Archive of Our Own ^beta

It was a well-known fact that the vice housewarden of Pomefiore had a habit of stalking those he found intriguing. “Field notes”, he called them, and he was alarmingly thorough.

Jade supposed he should feel honored to have drawn his attention.

Alas, it really wouldn’t do to remain under such scrutiny, what with business as it was. And so, with the bittersweet finality of a hunt come to an end, he concluded their little game – right in front of Riddle Rosehearts. That the Heartslabyul housewarden was predictably uncomfortable by their banter did not escape Jade one bit.

And, well.

Perhaps that was the point.

After his schoolwork was complete, he went to the Lounge kitchen, as usual, to begin prepping for the dinner rush, listening as Floyd vented about something Professor Crewel had lectured him for in class. They both paused as Azul walked through the door, looking up in interest as their housewarden let out an amused chuckle.

“What in the Deep Blue Sea happened today, Jade?”

The shorter eel almost feared his brother’s neck would snap from the speed with which he turned to stare at him.

“What? Somethin’ happened?! Spill!”

The vice housewarden turned to wipe his hands on a towel, making a show of trying to remember.

“Well…The Schizophyllum that I had transplanted seem to finally be rehydrating properly, which is quite the relief. I had feared that, with the—”

He was interrupted by the bang! of Floyd’s head dropping onto the countertop. Azul, sympathetic to the feeling, barely even looked annoyed with him.

“Not mushrooms, Jade. Something from today that the housewardens might be interested in. One small, easy-to-anger, rule-loving housewarden in particular…”

Floyd’s head shot back up, now sporting a red blotch on his forehead. “Goldfishie?!”

Jade stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Ah, yes. Well, I did have a minor disruption in gym class…”

“‘Minor’?” Azul brought a hand up to cover his laugh. “That’s not how Riddle recounted it.”

Apparently, during their housewarden meeting, the Heartslabyul prefect had been grumbling to himself, until Vil – rather sharply – rebuked him for neglecting etiquette by not speaking clearly. Riddle had snapped back by asking what kind of manners include skulking around in bushes, and proceeded to detail out – in great hyperbole, no doubt – the (very brief, to Jade’s remembrance) interaction during class.

As expected from an A-list actor such as himself, Vil’s expression did not falter during the whole tirade. At its conclusion, he pulled out his phone and stonily dialed a number. And so, in front of the other present housewardens, it was with a complete lack of sympathy that Vil ordered Rook out of Pomefiore, not to return until he had made amends with the Octavinelle vice housewarden.

Azul finished his recounting of the meeting to Floyd’s howling laughter and Jade’s increasing interest.

“Oh, man! Seagull getting chewed out by Lil’ Betta? I would’ve LOVED to see that!” The taller eel fell against the counter in hysterics.

The housewarden turned to Jade, who had remained quiet. “What do you think you’ll ask for as recompense? Rook is a rather capable individual. A favor from him could be quite a valuable thing.” He paused, eyes glinting greedily. “You could always have him work at Mostro Lounge. I’m sure the Pomefiore vice housewarden would be quite a credit to business – and we could pick his brain for ideas, especially things that would resonate with Vil’s fans…”

Jade’s lips curled into a polite smile, hand raising to his chest. “Apologies, Azul, but I believe this is my debt to be repaid.” Without offering anything further, he turned back to his prep work.

The octo-mer huffed grudgingly. “Well, what are you going to ask him for, then?”

“Hmm…” Jade’s grin widened, eyes narrowing as he tested the blade of his chopping knife. “What, indeed…?”

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Jade returned to his dorm room after closing the Mostro Lounge for the night. The eve of the weekend was always so busy. He sighed as he removed his uniform jacket, neatly hanging it back in his wardrobe.

He glanced to his door, wondering how long the hunter would wait before following through on his housewarden’s wishes. …As if in answer to his thoughts, a polite knock sounded within the next moment.

If Jade wasn’t so well informed of Rook’s idiosyncrasies, he would wonder how he managed to time his arrival so precisely after the eel returned to his room. He would also be curious as to how he had been able to sneak into another dorm after hours – especially one located in the depths of the ocean…

But those were thoughts for another time. For now, he strode to open his door, widening his eyes in faux surprise as he saw who – unsurprisingly – stood there. He felt his trademark smile stretch a bit wider in anticipation as he took the first step in their dance.

“Why, hello, Rook. To what do I owe the honor of a visit from Pomefiore’s vice housewarden?”

Rook removed his hat with a flourish, bringing it to his chest with a little bow. “Bonsoir, Monsieur Prémédité! It seems Roi des Roses informed my lovely housewarden of our delightful repartee earlier today during their meeting. Alas, he was not as amused as we, and dear Vil, possessed as he is of such a genial soul, has insisted I come to make amends tout de suite, for any discomfort caused by the callous and intrusive way I have been conducting my research. It was rather…insensitive to probe so deeply into your personal affairs, and for that I beg your forgiveness.”

Jade regarded the shorter man, the way his green eyes gleamed with something…less than sincerity. The eel retained his pleasant smile, fighting not to bare his teeth in delight. One mustn’t be so forthright in showing their intentions, after all.

Instead, he rested a gloved hand over his heart. “Ah, dear Riddle. How touching that he feels so protective toward me. I shall have to thank him for his thoughtfulness…” He raised his head to meet keen emerald eyes once again. “I do appreciate your candor, Rook. Please, come in out of the hallway.” He stepped back, turning to make just enough room for the blond to pass, and closed the door behind him, smoothly clicking the lock in place.

He faced the hunter, watching as he glanced around the tidy space, taking in Jade’s private quarters.

Looking back at him, Rook flashed a friendly smile. “S’il te plaît, Monsieur Prémédité, dites-moi. Tell me, please – what may I do to earn your forgiveness?”

The merman brought his finger to his chin, frowning in mock thought – for he had, in actuality, already came up with just the thing. “My, what an opportunity. Let me see…” He crossed to his desk, opening one of the drawers to pull out a vial of dark purple liquid. “I’d like for you to drink this, please.”

Rook blinked, smile freezing into a rictus, before quickly regaining its pleasantness. “Monsieur. Surely you don’t expect me to ingest such a thing with no knowledge of it. I am repentant, not a fool.”

“Undoubtedly. And so, I shall be candid with you.” Jade returned his geniality, answering without hesitation. “It’s a…philtre, of sorts – a new formula of mine. I’d like you to assist me in testing its potency.”

