**I have a set of Tarrot Cards that I actually rolled for this section. They were not pulled because I wanted them to mean something. Setting my mind into the story and to the characters... They are what I used to and they fit so freaking well... I am rather shocked.**
================================================================
The Demon’s Toy: 10
It’s all in the Cards
Sereph quickly gave him a hand in stripping the healer of his clothing, so that they could get him into a cold bath to bring down his fever. Chris tried not to stare at all the pale skin or watch the movement of the other angel’s hands along slender, well-turned limbs. Focusing on the fever, instead, a fever that had been brought on by unknown… wait… his coffee colored eyes widened a bit as he caught sight of his friend’s hands rover over the Fae’s slim body, there was something there, under the surface of Krin’s being that didn’t belong.
Ever since Sereph had brought Krinthen into his home, Chris had been uneasy about the Fae. A dark aura hung over the young man one that he couldn’t quite see around the Fae’s own aura. Whatever was there was intimately entangled with what Krin was and there was no parting the two. That dark presence worried Chris because he didn’t know how it had become part of the healer or what purpose it served. To make matters worse Krinthen seemed to be hiding something from Sereph. Which left him wondering about the Fae’s motives, especially towards his closest friend, Sereph. And with his lack of trust the Fae to become more secretive with the other male and uneasy around him. He hadn’t meant to do that to Krin, especially after learning what the demon, Son’Arrin had put Krinthen through. Feeling guilty about suspecting Krin of something horrible after Serephium had told him about the ordeal that Krin had suffered through because of that foul creature, Chris tried to ease up on him, give Krin a bit of room to confess what he was hiding.
Wishing to speak to Krinthen later, Chris wanted to question him about the darkness that clung to him. He wondered if the healer even knew about it being there. It didn’t seem likely that Krinthen knew about the aura that surrounded him, since he had allowed Sereph to move them magically, causing the healer to become very ill. Krin had gone to see the midwife earlier that day for a tea to sooth his upset stomach only to come back shaken and withdrawn. Chris’ mind filled with a new round of suspicions concerning the Fae and his intentions with Sereph sure now that Krin was hiding something that he didn’t want to speak about with the one he professed to love.
He wanted to believe that Krinthen was the sweet, softly spoken healer that Sereph believed him to be. Chris rubbed at his aching head, wanting to put a finger on what it was that the Fae was hiding so that he could put his mind at ease.
Using his magical sight on his friend’s lover, Chris’ blind eyes revealing the hidden under currents that ran through Krin’s body. Staring at Krin’s barely conscious form, There it was! A demon’s curse, black and red threads layering over Krin’s own life and magic threads, running through his body, spreading through the small male like a disease, coiling about the Fae, invading, twisting, reshaping the healer’s powers and body. Why this was happening, Chris couldn’t tell. Nor to what end this curse would form the Fae should it reach the end of its coarse.
Licking his lips, Chris nudged the other, "Sereph," gaining his friend’s attention, "I think Krinthen is under that demon’s control." Though he wasn’t certain that control was the issue here with Krin.
White brows knitted together as blue eyes swept over his lover’s pale form; "You sensed it too?" Sereph stared at his lover, having stripped him of all his clothing, tracing a hand down the soft curve of the pale cheek, it had been a bit since he had last seen Krinthen without clothing, even like this, the Fae was something to behold. Smooth, flawless skin stretched over a well-toned frame that looked deceptively weak. And yet, there was something wrong with the picture that Krinthen presented to his eyes. His body had changed, shifted, nothing overly noticeable while hidden under a layer of clothing as it had been, though that it had been laid bare to his eyes, he could see the changes, feel the changes, slight as they were for the moment. There was a slight flare to narrow hips and a dip in the smooth flat stomach.
