terrariums | open; 2024

It's easy to see the consideration on Rook's face as he debates the answer, even as he so easily leans into the cold of Jade's palm. He lets his hand linger there on the other's face, content to feel the warmth radiating from his sun-kissed cheek.

"I will be, yes." They'd discussed Jade's family's expectations for him a little bit earlier today. Though that had also led them a bit into this very topic... and Rook's interest and unrest with the subject certainly makes more sense in retrospect. It wasn't just concern for a friend being rushed into something, but perhaps a twinge of some sort of deeper emotion. "If you visit my home it may be... different than you expect. My family is not standard among merfolk. If you do want to pursue me, it would be more dangerous than choosing another human here on land."

"You mean all the crime and murder, non? I already decided you're worth the risk." It's so casual and conversational, the way he says it, nuzzling into Jade's hand affectionately without even missing a beat. Would anyone blame Jade for wondering if he'd heard him correctly? He doesn't even seem particularly bothered over the information, whether by the risks it could pose to himself, or the unsavory acts themselves. Why should he, when he'd already put so much thought into deciding to seriously pursue this, pursue him?

Jade blinks. Twice, technically if the way the transparent aquatic lids move are any indication.

"There is more to it than that, but... yes." It is a decent summary, but also-- "It is rare for someone on land to know about things like that." Even the school interview he'd had he'd been careful to avoid revealing too much about it. It's no one on land's business, after all. At least not in Jade's mind currently... "If things did not work out and you were too close, it could end badly for you. My family would expect any mate of mine to be at least partially active in the business."

"I did a little research to make sure I knew what I was getting into, and if I really wanted to take the plunge." That..... that doesn't explain anything, Rook. You're not clarifying how you found any of this out, only why you wanted to know.

Either way, he only smiles blithely at the potential threat. That's not supposed to scare him, is it? He'd already long since taken it all into account. "Pas de souci! I already do that sort of thing when my family needs a hand, too. They wouldn't want any loose ends either, but I don't think they'll care what you do. I'm just a middle child, after all."

His hand finally retracts, coming to rest his arm across his own lap.

"And what exactly would I be getting myself into, then?" It's a fair enough question, even if he had thought it to be quite a different situation. He'd heard stories of siblings loosely before, but not in detail. None of those stories came off as particularly unsettling... but it isn't as if he considers Floyd and his own relationship as anything other than 'normal'. Partners more than siblings, yes, but he is still his valued brother. "I understand if I can't receive the full details."

His own family is secretive, so he understands... even if really he feels drawn to dig his claws into this trail of conversation. Rook knows so much about him, after all, but even his own research and questions often left him with nothing.

"Oh, nothing too different! It's just all technically legal." Technically legal, in that they won't get in trouble for anything they do. How could they, considering the people they most commonly answer to?

"We help keep things safe for people! Mostly on land, but occasionally even in the sea, too. If there are monsters or direbeasts causing people problems, or situations Arcane Response Units might be too slow to get to, or so obtrusive that they would panic people taking care of them..... Stuff like that!" So they kill creatures and people, if the ARU ordinarily needs to be called in. And clearly they can get where they're needed fast, on land and in the sea. And if they substitute in so seamlessly for the ARU, just how many governments do they have ties to, exactly?

"I see..." He lets the words hang in the air for a few moments, simply taking them in. It's something more than he was able to get himself, but it does make how difficult it was to find anything on the Hunt family make more sense. Professional photos of the current head of family aside, there really wasn't much. Even how many children they have was surprisingly difficult to find if it weren't for Rook's own easy admission. Just a fact that clearly means little, but is still squirreled away.

It is more than he expects, yet still leaves him with more questions.

"Ufufu... my family must seem so insignificant in comparison." Maybe his father has even hired one of them at some point? For the most part he keeps his shadier dealings hidden behind his second set of jaws. His children too young to deal with all of the details of their business when they could still enjoy being teenagers... even if Jade has always been more studious with it. "What do you want from me then, exactly?"

