Chapter Text
Lycaon feels like he’s living in a dream. Surely that’s the only explanation on how well things went. Reality is harsh and cruel with only brief moments of happiness, so this has to be a dream. At least he thinks that’s the case, he doesn’t usually feel this light and floaty when he’s awake. Master seems to be in a better mood too so that’s all that matters.
Master is washing the dishes now and ordered him to wait in the living room, he wants to help but he can’t because he’s a good boy that follows Master’s orders. With nothing to do but to stand there waiting, his mind wonders back to the meal they just had, it was a surreal experience to say the least.
At first, Lycaon thought that Master was punishing him for his terrible behavior by not letting him eat the wonderful meal Master has made. But then Master suddenly started to feed him. Nobody had ever fed him before, the act felt surprisingly intimate. It was more of a reward rather than punishment which made Lycaon feel conflicted but fulfilling Master’s wish overrode that feeling.
Perhaps it’s the ease in Master’s movements, the way he offered food on the same utensil he’s already used, the anticipation for when the next bite will be and the beautiful smile he received whenever he took what was given to him dutifully. Everything was wonderful, filling him with contentment he’s never felt before. All thoughts evaporated as he focused on Master.
“Lycaon, Paw!”
Lycaon extended his left paw automatically. Master is standing in front of him. When did that happen? Snapping out of his thoughts, some of the haziness cleared up upon seeing his beloved looking up at him with an amused expression.
“Wow, you reacted faster this time.” Wise took the offered paw and nuzzled his cheek against the palm. Lycaon’s heart beat faster at the contact. “You looked like you were spacing out. Are you feeling alright?” A sliver of concern shone in his eyes.
“I’m perfectly fine.” Lycaon says softly. His thumb caresses the proxy’s cheek. “Just awaiting your orders.”
Wise smirks up at him. “Does the thought of me bossing you around get you all hot and bothered?”
“Yes.” The word was out of Lycaon’s mouth before he could think. Embarrassed by the admission, he attempts damage control. “B-by that I mean it has always been my pleasure to serve you.” While perhaps not the best way to phrase it, Lycaon is certain his lover will understand that he is not a complete degenerate.
Wise chuckles. “Then I hope you won’t be too disappointed when I tell you to relax and not do anything all day.”
Lycaon didn’t say anything as the proxy pulled him deeper into the living room. He wasn’t opposed to the idea, especially with his lover to keep him company but he knew the unspoken meaning behind those words. Wise won’t allow him to cater to him as he usually would and that makes him feel dejected. Fortunately, he had prepared and made sure everything outside his bedroom was in perfect order. Unfortunately, his bedroom is still a mess and it would show how sloppy he truly is in his personal space.
Wise sat him down on his favorite reading chair but remained standing in front of him. Looking up at his lover is a rare occurrence, a shiver went down his spine at the sight.
“You’re going to stay here and get comfy while I work on some things.” Wise gestured towards the side table. “I picked out some books for you to read so you wouldn’t get bored but if there’s something in particular you want to read you better speak up now.”
Lycaon looked over to see that there was indeed a small stack of books on the side table along with a glass and jug of water. This is how he would have spent his time relaxing alone but with his lover here, it seems like such a waste to do things separately. He’d like to protest, however he wouldn’t want to displease Wise any more than he already has.
“I’ll be fine with whatever you’ve selected.”
“Alright, then. Now, please detach your legs so I can take them for maintenance.”
The wolf thiren froze and his mind went blank for a moment. A deep-seated terror of losing what was already lost before arose. Surely the proxy won’t do anything nefarious with his mechanical limbs, he said he’s taking them for maintenance which should be fine. Yet he can’t stop the feeling of unease the order gives him.
A part of Lycaon still wants to comply, the rational part of him knows that Wise isn’t asking for something unreasonable. But a huge part of him refuses to follow through for many different reasons. He wished that he already did the maintenance himself last night just so he had a valid excuse to refuse. The order was stated like a request so perhaps he can decline this one time?
Unsure of what to do, he recalled their earlier discussion and stuttered out the word. “Y-yellow.”
“Oh.” Wise blinked in surprise. “What’s wrong?”
Lycaon sighs in relief. “I prefer to maintain them myself.” He turns his head away. “Having others take my legs away to tinker on them makes me anxious.”
He feels a bit ridiculous now that he says it out loud. It’s not like he’ll be giving his legs to stranger. Lycaon trusts Wise more than anybody else, including with his life. Surely handing over his legs for some time isn’t a big deal. His thoughts were interrupted by a hand turning his face to look up and face his lover.
“I’m sorry.” Wise gave his muzzle a small kiss, making warmth spread throughout his body. “Thanks for telling me. I’ll be more mindful about it next time.” He moved his hand to rub along Lycaon’s jaw, eliciting a soft growl. “Good job on using your word.” He smiles with a gaze full of adoration. “Since maintenance is off the table, are you still okay with staying put?”
Pride and love swelled within Lycaon’s chest. Having his beloved’s hand on his jaw is distracting but he tries to think on his response. He’s still not happy to be left alone, otherwise he really has no problem with it. He just wants to spend more time together.
“It’s okay.” Lycaon tried to move his head to turn away from those preceptive eyes but the hand holding his jaw kept it in place. Wise’s eyes squinted at him. “I just thought we’d be spending more time together.” He did not pout.
