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If felt as if Mirko had barely taken the linkpearl out of her ear before she heard the knock at her door. It was as if she had summoned him to her door with the call, and she paused for a moment to listen in on her guest to ensure it was him before she opened the door in her dark purple, lace body suit.
She didn't think he'd appreciate her giving anyone else an eyeful, after all.
A small smile tugged at her lips as she heard the slight tune he hummed under his breath, confirming it was none other than the love of her life, and gave a quick call to let him in.
By the gods, it was as if Haurchefant was her own personal energy source, the way her heart and very soul cheered at the sight of him. She stood awaiting him in the small foyer of the room, wearing a scant black robe which concealed absolutely nothing.
"Oh, Fury take me," he said as he laid eyes on her, closing the door behind him and leaning back against it.
Would she ever tire of how he looked at her? How had she thought all those years ago that love and romance and desire were silly distractions, when he was just waiting for her in Dragonhead?
She couldn't help her answering grin, her own eyes roving appreciatively over the loose white tunic and black trousers he wore. "Good evening, ástin."
He swarmed her as soon as she spoke, and she was only too gleeful to receive him.
She'd only blushed a little bit when she'd asked Tataru where she may procure some outfits of these sorts, and Tataru, with all her discretion, was more than pleased to assist.
With the way he was devouring her now, she'd say it was well worth it.
Mirko managed to pull the tunic out of where it was tucked into the trousers, thankful she hadn't caught him with his full armor. He raised his arms dutifully as she tossed the shirt aside before wrapping them tightly around her, his tongue insistent against hers. His hands skimmed down along her back before settling on her arse, and she squealed as a hand rose to smack at one of the cheeks.
Haurchefant groaned against her lips and lifted her into his arms, hardly breaking the kiss as he kicked aside the chairs in his way to lay her out on the table before them.
"You are a vision, darling," he breathed, chest heaving slightly as he looked down at her with such dark eyes. She whimpered in response, grinding against his still-clothed cock and gasping as he stopped her, his grasp tight on her hip. "Was this the surprise you promised?"
"One of them" she said, smiling innocently up at him. "There is another, reserved for tomorrow."
"Mmm," he hummed, running teasing hands up to grasp at her breasts before flitting back down to her waist. Her breath hitched as his hands made the journey over her curves, eyeing where they stopped. So close to where she wanted him. "You can't give me a hint?"
She pretended to think about it as he traced a thick finger against her exposed cunt, and the look on his face as he discovered the slit in the fabric for easy access was priceless.
"Perhaps I can," she gasped as he slipped the finger inside of her. "When you make me come on your cock, ástin."
Haurchefant groaned. "Fuck, darling, how I love when you tell me what you want."
She moaned as he pushed a second finger into her desperate cunt, unable to resist grinding down on them as he opened her up for him.
"How I love when you're like this, so wanton and full of desire," he continued, groaning as he shifted his other hand to undo the buttons on his trousers. "Can you take me like this, darling?"
"Yes," Mirko nearly begged, leaning up to watch his cock rub against her clit before flickering her gaze back up to his. "I missed you so much, ástin, please."
While she mourned the loss of his fingers, they were quickly replaced with the thick head of his cock. She watched, rapt, as he pressed into her slowly — how his muscles shivered and shook with effort, with the pleasure spreading through them both as he bottomed out.
He grabbed at her legs and pulled them up against his chest as he grinded against her hips, the new angle causing her to see stars as she grew accustomed to him. He kissed her calves as they got situated, and Mirko rested back with her arms above her head as he pulled her closer to the edge of the table.
And then, there was nothing else in her mind other than the feeling of him inside of her, the way he gripped her legs hard enough to bruise, and the way he slammed his hips into hers.
She was likely making a lot of noise, and one of these days she'd ask Feo Ul about warding her room for the sake of the other guests — but for now, she didn't give a damn.
Oh, how she had missed him and his touch. Her stay on the Source this time had been overwhelming and fraught, and she needed the distraction.
Needed him at her side, forever and always.
With how desperately he fucked her, she was certain he felt the same overwhelming need.
Her orgasm built up quickly as he slowed suddenly, taking her fully with each thrust and an intensity in his gaze that she simply adored.
