Setting Sail
The salty mist from the Emerald Coast’s pristine waters splash upon the deck of the small trading vessel. Lumi stands beside Khimi at the bow, obvious discomfort is showing in his form. His hand grips Khimi’s arm tightly as it’s wrapped around his waist. The vessel rolls up and down against the waves slightly, the rocking causes Lumi to grab hold of the wooden rails. He looks uncomfortably towards Khimi and Khimi responds with a sheepish grin. The deck rocks once more again, pushing Lumi against Khimi’s sturdy frame. He curses softly under his breath, his stomach churns, and he realizes that his supposed sense of balance is no match for the unpredictable seas. His first voyage is proving to be more challenging than he ever could have imagined.
The small vessel jostles and rocks through the choppy waves, causing Khimi to lean in closer to Lumi to support him. “Why don’t you rest below deck?” he suggests, noticing Lumi’s queasiness.
Lumi frowns, feeling the constant motion of the boat churning his gut. “I should probably spend more time on deck… get used to it,” he says tentatively. But as the vessel dips once again into a surge, Lumi clings tighter to the railing, his knuckles turning white.
“Don’t worry. Above deck, or below deck, you’ll get used to it,” Khimi reassures him with a laugh. “Just a few more days until we’re outside Betset.”
“One day was enough for me,” Lumi mutters, trying to steady himself against the relentless rocking. “Couldn’t we have gotten a bigger ship? Someone told me it wasn’t so bad on bigger ships!”
Khimi chuckles at Lumi’s comment. “Trust me, it’s just as rough on any ship when you first start sailing,” he says, his tone light. “But if you’d like, you can rest below deck with me. It might be easier for you in the dark.”
The implication in his words is not lost on Lumi, who quickly shakes his head. “No thank you… I don’t think my stomach could handle all that movement. You go get some rest without me.” With that, he turns back towards the open water and takes deep breaths, trying to calm his queasy stomach.
“Well, time tends to pass quicker when you’re asleep during these kinds of trips. You won’t conquer your sea legs by staying up here,” Khimi remarks with a smug grin. He glances back at the crew before reaching around Lumi’s lower back and teasingly fondling his rear, squeezing his soft flesh.
“In front of the crew?” Lumi responds, his face flushing from ghostly pale to a deep crimson. “They’re not paying us any mind,” Khimi reassures before gently moving aside the loose flap of Lumi’s loincloth. His fingers trail along the thin string running between Lumi’s asscheeks, causing him to let out a small whimper. “You’re sweating,” he teases, pressing his fingers against Lumi’s damp entrance.
“Khimi… the crew…” Lumi starts in defiance, but then pops his hips back. His resolve shatters the moment Khimi’s fingers sink deeper, giving a firm push into the yielding warmth. “I’ll come down shortly,” he gasps, his breath hitching as Khimi presses more insistently. “F-fine… put them in.”
“Good,” Khimi murmurs, his lips grazing the shell of Lumi’s ear, causing him to shudder in delight. His fingers pull back to trail along the length of Lumi’s tail before tightening possessively around the tip. “Beg for it,” he whispers, his voice dripping with command.
Lumi whines, twisting to free his tail from Khimi’s grasp. “I thought you were going to put them in?” But as he begins to protest, his eyes flicker down, catching the unmistakable bulge in Khimi’s trousers. A giddy grin spreads across his lips. “Or were you thinkin’ of putting something else in me?” He palms over at the straining fabric. “C’mon, Khimi…”
Khimi’s gaze roams over Lumi’s form with hungry admiration, his eyes dark and smoldering, taking in every curve, every tempting inch with unrestrained hunger.
“One day without my ass is already too much for you?” Lumi presses, his voice a low, knowing smirk on his lips.
“Well, I was hoping to steal one more day with you before we left… but things got hectic,” Khimi admits, his teeth grazing his bottom lip in a teasing bite. His eyes rake over Lumi, drinking him in. “But now… we’re here, and you’re in this.”
“Glad you approve of my outfit,” Lumi chuckles, enjoying the heat in Khimi’s gaze.
Khimi smirks, the glint in his eyes, telling. “My Dolman concubine,” he purrs. “How about you come see me when you finally get your sea legs?”
