Chapter 5

“Welcome back to the Kipling Suite, my lord,” the concierge said as he opened the door for Ran. Brown’s Hotel was Ran’s second home, he rarely opened Lachlan House after his father’s death. He was usually in Town in pursuit of things that shouldn’t be associated with his title.

“Thank you,” he said and offered him a nod as he passed.

“This message arrived shortly before you,” the comically uptight young man said as he offered Ran an envelope. Ran paused as he unbuttoned his coat and frowned as he reached for it. He never announced his plans and rarely made appointments when he was in Town for “pleasure”.

“Do you know who left this?” Ran asked as he looked at the front of the envelope. It was very high quality stationary and pure white but aside from Ran’s name and title, the envelope was completely blank on both sides and sealed with a plain gold sticker.

“No, my lord. It was found on the desk. Security looked at it and they believe it’s safe,” he said and Ran nodded and waved vaguely as he examined it. There was an odd tickle in his stomach and the corners of his lips lifted.

“It’s fine. That will be all,” he murmured and the young man bowed as he backed toward the door.

“Please let me know if you need anything,” he said.

“Thank you,” Ran mumbled as he slid his thumb beneath the seal and the door shut quietly as he pulled out a simple white card.

Lord Lachlan

I’ve been an ardent admirer for a very long time. Unfortunately, I’m quite shy and you always seem to find your way to someone else before I can work up the nerve. I think we’d have quite a memorable evening, if you’ll wait for me in the garden tonight.

“Well.” Ran’s brows jumped before a wolfish grin spread across his lips. “You’ve certainly got my attention,” he said then tapped the card against his lips as he considered. He tossed it on the table and pulled his phone from his pocket.

Ran

Favor: mind if I use your private box, if you’re not using it tonight?

He finished sliding off his coat and his phone vibrated before he could finish loosening his tie.

Roman Carlisle

No problem at all. I had no plans to attend this evening.

Ran

Did you ask Darius about a trade? He can have his pick of horses for that jade butterfly pendant.

Ran winced. He was getting desperate but he had to get it for Niall.

Roman Carlisle

Are you insane? I’ll find some way to talk him around without it costing you a horse. I might manage something tonight while we’re playing cards.

Ran

You’re my hero.

Ran chuckled as he set his phone on the dresser in the master bedroom. Roman would get him that pendant before the weekend was through and make sure the champagne didn’t run out while Ran was using his box. He’s always had a soft heart.

“Aye. And a huge cock and a tight arse,” he muttered to himself as he unbuttoned his shirt and headed for the shower. If Roman wasn’t such a close friend and a dangerous, world-class art thief, he might have been a lot more than a close friend. But he was crazy dangerous and Ran adored him. They became close at university and Ran trusted Roman implicitly. His word was unbreakable and he was unshakably loyal to his friends. Ran would have been a little disappointed about not seeing Roman at the party but he was distracted and pleasantly anxious as he dressed. Ran was in an unusually optimistic mood as he stepped out of a limo and stared up at the house. It sat proudly in the lap of posh Belgravia, an elegant facade for the limitless debauchery hidden inside.

“Good evening, my lord,” the footman said as Ran handed him his overcoat. Ran offered him a nod then slipped into the foyer with the crowd. He skirted the dancers in the ballroom and went straight for the terrace doors. Men were locked together and swirled briskly to a waltz as they laughed and flirted but they rarely interested Ran when he attended the house party. He could watch the dancers in the courtyard for a while but the rest of the festivities got to be a bit extreme for his sensibilities. Exhibitionism wasn’t his cup of tea and he wasn’t much of a voyeur. He preferred to take his time and needed plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable. He needed a weekend and a large bed. Ran usually took a walk through the gardens and had a few drinks until the right kind of man caught his eye, then he took him back to Brown’s and made him scream like a banshee. Ran smiled at the bartender at the garden bar and waited for him to pour a glass of champagne. Ran saluted him with the glass then rested his elbow on the bar as he turned to enjoy the wild, writhing tangle of men as they fucked and gyrated to house music.

