Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Ruze lounged on the sette, a tattered book in his hands, reading glasses perched on his nose. A palm-sized ruzader chirped at his knees, a small gemstone in one of its claws. Catlike, it spun in circles before settling on Ruze's bare abs, sharp tail carefully tucked away, nibbling on its treat. "Knick me and we'll have words," he rumbled at the creature, his lavender eyes rolling as it ignored him. He looked over to his other companion, this one sat on the floor with his red hair brushing Ruze's side as he bobbed and turned his head every so often. Official-looking papers scattered the floor, some stamped by the Armis logo, others filled by charts and maps, small doodles of frowny faces at the corners. Muttering under his breath, Jurard squinted at the words on the paper in his hands and brought them closer to his face, scribbling a note in a surprisingly elegant script on the notebook on his lap. The wide- necked shirt slipped down a shoulder as he moved to grab another paper on the floor, huffing with irritation as he leaned back again.

Amused, Ruze observed his lover, book forgotten. Admiring the exposed shoulder and long bare legs as Jurard shifted again to grab more papers. This went on for a few more minutes before Ruze took off his glasses and leaned over, offering his reading glasses over Jurard's shoulder.

"Here, grandpa. I'm getting an eyestrain just looking at you. "

Sputtering, Jurard glared at him. "My eyes are perfectly fine, I'll have you know!"

"Sure they are, champ. Humor me and put them on. You might scare the next corruption beast with all those wrinkles on your face. " He said teasingly, knowing how vain his partner is.

"I am not getting any wrinkles nor am I old! " Jurard declared in a huff but took the glasses and put them on. "I'll show you.. " his voice trailed off as he began reading the now-clear words on the paper

Damn. he -could- get prettier. Ruze mused, awestruck at Jurard's profile.

Putting the paper down, Jurard turned his head up, smile soft and wide. "Thank you, Ruze."

-Fuck. He's keeping them on tonight- were Ruze's last thoughts as he threw the book blindly to the floor, picked the Ruzader by the nape,placing it on the floor. And in one clean move, scooped up Jurard into his arms in a bridal carry, walking determinedly to their bedroom,papers scattering everywhere.

"WAIT WAIT! RUZE! I have so much work-!" The door to their bedroom slammed shut and Jurard's protests were soon replaced by moans.

Chapter Text

"I'll be late. Start your reps without me." Ruze sent the text and sighed in frustration. Renewing his driver's license was always a pain and this was taking much longer than he anticipated. He shifted his foot as he waited for his turn, his cellphone buzzed and he glanced at Jurard's reply: [Ogey. :)]

Jurard frowned at his phone having already finished his warm-ups. Ruze was pretty late today and the redhead was feeling a bit lonely. Shaking it off, he took a breath and remembered the form Ruze taught him,hands curling into the bars securely. He slowly got into rythm,pulling his weight up, letting his chin go past the bar and slowly down again. Lost in thought,he lost count of his reps and was surprised when he realized his forearms were shaking from the strain. Before he could react, his grip loosened and he dropped from the bars, eyes wide as he lost his balance, falling backwards.

Strong arms caught him, a soft over his head "Hey there, you okay?", wide hands on his shoulders, steadying him as he moved to stand on his feet. Blinking, Jurard looked over his shoulder at a familiar face, a regular at the gym, but someone he never directly talked to aside from asking if the equipment was free.

"Oh. Uh. Thanks, I guess I overdid it." Jurard laughed sheepishly, running hand over his sweaty hair.

The tall man smiled and nodded. "No trouble at all. If you need a spotter, I'm - "

"Damn right you overdid it. " Ruze's gruff voice was pissed. Jurard's head whipped at Ruze's sudden arrival but Ruze wasn't looking at him, though the hand he placed on Jurard's shoulder was heavy and keeping him close. "It's fine, I'm this idiot's trainer, I'll do the spotting. "

The man hesitated, eyes quickly moving to Jurard but kept his smile. "Good to know. See ya, Ruze. " He waved and went back to his routine, a few steps away.

