Synopsis: The Master of Fate and the last dragon tease each other while waiting for their beloved to return home.
Word count: 1.6k
Rating: Teen
Tags: Fluff, Domestic Fluff, Master of Fate Li Shen | Zayne, Dragon Qin Che | Sylus, Kissing, Boys Kissing, Rough Kissing, Sloppy Makeouts, Licking, Biting, Snowcrow banter, Sylus' tail shows his emotions, POV Second Person
Pairing: SnowCrow, Poly!SnowCrowMC
You can also read this fic on AO3
Happy 2nd Anniversary to Love and Deepspace!
Because of your powers, you were prone to attracting magical creatures around you. Usually, they were simple animals you considered pets, and Zayne was comfortable enough with you keeping them. After all, Hua and Bai Ze could use some friends of their kind.
Until you attracted a sentient, intelligent, humanoid creature: a dragon that seemed to originate from somewhere very distant to Zayne's mountain. Sylus, as you named him (because neither you nor Zayne could understand his ancient draconic language or how to pronounce his name; you settled on a name that sounded phonetically close to it), seemed resolute in staying and making a home in the mountain God's territory. Zayne tried to shoo him away, but after looking into his fate, and realising he was the last of his kind, still hunted by other humans, the Master of Fate's heart softened once again; he ended up welcoming the lonely dragon into his home, just like he did with you, after making sure Sylus will not disrupt his order here and will listen to him. The dragon tilted his head, and shrugged, agreeing to listen to Zayne's rules.
And that was that. Zayne, you and Sylus were living together. Sylus even proved himself to be useful, scaring away humans who tried to enter Zayne's territory, and taking care of catching your next meals, leaving you more time to study and copy bamboo slips. You pouted once you realized bringing in a new friend meant shifu can use him to his own advantage.
***
Zayne was sitting down in the shade of the Sacred Tree, sipping his warm tea. There were many bamboo slips waiting for you on the table beside him, but you haven't returned to your studies since you left after breakfast. Zayne wondered where your legs might have led you to be so late, when a loud purring approached him quickly, and crashed into his lap.
"What are you doing?" he asked, witnessing the large dragon laying his head in Zayne's lap. Sylus even nuzzled his face into his pant legs, relishing being so close to the Master of Fate.
"Resting. I worked so hard all morning hunting a good meal, cutting all the meat and storing it into your magical cooling box, that I deserve to rest now."
As soon as he stopped speaking, he returned to purring loudly, Zayne feeling the vibrations in his legs. Fair enough, the dragon supposedly deserved rest. Zayne still wondered why his lap had to be Sylus' pillow though.
"What did you catch?"
"A cow."
"A cow?" Zayne raised an eyebrow. "Aren't those supposed to be in the lands near the village?"
Sylus shrugged. "It wondered off into the mountain territory. The humans wouldn't have been able to retrieve it, and if they even found it and tried, it would have been a hassle. So now our dearest can finally try out all the beef recipes she's been talking about."
Zayne rolled his eyes and sighed, his shoulders dropping. As annoying as Sylus could sometimes be (very often), it was clear how attentive he was to your needs. And Zayne's, if he would have been as sincere and easy to read as you were.
"Speaking of our dearest troublemaker," Zayne rested against the tree's trunk, raising his left hand to gently card his fingers through Sylus' already tangled strands, "do you have any idea where she might be? She was supposed to study today."
The dragon shrugged again, nuzzling further into Zayne's lap, his purring becoming even louder (if such a thing was even possible), as Zayne tried to gently untangle his hair. "I have no idea. I was out hunting all morning."
"I wouldn't call catching a cow 'hunting'," Zayne chuckled. "It's a domestic animal, and you are an apex predator."
The dragon was very displeased with the mountain God's dismissal of his very well done job. He huffed a puff of smoke out of nostrils, while still enjoying the gentle fingers (who were for once ungloved) scratching his scalp. "You wound me, shifu. Do you really think so little of my accomplishment today?"
"That's not what I meant. I simply corrected your use of vocabulary. But you're free to misinterpret my words and sulk," Zayne replied, retreating his touch and trying to hide a smirk from appearing on his face.
With an even more indignant huff, Sylus raised out of Zayne's lap to harshly glare at him. Whether it was for trying to tease him, retreating his caress or both, the Master of Fate did not know, and neither did he try to. It was quite comical watching the imposing dragon wag his tail in annoyance, thumping the ground and disturbing the fallen flowers around them.
It was even more comical (for Sylus this time), when he got revenge on the know-it-all God, by attacking him where he was most unprepared. By flustering him. Sylus jumped on him and ran his long, scratchy tongue over the smooth, shaven expanse of his jaw and cheek. Zayne gasped, shocked, and tried to get out of his dragon's hold, but Sylus made sure to grab firmly onto his waist.
"What are you doing? Behave!" Zayne laughed as if he was tickled, unable to detach himself from Sylus, and instead falling on his back. Finally, the dragon relented on stopped slobbering the side of his face, proudly looking down at what he must have considered a masterpiece.
Indeed it was a masterpiece. Zayne's ears and cheeks gained such a pretty shade of dark pink, and his chest expanded with each shaky breath he took in.
"What was that for!?" Even his voice was shaky, so uncharacteristic of the always composed Master of Fate. It was only ever Sylus and you that managed to fluster him like this. It had happened on so many nights before, until he'd gain back his composure and control, and punish you two in the most delicious ways.
"Revenge," Sylus drawled, unable to stop his tail from flicking in satisfaction.
Zayne blinked at him, bewildered by the dragon's behaviour. But he didn't have the chance to respond, before Sylus leaned down and crashed his lips onto Zayne's. The dragon didn't know how to kiss gently (he didn't know what kisses were in the beginning, as they weren't part of draconic social interactions), he knew only to devour and bite with his sharp teeth at the plush of Zayne's lips. The Master of Fate choked on a gasp as Sylus cut his sensitive skin and then promptly licked the droop of blood that seeped out.
With a firm hand on the dragon's horn, Zayne tilted his head away. "Gentle," Zayne whispered his command. "I'm not your prey, you don't need to pierce your fangs into me."
Sylus didn't respond, instead choosing to continue what Zayne had so unfairly interrupted. Still, he kept his sharp teeth at bay, only using his lips and tongue to explore Zayne's mouth. Content with Sylus' nonverbal response, the God reciprocated his kiss. There was still the metallic taste of Zayne's blood lingering on Sylus' tongue that very eagerly reached deep to tangle with his own.
Again, Zayne's hand on his horn pushed the dragon away, so that they may catch their breaths. Although at first, Sylus was loathe to detach from his God's sweet lips, he became quite satisfied once he noticed how a deeper shade of blush coated his skin. Sylus licked his lips and smirked.
"You look pretty when you're flustered."
"Is that what you wanted to get out of me?!" Zayne counteracted, still trying to catch his breath after their previous intense kiss.
Before either of them could continue the game neither of them remembered who started, a giggle sounded just behind Sylus. Both of the men turned their attention to the source of the sound.
You came back (from wherever you had been gone to), just to find your two companions sprawled on the grass, with rosy cheeks and swollen lips.
"What were you doing without me?" you asked, on an as innocent tone as you could muster.
Your shifu ignored your question. You couldn't ignore his blush. "Where have you been all day? You were supposed to study," he spoke after clearing his throat. Still, he was questioning you while laying down beneath your dragon with his elegant ponytail dishevelled.
"I went into the village," you said, picking up your long, flowy skirts and twirling once. "I bought a dress for dancing."
Zayne's eyes sparkled as he watched you twirl, while Sylus' tail flicked like an overenthusiastic dog's. "But you don't really like long sleeved, long skirted attire," Zayne continued.
"Just because I'm clumsy with it doesn't mean I don't like it! Besides, it looks very pretty when I'm dancing for you." You twirled again, your long hair, sleeves and skirt following your movement and flowing graciously around your body.
Both men looked entranced at your elegant moves, following a rhythm only your heart knew, as Zayne was too incapacitated to summon his guqin and play. He became even more restrained as Sylus flopped onto him with all his weight, knocking the wind out of Zayne's lungs.
"Isn't she beautiful?" Sylus asked, unbeknownst to him that the man beneath lost his breath for a short moment.
"She is," Zayne sighed, still watching your moves that were now less controlled since witnessing their banter and starting to laugh at them.
He knew he should push Sylus off his body and urge you to start your very late studying session. But as much as he wanted to, the dragon's body was too warm and heavy, and you looked too divine dancing with the sun shining behind you.
So the Master of Fate chose to relax for a moment longer…
Notes: Thank you for reading!❤️ The brain worms did not let me live until I fulfilled my desire to see the Master of Fate and the Dragon kissing passionately. Hope you enjoyed!
Fic Synopsis: Seven years ago, your husband Sylus died in war. For seven years you mourned the loss of half your soul. And now, when you've finally healed and started a new life with your doctor neighbour, you witness a ghost.
Chapter Synopsis: Sylus thinks about Zayne, and what feelings he might have for the doctor. He's uncertain. You and Zayne find a moment of intimacy for the two of you.
Rating for this Chapter: Explicit🔞
Word Count: 5.2k
Tags: Not Really Character Death, It's only believed to be true in the first chapter, Alternate Universe, No Evol Abilities (Love and Deepspace) ,POV Second Person, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Romance, Post-War, Grief/Mourning, Mentions of pregnancy and childbirth, Poly!snowcrowmc, eventually, Snowcrow banter, Other Additional Tags to Be Added
Tags for this Chapter: Vaginal Fingering, Slight Dom/Sub Dynamic (Sub MC, Dom Zayne)
🔞This work and especially this chapter is intended for a +18 audience!🔞
All mornings went like this. Zayne was the first to wake up, the only person in this house who had a job that required him to work on an almost daily basis. He didn't need an alarm clock, his biological one was more than enough, waking up every morning at the same hour. He had stopped using an alarm since Jasmine was born, not wanting to scare his baby and wife from their deep sleep. Sylus wasn't included in that consideration. Still, without a fault, Sylus also woke up at the same time Zayne did.
After years of war and imprisonment, Sylus learned to be wary even when resting. He slept lightly, feeling every time the bed dipped and rose back as Zayne got up. On instinct, his left eye would open, watching what was happening around him. He was safe. His sleepy body couldn't recognize the safe environment until he made sure he was in his bedroom, and the worst thing that could happen is wake up to the sound of a crying baby. By the time he calmed himself down, Zayne noticed he was awake, nodded as a greeting, and walked soundlessly to the bathroom.
Sometimes, Sylus would fall back asleep while Zayne was showering. Sometimes, he spent more time looking at your serene face. Nothing other than Jasmine's cries could wake you up. As long as the baby was asleep, so were you. This morning, Sylus decided to spent some quiet moments with his beloved wife in his arms, breathing in the soft, floral scent of your shampoo. You were so warm and comforting, and at that moment, completely his.
Eventually, Zayne finished his shower, but didn't get ready quite yet. It didn't take more than half a minute since he emerged from the bathroom, that Jasmine started to coo. He picked up his daughter and left the bedroom before you could wake up from her noises. A few minutes later, Sylus decided to get up too, and leave you the entire bed to yourself to continue sleeping. Three adults, especially two very tall and well built men, sleeping in the same bed was quite cozy, but there wasn't much distance between cozy and cramped. They'll have to upgrade the bed frame and mattress to a larger model.
By the time Sylus made his way downstairs, he found Zayne in the kitchen, bouncing Jasmine as he patted her back. An almost empty baby bottle was sitting on the kitchen table.
"Good morning," Zayne said, his tone completely flat. "I thought you'd be sleeping in today."
Sylus groaned as he moved towards the coffee maker. "Figured I could let our sweetie sleep more comfortably by herself. I'm thinking we need to upgrade the bed."
Zayne nodded, still bouncing Jasmine. "I agree. Though I'm not certain how feasible that is at the moment with such a young infant. I doubt we have the time to dismantle the old bed frame, build the new, larger one, and get the bed ready all in one day. I think this plan will have to wait a little. But if you're concerned about our wife's nightly comfort, you could always sacrifice yourself and return to the guest bedroom."
"That's not going happen, doctor, and you know it," Sylus quickly replied, fixing the new coffee filter in place. "Unless you're the one who's selfless enough to sacrifice himself."
Zayne sighed, and stopped patting Jasmine after he finally got a burp out of her. "We can probably stop discussing this topic here. We both know neither of us is going to back down."
"I see you've finally got used to me," Sylus let out a soft chuckle and started the coffee machine.
"Was I not used to you during the war?" Zayne continued the trail of their light-hearted banter, while Jasmine peeked over his shoulder to look at Sylus. The other man smiled gently at the little baby. She was really cute. A perfect little combination of features from both her mother and father.
"But did you think that we would end up sharing a wife and a family? No."
"And apparently that includes a bed as well," Zayne rolled his eyes and sighed. Sylus knew he was simply playing defensive, and wasn't actually upset about it. He made sure to remind the doctor of this fact.
"When you had the opportunity to kick me out of bed, what did you decide to do? Hmm?"
"Sylus." Zayne turned to look again at the other man, and Jasmine turned her head to still be able to watch the white-haired man. She had no idea what her dads were talking about.
"You tucked me in. What, do you dare deny it, when I was there to feel when you picked up my lower body to slide the blanket from under me and then tuck it over me?" The coffee machine beeped as it finished its brewing.
"I thought you were asleep." Zayne's eyes widened ever so slightly.
"Oh, so you took pity on me because you believed I wasn't conscious," Sylus added a hefty drop of sarcasm into his tone. It delighted him to rile up Zayne. Lovingly, of course. Otherwise, this peaceful family life wouldn't have existed between the two of them.
But sometime between coming back home, being extremely jealous that his war time friend married his presumed widow, and this very moment, Sylus started to appreciate that it was Zayne who married you and took care of your family. He would not have tolerated any other man even a fraction as much as he did Zayne. Because if Sylus were to be honest, he more than tolerated Zayne's presence in this family. Of course, because of the fact he knew Zayne, he treasured him as a friend, and respected him as a companion.
"You do one good deed…" Zayne muttered under his breath, but Sylus heard it. It was meant to be heard.
"Does that good deed include the physical touch we both enjoyed the following morning?"
Zayne instantly became red in the cheeks and tips of his ears. He also promptly covered Jasmine's little ears too. "Can we not bring up that subject with Jasmine present?"
Sylus nodded, and turned away to take out three cups and divide coffee between all of them. They'll get back to that subject at one point. It was fair to not speak about matters of intimacy in the presence of the baby, even though she couldn't understand a word of it. As much as Sylus kept his mouth shut about matters that weighed heavily, or acted confident while discussing them, he was more uncertain than usual about what happened that morning.
Of course it was deeply enjoyable, it was the first time in seven years he had been intimate with his wife, who he had longed for all this time. Zayne's presence in the equation should have been at best ignored, or at worse, to have taken away from the enjoyment of it all. Sylus was shocked that even when he didn't ignore the doctor, his pleasure did not diminish at all. They avoided touching each other, reserving all their affection for you. And it was you who brought them together between your legs, where their most intimate flesh actually came into contact.
In the heat of the moment, he did not mind it at all, on the contrary, the added friction proved to be very pleasurable. When he calmed down and his senses came back down to earth, he had to contend with the fact he still did not mind it. He avoided looking at Zayne after all of you finished. They didn't speak at all while you left them to shower. He had no idea if the other man enjoyed that morning as much as he did.
Even with you, when Sylus talked about that morning, the conversation focused on what happened between the two of you, with the promise of being intimate again whenever there's time and a mutual desire for such an act. But still, he could distinguish that unasked curiosity in your eyes. What's going on between you and Zayne?
Sylus didn't know how to answer. He was grateful you never brought it up verbally.
He didn't even have enough courage to speak seriously about it with Zayne, and a few weeks have passed since that morning.
Sylus' thoughts returned to the task at hand, dividing fresh coffee in three cups. He filled his to the top, enjoying his coffee black, filled yours halfway through, the rest reserved for milk, and three quarters full for Zayne, who will complete his cup with ten tea spoons of sugar. It was a miracle the doctor did not develop diabetes yet.
He was still holding Jasmine while he reached for the sugar on the counter. Sylus, having finished his and your coffees, picked up the baby, so Zayne could drench his caffeine in the alarming amount of sugar he enjoyed. Having settled into Sylus' arms, Jasmine looked at him with wide eyes, and once her little, developing brain came to a conclusion, she smiled. She got quite used to having Sylus around her, holding her, caring for her. Although she wasn't his biological daughter, Sylus quite liked seeing how a little human grew and behaved as a baby. He didn't get to witness this life stage with Peony, but he now had a chance with her sister.
For him, family life was truly pleasant. Including Zayne.
The aforementioned doctor was stirring his coffee when the house telephone started to ring in the hallway. "One moment," he said, leaving his cup of sugar infused with caffeine to respond to the call before the noise could travel upstairs and disturb the remaining two slumbering souls.
Sylus peered from the kitchen archway, taking in only Zayne's side of the conversation. "Yes, the Li household?" Sylus did have a problem there; it should have been the Qin household, he's the one who bought this house. But he continued listening to Zayne. "Oh, good morning, Caleb! Yes, she's still sleeping. You can tell me your message and I'll tell her."
A few moments of silence followed as Caleb was presumably talking. Then Zayne glanced over his shoulder and nodded. "Yes, he's here too." Sylus raised an eyebrow, curious how the conversation switched to him. "Of course, there's no problem. She'll be happy to see you again and for you to meet Jasmine for the first time. Alright, I'll tell her when she wakes up. Have a good day, Caleb," Zayne finished and placed the receiver back.
"So, what did Caleb want?" Sylus asked, still leaning in the archway, holding Jasmine.
"He said he needs to talk to his sister about their foster grandmother, and has some information pertaining to you too. There have been some aspects from your case that have developed. He's going to come on Friday, and spend the night here, and that's when he'll tell us what he's found out."
"Did he give out any hints?"
Zayne shook his head. "I'm afraid not. We'll have to wait until Friday."
***
You shouldn't be fretting so much about your foster brother coming to spend a night here. To be fair, it wasn't his visit that stressed you, but rather the fact your house was a mess, one you haven't been able to clean up all week. Caleb wouldn't mind your messy house, in fact, he'd probably offer to help you out. He had always done this when you two were small children and your room got far beyond disorganized.
But it was exactly because you knew he would offer to help you, that you wanted to have this house clean and spotless. Not because he was an esteemed guest, or he was a clean freak, or a snob, but simply because he was a very helpful and caring brother and friend who has always taken care of you. And now, because you're a grown woman with a family, you didn't want to rely on him anymore. Especially since he lost his arm in the war. His right hand used to be his dominant one. But now, with the prosthetic, he barely has any flexibility in it. You don't want to make him work in a house that's not his too.
And even with Sylus' help, it was already afternoon and you still had a lot to tidy up. Zayne had more long shifts than usual this week, Peony had a sore throat and a runny nose for about two days, and you were scared she was going to get sick, and tried to protect Jasmine from her older sister's potential sickness as much as possible. Blessed be the day you decided to fall in love with a doctor and marry him, he truly was a miracle in your life. He took care of Peony and gave her some medicine to combat the cold before it could take place. After only a night with a very mild fever, Peony was much better.
Still, all that time spent on purely taking care of the girls, left you with little time or nerves to deal with the overall cleanliness of the house.
"Sylus, are the sheets dry?" you shouted from your bedroom's balcony down into the backyard. Your husband was taking down the laundry from the clothes line.
"Yes, sweetie!" he shouted back at you, picking up the full basket and going back inside.
You exited the bedroom, and once you heard the backdoor opening, you shouted again from the stairwell. "I'll get the guest bedroom ready! Can you look after Jasmine?"
"Yes, kitten!" he shouted, once more, as a response.
Much of the day was spent like this. You ran around from room to room, while Sylus listened and obeyed all your commands. Today, you didn't even have time for lunch, neither did you let Sylus prepare one. You were simply too busy. Only when you sat down to breastfeed Jasmine, did Sylus escape your commands and actually managed to crop up a quick platter of vegetables, deli meats and cheeses for both of you. The moment Jasmine was done eating, you stopped as well, and urged Sylus to get back to work as well. He barely managed to ingest a few bites.
Now, he finally understood why the twins became used to calling you boss lady.
***
It was already late afternoon, and you knew Zayne and Peony would come back soon. They both usually came home for lunch, but today Peony had an after school activity, and Zayne had a longer shift. Still, you needed to get ready for the girls' daily walk, and you've just gotten the house in order. It was close to five p.m., and you already had to change Jasmine once, because her new, clean diaper, couldn't contain her blow out when you had just put on her going out outfit.
You were still covered in sweat, dust, and questionable fluids created by your lovely baby, when you went downstairs. Sylus was ready to go, having taken out the stroller from the garage already. Your shoulders deflated as you stared, knowing you were so far behind, and feeling disgusting.
Sylus noticed it as well.
"Sweetie, you're running yourself ragged," he said, taking Jasmine from you and placing her in the stroller. You didn't even have time to warn him before his arms captured you in his embrace.