“Waiting for me?” A voice whispered in Ran’s ear and his body tightened. Heat spilled down his neck despite the chilled champagne that slid down his throat and he lost his breath as he turned.

“All my life, I think,” Ran said as his head tilted and his eyes narrowed. The mask was more art than fetish but alluring and slightly unsettling. The upper half of his face resembled a marble statue with golden wings along the temples. It was too dark for Ran to make out the exact color but his eyes were pale and sparkled and his thick black lashes spread decadently as they lowered. His eyes drifted down Ran’s body as his tongue swept across his lips and Ran swallowed a groan. His lips were perfect. Everything was perfect as Ran noted a too square jaw, a deep chin dimple hidden beneath a heavy five o’clock shadow and a long, graceful neck. He was tall and lanky yet muscular, even the hair was spot on. If he had a soft Irish lilt and a rich warm voice, Ran would have already ruined the front of his trousers. The milky white blankness of the marble was actually helping and Ran hoped he planned to keep it on. It was easier to replace it with the right face.

“Is there someplace private we can go?” He asked and Ran purred as he stepped closer.

“Are you in a hurry to fall, Icarus?” He said as he angled his head and they both shivered as their lips brushed. Ran’s lips tingled and his heartbeat became slow and heavy as he cradled his jaw. His tongue swept past Icarus’ lips and Ran swallowed his gasp. It spread through Ran’s chest and swelled in his groin as Icarus grabbed his arm and held on.

“I’ve waited a long time,” he panted and Ran nodded in agreement as his arm locked around him. Oh, he felt so perfect as he molded himself to Ran and slid his arm around his neck.

“It does feel like it,” Ran said as his lips traced Icarus’ and they danced away from the bar. Need and fascination plumed within him as he turned them so he could guide Icarus to the private box. He pushed back the curtain and he felt giddy and a little scared, in an enthralling way. It was a bit like his first time as Icarus’ hands twisted in Ran’s lapels and he pulled him into the tent. The last time Ran borrowed Roman’s box someone interrupted him. If anyone even thought about disturbing them, he’d rip their arms off. “What took you so long, sweet Icarus?” He asked as he was towed to the lounge.

“We can talk later,” he breathed then pushed against Ran’s chest. He laughed as he fell back onto the lounge and got his elbows beneath him.

“Will you turn into a pumpkin at midnight, lad? You should have told me to wear a kilt, if you were in a hurry,” he teased as he leaned and tried to see him better. The soft halo of light from the small chandelier created shadows on the mask and Icarus’ face, making him more blank. Icarus shook his head as he bent to reach for the champagne and Ran enjoyed the firm roundness of his ass as he filled their glasses. He dropped a raspberry in each glass then held one out to Ran as he sat.

“To tonight,” Icarus said softly and his lips curved invitingly as he raised his glass to Ran then drank.

“To tonight,” Ran replied then took a long sip. Icarus finished his and put it on the table as Ran tipped his glass back and drained it.

“Let me take that,” Icarus breathed as he took Ran’s glass. They kissed and the tent swirled around them as the lounge rocked. His lips his lips his lips his lips and lights blinked and flared. Blinked blinked and flared. Muffled voices like tunnels and it was darker. His lips his lips and Icarus had wings.

“Where am I?” Ran mumbled groggily as he raised his head and everything was fuzzy and the front of his skull was heavy. It was still dark but details became clearer as the vertigo settled. It was an odd room but it was almost bare as Icarus’ mask hovered over him. He glowed like the moon as his hand cradled Ran’s jaw tenderly.

“Please cooperate and I’ll let you go soon. I won’t hurt you,” he promised and Ran’s brows pushed to his hairline as he looked at his wrists. They were tied to the posts of an ancient four poster bed and his arms were stretched. He was naked but a sheet was draped over him and it started to tent as warmth pooled in his groin.

