~~Warning: 18+ Reader's Advice~~
The campfire crackled softly as its warm glow illuminated the makeshift tent Aldric had set up for Rylan. The evening was cool, with a soft breeze rustling the trees around them. Rylan sat near the fire, still dressed in the ceremonial attire from earlier, the gold shimmer of the fabric catching the firelight. His gaze was distant, filled with unease as he struggled to find sleep.
The sound of boots crunching against the forest floor pulled him from his thoughts. He looked up to see Aldric walking toward him, carrying a neatly folded bundle of clothes. The human warrior's expression was stoic, but there was a hint of weariness in his eyes.
"You can't sleep either, can you?" Aldric asked, setting the clothes down beside Rylan.
Rylan shook his head, offering a faint smile. "Not when my thoughts are as loud as they are. Thank you... for these." He gestured to the clothes.
Aldric sat down across from him, his large frame seeming even more imposing in the flickering firelight. "Figured you'd want something more practical. That ceremonial attire is beautiful, but it's not exactly suited for a situation like this."
Rylan chuckled softly, running his fingers over the fabric of the clothes. "You're right. I hadn't even thought about it. Guess my mind's been too preoccupied."
Aldric leaned back on his hands, his sharp gaze fixed on the fire. "You're worried about Kaelen."
Rylan nodded, his smile fading. "How could I not be? He's heading straight into the lion's den, with only the hope of peace to protect him. I admire his resolve to talk things out, to demand an apology instead of going straight to war... but the council isn't known for their humility. They won't make this easy for him."
Aldric sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair. "Kaelen's in a damned difficult position. He's been used, betrayed, and cast aside, yet he's still choosing to take the high road. Most people would've snapped by now. I'll give him credit—he's stronger than I thought."
Rylan looked at Aldric, surprised by the unexpected praise. "You've changed your opinion of him."
Aldric shrugged, his gaze never leaving the fire. "Doesn't mean I trust him completely, but... I can't deny that he's trying to do the right thing. And I pity him, in a way. To go through so much, to be labeled a monster, and still try to make peace? That's not weakness—that's strength."
Rylan smiled faintly, his worry easing just a little. "I'm glad you see that. I feel the same. Kaelen deserves more than the hand he's been dealt, and I hope he succeeds. But I can't shake the fear that the council will try to twist his actions against him."
Aldric looked at him, his expression softening. "If they do, we'll be there to make sure they don't get away with it. Kaelen might be fighting his battle alone for now, but he's not truly alone. We've got his back."
Rylan's heart swelled at the reassurance, and he found himself relaxing slightly. "Thank you, Aldric. For saying that."
Aldric offered a small, rare smile. "Get some rest, Rylan. We'll need our strength for whatever comes next."
Rylan called out softly, his voice carrying over the crackling fire, "Aldric, don't go too far, alright?"
Aldric paused mid-step and turned, a teasing smirk spreading across his face. "Afraid of being alone, Rylan? I thought elves were supposed to be at one with nature." His tone was light, but the mockery was clear.
Rylan felt the heat rise to his cheeks, half from indignation and half from amusement. "I'm not afraid," he retorted, crossing his arms. "But it's dark, and even nature can have its dangers. Besides, if you got lost, I'd have to come find you, and that would be a headache."
Aldric chuckled, a low, rich sound that made Rylan's smile widen despite himself. "Fair enough," Aldric said as he walked back and settled down beside Rylan near the fire. His large frame was closer than usual, the flickering flames casting warm shadows on his strong features.
Rylan glanced at him, trying to ignore the way his heart picked up its pace. Aldric, oblivious to the effect he was having, leaned in slightly, his sharp eyes studying Rylan's face with an intensity that made him squirm.
"Your eyes," Aldric said suddenly, his voice quieter now, almost thoughtful. "They're... striking. Like emeralds catching the light of the forest."
Rylan blinked, taken aback by the unexpected compliment. He wasn't sure if it was the firelight or something else, but Aldric's face seemed closer than ever, his rugged features softened by the golden glow.
"Th-thank you," Rylan stammered, his gaze darting away, though he couldn't help but feel a flutter of warmth at the words.
Aldric didn't pull back. Instead, his gaze shifted downward, settling on Rylan's lips. The air between them grew heavy, the sound of the forest fading into the background as the moment stretched.
"Rylan," Aldric murmured, his voice low and rough, like the first rumble of thunder before a storm.
Rylan's breath caught, his mind racing as he tried to read the expression in Aldric's eyes—soft, contemplative, yet edged with something deeper. Something that made his pulse quicken.
