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Sunset was the most beautiful time of day. It was not uncommon to see gaggles of people staring at the oranges and pinks cast by the sun as it descended from view. Today was no exception, as Ever and Rake maneuvered through a market, it became more and more difficult to keep walking as people stopped to take in the view. A man with a basket of oranges stopped immediately to the right of ever, causing her to knock into him. Rowan yelped from within its bag, popping its head out to glare at whoever disturbed its slumber.
Ever wanted to stop. Today was another day of a new odyssey conducted by Rake, they had to make it to a nearby sister city as soon as possible. They moving with intention across the city, all day rarely stopping for food. Her feet ached with every step, they woke with the sunrise and haven’t stopped since. There was a temple to visit. Or a shrine to pray to. Or a cleric to talk with. The events of the past few days were now a blurry soup of memories, one indistinguishable from the other. She watched as Rowan curled into a small ball, falling asleep again inside her bag. She was envious of the little fox, able to sleep as it pleased.
“Rake…” Ever murmured, half-aware that sound came from her lips. “Rake, I want to stop. I’m tired.”
She felt her movements slow, like an otherworldly force was holding her back. Exhaustion crept into her calves. If she stopped moving, she would surely fall down. “We’ve been walking all day,” Ever continued, “Surely we can rest for the rest of the night.”
Rake sighed, but continued at his consistent pace. “We’re almost at the edge of the city. You can hold on until then.”
Ever felt disappointment swell in her chest. Then, a burst of anger. “Rake, I’m tired. We can continue in the morning. We’ve kept this pace for days.”
Rake stopped, unsettled by the frustration. He turned to face Ever, wobbling in place as she tried to hold herself up. Dark circles sat under her eyes, and her blonde hair was a tangled mess. She was a mess. She held her bag with a death grip, as if it was the only thing keeping her upright. Maybe they needed to rest. After all, they had made good progress with travel. Turning in early wouldn’t derail them too much, they just had to be back on the road in a timely matter.
Rake nodded. “Alright. Let’s find a place to spend the night.” Ever broke into a grin, warm and genuine. Rake felt his heart flutter.
A beautiful smile for a beautiful girl , he thought.
The nearest inn, Comstack’s Place, was filled to the brim with locals. It seemed to be a popular space to grab a drink after work, enjoy music, and convene with friends. It also seemed to be popular with tourists, as Rake found there was only one room left.
“There’s a bed and a small chaise,” the innkeeper said, offering a smile. “Will that work for you?”
“You don’t have anything with two beds?” Rake huffed. The innkeeper, a kindly old man, shook his head.
“Sadly, no. But, I could bring up some extra blankets and pillows for whoever wants to sleep on the chaise.” He held out the key, waiting for Rake to take the deal.
Rake turned to Ever. “There’s only one bed,” he said. “Are you… are you alright with that?”
Ever shrugged. “We can make do. It’s better than sleeping on the floor somewhere.”
Rake turned back to the innkeeper and took the key. “Thank you. I’ll take the extra pillows, then.” As the innkeeper turned away, Ever inhaled sharply.
“You can sleep on the bed if you want,” she said. “I don’t mind the chaise.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ve slept in worse places for less. All that matters is that we’re resting in a safe space.”
Ever shook her head. “Rake, you’ve been through a lot this week. You can take the bed. You deserve some comfort.” She gave him a small smile, assuring him this wasn’t a large sacrifice on her part.
“Maybe you can decide who sleeps where over dinner,” the innkeeper said. “My husband, he makes a mean rabbit stew, and we have half-off ale tonight.”
The words rabbit stew and half-off ale sounded like music to Rake and Ever’s ears. It had been days since they had someone else cook for them, the idea of getting a warm meal prepared with care sounded too good to be true. Ever thought of the chunks of meat she could take from the stew and give to Rowan as a treat, something to keep the fox’s spirits high in the midst of all of this chaos.
“Rabbit stew sounds delightful,” Rake replied.
