Vault of Incarnates is so much fun because where else will you get a whole raid worth of Khadgar and Kalec, where he is whining like a pathetic wet beast about spiders and using millennial humor of "kill it with fire".
Also this is a children's book illustration style, so that Kalec can show it to his own clutch one day, as Khadgar would've wanted :)
Chapter 4: fallingforyou
Characters: Aerenstraz
Featuring: Kalecgos
Summary: Aerenstraz wakes up to find Kalecgos in his arms.
Aerenstraz been so good. If Kalec had kicked him out of bed last night, he'd have been obedient. After all, he knew the other would see through his ruse of getting a chance at sharing a bed together as soon as he drifted off. Kalec let him stay and even taken the initiative to steal a kiss. It was perfect moment that ended with him getting to hold Kalec from behind as he fell back asleep. He'd been so good, now Kalec was tempting him to indulge himself even more.
At some point in their sleep, Kalec managed to turn and lock legs with his while burying his face into the crook of his arm. It was more than he could have hoped for, getting to see Kalec curled up against him at peace. Aerenstraz laid there for a better part of a quarter hour while rubbing the small of his paramour's back, enjoying the sweetness of it all until feeling the press forward. Stiff.
Not that he should have been surprised, they were both men. Yet, he did not imagine Kalec lightly pressing forward into him off and on. Aerenstraz shivered, throbbing in turn every time their hips met. As much as he wanted to use the opportunity to press for more, he resisted, waiting patiently for Kalec to rouse from slumber. Besides, he wanted something else. Something he'd wanted for a long time: the chance to tell him 'good morning'.
"What time is it?" Kalec mumbled as he started to stir awake, rubbing his face into the crook of Aerenstraz's arm.
"Dunno," he answered leaning back just enough so that Kalce could lift his head to face him. "Good morning."
Kalec laid his head back down, hiding his face as a low whine escaped his throat. "I thought you might have left already."
"The other's haven't come looking for me. Even so, I don't think I could have left without waking you to say goodbye," Aerenstraz sighed, hand resting on the small of Kalec's back.
A quickly stifled moan escaped Kalec, increasingly flustered as he became more of aware of the state he was in. Aernstraz let out a frustrated pant as the other arched into him. He dug his fingers into Kalec's back, holding Kalec against him as they throbbed against one another.
"Aerenstraz…," Kalec breathed out into his shoulder.
"Unavoidable. You've been grinding it into me all morning," he grunted, feeling himself strain in the confines of his pants. "I've just been silently enduring it all morning. A perfect gentleman."
Kalec peaked up from under his bangs, blush extending all the way through his ears. "That feels off brand."
"I don't want to fuck this up," Aerenstraz replied softly, leaning down to kiss along Kalec's ear. "You said to go slow. I'm going slow. Though, I'd really like to kiss you right about now."
Kalec went still for a moment, breathing raggedly into Aerenstraz's neck from the attention to his ear then lifted his head to kiss him. As they rocked their hips together, Aernstraz took more liberties, letting his hand slip lower toward them hem of Kalec's pants. Kalec's tongue fluttered against his own, still seeming hesitant to deepen their kiss until giving in and parting his lips to allow Aernstraz explore his mouth.
Aerenstraz smiled into their kiss, feeling Kalec melt against him. And then instinct accidentally took hold. He let his hand slip down the back of Kalec's pants and under his small clothes to greedily grab at his ass. Kalec moaned into his mouth then shook his head, breaking the kiss.
"Aeren! Not there….not yet," he panted, before lowering his head to kiss on his shoulder.
Aerenstraz pulled Kalec closer, rubbing his thumb down the other's soft skin, arching his neck back as the kissing trailed up his neck. "I wasn't. Though, it seems like you're wanting to chase this feeling to a release. Tell me what you want. I promise I won't take more than what you give."
"This is enough," Kalec answered, pulling him back into a kiss before repeating, "This is enough."
Arenstraz closed his eyes, holding Kalec close as he took his turn to explore. He shuddered as he grew more aware of just how much he'd been leaking, more so as he felt Kalec's hand run down the hairs on his stomach and to the front of his bulge. "Fuck, don't tease me. That's not fair," Aerenstraz gruffed as he tilted his forehead into Kalec's and looked down between them as Kalec unlaced his pants.
