Chapter Text
Joshua was over the moon and greeting Metia with a smile.
“Thank you so much, Olivia!” he cheered at the baker who was gesturing for him to keep his excitement at bay. How could he when he had not one but two of the new, delicious pastries conjured up for an upcoming event in hand!
Olivia took the baking sheet away with the excess goodies so the young lordling would not tempt fate for a third. They both were aware she would conceded to it if Joshua pouted just right. Sighing, the baker hid a smile then softly warned, “Now run along before you get caught! And remember to eat your carrots as promised so I don’t get in trouble for spoiling your dinner!”
“I promise!” Joshua lied. He never ate his carrots so he knew Olivia could not be blamed for it. It was just a ploy to get him to eat his vegetables, a poor one at that, but he had half a mind to try just for thankfulness of the mouthful of cream and bread. Turning on his heels, Joshua ducked out of the kitchen and scurried down a vacant hall. His mother would not be wandering the west wing this time of day so he felt confident in his escape.
All until he ran head first into a familiar chest with a muffled, “Oof!” and was caught by a firm grip.
“Joshua!” Clive cried out then tsked as he eyed the spoils in Joshua’s grasp. Joshua squirmed, but the First held tight. “I was looking for you and figures you’d be stealing desserts before dinner!”
“Not stolen!” the younger whined and looked up at his brother with wide eyes and puffy cheeks, “I asked!”
“You begged,” Clive corrected and snorted when Joshua’s lips pursed. “Much like you are now I suspect.”
Caught, properly judged, and running out of options, Joshua sought the politics of treaty.
“I got you one!”
Clive was dubious and Joshua knew, but despite how privy he was to Joshua’s tactics, he could not always resist. This was something else Joshua also knew and found solace in when Clive’s face softened and he sighed.
“Only so you don’t eat both,” Clive surrendered and Joshua frowned playfully before he bubbled over with giggles. Fair enough, he agreed, and handed Clive one pastry and joined their free hands so he may lead. Clive stumbled trying to keep up with the young lordling’s quick pace with his ever growing legs, but kept up he did with a laugh in his chest. Warm and loving, Joshua longed to stop and melt into it for a moment, but a safe haven must be reached first.
Passing several doorways and sneaking comedically, and unnecessarily, behind a set of guards, they reached their destination —A guest room rarely used that served as Joshua’s sanctuary when all was too much. He had several books hidden in the wardrobe as well as some toys, and it served to hide himself and his brother well when need.
Which was often as of late…
Locking the door behind them, the pair made way to their little corner still piled with pillows and warm from the dimming sunlight. Clive sat first, parting his legs instinctually and awaiting what fit so perfectly between. No wait at all, truly, for Joshua crawled into place and nestled against his brother’s chest adoringly within a heartbeat.
“They are very good, Clive,” he spoke and held up his partially eaten morsel to show off the riches inside.
“Cream?” Clive pondered aloud, then huffed in amusement, “Of course you took two. This is more sugar than you need in a week in just this one!”
“Clive!” Joshua reprimanded, snatched the pastry out of his brother’s view, and back into his own mouth. His munches were personal and the First broke into a full-bellied laughter that felt good against Joshua’s back.
“Forgive me for teasing you. You are just very cute when I do.” The confession was heavy with love and Joshua flushed. To hammer his point further, Clive leaned to kiss Joshua’s cheek and lingered as Joshua chewed. “Slow down or you will hurt your belly.”
“Hurry up or I will eat yours!”
Point taken, Clive left a final peck and turned his attention to his dessert.
Joshua tilted his head back, watching as Clive tore the pastry in half to examine it. Joshua entertained the thought of beseeching for one of the halves that he felt owed as the little brother. However, that idea drifted away when he realized his brother was…hesitating? No, lost in thought as he stared and progressively grew more red. And when a hungry tongue darted out yet no bite was taken, Joshua quirked an eyebrow.
“Clive, what are you waiting for?” he asked and jumped when his inquiry caused Clive to jolt out of his trance. Even still, Clive’s cheeks and neck deepened their crimson as he blinked.
“N-No reason, just a long day,” Clive insisted before scarfing down several mouthfuls. Joshua turned and rose to his knees to ask his brother how he liked the treat, yet he was met with an averted gaze and the poignant fact that Clive was not thinking hard on the flavor or texture at all. A waste!
“Clive,” Joshua pouted, “Don’t eat it so fast you cannot enjoy it! What has happened?”
No answer and having finished one half, Clive swallowed audibly like it pained him to do so.
“You may have the rest, Joshua,” Clive muttered and handed it over without another word, leaving Joshua stunned. He did not protest, but he was reeling to grasp the First’s reaction, coming up short and toiling with it until he grew tired. He would ask later when Clive was perhaps more drowsy and pliant, but as their brief respite together came to a close and Joshua noticed Clive shifting more and more in discomfort by the minute, Joshua lamented that he had done something wrong.