Dinner was served with a cacophony of sound. Ever and Rake ate quietly while the patrons around them chatted, sang, and asked for more ale at the top of their voices. It would be difficult to talk in here. But the chaos provided a sense of privacy, everyone was so wrapped up with the moment around them, no one took note of the two outsiders, quietly eating stew in the corner.
Rake slowly stirred the food in front of him, taking bites when he could manage. He had no appetite today. He looked to the other customers, then back to Ever, hoping she wouldn’t catch his glance. There was something about the low light, it made her golden hair glow, her eyes shine, she looked… luminescent.
Like sunshine , Rake thought. A thought passed through his head, one of his hands touching her hair, weaving the soft strand through each finger. The golden lock contrasting with his sallow skin, it would be like touching light.
“Rake.”
Ever’s voice broke his trance. Rake looked down at his stew, avoiding her gaze.
“Sorry, lost in thought,” he muttered, shoving a spoonful into his mouth. Another thought passed through.
Do not forget what I sent you to do.
“I… I think I’m going to retire early,” Rake muttered, slowly standing up.
“Are you alright?” Ever looked up at him, her eyes shining and bright.
“Tired, I think.”
Ever nodded. “Me too. I’ll join you in a moment. If you would like, you could have the bed.”
Rake laughed. “Not a chance. That’s all yours, sunshine.” He put some gold on the table to pay for his meal, and slowly made his way to the stairs of the inn. He needed to take one last look at Ever before he retired.
Consume her. That’s what he wanted to do. He wanted to feel each part of her, her body, her soul. There’s no other word for it. If he took all of her, maybe she could give him a bit of sunshine.
But do you deserve the sun?
Rake shuddered. The same cruel thought as earlier, punctuating his head.
Look at her. She has a whole life, a love back home. What can you even offer her? Even if something happens, what is she going to do? Drop everything for you?
“Stop,” Rake muttered, feeling a hole open within his chest. He needed to go to sleep quickly, or risk a bout of melancholy for the rest of the night.
I’m only telling you the truth. Just look at her. What would she even do with you?
He looked back at Ever, glowing in the warm lamplight of the inn. She was enjoying the scene in front of her, a small child dancing with their father to a jolly lute tune. She smiled as she watched the two of them, laughing as the child attempted to jump and spin. She took in the room, eyes observing every patron, until her gaze landed on his. She smiled. And Rake felt the hole slowly close.
She was his sun, the center of his universe. And how can someone live without the sun?
No more. No more.
Rake smiled, turned, and started to climb the stairs, feeling the hole open in his chest again.
The room was small, but comfy. Rake began to undress, taking off his boots and overclothes, hoping that his shirt and pants would be suitable to sleep in again. It had been days since he changed his clothes, he needed to wash them if buying new ones wasn’t an option.
Stinky. Low. Improper. Coarse.
“Stop,” Rake grumbled, hoping it would quiet his mind. The thought became louder.
If she is the sun, then what are you to her? The sun needs no one, it shines regardless of the season. Maybe you’re her cloud, blocking the light’s ability to reach those she loves.
Rake began to prepare the small couch for sleep, ignoring the persistent, cruel thought.
You can’t ignore me. You already know all of this is true.
“Rake.”
Ever’s voice caused Rake to jump, yelling out in surprise. He turned, seeing her step into the room and close the door behind him.
“You! You… you scared me.” Rake took a breath to calm himself.
“Are you okay?” Ever looked up at him.
“Yes, you were just… you were very quiet.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”
“It’s alright. I just-”
“Can I ask you a question?”
Rake paused, surprised with her reply. He wasn’t sure where she was going.
“Sure. Yes. What is it?”
Ever looked at her feet, gathering the courage she needed to speak. She took a breath.
“Why do you look at me like that?”
Fuck.
Rake didn’t know how to respond, he just looked down. “Like what?” he asked, hoping to distract her from her own question.
“Like… like you’re seeing me for the first time.”
Goddamn it, she was perceptive.