"Ruze! What took you so long?" Jurard whined, waterbottle in hand. He took a drink, almost choking when his hand shook, spilling water all over himself. "Ah, fuck me. " With shaky fingers, he took off his shirt and wiped his face. He quickly peeked over his shirt and felt a rush of satisfaction when he caught Ruze staring. He hid a grin behind the cloth, pretending to wipe his sweaty hair with the shirt.

"Sure, bet." Ruze muttered under his breath, forcing himself to not stare at Jurard's bare chest and slim waist. Hollowtree, I can grab that waist and fuckin-

"What?"

Ruze cleared his throat and threw his towel over his shoulder. "Put your shirt on, I don't wanna see your tits. Lets to the other room. It's leg day, baby! " Ruze forced his voice to be chipper, moving quickly to the designated room, thanking silently that he wore long loose shorts today.

Chapter Text

"Hey! I found something!" Jurard waved to the others behind him,one gloved hand already reaching down into the dust. His fingers grazed a smooth surface and a glint of gold hastened his seeking fingers.

"Don't forget to use the glove!" Ruze warned, Zephyr over his shoulder as he walked closer, lazily looking around. It was a treasure hunt bounty and while they got what they were looking for,Jurard had the idea to check if there more valuables. After checking in with Octavio and Goldbullet - they split up.

"Of course I'm using it! What do you take me for?" The redhead retorted, pulling out what looked to be a dusty mirror. "Jackpot!" He waved it at Ruze, showing his prize.

"Congrats, champ. Another mirror to look at your ugly mug. "

"Ha.ha. Funny. I'm the most handsome man you've ever met and you know it!" Dusting himself off, Jurard carefully placed the mirror in a leather pouch and pulled the string shut.

" If you mean after myself. And Octavio. And Goldbullet. Oh, Zephyr, too." Ruze grinned. "Much farther on the list but you're there, somewhere. "
"What? Why is even Zephyr in the list? I mean, he's a great looking axe. But he's not even human! That doesn't count!" Jurard demanded. "And Octavio's cute!" Walking side by side, he felt Ruze's hand on his back, light and steady. A faint blush crept up Jurard's cheeks and he leaned a bit more closer to the taller man.
"Being cute doesn't mean I'm not good looking!" Octavio's voice declared through their communicator. Ruze laughed.
"I didn't say you're ugly! I said I'm more handsome. Which we all know I am. "
"So you think I'm not cute AND ugly."
"No!"
Ruze tuned out the bickering, carefully leading Jurard back to their meetup place, a small satisfied smile dancing in his face.

Ruze felt hot,suffocated and very..crowded..? He felt the warm body beside him stir and grab his arm,holding it for dear life,feeling a cheek rest on his bicep, long lashes slightly tickling his skin. Turning blindly in the dark,he breathed in his lover's scent, drowzily nuzzling into the man's temple.

A low murmur come from his other side and Ruze frowned. If there was someone else, he and Jurard would've known it. Finally opening his eyes, pushed himself up with the arm Jurard was clinging to and found a pair of familiar gold eyes staring at him.

"What the fu-!"

A flash of sharp teeth was his only warning when the other Jurard(?) moved forward, capturing his mouth in a fierce kiss. Ruze felt familiar clawed hands over his chest and push him back on the bed, carressing his naked form. Confusion warred with his arousal as the golden-eyed prince ravaged his mouth,tongue swirling with his, licking, tasting as if he was starving and Ruze's mouth was his buffet in years. Ruze groaned at the assault, his free hand finding its way into this Jurard's long(?) hair and gently pull. A purring chuckle was his answer, the sound so sexy,Ruze arched into the elegantly clawed hand teasing his hard cock under the covers.
"Ruze? What-oomph!" The other Jurard had woken up and was immediately sent to the floor by the thick reptilian tail.