“Don’t worry, I just need to arrange some things.” The proxy gave a mischievous smile and let go of his jaw with a parting scritch. “What’s your color now?”
Lycaon head was feeling fuzzy that it took a moment for the question to register. Eventually he managed to reply. “Green.” He mumbled.
“Good.” Wise leaned down, giving him a kiss on the corner of his lips. “I won’t take long so just try and relax while I’m gone okay.” With those parting words, he left.
Lycaon was too stunned to react, overwhelmed with emotions and sensations. His face felt too hot in all the places his Master touched and kissed. Phantom sensations of Master’s touch fueled his arousal. His body trembled in need and his groin is pressing against its cage begging for release. He gripped the arm rests to keep himself steady, resisting the urge to touch himself, knowing it was futile. He feels like he’s losing his mind.
Glancing at the side table, he grabbed a glass of water and chugged it. The cool water sliding down his throat helped him calm down a bit. Lycaon closed his eye and tried to focus on his breathing. The phantom sensations lingered and somehow intensified. He wanted Master to touch him more but he can be patient and wait.
It felt like forever has passed when a new sensation of fingers carding through his hair pierced through the haze, it was gone as quickly as it came. Blinking his eye open, Lycaon saw that his lover was back.
Wise chuckled. “I didn’t think you’d fall asleep so quickly. I was barely gone for 10 minutes.”
Has it only been that long? It felt longer but he wasn’t really counting. Time has been hazy today for some reason. Regardless, he wasn’t sleeping.
“I wasn’t sleeping.” Lycaon grumbled.
“Of course.” Wise looks down at the wolf thiren consideringly. “Since you’ve been so good and patient, I guess you deserve a reward.” He taps his chin in thought. “What do you think, Lycaon? Do you deserve a reward?” He asks playfully.
Lycaon would like to say yes but the correct answer is no. He hasn’t done anything exceptional, if he were to rate his behaviour throughout the day, he’d say it’s abysmal. Is this a trick question? No, Wise isn’t the type to use such tricky language, so it’s either a genuine question or a gracious offer. Not wanting to lie, he answers with the truth.
“No.” Lycaon answers ruefully, his ears folded back.
The proxy’s playful expression dropped into a blank state as he continued to stare down at the wolf thiren, it was somewhat unsettling. Without saying anything, Wise grabbed both of Lycaon’s shoulders and shook him for a while. Lycaon went along with the motions in utter confusion.
Once the shaking stopped, Wise’s hands moved to link around his neck. Before Lycaon could understand what was happening, he had a lap full of Wise who’s hugging him so tightly that he felt his chest slightly constricted. Although that might just be his racing heartbeat, it’s beating so fast he wonders if his beloved could feel it. Being held by his love felt so exhilarating he doesn’t know what to do.
After a moment of stillness, Lycaon speaks up. “Ma- Wise… can I reciprocate?”
Wise let out a huge exasperated sigh. “Just do it you idiot.”
Permission given, Lycaon embraced his lover back. With his arms around Wise, he could feel the tension melt from his lover’s body as his arms loosen from its tight hold. It was a simple gesture, yet it felt like he was given a precious treasure, one he swears to cherish. As he inhaled his lover’s scent, he could detect the familiar scent of the various soaps and cologne he owns for some reason.
Eventually, Wise leaned back to face Lycaon and held his face within his hands. There was a look of determination in the proxy’s eyes.
“Lycaon, what are we?” Wise said in a serious tone.
The wolf thiren doesn’t know why Wise is asking a question with such an obvious answer. Surely the status of their relationship isn’t in question. Things have been peculiar today, so perhaps it’s another clarifying question. Hopefully this doesn’t lead to his most dreaded outcome.
“We’re… romantic partners.” He wanted to say lover but it doesn’t seem appropriate right now.
“That’s right. We’re romantic partners.” Wise brought his face closer. “Do you understand what that means?”
The question stumped Lycaon. He couldn’t come up with an answer. What did it actually mean to be in a relationship? To openly proclaim his affections? To have some priority in each other’s lives? Having a deeper bond? Being privy to more personal information? None of those seem quite right. He couldn’t articulate what being romantic partners means in a concise manner nor does he understand what’s being asked of him. A confused whine escaped him involuntarily.
Wise’s expression softened. “Come here you gigantic puppy.” He pulled Lycaon’s head down towards his shoulder and began caressing his head. “There, there. It’s okay if you don’t know, because I’m going to tell you anyway.”
The comforting touch and reassurance soothed Lycaon’s spiraling thoughts. His embrace tightened in order to ground himself.
“We’re romantic partners, that means that you’re mine as much as I’m yours. You don’t have to do anything to earn my affection because it’s already yours, all you have to do is ask.”
The words struck Lycaon to his core. Nothing in life is freely given, be it material things or the bonds people share. He’s worked hard to become the man he is today, learning all manner of skills to be a reliable attendant for his benefactor and clients. As long as he completed tasks perfectly, he’ll earn trust and recognition from others. He expected being in a romantic relationship to work the same way.
Hearing from his beloved that he didn’t have to earn his affection broke something in him. Tears flowed out of his one good eye. Not knowing how to stop it, he buried his face in Wise’s shoulder as he silently cried.