“I just… you’re a fascinating person, Ever.” Rake took a step back, hoping the distance would quell the rising sense of hope in his body. Hope that she was finally seeing what he was giving out.
“You look at me like how someone looks at a statue in the square. Or like someone admiring flowers in a garden. You look at me in a way that makes me feel…” Ever took a breath and licked her lips. “I truly feel seen when you look at me.”
Rake sighed. “Ever, I-”
“We’ve spent all this time together and you… you’ve done so much for me. Why?”
Rake took a step towards Ever. Maybe this was the moment to tell her the truth. Maybe this was the moment to tell her to grab her things and run far, far away from him. She trusted him so much, he could see it in her eyes, down to the depths of her soul. If he told her to jump off a cliff for her own safety, she would.
Ever held out her hand, as if she was raising it to touch Rake’s face. He slightly flinched and pulled back, but she did not falter. She placed her hand against his cheek, warm and comforting.
Sunshine.
“Rake, why?”
It was quiet, but deliberate. She locked eyes with him, her gaze piercing. The question rattled around in his brain.
Why?
And without a moment’s hesitation, Rake pulled Ever in for a kiss.
The bed was small with two bodies in it.
What would feel comfortable for a single person was crowded as Rake and Ever wiggled and writhed on top of the mattress. They were explosive, lips touching any bit of exposed skin, quickly moving to the next bit of flesh they could devour.
Ungal would be pleased.
They finally settled on a position, Ever perched in Rake’s lap, her legs wrapped around his waist. Rake moved his mouth up and down Ever’s neck, inhaling her with every kiss. There was so much to her, her smell, her hair, her sweat, her mess, everything about her he needed desperately.
Rake moved up Ever’s neck, and as he kissed where her jaw met her neck, Ever let out a small moan of pleasure. He smiled and continued, nuzzling his face where she was sensitive.
“Rake…” Ever moaned. “You don’t have to-”
Rake stopped and pulled away. He gently took Ever’s hand in his own.
“I do. I need to. You are so much to me, everything about you…” he trailed off and gently kissed her knuckles. “You have done so much for me, Ever.”
“Rake, I… I don’t know if I can,” Ever whispered. She leaned into him, letting him keep his gentle grip on her hand.
“Then you don’t have to. Alright?” he whispered back. With his free hand, he brushed back her golden hair and held the side of her face. “We can go to sleep and pretend none of this happened. Just say the word.”
Ever nodded. She leaned in and gave Rake a kiss on his lips, long and tender. “If we do, I just want it to be slow. I want to feel it, every last second. I don’t want to do this and then just pretend it meant nothing, because it means everything to me.”
Rake nodded. “Of course.”
There was a brief pause of silence as Ever adjusted herself, unwrapping her legs from around his waist. She kissed him again when she was done, and led one of his hands to her breast. Rake could feel her nipple starting to poke through, hard and stiff. He wanted every piece of clothing gone, so he could take all of her in. Ideally, they would be both naked and fucking around the room like rabbits, no orifice safe from genetalia.
“Just tell me what you want, alright?” Rake said, starting to remove his outer layers. She could keep as many clothes on as she liked, but he wanted to liberate himself a bit. He felt a need to show himself off, show Ever if she wanted to, there was an invitation to get undressed. His shirt hit the floor and he crawled on top of Ever, allowing her to take all of him in.
“I don’t… I don’t know what I want.” Ever swallowed and looked to the side, blush creeping up her cheeks. “Maybe you could tell me what to do? It’s been a long day and-”
Rake laughed. “You’re using tiredness as an excuse to let me boss you around?”
Ever smiled. “Like I said, it’s been a long day. I just don’t want you to call me anything derogative.”
Rake leaned down and kissed Ever. “What about, darling?” He moved to the sweet spot on her neck, feeling the slight vibrations as he moaned underneath him.
“Darling? Am I really your darling?” Ever mused. She thought for a moment while Rake moved down her body, kissing the exposed skin on her chest.