Gods, the way this man undid her. She wished she had something to dig her claws into, to clutch in the fists she made as her pleasure spiked, tossing her head back against the table. He groaned as she clenched down on his length, shifting his hips to thrust up against the sweet spot in her cunt.
Their eyes met, and he started moving again, though this time with a speed and harshness that made her eyes roll into the back of her head. There were only two places thus far wherein he unleashed this darker, unruly, unrestrained side of him—
One, with a great sword in his hands, and the other when his cock was buried deep inside of her.
She wished to cradle it safely between her hands, to welcome and embrace him just as he had always done for her, but she settled for these few moments for now.
And, well, she reaped the rewards in being so thoroughly fucked by him.
He groaned, long and low, as he came with one last, harsh thrust, and she whimpered as she felt him pulse inside of her.
"Gorgeous," he said as he pulled out slowly, his eyes low on her body. Years ago, she would have wanted to hide away at his hungry gaze, embarrassed by what he might see, but now? A deep part of her crowed as his eyes caught on the way his seed dripped out of her, unable to look away as he licked his lips.
Gods knew if she didn't interrupt him, he wouldn't allow her to regain any conscious thought until the morning — and they did have an early reservation to make.
"Would you like your hint now?" Mirko asked just as he seemed to begin bending forward towards her cunt. She giggled as he stopped, frowning, seemingly at war with himself.
"Why are you laughing," he said, though his pout didn't reach his eyes as he leaned forward to tickle her instead. She shrieked and scrambled backwards on the table, though he just dragged her back towards him.
"You looked like you were seriously considering your options, love," she said, breathless. "Between burying your face in my cunt, or hearing about what I've planned for us for the next few days."
"Next few days, huh?" he said, taking the bait with a wry smile. "And how will we manage that?"
"It just so happens that there are hot springs at Clearmelt, and being the Warrior of Darkness comes with some perks," she said with a wink, and he chuckled. He reached out a hand towards her, and she knew that his curiosity had won out over his desires.
For now, at least.
She took the hand and sat up, leaning up for a deep kiss. "I wanted some time alone with you after being away for so long, so I had Feo Ul communicate for me."
"With the guards and chirurgeons at Clearmelt?" he said, sounding surprised. "They have been redeveloping certain parts of Clearmelt for guests, but I thought most of the resources were still for those recovering from injuries. I suppose anything is possible for the Warrior of Darkness."
She grinned. "I have no issue with using my name when it can also benefit my dear, overworked captain."
"O-overworked?!" he stuttered, and she knew she had caught him.
"Don't think I don't know that you've been working double the normal amount to give others chances to be with family, Haurche," she said, unimpressed especially when he muttered something that sounded like 'traitors' under his breath. "I need you hale and whole and raring to go. Not ill-rested or injured."
Haurchefant stared at her in surprise, though he recovered well enough. "I suppose I can pull back on the shifts now that things have calmed. I… I wanted to keep myself busy, darling, while I waited for your return."
"I know," she said, cupping his cheeks and pulling him in close for a softer kiss. "But you deserve the opportunity to pursue other things that bring you joy."
"But, that's yo—," he started, but she pressed a finger to his lips.
"Not just me," she said, shaking her head. "Now then, we'll be leaving in the morning, so we can pack some bags for a few days—,"
He cut her off with a kiss, passion simmering between them again, and she would have been more annoyed if she wasn't relieved at the way he scooped her back up into his arms.
Conversation over.
.
.
True to her word, they left that following morning — Mirko had a feeling that the rest of the Scions may have an opinion on that, but she'd apologize later. Haurchefant was only a little bemused that she had worked with G'raha and Lyna as well to ensure his time away was covered.
Mirko didn't imagine the relief behind both of their eyes as they left — she had a feeling her beloved had been pushing himself hard these past few weeks without her, and the guilt swelled.
Gods, how she hoped and prayed for a way to stay by his side more permanently. To bring him back with her.
For now, however, she focused on their trip across Lakeland, having borrowed a mount from the Crystarium to bring with them. Haurchefant had his usual partner at his side, and Akerri was ready and waiting for Mirko at the gate.
"It's been a long time, old friend," Haurchefant greeted Mirko's feathered companion, and Akerri kweh'd in response and butted his head against Haurchefant's proffered hand.