Had he been so wrapped up in his own affairs that he hadn’t noticed Krin’s plight until the man had rushed off to the bathroom? How long had this been going on? Pressing his hand into the dip of Krinthen’s flat stomach, turning to look over his shoulder at Chris, Sereph asked, "Why didn’t you say something sooner? Why wait until now?"
Pushing his hair back, only to have it fall back over his ruined eye, "I have been trying to ever since the two of you walk through the door." Chris replied folding his arms over his chest. "After you explained what happened I assumed that was what I was feeling." Shaking his head a bit, "I wasn’t sure what was wrong until now. I’m still not certain. Other then the spell or whatever it is seems to involve Krin’s powers. It’s wrapped tightly around him, Sereph, and I don’t know if it can be undone."
Sereph drew Krin into his arms, "It just never ends…" Shaking his head as he carried the raven haired male from the room, "Can we keep it from spreading? Keep it from changing him further?" His fingers tightened on his ill lover, feeling the heat radiating from Krin in waves.
Chris gave a slight nod, "I think… Take Krin to the bath and I will see what I have here in the house for breaking a demon’s curse." Leaving Sereph to deal with his ill lover as he went to look through his supplies in the other room, hoping that he could figure out what Son’Arrin had done to the man and break it before something truly bad happened. Sereph was right; it just never seemed to end for him.
@
*****
@
Faolan silently fretted when Son’s eyes never refocused on him the way he wanted them to which left him wondering what the other was thinking. If Son’Arrin was thinking at all. There was of dull, lifelessness to Son’s actions as he tugged him back from the icy brink of the water. Redressing in silence to go back to his home, needing to get Son warm, get him thinking again, reacting to him, to …anything really. Worrying his lower lip between his teeth, Faolan was concerned over what to do with the young man, this sort of behavior was not healthy. Feeling the wall growing between them shoving him further out, away, closing around the former demon. Once they were dressed, Son turned away from him and began the long trudge back home. With each step becoming a greater distance between them.
It was a walking a death sentence with no way of escaping from the hell he had plunged him self into. Worse, it was not only him self, but Son as well. The knife twisted in his gut over his actions. Faolan’s lips parted to say something more then what he had already said only to watch Son stiffen his body flinching as if he were about to be struck by a lash.
Son tipped his head a little higher willing him self away from the following Aedon. Keeping his distance from Faolan. Until he could work through his pain. Why did he have to open his mouth at all? Son wondered, holding onto his emotions by inches. Unsure how he should be feeling as Faolan insisted on cramming his emotions down his throat. Making him more then aware of how he felt about the matter, which only worsened his own state of mind.
Setting his head into his hand, rubbing at his temple, why did Fate have to dump this man onto my doorstep? Faolan though bleakly. What good have I actually done for him? Looking up when he heard a door slamming closed, wincing inwardly, why were things like this? The man had only seduced me, quite expertly I might add. Chewing on his lower lip, Son’Arrin seduced the pants right off of me. Found all the right buttons and pushed them at once. And what did I do? I made the man feel like shit for giving me the best night of my life. That’s what I did.
Gritting his teeth, Faolan followed Son, hunting down the violet haired male’s hiding place, which didn’t take much effort, not really, since there were not all that many places for Son to be hiding. Walking into the other’s room, Faolan stopped, watching as Son changed into plainer clothing. Son’s lips were a light blue and his skin was so utterly pale that the bruises on his hips and thighs stood out as stark reminders of the night of shared passion. He shouldn’t have gripped the man that hard. But he couldn’t help him self. He wanted to be inside Son’s ver tight body. Filling it over and over, driving them to the brink, then over the edge of the abyss.
Why the hell did I have to open my mouth? Why couldn’t I just have pretended to sleep and let Son have the pleasure of waking me up? Things would have been so different. There wouldn’t be this wall and the hurt that hung heavily in the air between us. Will Son ever forgive me?
