Archive of Our Own

“Prince Octavio! You have a meeting with the council today!”

"Octavio, sit up straight. No king sits slouching on his throne."

"When you ascend the throne, you will be in charge of the entire Octarian race, Prince Octavio!"

"We expect only greatness from you, Octavio. Do not disappoint us."

"Octavio!"

"Octavio!"

~~

"His Majesty Prince Octavio Takowasa IV has had a very busy day, and has requested to be left alone for the rest of the night and tomorrow." A Twintacle Octotrooper servant said to a pair of Octoling guards while she carried a platter of food to the prince's room. The guards nodded their heads understandingly, allowing the servant to pass through to Octavio's room and leave upon request.

Her footsteps were silent, like the distant murmur of the waves below the cliffside the palace resided on. She entered the room and saw Octavio Takowasa, the soon-to-be king of the Octarians, sound asleep. She set the tray down on a nearby table, and left as quietly as she entered, to avoid waking him up.

Octavio hears the door close and sat up, no longer pretending to sleep. He tried to focus on not thinking of the events that occurred earlier in the day. He tried to think about his plans for the future, but couldn’t seem to make himself concentrate enough. So instead of focusing on anything, he closed his eyes and focused on breathing, letting his body do its own thing.

He nearly fell asleep like this, until he heard a faint tapping at his window. He glanced over at it and saw a familiar orange Inkling waving at him, so he got up to let him in.

"Craig? What are you doing here so late at night?" Octavio asked Craig when he got inside.

"I just wanted to see my boyfriend!" he grinned as he walked towards Octavio and pulled him into a big hug. Octavio didn't say it, but he really needed that hug.

Craig Cuttlefish, a wandering musician, had been friends with the prince of the royal octarian family for about a year now, and boyfriends for about a month. Craig wasn't technically allowed to be at the palace (especially through a window into the prince's chambers), but that never stopped him from seeing the Octoling of his dreams.

"Oh man, it feels good to see you again!" Craig said happily.

"Craig, you literally saw me yesterday." Octavio replied, returning the hug.

They separated before Craig set his backpack down and sat on the edge of the bed, Octavio sat back down next to him. Octavio was tired. And sad. Like the world wouldn’t let him enjoy the night with his lover.

"Sooo, what happened today?" Craig asked.

"Nothin’ much really, just had to deal with some stuff with the council... The usual." Octavio trailed off, not wanting to tell Craig more than what he thought was necessary. After a pause, he continued. "How about you? Did you finish your latest song?" he hoped it would steer Craig away from asking more about his day. He never liked seeing him worried.

Craig smiled and nodded. "Yep, I got the lyrics written, and the melody is coming together nicely too! It just sucks that we won't get to perform them live, you and I."

"Yeah…" Octavio mumbled softly.

Craig leaned forward and kissed the top of Octavio's head lightly. "Everything okay?"

Ah, nope, too late. Craig was already worried.

"Yeah," he forced out a smile and turned his head, his hair tentacles curled up to obscure his face. "Everything's fine." It was a blatant lie, but Craig knew Octavio well enough by now to know if he tried to hide something using those mannerisms, it wouldn't work.

"Are ya sure?" Craig asked, brushing his tentacles away from his face. He could see Octavio trembling slightly. He wrapped his arms tightly around Octavio and held him close, running a hand through his tentacles. He felt Octavio lean into him.

"Did something happen?" There was silence. "Octavio… talk to me, please."

Octavio took a shaky breath before speaking. “…I don't think I'm fit for the throne." He could hear Craig exhale beside him and pulled back slightly, looking down at Octavio intently, waiting to properly understand.

"What are you talking about?" Craig asked gently, his accent disappearing for a moment.

"I'm not ready to become emperor," Octavio responded. "This is all happening so fast." The words tumbled out of his mouth almost too quickly for Craig to catch them. "Everyone's always expectin' so much from me, it's too much pressure! The council, my own parents, they expect me to be so perfect and untouchable… Makin' me think it’s not worth the struggle of lovin' me if I can't be what they want me to be… I… I can't handle it." His voice grew quiet as tears began to fall. Craig gently brushed them away and brought his hands up to cup Octavio's face.