"No, Sylus, I'm covered in—!"
"I don't care what you're covered in. You're tense, let me destress you." His heavy hand was comforting running up and down your back. When did your spine start to hurt?
"I need to take a shower and get ready… Peony and Zayne are going to get home any minute now…" you whined, relived to lean into your husband's warm body.
"They're not going to rush you. You have all the time in the world."
"But we have to get back from the walk and make dinner before Caleb arrives!"
"Just because he's a Colonel now doesn't mean you have to spend a whole day stressed out and overwhelmed. I'm sure he can wait for us if we're not home, and I'm sure he won't die of starvation if dinner is a little late."
You sighed, closing your eyes and leaning further into Sylus. What a blessing it was to have him back in your life, in your house, to spend all this time with him everyday.
"Thank you."
"Anything for you, kitten," he whispered, placing gentle kisses around your ear, your temple, your forehead.
You were still in his embrace when you heard an engine drive in front of your house. It didn't take long until you heard the keys jiggling in the door, and you didn't let go of Sylus until Peony burst in the entryway and jumped in your arms.
"Mommy!" She giggled, brushing her cheek against yours.
"Peony, baby! How was your day today?" You held her tight. You both needed it. Her school clothes needed to be washed this weekend anyway.
"Great! I learned so much about art today!" She finally let go of you, but she still grabbed your hand. "Are we going on our evening walk? Are we?" She asked, swinging the hand she was holding.
"Yes, Peony, let's get you changed into some more sporty clothes first."
"Yay!" She exclaimed while running upstairs towards her bedroom.
You took a moment to greet your second husband and give him a peck, before you rushed after your daughter.
With the two men left alone, Sylus turned to Zayne.
"She ran herself ragged today."
The doctor nodded. "I can tell. She looks tired. I hope you've been helping her today." He looked up at the other man with scrutiny.
"Of course I did! Doctor, you wound me with such allegations!"
Zayne sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "I'm tired as well, so if you can keep your sarcasm to a minimum this evening, it would be greatly appreciated."
"The day is not over yet, Zayne. I can make no promises," Sylus placed a heavy hand on the other's shoulder, and felt his tense muscles underneath his shirt. Without another word, he moved his hand to run it up and down his back, like he did for you too earlier. "Anyway, I was thinking about our wife. She's worried we're already behind, and Caleb will arrive before everything's ready. She still needs to get ready to go outside, and the dinner's not cooked yet. How about I go with the girls on their daily walk, while she gets a quiet house to relax in and cleanse herself, while you take over dinner duties?"
Zayne sighed, unconsciously relaxing against Sylus' touch. "Your idea is not bad, I'll give you that. If she gets about an hour of rest, then that's good. I'll draw her a bath and then get the food ready."
Sylus chuckled, his soothing touch finally stopping. "I knew you could be agreeable. Just make sure to make bigger plates for me and her, we've barely had anything for lunch."
The doctor nodded, and Peony descended down the stairs in her sports suit, running towards her fathers.
***
You had just gotten inside your own bedroom, when you saw the door open again as Zayne entered.
"Come," he said simply, taking your hand and leading you to the bathroom.
"Zaynie, it's alright, I can take a shower by myself. I need to get ready quickly, otherwise—"
He shook his head and turned on the hot water tap for the bathtub. "I already talked with Sylus. It was his idea for us to stay home while he takes the girls out. You've worked too much today, so you're going to relax in a nice bath, and I'll make dinner before Caleb can arrive. Alright?"
You were speechless. You weren't surprised your husbands did so much to comfort you, but still, it came at a time when you didn't think it was a possibility. They always thought about you first and foremost. How were you so lucky to find two men who loved you dearly and wholeheartedly?
"Thank you."
"Thank Sylus too when he gets back home. It was his idea. And maybe let him eat a bit more. I could hear his stomach growling, so I sent him out with a protein bar."
"Oh no!" you laughed softly, ashamed. "I'll make sure to thank him properly later this evening. But thank you, for taking care of him too."
Zayne stopped the water from running, checking its temperature. "I've gotten used to it. It's not the first time I've had to feed him. He did use to forget to eat when he was deeply concentrated on his projects." He stood up and unbuttoned his shirt. "Now, enough about Sylus. Let's focus on your relaxation."
You watched him shrug off his shirt (or rather, you ogled his impressive abdominal muscles and well defined pecs), and stood motionless as he grabbed the hem of your dirty house T-shirt. "Umm, what are you doing?" you made sure to ask with a very sweet voice.
"I thought it was obvious I was helping you relax." You let him pull off your T-shirt.
"And your finely sculpted torso is included in the relaxation plan?" You trailed fingers along the valleys between his muscles, and felt him laugh softly.
"Yes, and there's so much more," his response was whispered beside your ear, followed by a silence filled with warm kisses running down your neck. His hands were busy with pulling down the ham of your pants, as he landed a soft bite beside your jaw.
"Zayne, are you perhaps a bit needy right now?"
"I always need you. I never denied that," his hands settled on your back, his dexterous fingers quickly unlatching your nursing bra. He let it fall to the ground, straightening his posture to look you all over.
There have been some moments when you looked at your own body, and were still unused to seeing it like this. You put on a lot of weight while carrying Jasmine, you lost some of it, but your skin sagged in places, your boobs did too, your belly was heavier and rounded, decorated with stretch marks. You went through this before, when you gave birth to Peony. So you tried to not be affected by the effects of pregnancy on your body. It was normal. Your body was healthy, you were able to carry two pregnancies to term and birth two healthy babies. Your body did its job perfectly, and there was no point in being harsh towards yourself. Still, there was an annoying part in the deep recesses of your brain, that was discouraged with this look.
But there was Zayne too, who still dedicated attention to every line of your body, to every new curve you gained or lost, to every change your body went through as you nurtured his baby and brought his daughter into this world. He was still deeply mesmerized by your physical beauty, the growing tent in his slacks a clear indication towards his attraction for you.
And that outward validation made your insecure brain calm down. Your husband still found you hot. There was no reason for you to think you were not.
He crashed his lips against yours, his mouth hungry to chase the sweetness of your tongue. His hands hurried to push down your panties too, while his lips still danced along yours. You couldn't wait any longer either, unbuttoning his slacks and sliding them down his legs.
"You," Zayne breathed on your lips between ardent kisses, "my love, are driving me insane." Another hungry kiss descended on your lips, stealing your breath. "Do you know how hard it is to go through an entire shift without you by my side?"
He kissed you with fervour again, he didn't allow you any time to respond. His arms gathered you up, and gently placed you down into the warm soothing water. Only then did he let go of your lips, and you were able to breathe deep again.
His boxers were discarded quickly as well, and you licked your kiss swollen lips as you eyed his impressive length jutting free from between his legs. "Yes, I can tell how hard it is…" You weren't sure if he was going to catch your double entendre when he was this desperate for you.
The water flowed and rose as he entered the bathtub behind you, his arms gathering you against his chest. Zayne rested his chin on your shoulder, breathing in deeply the scent of your skin, before placing a gentle kiss there. His hard cock pressed against the cleft of your butt cheeks, but your husband paid no attention to himself. He was fully concentrated on you, on caressing the supple stretches of your skin, massaging the muscles he knew hurt the most. All the while his lips gently explored your neck, the back of your ears, your jaw. He was fully consumed with you.
"Love, where do you want to be touched?" His low, whispered voice called from behind.
"Zayne…" you whined, hoping he understood where you needed him most.
A groan left his throat, as his slender, long fingers draped over your navel and slowly moved over your mound. "You don't want to use your words, baby?"
You shook your head slowly, and let it fall against his shoulder. Your eyes closed as he landed a gentle kiss on your forehead, his lips curling into a smile pressed onto your skin.
"Alright, I'll be graceful with you today. After all, you deserve to be pampered and treated like a queen for how hard you work everyday for our family. So let me relax you, and stop thinking for a little while." He tenderly bit your earlobe, then soothed it with the tip of his tongue. "I'll think for you too."
His fingers finally connected with your vulva, his index and ring fingers gently spreading the lips open, while his middle one pressed onto your clit with soft pressure. You moaned a tiny, high sound, and you heard Zayne inhale a deep breath. "There we go, does that feel good, my dearest?"
He continued to explore your outer lips, three of his fingers running up and down, from your clit, that was getting puffy and enlarged, to your opening and adding a little pressure there too. He continued to caress in this manner for a little while, and you felt how warm blood pooled in your most sensitive regions. Butterflies swarmed inside your lower abdomen, making way to a comfortable feeling of heightening arousal.
Your eyes remained closed all this time, while your mouth was parted to let out little noises of pleasure sing out into the sanctuary of your bathroom. Zayne was more than pleased with your soft, vocal responses to his careful ministrations. He kept getting harder and harder against your back.
"Tell me if this hurts," he whispered again, and not a moment later, you felt his middle finger slowly breach inside of you.
Even though you've had a couple sexual experiences since you gave birth two months ago, you've never been penetrated during them. Not even with fingers. Although you've wanted to feel Zayne inside of you again (and Sylus), he'd been cautious, and wanted to wait further until you were more than fully healed. His medical expertise was always going to outweigh his needs and pleasures.
But it didn't hurt as he breached you. You felt a little pressure at first, but otherwise it was completely fine. True, it was only one finger, it'd still take longer until you were going to get used to handling the diameter of your husband's hard cock. Both his and Sylus'. You've managed to marry two very well hung men.
"Is it alright, love?" He kissed your cheek after his question, his finger shallowly trusting inside of you.
"Mmmnn," you whimpered, moving your hips to chase after his touch.
His free hand stilled your hip, so your movements wouldn't shake the water out of the bathtub. "Oh, you're being such a good girl for me. Just focus on my touch and keep making those adorable sounds. Alright, baby?"
You nodded and whined, playing perfectly into Zayne's commands. He rewarded you with his finger going in deeper, thrusting quicker, while his thumb came into contact with your needy clit. He flicked it and circled it, adding pressure just as you liked it. After all, you've been together for long enough for him to know all the sensations you were thrilled by.
Another finger made its way alongside the other, and you mewled in response. Zayne chuckled with a soft breath, continuing to play you like an expert. Your eyes finally opened, just to see the intensity in his half-lidded eyes. He was watching you intently, all the while his hand continued to plunge and massage your walls, bumping into that spot that made you see stars. You were so close, and he kept intensifying his speed and pressure.
"Let go for me…" he whispered, sucking gently onto the side of your neck.
Your body could do nothing but obey to his plea, and you felt all tension erupt out of your body.
"Zayne!" you screamed, your walls convulsing around two of his fingers, who were moving to prolong your orgasm. It felt as if your whole body was fluttering in pleasure, and your nails caught onto his forearms, digging in.
"Good, there you go. Do you know how beautiful you are when you scream my name?" he praised you, his fingers finally withdrawing, but still caressing on the outside.
There was no coherent response you could give. You were still somewhere far in the realm of unimaginable satisfaction, still riding on the waves of complete surrender.
His touch lightened, became more gentle as he switched from pleasuring you, to simply taking care of you. His passionate kisses turned softer, tender against your sweaty hair, his hands returned to massaging your exhausted muscles.
"Was that good?" Even his voice sounded more like the Zayne you usually knew, and the intensity he liked to imbue into your sexual encounters was gone.
"Yeah…" you sighed, still perfectly satisfied. "Let me return the favour now."
Zayne stopped you before you could turn and touch his long abandoned dick. His hold was firm on your arms. "No. This was about you, only for you. There will be another time for me too. I'm plenty satisfied just seeing you lose all composure in my arms."
Even though you just came from simply being fingered, and you two have done much kinkier stuff in the past, his words still made you blush. He kissed your red, warm cheek, and leaned back to grab your body wash.
"We don't have that much time. Sylus and the girls will come back soon, and I still need to at least start cooking dinner. Now, let's get you all clean."
You kissed him back, smothering his cheek with a million 'thank you's for turning this stressful day into a very pleasing experience. Soft kisses continued to be exchanged between the two of you as he uncapped your body wash, and started slathering it over your body with a careful caress.
Notes: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter (and the second smutty scene of this fic😁 I have plans for so many more, muahaha). As always, thank you all for reading!❤️
Taglist: @mzfandom @nyzecorner @xvsxliaaxx @owodi
Disclaimer: If you want to be added to the taglist, please leave a comment, but make sure you have your age in your bio so I can check if you are 18+. I do not feel comfortable interacting with minors, my page and my fics are made for adults. This fic will feature more smut in the future. Thank you for reading!
Fic Synopsis: Seven years ago, your husband Sylus died in war. For seven years you mourned the loss of half your soul. And now, when you've finally healed and started a new life with your doctor neighbour, you witness a ghost.
Chapter Synopsis: You, the girls and Caleb go to Skyhaven to visit your ill grandmother one last time. Sylus and Zayne remain home alone, and are forced to confront their situation.
Rating for this chapter: Mature
Content Warning for this Chapter: Suggestive Themes, Discussions about Sex, but no Sexually Explicit content
Word Count: 4.8k
Tags: Not Really Character Death, It's only believed to be true in the first chapter, Alternate Universe, No Evol Abilities (Love and Deepspace) ,POV Second Person, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Romance, Post-War, Grief/Mourning, Mentions of pregnancy and childbirth, Poly!snowcrowmc, eventually, Snowcrow banter, Other Additional Tags to Be Added
This work is intended for a +18 audience, even if this chapter does not contain explicit content.
When you broke the news of your very spontaneous trip to Skyhaven, only one of the four people who heard it was thrilled. That was Peony, because she was coming with you, and she was excited to travel and see her great grandma again. Jasmine was far too young to understand anything, so unfortunately, her opinion wasn't a part of the equation. But Sylus and Zayne… their expressions instantly turned pathetic. They understood this impromptu trip was important for you, that it might be your last chance to see your only parental figure. So they didn't try to stop you from leaving, or taking the girls with you. It was clear Peony wanted to go wherever you went, and Jasmine relied on you the most.
It was unfortunate neither Zayne nor Sylus could accompany you. Zayne had a surgery scheduled for late afternoon the next day, so he had to stay close to his workplace. And Sylus, for obvious reasons, could at most wander around his neighbourhood in Bloomshore while disguised. There was no way for him to travel all the way to Skyhaven, while he was supposed to stay dead.
So, your two husbands will have to stay home, and miss their wife and kids for around thirty hours.
From that moment on, they became clingy, and extra affectionate with you. They said it was to make up for the time you'll lose. So of course you let them hold you even tighter than normal when you three went to bed.
In the morning, you tried to get up early and start packing, but every time you tried to rise from your bed, one of their hands was sure to pull you back down between them.
"Five more minutes, kitten, the sun is barely rising."
You complied, and settled back in their crowded embrace.
When more than five minutes passed and the sun was higher up in the sky, you tried to stand up again.
"There's no need to hurry, love. You need to be well rested for your trip."
Down back you went, and the moment you complied again, Zayne rewarded you with a kiss on the temple.
These antics continued for close to an hour, until Jasmine urged you to get out of bed and pay attention to her, instead of her clingy fathers. They finally let go, and rose from bed too.
The rest of the morning was busy with getting the girls ready, and packing enough luggage for a day and a half. If it would have been only you and Peony, you two wouldn't have needed more than two changes of clothes, hygiene products, and perhaps a couple of toys for your daughter. Jasmine was the one who needed much more, from a sturdy supply of diapers, baby bottles, pacifiers to enough onesies for every potential mess. You were grateful to have two husbands who helped out, and made sure you, the girls and Caleb left fully packed and well fed before noon.
With a Peony who shouted her goodbyes and waved enthusiastically towards the fading view of her fathers on the porch, you were leaving Bloomshore.
Your lips still tingled from the goodbye kisses you left for both Zayne and Sylus, and were already eager to come back home to them.
***
You left. And Sylus was displeased. Of course he let you go and visit your grandmother, but he was bothered he wasn't allowed to go with you and the girls. He looked to his left as Zayne closed the door behind them, Caleb's car far away from their view. The doctor wasn't pleased either, if Sylus understood correctly the furrow between his brows. At least he had a comrade in misery through the arduous hours ahead.
Not many words were exchanged between the two of them before Zayne had to leave for work. He didn't even have time to eat lunch at home. As soon as the twins rang the bell, Zayne answered the door as he put on his shoes. He was already starting his car by the time Sylus could greet them and explain why the house was so empty.
He cooked lunch for the three of them while the twins talked about how business was going inside Onychinus. Sylus was proud to hear they managed to upkeep his shop and advance its renown among the elite. Although Luke and Kieran were not known to be humble, they still felt it necessary to add that it was you and your management that propelled them into a line of success. Sylus couldn't be more satisfied hearing this. His Lady Onychinus was truly the brilliant mind he'd always known you to be.
The three of them talked for a long time about everything they didn't have time to discuss previously, from Onychinus, to Sylus' imprisonment, to Luke and Kieran as the spy duo 'The Crows'.
But eventually, even Luke and Kieran left as evening started to settle in. And Sylus was left all alone, in a house filled with cumbersome silence. With no one else around to distract him, he finally had to confront the thoughts left lingering in his mind after yesterday. After cleaning the kitchen from the remains of dinner (and leaving aside a plate for Zayne when he came home), Sylus retreated to the living room with a bottle of whisky and a glass. He wasn't trying to get drunk, he was careful enough with his intake of alcohol, but sometimes he liked to indulge. Tonight felt like the only appropriate moment, considering he would never drink any hard liquor around his children, or when you couldn't indulge either. Uncorking the bottle, he poured himself a finger width of alcohol. When he brought the glass to his lips, the small sip left a satisfying burn down his throat.
Sylus was a selfish man. He liked to surround himself with the finest luxuries that he could obtain, and surround himself with remarkable people. He was proud of himself, and his family, and when he was a young man, he thought nothing he built in his life could ever be taken away. And yet, out of his own ego, came his failure that deprived him of a family he loved beyond anything else. And even after those seven years of imprisonment, it was apparent he never learned how to not be selfish.
Now that he was home, he enjoyed every second of every day, being in your presence, experiencing fatherhood for the first time. He was truly happy. All he ever wanted, he managed to salvage, and be a part of his family. He got to wake up beside you every day, greet you with a kiss every morning, take care of his sleepy daughter before breakfast, hug her tightly before she went to school, spend all day at home with you and Jasmine, spend afternoons doing homework and playing with Peony, putting her to sleep, and enjoy a quiet evening with the love of his life and his closest friend. Sure, at some point in life, this domesticity sounded a little boring for him. But these thoughts slowly changed as he got to know you, to fall in love with you, to create a family with you, and to miss said family for seven years. He's certain this routine won't completely satisfy him for the rest of his life. He wanted to work again, to busy himself with business and provide for his family. But for now, all he needed was to be a husband and a father, and make up for lost time.
That was why he was still a selfish man. He thought only of his happiness, and thought everyone else around him was just as happy as him. The thrilling peace of the present made him forget about the future. And what place he'll occupy in this family once he'll be fully integrated. As alive as he felt, he was still a dead man. The world had moved on from him, and only remembered his existence when visiting an empty grave. If he wanted to truly be the husband and father his family deserved, he had to think about the future, and how he can become alive once more.
Sylus sighed and closed his eyes, leaning on the couch. For a man who once dominated everything and everyone in his life, he was truly useless right now. He couldn't even accompany his family on a trip! At least Zayne had a valid excuse, when Sylus… Sylus was simply supposed to hide himself, to keep to the shadows of those dead. You still suffered as the widow of a man who's alive, who can't lift a finger to prove it. All he could do was sit in an empty, silent family home, while the government handled his fate, and his family continued their lives.
All while he was still supposed to act like a grave.
How useless the mighty Sylus had fallen. A man who once held so much power, was dead.
He gained his freedom, but not yet his life.
Sylus downed the rest of his glass and placed it with a clink on the coffee table. Enough self-pity for one night. It was unbecoming of him, too pathetic even for a man who escaped the pits of hell and came back. It was useless to worry about matters that weren't in his control at the moment, that he couldn't resolve. Once he can gain back power, that is when his plans will be thought over and put into play.
He settled back on the couch after choosing a book from their home library, and poured himself another round of whisky before opening his book. This solitude could be passed through other means as well. He's listened enough to his thoughts to know where he stood and what he could do next.
The next few hours passed while Sylus was absorbed in his book, slowly drinking and becoming more relaxed. He stopped before he could slip into a state that wouldn't align with his sobriety, put the bottle away, and continued his reading. The fantasy novel he picked had surprised him, unaware that the romantic subplot would be so prevalent and although subtly written, so obviously present. The main character who had been ostracized by her community because of her unusual powers, found home in the sacred territory of a God, who became her mentor. Although the beginning chapters focused more on her internal world and her getting accustomed to the God's way of living, the budding feelings for her mentor became more and more clear. Even his changing behaviour towards his apprentice left little to imagination. He was fond of her too. Although never stated verbally, their affection was pure and warm, and the most important thread of the novel.