*****
Walking into the room that Faolan had given to him, Son looked around at the small confines. Dark eyes touching on each while listing them; four walls, a window, one small bed, a dresser for what little clothing he had been given, a small mirror, a chair and desk heaped with books, pens paper and a small lamp rounded out what thing that passed as his. It was so different from the grandeur he was used to calling his domain. Then again, he was different too. Feelling diminished from what he once was, more so now then any moment before, even when Sereph had tied him to the bed and treated him with such callous disregard. The lack luster of his life had finally settled in and would not go. Lifting pale hands upwards, staring first at the back then the palms. How far he had fallen from one of Lucifer’s prized Lords to this pale, thin creature that could not even inspire love in the man he wished to claim. How very pathetic he had become over the last few months.
Dropping his hands to his sides, Son moved from the doorway, walking over to the dresser, pulling open the drawers and digging through the clothing. Looking for something to fit his somber mood. He was leaving Faolan’s, having no intentions of staying after this mornings debacle. The man did not wish for love to touch him, did not wish to have a former demon as a lover, then he did not need to continue to inflict this pain onto him self. Fingers clenching around the fabric of a muddy colored shirt, Son wanted to drop his head back and roar out his frustrations, but no sound would issue forth. It was like it was all frozen inside.
Pulling out the shirt and a loose fitting pair of pants, Son heard his door open, lifting his head to stare coldly into the deep golden eyes, willing the man to leave, feeling his lips twitch in an effort to snarl. "Go away, Faolan." Turning to give the man his back, "I have no desire for you." Not wishing to continue to feel his heart breaking. Willing the icy feeling from the pond to wash over him once more, devouring him in a shield of numbness. Leaving behind the husk of his body that would be unaffected by Faolan’s presence.
Faolan flinched at the hostile words but did not leave. He refused to allow Son to remain like this, "I wish to make amends…" Watching as Son jerked the shirt over his head, hiding the faint scratch marks that criss-crossed the surface of his back.
"There are no amends to be made, Prophet." Dragging the soiled pants from his body, uncaring that Faolan stood there and watched his every movement; he knew that nothing he could do would move Faolan to respond to him in any way shape or form.
"Son, please, it was not… I didn’t mean to accuse you the way I had." Trying hard to keep his eyes off of Son’s pale body and the bruises he had placed upon it.
Slipping into the clean plants, Son snorted, as Faolan talked, "I really don’t care what you have to say," Jerking the laces together so that he could tie them shut. "Whatever you want to believe, Prophet, to make yourself feel better for there is nothing I want from you." Feeling like he was repeating him self.
Cold black eyes set on rich amber gold, "I think it would be best served for the both of us, if I left. Since I am less then you desire." Soothing hands over the clothing, Son started for the door, going to shove past the raven-haired male.
Faolan caught the former demon’s arm, twisting him about and pushing him up against the wall before he could escape. Growling low in his throat as Son struggled in his hold, "you have no idea what I desire, Son’Arrin."
"Enough to know it’s not me, Faolan Black." Not like being pressed back into the wall.
Faolan stooped forward, slanting his mouth over Son’s protesting one, silencing the man’s words with his own actions. Kissing the violet haired male deeply. Willing him to see. To feel. He hadn’t meant to say those words. Hadn’t meant to give Son such a lowering opinion of him self. Faolan did desire the one he was kissing; he had just been a fool and too well guarded for his own liking when it came to the former demon. He wanted to make sure that Son understood his need to be here and with him.
******
Wondering through the gnarled roots under the canopy of endless leaves that was the eastern most boarders of Idomega, Theodus Reinhart, and former High Priest of Gilles City finally stumbled in his steps. He was now private crusader against the dark arts and demons, in the service of his Beloved Mistress, Persephone, and such a divine and holier creature there never would be again. He would believe that till his dying breath, which didn’t look like would be in the far distant future. Holding onto his battered side of his ribcage, Theodus came to lean against one of the thick, grizzled tree trunks that made up the vast wood. Dark head bowing forward chin nearly touching his chest as he panted in pain. His tanned flesh made pale due to the sickness that spread through his body. Taking a moment to gather his bearings once more, light, colorless eyes lifting to peer through his bangs at the crowding trees surrounding him.