She was surprised at the tears that welled up at the image, so reminiscent of the first time she had met Akerri back in Ishgard, but she wiped them away quickly before either could see.
The ride only took a bell, and the sun was higher in the sky as they arrived. It was quick enough to get their mounts settled in and relaxed, and even quicker to get them checked in and guided to their cabin.
It was up on a hill, tucked within other hills, providing a nearly unobscured view of Lakeland's forest and the Crystal Tower glistening in the sun beyond, and Mirko's heart swelled as she beheld it.
For now, the tower was a source of hope for her too. A pillar of safety.
They settled into their lodgings quickly and changed, stepping out into the mostly-private hot spring tucked behind the house.
Mirko did not think she was imagining the way Haurchefant eyed her in this swimsuit, though she pretended to be oblivious as she ensured her hair was up and out of the way of the water. He proved her right as soon as they sat down on the edge of the pool, pulling her into his lap immediately to lick into her mouth.
He wrenched her swim bottoms to the side just enough to ease his cock inside of her, and she bit his shoulder in response to keep from screaming. She slammed her hips down the rest of the way, frustrated with the slow tease, and she was satisfied with the gasp that vibrated out of his chest.
If she'd been a betting woman, she would have absolutely predicted this outcome — that they would barely be out in the spring for a quarter bell before getting lost in each other.
That had been the point of her booking this trip.
He pulled at the straps of her swim top to expose her further, leaning down to suck a pert nipple into his mouth as she rocked against him. She sank her claws into his shoulders as she increased the pace, uncaring that she likely drew blood for how unbelievable he felt inside of her.
He didn't mind the blood, she knew.
This time, after he spilled inside of her, he laid her out on the rocks and devoured her dutifully, his wicked tongue lapping up every drop of the mess he'd made of her cunt, and Mirko had a feeling they were going to be quite obnoxious guests.
.
.
The next day or so passed much the same way, though they took to breaking their fasts while watching the sunrise before disappearing into the main bedroom.
She wished she could say she'd had other plans for their stay, but honestly, she hadn't. She needed him like she needed the air in her lungs, so she'd stolen him away from his responsibilities to have her way with him.
Yet somehow, he was the one who seemed to feel like he was taking her from everyone else, as if this wasn't a choice she'd make over and over. He asked several times whether she wanted to go out on a hike, or a ride on their mounts, or go swimming in the lake nearby. She was perfectly content being utterly lazy with him, and encouraged him to take the same amount of advantage.
All she needed for now was her books and him, and some food and drink.
Mirko never considered that Haurchefant might take advantage of her plans for his own agenda, but her suspicions sparked when he insisted on a moonlight hike.
She'd dressed comfortably at his behest, simple sweatpants and a sweater, her hair tied up with silk already for the evening. She'd been looking forward to relaxing by the crackling fire again with a book Moren had recommended to her — full of the few known legends of the Viis and the Ronkan history they protected. The book would still be there upon their return, though, and she couldn't resist his twinkling eyes. He took her hand as they went, climbing up the taller hill behind the cabin which made it feel so secluded.
She'd checked over the past few days to see if anyone else was staying nearby, and it'd been clear that there hadn't been. She felt a bit relieved, and a little less bad for all the noise they had been making.
She smiled to herself at the thought of the love bites on her skin, of the delicious soreness in her muscles as they walked up the path. She thought of the scratch marks covering Haurchefant's back, protected from her view by his soft, green sweater, fresh from her scrabbling and digging into his flesh to pull him closer, closer, closer.
"We're here," he whispered to her, and she jolted as she looked out over the land before them.
Lakeland had such a wondrous beauty during the day, but it was something else at night. Starlight winked above them and the Crystal Tower glinted in the distance, the full moon reflected in the surface of Silvertear Lake.
The locals may call the large lake the Source, but she felt too much similarity to the lake outside the Tower back home to call it that.
"How beautiful," she breathed, squeezing his hand in hers. "What a lovely night, ástin. To think I would have missed this view all wrapped up in my book and blankets."
Haurchefant chuckled at her side. "I think you're allowed that once in a while, darling."
Mirko turned to smile at him, though his eyes weren't where she expected them to be. Instead, he was on one knee before her, though still holding her hand tightly in his.
