Bloodletting, Chapter 2

Wakefulness came over Atrios in a slow, sedate wave. Passht still laid beside him, wrapped up securely in his arms and dozing quietly, her breaths even and deep. He relaxed, cuddling her against his chest as he let his mind expand and listen to the morning goings on of the mansion. Sensing Basil was still entertaining himself, Atrios decided to enjoy the moment and remained cuddled up in bed.

Halfway in a twilight doze, Atrios was brought out of the mindless daydreaming by a warm brush against his mind. His soul opened to the contact as he let the connection through to his mind, focusing his attention inwards to that place Daeinde was permanently connected to him. He could feel his lover’s slight amusement as he noticed Atrios laying curled up with the Dremora woman.

I rather thought you were up to no good last night, Daeinde’s light voice spoke through their bond. I sensed all sorts of interesting things from you! The cheery tone deepened into a more serious quality. I also felt something odd. Though at the time I felt I should leave you to it, but now I’m curious. Did something bad happen yesterday? I know you would have contacted me if it was anything really serious. With the words, feelings also came through: amusement at Atrios having a bit of fun, concern for his friend, worry that Atrios might be taking on something he couldn’t handle.

Ssomething happen, yess. Many thingss, thingss Atrios not fully undersstand yet. He paused, sensing that Daeinde wished for him to continue. Atrios find Basil sstarving, passsed out. Feed handssome vampire Atrios’ blood, protect with sspellss. Not know at time Atrios’ blood carry Firestorm, but ssoon disscover. A spike of concern flooded through the link briefly, but Atrios soothed his lover with calming warmth. Iss not bad, handssome Basil hass ssmall link to Firestorm for now. Not ssure how long lasst, but probably be assked many quesstionss.

Daeinde’s mind seemed to frown as he turned over the information. You seem particularly unfazed by this, so I’m going to assume that nothing bad will result of it.

Iss more, Atrios sent, thinking of how to explain what had happened last night. Firestorm hass planss, but Atrios not know what yet. Ssent Atrios into handssome vampire’ss mind lasst night. Atrios ssee big Basil with female, sshare pleassure with Atrios. Atrios do ssame, sshare pleassure of pretty Dremora friend with Basil. Firestorm join, ssend energy through. Very intensse. Atrios plan explore if handssome vampire allow.

I trust your judgement–and by extention that of the Firestorm–in this, Daeinde finally replied after thinking about what Atrios had said for a few moments. Perhaps there is more to our vampiric friend than just a pretty face, he sent, along with a mischievous surge of emotion and the image of him grinning and winking.

Mind-voice laughing, Atrios poked Daeinde mentally. Yess, Atrios think sso. Not ssure what yet, but find out. Today or later, whenever Firestorm decidess time. Passht shifted in his arms, turning to face him, bright yellow eyes regarding him playfully. He nuzzled at her face, feeling her bite the edge of his mask. Atrios go now, he continued the conversation as he teased the woman, digging his talons into her sides. Have thingss do. Daeinde’s laugh sent a tingle down his spine as he felt the bond recede to the back of his mind once more.

He continued the slightly rough play-fight with Passht for a while, both amused and aroused by the act. They clawed and scratched at each other, Passht also using her fangs, as they wrestled around, getting further tangled up in the blankets, but not seeming to mind. Atrios made a sound somewhere between a growl and a purr as he pinned the Dremora woman to the bed and she growled in return, biting at his collarbone.

Flame Atronachs often played this way, the act of sex sometimes becoming a sparring match, albeit a playful one. A pang of sadness found its way into his gut at the thought: he hardly ever partook of this kind of thing with his brothers. So many things I’m missing out on, he thought to himself as he dug his talons into Passht’s hips even as she raked her own claws down his arms in defiance. I need to take more time to enjoy myself, Atrios decided as he finally took Passht in one hard thrust, the Dremora squealing in pleasure under him as she wrapped her legs around his waist.

Atrios held Passht in his arms after they were both sated–and healed–setting propped up on the host of pillows piled against the headboard. The Dremora woman sat curled up on his lap, her head resting against his chest, listening to him make the rumbling purring sound that he always seemed to make when he was feeling content. He hissed as she turned her head to rub her face against him, giving him a light nip.

The hot skin tasted nice to her, like hot steel and spices. She gave the place she’d nipped a casual lick before leaning back against him, tilting her head back to look up at him. “Atrios, you do me great honor by allowing me into your bed.”

Looking down into the yellow eyes that seemed to not miss anything, Atrios tilted his head to the side. “Iss Atrios’ pleassure. Passht welcome, jusst needss assk, Atrios like pretty Dremora. Full of honor and handssome Ra and big Basil friend, Atrios’ friend too. Alsso resspectss Atrios, not ssee asss lessser Daedra, ssee asss equal.”

Breaking eye contact, Passht lowered her gaze and traced a clawtip down Atrios’ chest, feeling the Atronach shiver in pleasure. “Equal? You could probably hand me my ass in five pieces with your hands tied behind your back!” She lifted her head again to grin up at him. “Even Ra says you’re a force to be reckoned with when you put your mind to it.”

