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savage-rhi · 2 years

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Immortal Shield Chapter 20: Vows

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Tagging: @seradyn

“So, I fold over the strands like--this?” Ardyn asked.

Caelan nodded as she reached over to him. She took hold of Ardyn's hands fiddling with his hair, adjusting his fingers that were gripping on three separate strands of his maroon locks. They were sitting upon the fountain near the plaza. Both full from the overabundance of food and experiences they had throughout the night. The heart of Lestallum continued to pulse with life.

“You’ll need to adjust your grip depending on how tight or loose you want it, but you just--yeah, hold on a second. Hold up. You’re---knots, you’re gonna get knots!” Caelan chuckled, watching Ardyn stumble as he accidentally let go of one of the strands mid braid. She helped him get it back in place, then guided his hands through the motions. She never thought teaching the Adagium how to braid his hair would ever be an experience she’d have, but by comparison it was one of the more wholesome moments under her belt. Being drunk no less added another layer of humor to it all. She couldn't stop giggling.

Ardyn grimaced, making a face as he could feel the strands coming apart easily once more. Both he and Caelan laughed as he made another feeble attempt after combing his fingers through his hair. He realized perhaps they shouldn’t have been drinking while trying to perform hair styling lessons, but it was fun in its own right. Ardyn wasn’t too upset either. He already had three smaller ones Caelan adorned him with, for practice.

“How can you be 2,000 years old and not know how to braid your hair?” Caelan teased.

“It was something I never much paid attention to,” Ardyn began. He paused to fiddle with another three strands, different ones from before. In his inebriated state, he thought he’d be more successful if he switched things around. It was his hair’s fault, not his fingers being uncoordinated. That was his justification.

“Ponytails or letting my hair flow naturally were more convenient. I had many responsibilities back then. I didn’t have time to pamper myself or worry about cosmetics.”

“And now you do?”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You tell me. You took a sudden interest.” Caelan laughed.

“You’ll find out soon enough,” There was a glimmer of mischievousness in Ardyn's eyes that had Caelan put off. He chuckled to himself, then focused on looping and threading. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see how she was intently watching him. It gave some encouragement, though her occasional grimaces when he slipped up had him on edge.

“You’re very distracting at the moment,” Ardyn said in between tugging and pulling his hair.

“How am I distracting you?”

“That---thing you did with your face, the scrunch. Stop that.”

“As you command, highness.” Caelan chuckled. Moments later as he finished the last of the loops, Ardyn exclaimed loudly.

“Ah, I think I got it!” He let go of the new braid he had made by himself. Amazement captured his eyes as the hairs didn’t fall apart upon letting them go. The sloppy round of applause Caelan gifted to him for his feat pulled Ardyn away from his fixation as he smiled at her.

“Wow, you did it! Took you--uh, I think that was number 15?”

Ardyn gave Caelan a scrutinizing look before his features eased.

“You should be too drunk to count.”

“I told you I can liquor my hold.” Caelan quipped, not catching Ardyn snort at her mismatch.

“So you have,” Ardyn laughed. “C’mere.”

Ardyn didn’t give Caelan a chance to register what was happening. He grabbed a hold of her right hand, coaxing her onto stumbling feet. The water from the fountain they were resting at continued to add a sense of peace to the commotion taking place in the city streets. He too wobbled back as they both attempted to balance one another out upon standing. A myriad of giggles and laughs left them as they managed to pull off finding their respective centers of gravity.

“Are we dancing again?” Caelan asked. “I’d love to but my feet are sleepy.”

“No,” Ardyn shook his head. His eyes fixating on hers. He looked deeply into her blown out pupils, seeing nothing but himself reflected back. It scared him for a moment. The kind of power she had over him. He tried not to show his reluctance while reaching for her hair. His fingers giving a soft squeeze to some of her locks before he carefully spread them into three sections.

“Ardyn, what are you--”

“Shh,” He hushed her, careful with his actions as he began to loop one strand of hair over the next. Minding not to make the tension too tight.

“I can’t--be wearing a braid. I’m a not crownsguard.” Caelan protested.

“Well, you’re my ‘a not crownsguard’.” He repeated playfully.

“You can’t give me the rites,” Caelan protested. Her whole body shuddered, feeling as if the eyes of the Astrals were upon them both. It was a ridiculous notion, but years of tradition being shoved down her throat atop of her logic being misguided played a part in the irrationality of it all.