Fighting through the fog of lust, Ruze moved his head,breaking the kiss, stiffling the moan as expert hands continued to play with his nipples and cock. "I dont know what's going on but.Get.the.fuck.off!" Pushing the now-grinning Jurard off him,he sat up and breathed deep. Thankfully, the dinosaur prince now sitting at the foot of the bed, seems to be content just watching him for now, tail curling on his lap, smug smile on his face.

On the floor'at the far side of the bed, there was familiar whimpering and a tousled redhead peeked over the covers, red eyes glistening sadly with unshed tears. "Ruze? What's going on? Why...? Why is there two.m.me's?" His frown was a beauty to see, sad and disapproving yet very vulnerable.
Ruze sighed and rolled off the bed to light the room, ignoring the appreciative hum and the soft sniff behind him.

Flicking the switch,he moved to the chair beside the wall where they had thrown their clothes earlier and put on some pants. This was not a discussion worth doing naked.

"Why cover up a good thing?" Said the cocky one,eyes roaming the bounty hunter's form appreciatively.

Ignoring him, Ruze grabbed two of Jurard's pants from the closet and tossed it at the two of them.

The shy one looked even more hurt - something he didnt think was possible- and stood up to put on the garment. Unlike the other one, this Jurard had a shy grace to him. If it wasn't for the dick hanging between his legs, Ruze would've figured this was a virgin maiden. Soulful eyes peered at him through thick bangs, this Jurard moved around the bed, tentatively walking closer to where Ruze was standing.

Something must've been on his face because this Jurard hesitated and sat on the side of the bed back to his other version, unsure.

Red and gold stared at him (the cocky one didn't bother with the pants). Waiting.

A familiar old glint came from the far end of the floor and Ruze remembered. The mirror had dropped out of the pouch when they were tearing out each other's clothes.

"Fuck."

Chapter Text

Jurard and Ruze were at the mall, done with picking up clothes and are now arguing while walking towards the changing room:
"C'mon Ruze, just pick one!"
"Why do I have to? You're going to be wearing them anyway"
"But I wanna wear something you'd like!"
"You don't like how I dress"
"Yes I do! You've got great fashion sense!"
Frustrated, Ruze grabbed the nearest item he found and shoved the hanger to Jurard. "Here, you big baby. Now hurry up so we can catch up to our train."
Face lighting up, Jurard took the hanger and dropped it on top of pile on his basket, a small alarm at the back of his mind noticing how little it was.

It was one of those tiny changing rooms that, while located at the back of the store, only had 3 thin makeshift walls and a pull-curtain protecting your privacy. The stern-looking saleswoman guarding it cleared her throat and pointedly looked at the huge pile in his basket. "Only 2 items at a time, sir."

Sheepishly, Jurard blindly picked up the top 2 clothes and quickly dashed behind the curtain.

A few moments later.

"Ruze?" Jurard's voice was suspiciously strained.
"Yeah?"
"Uh the clothes you picked earlier, ah-are you sure-"
Thinking he picked out one of those R-rated cartoony prints "Yeah yeah, hurry it up -!" Ruze swallowed the rest of what he was going to say.
Jurard had opened the curtain and stood there, in thin cotton robe that was a size too small, hands gripping to cover what he could, eyes averted and cheeks red. His toned chest peeked out through the chest window through the light blue fabric and his thin waist was highlighted by the peek-a-boo cut through the criss-crossed ribbon cut-out, the ribbon ends swinging innocently over the top of his toned thighs. His pale long shapely legs were bare.
An eternity passed.
"No." Ruze managed to whisper, voice rough and raspy.
"Uh yeah.. Ha! Ha.." Jurard turned and Ruze almost expired on the spot, Jurard's firm rounded cheeks peeking under the knit as he stepped into the dressing room.