“Iss true,” Atrios agreed. “But Atrios never harm friendss, pretty Dremora never worry about Atrios hurt, not happen.” His voice became slightly tinged with sadness as he added, “Though handssome Ra ssee sside of Atrios that hurtss, Atrios deeply regretss, but wass necesssary, protect otherss from raging Dremora.”

Something clicked in Passht’s mind at the confession. “It was you!” When Atrios looked at her blankly, she elaborated, “He has scars. I once asked him how he’d gotten them and he said he’d been bitten by a Flame Atronach. Though, he never did explain how or why.” Her excitement fizzled away as she watched Atrios turn his head away, almost as if he was ashamed. “I’m sorry,” she apologized, her rough voice soft. “It seems to me he’s rather proud of them, though. I’m sure he has no ill feelings towards you about it.”

“Doess not,” Atrios hissed sadly. “But Atrios sstill regret, not like what happened. Wass cruel.” His head suddenly perked up as if he heard a noise. “Atrios musst go. Iss time meet with handssome vampire.”

Though Passht sensed he was also trying to change the subject and get as far away from the conversation as possible, she didn’t blame him and helped him untangle himself from the twisted covers. She made to rise out of the bed herself, but Atrios stopped her with a gentle hand on her shoulder. “No, Passht sstay long asss like. Maybe ssee Atrios later.” She couldn’t help but smirk as she relaxed back against the pillows, watching the Atronach push his armor out of his skin. When he turned back to her, she bowed her head to him. “I think I might take you up on that offer,” the woman said, winking.

It wasn’t outwardly obvious, but Atrios grinned under his mask, feeling a bit better. Nobody who found out about his past seemed to mind it and he was discovering that perhaps things weren’t as bad as he thought. He still wished to not be that person ever again, but he was also no longer afraid of the person he’d been. Atrios returned the bow, picking up Passht’s hand and nuzzling his face against it, the gesture not exact, but understood. Straightening back up, he headed towards the door, pulling it open and giving Passht one last glance before heading out.

Making his way back to Basil’s study, Atrios moved unhurriedly. He had felt what Passht had thought of his sudden need to leave and while she had been partially right, he also had sensed Basil going to the study. Not wanting to make the vampire wait any longer than he had to, Atrios had decided to take the opportunity to end the conversation. Even though he had accepted what happened, he still felt that same guilt in the pit of his belly.

As he reached the study, he sensed feelings from inside: lust, passion, pleasure. He looked at the sturdy door, slightly surprised at it having been replaced so quickly and wondered if he should go inside. From the feelings he was getting, he knew Basil was busy with someone. Atrios shrugged, pushing the door open. He’d known since meeting the man that he wasn’t modest in the least and last night had only seemed to prove that further. At least he could enjoy watching.

The sight that greeted him as he entered the large room was more or less what he’d been expecting: Basil was sitting in a high-backed chair that faced the door and on his lap was the same woman from last night, happily bouncing on the vampire. Basil looked up at Atrios as the tall Atronach closed the door. He grinned over the woman’s shoulder, “Good morning, Atrios. Just give me a.. ahh! moment!”

A hiss of amusement escaped Atrios as he made his way over to the pair, taking a seat in the chair next to them and unashamedly watching the two have their fun. For a moment, he entertained the image of himself taking the woman’s place and what it might be like, but then banished the thought. Now wasn’t the time for thinking such things. If Basil noticed Atrios taking more than a casual interest in the goings on, he made no indication.

Moments later, they finished up, Basil’s face wearing a content look. He nuzzled at the woman’s neck a moment before letting her get up. “Thank you, my dear. I’m sorry to rush you out, but I’ve important business to attend to.”

She nodded as she righted her clothes. Turning to Atrios, she grinned at him and he caught a glimpse of her fangs, realizing she was a vampire as well, no doubt one of Basil’s own. Her dress made a light swishing noise as she sauntered up to the Atronach, the movements of her body seductive. Without any sense of tact, she slid onto his lap, arms wrapping around his neck as she grazed her fangs against his throat. “Ah, if you weren’t here on business, I think I’d like to get to know you a bit better.” Wriggling on his lap, she added, “Mmm, nice and warm.”

Atrios was at a complete loss for words as the vampire teased him a bit more, even going so far as to stroke a finger against the base of his horn which made him moan aloud, voice shaking. They’re all just as forward as their sire, he thought dizzily to himself, making a half-hearted attempt to push her off his lap. She laughed, moving her hips side to side as he tried to grab hold of them, then leaned forward, brushing her fingertips down his chest and feeling him shiver at the touch. Kissing him between the eyes, she finally vacated his personal space, giving him a final wink before she exited the room.

His breathing was a bit heavy and he was definitely feeling uncomfortable. Basil’s laugh cut through the fog in his mind and he looked over at the vampire who was smirking at him in open amusement. He watched as the tall vampire stood, stretching his back leisurely, giving Atrios quite an eyeful before finally doing up the laces on his pants. Through heroic force of will, Atrios managed to push the arousal away, making a note to do something about it later. After getting his breathing under control, he finally vacated his own chair, following Basil over to the Alchemy lab.

