nose into him.

“Yeah, me too. Ready to head home?”

Quickly, he saddled her, and then one foot was in the stirrup he pushed and was up on her back.

“Come on then.” Ladybird started to trot. Leo waved to the wizards on guard duty before breaking to a canter all the way home.

Leo dismounted in front of the house. It wasn’t his house, but it was his home. When he had first come, he was in a right state. He went straight  Master Garrett's clinic, who with one look at him decided to get him the help he need. Garrett had found Leo this room to rent and he’d never left. The house was owned by Mabel and her partner Josie. Mabel ran a very successful pie shop in town, and Josie built merchant carts.

Mabel and Josie quickly became like parents to him. After showing no talent for cooking, Mabel sent him off to work with Josie. And that was where he rediscovered his affinity for horses and dislike of splinters. He started working at an inn’s stables, and then a job opened at the Crux, and it paid a lot better. Leo guessed not many folks like to see how magic was made. It had never bothered Leo. In fact, he was always intrigued by how it worked.

Leo opened the front door and called in.

“I’m home.”

“Me too,” Josie called back.

“I’ll just sort Ladybird.”

“Sure thing, bud.”

Once Ladybird was snug in her stable with a hearty dinner, Leo went to find some for himself. He sat very close to the fire, the orange light darting around him with a warm stew and a smile on his face. Josie appeared from her little workshop. She saw Leo and smiled. She was a tall, broad woman, bigger than most men.

“Good day, Leo?” Leo kept looking into the flames.

“Yeah. The sick horse is getting better, and I saw Cancassi.”

“That’s the Maeve, right?”

“Yeah, they has such a way with horses,” Leo sighed, his eyes glossed over as he thought of them.

Josie raised her eyebrow and smiled knowingly. But she did not press.

“A game of Tabital?” Josie pulled out the traditional game, already knowing Leo’s answer. It was a beautiful hand-crafted set she had made him for his 21^st birthday. Leo put emptied his bowl and then helped Josie as she put the little pieces out. Then, the two of them set into a slow strategic battle.

Leo and Josie were engrossed in their strategic moves, their eyes focused on the pieces scattered across the board. Mabel arrived home somewhere in the middle of their game, kissing them both on the cheek, getting little response before stroking the fire and settling into her favourite chair. She observed the scene with a contented smile, appreciating the familiar comfort of their shared moments.

Finally Josie raised her eyebrow and gave Leo a knowing smile. Leo sighed.

“I’ll get you tomorrow.”

Leo had found so much joy, love and freedom these past five years in this little house. With an exaggerated yawn, Leo grabbed a candle and started to make his way upstairs. He knew that Josie and Mabel needed their alone time, and he was happy to go have some of his own. He went into his little attic room, biting down on the plate, carrying the candle, and pulling himself up the ladder. He settled into bed and blew his candle out. Leo moved his hand down and thought of Cancassi.

Chapter Text

The next day, despite the rain, Cancassi appeared for a ride again.

“More steam to blow off?”

“You know it, Leo,” they called in their sing-song voice. They winked, and Leo felt his heart race. He watched Cancassi gallop away before heading back to work.

When Leo saw Cancassi walking down from the Crux on the fifth day in a row, Leo intercepted them before they entered the stables.

“Five days in a row, Cancassi. As much as I love to see you. You doing alright?”

They sighed, “My usual casting partners are all out of town or… distracted, so I am a little riled up, and Elaxi can only do so much.”

“Well, I can always lend a hand if you need it, even if I’m not a Wizard.” Leo’s stomach twisted at his own sudden bravery, and he felt heat pull into his face. Cancassi’s eyes narrowed, and they raised an eyebrow.

“How about a mouth?”

Leo’s boldness vanished, and all he could manage was a slight nod. Cancassi seemed to relish in his discomposure. They took a step forward; despite being the same size as him, they had a dominating glare that made Leo feel small.

“Can I touch you?” Leo nodded again. “I need a real yes, Leo,” singing out his name as they crept closer.

“Yes, please.” It came out as a whimper, and Cancassi’s eyes twinkled with delight.

“Oh, and you have manners.” They pushed him hard against the stable wall. They were stronger than they looked. Leo thudded against the wood. He wanted them close; he wanted them to touch him. Cancassi pressed themselves against Leo. Pinning him against the wood. They were so close that Leo could feel Cancassi’s semi-hard cock growing in their breaches. He wanted that cock inside him.