The blond’s eyes widened marginally, but the eel was quite positive that what he saw in their depths was more excitement than concern. Still, the Pomefiore vice made a gallant attempt at maintaining decorum.

“An aphrodisiac? Shouldn’t such a thing be observed in a more…controlled setting?”

Jade raised an eyebrow in amusement. “Might you be insinuating that my lodgings are not under my control?”

Rook paused, unwinding the statement in his mind. He glanced back up at the merman as his face flushed at the phrasing, and Jade allowed some of his sharp teeth to provocatively peek through his lips.

Pretense dropping, the blond frowned, gazing steadily at the eel, despite his blush. “Why would you want moi for your…‘test’?”

“‘Why’?” Jade cocked his head, knuckles thoughtfully rubbing his chin, as if surprised by the question. “You wish to ‘make amends’, do you not?” He folded his hands politely. “And I presumed this way would benefit us both.”

Rook eyed the dark liquid on the desk. “And how, may I ask, does it do that?”

“Well, I, of course, get to trial my new potion! As for you…” Mismatched eyes narrowed as Jade’s smile grew. “I always took you to be an inquisitive soul, quite like myself. For men like us, with curiosity burning in our veins, experiencing new and exciting things is rather a delight, hm?” He slithered closer, circling behind the hunter, voice low and melodic. “And aren’t you interested to find out how it feels? The…fruits of my labor – on your tongue, down your throat, in your belly….?” His gloved hand mirrored his words, hovering a hair’s breadth from Rook’s skin as it ghosted from his face, to his neck, and onward.

The blond swallowed heavily, fighting the blush deepening on his cheeks. “I don’t think—”

“And,” the eel breathed into his ear, “just think. If it works, I can guarantee your experience will be…unforgettable. Quite magnifique, no?”

The subsequent raspy chuckle sent a thrill down Rook’s spine, and he forced his heartbeat to steady, not particularly eager to give away his excitement.

“As I recall,” Jade continued, pulling back from his too-close proximity, “there is a saying about seizing opportunity when it comes knocking…” His eyes narrowed as his grin widened. “…and knock you did.”

The Pomefiore vice didn’t want to admit it, but Sevens, he was curious. It wasn’t as if he could return to his room tonight, anyway, and Jade’s offer promised both an interesting experience and shelter for the evening. Still, it wouldn’t do to be so quick to agree – lack of restraint was what got him into this situation to begin with. He had walked himself straight into the eel’s lair, after all, with all the danger that evoked. Though, Jade being the more prudent of the brothers, Rook felt fairly certain that he would be able to leave, eventually, without any real lasting damage…

So, he took in a breath, wetting his lips before speaking carefully. “If I were to…agree to this…” He looked steadily into those heterochromatic eyes. “You would consider my debt repaid?”

“If you would drink the potion, and then allow me to perform whatever tests upon your person that I deem necessary to gauge its effects, I will write a message directly to Housewarden Schoenheit informing him that amends have been made.” The mer allowed his lips to curl slightly. “To the satisfaction of both parties.”

The hunter paused, weighing the words in his mind, trying to think through the possible loopholes and provisos that could be attached…and what the promised “tests” might entail. After a long moment, he looked up, lifting his chin to meet the taller man’s eyes. “Very well. I shall accept, with but une requête. At the eel’s quirked eyebrow, he glanced away sheepishly. “May I ask that the…events of this evening, whatever they may be, remain known only to…to us…?”

Jade’s lips stretched wide into a sharp, sinister grin. “On my honor as Octavinelle’s vice housewarden, whatever happens in this room tonight, will stay between the parties therein.” His golden eye glinted as he lifted the vial from his desk. “That is…you…and I.”

Rook let out a breathy laugh. “Why, Monsieur Leech. You make it sound as if this is some clandestine rendezvous…”

He jolted as, suddenly, Jade was in front of him, long fingers cupping his jaw. “My dear Mr. Hunt, you are about to drink a rather potent love potion. That description may come to be more apt than you think.” The blond drew in a breath as he felt cool glass against his lips. “Now, I believe the terms have been settled…Shall we begin?”

Rook already felt bespelled as he allowed the mer to tip his head back, parting his lips to allow the strange, dark liquid inside. It felt almost ritualistic, like something sacred turned sinful, the way Jade’s razor-toothed smile leered from above as he administered the potion with fastidious care. The blond could only gaze up into those gleaming eyes, whispered promises glittering in their depths, as he felt the philtre enter his mouth, coating his tongue before he obediently swallowed it down.

The potion tasted sweet, almost decadent, but the lingering tang left one wanting.

…Rook could only imagine what that portended…

He took in a relieved breath when Jade released him, stepping away to return the now-empty vial to its drawer. He watched as the taller man withdrew a notepad, placing it on the desktop and taking a seat. The sophomore busied himself checking the time and jotting some preliminary notes down on the lined paper, before finally glancing back at the hunter.

“You may sit down, if you’d like, Rook.” When the shorter man hesitated, he raised his eyebrows in amusement, gesturing at the bed with a nod. “Please.”

Rook managed to maintain nonchalance. “Oh là là, non merci. It would be rather inappropriate for—”

“I insist.”

Rook blinked at the eel’s firm tone, before moving to sit lightly on the edge of bed. He looked down as he felt his cheeks warm, trying to ignore the fluttering in his stomach.

“Now, then.” He looked up to see Jade, long legs elegantly crossed before him, observing him with pen in hand. “Tell me how you’re feeling, if you would.”

The Pomefiore vice closed his eyes, focusing for a moment on organizing his thoughts. “The philtre tasted sweetly, as most potions d’amour do…but this sweetness continues to linger on my tongue, where it almost seems…mm, as j’ai des fourmis. Ah, like ‘pins and needles’, tu vois? I can feel a similar sensation beginning in my fingertips…” He raised his hands in front of him, flexing gloved fingers experimentally as he spoke. A nervous laugh bubbled from his lips as he looked back at the eel, then around the room. “I must say, I had always been under the impression that those from the Coral Sea preferred lower temperatures…” His hand unconsciously lifted to toy with the buttons of his dorm uniform. “…but it’s rather warm in here, non? How strange that I’ve only just noticed…” He trailed off again, doffing his hat and fiddling with the brim, as his other hand tugged lightly at his high collar.

Jade hummed noncommittally, resting his chin in his hand as he wrote on his pad. His eyes took in all the blond’s movements, fighting the smirk twitching at his lips and forcing his voice to remain indifferent. “Feel free to remove a layer or two, if you’re getting too warm.”