While Basil was even more rampant than normal, he must’ve found the time to set the lab up for their work. Atrios looked at all the apparatuses and bottles perfectly ordered and set out on the large workbench. Several containers held dark red blood, while others held the black, unholy blood of a vampire, probably Basil’s own. Also among the items were several containers, bottles, bowls and baskets, holding all manner of ingredients, some already prepared and ground up into fine powders or pastes, others still complete and intact.

“Both last night and this morning, I explored the properties of the effect your blood has on me,” Basil was saying and Atrios pulled his attention away from the alchemy equipment to listen. “So far, I’ve found the things we spoke of yesterday–the boundless energy and increased fire reistsance–but there appears to be more to it than that.” Basil paced with nervous energy as he continued, unable to stay parked in one spot for too long. “One of the other properties you already noticed: it makes me a bit more randy than usual!”

An amused hiss escaped the Atronach as he agreed. “Yess, not ssurprissing. Flame Atronachss enjoy ssex much. Will go on for dayss ssometimess.”

A grin split across Basil’s face. He turned to look at Atrios, saying, “I may have to summon one of those little females, if that’s the case! Sounds like fun to me. Perhaps later.” His eyes twinkled, still colored with that odd orange cast. “Another thing I noticed was when I was, ah, enjoying myself last night. I caught sight of myself through another’s eyes and noticed my eyes have an orange tint to them.”

Tilting his head, Atrios closed the space between the two, standing in front of Basil. He looked down at the vampire, narrowing his eyes at the yellow-orange globes. “May Atrios?” he asked, lifting his hands up, but not touching Basil. At an assenting nod from the Altmer, Atrios took the thin face between his hands, tilting Basil’s head up and leaning in close, staring into his eyes. He inspected the orange cast, turning the vampires head from side to side and up and down, watching how the shimmers changed in the light. Dulling the talon on one finger, he instructed Basil to close his eyes, then pressed his fingertip to one eye and then the other, feeling if they gave off any heat or magical disturbance. Atrios made a contemplative sound. “Iss ssomething, Atrios need insspect closser. Not ssure yet.”

Frowning, Basil opened his eyes. “There’s nothing bad, is there?” he asked, wondering what it was that Atrios had felt.

“No, not bad, but Atrios feel heat in eyess, needss check, make ssure iss what Atrios think before ssay.” He pondered a moment, looking at the man contemplatively. “Atrios know handssome Basil not like clossenesss, but musst, Atrios’ horn besst check heat. Basil trusst Atrios? Not try anything, only check heat.”

“If you believe it is necessary, I will allow it. I do trust you, never think for a moment that I don’t. My.. issue has nothing to do with trust at all.”

“Atrios know, only make ssure.” He took Basil’s face between his hands again as he let his senses expand, his horn becoming extremely sensitive. “Handssome Basil hold very sstill. Atrios’ horn very ssenssitive. If bump, Atrios in much pain. Closse eyess.” Atrios tilted Basil’s head back, leaning in close and tilting his head to one side, pressing his face close to the man’s. He then bowed his head downward slightly, closing his own eyes as he let his horn’s senses guide him. The black appendage was a hair’s width from Basil’s face as he moved slowly, feeling the heat coming from one eye. Pulling back, Atrios tilted his head to the other side, checking that eye as well.

There was something there, he was sure of it, the knowledge rattled around in his mind but he couldn’t quite grasp it. A tingle ran up his back, the Firestorm urging him to check closer. “Doess good,” he assured the vampire, his voice a low hiss. “Almosst done. Holdss very sstill now.” Bracing himself, Atrios leaned in close again, his horn nearly touching Basil’s right eyelid. He grit his teeth as he let his horn make contact, the feeling sending a powerful wave of both pain and pleasure through him. Atrios couldn’t contain the growling hiss as he ran the hot metal across smooth skin, getting a good “look” at Basil’s eye through the eyelid. The contact made him understand though, the feeling so familiar to him he was surprised he hadn’t picked up on it sooner.

Breathing heavily, he pulled away, letting go of Basil and taking a respectful step away from him. It took a moment for Atrios to pull himself together; that kind of contact was always intense no matter what the purpose. “Atrios knowss what iss now,” he said after he finally got himself calmed down. “While Atrios’ blood in ssysstem, handssome Basil ssee heat, like Flame Atronach, like horn. Musst want, though, musst force ssee.”

“I think,” Basil began, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “That I noticed this, at least partially. Hot things, especially flames, seem more.. interesting? Something about them makes me notice them even more than normal.”

“Yess, iss correct. Basil good with magic, sso may know how usse thiss without realize.” Thinking a moment, Atrios got an idea. “Closse eyess, Atrios try experiment.” Once the vampire’s eyes were shut, the Atronach took a couple steps back, then raised one hand in front of himself. Calling forth the Firestorm, he began to paint a shape with flames, the form of a Daedric oht. “What ssee?”