"I imagine the straining in somewhat uncomfortable as it is for me. I thought I might let them out, at the very least. I can't say how much more I will last," Kalec admitted, fingers dancing at the front of the loosened pants.
Aernstraz nodded then rolled his wrist, sliding down Kalec's pants down just enough to uncover his midsection and free his drooling length. In turn, Kalec tugged open the front of Aerenstraz's open pants then fingered up along his concealed length to the edge of his underwear before lowering them enough to pull under his balls. Together, they pressed their hips forward, silently comparing one another, Aerenstraz longer but Kalec having a bit more girth to him. Both drooling profusely.
Shifting forward, Aerenstraz ground forward, letting his hunger finally take hold as they frot against one another. Kalec moaned into the kiss, hand running over Aeren's chest then to his arm, squeezing at his from bicep on its ways up to run through the back of his head. The bed creaked as they rolled their hips together, increasingly crescendo as they built each other up toward released.
Pulling from the kiss, Kalec groaned then looked down and began to buck along Aerenstraz's shaft until he was spurting out into the other's firey red hairs. "Aeren…," he panted before tensing up as Aerenstraz dug his fingers once more into his ass.
"Kalec," Aerenstraz whispered back before turning his head to curse into a pillow, the added slickness driving him wild. He continued to grind forward, needing a bit more than his partner. Shaking, he locked his foot under Kalec's sole, arching as he tensed up, right on the edge of relief until he felt the other's hand around him.
"Go on. It's your turn," Kalec panted, kissing his throat.
"Oh fuck," Aerenstraz groaned, curling his toes as he nearly came on command. He jetted upward between them, several ropes of seed running up their chests and even along Kalec's neck. He quickly tilted Kalec's chin up for a kiss, then laid back to enjoy the afterglow with the other on his side.
Once his heart stopped racing, Aerenstraz looked over to Kalec, finding him staring vacantly up at the ceiling, seeming to be lost in a fog of calculating what they had just done. He rolled carefully onto his side, careful not to let their mess roll off onto his bedding as he carefully used his knuckles to brush the hair off his love's cheek. "Was that okay?"
"Yeah," Kalec answered.
"…repeatable?"
"I think so… For now we should get ready for the journey to Valdrakken," Kalec said, sliding his legs off his bed to stand and let his pants fall.
"Wait, you're coming too?" Aerenstraz asked, sitting up on his elbows.
"Yes. Though I don't think I can bear looking Alexstraza in the eyes right now," Kalec said.
Aerenstraz stood up, hugging Kalec from behind as he kissed his cheek. "Then you can just look in mine."
"You're going to be insufferable aren't you?" Kalec laughed.
"No more than I have been before, just in new exciting ways for you," Aerenstraz answered, giving Kalec a small goose before hopping around him to get his pants off as he looked around, "Now I'm pretty sure I remember seeing somewhere to bathe."
Kalec shook his head, letting out a sigh then smiling before following along. "We don't have long. We'll clean up and take flight once the other's are ready."
Chapter 3: The Only Exception
Characters: Aerenstraz
Featuring: Kalecgos
Summary: With the Blue Dragonflight on its way toward a brighter future, Kalecgos has time to consider Aerenstraz's feelings. Aerenstraz uses his earned good will takes an opportunity to share a bed with Kalecgos.
"Well?"
Kalec jumped as Aerenstraz's voice cut through the silence of his chambers. Looking up and turning from his book, he found Aerenstraz standing in the archway of his balcony with his arms crossed. "You frightened me," Kalec breathed out before looking out into the night past his friend. "What time is it?"
"Late. Or early. Depends on how you look at it," Aerenstraz shrugged, entering the room, careful to take off his boots before stepping onto the rug that sprawled out across the room. "Did I pass your test?"
"What are you talking about?" Kalec asked, watching Aerenstraz flop down at the end of his bed.
