Chapter 34 - Coat and red lips

Love was a drug.

So was life.

Everything was a drug.

From the moment he set foot inside that park, Aslan was sure that it would be another phase of his life that would end quickly. He would do a good job helping the place grow and then Lord Evilian's ambition would increase making his life miserable again.

However it was a mischievous smile and a pair of red eyes that made him think that the misery would not be so bad.

― Focus on work, Aslan ― He fought with himself.

Taking the needle from the pillow and poking it into the fabric, the boy sighed wearily. Every time he sewed a new costume for this guy, he ended up lost in thoughts about when they first met. Even after a few years of living together, he couldn't help his heart from beating fast in pure joy about how Ray would look when wearing his confections.

His face was already turning red with embarrassment. His eyes drooped sleepily, as if about to dream about the said one. His hurried steps could already be heard. Usually he was silent when he wanted to surprise him, but he seemed particularly elated.

― I have arrived, my piece of cloud!

Aslan smiled slightly at his prediction.

― I'm just finishing up, get in there.

Ray hummed as he closed the bedroom door and sat down on the messy bed. Crossing his legs, he watched the blond man working on the sleeve of a thick red jacket. Neither of them had said a single word, though their thoughts were rather noisy.

It was then that Aslan had risen from his chair, pulled on his coat and walked over to the magician.

― Try it.

The red eyes appraised him for a few moments before the magician stood and removed the blouse he was wearing. Ray had a broad, strong body, though he didn't look like it. His arms were long, he had noticed when they slid into his red jacket. His back was wide, you could hide behind him without any problem.

Everything about Ray was attractive.

― That one's warmer than the last one. Are you afraid I'm going to get sick too, by any chance?

Aslan thanked heaven that Ray couldn't see him, or he wouldn't have noticed the blush on his face.

― You don't get sick. You will never get sick.

The magician turned over his shoulder, spying the shorter man adjusting the hem of his coat.

― What would you do if I did get sick? Gripped like Ben, I mean.

― Stop talking nonsense and stop moving. Otherwise I'm gonna stick you.

― I'm just curious. It doesn't hurt to give me an honest answer.

― I honestly want to sew your mouth shut.

Aslan had turned around and stood in front of Ray. He smoothed the collar of his jacket, brushing his fingertips against the pale skin of her neck. Soft, as he imagined. Closing the jacket, he was sure of the size. Even as he concentrated on his work, he couldn't help but observe how well that magician's body looked in that coat.

― I'm curious to know why you want to make a new costume. We're still in the winter theme, isn't it too soon?

His cheeks immediately turned red.

He wouldn't admit that he'd stayed up all night drawing the model of that costume, because he'd dreamt of him wearing them. A dream... Stupidly depraved.

― I'm sick of seeing you wearing those clothes, that's all.

Ray peered at his eyes suspiciously.

― I think it's a little tight in the pecs.

Even though his heart was beating fast, Aslan's hands went to the other man's chest. It was indeed a little tight, he could feel Ray's breastplate hard and warm. He didn't usually like tight clothes, nor did he like loose ones. Meticulous was Ray's peculiar taste in his own clothes.

And as always, he could feel a heart beating hard.

Pickling low the blond had put a pin in the side seam marking where he was going to move later, and then he could take a few steps back.

It had been hard to control his feelings lately. He imagined that seeing Benjin constantly trying to seduce Leonardo had awakened his own desires. The problem was that the target person of his feelings was a magician who loved to play the fool.

Of all the idiots, why had he fallen in love with that one?

If he could, he would put an end to his feelings.

― You can take it off now, I'll make the changes and when it's ready I'll give it to you.

Turning away, Aslan straightened the needle pad and left it on the worktable. Suddenly he felt a pair of arms wrap around his waist, and a warm breath beat against his neck.

― You must take the measurements correctly, Aslan. You can't be sloppy like that.

His voice had sounded low and seductive in the blond boy's ears. He was used to Ray hugging him like that, as if he had moments that made it clear he knew his deepest feelings. Only such moments were fleeting, and the magical jester would return to his normal.

To Aslan's frustration.

It was a waste of time to get carried away.

― I know your measurements very well.

Taking a step, the magician's arms squeezed the shorter one tightly. Now he felt that warm chest on his back, and was tickled by the silver threads playing in his ear.

― The way you talk, it's like you know everything about me.

What was going on with Ray?

Turning his head slightly, he found reddened eyes staring sloppily at him. Was he keeping his guard down, letting something show? Could Aslan find the answer he so desperately wanted?

That damn shadow.

That twisted personality was apparent.

He was the one he'd fallen in love with.

― Be direct, you magical fool.

― You're no fun at all, you piece of cloud ― Ray grinned, reaching up to wrap his arms around Aslan's neck. ― It looks like a harried kitten with its owner.

― Who are you calling a kitten? ― Aslan scolded the boy, pushing the magician's arms away.

Ray laughed, holding Aslan's chin and turning his face to look directly at him. Strangely seductive. Like a beautiful trap.

A trap that Aslan was prone to fall into like an innocent duckling.

― Now tell me why you wanted to gift me so suddenly.

A lame excuse.

For both of them.

Taking a deep breath, Aslan could smell Ray's woody perfume. Impeccable, always presentable. Always ready for a show.

― What's with you today? ― Murmured the short man turning to face the magician ― Have you by any chance decided to take some action?

― And if I have?

A mischievous smile appeared on Aslan's lips.

― I'll pay to see.

He knew how to play that game too. If it was business as usual, Ray would seduce him and then stop at the last second as if to ascertain that he was still interested. But he was tired of just waiting.

Really, living with those two was making him impatient.

― Anybody home? I need help here!

Leonardo's voice from the ground floor had snapped Aslan out of his daze. Snapping into his reality, the blond man turned away from the magician and was about to leave the room when Ray held him again.

This time it wasn't just to stop him from running away. Ray held his chin forcing Aslan to look at him and then took his lips in a simple, wet kiss.

A real surprise.

― It's annoying that you run when you hear another man's voice.

Ray's low, husky voice trailed behind Aslan. Touching his own lips, he stared at the empty room and could hear the unrestrained beating of his heart.

That damn pervert.

This was no time to be acting like a lovesick fool. Forcing his legs to work, Aslan ran to the ground floor, pushing the warm sensation he could still feel on his lips away from his thoughts.

Nor did it take much effort when he found Leonardo holding a fainting girl in his arms and a pale Benjin close behind.

― Where's Vicente?

― I think he was at some meeting with the sponsors, but what...

― It seems that our young master is thinking that the mansion is a home for refugees lately ― Ray complained with a sweet smile.

Aslan rolled his eyes and pointed at the living room upholstery.

― Lay her down there. Ray call Vicente now.

The Dreamland Mansion was soon in shambles. If the kiss from a magician wasn't enough, now he had to deal with a mysterious girl who had appeared in Leonardo's arms.