Chapter Text
Bored deep red eyes glanced around the area. His fingers idly played with the black pen. Today was one of these days where nothing happened and it started to become frustrating. Cyno wished he’d waste his time somewhere else. Maybe traveling, maybe visiting some friends he wanted to see after so long?
But no, instead, he wasted his day in the library, books stacked on top of each other while several papers were scattered on the table. Sighing, he brought his visible eye down on his halfway finished protocol, waiting for the scholar to end it once and for all. So he picked the pen and held it correctly between his fingers, the tip of the pencil pressing at the paper.
Cyno didn’t move his hand, only staring at his work. The ballpoint created a dark, round ink from the sheer pressure. And then he gave up, letting go of the pen. Sighing he threw his head down on the table, creating a ‘thud’ sound when he hit his forehead on the wooden surface. The ears of his robe sank down, creating an image of him as a sad puppy, lost and alone in the cold dark world.
“I need another distraction…” he murmured, his voice coming muffled due to his face hidden under all the papers. Maybe sleeping would be good. No one was here to lecture him anyway. No one would even dare to raise his voice against him… okay, mostly. He was in luck to use his status against many.
Cyno closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
And several minutes later, he quickly opened his eyes when several memories flooded his memory. Memories that were… obscene, dirty. That kind of dirty that was sullied with lustful passion. The memories came back without warning and remembered how a certain silver-haired man touched him with his sinful fingers, coursing them on his chest, thighs, and much, much lower.
His face began to redden brightly. Great, now he allowed himself to relax and clear his mind from his paperwork, the other thoughts he desperately buried under arrived with a loud knock, greeting him immediately and without warning.
That annoying, insufferable, handsome, and gorgeous Haitham truly left a mark on him. Physically and mentally. He sighed loudly and lifted his head, one of the papers stuck on his forehead, but he didn’t give attention since his mind was struggling to fight the dirty thoughts away.
It had been several weeks since the two engaged in a mutual intercourse, agreeing to let themselves go and just relax, nothing more. Just a fling both surely needed, oh yes.
Cyno huffed and crossed his arms, his sight was blocked by paper-white and he still didn’t make a motion to take it off of his forehead, too deep in his own mind while his eyes were closed.
After he and Al-Haitham had a thing, they parted ways. It was not like they never talked again, no, they still greeted each other. The other gave him a handsome smile, waving at him each time they crossed paths. But that was it. Neither of them had a chance to have a nice chat.
Or rather… whenever Al-Haitham glanced at him, emerald eyes glinting with amusement and excitement, Cyno found excuses to flee, and he wasn’t sure why he had to escape in the first place. Was he not ready to face him properly after that man laid his luscious lips against him? Cyno didn’t know, but he couldn’t shake off the feeling of being incredibly awkward, not sure how to act in the first place.
Should he just greet and talk to him? Gifting him with one of his brilliant jokes? Inviting him to have a casual card game? Cyno didn’t have a problem offering them to Al-Haitham, but whenever he was close to doing anything, like inviting him to tea, he remembered his hands on his body, eliciting a wicked reaction the other coaxed out of him. And every time he had these pictures before his eyes, his face went full red.
No, no! He couldn’t face him! Cyno quickly shook his head, the sound of paper rustling filled the area beside the soft, quiet chatter of other people in the library.
“It’s so frustrating…” Cyno murmured and leaned further back against his chair, another sigh escaped his lips.
“What’s so frustrating?” A deep voice startled him, almost causing him to fall backwards with his chair, but two hands held his shoulder and prevented him the fall. “Careful now!”
Cyno blinked, his sight of vision still cloaked with white. He could see a familiar silhouette. His eyes went wide. “Haitham? What are you doing here?!”
Al-Haitham chuckled and took the paper away from his face. When Cyno got his vision back, he saw the scholar’s face close to his own, upside-down. He began to blush at the unavoidable proximity.
“Can’t I visit the library? I don’t remember if I was banned here or not,” Al-Haitham responded with a smile. His one hand let go of his shoulder and moved to take a seat next to him.
“… Right. I apologize.” Great, Cyno. Just great. Just ridicule yourself more. With another sigh he collected the paper and neatly organized them, eyes glued to the table and refusing to lift his gaze to catch the handsome—
Oh archons, he was absolutely gone.