Aerenstraz rolled his eyes. "You sent your Mirror Image to flatter me and keep an eye on me while we sorted things out for the flight. It admitted its purpose right from the start."
"I wouldn't say I sent it to flatter you. I wanted to assure you that I was considering truly considering your feelings. As for the latter, yes, I did want to see if you really meant what you said," Kalec explained.
Aerenstraz leaned back on his palms as he bowed his legs, raising a brow. "And did I disappoint?"
"No. I believe that you…," Kalec started, hesitating to finish his thought.
"Love you. I love you," Aerenstraz completed, gripping the other's bedding in his fingers as he looked away. "Are you going to put me out of my misery or what?"
Kalec furrowed his brow. "You're asking a lot of me Aeren. It is not like one wakes up suddenly and changes their preferences. Asking for rejection doesn't help your cause," he scolded. Letting out a sigh, he closed his eyes. "I'm still uncertain, though I don't find the prospect unappealing. I would almost say I am warming to the idea."
Aerenstraz nodded then slid back on the other's bed, putting his arms behind his head as he looked up at the ceiling. "I'll take that as progress."
Kalec stood then walked to the side of his bed, staring down at Aerenstraz as he closed his eyes, looking to have made himself comfortable. "Maybe as not much as you are hoping if you've taken it as an invitation to my bed."
Aerenstraz opened one eye then lifted a hand into the air, muttering a spell until a book flew into the room and into his palm. "I didn't think I'd get you between the sheets tonight, but at the very least, I hoped we could get between some pages. Figured it would be a good way to spend a little together before I leave to check in with the other flights tomorrow. Just a chapter, and I'll go to my quarters if you insist."
Taking the book, Kalec sat on the bed then let it rest on his lap. "I can give you that much. Just one chapter though," he said, slipping his boots off before shifting to lay against the headboard with Aerenstraz at his side. "Ah…Green Hills of Stranglehorn. It has been some time since I've read this," Kalec mused fondly before settling in to read aloud.
A chapter passed. And then another. Kalec was well engrossed and would have likely read through dawn if Aerenstraz hadn't let out a soft snore. Shutting the book, Kalec put it on his nightstand then looked down at his friend. "I suppose this was your scheme all along," he whispered.
There were a handful of times Kalec could recall Aerenstraz asleep. Mostly napping in stray places around Daralan. There was little reason to give him more then a passing glance. Now, in this new context, he found himself studying his visage, wondering why he chose this form.
It was almost strange to see Aerenstraz at peace. No smirk nor snark on his face. Kalec swallowed, admiring his jaw before letting his eyes run down the stubble budding on his neck and to his strong arms. He assumed Aerenstraz's blade work kept him so muscular. Not that he wasn't imposing himself, but that was something he built in his visage. Aerenstraz actually worked on shaping himself, an earned strength he felt when in his arms.
The thought made him his cheeks warm, spreading until it reached his ears. He hadn't pulled away when Aerenstraz had pulled him in for an embrace. There was a part of him that was open to receive his affection. And he supposed that was why he had let it go as far as he let it. Curiously, he laid his hand on the open part of Aerenstraz's tunic, feeling his heart beat under his fingers as he trailed them over his collar.
Leaning down, he let his bangs fall forward, eyes flitting back up to Arenstraz's face before drawing in close. Their kiss hadn't been wholly unpleasant either. Repeatable even, if he wasn't worried it might lead to somewhere he wasn't equipped to go. At least not yet. Closing his eyes, he kissed Aerenstraz. Just once. Just to be sure.
And then his lips parted, Aerenstraz stirring beneath him to return the kiss. Kalec froze, feeling the other's hand run up the back of his head as he lifted into his palm. It was clumsier than he expected from Aerenstraz, perhaps lacking the hunger he expected from him.
"Mmm. Can I stay?" Arenstraz mumbled against his lips, barely roused from slumber.
Kalec pulled away, embarrassed he was caught. "Just to sleep," he relented, popping the buttons on his best and shirt as he turned away.
Aerenstraz lazily sat up behind him, slipping out of his tunic before sitting up just long enough for Kalec to sort out the bedding to get them comfortably under the sheets. Kalec laid on his side, facing away from his bedfellow, heart pounding as he felt Aerenstraz wrap his arm around him from behind.