LOST! Came the priest’s immediate thoughts. Panic surging through his battered body making him moan loudly.
He, the Greatest Demon Hunter to ever grace the lands, had become lost in this wretched wood! And it was all thanks to the fever that was laying waste to his body after that fucked up, little piece of trash, half breed Fae struck him with that spell of his that sent him into that other tree. Fall all he knew it could be this very tree he was now leaning against. Stupid Fae! If ever I ever get my hands on you! Oh, you better pray we never cross paths again!
Gritting his teeth together, the priest he sucked in a pained breath held onto his ribs a bit tighter with his good arm. His thoughts clearing and warming as he thought about the inky haired male. I am going to take a very long time in purifying him for my Mistress. Because of him, I’ve lost my one chance to prove to the most beauteous Persephone just how worthy of her I am. Just how well I would continue to serve in her glory. It is the Fae’s entire fault, cursing the male to the lowest depths of Hell for his interference in the purification of the tainted angel he had sought long and hard to find for Persephone.
Spitting onto the ground, if it was the last thing he did, he was going to find said Fae and string him up, gut him while he still lived and savor the screams of pain. Snarling under his breath, as the images of torturing the Fae rose up in his mind. It would be his greatest pleasure to hurt the man. Perhaps take everything from him before he even began the torture? Make him wish for death, pray for it even before he touched one of his blessed blades to that soft, sweet pale skin.
Everything had been going right until that… that… bastard had to show up and ruin it all. He nearly had the demon free. He’d nearly brought the poor creature into the light once more. He could have saved the tainted angel had the Fae not interfered with his Mistress’ plans for Serephium.
Light eyes gleamed fever bright just thinking of what he had almost done for his Mistress. He had to find Serephium once more, but had no idea even where to start looking and the fever and broken ribs were slowing him down. Even though he had found the tainted angel by pure chance the first time, trapping the white wolf had not been all that hard. Not with the power that his Divine Angel had given him.
Seething in anger and pain, Theodus pushed away from the tree he could not stand her all night. He needed to find food and shelter, more; he needed to find a healer. The first few steps were slow and sluggish, picking a direction at random; Theodus watched his shuffling feet trying to keep his head from spinning. Moving slowly until he collided with a solid and immovable object.
Thinking it another tree until he tipped his head back and he stared up into the cold dark eyes that belonged to his lady. The woman was beauty beyond mortals. Long dark hair and wide doe like eyes, her body was ripe and curved, full and wondrous to behold. Wetting his lips at the sight of his angel, Theodus sunk to his knees before her, he prostrated him self, "MY LADY!" The words coming out high and stressed, "Please forgive me!" Having not seen her until it was far too late to stop the collision. Oh, she would surely make his suffer for such a folly. Cowering at her feet, with his ass in the air and arms out stretched before him.
Persephone started down at the man with unfeeling interest, if she did not have need of at he man’s skill she would have just killed him long ago and been down with it and not turned him into her willing slave. It had taken a good deal of effort to do so and now he belonged solely to her. It would be a shame to waste his flesh, but what else could she do with a failure?
"You have failed me, Theodus Reinhart, and those that fail me, serve no purpose. And with out a purpose, what is your life worth to me?" Her voice warm and sweet like rich honey, the poisonous acrid undertone giving lie to what she truly was, Lucifer’s right hand, one of the most powerful demon in the realms of Hell, the one that had Tainted Serephium. And one day, she was going to lay her full claim on the man and turn him into her tool to use however she willed.
Theodus lifted his head, baleful eyes staring at her with remorse, "But I have served you…" He pleaded weakly, "I would have brought him…" lifting one hand in a beseeching manner towards his mistress.