The fire crackled loudly, breaking the tension. Aldric blinked, as though snapping out of a trance, and leaned back with a faint smile. "You should get some sleep. Long day ahead."
Rylan shifted under his cloak, the flickering firelight dancing across his face as he stared into the flames. He sighed softly, his voice breaking the quiet. "Aldric... I couldn't sleep well for another reason."
Aldric, leaning casually against a nearby log with his arms crossed, arched a brow and looked at him. "Oh? And what reason is that?"
Rylan hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his cloak. The vulnerability in his expression caught Aldric's attention, and his teasing smirk softened into genuine curiosity.
"I can't stop thinking about you," Rylan admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Aldric blinked, the words catching him off guard. He sat up straighter, his gaze sharpening as he tried to process what he'd just heard. "Thinking about me?"
Rylan nodded, his cheeks flushing, though he forced himself to meet Aldric's eyes. "Yes. Ever since I first met you, I've felt... something. I didn't understand it at first, but it's always been there. And now... I can't ignore it anymore."
Aldric's lips parted, but no words came out for a moment. He leaned forward, his intense gaze locking onto Rylan's. "Are you saying you've felt something for me? All this time?"
Rylan swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. "Yes," he admitted. "From the moment I first saw you, I felt... drawn to you. Even when you were being insufferable," he added with a faint smile, trying to lighten the moment.
Aldric chuckled softly, but his expression remained serious. He shifted closer, his voice low and steady. "And now? What do you feel now, Rylan?"
Rylan's breath hitched as he looked at Aldric, the warmth of the fire reflected in his emerald eyes. "Now? I feel like I can't hide it anymore. I've been scared of saying it, but... I care about you, Aldric. More than I should, maybe. But I do."
Aldric stared at him, his usually guarded expression cracking under the weight of Rylan's confession. For once, he didn't have a sharp retort or a teasing remark. Instead, he reached out, his hand hesitating for a moment before gently brushing against Rylan's.
Aldric couldn't hold back any longer. His heart raced as he remembered the first time he'd laid eyes on Rylan.
Now, here they were, the air crackling with tension between them.Without hesitation, Aldric leaned in closer, his lips just inches from Ryan's.
As their lips met, the kiss became more passionate and aggressive.Aldric groaned into Ryan's mouth, his hands gripping the his hips as Ryan climbed onto his lap.
Rylan ground his hips against Aldric's, Aldric could feel the bulge in his pants pressing against his own growing erection
"You're driving me insane. "Aldric growled against Rylan's lips.
"I feel the same way."Rylan smirked.
He could feel Aldric's hands sliding down his hips, gripping his ass cheeks firmly as the warrior's fingers slid into the openings of his beautiful attire, caressing the smooth skin beneath.
Rylan moaned softly as he felt the stinging sensation of Aldric's finger pressing against his hole playfully.The elf closed his eyes, savoring the anticipation of what was to come.
Aldric pulled his finger out, bringing it to his lips and sucking it clean, ensuring it was wet enough to prepare Rylan's tight opening. He could feel Rylan's muscles clenching, trying to resist the invasion, but Aldric knew he would soon submit to his touch.
Rylan was shocked and flustered, his eyes wide as he stammered."What... what are you doing, Aldric?"
Aldric smirked, his finger hovering just outside of Rylan's precious hole. "Maybe some love making?Sweetheart, don't worry, you'll love it."
Rylan was flustered beyond belief, his cheeks flushed a deep red as he stammered out a response.He could feel himself building up on Aldric's lap, his body trembling with anticipation.
Rylan whimpered as Aldric teased him, sliding his wet finger down Ryan's crack, brushing against his sensitive hole.Ryan spread his legs a little wider, giving Aldric better access as he wrapped his arms around him, scared of what getting hurt might feel like.
"I promise it won't hurt, cute one.I'll be gentle with you." Aldric reassured Rylan.
He lifted Rylan up into his arms, standing up carefully as they made their way into their tent.
Once inside, Aldric lay Ryan down gently on the plush furs, kissing along his neck and forehead tenderly.He slowly made his way down, kissing and nibbling along Rylan's collarbone, finally tugging open the ties of the his ceremonial attire, baring his smooth chest.
Rylan was incredibly embarrassed, feeling vulnerable and exposed as he lay there naked before Aldric.
He tried to cover himself up, but he simply smirked, easily removing Rylan's hands and holding them down by his sides.To distract himself, Aldric reached for his belt, unfastening it and slipping it out of its loops, then using it to tie Rylan's hands together above his head.
Aldric leaned in, capturing Rylan's lips in a deep, passionate kiss, pouring all of his nervous energy into the embrace.