Frowning in concentration, Basil kept his eyes shut, trying to see with them, but not see with them. It felt almost like a life detection spell, but it came from within. The image before him became clearer, though still slightly blurry. He could see Atrios clearly and a shape in front of the Atronach. “I see you, standing in front of me. You’re making a fire-shape. It’s rounded, but flat on the top..,” he trailed off, concentrating on the shape. “It’s an oht!” Basil cried in triumph, opening his eyes and seeing exactly what he’d pictured in his mind. The vampires eyes bore a wild look, full excitement and curiosity. “This could be a useful talent! It’s a shame it will only last a little while.”

The shapes of heat in the room were fascinating to him as he closed his eyes again, “looking” around the study in wonder. “No wonder chameleon spells don’t work against you lot. You can see body heat. I’d always thought it was a magical thing.” Opening his eyes, he grinned at Atrios. “You know much more about Flame Atronachs than I do, obviously. What other things might your blood do to me? I’m thinking it would give me similar talents as a Flame Atronach, considering what we’ve discovered so far.”

“Iss not all fun and gamess,” Atrios warned. “Handssome Basil Altmer, weakness to frosst already. Flame Atronach have weakness, too.”

Basil caught on immediately. “I may have high weakness to frost, then. While I’m not exactly keen on testing that, it would be nice to know for sure.” He looked around a moment, then back to Atrios, asking, “Do you know any small frost damage spells? Since you know a fire resistance spell, I gather you’ve taken up studying magic other than what’s readily available to you.”

The large Flame Atronach nodded. “Yess, Atrios know of frosst.” His tone softened as he added, “Ssomeone very sspecial to Atrios teach.” He began playing with a tiny blue speck of magic between his fingers. “Handssome Basil may want brace sself.”

The little dot of frost magic seemed extremely insignificant. Basil knew from previous experience that something that size should only feel like a mosquito bite or possibly a pinch. Even so, he walked away from the alchemy equipment, standing in a clear spot in the room, just in case. Bracing his legs as he would if someone were about to punch him, he nodded to Atrios, “Okay, let me have it!”

A second later he laid sprawled out on his back, feeling a bit dazed. Atrios hovered over him, already fussing as he helped the vampire to his feet. He let himself be cuddled as he tried to get over the shock such a small spell had sent through him. It didn’t feel like he’d been punched; kicked in the gut by Mehrunes Dagon would be a more accurate description. Basil coughed a bit, pushing hot blood around his system and pushing away the pain left in the wake of the magic hitting him.

“Atrios ssorry! Not mean hurt, wass ssmall sspell, not realize extent of weakness! Sshould ussed ssmaller sspell..,” Basil cut him off, holding up a hand to indicate he be quiet. “You didn’t know. There’s nothing to apologize for, but my did that smart!” He steadied himself on his own feet and Atrios finally let go of him, though remained close, clicking and hissing in a concerned way, clearly upset. “Well, now I know one thing I wont be doing for the next few days. I’m staying completely clear of anything even smelling of frost magic!”

Noting that Atrios still hovered about him, making soft sounds of concern but not touching him out of respect, Basil reached out to still the Atronach, placing a long-fingered hand on one hot shoulder. “I’m fine, Atrios. See, not even a scratch,” he indicated, running his hand over his bare chest where the spell had struck him. The tall Atronach didn’t seemed to be dissuaded though, still making unhappy noises in his throat. Basil felt the waves of guilt rolling off Atrios and realized that his friend wasn’t completely over everything that bothered him.

In a display of great trust, he took Atrios’ hand in his own, placing the hot, taloned hand against his own chest, letting Atrios feel the skin for himself. “There, check for yourself; I’m unharmed and you have no reason to feel bad for what happened.” The clawed fingers stroked his skin for a moment and Basil had to firmly remind himself that Atrios was only checking him for injury, concerned with his well-being.

The skin still felt warm under his fingers, but it wasn’t as hot as it was yesterday. He could feel the place the spell had struck the Altmer, trailing the edge of the circular pattern with his clawtip. It was something that couldn’t be seen, something that only one made of magicka or the elements themselves could detect–the trace of magicka, the “footprint” left behind by a spell. The skin in and around it seemed perfectly healthy, at least as healthy as it could be for someone who is undead. He pressed against the area, noticing no broken ribs or internal injury under the skin’s surface. Only after he’d inspected Basil’s chest very thoroughly and saw for himself no injury or scar was left behind did he calm down.

Retrieving his hand, Atrios nodded. His voice was much more calm when he finally said, “Atrios ssee, handssome Basil unhurt. Sstill, Atrios ssorry, not realize full implicationss of ssuch frosst weaknesss. Musst learn be more careful. Atrios glad handssome Basil not have permanent reminder of misstake.”

It was then that Basil realized the source of the guilt Atrios was really feeling. Sure, Atrios had felt horribly guilty for harming him, but it went beyond that. The Flame Atronach felt guilt every time he harmed someone, either unintentionally or intentionally, whether it was necessary or not. A while back, Basil had finally got out of Ra the story of how he’d gotten the scars on his penis and had been horrified, both for Ra and Atrios, because it had been so necessary, but also so traumatic.