“Go?” He said then grinned wickedly at Icarus. “Why in the world would I want to go?”

“What?” Icarus croaked as he became tense and Ran glanced suggestively at the hard-on rising beneath the sheet.

“You’ve got me tied up and naked. Be brave, Icarus. You can’t back out now, you’ve come so far,” he crooned and Icarus’ tongue slid across his lips nervously as he stared at Ran’s erection. Ran hummed silkily as he hooked his foot in the sheet and pulled slowly. Icarus swallowed hard as Ran’s groin and thighs were exposed to his gaze and the cool air. Ran heard water sloshing softly and shadows wavered on the ceiling. They were in a boathouse but he had no idea how long he’d been unconscious and how far they traveled from the city. Not that he was worried, he could find his way back easily.

“That’s not why I… I took your clothes so you wouldn’t run,” Icarus explained and Ran was able to shrug.

“I’m sure you have your reasons but I can assure you, if I wanted to run, these scarves around my wrists and people seeing my naked arse won’t stop me from leaving if I don’t want to be here,” he stated and Icarus looked over his shoulder nervously. “Come on now, I’m sure you can find some way to entertain me,” Ran teased and Icarus’ head snapped toward him.

“I don’t think…” He argued as he backed away from the bed. He was still in his tuxedo but he’d removed his coat and tie and his sleeves were rolled up.

“I guess I could find something else to do,” Ran mused as he looked to his right and tugged at his wrist.

“Wait!” Icarus whispered loudly as he reached for him then pushed his hand through his hair. Ran could feel his panic and it didn’t make sense. He was so confident and enthralling in the garden. It was all a bluff. He wasn’t planning to go through with it. But he wasn’t faking any of it, Ran could feel Icarus’ arousal as acutely as his own.