Cancassi kissed Leo, and his mind spun, drawing him away from his crotch and instead focused on Cancassi’s tongue, exploring his mouth. Their hands slid down his clothes. He froze as they moved down his chest, but their hands passed down without questioning what was there. Leo let out a sigh of relief and remembered he had hands. He slipped under their top to find their nipples. He ran his hand over them until they became hard. Cancassi moaned into his mouth and grabbed his ass hard. Finally, they pulled away, their eyes fixed on his.

“Such good boy. Why don’t you get on your knees?” Leo slid down the wooden wall of the stable until he came face to face with their bulge. It was outlined by their beeches, and Leo leaned forward and rubbed his face against it.

“Oh, you are naturally a good boy, aren’t you?” The praise filled the whole of Leo’s body, and he wiggled ever so slightly.

“Ha! You’d make a wonderful conduit.” Before Leo could wonder what a conduit was, Cancassi went to free their cock.

Seeing this, panic took over Leo, and he blurted out, “I’ve never sucked a cock before.”Cancassi paused and looked down at him. Their eyes turned gentle for a second, “Would you like to?”

“Yes.”

“Okay then. It’s not very complicated, I’ll guide you. You say stop, and we stop, okay?”

“Okay.”

Cancassi freed their cock, and Leo reached up and stroked it. Cancassi moaned and let him rub it for a while longer.

“Okay, just put the tip in.” Leo opened his mouth and took their hard head in. He linked the way it tasted and filled his mouth. Before he could even work out what to do next, Cancassi spoke.

“Mmm, that’s right. Now use your tongue to tease.” Leo followed the order, using his tongue to explore the tip of their cock, slowly running it over every curve. Cancassi was vocal about their enjoyment, and Leo took this as a sign to carry on. He slowly took more and more of their length in.

“You are doing so good, Leo. Now move up and down.” The praise warmed Leo up, and they did as they suggested, bobbing up and down on their cock. He looked up to see Cancassi’s lusting eyes looking down on him, and a shiver of desire went down his spine. Their hands found the back of his head and gripped his short hair, but they didn’t push him.

“Now a little faster.” Leo moved faster, and Cancassi couldn’t help themselves but start to gently thrust their cock into his mouth.

“So good, Leo.”

Leo’s nose touched their navel, and he felt himself choke a little.

“Such a good boy for me. Are you okay with me going a little rougher?”

Leo managed an enthusiastic splutter, and Cancassi’s grip tightened. When Leo reached the base of the cock, this time, Cancassi held him there. Instinctively, he pushed back against their hand but couldn’t move. His eyes started to water and he choked.

“That’s right, choke on it.”

Cancassi released him, and Leo managed a quick breath before they thrusted back in. Filling his mouth. Cancassi clearly did have some frustration to release as they picked up the past and earnestly started fucking Leo’s mouth. Leo managed to glance upwards and saw Cancassi’s face relieved with pleasure. He wanted to give them so much pleasure. He focused his attention back to their cock, and found himself keeping up with their pace. Suddenly, Cancassi held him deep on their cock and Leo choked, his throat tightening around their cock.

The tightening of his throat did something as Cancassi called out, “I’m going to come.” They threw their head back, holding themselves deep in Leo’s mouth, groaning as their seed filled Leo’s mouth, who worked hard to swallow it. That’s when he felt it, a static charge running over his skin and through the air and a distinct smell he couldn’t place. Both were short-lived and in his post-blowjob haze, he wondered if they had ever been there.

“Oh, wow.” Cancassi looked down on him, a little shocked. “I think I found my first wild wizard.” Leo was only half listening as he tried to regain his focus. Cancassi smiled knowingly at him.

“How was your first cock, Leo?”

“Amazing. I’ve been dreaming about that for some time. Thank you.”

Cancassi chuckled. “No, thank you, Leo.” They nodded towards his crotch. “You can fuck me too if you want.”

A dread built up in Leo. He hadn’t told them. It had happened so fast.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” He blurted, “I don’t have a cock.”

“Oh, sorry for assuming. I can still help out.” They spread their long fingers out, bending them at both joints. “I do have the fingers for it.”

“Um, maybe not today.”

Cancassi winked. “But another day, then.”

Leo gathered himself. His legs shaking as he stood up and wiped his face on his sleeve. Cancassi put their hand on his shoulder to stabilise him. While the past few minutes raced through Leo’s head. Finally, he reached the end, replaying the event, and his eyes widened. He looked Cancassi dead in their copper eyes.

“Wait, did you say I was a wizard?”

Cancassi grinned at him.

Chapter Text

“Yes, I did. We should head up to the Crux, and I’ll take you to see Arlon.”

“Oh wow.” Leo sat back down. Cancassi slipped down the wall beside him.