This was what made the Altmer reach through his blood and make contact to Ra. Ra? Are you currently busy? Then he got a sense of where Ra was and smiled to himself, sending, Nevermind, it seems the issue has sorted itself. He received an image of the big Dremora’s fanged grimace as he broke the contact.

“Well, I don’t see it as a mistake,” he said aloud, the short conversation with Ra having only taken a split second. “It was just an experiment that produced a bit more of a bang than we were expecting.” Basil shrugged, seemingly completely unfazed and even carefree about the situation. “Sometimes, that’s just what happens when you experiment. Not everything turns out how you plan it. In fact, when things go awry it makes the experiment all the more interesting, because you learn more from it than you anticipated.”

Grasping Atrios’ shoulder with a heavily ringed hand, Basil steered the Atronach back towards the alchemy lab. “Shall we get back to work, then? I’d like to see if there’s anything else important I should know.”

Atrios relented, letting himself be herded back towards the lab. He was still a little shaken up by what had happened, but felt better for having checked Basil closely for injury himself and finding none. “Yess, but Atrios not ssure anything elsse needss know.” He cocked his head to the side, lost in thought for a moment, then turned to face the vampire, saying, “Big Basil know frenzy, becausse vampire. Atrios know frenzy becausse Firestorm. Ssometimess can conssume sself, ssee nothing but rage and fire. Not happen to Atrios for long time, Atrios better control now, but handssome vampire friend needss know. Anger, losss, pain, bad emotionss bring it, Firestorm comess readily, wanting to devour, wanting to desstroy.

“Sshould try remain calm, not let fiery energy ssend to anger or hate or hurt. While handssome Basil carry Atrios’ blood, very dangerouss if angered. Too sshort learn control, sso musst avoid.”

Thinking about it a moment, Basil finally nodded. “I wasn’t planning on leaving the mansion while like this, anyway. I shall order my slaves and children that I am to not be disturbed with bad news until this passes.” The exhilaration of magical study was dwindling slightly and Basil could feel the energy coursing through him latch onto something else he’d enjoy doing. “Was there anything else you needed to tell me? I suddenly find myself in need of a little female companionship.”

He’s as bad as Daeinde, Atrios thought to himself in amusement. “Nothing elsse.” A pause, and then he added, “Well…”

“What is it? The other.. pressing matter can wait if it’s something important.” His pants were getting tight and he was beginning to feel uncomfortable, thoughts of going out to find Passht or any other of the females about danced through his head. He corralled his thoughts, managing to focus on Atrios and push the other thoughts away for a few moments.

“Maybe important, or not. Atrios not ssure.” He could feel Basil’s discomfort and tried to keep it as short as he could. “Lasst night, when mindss touch sshare pleassure of femaless, Atrios think ssomething elsse happen, too.”

Thinking about the incident the night previous made Basil grin, but then his face fell into a serious expression at Atrios’ words. “Go on, now you’ve piqued my interest.”

“Like Atrios ssay, not ssure if important or not. Big Basil linkss to Firestorm through Atrios’ blood, but lasst night, Firestorm sseek handssome vampire friend out on own, ssend Atrios to Basil through fire and not blood. Atrios not ssure what mean yet, but think Firestorm hass planss for handssome Basil. If have any feelingss, dreamss, or vissionss think odd, tell Atrios.”

The bright orange-tinged yellow eyes met Atrios’ own as Basil turned over what he’d just been told. Finally, he nodded. “I’ve been feeling strange things, but nothing concrete enough to even begin to explain. Also, I noticed this.. link lets me contact you much more easily than the small telepathic link you gave me. You felt when I came into the study this morning, even when I’d only thought about sending for you, and I knew that you had received this information and had understood it in nearly the same instance. It was.. strange. Blood magic works in the same way, but it’s only take, this link seems to go both ways. When you were upset earlier, I knew to trust you enough to let you touch me because I could feel it in your mind, your mind asking me to let you check and my mind acknowledging it before I could even think on it.

“Perhaps though, we should explore this in a while. I’m terribly uncomfortable and need to go release some.. tension, if you catch my meaning,” Basil said, winking at the Atronach. His face split into a large, lopsided grin as he added, “You might check out your own quarters. I think there may be something rather interesting waiting for you there.” He lead Atrios to the study’s door. “We will meet back here.. whenever. I’m sure we’ll both know when.” He shook his head a bit, feeling the acknowledgment in the back of his mind from the same place all that heat was coming from.

Atrios tilted his head at his friend, but Basil said nothing more, heading off in the direction of the main hall of the mansion. If he meant Passht, well, Atrios had been planning on checking up on the female Dremora, anyway. The way Basil had carefully chosen his words made Atrios think on it, though. Perhaps there was something other than her waiting for him. His mind went through all the possibilities as he made his way down the hall, his pace a bit more rushed than normal.

The door to his room swung open quietly and Atrios slipped inside, his first thought was to look towards the bed. Apparently Passht had left–the bed had been made, the covers changed while he’d been gone. If there was something to be said about Basil’s staff, they were efficient and quick. His eyes scanned the room, looking for anything out of place. He knew Basil wouldn’t lie to him.