He chuckled at Rook’s look of alarm. “Oh, no, I couldn’t! That would be too--!” He stopped suddenly, mouth moving silently as he realized how he sounded.

“Oh, my…” he finally murmured, brushing a hand through his hair. He chuckled softly. “I suppose the potion is working more quickly than I first realized, hein?”

Jade allowed his mouth to curve politely. “Indeed.” He leaned back in his chair a bit. “Now, if you would be more comfortable…” He gestured to the heavy, layered uniform Rook wore. “Nothing said or done tonight leaves this room, remember?”

The junior took a deep breath, letting it out as he slowly nodded. “You are correct, Monsieur Prémédité. And I apologize for hindering your research with my careless distraction. Allow me to try again.”

He stood, and Jade didn’t miss the slight shakiness in his steps as he crossed to the half-open wardrobe. With an approving nod from the mer, the blond removed his outer robe, hanging the thick purple garment and its accompanying sash on a borrowed hanger. Leaving his hat hooked onto the corner of the door, he returned to his seat on the bed, biting his lip in a moment of indecision before unbuttoning the top of his collar.

Jade found his eyes fixating on the peek of collarbone revealed by the open clasp, snapping back to Rook’s face before he was noticed. The shorter man’s flush had lightened a bit, though it still appeared clear as day on his pale skin.

“Better?”

Taking a breath in, the blond raised his head with a sheepish smile, and the Octavinelle vice couldn’t help but stare at him – pink cheeks, exposed throat, and a delicious hint of embarrassment layered atop his features.

“Oui, merci.” Rook cleared his throat, glancing away to collect himself. “…Shall I continue?”

Jade lifted his pen. “Whenever you’re ready.”

“Eh bien…I am feeling rather warm, as you may have noticed.” He chuckled softly, before erupting into a louder giggle. He quickly slapped a hand over his mouth, only removing it when the fit had passed. “I-I’m, ah, désolé. It seems I am not in full control of my faculties. It is getting a bit more difficult to think clearly. Though…” He suddenly sagged, falling back on his elbows. “…I can’t quite bring myself to care.” Blond hair swayed as he looked back at Jade, head tilted. “How very curious.”

“Indeed…” The taller man stood, crossing to the bed and sinking to one knee. Rook stared down at him with wide, puzzled eyes as he gently touched the hunter’s leg. The mer looked back with an unreadable expression. “May I assist in removing your boots? I don’t mind if you lay down, but I’d prefer not to have shoes on my bed. If that’s all right.”

“Ah…d’accord. That makes sense, I suppose. I apologize for my carelessness.”

Still, watching Jade as he gingerly lifted his foot, placing it on his raised knee to begin unlacing his boot, hazily brought back memories of him doing the same to Vil, in reverse, back when the eel had pretended to join Pomefiore. How odd. Did Jade make a habit of putting on and removing people’s shoes? Probably not, but in his current state, the idea struck Rook as so funny that a laugh began to bubble up in his throat. Simultaneously, his first boot came off, and Jade took the liberty of massaging the newly-exposed skin of his ankle and down his foot as he also removed his sock. The intimate touch was so pleasant and so unexpected that, instead of a laugh, what ended up passing through Rook’s lips was a low moan.

The sophomore’s hands paused in their reach for his second boot as he and the blond stared at each other, the latter’s face getting progressively redder as the silence dragged on. Jade finally decided to pick a little more at Rook’s rapidly-diminishing composure and quirked his mouth into a smirk.

“I’m not sure what I was expecting,” he started thoughtfully, “but you have rather lovely, slender feet. And such soft skin…You’ve been keeping up with your moisturizing, I’m sure. Well done.” He winked playfully, giving the junior’s foot a final caress before breaking eye contact to continue onto the other one.

The hunter, meanwhile, covered his face in mortification, falling back onto the bed. What was that? So simple a touch, and he was moaning like a courtesan. He knew it was the potion at work now, for he could feel every movement, every brush of Jade’s fingers against his skin, and it was taking everything he had not to tremble. To make matters worse, the embarrassed heat flooding his face and twisting in his stomach was only serving to enhance the philtre’s effects, creating a vicious cycle in which the more appalled he became with himself, the more his arousal grew.

He didn’t realize that Jade had finished with his boots until his hands were forcibly removed from his face, and he was staring up into amused olive and gold eyes.

“None of that, now. How can I observe you if you hide yourself like a timid little crab? I never took you as shy, Rook.” He held the hunter’s hands in his own as he mused, “Why not take your gloves off, as well? Perhaps that will help to cool you down some more.”

Rook watched dumbly as the eel began to pull off his gloves. Belatedly, he noticed how Jade was still knelt on the floor, yet had bent to reach his hands, slotting his long body between the blond’s legs, barely needing to stretch to lean over him. Rook knew he wasn’t particularly short, but the way the mer was able to easily and so visually dwarf him had the opposite effect of Jade’s spoken intentions.

Any more of this and Rook feared he would be returning to Pomefiore a puddle.

Seemingly unaffected by the other vice’s internal crisis, Jade straightened back up, placing Rook’s leather gloves on the desk as he resumed his seat. He hummed as he wrote a few more notes in his pad.

Rook, meanwhile, took a few deep breaths, trying to ignore that, by now, even the sound of the merman’s deep voice was turning him on. When he felt he could control himself enough to hold a proper conversation with the eel, he pushed back to a seated position, rubbing his head to try and dispel a sudden burst of lightheadedness. His bare fingers felt cool and comforting against his heated cheeks, though they did nothing to ease the fire slowly being stoked in his core.

When he finally gained the wherewithal to look up, the blond’s green eyes were met with an intent heterochromatic stare. Though he tried to hide it, he was certain that Jade noticed the way his breath hitched, and the slight shudder that went through his body at receiving such an ardent gaze. But before he could blink, the look was gone, and all that showed in the mer’s mismatched eyes was polite, if somewhat detached, interest. The hunter blinked in confusion, now wondering if the potion was affecting his perceptions, too.

At this point, Jade was partially going for shock value. He had never seen the Pomefiore vice flustered before, let alone rendered speechless. Aside from testing his potion, this was new and interesting territory on its own. He had always appreciated the hunter’s wit and eloquence, and his more…unique talents were fascinating, as well. It certainly didn’t hurt that, as humans went, his form was far from offensive.