Cold, dark eyes narrowed on the man, "Would have?" She scoffed. Not pleased at all. Then, something clicked inside of her mind, fingers coming to coil in Theodus’ hair, her gaze devoid of any warmth, "Wold have brought me who? Another worthless demon that is not why I enlisted your help, Theodus." Jerking his head back, to stare down at her creation, "I have no use for another demon."
Holding up his hand, long strands of white hair floating from his fingers, "No, the one you seek," the breathy reply came, tears of pain blurring his vision.
"Serephium!" Snagging the hairs from Theodus’ fingers, lifting them to her nose and breathing deep, "You found him?" Her stance softening, petting the hair under her hand that belonged to her slave, "Where is he?" Tipping her chin to look down at the man at her feet, "Tell me you have him."
Licking his lips, "I had him, I almost purified him. Only this Fae came along, a very powerful, raven haired one…" Lapping at his lips again, "H-he attacked me! The bastard tried to kill ME for doing YOUR work!"
"Fae? What Fae are you talking about? You had Sereph in your clutches and he escaped because of some Fae?" Her fingertips stroking the angel’s white hair, what if Sereph had a friend? A lover? Though it would not do, but it was away in, a way to weaken the man to take him over. Turning back to her slave, her puppet in church cloth, "Tell me about this Fae…" Persephone used a bit of her healing to clear away the injuries and sickness in her pet so that he might freely recall all the details of Sereph and this Fae.
*****
In a darkened tower far removed from the greater civilizations of the world lived a Seer known simply as Sybel. Having chosen to live apart of the world around him had made him highly sought after for his powers, by those that did not wish for others to know of their need for his skills since the Seer was not at all human. Sybel’s hair was as blue as the skies while his bright eyes gleamed like green growing things. His skin, as soft warm earthy brown over a supple young body that did not seem to age. Sybel was not overly tall or thin, most found him rather pleasing to the eye, knowing this caused slow smile to creep over his features. Elongated tufted ears perked and swiveled, picking up the slightest shifting of the air around him while slanted eyes remained down cast and focused on his slender fingers as the shuffled. The Seer served both Fate and Chaos, balancing his benefactors needs against his own personal desires. Fate took acceptation to this most times while Chaos did not care what the man did, since it was Chaos he was serving.
High up in the tower, in the room that Sybel used to create and entertain those that bothered to seek him out he had hung only two lights over a table draped in a rich burgundy and white cloth. There was a chair on either side of the table, one of the chairs he now filled the other standing empty and the door ajar, knowing that his guest was soon to arrive. Sybel had dressed for the man, wearing silken pants of deep purple that gathered at the waist and ankles with golden laces and silver bells that chimed when he moved. He had removed a good deal of his personal jewelry, only leaving a few bracelets that jingled and clinked together while he shuffled the deck of hand painted tarot cards. He knew the man hated anything and everyone that was less then pure, there was no reason in upsetting his guest further by dressing even more outlandishly then he already was, highlighting the face the was not pure. Even though he was not supposed to know whom the other male was or his rank or even what he was.
Shuffling his cards in a idol fashion he suddenly stopped and started to lay them out before him, humming softly as he turned the up, one after another, setting them before him. Watching the unknown fortune being spilled out before him, who’s it, was, he could not say. Most likely it was someone that belonged to Fate since she and he were on the outs once more and yet, it felt like she was trying to give him a warning.
Flipping up the Death card on the second draw, Sybel hissed softly, that was certainly unexpected.
Well, change was in the air. He didn’t have to be a Seer to know that, chuckling darkly to him self, Sybel continued to roll the cards from the top of his deck.
It was then a heavily cloaked and hooded figure entered his office, taking a seat across from him without being invited to do so. Sybel smiled softly at the hooded figure, yes, this one was used to having things his way, there tells of one used to having power. Setting his cards to the side, he leaned back in his chair, "Greetings, Great Lord and how may this simple Seer of Fates serve you?" Noting the man’s interest in the cards. Sybel reached out and drew up The Devil, laying that face up on the table in front of the other male.