“I’ll see you at dinner, Joshua,” Clive said and stroked the boy’s hair before granting him the chastest hug he had been given in a while. Joshua returned it, perplexed and worried, but happy Clive was talking. When upset, Clive often slipped into total silence. So, Joshua took relief.
Though, he was still just as confused.
It wasn’t until later when they finished their meal that Joshua struck the tip of an answer.
For dessert, Olivia brought out a new batch of those aforementioned pastries.
“If these are to your liking, we will serve them at the banquet, my lords and ladies,” she announced and served them dutifully, giving Joshua a wink. He smiled in kind and raised it to his lips to have his second indulgence that day when he spotted Clive from across the table freezing up. Once again, a flush took him and his eyes glazed over briefly before he was startled back to reality by a soft, “Clive?”
Jill, next to him, looked at him curiously and he shook his head before nodding to her. Something was whispered beyond Joshua’s earshot and Jill shrugged her shoulders before meeting her eyes to Joshua. “They look delicious!”
“They do!” Joshua said politely and bit like it was his first time, humming contently as he chewed, savoring the sweet warmth and cream. Yet, glancing around the table to his father’s approval, his mother’s disinterest, and Jill’s happiness, Clive’s reaction stood out odd and peculiar.
He partook, slowly and with a sound, “They will do just fine…” but he was captured in visible unease. Awkwardly, he shifted in his seat and before Joshua could speak up or coyly flick something across the table to get his attention, Clive abruptly stood with a choked, “Excuse me. I believe my exhaustion has caught up to me and I must head to bed.”
And he left without a proper pardon and his mother scoffing to their father of his rudeness.
Jill flashed Joshua a concerned look and Joshua immediately took action.
“Excuse me! I…I really want to finish the book I have been reading! It was all very good!” he blurted out and ran after Clive, ignoring his mother’s protests. He would deal with her wrath later if his father failed to quell her. He needed to make sure Clive was alright!
Calling his brother as he trailed behind, Joshua’s heart leapt when he realized Clive was picking up speed. As Clive did, so would he and Joshua broke into a full sprint, catching up with relative ease and pouncing before Clive could react.
“Joshua!” Clive yelped and tumbled to the ground with the younger in tow. His reflexes taking the reins, the First twisted to protect Joshua in his arms and fell onto his back, the air knocking out of himself as they landed. Joshua squeaked in surprise, but not only from the fall or the impressiveness of Clive’s abilities, but because…
“Clive? Did you leave dinner because you–”
A hand clasped over his mouth and he looked up, eyes large and curious as he registered the hardness pressing against his belly. Clive frowned and let out a shaky exhale before helping his little brother back to his feet, finally allowing him to speak again.
“Why are you aroused?” Joshua questioned in hushed tones and humor playing at his lips. It was only fair. If Clive found him cute when teased, Joshua could feel the same about him. “Is that what happened earlier? Is it from the pastry?”
The frown deepened and Clive hid behind his bangs as he shuffled back onto his feet and tugged at his trousers. “It’s nothing to concern yourself over.”
“Of course it is!” Joshua exclaimed then dropped his voice upon realizing the echoing in the hallway. “I can help!”
“Joshua…” the elder groaned, the embarrassment clearly eating him alive and only encouraging Joshua’s grin to widen. Spotting Joshua’s cheery face, Clive relented, slumping his shoulders. “Founder …come with me and keep quiet.”
Off they went, scampering directly to that tried and true guest room, careful to check for prying eyes as they rounded every corner and before they clicked the door shut. Once they had, Clive wilted against the door and grumbled something to himself Joshua did not catch.
“Huh?”
Finding the courage to properly speak, Clive took a deep breath and whispered into the wood of the door, “I had intended to simply care for myself and spare myself the humiliation.”
Yes, Joshua properly understood now why Clive liked it so much when he was flustered or embarrassed. Slotting easily into their swapped roles, Joshua carried himself with gentleness and false confidence so he might pursue.
“Humiliation? Whatever for? You’ve said it yourself that it’s natural and happens for strange reasons at times.”
At that, Clive chuckled though there was no sign of relaxation nor acceptance. Only defeat as he slid down the door and braced his back against it upon reaching the floor. Shyly, he glanced up at the lordling, face like a spring berry and just as sweet with longing in his eyes. Then, he reached towards his loins to undo his belt and buttons.
Joshua eagerly dropped down to assist, his own body beginning to respond to his brother’s neediness. But before he could set his mind to task, he had to know…
“Was it the pastry?”
Clive was not patient enough for such games and took himself in his own hand as Joshua started his investigation. Closing his eyes, though in search of fantasy or salvation from Joshua’s looming, it was unknown, Clive answered. “Yes.”
Alight in intrigue, Joshua scooched as close as he could and rested a hand on Clive’s working one, feeling the motions and allowing them to stir his desire.
“What was it about them that did it? It started when we were here earlier, that I know.” Joshua laid out his clues in new clarity. And striking the truth even though it was obvious, Clive winced.