“Sweet, then?” Rake asked, pausing to untuck Ever’s shirt. She gave a slight nod, and Rake gently undid each button, exposing her skin underneath. She laughed.
“When have you ever called me sweet?” Ever teased, brushing the hair out of Rake’s face.
“I can always start now.” Rake planted a kiss on Ever’s breast. She let out a small moan. He released another button, exposing the flesh of her soft stomach. He moved lover, and planted a kiss above her belly button.
“Rake,” Ever whispered. He could feel her breath catching, her heart racing. He kissed her again, this time right above the waist of her pants.
“Do you want me to stop?” he asked.
“No,” she quietly replied. “Just… do you want… do you want me to help? Should I take off my-”
Rake laughed, cutting her off. “You are doing more than enough. Just lie still, relax…” his voice trailed off as he unlaced the front of her pants. “And maybe be courteous to our neighbors if you need to make any noise.”
He gently removed Ever’s pants, then underwear, placing them on the ground. He watched as she slowed her breath, stomach and chest rising and falling. She was gripping the bedsheets with anticipation, or maybe fear, it was hard to tell the difference between the two sometimes.
Rake took Ever’s right hand, gently releasing its hold on the sheets, and kissed her knuckles. “Tell me to stop, and I stop,” he said. Ever nodded, letting out a half sight, half giggle. He released her hand, and returned back to his previous activity, kissing above her pelvis and moving downwards. Rake’s tongue met Ever’s clit, and she let out a small gasp of excitement.
His tongue darted in and out, mixed with planting kisses on her inner thighs. A kiss, then a few hungry licks of Ever’s vulva. It was a gentle, but intentional pace. He didn’t want things to end too early. This was a moment for the two of them, no gods, no clerics, just two people indulging in themselves amongst the chaos of the world.
Ever let out a small whine and Rake chuckled. “Remember our neighbors,” he teased. It was a sign to slow down, do something else with his mouth. He moved away from Ever’s pelvis and back up again, sucking on her nipple. Another moan of pleasure, and Rake felt Ever’s hand wander down to her vulva. He laughed and gently took it.
“You’re quite anxious, aren’t you?” he asked. Ever smiled, blush ravaging her cheeks.
“Are you enjoying my anxiety?”
Rake laughed. “Maybe. But, you did want me to be in charge, isn’t that correct?” He kissed her, dipping his tongue into her mouth. “You’re normally very good at following directions, so it shouldn’t be too hard to just lie down and relax like I said.” He pulled away and laid on his side, next to her, holding her hand. “I’m not opposed to tying you down, watching you squirm while I devour every inch of you.” He caught a small flicker of something, excitement perhaps, in Ever’s eye. He nibbled on her ear and whispered, “And something tells me you want that too.”
Ever let out a laugh of nervousness and joy. “You wouldn’t dare,” she giggled. In a flash, Rake caught both of her wrists in his hand, planting them above her head. He leaned down and kissed her again, using his free hand to massage her left breast. Rake then pulled away and said, “If you can prove to me that you’re a good listener tonight, I’ll make sure to give you a reward for next time.”
Ever smiled and nodded. “I will be very good tonight.” Rake released her wrists and she propped herself up to kiss him on the nose. “Tell me what to do again.”
“Lie down. Relax. And if those hands wander again, I will tie them down.” Rake stroked her cheek, feeling the texture of skin underneath his thumb. She was beautiful, perfect, and she had him wrapped around her finger. “And, don’t rush me,” he added, before lowering himself down again.
Rake returned to Ever’s pelvis, kissing each thigh, gently circling her clit with his thumb. He would occasionally return his lips to her vulva, but kept the circular motion going. He could feel her muscles clench and relax, like she was reminding herself of what Rake said earlier. She was trying so hard, just for him.
“You’re doing so well,” Rake cooed. “Don’t worry, I won’t take too long with this.” He removed his thumb and replaced it with his mouth, sucking and licking as if it were the last source of sustenance on this earth. Ever moaned, low and quiet.