“It’s all good. Besides I am curious about your frustration. Maybe I can give you a helping hand?” Al-Haitham offered, his voice deep and soothing as always. If only he knew that the man was the cause of his clumsiness… but he couldn’t straight out tell him.
Cyno shook his hand and finally decided to look at him. “It’s fine… just something very small, but I can master it by myself.” He answered. “Thank you, though.” Cyno quietly added, he didn’t want to come out as rude, since Haitham showed his concern openly.
“But I insist, Cyno,” Al-Haitham leaned closer to his side, a hand sneaked on top of his own, gently brushing the digits on his skin. Cyno shivered at the soft touch. “You looked very lost when I saw you… let me help you?”
Cyno’s heart beat fast against his chest, face taking a deeper shade of red. “I–I’m really okay—” he felt the others hand squeeze his hand tighter while his eyes quietly devoured him, glinting in desire.
Or it seemed like it. For Cyno, Haitham’s gleaming eyes always seemed like he wanted to quench his hunger by sinking his teeth at his body.
He couldn’t do it. He was not ready for anything. Cyno quickly pulled his hand away and hastily stood up, causing the chair to creak when it was pushed backwards and fingers tightly gripping at the now unorganized sheets. “I remember I have things to do!" Quickly gathering his things, he turned around and flee.
“Cyno—” Al-Haitham started, but his voice got quieter with his quick steps, exiting the library.
Cyno was not ready and he felt awful for ditching Haitham yet again. He didn’t hate him of course, but what if his actions planted these thoughts in the scholar’s head? What if he gave up on him?
He looked around and noticed he was already out. There was always an option to turn back and apologize for his stupid behavior, but… he simply wasn’t ready. “Stop being a fucking coward…” he murmured to himself and slapped his forehead with his hand.
Maybe he should seek out Haitham next time when time allowed them. For now, he’d struggle with chaotic thoughts attacking his mind, bringing back the obscene memories and torturing him further.
Great.
Unfortunately, they didn’t meet at all. Not the next day, not two days after, or five. No.
It’s been a week and there was no trace or rumors about the great Al-Haitham roaming around in the city of Sumeru. The logical conclusion would be that he left to pursue his dedicated task, leaving as soon as he could. It was fine because even the general was drowning in all kinds of work his subordinates left. They needed help after all and staying longer in the city was delightful. The bustling atmosphere in a busied place always felt refreshing for him, eyes enjoying all kinds of aesthetics and color play.
If only Cyno could enjoy it. The nagging feeling of guilt sat deeply in his stomach, remembering his last encounter with Haitham and whispers of regret clouding his senses.
However, not only that was rooted in him. Truth to be told, he still felt frustrated and he desired to relieve that unsaturated hunger that crept up every time his mind swayed back to the beautiful face of the scholar. Doing it himself wasn’t satisfying at all, the urge to feel the slender fingers around him, nails gently scraping at his trembling skin and so much more he wished he’d experienced it.
Head a little low, he wandered around and decided to take a short break from drowning in his duties. Cyno waited for the day when he was losing his mind once and for all, since it was a short matter of time, the rope of sanity threatening to snap in half. Perhaps he wouldn’t mind throwing off his pride and—
“What a nice surprise,” a honey-smooth voice entered his ears, and Cyno blinked.
Ah, since when was he feeling soft? Something had wrapped his body and he couldn’t deny the enchanting feeling of warmth around him.
“Mmh.” Cyno hummed quietly, head still buried in the softness.
“Cyno? Are you okay?” The pleasant voice turned worried, and the grip around his body tightened, but he didn’t mind.
However, Cyno knew that voice. He blinked once, twice, before realization weaved strongly in his mind. He quickly pulled his head away from something and looked up, catching amused eyes staring back at him.
Oh.
Oh, it was Al-Haitham.
“… Haitham,” he called out to him, red tinting his cheeks, but he didn’t make a motion to pull away from the hug yet. “You’re here.”
“Yes, I am. Did you miss me?” Haitham stroked the white strands of hair away from his face, and a gorgeous smile played on his lips. Lips that Cyno desired to feel against his own.
Hesitating to answer, his crimson eyes looked down. This was the perfect opportunity fate offered him on a plate, making up for the damage he may have caused.
“I did,” Cyno answered in a hushed tone, bringing his head back to his chest and wrapping his arms around him. The soft heartbeat from the other was a calming factor, slowly clearing his jarred thoughts and the discord in his heart. Cyno heard the other take a sharp breath before a hand sneaked behind his head, pressing the shorter closer to himself.