"Hardly insignificant! Just not as scary as they could be, either." After all, it's a different kind of danger they pose. A shrewd, calculating one, not the mindless fury of a rampaging beast, or the raw desperation of an out of control criminal mage running for their life. They're a domesticated threat, an eel that rarely bites unless provoked, or you have something they want. And being an excellent dagger in the shadows to potentially hire aside, what would the Hunts have that the Leeches took any interest in? Their territories are worlds apart.

Rook reaches out to stroke the sleek curves of Jade's tail, touch soft and intimate, gaze piercing even with water dripping down his face. "Did I not make it clear enough? I want you. I adore you."

Rook's touch radiates through him even in its gentleness, partly from how easily his own skin sticks to him. It's only natural, but it still feels strange all the same. He hasn't often been touched out of water like this... Rook isn't put off by him like this. Not from how he looks or feels. He called him beautiful like this. As himself rather than the flesh suit he wears on a day-to-day--though he seems just fine with that form, too.

He finds himself wanting to lean closer, to selfishly want for more of that type of touch. Is it rushing things? Most likely... he should think more on it.

Jade presses their lips together again, both hands moving to grip the older boy's face to keep him close.

A giddy little laugh bubbles up, too thrilled to contain himself. For all that they've been talking of danger and death, there's not a hint of that topic left in his demeanor even mere moments later; there's just a boy in love, melting his first real kiss with a dreamy smile. It may not have gone exactly how he had expected it would..... But the surprise is an integral part of the beauty too, is it not?

It may not be quite as romantic as a seashore, but it's still perfectly fitting that it should happen here, in this place that allows them both to be comfortable as who and what they really are. Rook's free arm wraps around Jade's neck, a silent promise to stay right where he is; the other hand keeps exploring, gently stroking and squeezing sticky scales and powerful muscles. How did he ever get so lucky, to really get the chance to potentially call someone so beautiful his?

Truthfully, Jade had never been the one to fantasize about dreamy shores or such intimate kisses. He'd expected something much more rigid and professional for himself--something potentially arranged or sought out specifically to stave off disappointment. The lack of producing an heir is... complicated, but not impossible. Their great-grandfather was adopted into the family when he was found abandoned after the rest of his family was devoured by some unknown entity just after he was hatched.

Not a deal breaker, even if not what his family necessarily expects. And they did have Floyd... though it's easier to imagine him as an uncle rather than an overly easy-going father.

When teeth hit teeth the thoughts are brushed aside, Jade's lips parting further to press a dark blue, green tinged tongue against the other's in a bid for entrance. Webbed fingers shifting more comfortably into messy blond hair as his tail shifts more into Rook's palm.

Ah, thank heavens he doesn't need to worry about heirs. Isn't it a stroke of good fortune that he's not going to be carrying the Hunt family legacy on his shoulders? As much as he loves his family, as happy as he is to support and participate in his birthright..... ultimately, he's still free.

Free to tip his head back and part his lips in invitation, to let Jade deepen the kiss to his heart's content. Free to slide across slippery tile and tug himself close to lean against a broad chest, to knead at his tail in thoughtless contentment. What more could he possibly want, in this moment?

He tastes like the earth even with how human he is. Jade's exploration is slow and careful, savoring the feel of him. Is his own salted tongue unpleasant in comparison? It's easy to focus on his own nerves when Rook's breathing and pulse are so steady even as he pulls him so close against him. Claws trace down the junior's neck, pressing firmly against the bandana tied there to feel some more of him. Jade's tail twists under Rook's palm, but pulls itself closer around them in a way no human's legs ever could replicate.

Chest to chest like this he can feel the warmth seep into his own cold, wet body. His tail slides around a thigh before squeezing--not hard enough to break or maim, but with a definite intentional and distributed pressure.

Strange what a contrast there is between them, isn't it? Jade remains seemingly unmoved, no matter much of a mess he may feel inside. And Rook..... his pulse stays steady with an almost clockwork precision, even as he moans around the cool press of a tongue in his mouth. How could he not, when that powerful tail is squeezing so high up along his thigh? When he can't help but fantasize about what might happen if he was completely engulfed in those coils, or if those claws making his skin prickle with such excitement were to dig in?