When he reached the chapter detailing the end of a festival held in the village, Sylus heard the door unlock.
Zayne returned, dropping his keys on the entrance console and toeing off his shoes.
"Welcome home," Sylus greeted him and helped him take off his coat. The doctor sighed.
"I miss the girls…" was the first thing he said, letting Sylus hook his coat on the hanger.
"Me too." Sylus turned to look at Zayne's exhausted figure. Usually, his mood would pick up when he came back home and Peony would jump into his arms. But Peony wasn't here today, so Zayne couldn't relax.
"I'll reheat your dinner," Sylus added with a gentle pat on his back, walking towards the kitchen. Zayne nodded and went to the bathroom to wash his hands.
***
Sylus sat at the dining table as Zayne ate his meal quietly. When he asked how the surgery went, the doctor explained that it had been a success, but it was a long procedure. He focused on eating more afterwards, instead of continuing the conversation.
Still, the silence that lingered between them wasn't uncomfortable. They spent more quiet meals than either of them could count during their war days. Each other's presence was safe and comforting, so silence was a natural state between them. Although they enjoyed peace at home now, back then, the quiet meals they shared were some of the only times of true peace and relaxation in the camp.
Sylus had thought about Zayne many times since he came back home. Of course he didn't expect his wartime friend to have married his wife and have a child with her. At first, he was quite frustrated Zayne had stolen his life. But that quickly faded away. Zayne was the only person he trusted to take care of his family. Sylus came to be glad you and his daughter had someone who took care of you while he couldn't. At least that man was Zayne. Any other man, he wouldn't have accepted.
After that conversation held between them on the first night, he thought Zayne might become a rival. It made sense that two men competing for the attention of the same woman would become rivals. Even with their agreement to make peace and share you, Sylus expected this situation to eventually become burdensome.
But that sense of rivalry existed only for a few days. Contrary to his beliefs, the rivalry lessened in severity every day, until it completely disappeared.
That morning when all three of you had sex had well and truly changed all of Sylus' preconceived thoughts about Zayne's place in this relationship. If he wasn't a rival, if he enjoyed sharing you with another man, than what was Zayne actually?
This question had been nagging him for a while. And the more time all three of you spent as a family, the clearer the answer was becoming. Sylus wasn't sure though if this answer was even possible.
He'd been aware for a while that the gender of a person didn't matter in his eyes when looking for a romantic partner. He'd come to that conclusion when he had been a very young man. But he never really experienced any romance with another man, because he met you. You had been his first serious, long lasting relationship, you had been the first person he'd been intimate with, and eventually, the love of his life and wife. So any thought about men had long left his mind. He didn't need to think about anyone else when he loved you so much.
But this time, it was different. Zayne was a part of the family. You loved him just as much as you loved Sylus. Because of you, Sylus learned it was possible to love two individuals at the same time, and be loyal to both of them.
So for a few days now, Sylus had been wondering… would being attracted to Zayne be such a bad thing in this relationship? If this was to be his future life, sharing his family with the doctor, would it be wrong to have similar feelings for him as for you?
But what would Zayne think? Is he even attracted to more than just women? Would this love triangle even be a possible relationship for the three of you?
But Sylus didn't like to wonder for too long. If he wanted something, he'd make sure to acquire it. And what he wanted now, was to know what Zayne felt for him. After all, tonight would be the perfect moment to have this conversation, considering you and the kids aren't present. If this combination won't work, then the two of them never have to speak about it again, and they'll continue their family life as previously done.
So, after Zayne finished dinner, the two men moved into the living room to unwind a little before going to bed. Sylus picked up his book again, while Zayne looked over some of his students' reports.
"Zayne," Sylus started, tentatively placing his bookmark inside the pages again, "I would be curious to conduct an experiment."
"An experiment?" Zayne asked, his eyebrow raising as he still looked over his medical documents.
"Mhm. I was wondering, is there any attraction between the two of us?" Sylus made sure his tone of voice would sound confident. In this very moment, he didn't want to admit he wasn't. Matters of the heart were more complicated than business deals, so even Sylus could feel a little shy in such moments. Perhaps it was a good thing he decided to indulge in alcohol earlier. The liquid courage propelled him to get this situation cleared up once and for all.
Zayne's gaze jumped from his papers to Sylus' face, looking at him with wide, searching eyes. Even his ears became flushed. "What do you mean?"
"C'mon doctor, I'm sure we can both agree that morning when we had sex was pleasurable. Even when we were the ones touching."
Zayne cleared his throat, looked away blinking repeatedly, blushed even harder, fixed the knot of his tie, then cleared his throat again. Sylus had never seen him so embarrassed.
"We were both in a heightened state of arousal, it was only natural that any type of stimulation would have aroused us further." When he replied, he still didn't look at Sylus.
"Hmm?" Sylus raised and eyebrow and leaned into Zayne's personal space. His book hit the coffee table as he discarded it, forgotten. "I would think the touch of a person you don't find attractive would turn you off."
"That—" Zayne staggered again, pushing his glasses up, "that is a possible response, yes…"
"But that wasn't yours, was it, Zayne?" Sylus pushed further, leaning so close he could whisper, and breathe in the same air as the doctor.
Zayne finally snapped after a frustrated sigh. He gained enough courage to face Sylus. "What do you want? You're clearly asking these questions with an ulterior motive, so say it already."
"I want to kiss you."
Zayne froze. His blush didn't, it only deepened down his cheeks and neck. And Sylus was smirking.
"I was direct, doctor, I did what you wanted."
"Why?" Zayne blinked a few more times.
"Because I told you I want to conduct an experiment. I want to know how deep this attraction between us goes. I have a theory that we're both mutually attracted to each other and our wife. Your theory was that we enjoyed each other's touch because we were already highly aroused, and our beloved was between us. Why shouldn't we try out an experiment, and figure out which theory is more accurate?" Sylus knew this train of thought would make sense to Zayne, who very rarely let go of his scientifically oriented way of thinking. "Besides, isn't tonight our best opportunity? The girls aren't here. If we find my theory untrue, then we can never speak of it again. But if it is, then we know we'll need to adapt this relationship to fully include three people. Not two different pairs that overlap."
Sylus let Zayne think over what he said. He knew he'll eventually agree, but it was endearing to watch as the doctor's gears rotated in his mind. Even Sylus could admit it felt liberating to speak his feelings out loud, and the other man appeared even more handsome in his eyes, now that he was letting his mind truly consider him though a romantic lens.
With a deep, defeated sigh and tightly shut eyes, Zayne relented. "Fine, I agree your assessment has merit. Let's just get this over with," Zayne said, placing his papers and glasses on the coffee table.
"If you don't want to do it, I won't force yo—"
"No, I want to." Zayne was definitive, and when he turned his head back to watch Sylus, his eyes were already intense.
For the first time tonight, even Sylus felt his face heat up. Zayne moved closer to him, their thighs touching as they sat on the couch. Neither knew who should make the first move, their eyes trailing to each other's lips. In the end, it was Sylus, (who felt it was his responsibility, because he brought it up), to come closer, and close the gap.
His eyes closed on instinct, as he did so many times when he kissed you. Only this time, when his lips touched another's, they were colder and thinner than yours. He pressed his lips delicately over Zayne's, uncertain how the other man would react. But Zayne didn't draw away, letting Sylus take the lead. He pushed further, slowly moving his lips, and Zayne reciprocated. A gentle, languid kiss continued between them, until a sound bubbled up from Zayne's throat and into their exchange, and Sylus knew immediately he couldn't stop.
Who knew Zayne's sounds could sound so delicious? Sylus' hand trailed upwards to cradle Zayne's cheek, as lips crashed with more force against the other man. Zayne gasped, and Sylus pushed even more, emboldened by this new, but amazing feeling. The tip of his tongue traced the other's lower lip, going further to his teeth, and waited for Zayne to reject him if this was too far. But Zayne continued to reciprocate, and deepened the kiss, now both of their tongues touching and exploring each other's mouths.
This thrill was exhilarating. It felt so right and natural to kiss Zayne, to entangle his lips and tongue with his, to feel his warm skin beneath his palm, to hear him struggle to breathe as neither wanted to be the first one to let go. Why did Sylus ever doubt what he felt for Zayne? Perhaps because it never felt clearer than right now.
Eventually, Zayne pushed at Sylus with enough force to draw him away. His mouth was parted, lips wet with shared saliva, panting softly as his chest rose with each breath. "I believe you forgot we need oxygen."
"I need you," Sylus growled, grasping Zayne again by the waist, and crashing their lips together once more. This felt too pure to let go of and end now.
It seemed Zayne agreed, as he kissed back just as passionately, their lips moving in a messy dance. His arms reached behind Sylus' neck, one hand tugging on the strands of hair at his nape, urging him closer. Sylus moved slowly, but with hunger, as he moved Zayne against the arm of the couch, trapping him with his body, with no way to escape. But it didn't feel as if Zayne wanted to escape.
For a man so reserved, who only minutes prior tried to deny his attraction, Zayne was passionate and eager. It made sense how he made you swoon so easily. What else was the steadfast doctor hiding behind his stoic persona?
Zayne nipped at his lower lip, and Sylus withdrew a few breaths away, taken aback by the slight sting. The doctor seemed proud of his action.
"I didn't think you had it in you," Sylus chuckled and left a peck on the corner of his lips.
"I had to teach you a lesson if you refused to let me breathe. Do you suffocate our darling like this too when you kiss her?" Zayne replied with a smooth tone, tugging on Sylus' hair. It's as if he knew he liked some roughness. For how long had Zayne studied him?
"She likes it," Sylus said, leaning down to leave a soft bite below the doctor's jaw. He gasped again, making Sylus bite hard enough to leave a mark.
"I think she also enjoys catching her breath." Zayne grasped him by both his hair and chin, detaching his teeth from his throat. "You're quite aggressive, do I need to put a muzzle on you?"
Sylus smirked and laughed, every word coming out of Zayne's mouth just exciting him further. "I'd like to see you try, doctor."
He couldn't get any other word in, because this time, it was Zayne who took control and pressed his lips against Sylus' first. With each and every kiss, their movements only became hungrier, more desperate, rougher. Zayne pushed at Sylus, their lips coming apart as the taller man's back fell onto the couch. Not a moment later, Zayne kissed him back again as he straddled him, sounds of pleasure falling in between their uniting lips and tongues.
His hands reached to grasp Zayne's waist and pull him down flush onto his hips. That's when he noticed just how hard he'd gotten from their make out session. He'd ignored that part of his body while his mouth got acquainted with Zayne's. With a tentative thrust upwards, he felt the hardened bulge also present in Zayne's slacks. With an uncontrolled whimper, Zayne broke all contact and got up from Sylus and the couch.
"We should stop here. We proved your theory correct, but I don't think it's appropriate to continue any further. We are still, first and foremost, in committed relationships with our wife," Zayne cleared his throat, and fixed his tie again.
"True," Sylus agreed while still laying down on the couch, willing his erection to go away. He didn't want to push further either. You were still the most important person in his life, and if you hadn't already been so committed and lawfully wedded to both of them, this situation between Sylus and Zayne would have never even crossed their minds. "But I was correct."
Zayne started pacing through the living room, no doubt trying to calm down his erection as well. Sylus eyed his bulge, and wondered how well endowed he was. They've seen each other naked before, men in the barracks didn't get much privacy when changing, so he'd seen Zayne's dick before, but only in a flaccid state. And during that morning, he'd been too preoccupied to look at his manhood. But now he was curious. Alas, his curiosity would have to be postponed until you allowed it.
"Alright, fine, I concede," Zayne said, stopping his pacing. "I am attracted to you and I did enjoy our kissing session."
"I could tell." Sylus sat up on the couch, finally calming down after this pleasant experience. "Did you know you liked men as well?"
Zayne nodded. "I realized it after the war ended. But I've never done this with any man before."
Sylus confirmed neither did he. It seemed both of their first experiences with love were with their wife. "So, doctor, where do we go from here?"
"Well, first we need to tell her of our little discovery. We go further depending on her reaction. If she's uncomfortable with a relationship forming between us, then we end whatever we started tonight. If she's alright with us pursuing each other as well, then we go with whatever pace is comfortable for all three of us."
Sylus nodded, not finding any fault in Zayne's reasoning. "Will you be comfortable with pursuing me further if she accepts this?"
"I don't think it would be detrimental." Zayne was pretty confident in his assessment now, in contrast to his prior embarrassment. "We're both going to continue living in this house, share a wife, and raise both of our children, I don't see why a relationship between three people, although unconventional, would have a negative impact on our family."
"Glad to be on the same page then, Zayne."
The two of them spent a little more time talking about this new situation before getting ready for bed. They were both still a bit uncertain with this dynamic, but both were clearly longing for the other. Zayne admitted he had to start considering his feelings for Sylus after that fateful morning, but was unsure whether is was something he should pursue, or just a fleeting infatuation he couldn't really understand.
But then…
"I thought of our daughters growing up, especially about Jasmine. If nothing were to change, then she'd never remember a time when you weren't a part of her family. She'd grow up seeing you everyday, and hear her sister call you 'daddy' and me 'papa', so she'd want to call us the same way. I thought it'd be unfair to prohibit her from calling you her father. Why can her sister have two fathers, but she only one?" Zayne looked up, sitting besides Sylus once more. "That's when I realized I didn't mind you being just as important for Jasmine as me. And I realized there might be something more between us. But I didn't want to think too deeply about it."
Sylus felt warmth bloom inside of his heart as he listened to Zayne's candid words. It had come naturally for him to care for Jasmine, just as he did for Peony. He'd adopted her as his own daughter, just like Zayne did with his Peony.
A tender kiss to his cheek followed, and Zayne nuzzled his nose in response. Although they had been friends for such a long time, this new dynamic made Sylus feel a little shy, like he was at the beginning of a relationship once more. Well, in a way he was. He'd never shared such feelings with anyone else other than you.
But to be completely honest, it felt pleasant sharing similar, romantic moments with Zayne as well.
Perhaps this was the start of something unique, that could only exist between the three of you.
Notes: Well, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! It has been a long time coming. Sylus and Zayne finally made a step to address their blossoming feelings. I did promise there would be snowcrow developments pretty soon. 😉 So sorry once again this chapter was released so late, I had this one planned out since the beginning, and I wanted to make it the best version possible, so it took me a little while to feel confident in writing it. As always, thank you for reading! ❤️
Taglist: @mzfandom @nyzecorner @xvsxliaaxx @owodi
Disclaimer: If you want to be added to the taglist, please leave a comment, but make sure you have your age in your bio so I can check if you are 18+. I do not feel comfortable interacting with minors, my page and my fics are made for adults. This fic will feature more smut in the future. Thank you for reading!
Fic Synopsis: Seven years ago, your husband Sylus died in war. For seven years you mourned the loss of half your soul. And now, when you've finally healed and started a new life with your doctor neighbour, you witness a ghost.
Chapter Synopsis: Caleb comes to visit, and brings with himself disturbing news of your first husband. Left to doubt him, you confront Sylus, and find out something you never expected. His past...was marked by tragedy.
Rating for this chapter: Mature
Content Warning for this Chapter: Suggestive themes, descriptions of violence, killing and death
Word Count: 5.1k
Tags: Not Really Character Death, It's only believed to be true in the first chapter, Alternate Universe, No Evol Abilities (Love and Deepspace) ,POV Second Person, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Romance, Post-War, Grief/Mourning, Mentions of pregnancy and childbirth, Poly!snowcrowmc, eventually, Snowcrow banter, Other Additional Tags to Be Added
This work is intended for a +18 audience, even if this chapter does not contain explicit content.
When Sylus and his girls got back home, he expected more to have been done. At least contrary to an hour ago, you were clean, and smiled brightly when he handed you the baby. He was glad to see your improved mood. But the dinner he expected, was still nowhere close to finished. Zayne was still slicing vegetables for a stir fry when Sylus finally entered the kitchen.
"Doctor, I'm hungry," he pouted, leaning against the counter and looking disappointed at the lack of a warm dinner.
"Unless you have impossibly regressed back to the same age as Jasmine, you can feed yourself," Zayne replied, still working and not paying attention to the other man.
Sylus squinted. "I gave you an hour to finish dinner, but I see you've barely started it."
"I had to take care of our wife first." Zayne finished with the bell peppers and moved on to the broccoli. "I drew her a bath and helped her wash."
Sylus straightened his posture, letting a moment of silence hang between the two of them. He was standing close enough to Zayne to get a pretty good idea how he helped you wash. Still, he wanted to get a clear confirmation, so he stepped behind the doctor, and leaned in to take a deep breath at the base of his nape.
Zayne's knife clattered on the cutting board. "Did you just sniff me?" he asked, perplexed. Sylus didn't understand his confusion.
"Why do you smell like our sweetie's body wash?" His hands rested on the counter top, caging in the doctor so he won't escape his question. Sylus couldn't see Zayne's expression, but he did hear his sharp breath in.
"I already told you I helped her with the bath." He tried to turn and face the other man, but there wasn't enough space between the counter and Sylus' chest to do so.
"Alright, but I would only accept that excuse if your hands smelled like her soap. How do explain this fragrance on the back of your neck?" Sylus' voice lowered, almost whispered in Zayne's ear. He leaned further, and sniffed him more. The doctor's front was almost flush with the edge of the counter. "Even your hair smells like shampoo. You took a bath as well."
Zayne didn't respond, but he cleared his throat. The tips of his ears were red, from either shame or embarrassment. Or both. Sylus chuckled and raised his hands from the counter top, only to place them and grab onto the doctor's waist. He barely kept in a gasp.
"How opportunistic of you, Zayne. You took advantage of the situation the moment I left the house."
"You left me at home to help her relax," the doctor replied, but his voice wasn't as steady as usual.
"No, I left you at home to make dinner while she relaxes alone, taking a bath. But considering she looks so full of life again, I'll keep your idea of relaxation in mind. You know, for when she needs it, and you're not home to help her. I'll gladly take your place, Zayne," Sylus whispered the last sentence in the medic's ear, his warm breath caressing the skin that shouldn't have smelled so fresh.
Zayne didn't bother to respond to his taunting, instead forcefully peeling Sylus' hands off his waist. He took one step away, and continued cutting up the broccoli. "I advise you let me continue cooking."
Sylus took his place back against the counter. He barely contained his smirk when he noticed how red Zayne's face had become. "That's precisely what I let you do. You're the one who decided it was a better idea to have a quickie in the bathtub instead."
The other man closed his eyes and sighed heavily. Probably due to divine intervention, Zayne was spared from having to endure Sylus any more. The doorbell rang.
"Please, just go and answer the door," he sighed again, still not opening his eyes.
"Right away, doctor," Sylus said with a glorious smile, placing a heavy hand on the other's shoulder as a friendly pat.
Sylus moved away, but before he could fully exit the kitchen, Zayne still felt it necessary to add: "And for your information, I only pleasured her!"
***
Peony was out your bedroom's door the moment she heard the doorbell. She always hurried to greet whoever came to visit. Usually it was the twins, who were more so her older brothers than her uncles. This time, it was her favourite (only) uncle, Caleb.
You gathered your sleepy baby, and followed after your first daughter. The care you received from both of your husbands helped you calm down, and now you felt ready to spend a nice evening with your family, that today would include Caleb too.
"Hey, Peony, look how big you've gotten!" You heard while descending the stairs. She must have tackled him the moment the door opened.
"Uncle Caleb, can we play air planes? Please, please?"
"After dinner, Peony. We need to eat soon," Sylus said, closing the front door as Caleb toed off his shoes.
"But I'm not hungry yet! Uncle Caleb, you're not hungry either, right?"
Unfortunately for Peony, her stomach decided to betray her in the very next second. As you approached, you saw both your husband and best friend barely containing their laughter.
"Was that a rumble I heard just now, Peony? Pilots can't lift off with no fuel in the engine, so let's make sure to fill up before we take off. Don't you agree, Peony?" Caleb said with a gentle chuckle, ruffling your daughter's already messy, white hair.
She let out the loudest sigh, but relented, and moved beside you, hugging your waist.
"Mommy, I'm hungry," she whispered, making sure her father and Caleb can't hear.
You gently pressed her hair back in place after Caleb's ruffling. "Papa's cooking dinner. It will be ready soon."
She pouted, but said nothing else as she clang to you.
"And who's this little one? May I finally meet her?" Caleb asked, stepping closer to you.
"Yeah, you can. But all you can do is look at her, 'cause she's pretty much asleep," you said, moving her slowly so Caleb could take a good look at her. "This is Jasmine, your second niece." Your baby laid comfortably in your arms, still dressed in her outdoors onesie. Her eyes were closed, unaware she was meeting another member of her family.
"She's really adorable. Congrats, pips. You're the strongest person I know." His smile was full of affection towards both you and Jasmine. He ruffled your hair too, like he did when you two were Peony's age. Some things will never change, no matter how old you two grow.
Caleb bent to look at Peony, still attached to your waist. "And when your little sister grows up, she can be our copilot when we're playing air planes, right?"