“You okay?”

“I just, I have always been drawn to the Crux. And now, maybe I, me, that little nobody from Malaga could be a wizard. I always wanted to know how magic was made.”

“Well some of it isn’t too much different from that.” Cancassi eyed him as they let the concept settle down. “If we had tried, maybe we could have just made a low-calibre enchantment. Do you want to come up to the Crux with me?”

Leo’s dark green eyes darted with excitement and uncertainty. This was life-changing. He could be a wizard. He thought back to what Master Garrett had once said: “Maybe if you were a wizard, we might be about to change that.” Leo’s hand felt his chest, the cloth he used to bind his chest tight but safe. Maybe he could change that.

“Yes, but the horses.”

Cancassi laughed. “I’ll help you with your work and then we will head up, deal?”

“Deal.”

Soon, they were walking up through the manicured Crux gardens, which had fruit trees just starting to bear fruit. Leo had only seen it from afar before. Then, Cancassi led him through the main entrance. It felt ever bigger on the inside. Leo looked up at the tall ceilings and wondered how they removed the cobwebs from the ceiling.  

Cancassi looked at Leo and then up at the ceilings.

“A really long duster or an enchanted one,” they said reading his mind.

Leo looked back at them, the sun streamed in the stained glass window, lighting Cancassi up in multicolours. They grinned, and Leo’s stomach flipped. The hall has a similar smell to the one Leo had noticed with Cancassi earlier that afternoon.

Cancassi grabbed his hand and led the way. Leo tried to keep track, going left, left, right up the stairs, through an arch, then right. The place was a maze. They reached a large door, and Cancassi knocked.

A deep voice said, “Come in.”

Leo looked around the room. A fire crackled, and a big desk with enough room to fit someone underneath it filled the room. Behind it sat a large man with greying hair, and there behind, standing to attention, was Master Garnett. Leo’s eyes met his, and Garnett smiled with curiosity, obviously recognising him.  

“Hello, Cancassi and who this is?” He looked me up and down.

“This is Leo, a stable hand. And I think he’s an aptitude.”

“Are you sure?”

“Pretty sure. I’ve been with non-wizards before, and this was different.”

“A wizard hiding under our nose this whole time,” the massive man chuckled and pushed his chair backwards to stand. “Welcome to the Crux, Leo, I am Grandmaster Arlon. Garrett can show you to your new room.”

Garrett bowed low, and Arlon turned to look at him.

“You may speak freely.”

“Thank you, Master. Leo does live in Streatham and may want to gather some things and maybe share some news at home before moving in.” Garrett turned to Leo and smiled.

“I get to live here?” Leo stuttered.

“Of course, all our students do.” Arlon smiled warmly.

“I do have to go home. I need to tell Mabel and Josie.” And suddenly Leo wasn’t sure if he wanted to leave home. It was the only place that felt safe. What would Mabel and Josie say?

“As in Mabel’s pies?” Cancassi asked, snapping Leo back into the room.

“Yes, that’s right. They are my family.” Cancassi suddenly looked very hungry.

“Why don’t you go home and come back tomorrow or in a couple of days. I am sure this is a lot to take in.” Arlon suggested, picking up on Leo’s hesitation.

“Yes, okay.”

“Come on, Leo, I’ll walk you back to the stables.” Cancassi linked their arm with his.

“See you soon, Leo,” Garrett called.

They stopped in the entrance hall.

“You don’t have to walk me all the way back. I know your leg aches.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I have a lot to occupy my mind.”

“I suppose you do.” Cancassi leaned over and caught his lips in a surprise kiss that made him melt.

“Take your time, Leo, I imagine it's strange to learn you have magic in your blood.”

Leo nodded, his head buzzing with the events of the whole afternoon.

Cancassi waved Leo off, and he headed back to the stables.

Ladybird was the last horse in the field today. He called her over, and she immediately nuzzled into his neck.

“Hey, I’m okay. I just got some big news. And it is going to completely change my life.”

His voice choked, and he stroked her nose.

“I’m sure you can come with me, though. I’d hate to leave you behind. Plus, Josie can use the stables as a bigger workshop.” Ladybird nickered into his neck. “You’d have plenty of friends here.”

Leo stood for a long time with Ladybird until the sun started to set.

“Come on then, let's head back.”

***

The fire cracked, casting a warm glow over Josie and Mabel. As Leo entered, the light danced over his anxious expression. Josie and Mabel exchanged glances filled with concern. Leo did not often come back upset.

“What’s wrong, sweetheart?” Mabel asked.

Leo didn’t know where to start. He just walked over to her, and she opened her arms.