Days later, a familiar figure went to the cashier and placed a risque-cut sweater on the counter. Completing the transaction, spiky, cookie-colored hair peaked through the hoodie as he nodded and he calmly walked away, faint blush staining his cheeks. The stern saleswoman's face softened and she giggled to herself. "Ah, young love. "

Chapter Text

Ruze entered Jurard's room, asking about a bounty. Voice trailing off when he spots his leader's smooth bare back. His sharp eyes made a slow path from Jurard's nape and shoulders. The sparse and faint scales playing peek-a-boo as jurard moves his arms to tie his hair. Down to the slim, tapered waist, framed by the loose white cloth. The white bow swinging softly at every move. Like a gift. Waiting for someone to untie.

Mouth dry and the bounty document, crumpled and forgotten in his hand, Ruze jolted in surprise when he heard his name called out.

Lavender eyes met red ones and Jurard moved closer. "Ruze? You okay there? What's this?"

As Jurard moved to grab the paper, Ruze's eyes caught a flash of skin and swallowed hard. Unmarred skin and a hint of muscle from the cut on Jurard's shirt.

"For fuck's sake - here!" He shoved the paper into the redhead's hand - their skin grazed, burning his. Turning on his heel, he left the room, door closed with a loud BANG!

Weeks later..

Not for the first time today that Ruze is regretting his color choice of attire. Even with his black hood up covering his face and blocking most of the sun's noon glare, it was a particularly hot day in the Badlands. He spots the tavern a few feet away and trudges on, slowly feeling all of the soreness from his muscles and the insistent throb from his injured shoulder. That last Corruption beast managed to get a good swipe at him, gouging out a couple of deep cuts before getting a face full of axe.

A few steps more and he's in front of the closed, well-worn tavern doors. He whispered a short spell and pushed the doors open, stepping Octavio taught them a simple spell to unlock any door in the Tavern - a necessity the doors got frequently destroyed from someone forgetting to bring their keys.

Pulling his hood off, Ruze quickly surveyed the empty place. The tavern was cool and quiet inside, well-worn tables and chairs empty. Feeling all of three week's fatigue and his shoulder injury even more, Ruze turned to the stairs and stopped.

Jurard rested on one of the tables, head pillowed on bare forearms, red hair messy. It wasn't that the normally loud leader of Armis was sleeping outside his basement room that made him stop. It wasn't an uncommon occurrence. Everyone in ARMIS did it every once in a while, when the Tavern room was much cooler than their own rooms.

That wasn't what stopped his feet from moving to his own room. It was the bare shoulder and surprisingly broad back, tapering to a tiny waist (just the right fit for his hands to circle). It was those damned clothes that Jurard liked to wear in between bounties.

He could feel -something- burning inside the more he stares at the exposed skin. Hotter than the noon sun outside. No. This was JURARD for fuck's sake. Clumsy and loud, arbitrary and an idiot (most of the time). His leader, his teammate, his friend....-his-.

:
Shaking off that thought (and the extreme feeling of satisfaction that came with it), Ruze purposely made his steps lighter as he walked to the stairs.

He was barely a step away from the stairs (blatantly keeping his eyes averted from the sleeping man the entire time) when the prince's shoulders twitched.

It was like watching time slow down. With a an unconscious lethal grace not unlike a snake unfurling itself, Jurard pulled back from the table and sat up, gold eyes finding Ruze, his scales faintly glowing.

Ruze's eyes immediately followed the cloth covering the once-bare shoulder to the muscles that sensually rolled as Jurard moved. He thought could see the faint hint of scales near Jurard's tailbone. And...The damned bow.

Awake now and seeing no threat, Jurard straightened in his seat, scales back to hiding and his red eyes sparkling.

"Ruze! You're back!"

Knowing what's coming next, Ruze sidestepped the hug coming his way and quickly made his way up the stairs. He could feel different places aching and it wasn't his shoulder. "Yeah, yeah. Get away from me, stinky."

"Hey, you fucker! I'm not the one smelling of sweat and corruption beast! " Jurard yelled behind him.

Sighing, he closed the door to his room and started to take his filthy armor off. He could still faintly hear Jurard yelling "I just took a bath, you neaderthal!". He growled at the image and bolted to the shower. A cold shower.