"Night…," Aerenstraz mumbled into the back of his neck.
"Good night," Kalec echoed, finding himself settling in as the little spoon.
Chapter 2: To Make You Feel My Love
Characters: Aerenstraz
Featuring: Kalecgos
Summary: On Sindragosa's suggestion, Aerenstraz sings from somewhere deeper than the surface of what he feels and finds his feelings heard.
"There ain't nothing that I wouldn't do.
Go to the ends of the earth for you.
Make you happy, make your dreams come true,
To make you feel my love."
Aerenstraz let out a sigh as he finished, setting aside his guitar as he looked out into the snowy night and glad for his natural warmth. He sat in unbroken silence until hearing the the shuffle of a boot against stone. Turning, he found Kalec watching him from the shadows of one of the entry ways. Embarrassed, he turned away, feeling the heat rise through his ears.
"Sindragos sent me to fetch you," Kalec called out, not joining Aerenstraz on the balcony. When Aerenstraz didn't move, he added, "Was that about me?"
"Of course she did. No, it wasn't," Aerenstraz answered sharply, damning the siraculum for her meddling. Taking a deep breath, he shook his head then stood up to face Kalec. Though his rage was stoked, Sindragos had been ultimately right. Nothing would come from holding on to his anger. This was his moment. To free himself from the endless torment of his affection. "That was a lie. It is about you. Every song I've ever sung, in one way or another, has been about or for you."
Kalec looked down, avoiding Aerenstaz's gaze. "I see…"
"Do you?" Aerenstraz asked, walking forward to get out of the wind. "Because I don't think you do Kalec. And that might largely be my fault for being so hot headed and sticking my wing in my mouth every time I get close to saying what I actually mean; but, it has been centuries. I have been burning for you for centuries."
"Aerenstraz-"
"Don't," Aerenstraz interrupted, grabbing Kalec's wrist before bruising his hand across his cheek to move the hair from his eyes. "Don't dismiss the way I feel. It has to be said. Kalec, I-"
"Aeren," Kalec attempted to interrupt again, this time softer.
"Please let me say it. Even if it will only hurt us both. I can't spend the rest of my life without saying the words," Aerenstraz pleaded, voice shaking as he pressed his forehead against the other's. "I made a big show of saying how you need us. How the flights would be there for you, should you stop wrapping yourself in your grief. All of that was true, but the reverse is true too. At least of me. I need to know you are well, and happy. I love you. I always have."
Aerenstraz felt Kalec tremble under his touch. He swallowed then drew his face in close, letting their eyes meet before letting their lips meet. The kiss was brief, Kalec pressing into it but quickly turning his head. Aerenstraz became a pillar, unsure if the movement was a return of his affection, or just a jolt of shock before rejection.
"I'm sorry, Aeren…," Kalec whispered.
Aerenstraz let Kalec go, feeling his veins fill with ice. He took a few steps back, swallowing. He figured it'd make him angry to be rejected. That's usually what happened. Rage would take over, he'd say something, then fly off. Instead he was cold. And heavy. Still, he managed to back his way toward the balcony, staggering really. "No… I am the one who should be sorry. I should have kept it to myself."
Before he thought he could feel any worse, Kalec reached out to grab his wrist, pulling him back into the library. His grip was delicate, even bordered on kind. Maybe even pity. It was killing him.
"No, it should be. On some level, I've known. Or had a thought that might be the case. As you said, I wrap myself in my grief. There was a willful blindness perhaps," Kalec explained, hand sliding down to hold onto Aerenstraz's palm.
"Just tell me to fuck off already," Aerenstraz screamed in the back of his mind, finding himself on the verge of crying like a whelp.
"You have always been my friend. Even when that was a difficult thing to be. Though, you've not always made it easy to be yours," Kalec said, fingers tracing Aerenstraz's palm. "I am of course, flattered by your affection. I would even go so far as saying it makes me happy to hear you put it to words and that passion of yours doesn't always need to manifest itself in rage."