“Be brave,” Ran commanded but it was encouraging and he didn’t hide the hitch of desperation he felt as he imagined Niall standing over him. “You can find the condoms and lube in my coat pocket or you can tell me all about yourself. But you might want to decide before I snap these posts like twigs and shake the truth out of you,” he suggested. Icarus backed away quickly then turned and moved out of Ran’s sight. He raised his head and craned his neck and he could see the edge of the boat slip and moonlight reflecting off the water. The boathouse creaked and groaned softly around them but Ran couldn’t make out more than brick and wooden walls and wood beams across the ceiling. Moonlight spilled through the windows and the shapes of branches spread along the opposite wall. Icarus rushed back into the room and the condoms and lube packets were clutched against his chest as it heaved. “I’m not going anywhere,” Ran reassured him then chuckled. Icarus dropped them on the bed, between Ran’s feet then pushed his hands down his thighs and backed away again as his nerve buckled. “I’m willing to listen, if you’d rather talk,” Ran offered and Icarus shook his head faintly. His fingers trembled and he struggled with the buttons on his shirt but Ran was spellbound as he waited. He never cared about the other men because they didn’t truly care about him. They wanted him for his power and money and what he could do to their bodies but there was something alluring and compelling about Icarus. Ran could feel the lust and anticipation radiating from him, his body hummed with it as his fingers worked their way down his shirt. He unbuckled his belt and opened his fly then slid out of his shirt and dropped it. A tremor passed through Ran as his eyes clung to Icarus’ chest and shoulders as he bent forward and pushed his trousers and underwear down his legs. He was almost too lean but he was incredibly toned and his abs bunched and flexed as he fought to keep his breathing even. Ran couldn’t breathe. Icarus’s skin was so pale, he was luminous in the moonlight. He was too fine to be human, he looked like he was carved from marble. He was a masterpiece come to life as he carefully made his way around the bed. His fingers trailed hesitantly along the edge of the mattress as he drew closer and Icarus’ awe and wonder almost destroyed Ran. He was nearly in tears as his eyes fell to Icarus’ erection. He was long and hard and the head glistened as it strained toward Ran. “Aye, if you want to keep me in this bed, that’s the way to do it,” he growled hoarsely. “Good luck getting me out of it before I’ve finished with you,” he warned and Icarus shivered. Icarus’ hand shook as it reached for Ran’s jaw and he turned his head and caught his thumb with his lips. Ran sucked and Icarus jumped and snatched his hand back. Ran’s chuckle was strained as his eyes touched Icarus’ then trailed down his body. “Oh, I’m starving, lad, and you look like you’re ready to be devoured,” he said then winked and Icarus nodded shakily but he wasn’t sure how to begin. Ran grinned then opened his mouth and let his tongue hang invitingly. Icarus looked around and scrubbed the back of his hair as he struggled and Ran made an impatient sound as he stretched his neck. “You’re going to have to feed me, unless you want to untie my hands and let me take over,” he offered and Icarus shook his head. “Get over here, then,” Ran insisted and raised his brow, daring him. He let his tongue hang and waited as Icarus edged closer cautiously and Ran’s heart skipped. Ran knew how to break a young stallion, how to soothe his skittishness and earn his trust. He’d have Icarus riding hard and fast in no time. “That’s it,” he urged gently as Icarus set his hand on the headboard and leaned closer to the pillows. Ran’s tongue reached as Icarus’ erection swung close and there was a startled gasp as it washed over the head. He stumbled back a step and Ran clicked his teeth and shushed softly. “Someone’s got a very stingy wife at home,” he teased and Icarus flinched. Is she famous? Is that why you need a mask? He wondered. It was all too delicious and Ran was too happy to play along. “Let me taste you, Icarus,” he said silkily then opened his mouth. He stepped close and Ran hummed encouragingly as he flicked with his tongue. It swept over the head and Icarus’ hips pulled back as he hissed and Ran shushed him again. “Come on, I’ll be very gentle,” he promised and Icarus licked his lips and Ran could hear his heart thrashing in his chest. His hand trembled wildly as it gripped the base of his cock and guided it to Ran’s lips. Ran’s eyes found his as his lips closed around the head and he sucked just lightly. A delicate tremor spilled down Icarus’ spine and he swallowed a moan as Ran used his lips to push back the tightly stretched foreskin. His tongue swirled around the head and Icarus whimpered as he grabbed the bedpost. Ran sucked a little harder and a drop of slick sweetness burst on his tongue. He groaned in delight and angled his head as he took Icarus deep into his throat, swallowing as much of his length as he could. He was so sweet and clean and bright. Icarus glowed in the darkness of the boathouse as his body became tighter and hotter and Ran could taste his desperation as his lips slid up and down his shaft.

“Oh…!” Icarus swallowed a plea or a curse as his fingers pushed through Ran’s hair. They tensed around his scalp and Ran waited to see if he’d push him away or twist and pull. He silently begged him to pull his hair as he sucked greedily. Icarus’ fingers curved and tentatively cupped as his hips bucked ever so slightly and Ran moaned loudly in approval. Icarus’ chest shuddered frantically as he pulled in gasping breaths and Ran could feel him becoming overwhelmed. Ran pulled his lips up Icarus’ length as he slurped loudly then licked them lustily.

“Very nice, sweet Icarus. But that’s not what I’m hungry for,” he drawled as he swung his head, gesturing for him to turn around. Red stains spread across Icarus’ cheeks as he stepped back and his chest heaved as he stared down at Ran. “Get up here and let me taste you,” he said and Icarus looked like he was ready to run. Ran raised a brow at him and a cocky grin spread across his face. “We’re just getting started and I get the feeling you need this a lot more than I do. You’ve made it this far, don’t let your nerves get the best of you. Make this count, you went through all the trouble of getting me here. Get up here and use the hell out of me,” he said then squeezed his eye shut. “Not that you had to go through a lot of trouble, you could have just asked. Next time, just hand me a blindfold and tell me to get in the car,” he suggested and Icarus’ head tilted in confusion and Ran laughed. “Why in the fuck would I mind this? I just want my hands so I can get you to hold still.”