"Hey, look at me," Craig said softly, bringing Octavio's face up to meet his eyes. He wiped away one more tear as he stared into the vibrant green eyes that reminded him so much of spring. He leaned forward and pressed his lips against Octavio's in a tender kiss. A small gasp escaped from Octavio's lips as he reciprocated. Craig slowly pulled away and kept his forehead against Octavio's.

"You're amazing, Octavio Takowasa, you know that right?" Craig whispered. "I love everything about you, everything that makes you, you. And even if you aren't ready, there will always be people who love you regardless. You can do this. Everything will be alright. I believe in you."

Octavio sniffed, and tried hard not to sob, "y’think so?"

"I do."

"Thank you, Craig," he pulled the inkling into another tight embrace. "Thank you."

The two stayed like that for a while, simply enjoying each other's company. Eventually Octavio shuffled so he could rest his head on Craig's shoulder. Craig held him close, humming gently as he stroked his back. Octavio sighed in content and closed his eyes. This was nice, knowing that someone cared about him unconditionally. He was so lucky to have Craig.

"Well, I have to go now. I should let ya get some rest, huh?" Craig kissed the top of Octavio's head again before letting go of Octavio and standing up, making his way to the window.

"Wait, you're leaving already?" Please stay. Octavio called after him. Craig sat against the windowsill and gave him another peck.

"Well… yeah, don't want your folks to know I'm here, I don't want ya to stress out more than ya already are, 'Tavi."

Ah, the “‘Tavi“ nickname. Octavio loved when Craig used it. It made him feel giddy. He didn't want Craig to leave.

"Please, don't go!" Octavio begged. His hearts beating frantically in his chest. He felt himself begin to hyperventilate as panic started to take control of his senses.

"Woah woah hey, it's okay. It's okay. Calm down, it's alright." Craig said as he got up from the windowsill and clutched Octavio in his arms. Octavio latched onto him and buried his face in Craig's neck, crying softly. "Shhh. It's okay, I'm right here. You're okay, everything's gonna be okay."

Craig held Octavio until he calmed down, then picked him up and carried him back over to his bed and placed him gently in it. Before he could walk away, Octavio grabbed his wrist and tugged on it gently. "Don't go… please… Stay with me tonight, just this once… Just let me hold you…" He pleaded weakly.

Craig froze in place. He wanted nothing more than to keep Octavio comforted and safe, but he also had to think this through. What would happen if he got caught by the guards? What if they made sure he could never see Octavio again? He didn't want to lose him. Not now, not ever.

But he also knew that Octavio needed him. He needed someone to help him through this. Someone who cared about him. Someone who loved him. Someone who would always be there for him no matter what.

"Okay… Okay, I'll stay." He finally agreed. Craig quickly changed into some pajamas he fortunately had in his bag, which consisted of comfortable looking pants and a button-up shirt, then crawled into bed next to Octavio and pulled him into a cuddle.

"Can we… Stay up? I don't think I can get myself to sleep right now…" Octavio requested quietly.

"Of course," Craig nodded and wrapped his arms around Octavio's waist, "Anything to keep you comfy, love."

"Love". Cod, Craig was always so cheesy with the nicknames, he loved it all the same.

"So um… What should we do?" Craig asked.

“…Talk."

"About?"

Octavio shifted uncomfortably and turned to look at Craig, he really didn't wanna talk about his day anymore, but he did want to talk about something, anything to-

"Us?"

"Hmm…? Oh! Uh… If ya wanna." Craig answered awkwardly. That sounded good, at least, If it helped to ease Octavio's mind.

"I… I often think a lot about our relationship, and what could happen when I become emperor. We've been friends since we first met, and I… I really care about you." Octavio murmured, wanting to get all his scattered thoughts out before the night was over.

"Aww, 'Tavi, that's sweet of ya! I really do care about ya too." He smiled softly at Octavio, leaning in to press their foreheads together. "Though I'll admit, that does sound kinda like a breakup starter." Craig teased, knowing very well that that wasn't Octavio's intention.

"What? Nn… No, no… not at all! I just…" He stopped, sighing. "I dunno, I'm just thinkin' about all the stuff we haven't tried yet! Like, an actual dinner together at a nice place instead of in secret here, or- or hanging out at festivals! Or…"

Octavio's face flushed bright magenta at whatever that last thought was.

"Or?" Craig gently questioned as he sat up and smiled fondly at him.

