Established relationship, Hurt/comfort, Kissing, Transformation, Named Warrior of Light, Male Warrior of Light, Au Ra Xaela Warrior of Light
Pandaemonium Questline Spoilers, Patch 6.0: Endwalker Spoilers (Final Fantasy XIV), Post-Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker Patches 6.0 - 6.5
↓↓↓ FFXIV Endwalker Spoilers, Spoilers for the end of the Pandaemonium Questline Under the Cut ↓↓↓
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Natus aches for the time that trickles away in all that he must do before he can return to Themis' side.
It feels like it takes an age to cross through the portal that will take him to the past, Natus holds his breath with his heart in his throat. Fearing that this might be the day that his link to the past—to Themis—disappears.
Nothing lasts forever.
For a mercy, he crosses between worlds—from what will be, to what once was—and finds himself within Elpis again.
Natus lifts his face to the sky, gazing out at the endless expanse of stars, and breathes. A shaky, relieved exhale; and then slow, deep breaths until his heart was calm and his worries fell quiet.
Returning to Amaurot is a blink between his outstretched hand and the attuned power of the nearest aetheryte, the teleportation magic whisking him away and bringing him all the closer to where he wanted to be, always.
Beside Themis forever more, for all the time he had left and beyond that.
Unlike the clear skies of Elpis, the city of Amaurot was a brewing storm with the rumble of thunder overhead. Natus had barely begun the familiar trek to Themis' residence when the skies opened up in a downpour. He was soaked within moments, but the rain felt cleansing. Washing away the misery of watching the person most dear to him disappear, the familiar color of his aether drifting away like motes of light.
Though he had smiled for him with all the gladness he could muster in his heart, he had wanted to beg him to stay. To offer up all the aether he could spend to make it so. He had wanted to hold him in his arms and never let go.
It was selfish and foolish, of course. That Themis had been created from Elidibus' soul, that had been plucked from the aetherial sea. He was not truly the Elidibus he knew, nor was he the Themis that Natus was running through the streets of Amaurot in hopes to see now.
He was a distraction, an illusion. A beautiful dream that could never be.
He could not keep him.
Their worlds could never—would never—collide so neatly. So easily.
All Natus had was this. Moments in time spent in this bygone era. Aught that slipped through his fingers like the sand of an hourglass. How long did they have?
Natus dreaded the day that he would leave Themis, blissfully unaware that it would be the last time he would ever see him as they were now. That they could only ever meet again in the aetherial sea.
Natus hoped with all that he was that those soft words Themis had spoken to him would come true.
That his journey—their journey—would be a long one.
Natus stood now at Themis' door, but his arms felt too heavy at his sides to lift. To knock. His heart beat fast in his chest, his breath heaving out of him from his desperate sprint. His whole body shook, but whether it was from the shock of the cold rain or something else entirely, Natus did not want to look at it too closely.
He shook his head hard, nearly flinging sunglasses from his head as he squeezed his eyes shut and breathed in the chilly air. Every bracing breath misting from his mouth out into the chilly air.
What a sight he must have made to Themis, who opened the door before he could even raise his fist to knock. Soaked with rainwater, glasses askew, flushed red from the cold and from his mad dash in the downpour from the nearest aetheryte to Themis' place of residence.
"Natus." Ah, there it was. That warmth, that obvious affection that was plain in the way Themis spoke to him. The softening of that calm, cool voice of his that curled velvety and warm, and oh so sweet around his horns. It sent a frisson of warmth through him, tingling all the way from his head to his toes.
Natus does not know what sort of expression he must be making as his face twists with a surge of emotion at the sight of him, or why the drip of rainwater from his bangs felt suddenly hot over his cold cheek as he blinked.
All that mattered was Themis. He understood that with perfect clarity. Themis was everything to him.
"What on Etheirys, Natus?" Themis says in gentle concern. "Pray, come inside before you catch ill."
Natus trembles all over, suddenly aware of how cold and exhausted he felt, and finds himself stumbling over his own feet in his attempt to do as Themis bade him.
Themis catches him as he falls. Holding him easy in his arms despite their difference in size. Natus knew well the strength behind Themis' deceptively delicate appearance, and so he allowed himself the indulgence of leaning into the man with all his weight, barely keeping on his feet.