“This is indeed a nice surprise. I never thought you’d hug me in public like that. But I like it… I really do.” The vibration of Al-Haitham’s voice coming from his chest rang in his ears and almost didn’t fully listen to his words. However, he was right. With a sigh, he slowly pulled away and let go of the others while he desperately ignored the possible stares of the passersby.
Clearing his throat, he took steps back to give Haitham his respective personal space. “My apologies. I didn’t look where I was walking and… I ended up in your arms.”
“You’re apologizing a lot, Cyno.” Al-Haitham mused, the smile on his lips looking satisfied. “But don’t worry. I meant what I said. I liked it. You got permission to hug me whenever you want, isn’t that great?” A soft chuckle erupts from the other.
Cyno rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. “Yeah, yeah, whatever.” Nonetheless, he will remember his words and use this to his advantage whenever he may feel down and in need of a nice, warm hug. After all, they shared a… deeper connection before, so this was far more harmless. “I was under impression that you left the city for urgent matters. Did you come back shortly?”
“Aw, did you keep track of the days when you didn’t see me? Because I was under the impression that you simply didn’t want to see me.” Haitham’s hand landed on his shoulder, fingers fleetingly caressing the bare skin. “But it seems you really missed me. How about we go to a more private place so we can discuss?” He offered with an innocent tone, his voice dripping with sweetness and hidden darkness. A darkness that was laid out to him, revealing the desired intention to bare his fangs and leave a mark on the General. Cyno took an audible sharp breath, fully knowing the invitation he gave to him.
Oh archons, oh Celestia, did he plan to do it? Was he ready for it again? The chaos in his mind came back with a swirl, destroying almost all logical thinking and replacing them with... with that again. “… alright. My resting place isn’t far off from here.”
Even if his mind was kind of panicking, every other part of him, his body and heart, accepted the offer as soon as the first words fell onto the scholar’s lips, grasping the invitation without second thoughts. He wanted it. Desperately so.
“Lead the way, my General.”
It was a simple place. Not too crowded with all kinds of stuff, not too small—even though a small place would suffice for he was only one person to use the comfortable house to rest.
“It’s comfy here,” Al-Haitham commented, a hand on his chin to examine the surroundings further. Cyno didn’t pay attention much to his words and closed the door before he fully turned around him. “So, how about—”
Cyno interrupted him with his arms around his neck, pressing himself against the scholar’s body as he roughly pressed his lips against Al-Haitham, desperately kissing him and releasing all pent-up energy he was holding in—he went on his tip toes to be nearer to the man.
Al-Haitham let out a surprised gasp by the sudden action, but Cyno felt his warm hands around his waist, pressing him impossibly closer to himself and eagerly returning the kiss.
Cyno may be still inexperienced in these kinds of particular behavior, but he didn’t care at all, desperately pressing his lips and moving them, the way Haitham did way back. He nipped at his bottom lip and struck out his wet tongue, hopelessly licking against his mouth.
Al-Haitham only chuckled and pulled away for a moment. “You’re so cute, Cyno, you know that?” He whispered amused, lips still close to his own and feeling his breath and movement on his mouth. If he only pushed just a bit, he’d feel the softness back.
“Shut up and kiss me,” Cyno hissed, not wanting to wait any longer, but he also remembered how Al-Haitham loved to tease him whenever he had the damn chance.
“My pleasure,” he quietly added before soft lips were back on his, kissing him as eagerly as he did before, only more experienced. Cyno gasped at the harsh bite on his lips and the other used this opportunity to pry his lips open further with his tongue, invading and challenging him, clashing his wet tongue with his in a fierce battle.
Finally, after breaking his head with all kinds of wants and disagreements, he decided to simply throw away his overthinking and just do it. He wanted this so much, wanted to feel Haitham against him, taking in all the warmth his body emitted, taking everything he offered. Who was he and deny all of this in the end?
Cyno’s hands wandered down and grabbed the fabric of his unique garment, twisting it and pushing him back, towards the bedroom. His mind was fully clouded with only one demand, and he won’t stop until he get what he wanted.
“I don’t remember you being so eager,” Al-Haitham whispered against his lips, catching Cyno into another heating kiss before he slightly pull away. “I think I left a big impression on you. How cute.”