“Or… Or we could…" Octavio couldn't continue his sentence. He had never actually done anything as romantically intimate as that with Craig before. He felt stupid. "Nevermind." he mumbled and buried his face in his hands.

"Hey… hey now," Craig gently grabbed Octavio's hands out of his face and gave him a smile so soft and trusting. "Whatever it is you wanna do, I'm game, promise." Craig assured. His thumbs rubbed gentle circles across the back of Octavio’s hands, which calmed him slightly.

"Are you sure?" Octavio sat up, intertwining their fingers together.

"Yeah. I'm sure it'll be great."

"A-Alright then…" Octavio looked away. He really hoped this wasn't going to end badly. After a few moments, he shyly looked back into Craig's soft, golden eyes and took a deep breath. "Would you, uh- maybe want to… Make love… with me?" he asked. There it was.

Craig was silent for what felt like an eternity as he processed the question. Octavio looked at him, hoping he heard him correctly. He needed to tell Craig, he couldn't keep letting that thought linger in the back of his head any longer. If he was going to do this, he needed Craig to be able to say yes.

"Yes." Craig responded suddenly.

Octavio felt like a gigantic weight had been lifted from his soul. "Wuh… What? Really?!" he sputtered.

Craig laughed lightly. "Yeah, 'Tavi. Really."

Suddenly tears welled up in Octavio's eyes and his cheeks grew warm as Craig leaned forward to place a soft peck onto his lips. He felt loved.

"I love you, 'Tavi. More than I can describe." Craig smiled while he pressed another kiss to his lips, a little more confident this time. He leaned in a bit further and pulled Octavio towards him, deepening their kiss. Octavio returned the gesture eagerly, moving his hands up to wrap themselves tightly in Craig's hair tentacles. Craig pulled away a few seconds later, smiling at Octavio.

"Ya know, we could start with something simple…" Craig suggested, chuckling lightly at the flush spreading across the other's cheeks as he started unbuttoning his own shirt.

"I was thinking something along the lines of… Making out?" Octavio replied, grinning up at Craig sheepishly.

"Really? Well that ain't too hard then." Craig laughed as he finished unbuttoning his shirt and positioned himself over Octavio. "Just gotta get comfortable with ya first." he added with a purr in his voice, placing one hand on Octavio's chest to push him back on the bed, the other resting on Octavio's hand. There, he closed the gap between them again as Craig pulled him into another kiss. This time Octavio opened his mouth, and Craig gladly took that as an invitation to let his tongue explore. Octavio moaned and arched his body in excitement.

"You like that, huh?" he questioned.

"Mhm~"

Craig chuckled. "Good. I'll make you feel good, my prince." Something about the way Craig referred to him as such made him feel strangely more aroused. Octavio nodded slowly, his hearts beating rapidly in anticipation.

He began to remove Octavio’s clothing, and took his time with every single piece, while Octavio kept staring up at him, entranced by the beauty before him. Eventually, he was mostly unclothed save for his pants and an opened yukata, exposing a finely toned body.

Craig whistled lowly in appreciation as he removed his own shirt. "Wow. Lookin' good, 'Tavi~." he complimented, giving him a quick kiss on his forehead.

Octavio let out a tiny chuckle and rolled his eyes, the flush glowing ever brighter. "Says you." He retorted, causing Craig to laugh.

"Touché." Craig responded with a wink, before kissing him again. Craig moved his hand up Octavio's chest and rested it above his central heart. "Your hearts are racing. Do ya wanna take it slow?"

Octavio nodded vigorously. "Y-Yeah… I'd like that." He answered, nervously biting his bottom lip.

"Alright, but ya gotta relax and enjoy yourself too, 'Tavi." Craig said smoothly, the southern drawl in his accent making his face heat up again. "Let’s go at your own pace." He kissed Octavio once more before starting with his own exploration, carefully trailing kisses down Octavio's cheek, then to his jaw, leaving feather light marks against his skin. He then slowly trailed lower down, pausing at his neck and pressed his tongue against it. Octavio gasped, he shivered at the sudden sensation.

Craig smiled, loving how much pleasure Octavio seemed to be getting from this. Then, he bit down on Octavio's neck. Octavio's head dropped back on the pillow with a low, drawn out moan. He kissed the bite mark so softly, eliciting more pleasurable noises from Octavio. Turns out… he really liked that.

"Does that feel good~?" Craig asked, his voice husky and seductive.