"Yes! I can't wait to play with Jasmine! Mommy, when will Jasmine be able to play with me?"
You giggled, feeling Sylus arranging your hair behind you. He grumbled, displeased with Caleb's show of childish affection. "You'll have to wait for a few more months. But don't worry, she'll grow up quickly."
While speaking with your daughter, you missed the suspicious looks exchanged between Caleb and Sylus. If you hadn't been so busy with the girls, you would have noticed they shared no words since Caleb arrived.
***
After dinner, Peony finally got her freedom to play her favourite game with her uncle, until she tired out and settled on the couch between her fathers, and quietly started to read her book. That's when Caleb told you he wanted to speak in private. It was time to learn what he found out about Sylus' case.
You took Caleb upstairs, into your bedroom. He took a seat on your rocking chair, while you settled on the edge of the bed with a racing heart.
"Tell me everything," you said as soon as you sat down.
"I will, I will. I went out with Gideon last week, and randomly met with Xavier and Jeremiah." Gideon, Caleb's closest friend, had been a pilot and his colleague before and during the war. But both of them suffered injuries that took them out of their first career. Caleb ended up in the military, as a Colonel, while Gideon entered the secret services. He and Jeremiah were colleagues now. "They let me pass on this information to you. But first, I wanna talk about granny."
"How is she?"
"Not great. Her mind is deteriorating faster than the care workers estimated. Her physical health isn't great either, and they let me know she might not make it to next year."
Your shoulders deflated. You and Caleb had never had a traditional family. All you had was granny, who took you in and gave the two of you a roof, food, comfort and a safe environment. She was the only parental figure either of you had during your lives. You suspected for a while her life wouldn't continue for too long, but your heart still hurt hearing this verdict. She'd been poorly since Peony was one year old. But you still hoped she'd recover somewhat, and be able to see Jasmine grow up too.
"But she's been feeling a bit better these last few days. She even remembered who I am and asked about you. I don't know for how long this clarity of mind will last, so although very sudden, I thought it would be a good moment for you to come and visit her? I'm afraid it might be the last time she'll recognize you."
Caleb's voice was sombre. He probably knew more about her shaky health, but hid it from you. If he was certain enough to use the word 'last', that meant he truly believed she'd die soon. Tears escaped you water line, but you quickly wiped them away. Death was inevitable. You knew she won't be a part of your life forevermore. You managed to keep living after Sylus 'died'. You'll be able to keep going forward after she passes away too.
At least, you'll always have your childhood memories; when you and Caleb left that orphanage and finally got a house just for the two of you, rooms that could be yours alone. She bought you everything your heart desired, as much as her meagre pension allowed. She made sure you and Caleb would have a fund to start a good life in adulthood, she supported both of your decisions of career, and whatever form of education you two wanted to pursue. She alone helped you when you were most desperate: grieving with a newborn who you didn't know how to take care off, during a brutal war.
You didn't have a mother or a father, but granny had been enough.
Caleb stood up and came to hug you. You relaxed in his embrace. Although Caleb didn't really show his feelings, you knew he quietly suffered too. Life with granny had been good. Much better than if you two had remained in that orphanage.
"Alright, I'll come tomorrow to see her. I'll bring the girls too. It's probably the only chance she'll get to meet Jasmine," you concluded against Caleb's shoulder.
She'd been old when Peony was born too, but you knew she loved being a great grandma. If there's a chance for her to remember she has two grand granddaughters, you'll take it.
Caleb let go of you. "Probably." He said nothing else as he sat down. Both of you were quiet. Both of you knew you needed to start thinking about organising a funeral.
"We'll talk more about granny tomorrow. Now, spill. Tell me what you found out about my husband."
He sighed, and leaned in the rocking chair as it swayed. He avoided looking at you for a few moments.
"Where do I even begin? I'm afraid Sylus has hidden a lot from you."
***
It took a while until Caleb told you everything he knew. And those things, you should have first heard them coming from your husband's mouth, not your brother's. He exited the bedroom before you. You had to follow him. You had to summon Sylus, and clear things up.
Everything was calm in the living room when you returned. Jasmine was sleeping on a large pillow on Zayne's lap. Peony sat between her fathers, while they read to her with different voices. She was supposed to contribute too, but she almost fell asleep leaning against Sylus' side.
Sylus…
Your beloved first husband. So soft and gentle as a family man.
Why did he decide to never tell you his past?
Why did it have to be dug up now, and you had to learn it from Caleb and not him?
Did he not trust you enough?
"Sylus, can I talk to you in private?"
He raised his head from Peony's book, still smiling. His ruby eyes were sparkling with innocent joy.
"Sure, kitten," he replied with a soft voice, careful to not disturb his sleepy daughter. He moved her to lean against Zayne, where she settled comfortably and closed her eyes. As he stood up, something unspoken passed between your husband and brother. Caleb was too harsh with him.
But he never fully liked Sylus anyway. Back when you two first met, he deemed him as a bad boy. It didn't help that Sylus always wore a scowl on his face, and his imposing stature and combative demeanour made Caleb's over-protectiveness fully activate. He'd always been good to you, otherwise you wouldn't have fallen in love with him, but Caleb was scared Sylus would hurt you at some point. In a way, he was right. But Caleb never thought you'd be hurting from grief. So, because he loved and respected you, ever since Sylus 'died', Caleb never brought back his doubts about Sylus.
But Sylus was no longer dead. He could hurt you alive.
And he's already hidden so much from his past.
Sylus ignored your petty brother and took your hand to lead you back to the master bedroom. Your fingers tightened around his warm palm. It always reassured you to feel his skin against yours.
Once back inside, both of you settled on the bed, facing each other. Sylus still held you hand, his thumb tracing a gentle pattern on the back of your palm.
"What did you find out, sweetie? Any good news?"
Your fingers tightened once more around his, and the thumb stopped moving. How do you even start?
"Sylus, how did your parents die?" Your throat was dry.
"Hmm?" He raised his head, his eyes scanning over your face, not understanding how this subject was brought up. "They died in an accident, you know that."
"They weren't assassinated, then?"
Sylus' eyes widened, and they settled on direct contact.
"Was that what Caleb told you? Is that why you look so shaken, my love?"
"Is it true, Sylus?" You pushed.
Sylus kept looking at you, but he didn't speak. His lips were sealed.
"So it is true." His silence was answer enough. "Why did you lie to me, Sylus?" Your voice started to shake.
"I didn't lie, sweetie. Their death was an accident."
"But, you just agreed they were assassi—" you inched closer even though Sylus interrupted you.
"They weren't the target. I was. It was an accident they died and I survived."
You blinked several times, barely understanding his words. "But… weren't you like twelve when it happened? Who would want to assassinate a child?"
"Philos." Sylus' answer was simple. You did hear from Caleb that Sylus' parents died because of Philosian bandits, but, it's clearly not what Sylus knew.
He took your hand again, and sighed. "I thought I'd take this to the grave, but I know I can't hide it from you anymore. Not even the secret services know what I've went through, so whatever your brother found out, it's only the outside story of that incident. I've never spoken about it with anyone else."
You placed your other hand atop his, and listened.
His father had been a very successful business man, owning a company that produced modern technology. Sylus had inherited his father's passion for engineering, and was already knowledgeable from a young age. When he was twelve years old, his father received an offer of technological collaboration from the Philosian Government, which he accepted. On his first trip to the foreign Empire, he brought his wife and son as well.
Because of his young curiosity, Sylus got lost through a warehouse that was owned by the Government, where he passed the time by tinkering with what he assumed was old, broken equipment that no one had any use for. Back then, he was young and idealistic enough to think that if he fixed, or even improved this equipment, he'd bring honour to his father's name, and guarantee success in his own future career.
Somehow, he managed to revive an old communication device, and intercepted a radio frequency. Somewhere else in this old building, a secret conversation was being held among some officials, regarding the production of illegal weaponry that could be used against the island nation they wanted to conquer, Lemuria. Sylus hadn't meant to listen in on their conversation, he barely understand the type of weapons they wanted to produce (some type of technology that didn't exist in Linkon). Still, nevertheless, he had heard their plans, and was unaware there had been multiple security cams installed throughout the warehouse. At least, that's how he thinks he was found out.
Sylus became their target, even after breaking the device back immediately and running away from the warehouse. He realized he was in danger, but hoped if he said nothing about the illegal weapons and the neighbouring Kingdom at risk, he'd be safe. That night, he couldn't close an eye.
The next day, he and his parents left. His father's collaboration was decided upon, and he would return in a few months for further developments. Just as their driver was about to cross the border back into Linkon, gunshots broke through the comfortable silence. The glass windows were shattered as bullets flew, one lodged into his father's neck, ending his life in less than a second. His mother screamed and fell over her only child, hiding him between the backseat and her body. More bullets flew into the compact space of their car, and his mother's horrified screams were cut off. Sylus didn't even dare to breathe, knowing that above him, his beloved mother was already a corpse. The driver was shouting and cursing in pain, shot, but still alive, as he crossed into Linkon territory.
Once safe, the driver stopped the engine before he could lose consciousness. Sylus didn't remember how long it took until Linkonian policeman and firemen came to take him out. Those memories became quite blurred in those moments of shock and devastation. As he was escorted out, he saw his clothes drenched in blood that wasn't his. The entire backseat, white leather his mother always warned him to not dirty, was now stained a deep crimson. Laid atop, his gentle and loving mother, her hair the same colour as his, died the same colour as their eyes.
Sylus fainted. He remembered nothing else afterwards.
At some point, he woke up in the hospital. He had only sustained some minor injuries. Their family friend, Phillip, was present, and told Sylus what happened. He was the only survivor. His parents had died instantly. The driver lost too much blood and died shortly after he arrived at the hospital. From now on, Phillip was to become his legal guardian.
An investigation had been started, to find out what happened. It was confirmed from both Philos and Linkon, that Philosian highway bandits attacked the Qin family car, having targeted them because they were rich, and were hoping to run away with expensive spoils. Sylus didn't believe this conclusion. Still, he said nothing, knowing he could get the people close to him in danger. Phillip didn't deserve to die because of him as well. His parents and the driver were victims that should have never existed.
Before Sylus became a hardened, intimidating man who inspired fear in strangers, he was first a sheltered boy, who was encouraged by his parents to become a genius engineer. He had parents who showed him nothing but love and a plan for success. All of that came crumbling down with their death, and he had to learn the dangers of the real world while still young.
When he finished explaining, steady tears were streaming down your face. Sylus' hands ended up cupping your cheeks, talking and wiping your tears that wouldn't stop.
"I'm sorry… for making you cry, sweetie." Although his voice was affected, he was no where near your state of distress. Was it because he had relived those moments so many times, he became desensitized to them?
"No, Sylus, don't apologize! I'm sorry for doubting you!" Your voice was shaky from quietly crying.
"Did you doubt me based on Caleb's words?"
It was embarrassing to admit, but you nodded. "I thought you might have hidden a family secret, that lead to the assassination of your parents. That they had something to do with Philos, betrayed them somehow, and you knew the details."
Sylus let go of your face, and bent towards the nightstand to grab a tissue for you. "What's the version Caleb told you?"
"Philosian bandits shot at your family car after a business visit in Philos. Neither he, nor the secret services believe those men were simple bandits, but no one could find any ties between them and whoever ordered the assassination. He was suspicious of you and your family, and said that your previous negative ties with Philos create an even more difficult situation in your case. So, there's no good news, because the resurgence of this event from twenty years ago will push back any official resolution that might have been decided until now. Your case is still up in the air."
Sylus carefully cleaned your face, and you were ashamed for ever doubting your beloved husband. You had been used to trusting Caleb's intuition all your life, as he was older, and always sought to protect you. But he'd never been correct about Sylus, so you felt foolish having trusted him right now. Sylus had his reason for not telling you the darkest secret of his life. You shouldn't have doubted his family, just because he avoided talking much about his parents. It all made sense now.
"You kept this hidden, because you were scared it would bring danger to our family?"
"I wouldn't say scared. Just cautious. By the time we got married, I honestly thought it wouldn't come back to haunt me again, but I decided to keep that matter buried. Just in case."
Yes, your husband was never scared. He never showed his weaknesses or vulnerabilities. Yet, you still recognized them, no matter how much he denied them.
Your cradled his face in your palms, guiding his eyes back to yours. "Sylus, when we got married, we promised in our vows we'll always be with each other, through the best of times and the worst of times. If anything burdens you in the future, please tell me too, so I can lighten your load. You won't burden me, it's my duty as your lifelong partner. I don't want you to suffer in silence. I understand this matter was traumatic, and you've kept it buried for my own safety, and your own comfort, and I'm sorry I pried it out of you because of doubt. But please, don't hide inside of yourself. Share with me your worries, your pain, everything you shouldn't keep only to yourself."
Sylus' eyes shined slightly, like on the first day of his return, when he saw his baby for the first time. You knew your words touched him, and even if he were to verbally dismiss how affected he was, he couldn't hide his expression of warmth. For once, he looked so pure.
"You are too kind for your own good, kitten," he chuckled, dismissing his emotions just as you expected. But his hands did reach yours, still holding his face. His palms were sweaty.
"I am just the right amount of kind as your wife," you smiled back and leaned in to press a soft peck to his lips. You'll never doubt your first husband ever again. Though the world might see him as intimidating and dangerous, in your hands he was a soft man who was wholeheartedly dedicated to his family. You and Zayne were the only people to see him for who he truly was from the beginning.
You met Sylus at a rock and roll concert in the summer between your first and second year of University. You ended up standing beside two very energetic boys, who loved the performing band just as much as you. They were barely teenagers, and just when you wandered where their guardian could be, Sylus appeared , chastising them for running away before he could park the car. You instantly found him handsome, and although he towered over you and the boys you found out he adopted into his family, he was gentle and considerate. You chatted with him all night between songs, laughed at his hilarious attempts at singing, and never once felt like he could be dangerous. His harsh exterior never intimidated you, and over the course of that summer, a sweet romance blossomed between the two of you.
You let go of him, still sitting close enough to brush noses. But, there was still more left unsaid.
"Sylus, I know this story hurts you, but I think you have to tell the truth to the authorities. Because, honestly, it's even worse that you were the one to anger the Philosian Government, and not your parents." It was hard to break the heartfelt moment created between the two of you, but it had to be done.
He sighed, but agreed with a nod. "You're right. Because of all that I've been through for the past seven years, I almost forgot it. But I agree, my previous ties with Philos put me into their enemy list since I was a child." For your family's safety, he'll have to do it.
You bit your lip and fidgeted with your fingers. Every time you hoped for good news… you always ended up let down. "I'm scared you won't be able to keep your real identity."
"I know. But I can start a new one."
It almost infuriated you how relaxed he was. "Alright, but how will we deal with the dead you and the alive you?!"
"Sweetie, does it not matter more what goes on inside our household? That's where I'm alive. I'm only dead for the outside world."
No, at this point he did infuriate you. You breathed deeply, feeling another knot getting stuck in your throat. He let go of his past too easily. "If the outside world sees Sylus Qin as dead, then I'm always going to be considered your widow, and Peony will always be half an orphan. I'll still have to tend to your grave, even though you're alive in my home! I can never tell anyone that I'm happy with you, I'll always have to keep you a secret! Peony will have too, she can never tell her friends how you two spend time together, she'll always have to act sad about the father she, supposedly, never met!"
It seemed like Sylus wanted to interrupt, but the moment he opened his mouth, you raised your voice and continued.
"She's just a child, Sylus, eventually it will slip out of her mouth that she has both a daddy and a papa! And what are we going to do when the whole family goes out?" So far, for the quick walks he's been on, Sylus was disguised with a hat that covered all his white hair, and sunglasses that hid his ruby eyes. But he can't keep wearing a disguise for the rest of his life. "She's inherited all your traits, she's your little copy, she calls you daddy, do you think people won't connect the dots? Everyone who knows us, bar the few people who work closely with the government, know you are dead. Who are you going to be in our family, that won't raise suspicions? What random man can you be, that lives in the same house as me and my second husband, that looks exactly like my first daughter, that acts like a father to both of my children? How can you gain a new identity, when everything around you will point to the identity you left to die?"
Now that you vented out your worries, you regretted raising your voice. Sylus fell silent, his eyes darting to and fro as he thought over your concerns. The longer he spent unable to come up with any solution, the lower his frown deepened between his brows. For once, he appeared stumped, stuck between his conviction and your lack of satisfaction.
"I'll… take that into consideration," he finally answered. It wasn't an easy thing to solve, you had no idea how to deal with it either. But at least, he saw your perspective now.
At the end of the day, who knows if he'll even have a chance to choose between his real identity and a new one? Perhaps the authorities will choose for him.
You embraced him, arms going around his torso, as you rested your head against his chest. He kissed the top of your head and covered you with his own arms. "Of course, our personal life at home is the most important, but we can't deny the outside world exists. And I don't think hiding you for the rest of your life will do our family any good."
"I understand your vision, kitten. I simply think it might be too idealistic, too unattainable."
"I know. But I still want it."
His hand raised to pet your hair, and you closed your eyes, listening to his rapid heartbeat.
"If this is what you wish for, my beloved wife, then I'll do everything I can to make it a reality. Your happiness is all that matters. I taught you to be greedy, to make the impossible possible. So I shall do my duty as your loyal husband, and rise myself from the dead." A warm kiss fell onto your temple, where it lingered for many, comforting moments.
Whatever will happen, at least you know your happiness mattered most to Sylus. At least he'll fight for what you wished. And you'll fight too, to make sure he won't have to suffer again in this life.
***
One aspect still lingered above your head, something Sylus wished to tell you, but his mouth could not speak it. Yet. You've learned too many painful things about him today.
This secret…will have to stay buried for a little longer.
Notes: Happy Birthday Sylus, our most beloved fiend and boss man, husband and half of our soul! We shall spend every birthday in your future by your side!
I am once again so sorry it took me this long to update this fic, I didn't manage my time as well as I had hoped. I've been stuck with some other writing projects, some that are still WIPs and will come when ready, others that fell through. I didn't even realize how much time passed since I last updated, and hurried to finish this chapter before Sylus' birthday. It felt fitting, as this is such a Sylus heavy chapter. I thank each and every one of you who sticks with this fic, even when I update so rarely. I truly appreaciate you all, for reading, giving kudos and commenting on this story! I never thought I'd have such an audience for my silly, little fanfics.❤️ I still really love writing this story, this is the most fun I've ever had in a fandom so far!
As always, thank you for reading!❤️
Taglist: @mzfandom @nyzecorner @xvsxliaaxx @owodi
Disclaimer: If you want to be added to the taglist, please leave a comment, but make sure you have your age in your bio so I can check if you are 18+. I do not feel comfortable interacting with minors, my page and my fics are made for adults. This fic will feature more smut in the future. Thank you for reading!
Fic Synopsis: Seven years ago, your husband Sylus died in war. For seven years you mourned the loss of half your soul. And now, when you've finally healed and started a new life with your doctor neighbour, you witness a ghost.
Chapter Synopsis: Zayne's parents are coming to stay with your family for a whole month, while Sylus' identity has to be kept hidden. But what does Peony think about this?
Word Count: 4.1k
Tags: Not Really Character Death, It's only believed to be true in the first chapter, Alternate Universe, No Evol Abilities (Love and Deepspace) ,POV Second Person, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Romance, Post-War, Grief/Mourning, Mentions of pregnancy and childbirth, Poly!snowcrowmc, eventually, Snowcrow banter, Other Additional Tags to Be Added
This work is intended for a +18 audience, even if this chapter does not contain explicit content.
The next few days proved to be quite busy.
First of all, Sylus had to go to the authorities and present his past with Philos, the fact they targeted him as a child too, and how that encounter ended with his parents' death. As expected, these news set back the development of his case. No one could say when any meaningful step forward could be taken, but it will clearly be later than previously imagined. Sylus was going to remain legally deceased for a long time still.
Then, the problem of Zayne's parents coming to visit for a month had to be settled. Besides getting Zayne's house ready to host two people, Sylus' identity was your main concern. Too many people already knew he was alive. Adding two more people to that list shouldn't happen, even if they would never talk about it to outsiders.
So, you and Zayne settled on at least a preliminary idea: Sylus, renamed as Skye, would be your late husband's cousin, who came to visit for a longer time as well. This way, it'd make sense why Peony and this other adult in the house would look so much alike. But, that would also mean all romance between Sylus, you and Zayne would have to stop while the Lis where in the house. It'd also be wiser for 'Skye' to sleep in the guest room for this month.
Sylus despised this idea. He found it rather foolish and thought it unnecessary. He wasn't going to hide who he was in his own house.
"Sweetie, I've never met Zayne's parents, but I believe they must be somewhere around the same level of intelligence as him. They're not going to buy it for long."
"But Xavier's advice—!"
Sylus shrugged. "I don't think your parents-in-law, who are going to stay with us for a whole month, will cause us problems if they know who I am. Two more people knowing won't be the end of the world."