"Fascinating." Came the dark and dry reply. It was a moment more before the man again spoke, "Tell me what you see, Sybel. And be fast, I wish to spend as little time here as possible." Tossing the card back at the seer.
Gathering all the cards to him, Sybel’s lips twitched into a smile. It was so fun to play with this man above all others. "Change is coming." The Seer remarked as he began to shuffle his deck once more, feeling power flowing over his hands, connecting with the cards, seeking answers from them, "For you, for the lands. That much is already apparent to you, Great Lord. What more do you wish to know?"
"The… Tainted Angel, Serephium. I wish to know of him. What part has he played or will play in this." The cloaked male intoned as he shifted back into his seat. Drawing the cloak around him as if he could keep Sybel’s power from seeing past it and to him. He didn’t like the Seer, didn’t trust him, but yet, here he was, seeking the man’s advice once more.
Sybel shuffled for a moment more, questioning the cards of the Tainted Angel until he felt the need to stop. Laying the Hermit upright on the table, "It seems the one you are seeking is also seeking… New doors are opening for him… Yes, change as gripped the air these days." Nodding to him self as he started to shuffle once more, staring at the card, to have one of the major arcana come up so fast worried him a bit.
"How?" Trying not to sound too eager as he leaned forward to peer at the cards that Sybel was turning up.
Flipping up the Eight of Cups then The Lovers Car. Brows arching a bit. The Lovers card was odd looking, the pair facing back to back, faces hidden behind black wings of a large bird. The bodies of the pair nearly looked masculine, hard to tell which was the female and which was the male, except for the obvious chest to the one of the nearly twin figures. Sybel had a feeling this would also come into play.
"Very interesting," The Seer mumbled, eyes flickering from the card to the hidden one, "It seems that the doors have brought the angel a soul mate that moves unseen and yet highly thought of." Caressing the pair of cards before turning burning green eyes of his guest, "You wish to know of him?" Pointing to the Eight of Cups.
Jumping on the opening he was given, "Yes. Who is he? How did they meet? What will he bring to Sereph?"
Smirking, Sybel shuffled the deck again, pulling out three more cards. Justice, a raven headed man in profile, the Three of Swords, pictures as three swords through a heart, and finally the Queen of Cups.
"It seems the man is a healer and it was through pain and grief that the pair met. What will be bring?" Looking up to the cloaked being, tapping Justice, "I think this should speak for its self, but if you don’t know, balance. You are in great trouble dealing with this one."
A small snort of confidence was heard from across the table, "On with this farce." Not liking what Sybel was saying but it was giving him a lot to think over.
"As you wish, Great Lord. You have four more cards." Easily shuffling the deck once more.
The blue haired Seer started to lay out another card, "Things look for the pair, Romantic, even." Having turned over the Knight of Swords.
"I don’t care about that. I want to know a way to reach out and crush…" Gathering him self, "Go on."
Flicking over the King of Swords in the reversed pose, Sybel sighed, "It seems perhaps something is happening. There is a lock of purpose…" Worrying his lower lip as the next card, The Wheel of Fortune came up in the reversed pose as well, "Waiting for something to happen…"
"Something? What something? Tell me Fate has abandoned him!"
Shaking his head, Sybel laid up the last card, "No." Green eyes boring into the cloaked man, "She has not. For Serephium is unwavering in his belief and She in hers." Uncovering The Hanged Man, for the other to see, "Whatever may come, it will not change his course. Perhaps it would be best if you changed yours?"
The man growled jumping to his feet he grabbed the cards and flung them, "Never will that Tainted Creature have a place in Heaven!" Storming from the room, leaning Sybel sitting among the fluttering cards.