And Jade was never one to pass up an opportunity – especially not when he offered himself on a silver platter…

“Have you ever had intercourse, Rook?”

The blond reeled at the sudden question, mind momentarily going blank as the potion surged within his veins, inciting a thrill that roiled down to his nether region. He stared blankly at the taller man for noticeably longer than normal, providing a fairly clear answer just by the way he froze.

“That…That’s a rather, ah…personal question, non?”

He attempted a shaky chuckle, which devolved into a muted groan as another wave of heat washed over him, and he sunk further into the mattress.

“Well…” Jade got up, moving about the room nonchalantly, seeming once again to be apathetic to Rook’s falling apart in front of him. “I have the distinct feeling that we shall soon get to know one another quite intimately.” Rook didn’t have even a moment to digest that statement before the next question came: “Regardless, and more to the point – have you ever been penetrated?”

The blond couldn’t hold back the choked squeak he made, nor the blush that violently blazed across his face and down his neck. Jade, for his part, was quite glad that he had turned to rummage through his trunk, for at the sound from Rook, he could feel a light flush flare in his own cheeks, and his trousers grow a bit tighter around his crotch. He chewed his lip as he ostensibly shuffled around his belongings, reigning in his arousal before facing the other vice once more - face schooled back to normal - holding a nondescript box in his hands. The mer lifted the lid, casually holding it out for the hunter to see, as if it contained something much less interesting than the moderately-concerning number of sexual implements that were revealed.

On the one hand, Rook was thoroughly intrigued that Jade, of all people, owned such things. How wonderfully unexpected!

On the other hand, he was a bit nervous about where this was all leading – though, in all honesty, he had considered it in the realm of possibility when he agreed to take the potion. Even so…He didn’t relish the thought of telling the eel he was a virgin. Of course, he had masturbated – he had even tried fingering himself a time or two, but…He gulped as he stared at the assortment of toys, left on the bed for his perusal. Never had he attempted anything like that.

The scratching of a pen drew him out of his thoughts, and he looked up to find Jade writing once more. The taller man glanced over, smiling as he met Rook’s questioning stare.

“Apologies. Just some more quick observations, as it seems the potion’s effects are progressing quite nicely.”

The blond’s brow furrowed. “What do you mean?”

“Why, your expressions, of course. Normally, you are so much more guarded in the reactions you show, barely revealing your innermost thoughts at all…But now. Now, I can read you as clearly as the ocean on a sunny day!” He grinned, sharp teeth visible. “I’ll bet that, once again, you hadn’t even noticed.”

Rook was about to retort, to call his bluff – he knew what the potion was doing to him, but he still had some control. It definitely wasn’t that bad yet, and he wouldn’t fall for Jade’s reverse psycholo—But, before he could speak, with a few long strides, the eel crossed to where he sat. He grasped the hunter’s chin with strong fingers, tipping it up as his mouth curled wider, façade cracking as he leered down at him.

“There’s no need to fret, little bird. I promise to make your first time…memorable.”

Rook smiled weakly, beginning to feel tendrils of calm – and, dare he say, eagerness – creeping into his mind. “There’s no hiding from your perspicacity, hm? And this…this is part of your ‘test’?”

The eel’s long fingers traced the smaller man’s jaw. “Indeed, it is. And verbal though it was, you did agree that I could do whatever I deemed necessary.”

The blond outwardly grimaced at the reminder, though his stomach fluttered at the insinuation. “I do not intend to go back on my word, but…This, then, is something you deem…‘necessary’?”

Jade’s lips twitched into a smile that, in Rook’s half-dazed opinion, seemed much more sinister than it had before. “Quite. And so, courtesy dictates I ask, do you have any preferences or hard stops with any of this.” He gestured at the collection pleasantly.

Rook flushed as he glanced back at the suggestive assortment. “I am…unsure…” He looked helplessly at the items before him.

“Oh.” Jade’s face flickered with surprise, before lifting his hand to hide a chuckle. “How delightfully charming.” He moved the box aside. “Never fear. I shall endeavor to lead you through an assortment of experiences tonight. Now…will you undress yourself, or do you require assistance?”

The junior drew in a breath, as if waking from a daze, and gently pulled away from the other’s touch. He gingerly stood up, collecting himself before moving to the wardrobe. “I believe I can do that much, at least.”

Well…Jade sat down on the edge of the bed, crossing his legs. Whether he realized what he was doing or not, if Rook wanted to strip for him, who was he to say no? He rested his cheek in his hand, unable to contain the small grin playing across his lips as he watched the hunter’s fair shoulders come into view. The black dorm shirt slipped down his well-shaped arms, and when he turned to dutifully hang it up, the mer got a view of his attractive profile, with his defined chest and deliciously small waist.

Rook unclasped his pants, then paused, looking up to meet his voyeur’s gaze. Jade didn’t bother looking away, curving his mouth in a way he thought looked gentle and encouraging. But with the way the blond’s face reddened, and he bit his lip before glancing back down, the eel wasn’t sure that he was hiding his interest as well as he’d intended. Nonetheless, he continued to watch as the Pomefiore vice finished disrobing, removing and folding his lower garments before hesitantly walking back to where the taller man sat.

At this point, it was all Rook could do to reach the bed, and took most his willpower to not immediately collapse onto it. He had been nervous about undressing in front of Jade but, disconcertingly soon, his affected mind eagerly grasped at the chance to take off the rest of his stifling, oppressive garments…and his nether region thrilled at the idea of an audience. But the lack of clothing did nothing to diminish his sensitivity. The very air seemed to taunt him, the slight chill licking at his bare skin, nipples pebbling from both temperature and arousal, cock damp and aching. When he finally got off his shaky legs, he couldn’t help but shiver at the way the soft sheets caressed his heated body, the mere touch spreading goosebumps across his flesh.

It was all so much. So fast. And nothing gave any respite.

The hunter gasped as he looked up at the Octavinelle vice. “Jade…W-what’s happening? I can-cannot, mm—”

“Hm.” The mer made a sound of interest. “It would seem the aphrodisiac’s modifications are coming into effect. It will only get worse, I fear. For now, though, you will probably gain some temporary relief from an orgasm.”

Rook groaned softly. Most of the self-consciousness he had been feeling had been pushed aside by…not pain exactly, not at all. Rather, even the slightest brush against him gave the most unbearable pleasure, and it was proving harder and harder to hold himself together, to think clearly. He could barely formulate a concrete thought, let alone a different solution, so if Jade said it was the only way...