You slumped against his chest and let the subject drop. You weren't seeing eye to eye, and to be truly honest, you didn't want to hide him either. Zayne was reticent either way: he too thought that his parents will figure out the truth pretty quickly; on the other side, you three really should restrict the amount of people who knew Sylus was back from the dead.
In the end, you only had forty eight hours to come up with a plan, that was half-baked at best.
None of you tried that much.
You all ended up cuddling in bed and falling asleep after Jasmine did the same.
***
On Wednesday morning, everything in Zayne's house was cleaned and free of dust, the master bedroom prepared to host your parents-in-law for a whole month. You had nothing else to do but wait for them to arrive.
Althea and Jace had always been lovely people with you, even though you've met them for the first time at your wedding. They were more than happy to finally get to know their daughter-in-law, the woman who captured their son's heart and made him settle down as a husband and father.
Peony was immediately adopted as their granddaughter as well, and especially Althea formed a very quick friendship with your daughter. She was excellent with children, as was her husband, but a bit more quiet and calmer than him. Peony appreciated that more than her grandpa's boisterous presence. But she enjoyed both of them overall, happy to finally have two people who she can call grandma and grandpa. Ever since she heard granny and grandpa would come to stay with them for a whole month after her little sibling would be born, she couldn't wait to see them again.
You weren't really worried about them knowing who Sylus was, but you still had some doubts. He was your first husband, after all. If they knew the truth, they might see him as their son's rival. Which couldn't be farther from the truth recently. For the past two days, they've been really happy to share little affectionate moments with each other, sweet kisses and hugs that lasted longer than before. They fell into this romantic dynamic so easily, as if they were always meant to love each other like this.
But that also caused another anxious thought: what will Zayne's parents think about their son's unconventional relationship? You were certain they were kind and understanding people, but still, what would they think when their own son is in the middle of a nontraditional relationship?
You tried to not delve on that lingering thought too much. It didn't really matter what people outside your inner family thought. The three of you and the girls mattered the most, along with creating a happy family. And you thought you achieved that. You've never been happier than now.
Laying down on your bed, you played with Jasmine, gently rubbing her little belly as she squealed and kicked her arms and legs. She should be taking her noon nap right about now, but your tiny baby didn't seem to be tired. Instead, she simply enjoyed the time spent playing with her mother. You tried to tire her out like this, so her routine wouldn't be disturbed, but even if this situation wasn't ideal, you loved smothering her in kisses all over and watch her toothless smile open up giggling.
She really was precious, your heart swelling with love every time you looked at her. One might say this was purely motherly instinct, to love and want to cry happy tears every moment spent with the little human you created. You felt the same way with Peony, you still do. And yet, the woman who gave birth to you probably didn't feel the same way. You were found abandoned as a very fresh newborn on a random street by good enough people to bring you to the nearest hospital. You never knew who were the people who created you, and what might have driven your mother to abandon you so quickly after birth. But if she felt even a drop of the love you feel for your own daughters, she would have abandoned you in a safer place, like the hospital you ended up in.
At times like this, you thought about other mothers. Although you never met your first mother-in-law, the love she carried for her son could never be questioned. She died to protect her boy, to ensure he got to live longer. You wish you would have had the chance to meet her, and thank her for making Sylus the man he is.
Your second mother-in-law, Althea Li, you were excited to meet again. It was clear how much she cared for Zayne, and how happy she was for the family he created. While you were getting ready on the day of your wedding, emotions overwhelmed you, and you ended up crying when talking with her. She held you and calmed you down, and you didn't know if her soothing skills were gained from her medical career, or her motherly nature. Regardless, you knew from that moment onwards she could always be a family member to rely on. That's why you accepted as soon as she and her husband offered to come and help with Jasmine for a little while.
During an attack of little kisses littered over your baby's mostly bald head, the door creaked open.
Zayne peeked inside, cringing at the grating sound. "I need to oil the hinges. I'm sorry if I disturbed you, dear."
You sat up straight, gathering the still giggling baby in your arms and holding her facing the door. "Did papa disturb our little play time, Jasmine? I don't think so, papa's always welcome to come join us."
Zayne's worry dissipated instantly hearing your baby voice. He shook his head and smiled, sitting down beside you and cupping his little daughter's head so he could give her a few kisses too. Of course, she giggled just as hard as she did with you.
"I thought she would be sleeping at this time," he murmured, nuzzling her head. Sometimes, it seemed he was even more taken with her baby smell then you were, sniffing her as if she was a giant, delicious macaron.
"She was supposed to, but our little cupcake has too much energy."
"The same could be said about her sister. Sylus just got her to stop running through the house and sit down to paint with him."
You laughed, letting Zayne fully take Jasmine into his arms and bounce her. You've known Zayne for years, and he'd always been such a good father. And yet, you still felt weak in the knees (even while sitting down) when he switched into his father mode. He was so gentle, so attentive to every little movement and expression of both Peony and Jasmine. Was there any wonder why you became pregnant just a few months after you two got married? Safe to say, you were already certain Jasmine won't be his last baby.
He was still focused on Jasmine and keeping eye contact with her. "I think both of our girls are excited to meet their grandparents, even if this little one doesn't know what's happening."
You shook you head and snapped out of your horny thoughts. Jasmine was barely three months old and your body needed to heal and rest for a few more years. No more babies at this moment. Thankfully, Zayne didn't notice you almost drooling at him.
"Do you know when your parents are going to get here?"
"No. They're running a little late, so I've been checking the windows from time to time." He stood up with Jasmine, and moved to look out of the opened bedroom window. Just a few moments later, he softly gasped. "Would you look at that, I think I see their car parking in my drive way. I'm going to help them settle and carry their luggages."
He turned back to give you Jasmine, and kiss your lips. It was short lived.
"Tell me when they're ready to meet their newest granddaughter," you whispered against his lips, still so close to yours.
He smiled, chuckled, and pressed another strong peck on your lips. "Will do, my love."
***
Peony was still painting with her daddy, whose skills paled in comparison to hers (she learned how to draw from her much more talented mommy), when papa rushed down the stairs and zoomed through the entrance hallway. Immediately, her family portrait was abandoned.
"Papa, are granny and grandpa here?"
"Yes, I've just seen them park."
Of course, Peony's intuition had been correct. "Daddy, you'll have to paint your silly kitties without me!" she shouted as she shimmied away from her spot in front of the coffee table. Alas, her father was left alone as she ran towards papa.
"Little kitten, aren't you going to finish your gift before meeting your grandparents?" Daddy shouted back, but she ignored it, running out of the house while papa was still putting on his shoes.
"Peony, you forgot your shoes!" Papa called out too, but she didn't care about them. She must be the first one to greet granny and grandpa.
"Welcome home, granny, grandpa!" she greeted, running down the driveway to her papa's other house. That's where she could see granny getting out of the passenger seat, and grandpa taking out heavy luggages from the trunk.
"Oh, Peony, my dear!" granny greeted back, holding her arms open so Peony could crash into her arms. "Look how much you've grown since I've last seen you!"
"I'm a big sister now, granny!"
"I know, sweetheart." Granny ruffled her hair, then tightened her ponytail back into place.
Before she could get any chance to speak more with her grandma, she was picked out of her arms and up from the street. "Hey!"
"You're going to get your socks all dirty, my little princess," her papa replied as he gathered her up like the princess she was. Then he turned his attention away from her. "Hello, mom."
"Hi, Zaynie! Your little baby was really eager to meet us," granny said, taking the shoes papa was holding in his hands. She fastened them unto her feet, while her father was still holding her prisoner.
"You know granny wasn't going to run away if you waited a few more seconds to put on your shoes," papa told her as he put her back down with a kiss on her temple.
"Yeah, but then you might have greeted her first and not me," she pouted, crossing her arms.
"I was not aware we were in a competition," papa added, but Peony thought he must have understood it prior. After all, wasn't he the smartest in their family?
Granny laughed, just as grandpa was approaching them with luggages in both hands.
"What, what did I miss?" he asked, noticing his wife's laughter.
"Noth—"
"Hi, grandpa!" Peony, now with shoes on her feet, was free to go and hug her grandpa, even though his hands were too busy to hug her back.
"Hey there! I missed you, you little carrot cake!" he finally managed to return the hug with a hand, as it was freed by papa taking one of his luggages off of him.
"Eww, grandpa, I don't like carrots!"
He laughed in response and ruffled her hair harder than granny. He also didn't tighten her ponytail back. "Zayne, she really is your daughter!"
"Jace, stop teasing them. You know just as well as I do that our son's carrot hatred is very influential."
Peony giggled behind her hand as she watched papa roll his eyes subtly. Granny and grandpa treated him like he, mommy and daddy treated her. It was very funny to watch.
Papa quickly changed the subject. "Let me help you carry your stuff inside and show you around."
"Zayne," grandpa started, leaving Peony with granny, "we stayed here last year, we don't need another house tour."
The two men disappeared into the house with the luggages, while Peony and granny still stood in the driveway. Granny grabbed the hem of Peony's dress and laughed softly. "It seems not only your socks are dirty, but your dress too. Is that a paint stain?"
Peony gasped. Her surprise gift was nearly found out! "Oh no! I must have dropped something when I was painting with daddy! But you're not allowed to know what it is yet!"
"Don't worry, Peony, I'll wait until you're ready to show me. And your dress will easily get cleaned, just give it to granny when you change into something new. But I wasn't aware you gave your papa a new nickname; I've never heard you call him daddy before."
"No, granny! Papa is papa and daddy is daddy, they're different! Daddy is my first father and he married mommy first, and papa married mommy second and is also Jasmine's father." Peony was surprised grandma had no idea about her daddy.
She was even more surprised when granny did not respond immediately. She seemed speechless for a few moments, but then she shook her head. "Ah, I understand. You were painting your daddy who didn't return from war."
Grandma was incredibly clueless! "No, granny, I wasn't painting him, I was painting with him! And daddy did come back from the war, he came back last month!"
"Really?" Why was grandma so surprised? Did she think he had died as well?
"Yes, granny! He—"
"Relax, dad. I'll bring everything else inside, please don't stress yourself. You know your back isn't what it used to be," papa interrupted as he stepped back outside, ready to bring in the other luggages.
"Papa!" She grabbed his hand before it could be occupied. "Granny didn't know daddy came back!" She leaned in closer on her tippy toes so she could whisper. "I think she thought he was dead. Does grandpa not know either?"
Papa gasped and straightened. "Peony!" He was shocked. This wasn't news to him, why did he act like this? Did he just now realize he forgot to tell his parents?
"What? What did I say?!"
Her papa breathed deeply, and exchanged a knowing look with granny as he slowly exhaled. Then he turned back to the girl who was now just as confused. "Princess, can you go tell mommy and daddy what you talked with granny?"
"Oh, yeah, that's easy!" She started to run back home. "Granny, I'm coming back soon!"
***
It was true that neither three of you thought too deeply of the plan to keep Sylus' identity hidden. Sylus didn't even contribute anything, and Zayne couldn't blame him for that. But perhaps either himself or you should have remembered to tell Peony of this half-baked idea as well. Standing before his confused mother, Zayne knew it was far too late to remember this very important detail.
"Zayne, is it true?"
His shoulders deflated. He could also already imagine Sylus' rich laugh when he learned he had won this dispute. "Yes, mom. Peony's father came back last month. He's been living with us ever since."
"Oh. She must be really happy to have her biological father finally in her life. How have you all been adjusting?"
His mother was a very gentle woman, and very careful with her words. But Zayne could understand their hidden meaning. She was concerned his family might have been shaken up by this arrival. He'd told her how Sylus' death had impacted both him, and you, how long you mourned after your first husband.
"All of us are really happy he's come back to us alive. We have adjusted well, and the presence of another parent in our family unit has greatly helped us take care of both girls. My wife has been relieved to have someone else to rely on while I'm working at the hospital. The past month has honestly been a blessing for our family." Zayne also chose his words carefully, enough to alleviate his mother's worries, but also still hide the newly developed dynamic between himself, you and Sylus. One shock at a time.
His mother nodded and sighed in relief. She smiled and expressed her own happiness hearing that such an important person for her son and his family came back from death. All in time for Zayne's father to come out, bewildered why his son hadn't come inside with the rest of their luggages.
"I feel like I missed something important, again," he said, looking between wife and son, both with expressions that hid something unknown to him.
Zayne guided his mother inside, and briefly caught up his father as well. He added how Sylus' identity was still at risk, and legally, he was still dead. He admitted how you two tried tried to keep this information from them, based on advice from the authorities, but forgot to inform Peony about this plan as well. The young girl had gotten close to her first father, and she had only been instructed to keep his return a secret from people outside of their family. Of course, grandma and grandpa were a part of that group which she considered safe to talk about Sylus with. Still, Zayne told his parents to keep this knowledge behind sealed lips, and both of them were eager to assure their son they won't say a word.
He didn't add anything about any marital concerns, nothing about any romantic relationship. At some point, he'll talk about his unique family, but both his parents should get to know Sylus first, before breaking the news that all three of them have found joy in a three-way relationship. They thought Zayne had been wholly uninterested in romance for a long time, both very surprised when they heard their son was going to be married. If marriage with a woman proved to be a surprise, a relationship with both his wife and her first husband will certainly be the biggest shock he'll have to break to his parents. But all in due time.
After explaining everything necessary, he let them rest a little and settle into their new home for the next month, and Zayne went back to check on his family.
The moment he stepped back inside, you and Sylus greeted him, one with a look of shared disappointment, the other with a subtle, proud smirk.
"We forgot to tell Peony…" you sighed heavily.
"We forgot to tell Peony," Zayne nodded, matching your sigh.
"And I don't have to pretend to be an imaginary cousin of myself, and we can continue our normal routine." Sylus shrugged. "Zayne, I'm certain your parents are lovely people. At least, that's who I expect to have raised such a wonderful man." As arrogant as Sylus could be, he also had a way to relax the people he cared for. A gentle kiss was left on the side of his neck, and Zayne felt a little more relieved.
How nice it was to be honest with each other's feelings, to no longer have to find excuses for why Sylus gave him butterflies. Zayne was finally free to simply receive affection from Sylus and bask in it.
***
It didn't take long until Althea and Jace Li came to visit your own house, and meet their newest granddaughter. They were both delighted to meet her, and quickly assess her healthy countenance. Althea noticed Jasmine had little chubby cheeks, just like her father did when he had been her age. Jace added she had the same toothless grin when her belly was full of milk as her father had when he was just a little baby. Both of his parents kept commenting their memories about their own little baby (your full grown man and husband who started to blush because of their embarrassing stories), and how much Jasmine seemed to resemble him at that age.
They finally stopped their adorable stories (you enjoyed them, Zayne did not), when Peony and Sylus entered the living room. Everything became silent for a moment, as your first husband and in-laws noticed each other for the first time.
"Mrs and Mr Li, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Sylus, your daughter-in-law's first husband, Peony's father, and your son's companion during the war," Sylus introduced himself, extending his hand to shake it with both Althea and Jace.
"Pleasure to meet you, as well, Sylus," Jace replied, still shaking the other's hand. "Welcome back. Zayne told us how important you are for this family, we're very glad we had this chance to meet you."
"And now we can see who Peony takes after so much," Althea continued. "She really is a little copy of you."
You exhaled a breath you hadn't realized you were holding. This meeting went well, of course it did. Sylus knew how to be a gentleman when he wanted to. Getting to know your in-laws required his utmost grace. And to be fair, the Lis might become his parents-in-law as well, if the relationship between him and Zayne was going to go smoothly and be revealed to Althea and Jace.
He guided both doctors to take a seat on the couch, where Peony snuggled in between them, and continue their conversation. He spoke easily, and recounted a tale about Zayne during the war. It seemed he already knew how to act as the most pleasant of son's-in-law, even if the Lis couldn't suspect anything. But Sylus talked with great fondness about Zayne's companionship during those harsh months. Even Zayne himself noticed this level of praise from where he stood next to your rocking chair, and lowered his knowing gaze towards you. You barely hid your giggle.
Apparently, Sylus had a plan to win over Althea and Jace. He never intended to hide who he was or what he felt in front of them. Perhaps it was for the best that you never had a chance to lie to them about Sylus' identity.
If Xavier were to find out how many people already knew about Sylus, well… At least his innocent face could never truly turn intimidating. Bless his adorable, big, blue bunny eyes.
"Of course, there was no one else who I would have been more glad to have taken care of my family during all these years. Your son is a truly special man. I'm very happy the three of us can have this chance of raising our daughters together," Sylus continued his praise.
"You are very welcome into our family, Sylus," Althea said, "the more, the merrier. We look forward to getting to know you more during our stay here." She sat up, and like a little shadow, Peony got up after her grandma. "Now, I think it's time for me to bake my signature pie for the entire family. And you, my dear Zaynie, are not allowed to enter the kitchen and touch the sugar while I bake!"
Zayne cleared his throat and looked away. "Yes, mother."
It already felt so nice to have the Lis staying here for a full month.
Notes:I am so sorry it has taken me more than a month to update this fic! June has been a pretty busy month for me. I took about two weeks off from writing to focus on some other matters, then the heatwave attacked and I could barely get anything done (or have the energy to use my braincells to write), and when I finished the chapter and just had to edit it, Valko's cancellation was announced and it left me so dejected about LADS.
Initially, I wanted these author's notes to focus on my excitement about Valko's release, but if you've been in this fandom on any social media platform, you know the chaos that has led to this moment. I've never been so disappointed with this game before, and I really wish our efforts will be heard and taken into consideration to bring back our wolf boy! I wasn't even someone who was too excited about the arrival of a sixth love interest, Valko didn't impress me from the first teaser, but I admit how quickly I fell for him when I saw the trailers. It's clear how much effort has been put into creating him, it's such a shame that we won't get to experience any of it! So I dearly hope he'll come back to us.
With all that said, Sylus and Zayne are still my mains and my priority, but I still really like Valko. Even if he never comes back to us, I do have a plan to introduce him to this story like I did with Xavier, Rafayel and Caleb (in a platonic matter).
Sorry for rambling for so long in these notes, I simply had a lot of thoughts about the state of the game at the moment (I have many more, but there's no point in typing up a whole essay here). I'm just really hopeful this space can return to peace, and we can enjoy the original vision the developers had in store for us, with Valko.
(P.S. I know Zayne's surname comes from his mother, and Jace's last name is Ju, but I kept it simplified as them just being called the Lis. And I don't think Jace minds being Mr Li and taking his wife's last name.)
Disclaimer: If you want to be added to the taglist, please leave a comment, but make sure you have your age in your bio so I can check if you are 18+. I do not feel comfortable interacting with minors, my page and my fics are made for adults. This fic will feature more smut in the future. Thank you for reading!
Fic Synopsis: Seven years ago, your husband Sylus died in war. For seven years you mourned the loss of half your soul. And now, when you've finally healed and started a new life with your doctor neighbour, you witness a ghost.
Chapter Synopsis: You and your husbands spend a morning entangled in each other's pleasures. When desires become too ardent, nothing can extinguish the fire born between you, Zayne and Sylus. This morning, you witness the beginning of something confusing, but equally beautiful between your two husbands, who have only considered each other as friends until now.
Rating for this Chapter: Explicit 🔞
Word Count: 3.7k
Tags: Not Really Character Death, It's only believed to be true in the first chapter, Alternate Universe, No Evol Abilities (Love and Deepspace) ,POV Second Person, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Romance, Post-War, Grief/Mourning, Mentions of pregnancy and childbirth, Poly!snowcrowmc, eventually, Snowcrow banter, Other Additional Tags to Be Added
Tags for this Chapter: Kissing, Makeout Session, Foreplay, Hand Jobs, Non-Penetrative Sex, Non-Penetrative Fingering, Intercrural Sex, Threesome - F/M/M, Nipple Play, Frotting
🔞This work and especially this chapter is intended for a +18 audience!🔞
When you woke up, you were surrounded by warm bodies and heavy arms encircling your waist. Sylus fell asleep last night while you two were talking, and now he rested his forehead on your chest, snoring softly as if purring. And Zayne breathed deeply in his sleep, against the back of your neck, curled around your form from behind. For a moment, you thought it strange to have slept with both of your husbands in the same bed. But remembering the arrangement between them, maybe it wasn't so weird. After all, it seemed they considered it easier to both have you, rather than fight over you and cause a stressful tension in the family.
You continued to lay in the double embrace of your husbands, content that this morning started so peacefully. Jasmine hasn't woken up yet, so you didn't need to hurry out of bed. You could be greedy and enjoy this soft, warm comfort for a little while longer.
Zayne moved in his sleep as he sighed, probably caused by a dream, and he pressed his body harder against your back. And in this position, you could very clearly feel the shape of his morning wood nudging into your backside. You knew this was just a very normal reaction of a healthy male body, but it still excited you to feel it. Every other time this has happened before, since Jasmine was born, he never had the chance to take advantage of it, because of your recovery period and the fussy infant the two of you created. But this morning was different. Jasmine was still sleeping, you had healed, and your libido started to rise again. With such a delicious, loving husband by your side, it was impossible to resist him. It's been too long and you were desperate to jump his bones again.