“Only the king can do that.” She murmured, a last ditch effort to have Ardyn quit while he was ahead.

“I was the original founder king of Lucis. I can do whatever I please. Hold still.”

She seemed to have taken his words literally. Ardyn watched as she became as solid as a rock. Her eyes keeping forward and not budging, save for when the alcohol coursing through her body had her gaze travel elsewhere. He was mindful not to spook her with his movements, taking time to loop and pull each strand with careful attention.

"I don't have a ceremonial ribbon to add, otherwise I would." Ardyn muttered. He was embarrassed at having not thought that part of the ceremony though. It didn't seem to phase Caelan. She remained quiet. Her mind seemed more preoccupied with other matters than the trivial.

When he had finished, Ardyn tied a small knot at the base to keep the braid from falling apart. His head canted to the side, studying how it looked on her. Mostly he was double checking he did a good job and didn’t half ass it. Even if he was heavily drunk, Gods forbid he screw something important like this up for her. Speaking of Gods, he made a grimace recalling the rites. He didn’t want to incite the names of the creatures who had played a hand in making his life, his universe, a living hell, but tradition was tradition. He wanted it to feel authentic for her even if the bells and whistles weren't present.

“Titan,” His right hand touched either of Caelan's wrists after carefully having her palms face up.

“Ramuh,” His hand went to her abdomen.

“Ifrit,” Her heart.

“Leviathan” Her shoulders.

“Shiva,” Her lips.

Ardyn paused as he reached for her eyes. His right index finger stroking underneath one, then the other before pressing his thumb to Caelan’s head. He swallowed, feeling a tense anger beginning to rise in himself. The alcohol wasn’t helping in terms of simmering down his primordial fears when it came to the six. Even though Ardyn had played a huge role in the demise of the Gods, even spitting in the face of the dragon king who sealed his fate, he was just a man at the end of the day. A powerful one, but nevertheless like every other living thing on Eos, a mere pawn. Alas Ardyn tampered it down, determined to finish what was started. Not for his sake, but for Caelan's.

“Bahamut,” He never thought the dreaded God’s name would fall past his tongue again yet it happened, and nothing did. The cosmos didn’t suddenly open up to swallow him whole. Neither did he feel the foreboding sense of dread that the dragon deity possessed. There was nothing to scared of.

Ardyn blinked a few times, catching his breath as he relaxed.

“Gods be witness, a new guard rises. Shield of mine until last breath. Until dismissed by my hand or the hand of the Astrals. Crownsguard Zamfir, Caelan.” Ardyn stepped back, giving Caelan space to reconcile and realize what was done was done. The sad frown upon her lips even as her eyes conveyed how happy she was had him concerned until he could see her mouth begin to part.

“King of mine until last breath. Until dismissed by his hand or the hand of the Astrals. Ardyn Lucis Caelum."

Ardyn smirked, surprised that she was able to say the rest of the rites without faltering her words. He could see how serious she took this, and also how saddened it made her. Mixed feelings seemed to pool on her features. He couldn’t tell if she wanted to cry, run, or just remain still. Maybe all of the above. Either way, he didn't judge her.

“How do you feel?”

“I don’t know,” Caelan began, offering a sincere shrug as she grinned. “Nothing bad happened.”

“You were expecting something more, monumental?”

“I thought I was going to drop dead. That the gods were going to kill me for this.”

Ardyn couldn’t help but laugh, breaking the seriousness that lingered between them in the atmosphere. He watched confusion take hold of Caelan as she chuckled nervously, unsure of what to make of his antics it seemed.

“I had the same thought as you,” Ardyn reassured her. He placed a hand upon her shoulder out of comfort. “The Astrals are gone. Humanity makes its own rules now. You’re my guard for as long as you want to be. Nothing can take that from you."

Caelan felt her face redden. She looked away from Ardyn while trying to suppress a smile that had begun to form on her lips. There was nothing comparable to the euphoria she could feel countering her inebriation. Her gaze fell back on Ardyn as he let go of her. She was already missing the warmth of his hand while observing him sitting down on one of the fountain ledges, eyeballing their two glasses of wine and the bottle before topping his off.