“Make this count,” Icarus whispered to himself and Ran strained to place the hint of an accent he’d caught but it was too faint. But he saw him nod and gather his courage before he set one knee on the bed then swung the other over Ran’s waist so he was facing his feet. Ran hissed and his head fell to the side as he stared adoringly.

“This is how I know God loves gay men. He gave you a prostate and an arse like that for a reason and fuck, if you’re not going to learn why before I’m through with you,” he said and Icarus’ chest locked and his body jumped as he swallowed a laugh. Ran’s eyes finally drifted up Icarus’ back and he felt like he’d been punched. A tremendous scar spread down half of Icarus’ back, in the shape of a wing. The skin was taut and shimmered as the light hit it and there was a whiff of rage until Ran remembered Icarus wasn’t his and his past was none of his business. Icarus paused and his hand hovered over Ran’s erection as he watched it twitch and leak in anticipation. “You can do whatever you like with that after you’ve brought your arse over here,” Ran laughed but it was gravelly as his control shredded and frayed. His ass was so round and firm and Ran needed to taste him and hear him whimper. Icarus swore under his breath then scooted back gingerly. Ran’s teeth dug into his lip as his eyes clung to the tight globes as they wiggled back and forth as Icarus’ sack and shaft rubbed against his chest. “Fuck me, if you’re planning to turn this into an interrogation you could probably start now,” he panted then groaned rapturously as his lips brushed along the cleft. “Don’t be shy, ride my face,” he said then grinned. “Do me a favor and hold yourself open for me too, I need to get in there good and deep.” Icarus’ head swung over his shoulder and a blush spread clear down to his ass as he looked back at Ran. “I grew this beard out for you, lad,” he said. Icarus’ lips pulled tight before his ass pushed roughly against Ran’s lips, smothering him. Ran was halfway in love as he groaned encouragingly. Icarus was skittish and slightly desperate but there was also a spark of bravery and a fair bit of determination that was just as alluring as his body. Ran’s lips dragged over the puckered ring as he breathed him in and he smelled like fine French soap and just a faint trace of sweat. It made Ran’s jaw twinge. His tongue washed over Icarus’ fingers and he jumped then squeaked as Ran lapped broadly. Oh, he was so crisp and clean. Ran made a greedy, euphoric sound as he licked and sucked and Icarus’ nails dug into his thigh. Icarus shuddered before his hand tightened around Ran’s hard-on and his tongue flicked tentatively at the head. He sucked so gently, it was almost tender and Ran whimpered. Icarus gasped and it was full of awe and need, it made the hair on Ran’s arms stand. Hot, silken, sucking bliss wrapped around the end of Ran’s shaft as Icarus’ hand pumped and it was devastating. Icarus released his ass cheek so his hands could stroke and explore and Ran’s legs shifted and his toes curled as he fought against the urge to buck his hips. Ran’s fingers tightened around the scarves and it was killing him, he could break the spindly posts so easily and free his hands. It was probably for the best, he’d break Icarus if he got his hands on him, in his current state. Ran moaned ecstatically as he pushed his face between his ass cheeks and feasted as Icarus’ hands, tongue and lips roamed. He was ravenous and gorged himself on Ran’s cock and sack as he made frantic, enraptured sounds. If Ran had to describe heaven, it would be a lot like his current predicament except he’d be in his bed at home or the conservatory… But it was just about as good as the real thing and far more than he was looking forward to when he left Brown’s for the evening. Ran might have been enjoying it a little too much. “Get up there and ride me now, Icarus,” he begged as he panted. Need and pressure thrummed in his balls and his erection felt like it was made of lead. He’d break the headboard and Icarus if he didn’t hurry. Icarus froze and carefully pulled himself upright and slid off Ran.

“Me?” He breathed as he stared at Ran’s cock. His eyes were huge and trembled in their sockets as he chewed at his lip.