Furthermore, now you had two irresistible husbands in your bed. And the curiosity of a horny, sleepy woman was always going to win over a rational approach. Was Sylus afflicted with the same involuntary erection? You tried to be subtle as your hand moved under the covers, inching closer to his groin. Your sneaky hand grabbed him gently, and a wide, satisfied smirk stretched over your face as you held his hard, heavy length. Before he could wake up, your hand left that marvellous weight alone—
Your wrist was caught instantaneously, you yelped and backed into Zayne who gasped.
"What are you doing, kitten?" Sylus' sleepy, hoarse voice asked. He kept his eyes closed, and his fist closed firmly around your wrist.
"Is she being naughty?" Zayne yawned and asked before you could reply to Sylus. As if he already knew what you did. Well, he had been on the receiving end of your horny curiosity before you got pregnant, and he could have been again were their positions switched. In response, he pressed himself harder onto you, and you stifled a moan by biting your lip. Oh, you wanted him, both of them, so bad.
"I'm sure you can guess where she was touching me."
"I can explain!" you intervened. They ignored you.
"I can tell she's being frisky just from her movements," Zayne continued, and this time he added a kiss to the back of your neck while he rolled his hips. His own hand drifted down your arm until he reached Sylus' fist wrapped around your wrist. "Where had this hand been when you woke me up?" he whispered just below your ear.
"I—" you stuttered, heat rushing up your spine as Zayne continued to press his hardened length into your backside, and Sylus chuckled, finally letting go of your wrist.
"What is there to explain, sweetie? You're already flustered enough," he teased you, cupping your warm cheek in his palm and leaving a kiss on the corner of your mouth. Your eyes closed on instinct, but his lips departed before you could truly taste them.
You blinked, starting to become more awake and aware of what was happening. You and your husbands, all laying together in the same bed, all pent-up and aroused.
"Sh— Shouldn't we have a conversation first?"
"We don't have time for conversations. We're parents," Zayne replied, his arm encircling your waist, drawing you back against him. "But you seemed to want something from us, and we want to give it to you."
You turned your head to look at Zayne. His hair was tousled from sleep, his eyes half-lidded, and his naked chest warm. You couldn't look at him for too long, as Sylus' hand grasped your face again and turned your gaze towards his.
"We won't have much time. Anything you want, we'll give you," he said, while his thumb caressed your bottom lip.
It was true. Free time was scarce and a luxury when you had two children, one of which was an infant. Words would take too long to be formed, so you responded with a definitive action. Your lips pressed onto Sylus', and a pleased groan left his throat as he matched your enthusiasm. Meanwhile, you grasped Zayne's hand from around your waist and guided it to the waistband of your panties. He chuckled low behind you, kissing and nipping at the skin of your throat, while his fingers teased the underside of your navel, barely grazing your underwear.
Sylus didn't let go of your lips for more than a moment to breathe, biting your lower lip to open your mouth, and let your tongues entangle. All while your previously naughty hand once more caressed down his body, raising the hem of his sleeping shirt so you could explore the toned plane of his abs. His sounds that ended up drowned in your mouth were full of pleasure because of your exploration. Your touch traced higher under his shirt until you reached a pectoral and squeezed it.
Zayne still rocked against your ass, and you were able to feel him better as he pushed your nightgown above your hips. You wished he'd lower his pajama pants faster. But just as you enjoyed exploring Sylus' body, Zayne couldn't restrain himself from touching you all over too. His hand caressed your smooth back, your soft abdomen, your sensitive tits that were close to leaking. You whimpered into Sylus' mouth as Zayne flicked your nipple, and a bead of milk escaped. It didn't take long for Sylus to notice what Zayne did to elicit such a sweet sound from you. As soon as the doctor's hand left your breast to trace downwards, Sylus replaced it with his own, gently holding it and caressing your tender skin. Each of your sensitive little noises, he devoured, as the pad of his thumb grew wet with your milk.
"Sy, stop," you whined, "otherwise this will all end too soon because I'll have to feed Jasmine."
Sylus chuckled and let go of your breast, his lips tracing a path of tiny kisses from the corner of your mouth down to your jaw. "Alright, sweetie," he spoke against your skin.
Zayne's hand came back down to your panties, his fingers rubbing and pressing onto your clit. You gasped and opened your legs wider so he could have better access. Both of them were still kissing your lips, your face, your jaw, your neck, and Sylus descended onto your collarbones as well. You had to bite your lips so you wouldn't make too much noise. The last thing you wanted was to wake up the baby sleeping on the other side of the room.
Zayne pushed your panties down to your knees, and his fingers made raw contact with your hot and puffy folds, spreading them open so he could continue to tease your clit.
"This is where she needs to be touched," he whispered above you, grabbing Sylus' hand and guiding it to your needy core. Both of their hands were now stroking you, their fingers growing increasingly wetter from your blooming arousal.
"I don't need instructions, doctor. I know how to please my wife."
"You've been gone for a while, I thought you might need a refresher."
Even teasing each other above your head, their fingers still worked in tandem to bring you pleasure and stimulate your most sensitive places.
"Oh, you're so gener—" You didn't let Sylus speak the end of this teasing retort, because you pulled down the waistband of his pajama pants and grabbed his dick. You didn't have time for petty competitions between your two husbands, so you took control of the situation. You gathered the precum leaking out of his slit, making your palm smoother as you stroked him from tip to base.
"Hah, kitten…" he moaned, letting his head fall in the crook of your neck where he tried to hide a growl. It seemed he missed your intimate touch just as much as you did. His heavy weight felt so familiar and right in your hand, as you got reacquainted with it, your thumb teasing the vein on his underside.
On the other side of your neck, Zayne was panting loudly in between sucking your tender skin and moving his hips and fingers onto you. Seeing as you already freed Sylus, he pushed his own pants further down, slotting his also leaking cock between your butt cheeks. You muffled your sounds against Sylus' shoulder, already overwhelmed by the feel of two dicks needing you, one humping into your fist, the other behind you.
Needy moans and low grunts were swapped in the air around you three. All of you were pent up and desperate for each other's touch, and neither of you will be able to last long. Sylus bit your neck and sucked on the tender junction, while Zayne turned your head to lock his lips with yours. His cock slipped from between your butt cheeks, and he fixed it between your thighs. He was so hot and big, smoothly pumping against your wet folds, his head pushing onto your clit at every thrust. Zayne breathed in deeply, trying to keep a steady rhythm between your legs, but you knew he was struggling. You bucked your hips back onto his, encouraging him to go faster.
Sylus kept humping your tight fist, just as desperate as your other husband to feel you around him. So a brilliant idea lit up in your head, and you pushed his cock in between your thighs as well. The moment he felt your wet cunt sliding over his dick, he growled and bit you again, his hips thrusting faster against you. His cock head caught onto your entrance, making you whimper, but he paid attention to not penetrate you. Without thorough preparation, it would probably lead to a painful interaction, and you knew how caring the men you married were.
Upon Sylus' rapid thrusting, Zayne got more courageous as well, matching the other man's speed. Their dicks were rubbing against each other, cushioned tight between your soft and voluptuous thighs, passing over your spread, sensitive lips without a moment of break. They found a rhythm to their humping, one going forward, the other backwards, your clit stimulated over and over again. Sylus' heavy figure almost crushed you into Zayne's broad chest, and you clung to your first husband with nails digging into his biceps.
With this constant stimulation from both of them, it didn't take long until you approached the edge of delight, and then promptly jumped off of it, your entire body tensing up with long awaited release. Your first orgasm in months was more satisfying then you could have ever anticipated, and tears of bone-deep pleasure trailed down your cheeks. You returned Sylus' attack, and bit his neck to muffle your screams of bliss.
He grunted low in his throat, feeling the vibrations between your lips, as his pace stuttered. Within the next few seconds, you felt your folds grow wetter, as Sylus found his finish deep between your thighs. He fell over you and Zayne as he tried to catch his breath, whining with overstimulation from Zayne still chasing his own end against your cunt and his dick already covered with cum.
Zayne held onto your waist tightly, his sweaty forehead pressed onto your shoulder, as he neared his own steep edge. His cock caught onto your entrance, and by the time he passed your clit again, he was erupting as well, fallen over the cliff of pleasure. He relaxed onto the mattress and the pillows with you on top, and Sylus slowly sliding his weight off of you. All three of you still tried to regulate your breathing, while Zayne's cock head still leaked his last few drops.
The two men stilled between your thighs, holding you close and firm in their embraces. You couldn't see Zayne's expression behind you, but you assumed he was just as flushed and starstruck as Sylus in front of you. Still surrounded by this blissful moment, Sylus descended upon your lips again, his kiss just as hungry as when you first started.
But Zayne wasn't satisfied by being excluded, so he rolled you over to his side, finally able to kiss you properly this morning. You returned his passionate affection with ardour, your lips swollen from constant kissing, but still eager to slide against his own.
Zayne let go of you to breathe, and your body started to simmer down its aftereffects of orgasm. Your empty channel was no longer pulsing, your clit no longer confused between overstimulation and neediness, the cum between your legs sticky and cooling down. You were left with a warm feeling inside your chest as you rested between the two men you loved most.
They avoided each other's gaze, as both preferred to keep it trained on you, as if their dicks hadn't rubbed against each other a few minutes ago. You kept quiet. The moment was far too peaceful to start a deep conversation about what this meant for the three of you. For the both of them. For you, it was quite easy, as your love extended an equal amount. But for Zayne and Sylus, their friendly competition of affection ended in a threesome.
***
For as pleasant as the sex had been, neither of you spoke about it all that much after it ended. When the blissful moment faded away, and your minds and bodies went back to normal, you quickly got out of bed to go shower before Jasmine could wake up. The inside of your thighs were covered in cum that threatened to dry up, so you cleaned up as fast as you could. By the time you stepped out of the bathroom, Zayne and Sylus were presentable once more, and changing the sheets. Sylus was folding up the old one that needed to be washed, while Zayne was quietly tucking in the new clean, fresh sheet.
Sylus kissed you softly as he passed by to get into the bathroom. Once he was gone, and Zayne finished with the bed, he sat down and beckoned you towards him. He left a gentle kiss on a hickey he left previously, before pecking your lips as well. Though barely any words had been exchanged since your love making ended, your two husbands seemed content.
And your baby finally made her presence known once more, as little disgruntled noises came from her crib. It was time to hide your lover side again, and take back the role of mother.
***
A little while later, you and Zayne were preparing breakfast, while Sylus entertained Peony and watched over Jasmine, until the entire family would eat. As you two were alone in the kitchen, you felt this might be a good moment to have a conversation with Zayne. One that should have probably happened before this morning's spontaneous threesome.
You were cutting up fruits while Zayne worked at the stove when you finally bit your lip for the last time, and gained enough courage to start talking: "So…you and Sylus made an agreement to share me?"
Zayne didn't seem phased by your question, continuing to butter the pan. "Sylus told you about it yesterday, I assume?"
You nodded. "And you're really alright with it?"
"Did it seem like I wasn't this morning?"
You shook your head, still confused about this strangely peaceful dynamic between your husbands. It was deeply appreciated, but you knew them both to be quite possessive.
"I never thought you would agree to something like this. After all, you didn't sign up for any of this when you married me," you said, gesticulating with the knife around your surroundings.
"True. But I don't think Sylus signed up for any of this either when he returned from his captivity," Zayne replied, moving away to search in the cupboard for breakfast plates.
"I'm deeply grateful for your understanding of each other, but why do you care about Sylus so much?"
"We're friends. We formed our friendship during a very harsh period of our lives."
You sighed, wondering if you should really speak out what you were thinking. It had to happen sooner or later, so you chose the sooner option. "I feel like there's a long road between friendship and having a threesome with no prior discussion."
Zayne almost dropped his stack of plates when he heard you talking about this morning's activities. He wasn't a prudish man, far from it, but this has been a new experience for all of you. The tips of his ears were already more flushed than usual.
He cleared his throat and placed the plates on the counter top before anything could happen to them. "We were all quite pent up, and there was no time for a proper discussion. All three of us consented to that encounter, so…"
"So I'm still wondering how two 'friends' ended up rubbing their dicks together against their wife's genitals!"
Zayne coughed and blinked fast a few times, avoiding your gaze. The flush of his ears spread to his cheeks.
"I recall it was your idea to place Sylus' penis next to mine between your thighs."
"And you didn't push it away! It seems you liked it."
Zayne returned his attention to the breakfast he was trying to make while blushing furiously. He poured the pancake butter in the pan, and you waited patiently for a response. You placed down the knife, to at least appear a little less threatening.
"Sexual stimulation is sexual stimulation, in this case it doesn't matter who it came from," he replied simply, and you stifled your disappointment. You weren't even sure what you wanted to hear from him, but certainly not this complete, entire denial. There was something going on between your two husbands, and you wanted to hear them admit it. Or at least discuss it.
He noticed your lack of a reaction and turned towards you, stepping closer until he could cup your cheeks in his hands. "Alright, love, will you explain to me what you wanted to hear? I don't like knowing you're sulking because of me."
"I'm not sulking," you sulked, looking away from Zayne.
"Of course you're not," he teased, before leaning down to capture your lips between his. You sighed, and relaxed, as his hands moved to wrap around waist, and his mouth continued to devour yours. His lips were soft, still a bit plump from the heavy amount of kissing that transpired this morning, but both of you were still hungry for more. You reluctantly let go of his mouth as he drew away to breathe. He whispered lowly, his words breathed against your waiting lips: "How could you sulk when I'm taking such good care of my love?" You almost forgot why you started pouting.
Zayne backed you against the kitchen counter, kissing you fervently, stealing your breath away as lips and tongues chased each other. It never mattered how much time you spent entangled with each other, you two would always be hungry for more and more. His strong, agile hands held onto your waist, putting such delicious pressure on the skin beneath your clothes. Your own ended up tangled in his fine, short hair, pushing his head closer to yours. He pressed you into the counter behind, and you were glad to feel your insatiable husband was hardening against your thigh once again.
Your mind was already filling with fantasies, like those times when Peony would have been at kindergarten, and the house was completely empty except you two and your sounds of delight. How Zayne would turn you around and bend you over the counter, eager to please you and spread you around his hardened length that would reach the deepest, most sensitive spots inside you with each and every enthusiast thrust. When you two were hungry for each other, no surface in the house would be safe from your desires.
You let out a needy moan inside his mouth, and one of Zayne's hands reached down to grab a handful of your ass. He devoured all your sounds, continuing to seal his lips around yours. Two sets of hands were desperate to touch and uncover more sensitive spots, but you knew there was no chance of going further.
Breathing through your nose, because your mouth was still too busy to chase Zayne's, you smelled something akin to burning. Your eyes opened, and you noticed Zayne was already watching you, panting softly against your lips. With another whiff of burning batter, his eyes widened and he detangled himself from your tempting body.
"Shit!" he cursed uncharacteristically while taking hold of the pan and the burning pancake left abandoned in the pursuit of chasing your pleasure. Zayne was always a very proper and well mannered gentleman. Curses only spilled out of his mouth when he was incredibly tired and frustrated from a long, arduous day of work, or when he was sexually frustrated and horny beyond belief.
You started laughing and came behind him to hug him and continue giggling against his back, while he fought to scrape the burned, miserably failed pancake from the pan. His torso filled and deflated with air he took in and sighed out, and you giggled louder. Unfortunately for him, this time his erection wouldn't be solved satisfyingly. Unfortunately for you also, your panties will need to be changed as soon as you leave the kitchen. You both had a household to take care of before your carnal needs.
You were really grateful for the moment you could share with both Zayne and Sylus this morning. Who knows how long it will take until you could experience such bliss again?
Notes: I have returned with an update! I hope you have enjoyed this new chapter, and I hope I can publish a new one sooner than this time. I spent a lot of time playing with my new Archfiend (I adore him, he's perfect, I have revoked Sylus' rights to dress himself because I need to see him in his new attire and long hair everyday. We're also not gonna address the fact he didn't come home until the 150 pulls crate, just like GoA. Zayne and Sylus have been so mean to me with their third myths. Good thing they're pretty with their long hair.) And afterwards, ngl, this has been one of the more difficult chapters to write, because I've never written a threesome before, but I hope I did its justice.
Thank you for reading!
Taglist: @mzfandom @nyzecorner @xvsxliaaxx @owodi
Disclaimer: If you want to be added to the taglist, please leave a comment, but make sure you have your age in your bio so I can check if you are 18+. I do not feel comfortable interacting with minors, my page and my fics are made for adults. This fic will feature more smut in the future. Thank you for reading!
Fic Synopsis: Seven years ago, your husband Sylus died in war. For seven years you mourned the loss of half your soul. And now, when you've finally healed and started a new life with your doctor neighbour, you witness a ghost.
Chapter Synopsis: During a long day at the hospital, Zayne reminisces about the war days, when he formed his friendship with Sylus. Once he comes back home, he has a revelation about his old friend.
Word Count: 3.9k
Tags: Not Really Character Death, It's only believed to be true in the first chapter, Alternate Universe, No Evol Abilities (Love and Deepspace) ,POV Second Person, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Romance, Post-War, Grief/Mourning, Mentions of pregnancy and childbirth, Poly!snowcrowmc, eventually, Snowcrow banter, Other Additional Tags to Be Added
This work is intended for a +18 audience, even if this chapter does not contain explicit content.
Zayne let out a heavy, exhausted sigh. His glasses hit the desk harder than he meant to throw them. His overworked eyes were dry, and he closed them, trying to bring some moisture back into them. Worst of all, it was only lunchtime, and his shift would still go on for more long hours. He had to leave home before anyone else could wake up for an emergency surgery, so he wasn't even able to meet his family this morning. A patient of his that was discharged only two days ago was brought in again, because their condition suddenly worsened. Afterwards, he noticed his calendar had somehow gotten mixed up, and he had two appointments overlapping each other, which ended up forcing him to embarrassingly reschedule one of them.
Nothing had gone right today, but at least now, he had a little bit of free time for himself to decompress. Zayne leaned back in his chair, resting his eyes and his mind. He should probably go down to the cafeteria and eat lunch. But ever since you started to pack him lunches, the cafeteria food turned bland and unappetizing. Because he left home while you were still sleeping and cuddling Sylus on the other side of the bed, there was no way for him to have a home-made packed lunch in his bag. Perhaps his lunch will have to be substituted with a couple muffins from the vending machine on the hallway of the cardiac department. Still, a kiss goodbye from you would have been much sweeter than all the sugary treats in the vending machine.
It didn't use to be so hard to go through the motions of a long, busy, sometimes depressing shift. When he came back from the war, working in the hospital felt like inhaling a fresh breath of air. But then you appeared in his life, along with your rambunctious daughter that was the spitting image of her father. You and Peony showed him a much happier, more carefree and warm way of living, and ever since you confessed to him and Peony called him 'papa' for the first time, Zayne longed to return home even if he had just pulled his car out of the driveway.
The hospital no longer felt like the only home he had —because that was the place he spent most of his life in— because you and Peony gave him a true home. After getting married and bringing Jasmine into the world, this longing to be home intensified. His baby was growing so fast, and he was loathe to miss any of her developments. Every time he was needed in the paediatric ward, his mind couldn't stop itself from wandering to his little babies.
Thinking about his family eased his stressed mind. You, Peony and Jasmine, the most important people in his life, the people he loved most. But…as much as he tried to deny it, there was another member in his family now. Sylus. For all intents and purposes, he couldn't be ignored. Or rather, he wouldn't allow anyone to ignore him. Ever since that morning when you all had sex, Sylus was dead set on sharing the bed every night.
"What, you welcomed me into your bed, shared it with me one night and one morning, and now it's a problem?"
Zayne could still remember the other man's argument the night that followed. He had shut his mouth, because he couldn't complain. He couldn't even deny that he enjoyed it. And you liked cuddling with both of them, having a warm body that could embrace you on either side you rolled on. So Sylus never slept in the guest room since then.
The situation could have been tremendously worse, had it been any other man other than Sylus. At least they had been close friends during the war, so there was an implicit sense of trust and comfort already cemented in the foundation of their relationship. The question was, what kind of relationship did they have now, when they shared a family?
You questioned this strangely comfortable dynamic since that morning, but Zayne couldn't give you a definitive answer. He didn't have one for himself in the first place. All that he knew, was that Sylus was a close, trusted, admired friend. Potentially one of the closest ones he had. Probably because of the hardships they went through together, being constant presences in each other's daily life for close to a year. They slept in a bunk bed all that time —which is probably the reason why they accommodated to sleeping in the same bed so easily—, ate every meal beside each other in the cafeteria, talked about anything and everything when they had free time, instead of resting for the night like all their other companions. But resting brought nightmares, while talking about their families back home (or lack thereof), ideas and goals brought a warmth that was otherwise absent from their lives.