"You truly are amazing." Caelan couldn't stop the words flowing past her lips even if she tried. Her newfound feelings for him were screaming to be let out, even just a little bit. A round of fear overtook her gaze, until Ardyn let out a hearty laugh, snapping her out of momentary fight or flight response.

“And here I thought you only liked me for the riches I acquired.” Ardyn teased, grabbing the glass of wine and downing the rest. His eyes carded over the bottle near Caelan, feeling the temptation for another despite how much both he and his companion consumed. He was unsure of where they acquired the glasses, but couldn’t be bothered with. Either way he was satisfied at how much alcohol he was able to enjoy this night. Having not had the opportunity in a long time. Caelan's compliment had his body feeling warm. It got worse as she sat down beside him.

Ardyn’s eyes traveled about while awaiting Caelan to answer him back. He did a double take, feeling something akin to vertigo briefly take hold of his vision before Caelan clearing her throat had him hooked.

“Well, there’s that.” Caelan said mockingly, her glossy eyes looked over Ardyn as she went still. She could feel the tips of her ears grow more hot with each passing second the longer she stared his way.

“And your face,” Caelan began. Her voice growing soft and steady while the wine in her system had her feeling more bold than usual. “Your hair, and how it’s all crazy. The way you talk like you know everything in the universe that will come and everything when it goes back to nothing. I don’t feel scared of the unknown cause it’s you--you’re it---does that make sense?”

The sudden boost in confidence didn’t go unnoticed by Ardyn as he intently watched her, his expression neutral all the while he could feel heat snaking into his cheeks. His head tilted curiously, his expression welcoming as he smiled.

“I’d even go so far as to say I love it when you’re all,” Caelan gestured out with her hands, making claw like motions and swiping. “Demony.”

“I thought I frightened you,” He admitted, watching Caelan forgo drinking from her glass and straight up grabbed the bottle and took a swig. Ardyn snorted from the action.

“Hm?” Caelan furrowed her brows, confusion settling on her face as she neglected to fully listen.

“My eyes in particular. I thought they frightened you.” Ardyn repeated, rubbing his forehead and the back of his neck. He was starting to feel humid from how much wine he consumed.

“Wanna know a drunks secret?” Caelan grinned from ear to ear as Ardyn laughed.

“Sure.”

Caelan’s grin began to disappear as she scooted closer to Ardyn. She stumbled from time to time, visibly uncoordinated but determined.

“I think your eyes are sexy even when they’re daemonic.”

Ardyn’s jaw slightly hung open from the bold proclamation. He scarcely believed her, and yet there was not a hint of deception in Caelan’s eyes. Speaking of eyes, he couldn’t stop staring at them. Once again all he could see was himself reflected back.

There was a strong magnetic pull that had Ardyn involuntarily inclining forward to her. Whether it was from the wine or not, he couldn’t be certain. Nonetheless, it grew stronger by the second the longer he roamed over her face. Her compliment repeated nonstop in his mind, feeling a sense of delirium wanting to take the wheel and steer. Ardyn could so easily get lost in her, and yet there was a part of him just begging to take the leap.

“Cahl,” He breathed out, vainly to snap out of his trance.

“I think I’ve drank too much,” Caelan admitted. There was a hint of regret in her voice that had Ardyn worried for a time before he nodded.

“As have I,” Licking his bottom lip, a mischievous look crossed Ardyn’s features. He swooped forward, grabbing the keys to the Scepter from the sash around Caelan’s dress. He didn’t know why she bothered to bring them with her on their outing. However he was grateful at this moment. It provided a necessary distraction before he would've done something stupid.

“Hey, what the hell Red?!” Caelan exclaimed, her body desperately trying to coordinate itself into a charge as her arms swept for Ardyn’s body. Eventually, she came to find out she was hugging thin air as Ardyn had teleported away. From afar, she could hear the jingling of her keys, her head jolting around trying to pinpoint where they were at before landing on his form thirty feet away. She stumbled and rose to her feet.

“I gotta keep you on your toes if you’re to remain my shield!” Ardyn hollered. The salaciousness in his voice grabbed a hold of Caelan's senses as she trembled while making a face. “If you fail to find me, I must warn you the consequences will be dire!”

“You’re such an ass! Why did I make my vows to be your guard again? I truly am a drunken fool!” Caelan yelled back in retaliation. An exasperated groan left her as she began to run towards him. Ardyn’s laughter echoed in her ears like a forbidden melody as she felt her heart race, unsure if it was from running, the alcohol coursing through her blood, or from the sheer excitement of wanting to catch him.