“It’s okay, Leo.” Mabel tenderly stroked his hair.

They stayed like that for some time. Finally, Leo was ready to explain the situation.

“I have magic in my blood.”

Mabel and Josie were both shocked and silent.

“And that’s kinda exciting, but I would have to leave here.”

Mabel continued to gently stroke Leo's hair as she gently spoke,

"Sweetheart, change is a part of life. It can be scary, but it's also an opportunity for growth and discovery. We're here for you, and you'll always have a home with us, no matter where life takes you."

Leo looked up at Mabel with gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Mabel. But it's not just about change. It's about leaving everything I've made here and everything you have given me. What if I don't fit in? What if I can't keep up with everyone else? What if I am rubbish at it?"

Josie spoke up. "Leo, fitting in is overrated. And if there is one thing I know about The Crux, it is that it’s a place of acceptance and understanding. They won't judge you for being different; they'll embrace you for it. And as for keeping up, you'll be there to learn at your own pace."

Leo nodded, feeling more convicted than before. "I guess you're right, Josie. I know that, really.” He moved away from Mabel to stroke the fire and added with a chuckle, “I’m there every day. I know how it works.”  But as he poked the logs, concern fell back over his face. “But what if I hate doing magic?”

Mabel sighed lovingly, “Honey, you are not moving halfway over the continent. You are right next door. And if you truly hate it, you go back to working with horses.”

It was the encouragement Leo needed. His thoughts darted to his chest, and he wondered if magic could really change it.  And there was only one way to find out: he would go to the Crux.

Three days later, Leo, a stuffed rucksack Ladybird and four pies made their way to the Crux.

Daniel was waiting for him at the main entrance of the Crux. Leo hopped off Ladybird and handed over the reins.

“Moving up in the ranks, then,” Daniel teased, “maybe I should try and get with one of them and see if I have it in my blood.”

“Worth a try, isn’t it.” Leo grinned.

“Well, if you need a reminder about how to work hard, you can always come to help me clean the stables.” Daniel led Ladybird away with a wave, and Leo spied someone in robes eyeing him up. She was a short and busty woman with almost painfully intense blue eyes that made Leo want to look away.

“Leo?” The woman smiled at him.

“Yeah, hi.”

“I’m Ambra. I have the privilege of helping you settle in and doing your first spell.”

“Oh wow, we jump right in.”

“We do indeed!” Ambra gave a wicked grin that sent shivers down Leo’s spine. Then she turned, her cloak spinning out, and headed up to the front door. Leo stumbled after her to catch up.

“So, how much do you know about magic?”

“Not much, just that it’s made by sex and stored in those little stones on your neck.” Leo pointed to the necklace Ambra was wearing.

“Almost, sweetie. It’s not the sex that makes it but rather the giving over of power. It is possible to do spells without sex, but it definitely helps for some folk.”

“Oh right,” Leo flushed.

“And these,” she said while fiddling with a stone on her necklace, “are called focuses.”

Leo nodded, feeling a little stupid.

“Don’t worry, sweetie, you’ll catch on quick.”

They entered the Crux, and Leo was once again mesmerised by the size of it.

“We’ve put you in the transmutation tower,” Ambra informed Leo, who started leading him through the maze of the Crux.

His room wasn’t massive, but it was way bigger than Mable and Jodie’s attic he’d been sleeping in. Leo dropped his stuff down and looked around. There was a window with light pouring in. He looked out and saw a courtyard below with wizards lazing in the sun.

“Nice view. I’ll bet you’ll be able to watch some spell-ups here.” Ambra said, hoovering by the door.

“You guys do it outside?”

“Isn’t that where you and Canacassi do it?”

Leo blushed, and Ambra giggled.

“Newbies are so easy to rile up. Come along then, bath time.”

The baths were amazing, carved right into the white stone, which Ambra hand told Leo was called magiline.

“Are there any private ones?”

“Private? Why would you want a private one?”

Leo looked at the ground.

“Never mind.”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. In the Crux, people are generally very comfortable being naked. Sometimes people even turn up to dinner naked.”

“Oh, I see.”

“It’s unlikely anyone will come down. Late morning is an unusual time to bathe. I’ll meet you in the main atrium when you’re done.”

Ambra left a robe and some fresh clothes.

Leo removed his clothes, revealing a white cloth that hugged his chest tightly. Slowly, he unpinned and unwound the cloth. He folded it and took a deep breath. “I am here to fix this,” he muttered and got into the nearest bath. The warm water almost completely took his mind off of his worries, and he got down to cleaning quickly.