Aerenstraz remained quiet, letting Kalec talk and fiddle with his hand, too heavy now to run. If the light hand holding was all Kalec could give him, then he would accept it. Memorize the feeling of the smaller fingers tracing along the lines of his palm. He'd keep the memory forever, if it was the only thing he was getting out of it.
"I don't know if I can return your feelings in the way you want," Kalec continued, tightening the grip on Aerenstraz before he could pull away. "In this moment. Restoring the Oathstone and defeating the Primalist has to come first. What comes after…we will have to see. It feels unfair to ask, especially when the result might not be what you hope, but could you be patient? Just for a bit longer?"
That was better than he could hope for. Aerenstraz closed his eyes tight, re-gripping Kalec's hand. "If I must," he huffed, opening his eyes and looking away so the other couldn't see the mix of embarrassing emotions he was cycling. "One more kiss and I will find myself satiated until this current conflict sees its end. I'll even stick around to see it through. Maybe help clear the cob webs for you, or get some groupies to do it," he asked, trying to stay light hearted.
Kalec shuddered slightly, though Aerenstraz figured, hoped, it was from the light teasing about potential spiders hiding about the halls. "You may kiss me. Once, and briefly," he said, standing still for Aerenstraz.
He stared for a moment, watching Kalec with his head tilted up toward him. This was a step forward. A step close to something he'd coveted for so long. He stepped forward, letting their bodies meet before lowering his head down, taking his prize slowly, not daring to part his lips too much less the urge to deepen it take root. Kalec squeezed his wrist but didn't rebuff him. The other's lips quivered, maybe out of instinct to invite more, but Aerenstraz held to their agreement.
He withdrew slowly, keeping his face a breath away as he watched Kalec slowly open his eyes. "Are you satisfied?" Kalec asked in an embarrassed whisper.
No. Of course he wanted more. "It will have to last me until you let me try again. I imagine you were doing something important before we were set up? I'll leave you to it and go find our Champion and hurry him along," Aerenstraz said, turning to wander back out onto the balcony to collect his guitar.
"Are you sure that is all?" Kalec asked evenly.
Aerenzstraz turned, raising a brow. "What? I told you how I felt. I'm not going to keep saying it. Especially if you're not inclined to be saying it back any time soon but… Yeah, you know," he huffed, putting his guitar on his back. "Though if you insist I'll walk right back in there and press you against the shelves."
Kalec took a step back, fumbling a bit with the jewel on his chest. "I merely meant to point out we were parting company amicably for the first time that I can remember," he pointed out with a little laugh.
"Heh. Screw you Kalec," Aerenstraz chuckled, giving him his sense of normalcy before transforming into his drake form and taking off to search for his companions.
Chapter 1: I Hate Everything About You
Characters: Aerenstraz, Tylren, Endrov, Verendus
Featuring: Kalecgos
Summary: Aerenstraz is reluctant to venture into the Azure Span.
"Why are we stopping?" Tylren called out, swooping down on Verendus.
"I don't know. Aerenstraz! Give me a moment to dismount," Endrov grunted, shifting his weight to land on his feet as the dragon transformed into his visage.
"I cannot go into the Azure Span. I would be unwelcome, I think," Aerenstraz said gruffly, raking a hand through his hair as he looked toward the snowy forest in the distance.
"Alright then," Endrov said, wandering to Verendus, preparing to climb up behind Tylren.
"What? No! We're not just leaving him here without asking what is going on?" Tylren said, steering Verendus aside to prevent Endrov from getting onto the saddle with him. "Why can't you go to the Azure Span?"
Aerenstraz turned back, looking rather annoyed by being put on the spot, but not enough to not answer. "Kalec and I are fighting. Probably. I don't know, it's been a decade or two."
"Kalec…Kalecgos!? Why would you be fighting with him?" Tylren pressed while Endrov watched with his arms crossed.
"I said things. He said things. I said more things back," he answered vaguely.
"Alright then," Endrov said again, readying himself to attempt to try and get on Verendus.
Tylren shook their head. "Endrov, please. We are not leaving him behind."
"He doesn't want to go forward," Endrov pointed out. "We have a mission."