“Yes…I…” Clive’s head dropped in shame. Yet, he did not stop stroking. “It made me think of something and now I can think of naught else when I see them.”
Perking up at the new information, Joshua took initiative and nudged Clive’s hand away so that he may take over. Clive acceded all too eagerly and gave Joshua the space to work. It also was not lost on Joshua that Clive’s eyes had opened again and were fixed onto him. How powerful it made him feel…
“Won’t you tell me?” Joshua teased, though he meant it in earnest. Difficult it was to mind his tone when worked up and he pondered for a moment if he perhaps intended to goad, knowing Clive would succumb to more embarrassment. He wasn’t so sure, but he had to press on. “Please, it’s been on my mind all day.”
Clive responded, small and bashful, “Mine too.”
Silence fell between them, save for the slick sound of flesh seeking release, and Joshua waited patiently for Clive to fulfill his request. Clive intended to answer, tossing himself back and forth between embarrassment, guilt, and lust until finally, his barriers gave way. Shaking as he did so, Clive pulled his brother closer so his lips met his ear, voice trickling in timid heat.
“Do you recall the last time we made love, Joshua?”
The future archduke nodded excitedly, shivering as he felt Clive’s hands hike up his robes to settle on the waistband of his trousers. Clive left him a mess then, pumped full of his elder brother’s seed he meant to be spilt elsewhere, apologies abundant as he cleaned Joshua up and remained with him until the most of it dripped out. It was upon this recollection that Joshua was hit with the ping of enlightenment. Before he could vocalize, Clive whined.
“The pastry reminded me of it. Damn it all. ”
Weak and conquered, Clive rested his forehead onto Joshua’s shoulders. And with practiced hands not needing sight to guide them, sprang Joshua free that they may meet. Joshua faltered, hand slowing to unpredictable and uneven tugs before Clive removed it for better stimulations. Joshua agreed to them, bringing his hips forward and his arms around Clive’s neck. It suddenly became harder to breathe and Joshua panted, mind foggy and numb.
He loved the feeling as much as he loved the sweet taste of friction as he began rocking his hips. Clive’s breathing grew more labored, but he did not act as he let Joshua frot. Instead, he poured the memory out one word at a time into his neck.
“I wish you could understand how beautiful you were then. You are now, but seeing you so…so… undone… full…” He chose his words carefully, articulating each syllable, consonant, and vowel like he was chanting a prayer. “And that I was to blame. Joshua, are you able to comprehend what you do to me? Why I …”
“Clive… ” Joshua moaned out and quivered once Clive wrapped his hand around them both to cease the child’s play. With the other hand, he pulled Joshua’s trousers down so that his bottom may be freed and he groped it covetously.
“You are a sweet thing, Joshua. Sweeter than the pastry or treat. Especially when… ”
The thought slipped off his tongue incomplete and his hips thrusted only to be halted by Joshua’s surprised gasp. Respect and adoration drove him to wrap his legs around Joshua’s form; while greed and passion steered his thumb between Joshua’s cheeks where he was once filled.
“I long to do it again…that you may overflow with me… ”
Joshua strained to stay upright as his thighs tensed and fluttered with every stroke and fondle. And as his knees bent, losing their strength, he leaned onto his dear First Shield.
“Please Clive,” the little lordling wheezed, his body burning up in want and need, “I want you to. I want to feel it again. Please …”
Alas, it was not to be so this night as both boys remembered in unison. Bitterly, Clive spat a curse and murmured, “Your bath…not this time but the next…I promise… ”
The pout was immense, but Joshua understood. Settling for the pleasant pressure of his brother’s thumb, Joshua focused on it and imagined a great manner of things they would do. And Clive…Clive needed only the sweet utterings of his pleasure to find his ecstasy.
Together they endured all and rode the wave to the end with moans into each other’s shoulders and bodies collapsing upon their shared release. Enchanted by it, they clung to each other, synchronizing their breaths and gentle vocal devotions until the world once again cooled. Clive sacrificed his shirt for the duty of cleaning and Joshua begged him to stay a while longer that they might talk more of pastries and fillings…the plans he now had were copious.
“I have just settled down and you mean to rile me back up. A wicked little brother you are!” Clive scolded lightheartedly and placed a kiss on Joshua’s forehead, much to the boy’s delight. “One that I love dearly all the same.”
“I love you too, Clive,” Joshua whispered and then a realization dawned on him that had him blushing once more. Clive parted his lips to ask, but Joshua babbled out unprompted, “Now I will suffer the same when I eat those pastries! And they will be at the banquet!”
To that, Clive let out a boisterous, undignified laugh that Joshua shushed with both hands. And when he caught his breath, he had only one thing to say.
“Then we shall suffer together.”
The First suffered most that day as his brother was conniving and at the earliest opportunity, Joshua whispered in his ear without remorse nor shame, “I expect to be like a cream-filled bun later tonight.”
And Clive knew no peace for hours, teetering on that thought and the smugness of Joshua who innocently smiled at every guest as he nibbled away at the desserts