Ruze stood in the shower, appreciating the strong pressure of cold water hitting his tired body. The first sting of coldness was welcomed after literal weeks of hunting down Corruption Beasts and tracking down a small group of criminals.

The voices in his head were hushed for a change, satisfied by the carnage from those bounties. Deciding he stood there long enough, Ruze began to scrub the grime off, taking care to check the wound on his shoulder.

Seeing the worst of the dirt and grime washed off from the mere shower pressure alone, he reluctantly agreed with Jurard that buying the expensive shower head and plumbing upgrade was worth it. He even chuckled at the very loud and long argument him and Jurard had about it.

Picturing Jurard's angry look, red eyes fierce and sharp teeth ready to bite. The elegant neck and deceptively delicate hands. The small waist. Ruze looked at his hand, wide and thick with callouses from handling Zephyr (and throwing a good amount of punches). Absently, he studied his fingers and spread them out. His sun-warmed skin was rough and darker than Jurard's smooth and nearly pearlescent skin. He moved his hand in front of him, Jurard's slim back suddenly under it. Two hands and he could hold the prince in place, his hands wide enough to secure him in place in front of him, ass out. Jurard's face looking over his pale shoulder as he wiggles his ass closer to Ruze's hard erection, cheeks flush, Ruze's name falling from his lips, pleading, begging.

Ruze shuddered and spew profanities under his breath, dropping to his knees as he finished the job himself.

Chapter Text

Hands calloused and rough caressed smooth pale skin, seeking, worshipping. Jurard's moans and stifled cries echoed like a song to his ears, his hands as the conductor. Steady and purposeful, his fingers found Jurard's most sensitive spots, mouth following the invisible trail. Skin to skin, they moved together, Jurard's leg high on a broad shoulder, elegant fingers gripping spiky hair, his other hand creating grooves down the scarred back. Kisses rained down his pale throat, fanged teeth nipping at the smooth skin, grazing lightly at the sparce scales by Jurard's neck and collarbones.

Azure watched through Ruze's eyes, knowing Ruze sensed he is awake. He could faintly feel the monster hunter try to shut him out. But then, a pale hand reaches for his (not his, Ruze, he corrects) face and Jurard's flushed face came into view - full of want and desire. Azure felt Ruze's will slip away and he was once again back in darkness, an unwilling (? was he? )voyeur to the two lovers.

For all his distraction, Ruze made sure Azure couldn't hear, feel nor experience more than sight. It was aggravating. He didn't need to and he couldn't look away. It was like invisible chains had trapped him in place - even more than the damned demon's spell. He blinked and could feel his fists slowly curl.

How would it have felt to have those maroon eyes see him, desire -him-? His own hands following the lines of muscle and trace the faint scars, caress the intriguing scales? His name being called out, breathy and full of want. Ever since he was trapped, no, imprisoned, he could only feel when it was his turn to use - borrow - Ruze's body. In this dark hell, he could only watch, remember the feel of skin and desire.

Dark blue eyes took on a glint of determination. And he believes its been a while since he'd taken his turn. "Aha~ It'll be my turn soon, kitten. "

A quiet yet shrill giggle echoed far in the darkness, sharp upturned pink eyes gleeful.

Azure sulked. And waited. He can be patient. He was a noble prince! He ignored Quinacridone's sly laughter as he bides his time. Days and weeks pass until he could sense Ruze's vigilance slip.

It was the day after an exhausting mission, all of them had injuries; Ruze getting a concussion that just cleared a moment ago. Azure flinched at the multiple bruises that ached around Ruze - his - body. He did a quick check on himself, frowning at the coarse and cheap linen clothes. He had a tight bandage wrapped around a bicep and another supporting his shoulder. With a confident smirk and blue eyes glinting, he slowly stood up and made his way down to the basement to a certain prince.