Reaching out, Sybel snatched one of the cards from the air, or at least he thought he had grabbed only one. Flipping them over, finding himself staring at The Sun and The Empress, "So, that is what you are waiting on…" flicking them over in his hands. Sybel rose from his chair and began to gather his cards. Speaking to the air around him, "I hope you guard them well, Fate, Cronan is not going to take Sereph breeding with his healer very well should he learn of the Fae’s condition."
*****
The low murmur of voices was not enough to draw him from his slumbering state. Nor the two sets of hands brushed clothing from his body, bringing a cooling breeze to his fevered skin or the set of hands that lingered to caress his sweat soaked flesh. He had never been his ill in all his life, finding it hard to focus on any one thing so that he might find the strength of will to open his eyes. He didn’t understand what was going on, he could hear the soft voices talking but the words came in snatches and pieces from so far away. It hurt to focus on them, so he didn’t bother, allowing them to carry him along on a wave of semi-consciousness. Sereph was there, he knew that, touching him gently, mumbling softly under his breath, feeling his body as it grew weightless once more. Krin wanted to reach out for his lover, to touch him back, reassure him that he would be well again, only he was unable to find the strength to do so.
Why was he so weak? Why couldn’t he open his eyes? It was the fever and the illness…He needed to tell them, to open his mouth, to fill it with words…
Drowning in the pool of darkness Krin felt his world falling away, the voices dulled then silenced as the sensation of floating eroded his sense. Was he dying? Was this how death felt? He wasn’t Ready! He didn’t want to go. Sereph needed him. This new life inside of him needed him. He wasn’t ready. There was so much left undone, unsaid, he didn’t want to go, not like this, healer’s didn’t become ill. Besides, it wasn’t a real illness; it was just his system over reacting to the duel magic that had been used around him. He wasn’t going to die, not like this.
Struggling to fight away the comforting warm embrace of the darkness as cool water rippled against his too hot flesh, knowing that he was too close to the brink. The cold water brought a reprieve from the heat of that surged through him. The cold was very nice, "mmhhmm," moaning softly as he tipped back further into the water that lapped over his body. Krin had no idea how long he remained like that, floating there between life and death until the chill became more, icy fingers digging into his flesh, chilling him to the core of his being. Whimpering deep in the back of his throat Krin cried out hoarsely, tossing his head backward as he struggled to escape the closing specter that tried to swallow him whole.
"Shhh! Easy Krinthen, I am just trying to break your fever." Sereph’s deep voice intoned against this ear, "Lay back and relax."
Silver blue eyes fluttered half-open, "Seph?" Weakly questioning the man over him, "Wha-what are you doing?" Feeling his teeth chattered together, "W-Why is the wa-water s-s-so cold?"
Smiling at his lover’s question, Sereph soothed back all the long raven black hair, checking for fever as he did so, "You’ve become ill and I was taking care of you." Brushing his hand against the pale cheek finding that it was cool to the touch. Breathing out a soft sigh, Sereph explained, "Chris and I have an idea what is wrong with you and we are going to try something to make you well again."
Krin’s lips parted, "you do?" Worry filling him as he lifted his hands to cross over his flat stomach, if they knew, why didn’t they say something sooner? "What are you going to do to me?" Shivering despite him self, the water was very cold and his teeth continued to knock together as he drew in shivery breaths.
"Rid you of the demon’s curse." Sereph stating as he began to wonder if it was more then that, feeling Krin’s emotions twist around again. Tilting his head to the side, his eyes narrowed a bit on the smaller male, "You knew you were cursed, why didn’t you tell us? We could have helped sooner and you would not have gotten so ill."
"I just found out…" Pausing in mid sentence before turning to face Sereph, eyes wide, "Rid me of the curse? How?" Shaking his head as he drew back and away from his lover, the water sloshing in the tub at his sudden movement, spilling the frigid water onto the floor. "You cant! I won’t let you!" Bending his knees under him, Krinthen started to draw his knees under him.