“Rake, I’m very… I’m very close,” Ever warned. Rake stopped and looked up at her. She met his gaze and smiled. “And of course you’ve stopped.”
“Just trying to keep you on your toes.”
She looked down expectantly at him. “Am I allowed to ask something of you, if you’re in charge?”
“Depends on what it is.”
She swallowed. “Can you please… I mean, I would like to feel you inside of me. I want you to feel good too.”
Rake couldn’t help but laugh. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
“But I do. I always worry a little bit about you.”
Her response took him off guard. Ever sat up and stroked his hair. “It means a lot for you to treat me like this. But, if you want to feel good too, just… don’t hide behind the guise of servicing me.”
Rake paused, letting her warm hands stroke his hair. “You have been so generous tonight,” she continued. “If there’s something else you want from me, you can just say it.”
Rake smiled. “But this is what I want. You. I have you, just for tonight. I don’t need you to do anything for me other than just… be you. I want to worship you, Ever. I want to plant hundreds of kisses across your body and genuflect at your feet. I want you to feel the way I see you: sacred.”
Ever widened her eyes, taking in everything he just said. “Some would call that heresy.”
“Then I am a heretic.”
The silence felt like it lasted for years as they looked at each other, Ever continuing to stroke Rake’s hair. After another moment, Rake pressed his forehead to Ever’s and whispered, “If you were a god, would you let a heretic worship you?”
“As long as they’re you.” Ever planted a deep kiss onto Rake, moving her hand to the side of his face. She released him and laid back, relaxing her body again, giving Rake permission to continue.
Without a moment of hesitation, Rake lowered himself again to Ever’s pussy and began to ravenously eat it. His tongue lapped her folds, lingering where he felt her tense up, and making sure to give every inch of it the love it deserved. She was a feast for him.
“Rake, I’m…” Ever moaned. He continued at the new, frantic pace set, and returned his thumb to her clit, circling it as he continued to eat. Ever gasped, slightly bucking her hips as the new sensation hit. Rake could tell she was very close.
“Just hold out for me a little bit longer, alright?” he asked, kissing the skin above her pelvis. His thumb continued to circle her clit again, then tracing her folds, up and down. Ever was writhing, trying her best to hold on and not let her body orgasm.
Quickly, Rake removed his bottoms and gently stroked his penis to get the blood flowing. He looked down at Ever, holding onto the sheets again as if her life depended on it.
“I’m going to cum inside you, alright?” Rake asked, standing over Ever.
“Gods yes, please,” Ever replied, her voice quivering. “Please, Rake, I want you. Please.”
Rake smiled. “So polite.”
He slowly slid inside Ever, watching as she bit her lip to keep herself quiet. She didn’t seem to be in any pain, but he made sure to move slowly, just in case there was any discomfort. Gentle thrusts, in and out, it was almost like a dance.
“That’s… oh, perfect,” Ever moaned. “Yes, keep going.”
Rake increased his speed, and with that, Ever became completely undone. She let out a soft moan, and bucked her hips high into the air, trying to make him go faster. She was losing the battle, and now was the time to give her what she needed.
“I’m, oh gods, Rake, oh GODS!”
Ever’s body shuddered as she came, Rake could feel her vaginal walls tightening around his cock. It felt like heaven. This was their shared bliss. He planted a kiss on her forehead and smiled, this moment was theirs. Private, quiet, free from the prying eyes of others (mortal and immortal).
Rake pulled out and grabbed a rag from his pack. He dipped it into a bowl of water on the side table, and used it to clean Ever’s body. She trembled as the somewhat cold water touched her skin, he kissed each spot after.
As the dampness dried, Ever felt a blanket of sleep wash over her, she struggled to keep her eyes open. Rake chuckled, feeling the heaviness of sleep on him as well.
“Rake,” Ever murmured, “can you sleep with me? In the bed? Please?”
Rake slid under the covers and pressed his body up against hers.
“For you, sunshine? Anything.”