“I’m afraid so,” Ran said dramatically. “I’m not a bottom and I can’t fuck myself,” he added and Icarus’ lips pulled tight as he gave him a flat look and Ran’s head snapped back as he laughed. “Want to untie my hands until we’re all set? You can tie me back up and take over whenever you’re ready,” he offered and Icarus’ jaw fell as he blinked back at him.

“No. That’s not…” He shook his head then crawled and reached for the condoms. He squinted at the wrapper as he opened it and fumbled the condom as he pulled it out. It shot from his fingers and ricocheted off the brick wall when Icarus attempted to put it on Ran upside down.

“You might consider contacts, if you’re going to make this a habit,” Ran suggested and Icarus stifled a snorting laugh.

“You can do this blindfolded, I’m sure,” he whispered as he successfully stretched another condom over the head of his shaft and Ran smirked.

“I have had lots of practice,” he chuckled tightly then rolled his eyes in delight as Icarus coated it with lube and stroked adoringly. Ran was trapped in one of the ancient fairy stories of his childhood as Icarus rose over him. He was one of the leannan sìth as his lips touched Ran’s and he drank Icarus’ breathless prayer as he positioned the head of his cock at his hole. A faint whimper slipped from his throat as he eased back and Ran was too happy to offer his sanity and his freedom as exquisitely tight heat gripped his length. “Holy fuck,” he moaned as his head fell back. “Oh, be still, lad!” He begged as the pressure became overwhelming and his toes curled. He’d have to guess he was just about half buried in absolute perfection but he was too close. Ran was about to come and all hell would break loose. He wouldn’t be spent and sated, he’d break the posts and ride Icarus into the mattress until his body gave out. “I need a moment,” he huffed and Icarus nodded then fell forward and pressed his lips to Ran’s. It was so easy and intimate, it stunned Ran. Icarus angled his head as his tongue swept between Ran’s lips and he was truly losing his mind. His lips and tongue became Niall’s as Ran lapped and sucked mindlessly. Ran rolled his hips and Icarus sobbed but it was just breath and sweat as his back arched.

“Don’t stop!” He whisper screamed as his fingers twisted in Ran’s hair.

“I won’t,” Ran said as he planted his feet on the bed and reached for Icarus’ lips. “Kiss me and hold on,” he demanded and Icarus’ lips crushed his. Ran groaned ecstatically as Icarus’ fingers tightened around his hair and his hand clawed at his back. He bucked hard and Icarus yelped as Ran’s hips pushed against his ass. Ran hissed then pecked at his lips apologetically. “I can act like less of an animal though,” he scolded himself and Icarus shook his head.

“Make it count,” he said then kissed Ran. It was urgent and full of a deep, wild hunger and Ran was mesmerized as he filled him with hard, driving strokes. “Ran!” Icarus cried softly as he pushed off the bed and braced his hands on his chest. He rocked and his ass slapped against Ran’s groin brutally as his jaw stretched and his eyes rolled.

“I think we found it,” Ran teased as he bounced in time with Icarus. “Grab your cock for me,” he said and Icarus nodded drunkenly as his hand curved around his shaft. “That’s it. Stroke it for me and pinch your nipple,” he ordered calmly despite the violent pressure and pleasure radiating in his groin. Icarus’ tongue slid across his lips before he bit down as his fingertips pinched and rolled around his nipple.

“Oh, fuck!” His head snapped back as his hand tugged faster and Ran couldn’t see his face or the mask. He saw Niall, back bowed and panting as he rode Ran harder, faster and tighter than he’d ever been ridden.