His hand paused in his reach for himself, held in place by a firm grip on his wrist. Rook forcefully swallowed a whine as he raised his head, meeting the merman’s hungry gaze. The eel’s smiling lips parted to reveal a wet tongue shifting behind sharp, knife-like teeth.

“Ah, ah, ah. Did I give you leave to touch yourself? Remember, tonight we are enacting my experiment.” One hand traced across Rook’s hip, gracefully dancing around his cock where it lay, hard and leaking. “Let’s not be so uninspired with our little study, hm?”

This time, the shorter man couldn’t stop the soft whimper that warbled from his throat, nor the way his body shuddered at Jade’s touch. In the end, only one word passed his lips.

“Please…”

The eel smiled benevolently. “Of course. I did promise to take care of you, didn’t I?”

Slowly, and gently enough that Rook could have almost deceived himself that there was a romance about it, Jade laid him back, positioning him comfortably against the pillows, and spreading his legs. The hunter couldn’t help but turn his head to the side, blushing despite the intense desire pulsing through his veins. He thought he might fall apart completely if he looked at the taller man, with his handsome face and sharp eyes peering down at him.

Jade was amazed at how well the potion was working. He knew he’d made it stronger than typical aphrodisiacs – Rook was more resilient than most humans, after all – and it was definitely showing. He had thought it would take much more cajoling to get the hunter to undress, but here he was, bare and flushed, trying his utmost to hide how desperate he really was. It was positively delicious.

The sophomore reached over to his nightstand, switching out his leather gloves for smoother and thinner latex, and grabbing a bottle of lube. After slicking up his fingers, he used his other hand to grasp Rook’s twitching thigh, parting his legs a bit more. He held in a chuckle at the slight jolt that passed through the smaller man at his touch, and pretended not to notice the way green eyes watched him from the side, pink creeping up further to paint pale, delicately-curved ears.

When he rubbed his fingertips against the blond’s opening, he was pleasantly surprised with how soft and pliant the ring of muscle already was. Just a bit of pressure, and one digit sunk easily to the second knuckle.

“My, my. Look how relaxed you’ve become.” A couple of thrusts, moving to the tune of Rook’s steadily-quickening breaths, and he could add another. “Can you feel that I already have two fingers inside you?”

The Pomefiore vice didn’t answer, couldn’t answer, with the way his eyes were squeezed shut, hands tightly fisted in the sheets. This felt worlds different than when he had tried it himself. The smooth glide of Jade’s fingers inside him, the firm pressure as he kept Rook’s thighs parted, the warmth of the merman’s presence next to him…and the sudden surge of pleasure as his other hand circled around the hunter’s twitching cock.

“Mmh!”

Green eyes shot open as Rook’s hips bucked, eagerly following Jade’s light strokes. The eel smirked despite himself, abruptly halting his ministrations as he gazed down at his test subject. The blond looked at him despairingly, body quivering in urgent need.

“Now, Rook. Please remember – this is for posterity, so do try to answer my questions as I ask them. Let’s try again. …Can you feel how many of my fingers are inside of you?”

Squeezing the base of his shaft slightly with one hand, Jade resumed shallowly thrusting into the smaller man with the other, spreading his fingers to massage the pulsing inner walls.

Rook moaned, knuckles turning white. “Nnnmh, t-troi—um…Three?”

“Well done! That’s exactly right. Now, how does it feel if I do this?”

He crooked his fingers suddenly, pressing roughly into the hunter’s prostate - and then Rook was arching up with a choked cry. Sticky white threads spilled out from his aching member, coating Jade’s glove, a few drops even reaching the eel’s face from the force of his orgasm.

The Octavinelle vice blinked in surprise, watching as the other slowly sank back into the bed, chest heaving. Curiously, he moved his cum-stained hand along Rook’s still-erect shaft, giving it another stroke, and earning a full-body shudder from the blond.

“Merde…” The smaller man groaned as he trembled in overstimulation.

 Amusement was clear in Jade’s voice when he spoke again. “I suppose a verbal response isn’t necessary for that last query…But, my. Look how eager you still are…”

With a saccharine smile, he dragged a nail lightly along the other’s length, before removing his hand completely. Purposely displaying his sharp teeth, he employed them to remove the dirtied glove, tossing it into the bedside wastebasket. He used his clean thumb to pull some of the spend on his chin into his mouth, licking his lips thoughtfully as he grinned down at the reddening hunter.

“You know…” he began conversationally, cleaning the rest off with a handkerchief, “…it’s rather rude to ejaculate on someone’s face without permission.”

Rook’s mouth dropped open, silent words stuttering across his lips as he struggled to sit up. “I-I’m—désolé. I didn’t—”

“Now, now. That’s quite all right. These things happen. This is a learning experience for us both.” Heterochromatic eyes narrowed as his smile curved wickedly. “We’ll simply have to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.”

Before the Pomefiore vice could question his meaning, Jade pulled on a new glove and reached into his collection, drawing out a medium-sized plug. As he began to coat it with lube, his movement was halted by a touch to his forearm. Gold and olive followed the hand back to the blond’s face as he stared at the toy tensely.

The eel’s eyebrows rose. “Something wrong, Rook?”

Rook licked his lips and Jade could feel his fingers curl slightly against his arm.

“What…exactly are you testing by doing all of this, Monsieur Prémédité…?” Though spoken softly, the nickname hung in the air like a hesitant accusation. “It seems…well…” His green eyes flickered away for a moment in discomfiture. “Rather intimate for a simple experiment…I’ll admit I myself got carried away before, but…”

“To think you’d have so much resilience! That was impressively eloquent for one still so…” The mer glanced pointedly at the hunter’s dick, flushed and leaking against his stomach. “…affected.” He pressed a hand against the shorter man’s chest, gently guiding him to lie back once more as he continued, “I believe these tests to be fitting to judge the efficacy of an aphrodisiac. I aim to measure intensity of arousal, sensitivity to varying stimuli, changes in refractory period…and other things of this nature.” He touched the plug to Rook’s quivering hole, leaning over him as he smiled patiently. “Are these points of study not perfectly appropriate for a trial of this nature?”

Rook swallowed as he stared up into Jade’s handsome face. “I…I suppose they are.”

“There, you see.” A bit of pressure and the plug smoothly slid inside, causing the hunter to flinch with a gasp. The eel fought to keep his grin from widening as he pushed lightly on the base, grinding the tip ever so slightly into Rook’s prostate. “Nothing at all to be concerned about.”