Octavio swallowed thickly, nodding frantically. He let out another moan as Craig continued to leave kisses and bite marks along Octavio's shoulders and chest. It was getting hot. So hot. He wanted more. He wanted everything.

"C…Can you…"

"Shhh…" Craig interrupted him softly. "I know what you're askin’ for, I hear it, baby." And he did. He could hear it perfectly clear, the sounds of Octavio's quiet moans and whimpers that filled the room. He was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. And Craig loved it. Cod, he wanted to give him so much more. More heat, more pleasure. He wanted to feel him. Now.

With another quick kiss and a gentle bite placed on Octavio's shoulder, he lifted himself up and slid off of Octavio's body.

He got up and pulled his pants off. As soon as they were free of his hips, his underwear followed suit. He turned around to face his lover and smiled tenderly at him, wasting no time getting back on top of Octavio.

Octavio looked down and more heat rushed to his face at the sight of Craig's member, which was a girthy, vibrant orange tentacle. He knew he shouldn't stare, but damn he would be lying if he said he didn't want to, Craig already seemed to feel his gaze.

"What are ya lookin' at, 'Tavi~?" he asked, smirking. Octavio looked back up into Craig's eyes, trying to ignore the fluttery feeling he got when he saw that smug expression on his face.

"Nothin’…" he muttered, turning his head away, embarrassed, as Craig lowered himself back onto him. The feeling sent goosebumps rushing across Octavio's body.

He didn't have much time to dwell on it, however, as Craig pulled his face back to look at him, his lips pressed on his again. Octavio couldn't help but sigh lovingly, wrapping both arms and legs around Craig and returning the kiss. Craig hummed happily, sliding his tongue between his boyfriend's lips. Their bodies pressed up against each other, creating a perfect fit. Octavio let out a low whine.

He had never felt anything like this. No one had ever made him feel this good. No one. He had never been touched like this, or kissed like this. It was magical. Everything Craig was doing to him, Octavio could practically feel his smile through the kiss. That alone caused his hearts to melt. He felt like he was floating. They broke apart for air, breathing heavily.

"Cod, babe. You're beautiful. You know that?" Craig murmured, looking down at him.

Octavio's face began to tinge magenta again, feeling a slight pain in his stomach from all the butterflies he was now experiencing. "Oh, yeah… That makes two of us." He responded, running a hand across Craig's cheek. Craig smiled and placed his hand on top of Octavio's.

"How are ya feeling? Ya okay?"

"Yeah… Better now." He really was enjoying this. The warmth, the touch, the sounds, the feeling of being loved. Everything about this felt right. Craig squeezed Octavio's hand and leaned down to place another quick kiss on his lips. Octavio's breath hitched. His mind swam with all kinds of thoughts and feelings at once; love, adoration, lust, passion, and desire, among others. But above all else, he just wanted Craig.

He wanted more. Needed more. His entire being ached to get closer to Craig. To finally, fully embrace him. To finally share these intimate moments with him that he had longed for. He wanted to feel Craig deep within himself.

A stiffening feeling tore him from his thoughts. Octavio froze up, and his face went bright magenta.

“…Oh." he whispered as the realization hit.

Craig pulled back a little bit, still holding his hand, studying his expression. "Are ya alright, darlin’?" he questioned, the use of that pet name made him even more stiff.

He shook his head slowly, unable to find his words. Craig frowned, not understanding what he was feeling. Octavio gently lifted himself back up enough until his knees were bent and he was leaning backwards slightly to rest his elbows on the bedding underneath him. He looked at Craig who gazed down at him with a confused expression. He stared back at him in return, his eyes locked onto Craig's own.

"Nnnn~ I… I just…" Octavio stammered, suddenly unable to think straight. "I uh-" he swallowed hard. "Oh Cod, Craig…" he moaned, his face heating up even more than before. His entire body tensed.

"I want you to…" he paused and shuddered. "I want you to be with me… I want you to be inside of me…" He reached for Craig's hand and put it on the center of his chest. "I want all of you." he breathed out.

Craig gazed at him, completely surprised. His cheeks tinted orange. Not in embarrassment, but in joy.

"Then let's do it." he whispered softly, causing Octavio's eyes to widen, his hearts skipping beats. "We can do whatever ya need. Just tell me and I'll give it to ya. I'm here to be of service."