Rook's grip on Jade tightens a little, kiss growing more heated before he even realizes it. If this is some kind of test to prove whether he really thinks of this shape as beautiful, well..... if Jade touches him much more, he'll be able to feel that proof pressing against him soon enough.

The moan is met with one of Jade's own as his teeth bring the occasional drop of copper to his tongue. Webbed fingers move to squeeze the muscle of Rook's chest before trailing down his side until it can dip behind him to rest on the small of his back. Holding him more firmly against him as his tail loosens its grip just enough to glide across dark denim, coiling more over Jade's length around his leg. Each rippling muscle beneath his slick skin moving against thigh and calf.

"Mmn..." He doesn't want to pull back, too enthralled in the warmth he's chasing and the feel of Rook's hand squeezing and kneading at whatever parts of his tail he can reach.

As stoic as Jade usually is, that gorgeous sound rolls straight through him; it would be impossible not to feel the growing arousal throbbing against Jade's stomach and tail as it slithers around him. Under any other circumstances, he might protest how effectively immobilized that tail coiled around his leg leaves him.

Right now, though? That thought just leaves Rook flushed and dark-eyed with desire, eagerly pressing into every touch Jade deigns to give him. His own touch soon turns purposeful, fondling slowly but steadily moving up Jade's tail. He may not have intimate knowledge of moray anatomy, but even so..... Even so, he thinks he might know enough. He wants to touch him.

Jade has never seen himself as naked like this. How could he when all of the parts of himself that he wants to keep private are so intimately and conveniently tucked away. Not like human bodies with all of the inconvenience and awkwardness that comes with them. How he'd grown used to learning how to ignore the occasional surprise erection or simply being a hinderance by being so in the way. He'd never had Floyd's misfortune of accidentally injuring himself by throwing himself onto a chair in just the wrong way, thankfully, but it still was more trouble than it was worth.

But the press of Rook's body against him now brings with it a very different feeling. The heat pressing against Jade's abdomen so obvious, but surely just a biological reaction to such an intimate kiss?

Then he feels Rook's fingers brush against his delicately hidden slit, slightly swollen and emitting a different sort of slickness thanks to his own enjoyment. Jade hisses on instinct, but the shudder that follows is a far cry from a bad sign as his tail tightens more harshly around Rook's thigh. The kiss is broken, finally, as Jade's head falls to the other's shoulder. "Ahh... that's..."

It's a struggle to deal with such a body, isn't it? Even as someone so intimately comfortable with his own body, so used to using it as a tool and a weapon, Rook has to admit that being a human is..... unwieldy. Sometimes, it's even hard to feel like your own skin fits right, feeling so acutely all the things you could be capable of, if only you were a slightly different shape.

Is it a positive, the way he's so exposed that even touches like these are enough to get him hot and bothered? Or just one more downside, how effortlessly Jade can arouse him if he feels the need to? At least it's a good consolation prize that he gets to touch such an elegant body himself, that he gets to see--oh. There, right there. That's the spot he's been searching for. Rook can't help but whimper as Jade breaks the kiss, arousal straining against soaked denim as he squirms against the merman. Even so..... he can't resist the urge to touch more, leather gloved fingertips growing slick as they delicately trace the length of Jade's slit. "Yes?"

Gills flare as Jade breathes, the slick fluid surrounding them easing into their darkened holes only to be replaced easily by more thanks to the humidity of the room. His claws dig into the leather of Rook's vest, but he frees blond hair in favor of resting his cold palm on the hunter's opposite shoulder.

His gaze falls between them to rest on how genuine the older boy's attention is even through such a hardy fabric. Fingertips trail down his chest and abdomen before cupping the shape of him firmly. It's only fair when Rook's fingers spread his slick so teasingly, isn't it?

He should stop this now, but he can already feel how easily the pointed tip of his own arousal is lured by gloved fingers. He lets out a slow, controlled exhale through the space between his ribs. "Are you positive?"