Despite the distracting stimulation, the blond managed to choke out a laugh. His green eyes glimmered attractively. “I’m not certain…that ‘nothing’ would be correct.” His lips quirked into a playful smirk. “One always has concerns when dealing with you Octavinelles, non?”

“Why, Rook.” The merman drew back, looking dramatically affronted. “I’d be wounded by your words…if I wasn’t so flattered.” He flashed a dazzlingly dangerous grin.  “Now, shall we continue?”

Rook took a deep breath. “I suppose I have little cause for complaint, with so beautiful a tormentor. Do you worst, Monsieur Prémédité.”

Not for the first time that evening, Jade felt a stirring in his chest, an uncomfortable lurch behind his ribcage as heat threatened to flood his cheeks. He moved back to his desk, taking a moment to regain his self-control as he looked through his drawers.

He lightly cleared his throat. “Tell me, Rook. Have you ever heard the term ‘sounding’, when referencing sexual play?”

Rook’s brow furrowed as he thought. He knew what the word meant…in common usage, anyway. But in this circumstance…? In response to Jade’s question, he shook his head. “I’m afraid I know nothing except the term itself.”

“Mm, as I suspected. Then this shall be all the more delightful for the both of us.” The merman brought over a thin box, opening it to reveal an array of shiny metal rods.

Rook could feel his stomach tighten in anticipation as mismatched eyes met his. “What is to be done…with those?”

“Ahhh, how charming. I must say, I had the preconception that you would be more…advanced in your appetites. Shame on me, I suppose, for judging a seagull by his feathers.” His eyes narrowed in delight. “I admit I’m finding it quite refreshing that you are ignorant to such things.”

“But…” Rook exhaled in frustration, trying to fight back the mind-numbing desire that was rising within him once again. “…you haven’t answered my question. Ignorant to what?”

Jade’s head cocked like a cat watching a trapped mouse. “What a wonderfully perfect sentence.” His smile widened wickedly. “You will have to wait and find out, I’m afraid. I am of the belief that experience is the best educator.” He shifted himself closer, turning on the bed so Rook’s thigh draped over his knee. “Now, hands above your head, if you please.” His dagger-toothed grin shone in the room’s dim light. “And do take care not to move them.”

The blond blinked curiously, then slowly lifted his arms, raising them until his wrists rested against the pillow over his head. He watched as Jade drew a thin rod out of the box, examining it for a moment, before turning back toward him. His form jolted as the eel wrapped his free hand around his member once more, stroking with swift, strong movements. His fingers tightened on the pillow as he was brought quickly back to full arousal.

Just when he thought he might spill into Jade’s hand once again, the mer stopped. Rook couldn’t help the low whine that rose from his throat, nor the way his hips bucked, seeking release. The action was met by a firm swat to his thigh, the brief burst of pain causing him to moan anew.

“So,” Jade mused thoughtfully, unable to hide his grin, “with enough arousal, even pain is pleasurable. Fascinating…”

As Rook looked away uncomfortably, skin flushing red, the eel leaned in closer, serrated teeth gleaming. His voice lowered conspiratorially, mismatched eyes shining with mischief. “Or would that be a personal proclivity?”

“…je sais pas…” was the only response he received, muttered into the crook of the hunter’s arm as he refused to meet his gaze.

‘Oh, my. How cute…’ Jade chuckled to himself as he licked his lips, eyes raking over the man beneath him. How nice he looked, so debauched and tremulous…

“It really is nothing to be ashamed of, little bird. In fact, an inclination for discomfort will probably be a boon with what comes next. Now, please do try not to flutter about anymore. It will be best if you remain still.”

He raised the metal dilator, coating it thoroughly with lube, then added a generous dollop to the tip of Rook’s penis, massaging it around his slit. The blond drew in a breath, finally lifting his gaze back to what Jade was doing. His eyes widened in realization as he saw the rod in the merman’s hand, rounded tip poised above his erection.

Jade drew his tongue over his pointed teeth, watching the delicious mix of panic and excitement cross the other vice’s face. When green eyes met his own once more, he made sure to grin his most devilishly.

“Do you trust me?”

Rook blinked, then gasped out a laugh. His pale skin flushed with nervous arousal. “Have I any other choice?”

The eel chuckled in turn. “A fair point.” He pressed the tip of the rod against the hunter’s heated flesh, grasping tighter onto his hip when he winced from the sudden coolness of the metal. “Watch closely, little bird. I think you may like this.”

He rubbed it against him once, twice, then—

Rook unconsciously held his breath as he felt the rounded nub push inside. It felt so tight. Not painful, per se, but definitely uncomfortable – a strange, foreign feeling that was regretfully hard to describe.

“Breathe, Rook. Open your eyes.”

He released a long sigh as Jade rubbed soothing circles into his hip, eyelids lifting halfway. He hadn’t realized he’d shut them. How odd this whole experience was…

Glancing back down his body, his breath stuttered as he saw the metal dilator in Jade’s hand, some inches already disappeared inside the length of his pulsing cock. Feeling it and seeing it were somehow two completely separate experiences. The sight of the rod being swallowed by his hole brought his blood racing downward, stiffening his erection even more, ass clenching around the plug.

Rook’s fingers twitched against the pillow’s softness as his breathing grew quick and shallow, heat once more rushing through his veins as the potion took advantage of his arousal, enhancing it all the more.

“Jade…” he murmured. “Plus, j’ai besoin de plus. S’il t’plaît…” His head fell back, and he fought not to move. “More…I need…”

“Yes…” Jade mused, gaze intent on the man beneath him. “Yes, I suppose you do.”

He drew the rod back slightly, adding another drop of lube as he pushed in once more. This time, it sunk further and further inside, the mer keeping a steady hand against Rook’s trembling hip. The hunter bit his lip, feeling the pressure increase more and more, until he felt he couldn’t take any more.

Just as he was about to relent, to ask for respite, or at least a pause, electricity shot through his body, and he cried out. The feeling was somehow deeper than last time, more poignant, and much more intense. His hands fisted into the pillow as his back arched, pelvis only kept in place by the firm pressure of Jade’s hand.

The eel smacked him teasingly once again. “Really, now. What did I say before…?”

“B-but,” Rook gasped. “T-that was…What…?”