Zayne could still remember the first time he met Sylus. Two weeks after the war started, the newly graduated medic had been transferred to one of the war fronts on the northern border. Another two weeks later, new soldiers and some professionals arrived as well, Sylus having been brought for his engineering skills. It didn't take long until soldiers started to die in the trenches, and the engineer found himself where he shouldn't have been. He took up arm when one of the young soldiers was shot in the head, and Sylus covered the dead man's spot. He was lucky, only getting a wound from a bullet grazing his side. But still, he needed medical care.
It was Zayne who cleaned up his wound, who bandaged him up. And that is when the doctor tried to understand what kind of man the engineer was. There were three types of men on the battle fiend, based on Zayne's categorisation. The first type were the young, untrained soldiers, scared to hold a weapon, terrified to use it and inflict damage on the enemies. These men were usually easy to kill, little more than boys who never learned how to take care of themselves without their mother. They had to adapt and mature fast, lest they cause their mothers to grieve them. Then there were the more mature men, those who knew the danger they were in, and the duty they had to carry. They were careful, calculated, true capable soldiers. These men would be the ones most successful, those who would climb the ranks of the military, those who would return home decorated and respected by a whole country.
And then, there was the third category, those men who were brave, stupidly so, and thought they were strong enough to survive any battlefield. Zayne was afraid Sylus fit into the last category. A big, though, intimidating man who knew the ins and outs of so many war machines, who was skilled with a number of weapons, who was already regaled as one of the biggest advantages their camp held. No one around here would dare to lessen Sylus' ego.
The third category would often end up heroes. But back home, only a cold medal would greet their families.
"I suggest you be more careful next time. You were lucky today. If the bullet would have struck you just a few inches to the right," Zayne traced his finger from the bandages to the middle of the man's sternum, "you and the soldier you replaced would have ended up in the same state."
The engineer chuckled and shook his head. "Thank you for the advice, doctor, but I don't die that easily. I know how to take care of myself."
It hadn't been long since war started. But Zayne had been a combat medic in smaller conflicts before. He had heard that last sentence far too many times, which proved to be untrue for at least half of his patients. A soldier thinks he can take care of himself. But when life hangs on a single moment's instincts, all knowledge a soldier holds might become useless. He only hoped, that when Sylus' conviction would ultimately be disproved, he won't sustain life threatening injuries. He really was needed here.
"Do you have any family?" Zayne asked, checking the bandages one last time.
"I got married last year. Me and my wife are expecting our first child."
Zayne considered the engineer's words as he handed him a new, clean shirt. Sylus took it and started dressing himself. He was a fairly young man, probably not much older than Zayne, around his mid-twenties. He had a long life ahead of himself, and plenty of years to spend with his family and make it bigger.
"Mr Qin, I tell you this as a doctor, who has witnessed many other patients in situations like yours. Be careful. Stay away from the front lines as much as possible, and concentrate on your mechanical work. Ensure you will return to your wife in the same condition you left."
Sylus frowned and regarded the doctor with scorn. "We're in war. Anything might happen, even if we're perfectly careful. I will continue to do what I deem best. And I will return home."
Their first conversation ended there. Zayne couldn't see the future. But his intuition had turned to be, unfortunately, correct. He's glad it didn't last for an eternity.
Eventually, Sylus did return home.
***
Despite their less than agreeable first conversation, Zayne and Sylus kept meeting each other. Sylus was usually a lonely man, and Zayne observed how others perceived him as intimidating. So the engineer's lunch table was often empty of other people, and full of little pieces he inspected while eating. His space was tucked in a corner of the room, away from the rowdy tables where the soldiers finally had some free time to relax and unwind with their companions. Zayne preferred a quiet space for his meal, so he naturally gravitated towards the engineer's lonely table. Neither of them paid each other any attention, Sylus focused on his projects, and Zayne on refreshing his tired mind. This comfortable silence was the first piece placed on the puzzle of their friendship.
Not long after, with the arrival of new soldiers, some people had to be moved around in the dormitories. There was one empty top bunk bed in the medical dormitory, the one above Zayne. Somehow, fate or the bigger forces of the universe, decided to move Sylus in that empty bed above Zayne. The doctor wondered for a little while why the engineer was moved together with the medics, and the only reason he had received, was that his previous place was dedicated to soldiers, and there was no more space with the arrival of the new ones.
After months of spending so many moments together, and learning more about their previous lives and where they grew up, an unlikely relationship had formed. Perhaps Sylus wasn't that reckless of a man as Zayne first thought of him. He was stoic and unafraid, and he never acted without first thinking. Zayne was pleasantly surprised to learn how wise his war time friend truly was.
And most of all, he learned how much Sylus loved. There wouldn't be a day when he wouldn't talk about his dearest wife, who he longed to return to. As months passed, the man kept a little notebook where he checked off every week of your pregnancy's development. When he neared your due date, he submitted a request for a few weeks of leave, so he could come back home and assist your birth. He didn't want to miss his baby's first moments of life.
When you were around 37 weeks, Sylus received an answer for his request. A definitive denial. The engineer stormed out of the General's office and slammed the door closed. It was a miracle the hinges didn't fall off. Zayne had happened to walk nearby, and stopped as soon as he heard that thunderous slam. A few moments later, Sylus crossed the doctor's path, wearing the heaviest scowl Zayne had ever witnessed on the other's face.
"What happened?" he asked, but received no response other than a crumpled piece of paper shoved into his hands. He unfurled it, and read the words that had angered Sylus so much. No matter how polite his request had been denied, it was still heartbreaking. Sylus had no choice but to leave his wife to give birth alone, and to miss his baby's first breath of life. There was nothing Zayne could have said or done to comfort his friend.
He folded the wrinkled paper and placed it in his pocket. There was no reason to give it back to Sylus, when said paper was the reason for his foul mood. "What are you planning to do now?" Zayne asked, keeping his tone of voice steady and calm. One of them had to be reasonable. Sylus clearly couldn't be that one.
The engineer sneered. "Isn't it obvious, doctor? I was polite enough to request a leave and I don't much care about their response. I'm leaving to go and help my wife give birth!" Sylus shouted his answer and turned away to storm off who knows where. Zayne followed him, hurrying after the offended man.
"You plan to desert? You do realise there will be consequences for disobeying higher orders and defecting your station, right?"
Sylus scoffed. He abruptly turned and stopped to glare at the doctor before he could climb the stairs. "What makes you think I care about their orders? All I care about is my wife. And she needs me, she's been needing me for the past 28 weeks I've been here! And I know you may not agree with my ways, but I'm sure whatever consequences come my way, I'll have enough money to bribe them and absolve me of my sins."
Zayne didn't respond. There was nothing he could say to change Sylus' mind. And neither did he want to. If their situations were reversed, Zayne would have wanted to act much the same. Although he had never loved anyone as much as Sylus adored his wife, he was certain he would sacrifice anything for the love of his life. Sometimes, rules had to be broken and orders had to be ignored for the sake of protecting what mattered most in one's life.
After a few moments of silence, Sylus turned again and began climbing the stairs towards the main area of the camp, thinking his friend was dismissing his choices. That idea couldn't be further from the truth.
"Don't be rash," Zayne started, but Sylus ignored him. "Wait until night falls so no one can catch you defecting. I'll watch your back when you leave, so you can sneak out safely."
Sylus stopped his steps, turned towards his friend, and burst out laughing like a madman. The medic was convinced he actually was one. Nevertheless, he cared for the engineer and his budding family. He climbed back down the stairs, and pat Zayne with a heavy hand on the back as he thanked him.
And although Sylus' deserting would have been successful with Zayne's aid, the moment they stepped outside, they noticed lights in the far distance. Lights around their villages and towns, that should have never been there. Somehow, the enemy forces managed to encircle the camp, taking advantage of the heavy fog that was so uncharacteristic to that time of summer. The moment the fog lifted, during that night when Sylus tried to leave, the enemies were spotted. But it was far too late, and a siege couldn't be avoided anymore.
Zayne opened his eyes and stared at the bright light on his office ceiling. He didn't want to continue his train of memories. He couldn't go through Sylus' death again, the three months of siege when everyone thought they'll die of starvation.
His chair squeaked as Zayne stood up and walked out of his office, focused on finally eating those vending machine muffins he was craving.
***
The sun was steadily descending past the horizon line as Zayne finally turned off his car, parked in front of his house. No one came to greet him as the engine went to sleep, and he exited the car. He wasn't disappointed, but he did enjoy it when Peony would scream his name and run out of the house to jump in his arms.
Once he entered the house, and noticed how utterly quiet it was, he peeked into the living room and understood why no one came running towards him. You and Peony were fast asleep on the couch, your first baby snuggled in her mother's arms as both of you were resting beneath a fluffy blanket. The scene was incredibly precious to him, and he moved slowly and quietly towards the two of you, watching his girls be so content and at ease.
Still, someone was missing from this heartwarming scene: his youngest little love. Her mobile bassinet was here, but no little baby inside. Seeing as you and Peony were heavily asleep, he left you two alone to search for his other daughter, unsure of where she might be. Everything was quiet, so surely she wasn't crying or feeling upset. But Zayne worried, simply from the fact he didn't know where his Jasmine was while her mother and older sister were napping together.
As he climbed the stairs to check in the master bedroom, a croaky, low, raspy voice could be faintly heard humming. Zayne stopped in his tracks on the last step, trying to distinguish what he was hearing. Was Sylus…humming a lullaby?
Incredulous, Zayne gently pushed the door ajar, trying to sneak a look without Sylus noticing. He was actually humming, bouncing on his feet as he held Jasmine, rocking her along his shaky rhythm. She seemed pretty calm in his hold, sucking her pacifier and looking at the strange man who tried to entertain her. Her little hands were clumsily flapping around, sometimes knocking onto Sylus' shoulders, and he carefully positioned her so she wouldn't wiggle out of his arms. It didn't seem like she wanted to get away from him, she was simply very awake and active, as she has started to have better control of her limbs recently.
Even though Zayne tried to be inconspicuous, Sylus absolutely noticed him, turning to look the doctor in the eye through the slightly opened door. He stopped humming and chuckled lowly.
"Look who's here," he whispered towards Jasmine, who was now looking at Zayne as he fully pushed the door open and entered the bedroom. "Papa came home."
"What are you doing?" Zayne asked as he approached them, looking at his daughter swaying comfortably in Sylus' arms.
"Our beloved and Peony fell asleep shortly before Jasmine woke up. I took her upstairs so the girls could continue their nap. I was trying to entertain her if it wasn't obvious, doctor," Sylus replied, passing the baby into her father's embrace.
Zayne kissed her forehead and held her snug in his tight embrace. Oh how good it was to be back home, back with his family, back with his baby pressed against his chest. He cradled her small body, starting to rock on his feet just as Sylus did previously.
"Thank you. It was a good idea to let her rest together with Peony."
Sylus nodded. "I know. She's always running herself ragged taking care of this whole household. If she finds a moment to close her eyes, I do everything to ensure she can continue her rest."
"Has this happened before?" Zayne asked, pointing at the squirming baby in his arms.
"What, me taking care of Jasmine?" Sylus raised an eyebrow, amused by the doctor's question. "I stay home all day, do you really think I ignore your daughter's presence? I'm trying to be a part of this family, so I'm obviously going to take care of every member of it. Especially our daughters who need it the most."
Zayne stopped bouncing, taking in Sylus' answer. He wasn't necessarily surprised to find out that his old friend was taking care of his baby. More so, he was surprised he hadn't come to this conclusion before witnessing it with his own eyes. It has been three weeks since Sylus came back, it was obvious there were going to be moments when he took over Jasmine's care all on his own. Although he previously thought he might simply be a strange man for Jasmine, wasn't he the man who spent more time at home than Zayne? Three out of her eight weeks of life have been spent with this 'strange' man in her surroundings. And if nothing changed, if Sylus continued to be a part of their life, of their family, Jasmine will grow up with Sylus by her side. She won't remember a life without him in it. Just like Peony didn't remember her life without 'papa' being a part of her family.
Jasmine will grow up and Sylus will be there, watching her grow and helping her along. She'll start mimicking her older sister once she starts to speak. Naturally, she'll end up calling her biological father 'papa', just like her older sister, and Sylus as 'daddy'. Did Zayne have any right to forbid his daughter from calling Sylus the same name Peony used for him? Would Jasmine not feel wronged if she was only allowed to have one father, when her sister had two? When her sister's other father took care of both girls the same way, lived in the same house, had the same relationship with her mother as Zayne did? No, it already felt wrong just thinking about it, even though Jasmine still had to grow so much more until she would be able to think and speak, understand the dynamics of the family she lived in.
If nothing were to change, if Sylus fully integrated into their family and regained his alive status, then he will become Jasmine's adoptive father, just as Zayne was for Peony.
Zayne wasn't sure if he wanted anything to change.
"Cat got your tongue, doctor?" Sylus teased him and startled Zayne out of his thoughts. "You haven't said anything in a while."
He shook his head and let out a relieved sigh. "I'm just tired. I had a long day at the hospital."
Sylus nodded and walked towards the bedroom's still opened door. As he passed by, he patted Zayne's shoulder, with a softer touch than what the doctor remembered earlier today. "Then you should rest with Jasmine too. I'll go in the kitchen, see what I can prepare for dinner."
"No, it's alright. I'll take care of dinner."
Sylus interrupted him before the doctor could take a step. "Do you really think I cook that badly, Zayne? I promise I won't sneak in any carrots, you can trust me."
Zayne let out a tired, but amused laugh. "Just make something simple, if you insist on cooking."
The other man clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes. "I'm not that bad of a cook."
"Sure, sure," Zayne replied, trying to hide his smile. Fair, he wasn't a bad cook, just clearly inexperienced.
"I'll go downstairs before you can nag me more about my cooking." Sylus squeezed Zayne's shoulder, then he finally retreated his touch. The gentle pressure of his palm was gone. "Rest."
Before Zayne could give out any other reply, Sylus was gone, the door of the master bedroom closed behind him.
The warmth that existed in this room vanished as Sylus left. Except for a spot on the tip of Zayne's ears.
Notes: Happy New Year everyone! (It's almost the middle of January, but better late than never.) I hope you all had a great time this holiday season (for those who celebrated), and I'm sorry it took me almost a month to update this fic! But the holidays kept me busy, and then the 5.0 update kept me even busier (I have spent way too much time in the house, and I still have to decorate most of the rooms.) Also, I was so upset when I gifted Sylus a peony, and this man had the audacity to say he doesn't really enjoy peonies!!! 😠 How dare he, I named our daughter after this flower! 😤 /J (but still peeved slightly). Thank you for reading this chapter!
Taglist: @mzfandom @nyzecorner @xvsxliaaxx @owodi
Disclaimer: If you want to be added to the taglist, please leave a comment, but make sure you have your age in your bio so I can check if you are 18+. I do not feel comfortable interacting with minors, my page and my fics are made for adults. This fic will feature more smut in the future. Thank you for reading!
Fic Synopsis: Seven years ago, your husband Sylus died in war. For seven years you mourned the loss of half your soul. And now, when you've finally healed and started a new life with your doctor neighbour, you witness a ghost.
Chapter Synopsis: While Zayne had a long day at the hospital, you and Sylus finally found a moment to talk earnestly about your relationship and reconnect.
Word count: 5.7k
Tags: Tags: Not Really Character Death, It's only believed to be true in the first chapter, Alternate Universe, No Evol Abilities (Love and Deepspace) ,POV Second Person, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff, Romance, Post-War, Grief/Mourning, Mentions of pregnancy and childbirth, Poly!snowcrowmc, eventually, Snowcrow banter, Other Additional Tags to Be Added
Tags for this chapter: Kissing, Dry Humping, Makeout Session (the rating for this chapter is Mature; this work is intended for an audience of +18)
Another week passed by in relative peace, as the household tried to fit Sylus in. Even with this new, quiet life, he still couldn't escape the shadows of his past. His nightmares have become more frequent, now that he wasn't too exhausted to even remember his dreams. They often woke him up before anyone else had risen for the day.
But this morning, when Sylus made his way to the kitchen, Zayne was already there, dressed for his work, brewing coffee, while a pan of eggs was sizzling on the stove.
"Morning," Sylus' raspy voice groaned out as he slumped into a chair.
"Good morning," Zayne replied, his attention still dedicated to the coffee machine. "I suppose there's no point in asking you if you slept well."
Sylus groaned as a reply, resting his forehead in his hands.
Zayne didn't say anything for a while, and Sylus could hear only the sounds of breakfast being made. Until a cup was placed in front of him, and Sylus opened his eyes to look at the steam coming off of his coffee.
"I left it black. I know that's what you usually prefer, and I think you'll need it today," Zayne explained as he moved back to the stove.
"Why?" Sylus asked with a raised eyebrow, sipping his piping hot coffee.
"Because you'll be the main caretaker of the household today. Jasmine was fussy last night, and she woke up multiple times throughout the night to take care of Jasmine. She should sleep in this morning, so Peony will mostly fall as your responsibility today."
"Mm, I can do that," Sylus agreed while putting down his cup.
"There's also a very high chance that I'll have a long shift, and I won't be able to come home until after midnight. I found out yesterday that one of my colleagues is sick, and her duties will have to be passed onto someone else. Which is scheduled to be me, but I'm hoping I could pass it onto someone else. It might still not be possible."
"Is this the first time you won't be home all day since Jasmine was born?"
"Yes. I tried to avoid working overnight as much as possible for the past seven weeks, but I might finally be required to," Zayne sighed as he turned off the stove and started to fill up two plates.
Sylus continued to sip his coffee until Zayne brought breakfast for both of them, fried eggs and ham, buttered toast, and a side of cherry tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes. The two of them ate in silence, Sylus feeling far too antisocial at such an early hour. He would have slept in as usual were it not for his nightmares that reminded him of that forsaken prison. Glancing up at Zayne who threw in another spoonful of sugar into his coffee, Sylus wondered if the war still haunted the doctor. He'd noticed far too many times when the surgeon returned to the dormitories with blood shot eyes, deep bags underneath them, and hands scrubbed clean and skin cracked from trying to get rid of blood from a soldier he couldn't save.
"You'll be indispensable today," said doctor interrupted Sylus' thoughts. "But I'm sure you noticed how big of a helping hand you've been for her these almost two weeks."
"It's the least I could do, Zayne." How did you handle motherhood when you had no one else to help with an infant Peony? It should have been his job to take care of you during that time.
Zayne stopped stirring his coffee in favour of looking directly at Sylus. "I'm speaking completely seriously. She's really grateful you're here, by her side, helping with the girls."
Sylus nodded, but didn't comment further. He should have been here much earlier, seven years earlier. As much as Zayne praised him, it didn't comfort him.
"She may be grateful I'm here, but I feel she's too uncomfortable to tell me that herself," Sylus changed the subject. "I know you still like to pretend she's your wife, and only yours, but we have an agreement, doctor. When are we going to tell her what we've decided?"
Zayne sighed, but continued to chew his food. "Excuse me for being scatter-brained, but I almost forgot. The girls occupy all our time, so the simple truth is that we've had no opportune moment. You're here all day long, if you find a moment to have a longer conversation with her, you can tell her."
"Are you actually alright with only me telling her?"
"Just inform me when you do, so I can have my end of the discussion with her. At the end of the day, it's her decision what she wants to do with her relationships. We should have told her sooner."
***
The rest of the breakfast continued in silence, and after Zayne drove off to work, the rest of the house remained quiet. Sylus settled in the living room, and picked a random book from the shelves to read.
About half an hour later, tiny feet could be heard walking down the hallway, and Sylus closed his book just in time as Peony reached the doorway of the living room. She yawned and rubbed her eyes.
"Good morning, little kitten."
"Morning, daddy" Peony, still clearly half asleep mumbled as she walked towards the couch. "Where's mommy? Papa?"
Sylus picked up his daughter to rest in his embrace as she let out another big yawn. "Mommy is sleeping with Jasmine. And papa already left for work. Are you hungry?"
Peony almost fell right back asleep as she leaned against her father's chest, but her stomach rumbled at the perfect moment.
"C'mon, I can hear you're hungry. Papa prepared breakfast before he left," Sylus said as he stood up, carrying his sleepy daughter into the kitchen.
***
Peony's energy slowly grew as she ate, and reached its maximum level as Sylus slipped her a chocolate chip cookie after she finished breakfast. He learned from Zayne, that the quickest way to his daughter's heart was through her stomach filled with sweets.
He helped her get ready for the day, after she had already chosen an outfit. All she needed help with was her hair, and Sylus didn't know how to do much else other than a ponytail and a simple braid. He learned how to do simple hairstyles when you two were dating. And it seemed to be enough for Peony, as she swished her ponytail satisfied.
You still hadn't come downstairs even as Peony brought her dolls in the living room to play. Sylus wanted to make sure everything was fine with you and Jasmine, so he went upstairs and listened outside your door. It didn't take long for him to hear a whine from Jasmine and your voice gently shushing her.
Now that he knew you were awake, he returned to the kitchen to prepare your breakfast and heat it back up. In a few minutes, he gathered the main and side plate on a tray, climbed back upstairs and knocked softly on the door.
