Chapter Text
Silence.
That was all Vheera heard as she sat crouched in a bush, the slight breeze making the leaves brush against her cheek. The position had started to make her back hurt, but she had a job to do, and persistence was her middle name. Actually, Vheera didn’t know her middle name, nor if she had one, but that was neither here nor there.
Crunch.
Vheera closed her eyes for moment in order to focus on the source of the sound, find where it came from. “Dammit,” she whispered under her breath, losing track of the sound.
“Hmm.” The man next to her made such a small noise, but she knew exactly what he meant. He was telling her to stay ready. Not to give up. Vheera opened her eyes and looked at him, and noticed he was looking straight ahead, directly at the target they were after. Of course Hassian found the Proudhorned Sernuk with ease. Because it’s Hassian, the best hunter in Bahari Bay, quite possibly the entire empire, though Vheera has never ventured past their little part of the world. Maybe one day.
Vheera nocked her arrow as silently as she could. She attempted to steady her breath, but she couldn’t stop the slight shake when her arm pulled the arrow back. It was her first time finding the Proudhorned, albeit with Hassian’s help, and Vheera couldn’t help but be an assortment of feelings—nervous yet excited, determined yet self-conscious.
But all these feelings, her racing thoughts, the doubt, disappeared as soon as he touched her. His hand rested flat on her belly—Vheera instantly caught her breath and exhaled slowly. Hassian’s other hand tapped the bottom of her right elbow, currently pulled back but angle a little too low. Vheera lifted it, and she could see a slight nod from her partner from the corner of her eye.
Vheera’s right arm was on fire, her left catching up, but she focused on Hassian’s hand on her stomach and the blue glow of the creature in front of her. With other last exhale, Vheera released the arrow, letting if fly. It hit true, striking the Proudhorned cleanly in the chest. Before she had even realized she hit it, Hassian has readied his own bow and released two additional arrows that landed mere inches from hers.
They had done it. Mostly Hassian, Vheera thought, but they did it together and that filled her with a pride she could barely contain. Still crouching in the bushes, Vheera dropped her bow and wrapped her arms around Hassian’s neck. She didn’t need to speak her thanks, or tell him how excited she was. Their relationship was often unspoken. They could communicate through their actions, their expressions, even in silence. Physical touch, too, of course. Hassian had started very hands-off, even when Vheera revealed her interest in him, but things have changed over time. Now, Hassian would proudly hold her hand in public, give her a hug, and even a quick peck on the cheek. It was nothing like her other relationships, but that’s what she loved about it. About him.
Hassian embraced Vheera back strongly, pulling her close and kissing her hair. Vheera pulled back slightly, just enough to see the pride in his gaze. Pride and desire. Hunting was Hassian’s passion, and when they hunted together, it only strengthened their bond. Vheera couldn’t deny the heat in his eyes, so she pulled him closer until their lips melted together. If there were one element to describe the two of them, it would be fire. Vheera always thought it had to do with their emphasis on actions, rather than words. Even with his love of poetry, Hassian always expressed more through his kiss and touch, which were always meaningful and burned in passion.
Before things could be taken any further, Hassian pulled back. Vheera instantly felt colder from the absence of his lips on hers.
“We should collect our prize and head back to the Grove,” Hassian told her, tucking a loose lock of hair behind her ear. “We’re not done yet.” Vheera was hoping he was referring to more than just their hunting.
——————————
The sun was nearly set by the time Vheera and Hassian had brought the Proudhorned Sernuk to the Grove, skinned the creature and began cooking. They each had tasks to do this evening, sometimes working independently, other times working side by side, stealing glances and small touches when they could.
Stars lit up the sky when they sat down by the campfire to eat. Vheera had brought along corn, potatoes, and blueberries from her own garden when she had arrived this morning. They made grilled steak and corn with boiled potatoes, and the blueberries for dessert. Hassian liked to keep things simple, and though Vheera enjoyed cooking and had learned many fun and interesting recipes, Hassian’s minimalism was rubbing off on her.
Hassian pointed out constellations as they ate, as he often did. Vheera always enjoyed him sharing his knowledge, since she knew very little of their world, and remembered so little of hers. Vheera felt a surge of confidence when she pointed out the Smiling Kitsune, Hassian’s favorite set of stars. Her mind drifted back to when he told her this—a night she treasured for many reasons.
*two months ago*
Vheera was not feeling herself. Usually a content, energized, go-with-the-(non magical) flow type of girl, something felt off after a few conversations with villagers. Just that day, Jina had asked if Vheera had ever felt like a fraud. Eshe had made a snarky comment about human presence infuriating her. And Hassian, who Vheera had just admitted she had feelings for, made her question her sense of belonging with a question he posed.