It would hardly be the first time Themis had lifted him up into his arms if the shorter man deemed it necessary.
"You are soaked to the skin," Themis gently chides him as Natus buries his face in the smaller man's robes and breathes him in. "We should get you out of these clothes as soon as possible."
Natus pays no mind to the suggestion as he basks in all that was Themis with every one of his senses. The familiar scent of him filling Natus' nose, his warmth seeping into him even as his waterlogged clothing soaked into the other man's once dry robes. The touch of his delicate fingered hand as Themis pet his hair and strokes down his back.
This was exactly what he had needed. To hold Themis in his arms and know he would not disappear. To know that every moment shared between them had not been forgotten, manipulated or torn from the man in his arms.
"Themis," Natus murmurs, his throat tight with emotion. The tension of his muscles finally easing in the one place he could truly relax. "Themis."
The warm laugh that Themis gives in response vibrates through him, suffusing him with warmth even as his body continues to shiver from the chill of the rain water.
"Did you miss me very much, Natus?"
Themis no doubt meant it in a teasing manner, as the two were wont to joke and tease one another in this close, comfortable relationship they had built together.
Natus cannot muster a playful retort this time around, the truth spilling from his lips as his fingers curl inward to hold fast to Themis' pristine robes, "Yes, I missed you. I wanted… to see you."
Themis gives pause at that, and Natus lifts his head as the man leans back to get a better look at his face.
He can hardly bear the weight of Themis' gaze. The bright aquamarine blue of his eyes peer into him, sweeping over him as if he could glean everything Natus was holding back from him just by looking at him so intently.
"Well," Themis says after a pause, a smile curving at his lips that instantly puts Natus at ease, "here I am." The man opened his arms wide as if to show himself off to the xaela. A gesture not as effective with the larger man still clinging on to him, but his intentions came across well enough.
"As always, you are welcome to look your fill." Themis tilts his head, rubbing his thumb over the dark scales that curved Natus' cheek and brushing back a wet strand of hair clinging stubbornly to Natus' face. Natus' breath hitches with that simple touch, a familiar feeling of yearning taking over him that began as an ache in his chest.
How easy Themis could make him forget all else but him. To capture Natus in the moment and narrow his focus to naught but his touch, his voice, his gaze.
Natus' eyes ache with the threat of tears, so he closes them and leans into the gentle caress of Themis' hand.
"Perhaps we might go inside now and get you cleaned up?" Themis says softly, drawing his hand away with one last fleeting caress that trailed from Natus' cheek and over his jaw.
With an air of humor, he adds, "You are dripping all over the place."
Natus chokes out a laugh at that and allows him to take him by the wrist and lead him inside.
…..
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…
Hot, clean water was a rarity in Natus' line of work. Hot running water? Practically unheard of. It was a luxury that only the very wealthy could afford, or at least it was so in his world.
The wonders of the past were things that only those who traveled through time could enjoy to the fullest, and so Natus let the hot water wash over him until he felt more in control of his emotions. Themis had left him to it after gathering up the pile of his discarded clothes, setting aside his sunglasses with care so that Natus would not worry about losing them.
His clothes were once again dry and fresh when he stepped out of the shower, folded neatly next to where his sunglasses were perched. Natus did not know what magic it was that allowed such so quickly, but it must most definitely be an ancient magic that only the people of this age knew. Perhaps a similar incantation to aught that Themis had used to repair his sunglasses on more than one occasion. Whatever it was, Natus was grateful as he dried off and slipped back into his clothes.
Natus could almost imagine he could recognize Themis' unique aether lingering on his clothing. Would that it were true, that a piece of Themis—however small—would stay with him no matter the time or distance between them. Though the people of this age were possessed of special eyes to see aether and soul, Natus was a product of his own time, and one who did not have the ability to sense aether.
Well, if not his aether, perhaps he could ask Themis to leave his signature the next time he needed spells such as the ancients used. A piece of Themis to take on his journey, however long his star burned on.
"Feeling better?" Themis asks as Natus inevitably returns to his side, the amaurotine extending a steaming mug in his direction. Aught to further warm him after enduring that torrent of freezing rainfall.
"Much," Natus accepts it with a smile, plopping down beside Themis where he sat on his overstuffed settee and cozying up against the smaller man with a soft sigh.