Lestallum was already a maze in of itself. Now under the influence, Caelan found it difficult to navigate the city. The endless barrage of smells, sounds, and visuals were easily distracting her from the primary target. Caelan occasionally bumped into people, apologizing under her breath. She could smell the aftertaste of the wine in her mouth and she grimaced, coming down an alley and into the plaza. Her head and neck turned everywhere. Though life flourished in Lestallum, Caelan felt that she was walking in a dark room by herself with no one to guide her way. It was scary for a time. Sensations blurred into a singular white noise as she stopped to recenter herself.

“Fuck,” She murmured, leaning forward as her right leg wanted to give out. Caelan caught her fall at the last second, balancing herself while her nose flared. A faint whiff of a familiar scent had her pause. Closing her eyes for a moment, Caelan inhaled again. The lingering floral scent Ardyn adorned with the cologne he wore felt as if it grabbed a hold of her face, and tempted her to turn her head to the left. When she opened her eyes, Caelan saw him from afar past a crowd of people down one of Lestallum’s alleys.

Ardyn was dangling the keys while wearing a grin that would put a trouble making child to shame. Caelan smiled wide, sprinting after him. Her heart pounding deeply in her chest as her elation grew seeing a familiar face amongst the crowds. This was it. Her light in the dark.

“Oh, you poor thing. You were so close.” Ardyn swayed his head to the side. His eyes hooded as he chuckled out of amusement.

When Caelan was no more than five feet away, he teleported once again. Not too far of course, but enough distance to stump her at this game. It took incredible will power to not cackle seeing her spin around in circles, attempting horribly to figure out where he went. Ardyn acknowledged to himself he could easily do this all night to his hearts content, alas his vexatious behavior started to wane the longer he observed.

His gaze lingered on Caelan more than he should've. Curiosity had him studying her, watching her body’s swaying movements all the while closing her eyes and tilting her head up. It dawned on Ardyn she was trying to smell him out, and there was a primal exhilaration that had momentarily convinced him to end this little charade right then and now. Much like earlier though, Ardyn felt himself being pulled in. A tempting eagerness persuaded him to keep playing. He would keep playing.

Feeling emboldened seeing her so close yet so far, Ardyn once more shifted into darkness.

“Where are you?” Caelan said aloud, searching everywhere that looked like a potential hiding spot. Her sight momentarily traveled to the roofs of the city buildings, praying to whatever Gods were left that Ardyn didn’t teleport so high up. There was a sudden whish and a gentle breath that trailed below the right side of her neck that had Caelan freeze. The world became quiet. Her body warmed up, swearing she felt the soft texture of lips on the shell of her ear. The sensation of it being tugged by a mouth had her knees quake.

“I’m right here,” Ardyn whispered.

Caelan gasped and turned around, only to find nothing. Nothing but structures and a few people enjoying the local nightlife Lestallum had to offer. She held in her breath for a long time before exhaling, there was a thrill that traveled across her nerves. It grew as Caelan heard the jingling sound of her keys yet again, and followed. The noise held a promise for something more.

Despite feeling a heaviness in her body from drinking so much, adrenaline kept Caelan afloat as he toyed with her. She hadn’t seen Ardyn for a time, but his scent left its marks and it seemed when she got too close for comfort, Ardyn would retreat. There was a pattern he performed that Caelan would’ve zeroed in on if she were sober. Alas, she was going in circles and entrusting him to lead much like when they danced earlier in the night. Something about this current dance between them made her nervous. The intense pining she felt for him outweighed whatever trepidations lurked. She was eager to find him now.

Ardyn could see after a time Caelan was losing resolve. Her determination held true, but her mind seemed to be battling itself as she bounded towards a street, heading for a dimmed alley. Ardyn breathed out, concentrating as he pinpointed where she was and envisioned himself close by. He could practically feel her against him. His mind envisioning her hands and lips. Shivers went down his spine at the thought.

“Seriously,” Caelan sighed heavily. She stopped to catch her breath, panting while having a once over of the alley. She recognized an orange lamp afar, indicating she had been here. How long ago it was, Caelan didn’t know. Nor did she bother to care. Time was a mere illusion in her tipsy mind. She was beginning to feel the same towards reality. Her eyes closing every so often, until her weight shifted and Caelan felt herself being pulled back and pinned to a wall.