Jade glanced back down at the rod, now fully inserted into the blond’s urethra. “Woefully few people realize that the male prostate can be stimulated from both sides, and even fewer are willing to explore it. Humans truly are ridiculous, fascinating creatures.” He pulled the dilator out a bit, thrusting it back into the bundle of nerves, humming in satisfaction at the now easy slide of it within Rook’s throbbing shaft.

The sighs and moans being pulled from the smaller man’s lips were like sweet music, and Jade wanted nothing but to hear more. He reached down with his free hand, pressing on the base of the plug nestled inside the other vice’s ass, grinding it into his prostate, even as the rounded tip of the dilator abused it from the other side.

Rook positively shrieked, and Jade was glad for his foresight in placing a soundproofing spell on his room. His body was quaking now, sweat dripping tantalizingly down his neck and chest, skin blotchy with shades of want. He threw his head to the side, hands threatening to tear Jade’s pillow asunder.

“My, little bird, but you are lovely…And how sweetly you sing…” He bent forward, lapping at the single tear that had managed to escape Rook’s damp eyes.

“Jade…Jade…” Green eyes looked up at him beseechingly, and Jade wondered how much longer he could maintain his self-control.

He leaned close to the hunter’s face, the better to take in every possible detail, picking up the speed of his movements.

“Go ahead, Rook. Go ahead and cum.”

“I…” The blond hiccupped, more tears trailing down his cheeks. His eyes flickered down to his plugged dick, then back to Jade’s face. “I can’t…”

Heterochromatic eyes locked onto his pale throat as it bobbed, swallowing down what sobs he could. The pleasure was overwhelming, all-encompassing, yet the apogee seemed just out of reach. He needed something, anything, just a little more…

“Of course you can, pretty bird. Cum for me, won’t you…?”

The sensation of a warm, wet tongue lapping against his neck drew another desperate moan from him. And when soft lips attached to his pulse point and sucked, his vision filled with white. He was sure he was screaming, but it was impossible to hear through the sound of blood rushing in his ears. Every fiber of his body seemed to tense as he came harder than he ever had, fireworks of pleasure throbbing through his extremities.

When his vision cleared, he could see Jade, watching him with the strangest expression on his face. His usual polite mien seemed…tense, somehow, bottom lip twitching downward into the merest hint of a frown. Rook wanted nothing more in that moment but to kiss him, to feel those lips against his own. He was only mildly surprised to find that this urge didn’t seem to stem from the philtre.

He slowly lifted his arm, heavy from the intensity of his orgasm, intending to reach toward the eel. Instead, a strong hand pressed his wrist down, back into the pillow above his head as Jade leaned close, expression schooled back to normal.

“Tsk, tsk. And you were being so good. Keep your hands up here, remember?”

Rook’s heart thundered in his chest. Was he getting hard again? He couldn’t tell with the dilator still inserted, but he could definitely feel the heat of blood pulsing down once again.

He almost protested when Jade pulled back, sitting up straight and grasping the rod’s handle. Slowly, slowly, he eased it out, drawing it up inch by torturous inch. Rook couldn’t help but moan at the sensation, nerves still alight with his second orgasm of the night. When the rounded end finally reappeared, exiting the hunter’s slit, he gasped at the sudden rush of warmth that filled his manhood. His body shuddered, sinking further into the sheets, as cum began to ooze out, dribbling down his shaft in rivulets.

Jade fought the desire to lap at the seed spilling from the quivering blond. He had made the egregious misstep of tasting him before, and now found himself fighting to retain his impersonal demeanor.

Swallowing the knot rising in his throat, he coughed out a laugh that sounded more forced than he would have liked. “So much – and for your second time, too.” He set the dilator aside, placing a hand back on the plug. “Do you think you could give me another…?” He pressed into Rook’s prostate once more, feeling himself shiver right along with the blond, breaths hitching in tandem. “I think you can.”

Feeling himself being coaxed back to arousal, Rook moaned in delirious pleasure. He fought to hold onto his last dregs of clarity, gasping, “Shouldn’t you be, nngh, taking notes, haahhh~? F-for your, mm, your research?”

“Hm?” Jade blinked at him in surprise, as if he’d forgotten the reason behind this entire evening. “Oh, no. That’s all right. I’ve gotten all the information I needed.” He smirked as he played with the plug, teasing Rook’s rim. “I’ve been able to learn all about how deliciously lovely our Chasseur d’Amour is when steeped in the heady throes of pleasure.” His grin suddenly appeared strained again. “I’d consider this a success.”

The blond seemed to come to some sort of realization, as his eyes trailed down the merman’s body, to the noticeable bulge in his pressed slacks. He moved his arm, breaking the rule once more to reach out and brush trembling fingers over Jade’s clothed hardness.

“Not quite yet,” he murmured, meeting the eel’s gaze again. “The Chasseur d’Amour desires one thing more.” He licked his lips, noting how olive and gold attentively followed the movement. “Baise-moi. Fuck me, Jade.”

When the eel’s eyes went wide, jaw dropping slightly in wordless awe, Rook smiled encouragingly, touching his partner’s crotch more firmly as his other hand pulled the taller man down by his shoulder.

“I want you…”

The words whispered against his lips were too sweet to resist, breaking the last of Jade’s restraint. He surged forward, wrapping the hunter in his arms as the smaller man melted into his embrace, opening himself willingly to the mer’s voracity. His long tongue pressed inside, exploring the depths of this new cavern, claiming its riches for himself.

His hands flung aside the unnecessary and impersonal gloves. Eagerly, they explored the planes of the other vice’s body, finally giving into the temptation that had been plaguing him all evening. Rook’s skin felt just as soft and smooth as it looked, and he leaned into Jade’s touch, moaning into his mouth with every roughly passionate caress.

The eel’s fingers danced ever lower, mouth following suit to lave affection along the hunter’s neck. At the same time, Rook worked to unclasp the buttons on his partner’s shirt, eager to feel more of his skin against his own. As he began to push the garment from his shoulders, Jade’s dexterous fingers hooked around the base of the plug, yanking it free without forewarning. The mer grinned impishly as Rook froze, eyes rounding, and letting out a startled squeak.

Jade nuzzled soothingly into his cheek. “Don’t fret, my adorable little bird…I won’t leave you wanting for long.”

He silenced the junior with another mind-numbing kiss, deftly removing the rest of his clothing. When the blond broke free to gasp in a breath, he found himself caged beneath the mer’s bare form. The eel’s hardness rested against his stomach, just barely brushing against his own as it bedewed his skin with pearls of liquid lust. He felt his own manhood, sore with the exertion of his previous climaxes, yet still so, so eager to feel the other inside him.