Stuck in a cloud of self-doubt, Vheera spent the day smacking trees and rocks mindlessly, though the only thing that brought her was an overfilled backpack. She ended her evening sitting at the docks on the pond at Hideaway Bluffs, her mind spiraling. It shouldn’t have surprised her that Hassian appeared, since he lives close to the pond, but she hadn’t expected to see him to sit down next to her. It was silent for a bit, though not the usual comfortable kind, but Hassian spoke first.
“Do you see those stars?” Hassian pointed to the sky North of the pond. “Those form the constellation called the Smiling Kitsune. I’d say it is my favorite. You can see the floppy ears just there.”
Vheera looked but did not respond.
“What troubles you?” Hassian asked, finally looking at Vheera and noticing her solemn expression.
It took an entire minute for Vheera to form the words. “I’m a human. In a world I just magically appeared in. Nobody asked for me to be here.” She paused to blink back tears. “How do I know I belong?”
Hassian processed her words before gently placing a finger under Vheera’s chin and turned her to face him. “Vheera. From the second you appeared here, you have brought happiness to every single person you’ve come across. Ashura hasn’t smiled so big in years. He sees you as a daughter. Badruu finally has someone to trade gardening tips and cheesy puns with. My mother adores you.”
Vheera could barely contain the tears forming. “What about you?”
“Me? I…uh…Vheera. I don’t want for much, just the simple things. Most of which I already have. I’m just missing someone to share those things with.” Hassian carefully swiped a finger at the single tear that fell from Vheera’s cheek. “I want to share those things with you. The stars are dimmer when you are not around. I can’t think of any further proof that shows you belong right here. With me.”
Hassian placed his hands on Vheera’s cheeks and brought their foreheads together. Vheera could nearly feel their connection growing, both from their physical touch and his words. From hints Hassian has dropped before, he very much wanted to follow the “romance rule book” of Palian history, but Vheera had to get closer to him. She had to kiss him. So that’s what she did. They’re lips met briefly, only halted for a moment when Hassian pulled back to look into her eyes. Surprise, acceptance, then need flashed in his eyes before he immediately pulled her closer and pressed his lips to hers. Her mouth opened slightly, granting him access with his tongue. They explored each others’ mouths while their hands explored each others’ bodies, hungry to touch every inch. It seemed they couldn’t get close enough. Vheera could sense his primal desire, and couldn’t help but imagine how primal he would be with less clothes on.
But before Vheera could find out, Hassian pulled away, though much slower this time, as if it were painful to part from her. “Wait,” he said, panting. “We shouldn’t rush this. There are customs I’d like to follow.”
When Vheera finally caught her breath, she nodded in agreement. Hassian was her first kiss since coming to his world. She didn’t know how much experience she had with Humans, but she knew that Hassian was a fantastic kisser and couldn’t wait to get even closer to him.
*present time*
Tonight had been planned, hunting for and cooking dinner together, preparing the hide and antlers for future use, and maybe a game of cards after. But Vheera had one thing on her mind. Hassian’s pin has been on her leather vest for a week. They had been getting to know each other over the last two months, but shared nothing more than kisses and some curious touches. She was ready for more.
Dinner was finished, and Vheera grabbed the bowl of blueberries from the log near the campfire. She wanted the dessert to be simple but special, so she had whipped up some sweetleaf yogurt to put the berries in. They didn’t joke often, which often left Vheera’s humorous side neglected, but she liked to joke about Hassian’s yogurt comment often.
When he saw the yogurt and berries, he chuckled quietly and shook his head, but didn’t hesitate to reach for the bowl. Vheera expected him to grab the spoon and feed himself, but instead, he plucked a berry with his fingers and brought it to her lips. Vheera opened for him, making sure she gave a little suck before his fingers left her mouth. She couldn’t but smirk when she saw him adjust his pants. Now it was her turn. Vheera grabbed a blueberry with her middle and index fingers, bringing it almost all the way to Hassian’s lips but pausing first to sweep across them with her pinky. They were soft and plump, and it took all of her self-control not to kiss him yet. Vheera fed him the blueberry, but bit her lip when he ran his tongue between her two fingers, instantly making her imagine his tongue in a different spot.
They went back and forth a few times, teasing each others’ fingers as they fed each other. Vheera could feel her pants dampening between her legs, and noticed that Hassian was having trouble siting comfortably. Unsure if Hassian would make the first move or not, Vheera had an idea. She just hoped Hassian would play along.