"Haurche?" she asked, turning fully towards him. "What are you doing?"
"While I admittedly know little of your customs, it is something divine in mine to present one's most beloved with a ring to show their commitment. And, one day," he paused, releasing her hand to reach into a pocket of his trousers. "if you're amenable, I would ask you to be my wife."
Her heart stopped. She'd been away from her tribe for nearly thirty years, she knew about marriage customs among the other people of the Source. For some reason, she'd never even considered—
Well, considering he was a man — though a bastard — from Ishgard, she shouldn't have been surprised.
She looked down at the ring he held up for her in a simple black, velvet box, and she was momentarily distracted with its gleam. In the center, a beautiful sapphire stone sat, and around it a ring of circular diamonds.
"Haurche, I…," she trailed off, her left hand rising to near his without her consciously deciding to.
Even if it was wholly unexpected for her, it's not like any part of her wished to refuse. No, the thought of being his wife delighted her, in fact.
It was just something she hadn't seen coming for her, especially considering when she'd first left the Golmore Jungle. She remembered the way her tribe, her sisters, had derided their mother for this very thing. To commit to someone outside of Wood's control.
Anxiety dipped his tone now, "If it's too much, or not for you, darling, I understand—,"
"You are for me," she interrupted him, moving down to kneel before him. "And nothing would make me happier to be yours in every way we can manage."
The happiness and exaltation that spread across his face was too much — she reached for him and pulled him into a kiss, their teeth clacking together for the way they each grinned so widely.
Within a moment, the ring was on her — a perfect fit, and she might have been more suspicious until she remembered Tataru measuring her hands for some new jewelry she wanted to try making.
The jewelry hadn't been completed yet by the time she left for the First, but she had a feeling that there wasn't any.
"I love you, darling," he said, kissing her so sweet and so deep.
"As I love you, ástin," she said, the tears welling up with emotion.
.
.
"I can't believe you've been back for a few days but didn't tell any of us!" Alisaie grumped, just as Mirko had expected.
She smiled apologetically. "Forgive me, I simply wanted some time with Haurchefant by ourselves when I arrived."
Mirko chuckled as Alisaie made a gagging noise, and she was joined in that laughter by Y'shtola and Alphinaud. Ryne looked between them all with a light confusion in her gaze, before her eyes seemed to zero in on her finger.
"Oh, what a beautiful ring! Did you get it from, ah, the Source?"
Suddenly, everyone started talking at once.
Mirko looked at Haurchefant helplessly, though he only grinned into his mug.
"A hearty congratulations are in order, my friends," Alphinaud said solemnly, smiling. He shoved at Alisaie, and she echoed his sentiments, as did the rest of them.
"Mirko Greystone has a certain ring to it," Y'shtola said, tapping her hand against her chin in thought. "But—,"
"No," Haurchefant said, shaking his head. "There would be no need to share a common name, given that I have no official family name to pass down."
Mirko arched an eyebrow at him. "I thought it was common to have a single name for the family. If not Greystone, then what?"
"Why not Iryut?" Thancred asked, resting his hands in his lap as he sat casually. "You've gone by that name for decades now, no?"
She frowned. "I have, but only out of necessity. And it was my mistake to tell you my full name, given that it has spread far and wide since."
His face shifted at that, lips curling into something not quite like contrition, but she ignored it. She wasn't mad by any means, though constantly hearing her tribal name was… chafing.
She'd left that life behind, after all.
"Why don't we pick a new one out together, like I did when I arrived in Ul'dah?" she proposed.
"What do you mean, picked a new one?" Ryne asked, surprised.
Mirko sighed. "Mirko is not my birth name, but it is what we call a 'city name' where I am from. My tribe will only ever refer to me by my forest name, while you all refer to me by my city name."
"You… chose a new name?" Mirko didn't think she missed the way the young girl's demeanor shifted in realization.
She nodded, taking Haurchefant's hand in hers. "Yes, I did. And I think…," she paused, meeting Haurchefant's soft and fond gaze. "I think nothing would suit us better."
Haurchefant's affirmation and sweet kiss was drowned out by more of Alisaie's gagging, and Mirko couldn't help but laugh.