Octavio felt his breath hitch as he looked down and noticed his erection in his pants growing harder. He let out another shaky breath and nodded, eyes shut.

Craig grinned at him. "Good." He whispered before trailing his hands down Octavio's torso until he reached his pants and pulled them off, revealing a large, erect, magenta tentacle dick. Craig looked surprised by its size.

"Whoooahh!" He exclaimed, his eyes wide. "That's bigger than I expected!"

Octavio was surprised by Craig’s sudden shift from smooth and seductive to being shocked and excited, though he couldn't help but find it endearing. "Th…Thanks?" he responded with uncertainty.

Craig smiled brightly. "Of course, 'Tavi~! You're gonna try somethin' new tonight. And don't ya worry your pretty little head off. We'll take our time, I promise." He said reassuringly.

Octavio nodded, visibly starting to relax. He opened his eyes slightly and glanced down.

"Um…" he said. "Should we do this now? I mean, there isn't any reason to wait…" His voice trailed off at the end, unsure of how he was supposed to explain what he was asking without sounding too awkward.

Craig chuckled. "If that's what ya want, sweethearts. I won't rush ya."

Octavio nodded slowly and took a moment to gather his courage before closing his eyes again and letting his head drop back down onto the pillow as he spread his legs slightly.

Oh Cod. This is actually happening. He thought.

Craig watched as his lover's fingers clung onto the bed sheets. "Don't be nervous," He reassured gently. He couldn't stop staring down at his Octavio. He was gorgeous. Every part of him was just absolute perfection, his skin reflecting the soft blue moonlight that streamed into the room made him look ethereal.

As Craig spoke, he reached over to the side of the bed where his backpack was and pulled out a bottle of lube he apparently had on him the whole time. He opened the bottle and poured some onto his palm before rubbing it over his length.

Octavio bit back a moan as Craig started to massage his inner thighs. Oh Cod yes.

He was so desperate and needy that it was killing him. He couldn't stand it anymore. He wanted Craig to feel every inch of him. To make him forget about the world for a bit.

"Craig… Please…" he mewled. "Take me."

The inkling smiled at that. He grabbed Octavio by the waist, lifting his leg a bit and positioned himself at his ass. He pushed forward gently and entered him, causing Octavio to let out a sharp gasp.

"Ya alright?" Craig immediately asked. He knew that Octavio had never done this before, he really didn't want to hurt his lover on his first time. His movements were slow and gentle. Octavio bit his lip as he gripped tightly onto the sheets beneath him.

“Ohh cod… Craig~” he moaned, arching his back slightly and spreading his legs further apart.

After hearing those words leave his mouth, Craig let out a pleased hum and stopped briefly to allow Octavio to adjust to the stretch. "Feels good, doesn't it?" He asked gently.

The sudden lack of movement caused Octavio to knit his brows together in a bout of frustration as he tried to grind himself against Craig. "Mmm~, yeah…" He panted. His hips continued moving on their own accord. "Please… keep going."

Craig smirked at his needy and pleading tone, and continued moving in him gently. Slowly. He wasn't rushing him. He wanted Octavio to enjoy every minute of this. Every single second of pleasure and ecstasy.

Octavio moved almost rhythmically with Craig, covering his mouth to avoid making any louder noises and- Oh.

Oh.

They have a chance of getting caught if they’re too loud. This caused a wave of fear to spread across Octavio’s being and stops moving, holding his breath.

“‘Tavi?” Craig looked down at his lover, brow furrowed slightly in concern. “Are you ok? Did I hurt you?” he questioned, stopping his movements.

“I- It’s the guards and servants. They… They might catch us if we’re too loud. I’m scared. I’m so sorry.” Octavio silently cried, burying his face into his hands.

Craig sighed and lowered himself carefully back down onto top of Octavio, pressing their foreheads together. “Hey, hey, look at me. Breathe, love." he said, kissing Octavio's cheeks. Octavio let out a shuddery breath and buried his face into the crook of Craig’s neck.

The way he kissed his tears away, how he held him close. How loving and kind he always was, no matter what happened. It only made him fall more deeply in love with him.

"It's okay, It's okay. You've got nothing to apologize for." he murmured as he ran a soothing hand through his hair tentacles. Octavio nuzzled closer to him, clinging onto him for dear life. "We'll be fine. As long as we stay quiet, we're safe."