Vheera grabbed a handful of blueberries with yogurt, causing Hassian’s eyes to widen. They had kept things clean for now, but she was ready to get messy. Looking directly at Hassian, Vheera brought the dessert to her neck and smeared it across her skin.
“Damn. Look at this mess.” Vheera tried her best to make a seductive face, and it must have worked because Hassian looked like a man starved. In record time, Hassian closed the distance between them, ready to devour her. Without hesitation, he headed straight for her collarbone, grabbing her chin and gently but firmly tipping it up so he had full access to her skin. Hassian dragged his tongue up her neck, reaching the sensitive spot just below her ear, sending chills through Vheera’s body. She gripped his arms as he licked her clean.
“Fuck, Vheera.” Hassian’s eyes were nearly glazed over. Vheera carefully unlatched the hooks of Hassian’s vest, tossing it to the side before she took in the sight of his bare chest. She knew he was all muscle from years of hunting and living off the land, but the view was still breathtaking. This time Hassian grabbed the dessert and smeared it on his chest, but spreading it a bit lower so it reached just above the top of his pants. Vheera started high, giving his neck a quick kiss for good measure, then started licking down his body. Underneath the yogurt and berries, Vheera tasted salt and leather, proof of the hard work they’d done today. Hassian was now leaning back with his elbows propping himself up while Vheera straddled him, collecting every last drop of mess. She could feel him growing hard beneath her, so she began to grind against his length, the friction causing her to moan against his skin.
The noise triggered Hassian. He let out a low growl from deep in his chest, then in one swift movement, flipped himself so Vheera was now with her back to the ground and he was straddling her hips. Vheera could only stare at the seam of his pants that was holding on for dear life. One by one, Hassian unhooked the straps of Vheera’s vest, trailing down her torso with kisses. When he opened the vest to see her bare underneath, he was momentarily stunned by the sight, a strangled breath caught in his throat. Hassian leaned down, kissing and licking the edges of one breast before making his way to the nipple, taking it into his mouth. His right hand massaged the other breast, not daring to let the opportunity to touch her be wasted. After a moment, he switched sides, licking and sucking and even sprinkling in a few small bites.
All the while, Vheera had her hands in his hair, letting out soft moans as Hassian took his time with her. She could tell he was holding back. She kept one hand in his hair and reached the other down to stroke him through his pants. Unfortunately, she lost contact when he leaned back onto his heels. Hassian gave the slightest shake of his head as if to say “not yet.” Instead, he reached for her pants. His fingers trailed and teased along the top, causing Vheera to buck her hips underneath him with anticipation. Finally he unbuttoned the first, then second button and gripped at them, pulling both her pants and panties down inch by inch. He kissed and licked her hips while doing so, moving lower and lower as he pulled down. To Vheera’s frustration, he avoided her center, focusing on her legs, planting the final kisses on the tops of her feet before tossing her bottoms to the side.
Vheera was now bare before him. His gaze burned into her in the most exhilarating way. She thought he might stare at her all night but once he got his fill, he grabbed her knees and spread them open. Vheera thought she might have been shy or awkward when Hassian saw her, all of her, for the first time, but after months of sexual tension and anticipation, she had never felt so comfortable. Like she truly belonged right here, right now.
With her legs spread, Hassian lowered himself to her most sensitive spot until he was just a breath away. He started with tiny kisses on the inside of Vheera’s thighs, moving closer and closer to her center. He hesitated just a moment, then dove in. His tongue immediately focused on her clit, alternating between circling the nub and flattening his tongue to lap at the area. One hand reached to the side to grip her thigh, and the other moved to assist his mouth. He grazed his finger over her opening, but Vheera was so wet, there was no prep needed. Increasing the intensity of his tongue, Hassian pushed into her with one finger, leading to a gasp escaping Vheera’s lips, followed by a moan as he pumped into her with one, then two fingers.
Vheera grabbed for Hassian’s hair, his shoulders, the grass around her—anything within her reach. She could feel the pleasure building, her cup about to overflow. When Hassian put more pressure on Vheera’s clit, her back arched, and that was his cue. Harder, faster, don’t stop. These words may have come out of Vheera’s mouth, but she felt no control over her body, it may as well have been gibberish. She reached the edge seconds later, then teetered over, feeling weightless as she released her pleasure. Hassian slowed his pace, removing his fingers, but kept his tongue on her core, drinking her up.
Catching her breath, Vheera gripped at Hassian’s shoulders, trying to pull him up to her. Their lips have been all over each other, but they had yet to share a kiss. At least since their hunt earlier, and that was far too long ago. Hassian slid up Vheera’s body, the sensation of skin to skin stroking the flame within her, readying her for the next step. She was beyond ready for him. Their eyes met as he became level with her, more unspoken words, promises, emotions passing between them. Hassian brought his lips to hers, gently at first, then something else. Possessive. Passionate. Exclusivity was not something either required in their relationship, but in that moment, she was his and he was hers. Nothing had ever felt so right.