Ra watched the Flame Atronach look around, his rough face split into a wide grimace–the closest the big Dremora could get to grinning. His odd-colored eyes swept boldly down the Atronach’s back as he licked his lips. Passht had told him earlier of her exchange with Atrios this morning and he decided it was time to not only get over his fear, but also help Atrios get over his guilt.

The Dremora crept up behind Atrios, being as subtle as a gently falling leaf just as the Atronach was turning around to make sure he’d not missed anything beside the door. Ra grinned wider; he’d missed something alright. He reached Atrios just as they made eye contact and wrapped his thick, strong arms around Atrios’ slender waist, pulling him close and took a deep huff of the fiery scent, face buried in the hot joining of neck and shoulder. Giving the glowing skin a sharp nip, he lifted his head to meet Atrios’ eyes again, showing his fangs.

“Passht told me you were about,” he explained as he let his hands wander over hot skin, stopping when they met black armor and stroking the warm metal lightly with his fingertips. “I wanted to make sure I got to see you before you left. Besides, I have something I would discuss with you.”

Getting over his shock of Ra sneaking up on him, Atrios leaned into the embrace, feeling comfortable in the Dremora’s arms. “Atrios greet handssome Ra. Did not know wass here. Vissit before, Daeinde alwayss find. Atrios not ssure where look.” His words ended in a hiss as Ra bit at his neck again, a little harder this time and it sent a shudder through his whole body.

He let Ra lead him over to the bed, little thrills shivering through his body. Atrios had enjoyed the vampiric Dremora’s company before and liked how dominating and rough the huge Dremora could be. As they arrived beside the bed, Ra began tracing the patterns into Atrios’ armor and the Atronach submitted to it, enjoying the bites he received as each piece slid into his skin, Ra tasting the uncovered glowing surface. When Ra straightened up and reached for his mask, Atrios made no protest at all, instead reaching out with his mind so he could “speak” to Ra, knowing the telepathic link needed to be made now while he was still coherent.

Black, clawed fingers touched the side of Atrios’ face and Ra watched Atrios lean into the touch, making a low hiss. He pulled Atrios to him, his other hand reaching down to grip at the Atronach’s firm backside. Another hiss escaped Atrios, but was cut off as Ra pulled his head down, pressing his lips to the sharp teeth in a kiss. Unlike times before, he kept this kiss gentle, carefully exploring the fanged mouth with his tongue as he slid his hand into Atrios’ hair, running it between his fingers.

A low, growling hiss shivered in his throat as Ra kissed him, wondering why the Dremora was being so gentle. Boldly, he wrapped his arms around Ra, stroking his hands down the Dremora’s back, feeling hard muscles through the fine silk robe he wore. He leaned in more, deepening the kiss and rumbling in pleasure as their tongues twisted together.

The kiss was broken and Atrios panted, leaving his head where it was, his forehead resting against Ra’s. Handssome Ra different today, he remarked, indicating the calm, gentle pace they had taken so far. Usually, Ra would strip him and have him right there, ordering him, dominating him, but this time was different and while Atrios did enjoy the more rough encounters, he was curious as to why Ra as being so tender with him now.

“I know you still feel guilty,” was his reply and Atrios turning to look away in shame only served to prove his point. “While I hold no grudge for what happened, I know you feel you owe me something, that you feel you must atone for what you did.” He turned Atrios’ head to look him in the eyes, stroking the sides of the glowing orange face with his hands, letting the claws on his thumbs scrape against the long, sharp teeth. “I will not lie, because honor dictates so, and so I will be completely honest with you. For a time, I was afraid to allow anyone to give me that pleasure, but I do not fear it anymore. I also know that this news alone will not ease your guilt.”

Ra released Atrios’ face and unclasped the robe he wore, letting it fall to the floor. He pressed his naked body against the Atronach’s, stroking rough hands down the hot back. His hard, scarred length poked into Atrios’ thigh even as he could feel the taller Daedroth’s hot erection pressing against his own body. He growled with the feeling, saying, “You want to atone for your sin; I’ll allow that, and I know exactly how you can.” He turned them so his back was to the bed and sat, pulling Atrios down with him until the Atronach rested on his knees on the floor in front of Ra, the Dremora setting on the edge of the bed. Spreading his legs apart, he took Atrios’ face between his hands again and made eye contact. “Attend to me,” he growled, pulling Atrios’ face closer to him and presenting his erection.

While he still did have some fear, he pushed it firmly away. The only way he would get over his fear of oral pleasure from Flame Atronachs was to allow Atrios this. He was sure the fiery Daedroth would appreciate the show of trust. Ra had never thought Atrios had done anything wrong, but he was aware of the Atronach’s growing guilt for what had happened and he wished to help, this being the only way he knew how.

His entire body shuddered with the thought of Ra allowing him this. He looked up to the big Dremora, looking for confirmation in the odd-colored eyes and only getting a growl in response, Ra staring down at him and snarling, “I gave you an order, do not disobey it!” In a way, the thought of Ra remaining dominant through this helped him. It told him Ra knew exactly what he was doing and was not only allowing it, but wanting it as well.