"This is one of those times where there is more going on than what is being said" Tylren said, letting Verendus trot out of reach. "He is our friend, we should ask him why he really doesn't want to go forward."
"I would think of him as more of a steed," Endrov hummed.
"I am not your damned mount," Aerenstraz hissed.
"True, if you were we'd be in there by now," Endrov snarked back.
Verendus marched between the two as Tyelren spun whipped his head back and forth to give them a reproachful look. "Enough of that. Aeren, just explain what went on. Perhaps things are not as dire as all that. Especially given what we're trying to accomplish."
Aerenstraz held up his hands and shook his head in defeat. "Fine. It's a little hazy still, but it was just a bit after the Nexus War. And I…," he started, closing his eyes as recalled the memory.
"What do you mean you're leaving? You are the Aspect! You're the heir to the Blue Dragonflight! Call them back," Aerenstraz demanded "And if they won't, does it matter? You can rebuild your flight. Things are only as doomed as you let them become."
"You don't understand. They didn't want me," Kalec dismissed as he firmly shut his tome. "I am staying here in Kirin Tor. It is better this way."
"Then make them want you. Show them that you still have pride. I know you care. You deeply care. It is the root of who you are," Aerenstraz protested. "If you need help, then I will stand beside you."
"To what end? What could you possibly do for me? For my flight" Kalec asked.
Aerenstraz stepped back, balling his fists. Maybe some part of him knew Kalec didn't intend to mock him, but in the moment it felt like a low blow. "Forgive me for lacking the power of my brothers. It is always great to be reminded I am my mother's favorite also-ran," he spat. "You know damned well what I meant."
"I never know what you mean. When you manage to attempt to say or do anything that might show signs of depth, you subvert it by running off to whatever mortal vice has decided to satiate you in the moment," Kalec responded, staying collected in the face of Aeren's growing anger.
"My mortal vices?" Mine? I am not the only one who's….you and …," Aerenstraz started, struggling to restrain words as his rage built.
"Don't you dare bring her up," Kalec growled, Aerenstraz hitting a nerve.
Aerenstraz wanted to scream. No, roar. His skin bristled, as if he might transform on the spot. "Where do you think my father… My…. How I feel…and she…," he said disjointedly, starting to shake. He'd been there at her inception. He sang the lifesong for his father, aiding in the little way he could. How could a piece of himself not have been…
He shook the thought off. "If she was so damned important to you then go drown yourself in her then!"
Kalec said something, but he did not hear. He stormed off, transforming as soon as he felt open air then flew off. He barely recalled what came after, eventually waking up in some inn in Silvermoon being called to his mother's side for something or another.
"I said something that would hurt him. The most hateful thing I could think of. Because I was hurting. I'm not great with anger. I tend to say the opposite thing of what I mean to. And well, it might have been decades for you but as a dragon, in that time, it might as well have happened yesterday.," Aerenstraz answered, lowering his head.
"From what I have read, Kalec is a kind person. What could you have possibly said?" Tylren asked sympathetically.
"I'd rather cut out my tongue than ever let myself breathe life into it again. Like I said, it was the most hurtful thing I could have think to have said in the moment," Aerenstraz answered.
"Well, you can't know if you're unwelcome until you are told otherwise. At the very least, you can apologise," Tylren pointed out.
Aerenstraz furrowed his brow then wiped his hand over his face. "I suppose you're right."
"Oh!" Endrov let out, pulling the pairs' attention.
"Is something wrong?" Tylren asked.
"The opposite of hate is love," Endrov said confidently.
Tylren and Aerenstraz stared for a moment before the former tilted their head at him. "Yes, that is…correct. Why is that suddenly a revelation?"
"He says the opposite of what he meant; therefore, he is in love with Kalecgos," Endrov said, sounding much like he solved a great mystery.
Aerenstraz turned his head quickly, transforming back into his dragon form with a frustrated snort, starting to waddle away, ready to take flight with out them.
"We really need to work on your tact," Tylren sighed, reaching their hand down to finally allow Endrov to saddle up behind him before pursuing Aerenstraz into the snowy forests of the Azure Span.
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