Themis gives a gentle hum, leaning against him and sipping slowly from his own mug."You seemed to be in quite a state at my door. Need you a confidant to hear your woes? Shall I offer you my lap to lay upon?" He says. Light and playful, but sincerely meant.
"Hahh… You have no idea," Natus huffs, bumping the man's shoulder and then resting his head there a moment. "Just this is fine. Being beside you like this makes me feel better."
Themis smiles. "If you are certain. My offer remains."
Natus laughs, shaking his head and tracing the rim of his mug. The steam rising from it wisped through the gaps in his fingers.
Quiet falls comfortably between them as Natus warms his hands on the heat emanating from his cup, gazing at Themis from his peripheral and tracing his elegant silhouette with his eyes.
"You are odd tonight. Quieter than your usual," Themis remarks, turning towards him and propping his arm on the plump pillow of the settee, resting his cheek on his knuckles. "Have I grown more handsome since our last meeting that my face has your interest? Or have you aught you wish to speak about?"
Natus considers him, saying quite sincerely, "You always look more handsome since last I saw you." Well, perhaps he said so because he wanted to see Themis react, too.
He may play the part of calm and cool Emissary with aplomb, but Natus had learned over time that Themis himself was quite weak to praise and compliments.
As expected, that sweet blush pinkened Themis' cheeks, followed by an affectionate smile.
Natus sighed contentedly. Yes, such a sight soothed his hurts like nothing else. He could forget everything in the presence of Themis' smile.
Natus sets his mug aside without taking a single sip, "But yes, I have something I want to ask."
Themis looks at him, then sets down his own mug. "Go on, then," he says, smoothing the lines of his robe and folding his hands in his lap. "I'm listening."
Natus takes a breath. Wishing he had sipped from his cup if only to wet his dry throat. "Can I see it?"
Themis tilts his head, his eyebrows arching upwards. "See what?"
Natus reaches out to fiddle with one of the tassels of Themis' robes that his mask would hang from. It was not there at the moment, set aside since Themis was at rest in his place of residence.
What had the other Themis called it?
"Your… truth?" To say it was his true form rang not quite correct to Natus, because the way he was now was certainly just as true. Just as real. No doubt it would be simple enough for Themis to change his appearance, but Natus had grown deeply fond of the face he wore now.
Themis gives pause at that, seeming genuinely surprised as he raises a thoughtful hand towards his face."...It is not something commonly done outside of ceremony or necessity."
Natus knows his disappointment shows. Why else would Themis smile at him and reach out to pat his cheek as if he were indulging a small, pouting child?
"You need not fret so, as I have heard through the grapevine that some of my esteemed colleagues have been known to shed their robes in display of their truth. As such, I see no reason why I cannot do the same with you, whom I hold so dear."
Could a heart melt? That would surely explain the overwhelming flood of warmth in Natus' chest to hear Themis speak of the relationship between them.
"So, you will show me?" Natus asks, his eager plain as he grasps Themis' hands.
Themis regards him with the same sort of affectionate, heart melting expression as one might have in the face of an adorable, fuzzy creature.
Though perhaps the excited wiggle of Natus' tail is what had Themis turning his head away and covering his mouth to muffle a laugh.
"Very well," Themis said, barely hiding a smile behind his fist, "I suppose I have made a habit of indulging you."
Natus grins at that. Well, that could be said for both of them, and probably by their mutual friend, Erichthonios. Gods knew the warden had the patience of a saint putting up with all their shenanigans, even when he was drawn into them himself.
"Come, I will need more room for this."
Natus is quick to his feet as Themis rises, following after the smaller man as he makes his way to an area less populated with furniture that was better suited for the size he would become.
A sense of anticipation fills him. He knew what he expected, but there was no telling that what he had witnessed would be as he remembered it.
The ceremony of it seemed to be much the same. Natus stood back and watched as Themis gathered his power, his robes fluttering with the breeze stirred up by the restrained force as he lifted off the floor to hover mid air. He raised his hand high and then dragged it down over his face, declaring, "In transformation, I present my truth. I am Elidibus," as the sigil of his seat glowed red in front of his face in his surge of power. A bright burst of light followed, too blinding to gaze upon directly and forcing Natus to shield his eyes. Too consumed in this moment to have even thought of putting on his sunglasses that rested as they always did on top of his head.