“Let go,” he ground out as his eyes crossed and his hands tightened into fists as he fought the urge to use them. Icarus’ passage squeezed and it was excruciatingly sublime as his body jumped and jerked. He shivered violently as cum flicked onto Ran’s abs, chest and shoulder, completely missing his tongue despite his attempts to catch it. “Feed it to me!” He pleaded as he bucked wildly and Icarus scooped the drops up with his fingers as he fought to hold on and catch his breath. Ran opened his mouth expectantly then gasped in protest when Icarus raised them to his lips and licked them clean. “No!” He cried and Icarus fell forward and smothered it with his mouth. Ran sucked on his tongue greedily and his body shattered. Waves of hot, heavy pleasure rushed through him as his nerves exploded and cum pumped from his shaft, flooding the condom. Icarus was so sweet and a little tart and Ran was intoxicated as he drank from his lips. “Nor life I owe nor liberty, for love is Lord of all,” he sang softly as their lips clung and Icarus’ curved.

“My Lagan Love,” he whispered and Ran’s brows jumped.

“You know it, then?” He asked accusatively and Icarus snorted.

“We all have Gaelic grandmothers,” he said and Ran pulled a face as he agreed.

“Tell me about yours?” Ran suggested hopefully but Icarus kissed his chest and shook his head, dragging his lips back and forth across his skin.

“Sing to me?” He asked quietly as his tongue licked the sweat from between Ran’s pecs.

“I could try,” he said weakly then silently swore as Icarus shifted lower. He got about halfway through the first verse then forgot his own name as Icarus licked his cock and sack clean. Immaculately clean. He pushed Ran’s thighs apart and settled between them then worshiped them with his breath and his lips. He parted Ran’s cheeks and he swore an entire aria as Icarus’ tongue bathed his hole. Icarus took everything. Ran writhed and twisted deliriously in lust and ecstasy. Icarus was merciless. Ran was hoarse and his legs were shaking when he finally rolled a condom down his length. And he took his time, taking Ran deep and slow as he showered his face, chest, arms and neck with kisses. Icarus rubbed his face all over Ran’s beard and chanted his name as he became urgent, grinding and rocking as his nails dug into Ran’s back and ass as he tried to pull him deeper into his gripping heat.

“Yes!” Icarus’ head whipped back and his jaw stretched as a rush of wet heat burst between them. He clenched tight as Ran thrust his hips, burying his cock deep in Icarus’ passage and he was pulled into his release. Light and fire skipped down Ran’s veins and pressure throbbed in his groin as cum pumped from his erection. He twitched and kicked as the last waves of his release washed through him. “Thank you,” Icarus said as he melted over Ran.

“Sweet Mary, what are you made of?” He wheezed as his chest heaved. Icarus didn’t answer. He was silent as he listened to Ran’s heart. His fingers strummed Ran’s beard until their skin cooled and the sky started to lighten. “I’m not complaining but how long have we been here and is there a chance I could have a sip of anything?” Ran asked and Icarus sighed. It was a heavy, hesitant sound that lingered until he raised his head and rested his chin on Ran’s chest.

He sighed again and nodded then rubbed his lips in the center of Ran’s pecs before dragging himself from the bed.

“I do feel a bit dehydrated, actually,” Ran called as Icarus darted out of sight and into another part of the boathouse then returned a moment later with a bottle of water and a glass. Ran watched as he filled it then waited as Icarus held it close to his lips then tilted it so he could sip. He drank quickly and Icarus refilled it then held the glass again as he drained it. “Thank you,” Ran said as Icarus set the glass and bottle down then crawled back onto the bed. “You’re going to have to untie my hands soon. That water’s going to have to go somewhere,” he pointed out and Icarus hushed him as he draped himself across Ran’s chest.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you,” he whispered and Ran’s brows pulled together as he raised his head and looked down at him. Icarus’ skin glowed in the weak light and his scar glistened as his back rose and fell on a long, slow breath. He probably shouldn’t have done it but Ran kissed Icarus’ hair and rubbed his cheek against it as his eyes became heavy.

“Niall!” Ran cried as he sat up and he grabbed the mattress as the room swayed around him. Ran’s eyes darted and blinked as his suite at Brown’s came into focus then he raised his hands and stared down at them. “How in the hell?”