Bringing up orange, taloned hands, Atrios reached out, tracing the swirling tattoo burned into the Dremora’s erect flesh, the roughness of it piquing his interest as he followed the spiral all the way to the end of Ra’s arousal. It was here that he could see the scars from that horrible incident. He brushed his fingertips against them carefully, making clicks and hisses of guilt in his throat. Ra’s rough voice came out in a rumble of pleasure as Atrios leaned forward, giving the scars on his end a gentle lick.

The lick was drawn out as he closed one hand around the base of Ra’s erection. He pumped his hand slowly, exploring the scarred head thoroughly with his tongue. Playing with the hoop pierced through it and tugging on it with his teeth, Atrios looked up at Ra. Lust-filled eyes watched him, the big Dremora not looking away as Atrios became more bold, continuing the teasing with his teeth carefully to the very tip of Ra’s flesh.

Not daring to look away, Ra watched Atrios, watched as his erection was slowly taken into the toothy mouth and the sight brought memories to him. Vague, hazy memories, but he could still remember what had happened, what he’d done to Atrios and how it had left him scarred. He hated losing control like that, but had accepted what happened because it had been inevitable. In the same way, he had never blamed Atrios for it, and felt something akin to sadness and pity for the fiery Daedroth, because of all the guilt he felt for something that wasn’t really his fault.

Head falling back, Ra had to stop watching as he braced himself with his hands pushed firmly into the bed. Atrios took him inside his incredibly hot throat, tongue twisting around his base and doing things Ra never thought possible. He let out a low, rumbling growl of pure pleasure even as the sharp teeth teased at him, the contact stinging in just the right way. The Atronach pulled back, releasing the Dremora’s hard flesh and Ra made a snarl of need that deepened into a surprised growl of pleasure as the long, serpentine tongue wrapped around him, its tip teasing at him even as the strength of it tugged on him.

Leaning forward again, Atrios engulfed his friend’s throbbing arousal, letting his tongue slip against it as he allowed the end to enter his throat once more. He kept his tongue securely wrapped around the scarred, rough length, undulating movements coursing through it as he stroked at the hard flesh. He pushed forward even more until his teeth were teasing at the base, his horn pressed firmly against the Dremora’s belly and sending surges through his entire body. He felt strong hands in his hair as he began to move with slow, deliberate movements, judging the Dremora’s reaction.

As the hands clutching his hair pulled harder and then dug into his scalp, the action accompanied by Ra’s growls of excitement, Atrios quickened his pace, letting the length of Ra’s aroused flesh slide in and out of his throat as he bobbed his head. He grazed the rough skin with his teeth, not hard enough to leave marks, but enough so Ra could feel that the teeth would not hurt him.

Snarls and growls escaped the Dremora as he lost himself to the pleasure Atrios was giving him, his mind blasted away into a haze of pleasured fog. He had no idea it could be this good. Atrios is damn wicked with that tongue, he thought dizzily to himself. He dug his claws further into Atrios’ scalp as the pace was quickened into an almost brutal pounding, Atrios driving him further and using him thoroughly with throat, teeth, and tongue.

It was too much, the intense eroticism of the moment, the overwhelming feeling of relief of it being not only what he’d hoped it would be, but even better than he’d ever imagined. A grunt escaped him as he pulled on Atrios’ head desperately, then he erupted into the waiting throat. He could feel Atrios’ throat working him, milking him, and groaned with each spurt as it was devoured, Atrios swallowing every last drop of it. A sigh escaped the big Dremora as his spent flesh slipped free of the toothy mouth, Atrios giving it gentle caresses with his tongue before letting go completely.

He reached down even as his contentment made him want to lay back and bask in the afterglow, but there was something he wanted, no, needed to do first. Pulling Atrios up, Ra lifted him onto the bed, scooting over so the Atronach could lay beside him. They embraced, a twisting of arms and legs as they kissed and nipped at each other’s faces. After several minutes of this, Ra sat up, pushing Atrios onto his back. “Now, it is your turn.”

Before Atrios could think on what that meant, Ra leaned over him, teasing at Atrios’ throat a moment with his fangs before moving down the hot body, biting and licking at the orange flesh. He settled between Atrios’ legs as he pulled them apart. The Dremora looked up and saw orange eyes staring at him, Atrios propped up on his elbows to look at his friend. Slowly and deliberately, Ra leaned over, taking the tip of Atrios’ arousal between his lips, giving it a rough lick, all the while maintaining eye contact and listening to the delighted moan the Atronach made.

A shudder wracked through Atrios’ body as Ra went to work, showing he had just as much enthusiasm for employing everything he had in pleasuring the Atronach. He teased at Atrios with his fangs, hearing sharp hisses as Atrios twitched in pleasure. Between his rough licks, light scraping of teeth against smooth, orange flesh, and taking the hot erection into his throat to work it, Atrios was completely lost to him, whimpers and screeches filling the room. He had to pin the wildly thrashing Flame Atronach to the bed, clawed hands firmly holding the wide hips, as Atrios lost himself to the pleasure.