Blue eyes narrowed, "Krin, honey… talk to me. Why cant I? What’s going on?" felling like he was missing something vital with the way that Krin was over reacting. Reaching out to drag Krinthen back into the cool water, perhaps he was still in the grips of the fever, but he didn’t seem out of it to him.
"I thought… I though you said you knew?" Teeth chattering and looking to crawl out of the bathtub, the water was far too cold and he could feel his lips changing colors.
"Yes, about the curse." Sereph rose to his feet, having been kneeling next to the tub to keep Krin’s head above water. Blue eyes filled with concern, "What has it done?" standing to help Krin from the tub of ice water, the taller man hooked his fingers into the warm thick robe he had brought into the room to wrap Krinthen in after the bath. Pulling it over to them, he began wrapping a thick robe around his lover’s shoulders.
Krin looked away from Sereph as he slipped his arms into the warm garment, pulling it close to his body to warm him self again. The fever was broken and he didn’t feel quite as sick as before. Supposing that the clashing magics had finally warn themselves out and left him in peace. Folding his arms around his stomach, reaching for the little lives inside of him self, finding that they were still there, whole and healthy. Brushing his healing magic over them before looking back up at Sereph. Yes, he was feeling much better now.
But he still wasn’t sure if he could tell the white haired man what was really wrong with him. There were far too many what ifs on his mind. He wanted to believe in his lover. That Sereph would do the right thing. Rolling his lips together, Krin ducked his head, feeling Sereph reach for him to pull him face back up, "I love you Krinthen. Whatever is happening to you, we will get through this together."
Staring into those living blue eyes, Krin wanted to believe, so badly. Drawing in a shaky breath, he took a leap of faith. The healer whispered, "The curse is enabling me to make you a father, Sereph." Drawing in a slow, uneven breath, "I am with child… Your child." Letting the cards fall where them may, at least the worry would be over and Sereph and Chris wouldn’t try anything stupid that would kill him or the children.
Sereph felt the color drain from his face at Krin’s admission of the truth. It wasn’t possible… it shouldn’t be, possible. Why would Fate do this to him? To Krin? Why? Stepping back from the Fae as he stared at the man, his eyes dropping the still flat belly of his lover where hands were crossed protectively over the surface. Was this what all the talk had been about in the bedroom? Was that Krinthen’s way of sounding him out on the topic of children and becoming a father? He had never thought about becoming a father. Children worried him and made him a bit edgy. But to have his own and with Krinthen, like this and now? Blue eyes drifted back up to face the healer’s face, how could he explain his own misgivings to the man?
Sereph’s reaction hurt, that shocked look of horror, was the last thing he wanted to see on his lover’ face. Turning his head to the side, Krin held his stomach tighter, stiffening his resolve, "I will understand if you don’t want anything more to do with me or the child." Caressing the flat smooth surface of stomach, feeling the soft flutter of life under his hands, "Just don’t ask me to give them up and don’t expect me to allow you or Chris to undo the only thing that is keeping the three of us stable. Even if you don’t want them, I do. I have always wanted them. I welcome this, even if you can’t, Sereph."
"Three?" Krin’s words catching his attention once more, looking from determined blue eyes to where hands rested on the belly, "Twins?" Once more thrown by what the healer had to say. "Are you sure?" Shaking off the shock, Krin didn’t need this right now. Following the retreating male, "Of all the things that Son’Arrin could have cursed you with, this is not something I expected. I am sorry if my reactions have not been more to your liking." Half wondering what Son planned on doing with children.
Then again, he really didn’t want to know what a demon did with children.
What was he going to do with children? "Krin," Reaching for the healer, turning Krinthen about in his arms, cupping the man’s jaw in his hands, "We will do this together. You are not alone." Pressing a kiss to his lover’s brow then moving lower, captured Krin’s parted lips in a searing kiss.