Octavio nodded weakly. Craig leaned down and pressed a kiss to his lips, which sent more butterflies soaring through his stomach. Then another, deeper this time as he began to massage Octavio's hips. When Octavio realized what he was doing he blushed furiously as he separated from the kiss and hid his face once more into Craig's neck. The man was such a tease.

Craig chuckled lowly. "feeling good?" That's the second time he's asked that question to Octavio tonight.

Octavio let out a small sigh. His hearts still raced, but he nodded weakly. “Yeah… Thank you.”

“No problem, love~ Now relax and let me make you feel even better.” Craig said as he slowly began to push inside of his lover once more. But this time, Craig didn’t stop moving. He kept going in and out slowly, stimulating Octavio.

Octavio covered his mouth with his hand and moaned in pleasure as the familiar warmth washed over him. Cod, this felt amazing.

The thrusts were starting to become faster as he continued to pleasure his lover with kisses and massages on his neck, shoulders, jawline, lips, everywhere. Everything the inkling was doing felt like heaven. He moaned loudly into his hand and shivered, feeling this… hot sensation coursing through his abdomen.

"Craig… I… I need…" he breathed as he bucked into him, desperately trying to relieve the burning tension building up inside him. Craig groaned when he felt his lover stiffen beneath him, starting to feel the same sensation as he rocked his hips against his partner’s body.

Craig wanted to respond, but he could see the pleasure and ecstasy written all over Octavio’s being, and he wouldn't dream of interrupting such a beautiful display of body language. So he decided instead to continue thrusting lovingly into Octavio.

Octavio felt as though he was floating as he felt a powerful current pass by him. He whimpered involuntarily and arched upward in response. “Craig~! More… Please!” He was so overwhelmed with pleasure; he stopped caring about being quiet and just gave in completely to letting Craig know just how much he was loving this.

Craig smiled warmly and placed a few quick kisses on Octavio’s forehead as he sped up his pace ever so slightly. "You're taking this very well for your first time~." He purred playfully. Octavio could only smile bashfully in response, not able to answer back beyond moans, whimpers, and other little noises of pleasure. He was too far gone, too busy enjoying the feelings washing over him.

But the sight of precum leaking from Octavio’s tip only caused Craig's adrenaline to spike. His hands slipped down under Octavio’s yukata and clenched around his hips as his movements started becoming uncontrollable.

“Hah~ I’m s-so sorry ‘Tavi. Y-you’re doing a g…great job.” He panted out with a stuttered breath. Craig released his grip on Octavio’s hips and shifted his hands down to rest on his lover's thighs, massaging them with haste as he moved faster and harder.

Octavio squirmed beneath him, moaning and gasping in each thrust. He could feel tears starting to form as his hips began bouncing up and down on their own accord. His breath became ragged, as he clutched onto the bedsheets and threw his head back in ecstasy. His entire body tingled from every touch, from every moan, from every bit of praise Craig gave him.

He loved him, so damn much. And Craig loved him back ten times over.

"Craig I'm fffucking- Craig I'm gonna- CRAIG-'' Octavio cried out, clenching his eyes shut and throwing his head back into the pillow. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks as he was engulfed by the feeling of bliss and passion and pure love overwhelming him. His tentacles curled and coiled as tightly as they possibly could. He moaned. He trembled. He came.

He came all over Craig's chest and torso, leaving the Inkling speechless. Craig's eyes were wide and mouth agape as he looked down at his lover's beautiful face, his tentacles were messy and his face was a bright shade of magenta. He looked gorgeous.

So gorgeous in fact, that it caused the burning knot in his abdomen to flare up once more and he involuntarily jerked his hips forward and went deep into his lover. Octavio's body convulsed as Craig filled him to the brim, some of his off-white orange cum spilling out and onto Octavio's yukata. He moaned loudly, a sweet, low sound.

He had never felt so good in his entire life until this moment.

Craig very slowly pulled out and lowered himself down on Octavio, causing the off-white pink cum coating his torso to cling onto both of them now.

"Cod…" Craig muttered softly, caressing Octavio's cheek with one hand and sliding his other hand under his yukata, pulling him close. "That was… incredible."

Octavio’s breathing slowed as he looked up at his beloved and smiled, reaching Craig's back and pulling him even closer. "I… love you… Craig… I love you so much…" He whispered, leaning up towards him and giving his lover a gentle kiss. "Thank you."