Atrios arching his back and screaming warned Ra of his impending release. A second later, the throbbing flesh erupted into his mouth and he swallowed it, taking every last spurt just as Atrios had done, the Atronach screaming and screeching like an animal the entire time. As his friend came down, Ra released Atrios from his mouth, giving the now limp sex a few licks to clean up any remnants of the intense orgasm.

His task complete, Ra crawled back up to lay beside Atrios, taking the still shaking Flame Atronach into his arms. A sigh of contentment escaped the big Dremora as Atrios wrapped around him, snuggling up and nuzzling his face against Ra’s. A gentle purring lulled the Dremora into a happy daze as Atrios cuddled him.

The only way to describe how Atrios felt would be that he was overwhelmed. Ra had trusted him to do this thing and then gave him the exquisite pleasure of returning the favor. Something about it all lightened his heart and made him feel giddy with happiness. He continued purring, nuzzling at the scarred, grim face of his friend, tracing the tattoos there with his tongue and giving Ra light bites on the lips. He didn’t even know how to put into words how he felt and so sent the emotions he was feeling to the big Dremora, hoping he would understand.

Odd-colored eyes closed as Ra let the feelings wash over him, tasting the overbearing happiness in the Atronach’s mind. He could feel the great love Atrios held for him, as well as his deep respect. Also mixed in with the warm waves of bliss were other things: a deep gratitude for Ra having let him do such a thing, the honor he felt for Ra having done the same for him, and above all the intense feeling of relief, the guilt seemingly completely gone.

“How does it feel?” he asked, trying to keep his rough, hollow voice gentle and caring. Ra leaned his head back and placed a fingertip under Atrios’ chin, tilting his head until their eyes met.

A garbled series of clicks and hisses escaped Atrios and he translated the meaning in Ra’s mind, Wordss not desscribe, beyond tell. Atrios mind-voice sounded odd, almost in awe. Finally, he managed, Atrios thank handssome Ra. Help Atrios much. Not feel sso bad about what happen. Know handssome Ra have sscarss, but not damage permanent here… He trailed off, running his taloned fingers across the Dremora’s forehead. Or here, he added, brushing his hand down Ra’s massive chest, over where his heart was.

Ra smiled as gently as his face would allow. “That’s all I needed to hear. I never once thought you owed me anything, but you needed this as much as I did.” He curled his arms around the Flame Atronach, enjoying the heat and letting Atrios snuggle up against him. “Besides, I’m proud of every scar I have, they define who I am just as much as my tattoos and piercings do. I’m especially proud of those scars because they serve as a constant reminder of what I went through and that I came out sane.” He nuzzled at Atrios’ throat, noticing the Atronach had some interesting scars that had not been there since the last time they met. “Scars can show that one has been through something bad and survived, possibly learning something along the way.”

The rough licks of Ra’s tongue against his throat made Atrios realize he meant those scars Atrios carried: not just the ones on his neck from yesterday, but the ones inside his mind and soul from battling the Firestorm too long. He leaned into Ra, the licks becoming gentle nibbles as the Dremora explored the scars. Atrios have many sscarss, his mind voice hissed quietly. Ssome new, ssome old, older than Ra. Handssome Dremora very wisse. Atrios’ sscarss all have sstory, ssome worsse than otherss, but Atrios learn ssomething, ssurive every one.

They grew quiet as they both just enjoyed each other’s company. Atrios made friends easily and loved easily, but he was especially fond of Ra. It wasn’t just for the sexual relationship they had, but also because Ra was one of the rare few who had seen a side of Atrios that he rarely let out and neither faulted nor feared the Atronach because of it. The respect was mutual between them and they were good, loyal friends.

While Atrios wouldn’t have minded remaining in bed the rest of the day and snuggling Ra, he felt that little wiggle in the back of his mind, telling him that Basil was in the study waiting for him. Reluctantly, Atrios shrugged free of his friend’s arms as he sat up. He looked down at Ra, giving the Dremora a wide-toothy grin and received a grimacing grin in return.

He pushed against his skin, calling forth his armor as he told the Dremora, Atrios musst go now. Handssome Basil waiting for. Much work to be done. Atrios tell pretty Dremora friend Passht ssee later, but handssome Ra vissit too if like. Ssure pretty Dremora not mind.

Chucking, Ra shook his head. Watching Atrios teasing at his face to get his mask in place, he replied, “Now I see what Daeinde meant. Between him and Basil, they’re turning you into just as much a rampant mantart as they are, though in your own special way.” He grinned as Atrios hissed, rolling his eyes. “Not that it’s a bad thing. Though I’m sorry but I must decline the invitation. I have previous arrangements.”

“Atrios undersstand,” he hissed, pulling himself out of bed. “If not ssee again before leave, Atrios wissh handssome Ra well.” Leaning over, he rubbed his face in the Dremora’s matted hair, huffing deeply at his scent. He trained a fingertip across Ra’s lips before pulling back. “Until next time ssee, goodbye Ra.”

“Goodbye, Atrios,” Ra returned, stroking the side of Atrios’ face and kissing him on the mask. “Be well.” His glowing eyes watched the Flame Atronach stand and then leave the room.