Never breaking the kiss, both Hassian and Vheera fumbled with his pants. Damned leather, and damned sweaty skin, it took way too long to get him fully unclothed. Once his bottom half connected with hers, though, Vheera was flooded with such a sensual, intimate feeling it nearly overwhelmed her. She felt as if she couldn’t possibly feel any more deeply for this man. But the second his cock brushed against her entrance, she knew there was no limit to what she could feel for him. Things were about to change for them in the best way.
Hassian gripped his length with one hand, holding himself just above Vheera with the other. He lined himself up, pausing his kiss only to focus on his breath as he tested his size to her opening. Vheera’s arousal coated the head of his cock, making it easier for Hassian to slide in. Slowly he entered her, both Hassian and Vheera holding their breath as he inched in, their foreheads together. Once halfway, he thrust in fully, Vheera gasping into Hassian’s open mouth. There was pain, but Hassian stalled a moment, letting Vheera adjust to him, allowing the pleasure to take over. He searched her eyes for approval, a silent check that she was ready for more. Vheera could see in his eyes that he was still holding back, so she lifted her legs to wrap around his back side, digging her heels into his ass, prompting him to continue.
He understood. Bringing his lips back down on hers, Hassian pulled out nearly all the way, then pushed back into her. He did this again, and again, until they could no longer focus enough to kiss each other, but instead gasp and moan against the other. Vheera kept her feet at his back, pulling Hassian in even deeper, and lifting her hips to meet his thrust. She couldn’t get enough of him. With her hands on his back, she dug her nails into Hassian’s skin, thin red line trailing down. It felt like she was marking her territory. He must have felt the same, because with a growl, Hassian buried his face into the nook of Vheera’s shoulder and really, truly, claimed her. He pumped into Vheera without abandon, feeling his own pleasure rising and taking over.
No longer able to keep her composure, her moans and mewls turned into screams. Vheera deduced that Hassian’s cock was made of magic, because he was hitting all the right spots, ones she didn’t even know existed. The heat building in her lower belly told her she was close to another climax, and she wanted this to be intimate and special, like her entire experience with him.
“I’m close,” she whimpered into his ear. “Come with me.”
The words broke Hassian. He pumped even harder and faster yet, Vheera’s breasts bouncing from the force. She was about to explode, both with love and pleasure, and the growing pressure was almost too much to handle. She held on as long as she could, but the second she heard “fuck, I’m coming, baby,” escape Hassian’s lips, she fell apart. Her half-moan half-scream and Hassian’s low rough grunts echoed through the Grove, the trees and stone bouncing their noises back and forth, making the moment last even longer.
It took a few moments for them to catch their breaths, but all the while, Hassian remained inside her. He never wanted to leave. Vheera pulsed around him, her body still coming down from the high. Vheera could tell Hassian was still hard and likely could go for another round, but with the feeling of pleasure passing, she was starting to feel sore. As if Hassian could read every thought, he very carefully eased out of her. Planting a kiss on Vheera’s forehead, he lifted himself up to stand next to her. He went to his tent for just a moment, returning with a small pouch. This gave Vheera the opportunity to take in his entire body, and she looked forward to the days when they could spent countless hours in bed, or on the ground, or by the waterfall. He was truly a masterpiece in her eyes.
“Come,” Hassian said, though he didn’t give Vheera much of a choice because he scooped her up off the ground with ease. She wrapped her arms around his neck while he carried her to the pond, the sound of the waterfall the only noise around them. Slowly Hassian walked into the water until he was waist deep then set Vheera down. He turned her around so that her back was to his chest. Pulling a block of soap from the pouch, Hassian used his hand to scoop water over Vheera’s back and hair, then lathering her with soap. He turned her around to face him, doing the same to her front size, taking his time on her breasts and peppering kisses along her shoulders and neck. Using the bar of soap, he reached under the water to rub the bar on her inner thighs, then using his other hand to cup the peak between her thighs. Vheera let out a small gasp, and Hassian releasing a low groan.
“I don’t think I’ll ever stop believing you are an angel,” Hassian whispered into her hair. He pulled his hand away from her center, sliding a finger between her slit as he did.
“Angel or not, I know where I belong,” Vheera said. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and his went around her waist. Vheera didn’t know how long they spent in the water, but by the time they came out to rest, their fingers were pruny and every inch of skin had been kissed countless times. Lying in each other’s arms, their eyes closed just as the sun came up.