Cyno wanted to retort back, giving his teasings back, but as soon as he parted his lips more, the other caught his bottom lip between his teeth, roughly pulling and biting against the skin, and he couldn’t contain the loud whimper that broke out of him.
With each step to the bedroom, their passionate kiss got more desperate, and fierce. Al-Haitham coaxed more whimper and soft gasps out of the General, drinking all of the noises the other let out shamelessly.
Feeling the air running out, he pulled away with a heavy breath, chest heaving uncontrollably while his eyes were widened, bruised lips shiny with saliva, and hair disheveled. But he brought a small smirk on his lips when he enjoyed Al-Haitham’s state as well. Equally swollen lips and looking as affected as himself. The pink adorning his beautiful face was a sight to behold.
Good.
“Talking big as ever, Haitham, but seeing you like this, too is a nice change,” Cyno said between breaths, fingers gently stroking his chest and drawing invisible circles.
“Why, of course, Cyno. How could I ever stay calm when someone as gorgeous as you gifted me with a heated kiss?” Al-Haitham’s amused smile still stood strong as he grabbed Cyno’s wrist, forcing his fingers to gift him more feather-light touches. “But I’m very delighted how you learn fast. Last time you were so shy, so uncertain… even though I enjoyed that sight, too. Quite adorable I must say.”
Cyno scoffed and pushed him back with his other hand and immediately followed him, finally bringing them to their destination. “You talk too much, you know that?”
Al-Haitham chuckled and lifted his wrist, fingers moving around and grasping Cyno’s hand and bringing it to his lips, gently kissing the back of the hand. “I can’t help it. I like talking to you, whether it’s dirty or just all kinds of topic I want to discuss.”
Cyno’s heart skipped a beat, blushing at the gentle motion. He felt the same, although he was kind of a jerk to avoid Al-Haitham every time he was in sight. It was idiotic and immature and he still had to properly apologize to him. After all of this.
After all of this, he wanted to save the relationship he kind of destroyed by his cowardice. Al-Haitham may always look like he was fine, greeting him with a smile before Cyno bolted away with lame excuses, he possibly couldn’t be affected by it. It simply couldn’t!
Cyno flinched when he felt lips against his, kissing him shortly. “You still with me, dear?” Cyno blinked several times until he looked away with a nod. “Yeah… sorry.”
Al-Haitham let out a quiet, soft laugh before he pulled him towards the room. “I should start counting every time you apologize. It’s alright, okay?” His fingers grasped at his headpiece and took it off of him while his eyes checked him further. “Besides, I’d rather want you to sing lewdly for me right now.”
On this remark, Cyno spluttered and stammered something incoherent. Oh wow, right on point. His face was now burning at this point.
Clearing his throat he sat on the edge of the bed. “You’re annoying.”
“Yeah, I know.” Al-Haitham simply retorted with a smug smirk as he placed Cyno’s headpiece on the table near the bed. “Let me undress you this time. I guess it won’t take so much time anyway.” Cyno felt a shiver when intense eyes gave him a once-over.
Al-Haitham walked before him then and went on his knees, taking his leg between his hand and slightly lifting it. Cyno’s breath hitched. “What are you doing?”
“Shh…” Al-Haitham lowered his head and placed his lips on the bare leg, fleetingly caressing his lips at the soft skin. “Let me worship you first. You’re really beautiful…”
Cyno let out a staggering whimper but didn’t make any motion of breaking free. Al-Haitham hummed shortly before he kissed his way up, taking in the beauty. His fingers traveled up and down while he showered butterfly kisses on the leg up to his thigh. “I can’t get enough of this… I missed you, Cyno.”
Cyno put his hand on his mouth and stifled any shaky noises at the overwhelming sensation. He couldn’t fully grasp the levitating feeling coursing his body. He never imagined he’d be in this situation at all, let alone someone worshipping him and praising him… oh archons, it was all so much and he never wanted this to stop.
Al-Haitham continued his tender motion while his fingers slipped down and took the piece of cloth hugging his foot, smoothly dragging the golden ring. Wet tongue peeking out to lap at the skin, and Cyno couldn’t stop the shudder that coursed through his body, struggling to contain his whimpers.
“Let me hear you. No need to be shy around me anymore,” Al-Haitham kept showering him with kisses and bites until he let go of his leg, only to pay attention to the other leg and repeat his tenderness and take the cloth away.