The two were about to start another slow make out session before the sound of footsteps approaching the door brought them back to reality.

Craig shifted to swim form and hid under the blanket, while Octavio tore the blanket up over his own body and remained perfectly still. He’ll clean it later.

The door slid open at an incredible speed as a couple Octoling soldiers and a few Octotrooper servants burst in. "Prince Octavio!!" One servant gasped out from the doorway. "Are you alright?! We heard strange noises coming from within your living quarters!"

Octavio sat up, covering his chest with the blanket before answering her and hoping to Cod the bite marks aren't as visible. "I am… quite alright. The noises you may have heard could have possibly been some… uh… strange birds or something outside." He lied. He quickly glanced towards the small shape next to him under the blanket before looking back at his unwanted company. "You are dismissed, thank you." he added, his voice sounding a bit annoyed.

One of the guards sighed in relief. "Yes sir, Your Highness!" She hurriedly bowed again and left, her fellow servants and guards following suit after her and closing the door.

Once they were sure that the coast was clear, Octavio peeled the blanket off of his chest and signaled for Craig to come out of the sheets. Once he does he returns to humanoid form and sighed in relief.

"Nice save hun, that was some quick thinking." Craig chuckled, pulling him in a tight embrace. As he did, Octavio winced for a moment. Their… activity together was fun, but the soreness of it finally started to hit Octavio.

Craig noticed this and gently held him close. "Hey, let's get you cleaned up. You must be exhausted after that." Craig gently kissed his lover on the cheek before walking towards the bathroom.

Octavio managed to very wobbly stand up and take off his now soiled yukata, and toss it with the dirty laundry. He tossed the blanket as well, it had cum stains on it.

Craig returned looking significantly cleaner around his torso, with some rags in hand, but quickly ran to Octavio's side when he saw him stumbling. "I wouldn't move around too much, you're still freshly sore." He explained gently as he helped Octavio back to the bed. "Let me help you."

He grabbed a rag, dampening it with ink-treated water, and gently rubbed it across Octavio's body, wiping up all the excess cum. This… care that was being put into helping him was enough to make his hearts melt. It felt so soft, the way Craig held him and cleaned him off.

When he was done, he tossed the rag into the ever growing pile of laundry and grabbed a new blanket from the closet to replace the filthy one. Afterwards, Craig crawled under the covers and pulled Octavio down onto him, slowly massaging sore spots on his lover's body.

Octavio hummed happily as he melted into the warmth of Craig's touch, turning slightly to gaze up at his lover, whose hands continued gently petting him as he rested against his chest.

"This… was really nice." He mused quietly. "Being intimate with you. In this physical sense, I mean." He clarified, smiling brightly.

Craig nodded, kissing the top of Octavio's head lightly. "It has been, hasn't it?" He asked quietly, his hearts swelling with joy as he thought of what they had just shared together. "I want to keep giving you the love and affection that you deserve." He whispered. He wrapped his arms securely around the prince as if he could protect him forever from any harm.

Octavio couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face at those words. "Oh Craig…" He mumbled tearfully before resting his head on Craig's chest. "You've already shown me so much kindness… but you don't know how much I appreciate everything else you do for me as well." He confessed quietly. "I will forever treasure what we have and cherish it always, no matter what happens."

Craig's hearts swelled with a warm and fuzzy feeling as he squeezed Octavio tightly. "I'm glad... that I can give you such happiness." He replied, a soft smile spreading on his lips.

They lay there for quite awhile, just enjoying each other's company in comfortable silence. When Octavio began to drift asleep, Craig carefully placed one final kiss on his lips before following suit, the distant waves lulling them both into their dreams.

~~

Golden sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating Octavio's sleeping form, hugging a pillow under him in its morning glow. A yawn escaped his lips as he stretched his back upwards in an arch. He was still a bit sore from last night's activities but he didn't really seem to notice. What he did notice however, was the lack of a lover sleeping soundly next to him. He looked around in confusion, until he noticed a piece of paper on his bedside table, he picked it up and saw a simple note from Craig.

"Didn't want the guards to catch us. Love you <3"

He felt sad for a moment, but smiled gently at his thoughtfulness. And then he saw the light revealing more words on… The back-? He flipped it over.

"P.S., we should do that more often ;)"

Well that certainly didn't paint his face a bright magenta.