The light soon dimmed, dispersing, and Natus was in awe at the sight before his eyes.
It was different. Of course it was. This was by far a more elegant design. Pretty like a porcelain doll, delicate but unmistakably strong.
His presence felt divine, as if Natus stood before an angelic being.
He stands there, shellshocked and gawking. The silence stretched longer and longer as he stared at him, wide eyed and slack jawed.
Themis laughed, his voice coming out in an overlapping sound that vibrates pleasantly through Natus' horns. "Have I rendered you speechless in surprise?"
Natus shook his head rapidly. "You're magnificent!" He says, breathless and excited in the face of this dazzling majesty.
It was not every day that he could behold transformations such as these without the threat of danger. Natus took it all in with obvious fascination.
Themis hummed, obviously pleased by such a response from him. It radiated off him in waves, engulfing Natus in warmth. It evokes in him a sensation of warm, fuzzy feelings that almost made Natus feel drowsy with how pleasant it was. Cozy, like resting in a nest of warm blankets after just waking, yet still being allowed to rest a while longer.
"Shall I afford you a closer look?" Themis offers, and before Natus can respond he finds himself gripped in several hands and picked up like a small animal, cradled in Themis' many arms.
Themis held him so carefully in his hands as he lifted him towards his face. Bracing his back with one huge hand and holding his legs with another. Natus felt almost fragile, light and delicate as a feather in his grasp.
"How is it? Have I satisfied your curiosity?" Themis asks him. His confidence that he had done just that was practically palpable.
Natus gazes at him, reaching out a hand to touch the armored helm that not only covered the uppermost part of Themis' face, but also curved up from his jaw. It almost resembled the beak of a bird of prey.
He trailed his fingers over it, following the dips and curves. The hum of
power that this form gave off tingling through the point of contact, pleasantly ticklish. It was the unmistakable feeling of his aether washing over him, entwining together with his own even through layers of clothing and armor.
Seeking more of this, Natus lifted his head to kiss Themis' helm. The complex shape of the helmet made it difficult to kiss his lips, but even this much was touching Themis' soul with his.
Like this, he could feel all that he was.
"Oh?" Themis' mouth tugs up into an affectionate smile as Natus presses his lips to the vee of his helm that curved down from the top of his head.
Natus gives a soft sigh as Themis tilts his head to kiss him carefully, lips to face, between the gaps of his helm. It was a bit off with their difference in size, Themis' lips did not fit perfectly with his like this, but Natus did not care as he lingered in their kiss. Craving more and more of Themis' touch and attention, reassured of his presence.
There is a jingle of metal on metal as Themis breaks their kiss and straightens his posture, his helm bumping a chandelier that Natus had not noticed overhead in his distraction.
"Hah, this form is too inconvenient for this," Themis remarks, then ever so gently plucks the sunglasses from Natus' head to slide over his face. Further shielding his eyes from the blinding glare of reverting back to his regular form with a spare hand of the several arms he possessed in the transformed state of his truth.
In a blink, Natus found himself held in the arms of a much smaller Themis. Their difference in size made it almost comical, but the proud smile the smaller man wore was just too cute that Natus did not immediately ask to be put down.
"'Tis far easier for me to kiss you as I am normally," Themis says, plucking the sunglasses from his face and perching them back atop his head. Kissing him again before Natus could even think of a response.
After a few lingering kisses, Natus' feet once again meet the floor. As strong as the man was, it was still awkward to hold Natus in his arms for a prolonged time due to their difference in size.
"Oh dear, our tea must have gone cold by now," Themis says, smiling to himself. "Shall I go make us more?"
Natus recognized that look of mischief on his face. He was being teased.
Natus grabs him by the hand to drag him back into his arms, "Forget the tea. You can warm me up yourself."
Themis chuckles, cradling his cheek as if he were bashful. "Oh my! How bold you have become, my star."
If the portal closed between their worlds at this very moment, Natus could not feel regret. He would face the end of this world hand in hand and with a smile on his lips, if only to steal more moments in time spent at Themis' side.
With hands clasped, their fingers slot together like pieces of a puzzle.
"Kiss me, my star."
Wrapped up in a sweet embrace, they kiss again and again. Moments drifting on by, lost in each other.