Jurard groaned as he exited his shower. His knee hurt and even with the potion that Octavio so graciously gave him - after begging for a good 5 minutes - it still throbbed. He had the least injuries from that mission, thanks to his heritage and Ruze. Glancing at the mirror as he adjusted the towel around his waist and moved closer. [On my FACE?] he muttered, eyes narrowed at the tiniest scratch on his cheek.

A soft knock from his door.

"Come in." Jurard answered, knowing Ruze knew to knock that softly. From the mirror, he could see the door slowly open and a familiar figure filled the frame. The prince froze when he saw the posture, the smirk... He straightened, eyes flowing and scales flaring red, turning to meet sparkling blue eyes.

"If I'd known you'd be unwrapped for me, kitten, I'd come over earlier." Azure drawled, eyes appreciating the view. Following the trail of glinting scales down Jurard's abs, musing what's under the towel.

"Leave." Jurard bit out. It took all of his energy to keep standing, the fatigue from yesterday still affecting him. The injured knee was a gamble and he doubts it could hold if Azure will - He faltered as Azure walked closer, confident and sure, wearing Ruze's skin - its not ruze!.

"Easy there, baby", Azure drawled, sticky sweet and low. "I'm here to take care of you. I learned my lesson, no hands, see?" He held his hands out, palms open. He's now an arm's length away.

Jurard huffed, still wary but tired. He shook the wet hair from his eyes and in the next blink, red eyes met blue. His claws remained, intriguing Azure, and as slowly as he can, the prince moved to the chair by his desk, never taking his eyes off Azure. "Hurry up and say what you want, Azure." He sat down and leaned back, relishing the comfort.

Despite the poison dripping from his tone, he could tell Jurard was tired. Perfect. Keeping his pace slow, he moved towards the prince, closing the distance again. Standing between Jurard's legs and with a sudden move, leaned down, putting his face close to Jurard's; arms caging the prince.

Alarms blaring in his head, Jurard opened his mouth to tell him off. Azure's mouth was on his, velvet tongue pushing through his teeth. Jurard felt a knee climb between his legs, gently nudging his cock under the towel. The prince moaned at the sensation and Azure pushed more.

The prince started to raise his arms but Azure was quicker, strong hands holding his wrists down to the chair's armrests.

Azure let his tongue roam in Jurard's mouth, feeling the sharp teeth, relishing the long tongue meeting his. The kiss was wet and sloppy eliciting a low rumble came from Azure's chest. His instincts screamed at him and he cut the kiss short just as Jurard went in for a bite.

"Ah ah, kitten. Naughty kitties get punished." He moved the knee off the chair and slowly knelt down in from of the prince, not breaking eye contact, hands still holding Jurard's wrists. "But I'll be gentle." he whispered roughly, mouth close to triangle of scales leading down under Jurard's towel. "Ahah¬ You love this, don't you, baby?" he drawled before he trailed his lips on Jurard's glowing scales, following the trail downwards. His teeth tugged at the towel, grinning.

Jurard's face was flushed as red as his hair, chest heaving as breathed. "Let me go - ah!" He demanded, his voice hitched breathily as Azure rubbed his cheek on Jurard's erection. Azure's lips grazed the top of his gleaming member, nuzzling the scale surrounding his balls. Jurard's hips bucked at the sensation.

"You sure baby? You want me to stop? " Azure breathed over the sensitive skin, shiny with precum. Without waiting for an answer, he did a quick lick at head and Jurard's head threw back at lightning of pleasure. Pleased, Azure's head bobbed as he teased Jurard's cock in his mouth, sucking and licking. His eyes never left Jurard's face, the smirk always present on his mouth.

Unbidden, he moaned and shuddered under Azure's relentless assault, the tight hold on his wrists adding more sensation. He couldn't move as he wanted. He head thrashed around, water droplets from his wet hair falling down his chest.

"Ahh! Ah.! Stop. I - AH! WANT RUZE! " He managed to groan out loud, lifting his knees at one strong suck from Azure's expert mouth.