Al-Haitham was right, of course. For a moment he didn’t care, but right now he was at his most vulnerable state and his heart beat fast against his ribcage. He felt like he’d crumble and disappear if he lost himself in the sweetness, not used to be taken care of in the most gentle way.
A strange experience, but not an unwelcome one. It was… really nice.
Cyno lowered his hand and fluttered his eyes shut, accepting Haitham’s words. “That’s a good boy,” Al-Haitham purred, pleased while he bit his inner thighs, eliciting a staggering breath from the General.
“Stop saying that…” Cyno hissed quietly, fully knowing that this kind of praise brought an indescribable feeling out of him, making him hotter. He squirmed slightly.
“But your body says otherwise,” Al-Haitham commented, his hands traveling up to grip at the white fabric around his hips, slowly undressing him and fingers hooking at the waistband of his black shorts. Al-Haitham licked his lips. “I will ask you, just to be sure… is this okay?”
Cyno’s visible eye gazed down on him, basking in the tender gaze he blessed him for that moment. Despite the teasings and soft treatment, he made sure he was comfortable, ready to go further with him for a second time. “Yeah…” he answered breathlessly. “Yeah, this is okay.”
Al-Haitham hummed happily, nodding. “I’m glad.” With a swift motion, he yanked his shorts down, together with his undergarment. Cyno swallowed by the exposure, shuddering at the cold hitting his bare skin.
“So pretty…” Al-Haitham’s gaze pierced through his body, making Cyno press his thighs together.
“Quit staring and do something.” Archons, this was too embarrassing.
Al-Haitham lifted his head and away from his leg, bringing his gaze back to Cyno. “Demanding now. Why don’t you do something, dear?” He challenged him with a smirk, hands leaving his body and leaving him like that.
There it was. The challenge, the never-ending teasing he so loved to show. However, he gladly accepted the game.
“I thought you were so keen on undressing me?” The corner of his lips tugged upwards, equally smirking as the other who kept staring at him. He hooked a finger under his golden accessory, lifting it. “In the end, I have to do all the work myself.” Did he want a game? He could get it.
He was in.
“Maybe I changed my mind?” Al-Haitham stood up, towering over the sitting General who kept playing with the ornament.
“That’s lazy, Haitham.” Cyno felt the air, the atmosphere change, and excitement ran on his body. This was fun, he mused in his thought. Maybe he could render the other speechless as well?
Al-Haitham shrugged, the teasing smile never leaving his face. “I wouldn’t call it lazy.” He placed his hands on the bed, on either side of Cyno’s hips, face getting closer to his own. “I just want to mess with you.”
Cyno kept staring at him, the smirk on his face faltering for a moment upon the sheer vicinity, but he desired not to give up easily and not design the ‘game’ as boring, so he lunged his hands forwards and grabbed the fabric of his shirt, yanking him down. When Haitham let out a startled noise, he used the opportunity to flip them around, pushing the man down on the mattress while he settled on his hips, fingers still twisting his shirt. “Then allow me to mess you up, too.”
Al-Haitham blinked once, twice, the smile on his lips that always seemed to rest disappeared, only wide eyes and mouth hanging open.
Oh, what a sight to remember. Cyno took this as a win, basking in the victory and upper hand he managed to achieve on his own. That silly, insufferable, gorgeous face formed into a surprised one and he loved every second of it.
“Cat got your tongue, Haitham?” A pleased smirk was seen on Cyno’s face, loosening his grip on him and instead coursing his digits on his chest once more, going down and down until they found his pelvis. He dug his fingernails into his crotch and earned himself a staggering breath from the man beneath him. “I like you like this. Silent and not uttering a single word.”
After several moments, Al-Haitham began to laugh, his shoulders and chest shaking. “You keep surprising me! That’s what I love about you, Cyno.”
Cyno stopped for a moment while his smirk got lost in the moment. Did he truly love him? Or was it just a matter of speech? Unsureness settled inside him by that simple word, but he liked to believe he truly love him and see him as more than just a friend who he use to relieve stress. It sounded nice…
Taking a breath, he quickly gained his composure back, the teasing smile tugging on his lips again. “You flatter me.”
“I am curious. What are you planning? Please, keep surprising me… I won’t stop you.” Gleaming eyes looked up in anticipation, tongue peeking out to wet his dry lips.
Did he want something? Then he could have them. Cyno wouldn’t have any doubts holding him back. The urge to please Haitham grew bigger.
No more holding back.
“Then allow me.”