Caelan let out a scream, only to be silenced by Ardyn’s palm covering her mouth. She slapped him away in between bouts of laughter. His own following close behind as their hysterics intermingled much like their breaths.

“You gave me a heart attack!” Caelan exclaimed, taking in a deep breath to calm herself all the while her hands were wrestling against Ardyn’s haphazardly.

“Oh, you’re so weak. Try having it stabbed sometime.” Ardyn countered with a smirk, calling fourth the unpleasant experience with the Behemoth. His memory quickly faded, letting out a grunt as Caelan continued to struggle against him playfully. Their laughs began to die down as well as their movements. Ardyn having let go of Caelan, but he took a few steps forward. His body nearly caging hers against the brick wall yet again.

Soon enough the air stilled and the only sign of life became their heavy breaths ghosting upon each other’s faces. All other noise became void. All other scents but their own basked in the dark.

Ardyn blinked a few times, hearing his pulse in his throat. His eyes drinking in the wistful appreciation of Caelan’s gaze. His left hand couldn’t help but reach for her face. Calloused fingertips gently cupping the side of her cheek. His thumb left tender circles in the flesh, watching her eyes close and feeling the weight of her head lean into his touch.

The sigh of relief that wisped past her mouth had Ardyn swallow. His lips parted, head leaning against hers and nuzzling before pulling back. There was something about her vulnerability in this moment that had Ardyn unable to pry any of himself off of her. He didn’t want to look away. He didn’t want her to fade from his touch.

“You okay?”

“Hmm hmm.” She nodded.

The palm of his right hand pressed against the wall in close proximity to the other side of her face. The noise must’ve startled her, for she opened her eyes and looked towards where the sound had come from. Ardyn wanted to say something, but no words would leave him. He merely observed Caelan reach for his right hand. Her fingertips caressing over his skin as if he were the most delicate material in all of Eos.

The soft sensations of her touch had Ardyn involuntarily groan before his breath hitched. His eyes widening as Caelan started pressing gentle pecks to his wrist. Her lips memorizing every texture and flaw on his body. Her nose nudged some of the material of his sleeve away, giving her more access to his skin. She slowly kissed up towards his elbow, back down, then her bottom lip hovered over his thumb as she gave a kiss to it before moving her mouth to where his hand ended and his wrist began, pressing a final peck.

Ardyn thought his mind was going to shut off right then and there. A powerful wave of euphoria tugged whatever was left of his sanity as his eyes hovered between Caelan’s lips and eyes. Not able to choose which one he favored most.

“Make it stop,” Ardyn breathed. A final last ditch effort to end before they did something incredibly stupid. Fear and pleasure teetered on the edge in the back of his subconscious.

“Make what stop?” Caelan whispered back, her voice was quiet yet there was a trail of lust that didn’t go unnoticed by Ardyn as a faint smirk crossed his lips. He all but ignored Caelan’s thumb gently touching his bottom lip. Gods, he was really going to do this. His breath quickened and his whole body shuddered

“I don’t know, you tell me.” Ardyn murmured, enunciating each word with a tease and promise, their mouths mere inches apart now.

Neither of them were sure of who initiated. Their mouths finally met in the middle. The faintest brush of their lips upon the other caused every sensation of their bodies to blur and intertwine. Breathy gasps lingered in between contact while their mouths explored and tasted. After a few passes of gentle and cautious touch, a surging tide of warmth swept either Caelan and Ardyn up as their lips tugged and pulled against one another. Both enticed to deepen and investigate.

Caelan’s hands reached for Ardyn’s hair. Her fingers entangled within his maroon strands, grasping and kneading weakly while she treasured the small moan that was coaxed from his body. She smiled against his mouth, but her muscles were becoming weak with each pass their lips met. One of her hands snuck around his neck, the other carding through his hair and scalp. Her mind was in rapture but also having difficulty processing if what was happening was real or not as the alcohol added a further heat to their kissing.

Ardyn’s hands went to Caelan’s cheeks, holding her in place as he deepened the kiss. He could feel the soft tickle of Caelan’s breath beneath his nose. The sweet and dark texture of the wine they had consumed before still lingered on her breath. His teeth tugged at her lower lip, tongue sweeping past her lips and meeting her own muscle. His body pushing hers further against the wall until there was no space between them. He had her completely caged, and didn’t care if anyone saw.