Frowning, Azure playfully grazed his teeth along Jurard's length, earning a shudder from the prince. "Baby - ngh!" Blue eyes rolled back and Azure began to slump to the side. Noticing the hands holding him down were loose, Jurard hurriedly covered himself, letting Azure fall to the floor.

Jurard stood up and raised his foot, about to give a swift kick at the unconscious man. When a guttural low groan came from the body. Immediately recognizing it, Jurard kneeled down and helped Ruze sit up.

Shaking his head gently, Ruze snuck a look at Jurard. "That guy got away from me. Sorry. Are you alright?" He reached out to Jurard's still flushed cheek, fingers hesitant.

A smile made its way into Jurard's face and he leaned into the caress. "No, but you can make it right."

Chapter Text

Red blood seeped into the dark sand, the long elegant claws loosely held a cracked gun, splattered with blood. Dark fabric blew in the wind, wrapping around the two men on the ground.

Ruze's shoulders slumped in defeat as he held his leader's limp body close to his chest, face buried in Jurard's shoulder. He ran out tears hours before, throat dry from his screams, the sun already setting behind him. Sand had accumulated over his prone form, Zephyr forgotten and halfway buried.

Bodies of the carnage surrounded them, dozens of skulls corruption beasts that had ambushed them and pieces of the bandits that they were supposed to apprehend.

Arms tightened over the prince's lifeless form as he stirred slowly, moving to stand. Without letting Jurard go, he picked up Zephyr and placed the weapon on his back, secure in its usual harness. Picking up Jurard's twin pistols, he holstered them into their usual place, hand trembling for a split second when the broken one didn't fit properly.

Red jacket swirling in the desert wind, Ruze hefted cradled the prince in his arms. He nudged Jurard's face into his shoulder as if to shield him from the sandy wind. Absently, he noted how thick Jurard's lashes were, dark red against his pale skin, the web of red scales dull and thick around his face.

Ruze began to walk.

Chapter Text

"You mean you were -never- curious? Not even once?"

Goldbullet's words echoed at the back of Ruze's thoughts. The tall brunette had recently been obsessed with TikTok and latest brainrot trend were cheaters getting exposed or something. Ruze sighed, putting his book down beside him, careful not to disturb the sleeping Pollux on the pillow. He had been reading the same scene four times but was too distracted to register it. Beside him, Jurard snorted in his sleep, hair in disarray, one bare arm thrown over Ruze's lap in a loose hug, the other hidden under his pillow. Arcturus opened an eye at him from the foot of the bed, as if chastising Ruze for waking him up.

Ignoring the cat, Ruze's eyes went to the nightstand beside him where both of their cellphones were charging, the matching tiny cat keychains dangling from each device making him smile. Then he remembered Goldbullet's words and he frowned again.

"Fucking Gibby and his fucking brainrot, " he muttered, reaching for Jurard's phone. The phone unlocked after a brief scan of his face - Jurard insisted he register his face - and scrolled through his partner's phone, feeling a tiny twinge of guilt. Aside from the new background wallpaper of Jurard kissing Little Lady (he'll have to ask how he did that), there wasn't anything suspicious. Wondering if Jurard has new photos of the cats, he opened the photo album, checking the folders.

"eREXion?" That was an strange album name.

Tapping on it, a password prompt came up. "Huh." Lavender eyes slid to Jurard's sleeping face, thoughts swirling in his head. Decision made, Ruze put Jurard's phone back on the nightstand, and settled in to sleep. Facing Jurard, he slung a muscled arm over the redhead's waist and pulled him close, burying his nose in Jurard's hair, willing the doubts in his head away with his partner's scent.