Oh, that's good. Claws digging into the thick leather of his vest is nearly as suggestive as sucking on someone's fingers, and the way he holds him..... Rook eagerly presses into Jade's hand for more, fingers teasing at the edges of Jade's slit. "I've been positive. If you're not, though....."

Does Jade have any idea how long he's been daydreaming about a moment like this? Months. Months. He definitely understands if this is all a little much for Jade to handle so suddenly, but..... Seven, he wants him. Even if he can't have all of Jade, can't he at least touch him, just a little?

How is he supposed to focus on anything but Rook's fingers brushing over him? The water is warm, Rook is warm, but his fingertips might as well be on fire with how intense even such a light touch feels.

It's sudden--until barely any time ago, he'd considered them as nothing but friends. That the way he occasionally found himself wanting to reach out to touch his cheek or hair was dangerously inappropriate and selfish. Yet now as he carefully rakes a claw along the shape of Rook in his jeans he finds a combination of want and hesitation. Something like this would be fine, right? Until they--well, he--had more time to come to terms with what he might actually want. Even if there's nothing more that he wants in this moment than Rook to stay by his side, he doesn't want to rush because of something as base as instinct.

He squeezes Rook's arousal tight, offering a nip against the hunter's jaw. "Nothing inside of either of us."

"Nnngh--" Rook's cock twitches hard under the touch of a wickedly sharp claw, only growing hotter as Jade wraps it in such a tight grip; as keen as his nose is, the merman can probably smell the first beads of precum leaking from him, even through the thick steam of the shower. For a moment, he can only breathe through the rush of need, shuddering in excitement under the harsh scrape of fangs.

"O-oui. Nothing inside." No fingers, no cocks, right? Does that mean he can at least get his mouth on him? Does that count as inside?

"Good..." His touch is a little softer, but he doesn't offer any apologetic strokes or touches. Not when he can tell how positive of an affect his grip had. Rook is so sure of how much he wants him that he's willing to let himself be handled so roughly? Though that very well may just be personal preference. "At least not this."

The tip of Jade's arousal brushes against gloved fingers now, slender and pointed in comparison to his human form. Flexible in how it ever so slightly curves against the pads of Rook's fingers. Jade's teeth shift to the other's neck instead, teasing what flesh he can reach with their pointed edges. It would be so easy to bite in and tear... but they're followed by a press of his lips instead and a shiver as more of his cock makes its way into Rook's palm.

Is it how infatuated he's grown with Jade, that leaves him so eager to let the merman treat him so roughly? Or is it how exciting it is, balancing precariously on the edge of serious pain and injury? Maybe it's a little of both, if the way Jade's fangs teasing at the delicate skin of his neck leaves him whimpering and squirming is any indication; even now, letting his head roll to the side to instinctively bare his throat for him, the pulse under Jade's mouth barely seems changed at all.

Finally, Rook's arm unwinds from Jade's neck. He's quick to pull his gloves off and toss them aside--he wants to feel Jade in his hands, properly. Or rather, in one hand? Rook trails his fingertips over what little of Jade's arousal has already presented itself, thumb tracing gentle circles over the pointed tip; his other hand strokes and rubs at Jade's parted slit, ready to coax the rest of Jade's length into the open air. He's being good, see? If he can't go in, he'll just have to content himself with making sure what he wants comes out.....

How Rook's body conflicts with the beating of his heart is fascinating. How his skin can be so flushed and his desire so clear in Jade's palm yet his pulse keep so steady... he's a little jealous, if he's honest. His own cold blood feels like it's rushing in comparison, especially as he lets his mouth close over Rook's pulse.

He moans against the throat between his teeth, the tips digging in a bit from the way his jaws move at the sound. A second set of teeth barely prickles against Rook's Adam's apple as the merman swallows. Jade's arousal practically betrays him with his need, so easily gliding heavy and slick into the hunter's hand. Even as a man Jade is impressive, but it's nothing compared to the length of such a thick, softly-ridged appendage dripping on Rook's fingers now. He wants to edge himself more against the hand working over his slit, but he stills in favor of yanking at the buckle of the other's belt.

open; 2024

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