Jade lifted Rook’s leg, wrapping it around his hip as he rutted against him. He hissed as their erections rubbed together, granting himself his first direct stimulation of the evening.

“Mmh, Jade…”

The eel sucked in a breath, slicking his cock before finally pressing into Rook’s welcoming heat. He didn’t stop until he was fully hilted within the smaller man, mesmerized by the myriad expressions on his pretty face – the way his brow furrowed tensely, his green eyes becoming hazy with pleasure, plump lips falling slack as Jade stretched him wide.

Ohh, Jade could watch him all night…

A whimper rose from the hunter’s throat when the merman remained still, and he squirmed, reaching for his own cock to provide some stimulation. …Well, that simply wouldn’t do. Jade grasped the Pomefiore vice tightly, pinning his wrists to the bed with one hand, while maneuvering him into his lap with his other. Bending forward, he pushed in even more, filling Rook so deeply that his eyes rolled back and he let out a strangled cry.

And there he stayed, firm grip holding the smaller man in place. The blond writhed within his strong hold, trying to get some relief from the exquisite anguish of pleasure just beyond his grasp.

Jade sighed contentedly. “Just look at you, so desperate for me. Lovely little thing~”

“Please, Jade…I’ll go mad…”

“Oh, my.” Mismatched eyes blinked melodramatically, before his face split into a toothy grin. “We simply can’t have that now, can we?”

He rolled his hips once, drawing all the way back and then pressing fully back in. Then again. And again, until he had settled on a rhythm of deep, leisurely thrusts. Rook moaned in tortured pleasure, Jade’s tip kissing his sensitive nerves with every unhurried stroke.

“Hahh, Jadeeee…”

“Poor thing,” Jade sighed, sharp teeth gleaming. “Whatever are you to do?” He leaned down to drag his tongue along Rook’s jaw, lapping at the tears welling in his eyes. He nibbled at his blush-tinted ear, murmuring, “Lose yourself, little bird. Give into rapturous passion. Yearn for me…as I do you.”

He threaded their fingers together as he began to thrust in earnest, speeding up into a fervent pace. Rook’s grip tightened around his own as he was pounded into the mattress, writhing and mewling out a mix of broken French and slurred incoherencies. He wrapped his legs around Jade’s waist, pulling him close as he reached his third climax of the night.

The eel gazed hungrily at the hunter, diving down to claim his lips again, to drink in his fevered cries with rapacious desire as he fucked him through his orgasm. The blond shuddered, whimpering at the overstimulation as his head dropped to the side.

“Nnnh! Jade—!”

“Almost, my pretty bird…My Rook…”

With another deep thrust, the mer came, groaning as he emptied himself into Rook’s ass. He lifted their entwined hands to his mouth, gently kissing the back of the smaller man’s before pulling out, a sticky trail of seed dribbling down after him. Going into the bathroom, he reemerged with a damp washcloth, returning to clean the exhausted hunter, and then himself. He tossed it in the hamper, settling back next to Rook and pulling the covers over them both.

The blond blinked at him in confusion. “You agreed to tell Vil that my debt has been paid, oui?”

Jade hummed. “And I shall – when the trial is complete. There’s one last thing to test…” He pulled the other vice closer, wrapping his arms around his waist. “I’d like to know the quality and duration of sleep after ingestion. For that…I think it is prudent that you stay the night.”

Rook mouth curved into a coy smile. “I see. Of course.” He nestled himself more comfortably into merman’s chest. After a moment’s pause, he spoke again, “I…have a confession to make.” Jade looked down at his mischievous smirk as he continued, “I am afraid that this encounter has only served to fuel my intérêt in you all the more. I…may find myself researching you once again.” The hunter’s cheeks were pink as he gazed intently at the eel.

Jade’s smile widened, sharp teeth glinting with promise. He lifted a hand to card his fingers through soft, blond hair. “Well, then I suppose that I will simply have to devise more punishments…for nosy little birds~”

The Pomefiore vice made a sound of satisfaction, reaching up to caress Jade’s cheek, pulling him close. “Jade...” His beautiful green eyes opened wide in wonder. “May I tell you something? Perhaps it will sound strange, but…I feel as though I have been brought to this point, to your arms…as if enchanted by a siren’s song…” He smiled teasingly. “I wonder, could this all have been by your design…Monsieur Prémédité?”

Mismatched eyes narrowed fondly as Jade brushed some blond hair away, dropping a kiss on the hunter’s forehead. “And what of you, little bird? Were you not the one who began to observe me?”

He watched as Rook’s blush deepened, and he glanced away in adorable bashfulness. “I, well…” He paused, before chuckling under his breath, gaze returning to his partner’s. “It isn’t often that I am met with one whose insight can see through my own.” He tilted his head, bringing his hand down to play with the scales on the mer’s earring. “Yet still…it almost feels as though it was a kind of relentless fascination, put into my head, to seek you out.” He smiled up at Jade. “I suppose it was fate as it sought to intertwine us.”

The eel’s mouth curled in response, and he leaned down to place another kiss on his lover’s lips. “Perhaps so.”

And perhaps it was fate…

Fate that Jade had been out that evening, watching as the hunter, with hair like spun gold, strolled off the school grounds. Perhaps it was fate that, as that same hunter stood on the rocky outcroppings overlooking the sea, marveling at the majesty of the night sky and all the wonders it held, his attention had been drawn down. Down to the water below and way the stars seemed to reflect and dance within its depths…

And perhaps it was fate, how those glowing shapes began to take on a life of their own, roiling and twirling into a large, sinuous mass. Though Rook strained, the creature was too deep within the inky blackness to make out any discerning features, save for its ridges of bioluminescent scales, glimmering in the abyss. He could only watch as it seemed to dance for him, undulating in intricate patterns below the dark waves, as if casting a bewitchment spell.

All too soon, the reflected stars had stilled, and the hunter had known he was alone once again. Filled with inspiration and an exigent sense of want, he had made his way back to campus, mind bursting with thoughts of the sea and those – one in particular – who dwelled within it.

Maybe fate had guided Jade as he had quickly redressed, crouched behind the dunes on the beach, watching in satisfaction as Rook turned back to campus with a spring in his step and a tune on his lips.

…Perhaps fate had led all this to pass.

Or, Jade thought as he coiled tighter around his golden-haired prize, perhaps it was simply all according to plan.