Ardyn let out a displeased groan when he could no longer feel Caelan’s lips against him. The need to continue was soon pacified when he felt the soft texture of her mouth against his neck, traveling up his throat and biting here and there. Breathy moans began to pool from him as he closed his eyes, trying vainly to keep his body from wanting to melt. She hit several sweet spots near his pulse, his breathing becoming irregular. He just about lost it when she nipped at his earlobe unexpectedly, and he forced her back. His mouth crashing onto hers out of desperation. Their tongues pressed back and forth as he involuntarily rolled his hips. The startled moan that left Caelan as she smiled encouraged Ardyn to kiss down her neck. His left arm wrapped around her waist, the other supporting her head and cheek as he bit and suckled.

The peculiar sensations Ardyn felt from before clawed over his mind. In his drunken state, he realized what it was, why he was so desperate to have Caelan chase him: hunger. He wanted to devour her until nothing was left. Somehow in between their ravenous kissing, Ardyn managed to coax both of Caelan’s legs around his waist. The world began to shift and collide. The atmosphere heavy and buzzing until reality settled and they were both back at the hotel room.

“What--what happened?”

“Shh, I have you.” Ardyn murmured between kissing.

“Feel--weird.” Caelan moaned partially into his mouth.

“Shhh, I won’t let you go.”

Ardyn, still holding onto Caelan, walked them both to the nearest wall. He enjoyed having her pinned too much to settle for the bed. His lips parted from hers, feeling Caelan’s body attempt to catch its breath. The combination of alcohol along with teleporting seemed to have shaken her up. He went back to her throat, peppering her skin with longing licks, bites, and massages with his tongue. Needy moans left her with each pass of his lips. He only stopped when she grabbed a hold of his head and pulled him towards her. Calean’s mouth claiming his as she bit down on his bottom lip. A sharp growl pulled from Ardyn before she soothed him with her tongue on his. His hands squeezed around her face, fingers tangling themselves into her hair while her hands began to pull and tug at his clothes. The desperation in her movements to get them off as they parted for a few seconds had him smiling from ear to ear.

In the haze of lust, articles of clothing began to spill. Ardyn’s jacket disappeared onto the floor, his vest soon after. Somehow through all of it, he managed to keep Caelan’s legs around his body. His mouth only parting from hers as he brought down the top part of her dress, exposing her breasts. He took a moment to look between her face and flesh before his right arm kept steady around her waist, his left hand coming up to grope and knead at her right breast. His thumb encircled the bud of her nipple, feeling it become harder with each touch. He couldn’t resist pulling away from Caelan, his mouth kissing down her throat and chest until his tongue swiped and consumed the hardened bud. He suckled for a time, movements deliberately teasing while his ears drowned in Caelan’s pleads. He could feel her body attempting to thrust against his. It was difficult to concentrate. He couldn’t deny her mouth any longer than he had, missing the warmth and how welcoming it was to his lips, and kissed back up.

They were both sharing the same breath as their mouths hovered dangerously close to the other. Lips fluttering against lips before colliding. Ardyn drank Caelan’s moans, returning his own deep noises that pooled from his chest. His body shivered. The anticipation of their build up had him on edge.

“Ardyn wait,” Caelan moaned out. The pained tone of her voice had him stop. Panting heavily he looked into her eyes, head tilting as he swallowed.

“What do--what do we about--protection?”

Ardyn pressed a chaste kiss to her lips before pulling back. A somber look glossed in his gaze as he shook his head.

“I can’t give you children.” He murmured. “Niflheim--there were tests--Can’t. Can’t do it.”

There was so much more he wanted to say, so much more he wanted to tell her but his foggy mind wouldn’t allow the words to fall past his lips. He was too drunk. Too drunk on her.

“Okay,” Caelan whispered. Her hands reaching to cup his face, thumbs combing over his stubble. “That’s okay. That’s okay. Just--want you. Want me.”

“I want--” Ardyn closed his eyes, feeling a strain throughout his body as his nose brushed upon Caelan’s. His voice was one of desperation. “Lips back on me. Touch me.”

Their lips planted several times against each other before they were back to passionate open mouth kissing. Neither of them using logic or reason at this point. Both their bodies were lazily thrusting against each other through fabric, attempting any form of friction they could to feel relief from the tension that grabbed a hold of them.