You responded immediately, and Sylus pushed the door open. You were still tucked up in bed, Jasmine nursing on your breast with eyes still closed. Sylus tried to be a gentleman, at least once in his life, so he willed himself to glance away from your partially uncovered chest. You were the love of his life, and he, was nothing but a weak man in the face of his wife's beauty. At the same time, this was a natural moment between mother and baby, and he wanted to respect it.
"Good morning, have you slept well?" Sylus asked with a gentle voice, careful to not disturb the little baby.
"Good morning, Sy. I've had better nights, but I've had worse as well. Thank you for the breakfast in bed!" you said, a wide smile growing on your lips. Sylus couldn't resist returning that smile.
He set the tray on the nightstand, and you stretched over to grab a slice of cucumber to snack on while Jasmine still didn't want to let go of you.
"Zayne prepared the breakfast before he left. He also said he will probably have to work overnight." Sylus sat down gingerly on the edge of the bed while the two of you talked.
"I know. I was awake when he got up," you sighed, taking another bite of cucumber. "I suppose it's only the two of us today. Has Peony gotten up?"
"Yes, I already gave her breakfast, got her ready for the day, and now she's playing with her dolls in the living room."
You nodded, finished your cucumber, and reached to grab a cherry tomato to pop in your mouth. A strand of your hair fell over the side of your face, and Sylus' fingers moved on instinct to tuck it behind your ear. They lingered just behind your ear for a few more seconds than necessary, until you blushed and smiled shyly. Still, you did not tell him to remove his touch. But Sylus did before you'd become uncomfortable. For a few seconds, he considered telling you about the agreement, but the opportune faded away too quickly as Jasmine burped and detached herself from your nipple.
Sylus stood up from the bed before he could get a chance to look at your fully uncovered breast, a bead of milk still clinging on your nipple. He was far too weak of a man, and did not want to be affected by your partial nakedness at this moment.
"I'll let you eat and finish up with Jasmine. If you need anything, call after me," Sylus said, glancing away from you, just before he exited the master bedroom and closed the door behind himself.
***
It had been almost two weeks since Sylus returned home, and you couldn't be more grateful to have your first husband back. After the first few days of uncertainty, you settled into a nice routine with him around. Especially when Zayne wasn't here, you still had the help of a beloved person. And Peony had her father, who constantly trailed around her to help and play with whatever she wanted. And despite your uncertainty of how quickly Sylus would get used to fatherhood, it seemed to be quite natural for him. Perhaps because he had already been used to taking care of the twins when they were younger, and how happy he'd been when he learned you were pregnant, Sylus fit the fatherly role so naturally. This new lifestyle seemed to really match him, and you couldn't be happier.
The rest of the day was pretty nice, as Jasmine was more quiet and sleepy, a consequence of being fussy during the night, so you had more time to spend with Peony. You, Sylus, and your first daughter got to play out a story she invented about princesses and dragons. In the end, the big princess, you, ended up saving the dragon, Sylus, from an evil wizard, whose role was played by an ugly plushie she won from school a year ago, and the little princess, Peony, crowned her father as the Kingdom's Royal Dragon.
By the time your little play was done, Jasmine woke up again, ate some more and had her nappy changed. You let her have her tummy time in Sylus' presence, who had already learned in the past couple weeks how to take care of her, while you started preparing lunch with Peony's enthusiastic help. Usually, on a Sunday like this, the twins would come visit and eat a homemade meal. But today really was going to be spent only with Sylus and the girls, because the boys had a bigger project that was to start tomorrow, so they left Bloomshore a day earlier this weekend.
After lunch was finished, both girls had full bellies and got tired. Peony took a nap on the living room couch, while Jasmine slept in her mobile bassinet beside her older sister, and you and Sylus walked silently through the house as you two cleaned up. The kitchen was once more pristine, laundry was being washed, the floors were swept downstairs, and Sylus helped clean up both the guest bathroom he used, the one in the master bedroom, and the one used by Peony. You barely contained your laughter as you observed, in secret, the concentrated furrow of his brow as he cleaned the toilet in your bathroom. You had to leave from your hiding place as Sylus muttered how Zayne will be forced to clean all the bathrooms next time, before you actually burst out laughing.
Once the house was clean and the girls woke up, Peony expressed how much she wanted to go to the park. You could leave Sylus at home, still worried he might be recognized by the people who've known him before the war, but you felt bad leaving him all alone. He needed to bond more with his daughter, so it was necessary for him to go to the park with the whole family. After all, you could use another adult to take care of Peony while you cared for Jasmine.
So to make sure that Sylus won't be recognized, you disguised him. His unmistakable red eyes were covered by a pair of sunglasses, and his white hair coiffed in his usual style was hidden beneath a hat. If you expected him to be dead, then no one would recognize this man was Sylus. Worst case scenario, you'll pretend he's a distant relative of your first husband.
But thankfully, none of your worries came true. No one bothered Sylus, and he was free to follow Peony through the entire playground, while you rested on a bench, gently rocking Jasmine's stroller. You couldn't help but smile, realizing that the wish you thought would be forever impossible, actually came true. Back when it was just you and Peony, you imagined how happy Sylus would be to run after his daughter and play with her, hear her laughter and giggles. And now, you watched as your first husband and daughter played out your imagination, as if those seven years of pain didn't exist.
That sorrow would still need a long time to heal. But on days like this, it seemed to not burden you anymore. On days like this, you simply had a happy family.
The sun started to set as the family made its way back home. Jasmine was already asleep again, and even Peony was tired after all the fun she had. Sylus gave her a piggyback ride towards home, and she was excited to be the tallest person in the family at the moment.
Dinner was cooked in relative silence, as Jasmine continued to sleep in her bassinet in the kitchen, while Sylus sat in the living room with Peony to read books. Much the same, dinner was served in almost silence, as Peony had become really tired. She was also missing Zayne a lot, as his dinner plate was left on the kitchen counter to be reheated once he came back home.
"Papa really has to work that much today?" she asked while rotating the peas on her plate.
"Unfortunately, baby. He has a lot of hearts to save today," you tried to console her.
"Will he be back by the time I go to bed?"
You sighed, knowing the answer won't be liked. "I don't know, Peony. But probably not. The hospital really needs him tonight."
"But who will read to me tonight?" Peony whined, dropping her fork disappointed.
"Do you want daddy to read to you tonight?"
"But papa knows what he reads to me!"
"He reads 'Beyond Cloudfall' for you, right?" Sylus asked, and Peony turned her head to stare at her father. It almost looked like her wide, crimson eyes started to sparkle.
"YES!" Peony shouted and stood up on her chair. You were scared her scream of excitement will wake up her little sister. Thankfully, Jasmine didn't seem disturbed.
'Beyond Cloudfall' was a very popular classical novel, so widely known that it had been adapted into a children's version as well. That's the version Peony was reading. The book told the story of a land inhabited by the last dragon of its kind, his adventure with a sorceress who had been just as abused as him throughout life, and the tragedy of their fate that could not escape discrimination and unjustified violence. It was a pretty heavy novel, but because of it's popularity, a children version was done to deal with the same themes, but toned down for the growing minds of kids. And most importantly, this version had a happy ending for the dragon and the sorceress, an impossible ending that was alluded to in the original novel, a shared dream that the protagonists were never free to pursue.
Once dinner was done and Peony was bathed and clothed in her pajamas, Sylus settled beside her on the bed, continuing to read where Zayne had left off yesterday. By the time Sylus was reading the third chapter of the night, Peony was already fast asleep, clinging onto her favourite plushie in the shape of a fat crow. Both you and your first husband kissed her on the forehead, and let the little girl sleep and rest after such an active day. Thankfully, she'll get another day to spend home this week, as tomorrow her school will hold an important event for the highschoolers, and the younger classes gained a free day from it.
The two of you left your daughter's room and crossed the hallway to reach the master bedroom. You didn't want to let go of Sylus just yet, because you still wanted to talk with him. With both girls now asleep — even though you knew Jasmine will wake up to eat before you went to bed — it was a good moment to bond a little more with Sylus.
You sank heavily on the bed as you let yourself fall onto it, and Sylus chuckled at your exhausted sigh.
"You see how hard it is to take care of children all day long?" you said, careful to keep a low voice so you won't wake up the baby.
"I see. I was wondering why you haven't hired any nanny, a cleaner or a chef? You have more than enough money to pay them well," Sylus replied, sitting down beside you and resting against the headboard.
After you inherited everything Sylus owned, you had become a millionaire overnight. Obviously, you knew your husband's net wealth, but it still felt so surreal when everything was passed down to you and your daughter. "I know. I suppose I just got so used to not having that much money and doing everything myself. I wasn't particularly wealthy growing up."
You had been an orphan. Who knows what happened to your biological parents, if they simply abandoned you or they died, you never got the answer. Eventually, when you were about Peony's age, you and your best friend were taken out of the orphanage, and were raised in a foster home by a recently retired researcher. The older woman became your and Caleb's grandma, and she raised the two of you to the best of her abilities. Still, her pension wasn't that high, and a lot of it was saved month after month for your and Caleb's college fund.
"How did you deal with Peony when she was just a baby? You're exhausted and always busy with Jasmine, even with me and Zayne around."
You sighed. You didn't like thinking of those years during the war. To be honest, you don't truly know how you got through that period. You just did it, as hard as it was, because Peony needed you.
"It was hard. But I wasn't always alone. Grandma did come to help me, at least keep me company. I think I didn't truly realize how hard it was, because everyone had a hard time back then. I was only one out of thousands of mothers whose husbands were deployed. Seeing as everyone around me struggled, it didn't feel like I had it so much worse."
Sylus nodded, and his hand fell on the pillow, where your hair had sprawled out. He grasped a strand of your hair, gingerly twirling it in his hand.
"But I didn't come home after the war ended."
For a moment, you didn't know how to respond. You hated thinking of those years before your pain lessened. It was a good thing Peony had been too young, and she had no memories of the war, or how often her mother grieved.
"But you did come. After seven years of thinking it would be impossible, but better late than never, right?"
Sylus dropped your hair strand, and you sat up, propped against the headboard. You looked at his face that was angled away from you, his brow furrowed in concentration.
"I should have been here sooner. I should have never made you suffer."
"Sy, it's not your fault you were captured by the enemy. I know you never wanted me to suffer." You leaned on his shoulder, and he relaxed, his tense shoulder drooping down.
"I love you. I wanted to give you a happy life and family. Instead, we were only able to spend six months as husband and wife."
Your heart skipped a beat at his declaration of love. Your hands wrapped around his arm, hugging it. "I love you too. And you're home now, we're still young, we have a lot of life left to live together."
Sylus shook you off his arm so he could gather you in his embrace properly. He was warm, his sweater soft, and his heartbeat was strong and steady. The last time you two sat embraced on your marital bed like this, he was about to leave the very next morning.
"But it's not going to be like before. Back then it was only the two of us. You're married to Zayne now," Sylus reminded you of your second husband, although you never forgot about Zayne. Your selfish heart wished to keep them both tied to you, and you were loathe to have to talk about choosing between the two of them.
"I know. And please, Sylus, don't make me have to choose tonight. Today was such a pleasant day, I don't want to think about this right now…"
Sylus chuckled heartily and his whole body shook with laughter beneath your cheek. "Who said you have to choose, sweetie? Have we given that impression before?"
You raised your head to look at him. "What do you mean, Sylus?"
"Exactly what you heard, darling. If you don't want to choose between me and Zayne, we're alright with each other. Isn't is easier to accept one another and spend time with you and our daughters, than fight over you and create more stress on your already overworked mind? You decide what you want from your relationships with your husbands."
You opened your mouth, tried to come up with a response, then closed your mouth again. Your lips parted once more, but still, no answer was verbalised. Were you so exhausted you started to dream? Or hallucinate?
Sylus touched your chin and pushed it up to close your mouth. "What, are you surprised? Were you not aware you married very mature men?"
He was smirking, and your cheeks started to burn. What…?
"Yes, very mature… I'm sorry, Sylus, did you just tell me you and Zayne are willing to share a wife?!"
He chuckled again. "Yes. As long as you want it. Is there any point in fighting, when we can both win and keep you and the kids happy?"
Indeed, you married very mature men. Frighteningly mature, but you were never going to complain about that.
"And you talked about this? About being ok with each other?"
"Mhm. We had a discussion on the first night of my return, but we simply haven't had any good moments to tell you about our agreement."
You continued to question him about his discussion with Zayne, and you finally gained some very satisfying answers. There was finally a reason why the two of them started to act so flirty around you on the second day. And it made sense why neither of them seemed bothered by the other for these almost two weeks. You assumed it was because of their prior relationship, but this was so much more than you could have ever believed. Another stone was lifted off your shoulders. Still, you were pretty sure their previous friendship was a reason for their swift agreement.
"Is it because you two are great friends?"
"Well, I wouldn't trust another man like I trust your doctor, so yes. Though great friends might be a stretch."
You raised your eyebrows. "A stretch? I thought you two might be best friends after such an agreement. What other two men would agree to share a wife? At the end of the day, I've always known you to be pretty lonely, you've never really had close friends other than me. And you trust Zayne so much, so wouldn't you say he is your best friend?"
Sylus hummed and pondered what you said for a little while. It seemed this was a revelation for him, though for you it was simply the most logical conclusion.
"Hmm, you might not be wrong, kitten. I don't know if there is another person, beside you, who I'd be able to hold in the same high regard as I hold Zayne."
Even after responding, he still continued to ponder about this relationship. How wonderful it was that the two men you loved and married were such close friends. Sometimes, it seemed like your life was really lucky.
You leaned forward to leave a kiss on his cheek, and Sylus instantly snapped out of his thoughts. His smile reeked of satisfaction from your gentle touch.
"So, Sylus, if I were to kiss you, Zayne wouldn't feel betrayed?" you asked, your heart beating faster as you thought of reconnecting with your first husband.
"I've seen you kiss him plenty of times, and I wasn't bothered. The same should apply for him too."
You hesitated for a few seconds, biting your lip. When you looked back at Sylus, his cheeks were dusted with a pink colouring that was spreading to the tips of his ears. You tentatively ran your fingers down his cheek, then cupped the side of his face in your palm.
"Can I kiss you, Sylus?"
"Please," he whispered with a low voice.
You didn't wait a moment longer, your eyes closed, and your lips pressed against his own. He moaned as his lips parted to move alongside yours, while tears sprang behind your closed eyelids. The kiss was gentle and slow, a soft exploration of what you both once knew. A new meeting after you've forgotten what it felt like. A tender movement that still held the rhythm of what's been ingrained in both your souls.
The kiss grew more passionate as both of you became braver, greedier, hungrier to meet each other again. You threw your hands over his shoulders, his tightened on your waist, tugging you to sit on his lap. Breath and saliva were swapped between your insatiable lips and your tears slipped down your cheeks, both of you tasting salt as ardour grew. You devoured his mouth, just like he did in return, barely parting to breathe on your own before crashing against each other again and again.
You felt him grow happy and satisfied beneath you, and you couldn't resist grinding down on him. He let out such a delicious, needy moan as you started to move on top of him. One of his hands cradled the back of your head, his fingers slipping through your tresses. He pulled gently on your hair, and you moaned detaching from his lips, a string of spit still connecting you two.
"You're greedy, kitten," he said trough heavy breaths, his lips swollen because of you as he licked them. His own hips bucked upwards into yours, and another whine escaped your throat.
"You taught me to be greedy," you replied, still out of breath, still grinding down on his hardened length.
Sylus smirked and laughed. "I see. It seems the student has bested her teacher." Another buck of his hips moved into you.
His mouth descended on your neck, sucking on the tender skin there as you both rolled your hips into a satisfying pattern. His lips and teeth teased your throat, making you whine as both of your bodies heat up. The pressure of his palms tracing over your waist and back made goosebumps rise on your skin.
He detached his lips from your neck, the spot now growing colder from the saliva he left there, but the blood beneath your flesh pumped faster. It was all so exhilarating to feel Sylus again, to become obsessed with his touch, to crave his presence to envelop you entirely. His eyes were such a deep crimson as he faced you again, leaving you only a moment to breathe, before attacking you with kisses down your jaw, neck and collarbones again.
And then, you heard a little whimper coming from the bassinet on the other side of the room.
You jolted away from Sylus before he could even comprehend what happened, approaching your baby before she could start crying. This wasn't the first make-out session interrupted by your baby, it was simply the first one with Sylus.
"It's alright, my little love, mommy is here," you cooed and kissed Jasmine's head as she tried to babble. She didn't immediately reach to breastfeed, so she probably wasn't hungry, rather just needed attention as she woke up.
"I forgot you had an infant for a few moments," Sylus' breathy voice spoke. You turned towards him, leaning against the pillows, a look of pure satisfaction stretched over his face.
You laughed. "Jasmine never lets herself be forgotten for long."
Sylus hummed, looking at you like a love-struck fool. Much the same way he did when you two first started dating. "She takes after her mother."
You laughed, again, suddenly feeling shy. Like you did when you first started dating Sylus. A decade passed since then, and you married him, gave birth to his daughter, mourned him, married again, gave birth to another daughter. Still, this moment felt as if it was new again.
"She already has such a strong personality," you replied, a blush born out of shyness spreading over your cheeks now.
Jasmine's little hands, who just started a couple of days ago to try and grab at you, and her little mouth, were now exploring your chest, finally ready to seek out her beloved milk.
"Ah, she's hungry now," you giggled, opening up your blouse, and taking out your breast from the nursing bra. Your daughter happily latched on.
The bed shifted, and Sylus cleared his throat as he stood up. "I should probably leave you to get ready for bed after you finish with Jasmine."
"Wait!" you quickly responded, not letting Sylus take another step away. "I… I'm not really used to being alone anymore. Could you… stay here, tonight?"
Sylus looked at you, stunned for a moment, then he promptly scolded his features back into his neutral, confident expression. "Sure, sweetie, anything for you."
You smiled, glad your night with Sylus wasn't ending so suddenly.
"But, could I take a shower, first?"
"Oh, sure, I put the clean towels on the rack already!"
Sylus cleared his throat again, blushed, and moved towards the bathroom. Only after he closed the door behind himself, did you realize why he needed such a fast shower. He had already been pent up from your make-out session, and taking out your boob probably did not help at all. You tried to stifle your laughter, but you failed miserably.
"Stop laughing," his voice rang out from the bathroom before you heard the water turning on.
You laughed even harder.
***
By the time he opened the front door, the entrance clock read 2:49 A.M. Zayne exhaled, dropping his keys on the console stand and hanging up his coat. After taking off his shoes too, he moved slowly through the house, knowing that everyone else was fast asleep. He couldn't wait to join the rest of his family in the land of dreams. Three surgeries after a morning full of appointments took everything out of him.
Zayne walked in the kitchen for a glass of water, and noticed the plate of dinner left for him, and the note from you that reminded him to heat it up. He smiled, having missed you so much. Unfortunately, he was far too tired to eat anymore, so he put the plate inside the fridge, deciding to eat it tomorrow at breakfast.
His steps were light as he climbed upstairs. He looked briefly towards Peony's room, but decided against checking on her. He'd probably only end up waking the girl.
So he moved forward towards his own room, pushing the door open slowly, to disturb neither you nor Jasmine. Nor Sylus, apparently, as Zayne noticed the large lump of man lying on top of the comforter, his arms encircling your waist. Well, it seems Sylus found an opportune moment to talk about their agreement. If he hadn't been so tired, and if the other man wouldn't have been such a 'dear' friend, Zayne would have kicked him out of his bed.
But Zayne's annoyed feelings softened as he neared the two of you sleeping, once he noticed a few tears beading at the corner of Sylus' eyes. That's when Zayne also observed how raggedly Sylus was breathing, his nostrils drawing in sharp breaths.
Zayne sighed, crossed the bed, and slowly lifted Sylus' legs to drag the comforter from underneath him. Sylus rattled in his sleep, and Zayne tried to shush him back into unconsciousness, as he pushed up his waist to completely drag away the comforter. Before Sylus could wake up, Zayne covered him, and tucked the heavy blanket behind his waist.
Zayne crossed back to his side of the bed, looked at his little daughter sleeping soundly, and decided to follow in her tiny footsteps. He stripped off his work trousers, his tie and shirt, put on a pair of pajama bottoms and climbed in the bed, snuggling contently behind you.
Another set of arms encircled your waist, as your second husband fell asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.
Notes: The relationship between MC and her husbands is finally advancing, and I am pleased to announce that the next chapter will feature the first smut scene! (The rating will also be increased from Mature to Explicit).
I also wanted to announce, that if the next event in the game will be Sylus' third Myth (as it has been speculated), then the next chapter may come a bit later than usual. I will be far too enticed, and I know I'll spend a lot of time playing with the companion, read the Myth, and take pictures.
As always, thank you so much for reading my fic!
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Disclaimer: If you want to be added to the taglist, please leave a comment, but make sure you have your age in your bio so I can check if you are 18+. I do not feel comfortable interacting with minors, my page and my fics are made for adults. This fic will feature smut in the next chapter. Thank you for reading!