Jurard couldn't quite put his finger on it but he could tell Ruze was preoccupied by something. "Ruze, did something happen?" he asked as they walked down the park, having just finished their errands.
Ruze hummed thoughtfully, tugging Jurard's hand firmly in his as playing children ran past them.
"Very mysterious. You've been like this all day, did Gibby say something again?"
"What gave you that idea?"
"He's been spamming all these TikTok videos and he knows I don't have TikTok!" Jurard exclaimed in exasperation, arms waving. "I keep asking him whats it about and all he says is to follow him. "
Amused now, Ruze led them both to Goldbullet's cafe, opening the door as Jurard continued talking. He exchanged a silent nod with Big Bubby behind the counter and headed for a free table at the back. Jurard paused his tirade to shoot Big Bubby a smile as they passed, "Hey, Big Bubby! The usual, please!"
"Octavio says its the current trend! Why is it even a trend?" Jurard huffed, sitting down on the plush chair. "Hollow Tree, its cheating! It shouldn't even be considered once you've committed. "
"Uh huh. "

"I mean, look, I've got nothing to hide!" Jurard shoved his phone screen at Ruze's face, which promptly unlocked.
"And by that you mean...? "
"I just don't get it!" Jurard huffed, dropping his phone on the table as he sat back.
Nonchalantly as he could, "Nice picture. How did you get Little Lady to not kill you afterwards?"
Sheepishly the redhead picked up his phone again and began scrolling through the photos of him getting mauled by the said cat. "Barely and I had to open bribe her with new treats so she would let me pet her again." He flicked through the photos, accidentally exiting it to the album list due to his excitement.
"Erexion. That's an interesting folder name." Ruze drawled.
Before he could even finish the sentence, Ruze watched as Jurard's face drained of color then immediately turn to the same shade as his hair.
"I - uh, uhm, " Mouth gaping like a fish out of water, Jurard fiddled with his phone, looking everywhere but Ruze's face.
"Here." Big Bubby suddenly appeared beside their table, holding a tray with two latte's and a plate of sandwich. Silently, he placed their order on the table and left as quickly as he appeared.
"Ruze, its not what you think!" Jurard hurriedly assured him, alarm in his voice, realizing how it looks after the conversation they had before. "It's uh, entirely..different.. " his voice trailed off, cheeks even redder now.

Taking pity on his partner, Ruze held Jurard's hand and squeezed. " Calm down, you fucking idiot. I trust you and no, I don't think you're cheating. "
Jurard visibly relaxed, eyes glassy, returning the squeeze. "I love you, Ruze."
Eyes twinkling, Ruze lifted Jurard's hand gave it a light kiss and grinned into the pale skin, "I might change my mind if you don't show me what's in it. My heart is fragile, you know."
"Fragile, my fucking ass," Jurard retorted, cheeks flaming again but he didn't pull his hand away.
"Didn't seem that way this morning," Ruze remembered fondly.
"You're not letting this go, are you. Of course, you're not." Jurard groaned and dropped his face onto the table, sliding his phone over to Ruze. "Thepasswordisyourbirthday" he muttered into the wood, voice low, ears red.
Not hiding his curiosity, Ruze entered the digits and opened his mouth to tease Jurard, the words dying on his lips as he stared at the photos.
Seconds passed and unable to handle the silence, Jurard lifted his head, "Ruze, I can exp-" before he could finish his words, Ruze had abruptly stood up, cheeks flushed, heated eyes staring directly into Jurard's wide ones.

Leaning over the table, he tilted Jurard's face and gave him a quick but passionate kiss, forceful tongue demanding entry and sweeping over Jurard's mouth, invading, dominating. Jurard moaned, hand reaching up to hold Ruze's face in place, not caring if they're in public. Breaking the kiss, "You'll recreate those photos for me, wont you, Jurard?" Ruze whispered against Jurard's lips. "Every. single. one." Without waiting for the answer, Ruze straightened and deliberately slid Jurard's phone into his jacket pocket. Jurard stood up and followed his lover to Big Bubby's counter, handing their friend a few bills for their order and a small apology for the uneaten food before leaving together.

Days later, Goldbullet received a long and very loud voicemail (that got cut-off mid-recording) from Jurard about putting ideas in people's heads and the dangers of doomscrolling in TikTok.