“You feel--good.” Caelan moaned out. “Don’t--stop.”

Ardyn wasn’t sure how much longer he could continue without ripping the rest of Caelan’s dress off right then and there. His arousal far too great while his kissing became more hungry. The bites upon Caelan’s lips and neck became more prominent with each pass of his mouth. His movements more aggressive, grip around her body becoming tighter until he felt Caelan suddenly become limp when he made his way back to her mouth. A startled noise left Ardyn as he looked down, seeing Caelan’s head slouched and her eyes closed. Then he felt the weight of her body trying to pull him. In his lust filled state, it dawned on Ardyn that Caelan had passed out.

“C-Cahl?”

Breathing heavily, Ardyn was beside himself. His eyes opened and closed, trying to regain his composure all the while his body felt like a fire had been lit from inside. A plethora of emotions ransacked his brain. He felt a painful loss that couldn’t be described by mere words. He was careful moving Caelan’s body from the wall, ensuring he didn’t drop her while getting her into a position where he could carry her.

Ardyn felt numb in mind and spirit as he swayed with Caelan in tow for a time, trying to keep his thoughts from running away. He peered down at Caelan in his arms. He could hear her faint breathing as she slept against his chest. Guilt began to wash over him for what they had almost done. Especially regarding himself. He hadn’t kissed anyone in such a long time that he had rapidly become addicted. His touch starvation enabled and encouraged him to compulsively take the drug over and over again. He started to envision pieces of a puzzle come into place, how he could’ve taken advantage of her. The thought had Ardyn morose as his brows knitted into a tight glare.

Ardyn realized they had come close to bedding each other tonight. It scared him and paved way to fears that naturally come with not having been intimate in such a long time. He tried not to linger on the intrusion. He also tried hard to suppress the fear of himself hurting her because of his daemonic side slipping through. This could've ended much worse.

His heart felt heavy thinking about Aera. How in many ways he had betrayed her memory and honor. Aera’s face plagued him right up until he made it to the bed. Ardyn gently placed Caelan on the mattress, careful to pull the upper half of her dress back up, covering her body so she was no longer exposed. He reached for two pillows, putting them under her head then grabbed the covers and placed them over her, fingers tucking fabric underneath her unconscious form for comfort.

Ardyn sat beside Caelans’ body on the mattress. His hands carded through her hair, fingers grazing her scalp. Though he was filled with shame, Ardyn wasn’t going to lie to himself, he had thoroughly enjoyed kissing her tonight. He had loved her company with everything prior too in Lestallum. Seeing her smile and at peace, had his heart racing while he recalled everything they had done leading up to this moment. His body hummed in yearning. An intrusive thought of instigating another session with Caelan the next day crossed Ardyn's mind and he let out a harsh breath. He was still very aroused and felt beside himself as to how to handle it.

As Ardyn's face softened while watching her sleep, he had a realization. One that he was actively trying to ignore for some time. He was experiencing the same emotions he had felt when he first began courting Aera. The pining and instinctive need to be so close were familiar friends that he had thought long abandoned him. He didn't believe he was capable of feeling such deep sensitivity towards another person. Yet it was staring him in the face. He was staring at security, adoration, and care in the form of another human being.

He had caught feelings for his shield, and he had no clue if she felt the same. There were words spoken tonight that had Ardyn ponder how Caelan felt about the subject, but there was not a definite yes or no. This revelation accompanied by their drunken attempt at coupling disturbed him.

Sighing bitterly, Ardyn shook his head. He rubbed the back of his neck, feeling frustration and conflict resonate more deeply now as he allowed the thought to take root. Like most things that made him uncomfortable, Ardyn decided to snuff it out before it had the chance to grow into something he couldn’t control. He got up from the bed, and made his way to the bathroom. Deciding a cold shower would do him some good before he’d pass out on the couch. The consequences of their actions he could deal with tomorrow, for his brain couldn’t be bothered with any longer from the shame he had inflicted upon himself.

#immortal shield #chapter 20 #ardyn #ardyn izunia #ardyn lucis caelum #original characters #ffxv #final fantasy xv #fanfic #fanfiction #*insert Dean from The Iron Giant standing in front of the restaurant before unleashing the squirrel in his pants*#I'd like to apologize to everyone in advance for this!

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