“I won’t be much longer,” Lumi promises, turning toward the bow. He hesitates, then throws a playful glance over his shoulder. “C-concubine? That’s a new one.”
Lumi waits, holding onto the railing along the bow. The sound of Khimi’s footfalls slowly fade across the deck, leaving behind only the sound of the waves crashing against the timbers. I don’t know how much more I can take. Alone, Lumi grips the railing, his stomach twisting violently. He groans, resting his forehead against the wood before squatting up and down in a desperate, if ridiculous, attempt to steady himself. Angered by his weakness, he shouts a curse at the sea at the top of his lungs.
Moments pass before he looks up, falling to his knees. They said looking in our direction of travel would help. Lumi presses his head against the banisters as if to force it through. The wind whips against his face; the salt spray licks his cheeks. The sun dashes from behind the clouds, the heat from the sun kisses his skin. He rolls his head back and forth against the wood, his tail coiling tightly against him. He picks it up, running his fingers through the coarse hair. I almost wish Rashid were here… and Ennui just keeps laughing at me. He picks through the tip of his tail, pulling a handful of hairs out in frustration, while he listens to the deckhands clamoring among themselves and wonders if any of them could offer him any advice. He groans against the banisters again, then stands quickly, attempting to catch his balance. I can run across a fence, but I can’t handle a boat?
As he makes his way across the deck, Lumi is keenly aware of the stares from the crewmen. A sudden discomfort washes over him as he reaches the door to Khimi’s quarters. He hesitates, his hand resting on the doorknob. I’m just going to disappoint him, Lumi thinks to himself. With a deep breath, he presses against the wooden door, feeling its resistance from being worn down by the weather. After a quick nudge from his shoulder, Lumi manages to force it open wide enough for him to enter. Inside, Khimi sits up abruptly from a small alcove beneath a circular window, his expression warming at the sight of Lumi.
The ship rocks back and forth, causing Lumi to pull the door closed tightly behind him before leaning against it with his eyes closed, waiting for the nausea-inducing motion to pass. The incessant creaking of the timbers seems to sing in harmony with the swaying of the ship.
Khimi stands from the bed, his Sidian undergarments loosely hanging from his form, barely held up by a knot of fabric that struggles to contain the weight of his manhood. As Lumi opens his eyes, he can’t help but feel heat rushing to his cheeks at the sight of Khimi in all his masculine glory. The evening light streams through the circular window above them, casting Khimi’s muscles in sharp relief. Lumi’s tail shakes with excitement at Khimi’s approach.
With forearms pressed against the door frame, Khimi looks down at Lumi with ravenous eyes. Lumi’s ears twitch uncontrollably while Khimi’s chin rests gently on top of his head. The warmth emanating from Khimi’s body is inviting, and Lumi can hardly contain his giddiness.
“Let me make you something,” Khimi whispers into Lumi’s ear. “It might help,” he adds, his tongue darting out to flick against the sensitive pink skin inside Lumi’s ear.
“Alright,” Lumi whispers back, the low rumble of his purrs revealing his excitement as his ear twitches against Khimi’s tongue. “What is it?” he asks, leaning back against the door.
“Just a tea. Something to settle your stomach,” Khimi replies, placing a hand on Lumi’s waist. “Another remedy…is moving with the motion of the waves,” he adds, teasingly gnawing on Lumi’s thick rounded ear with his sharp teeth.
Khimi’s fingers slide beneath the thin string along Lumi’s waist, giving it a playful snap against his hip. He then buries his face into Lumi’s hair, inhaling deeply before letting his hand wander down to squeeze his supple rear firmly. As Lumi exhales deeply, his purrs grow louder with each touch, his body heats more in response. Despite his seasickness, he can’t help but feel an intense desire to touch, to feel. His mouth waters at the thought of Khimi’s fat cock in his mouth—by the gods, he’d give anything for his stomach to quit churning. He pinches his eyes closed. Dick, dick, dick, dick. It doesn’t help.
Pushing his waist against Lumi, Khimi grinds his groin against him and fills Lumi’s senses with his unique scent—a mix of brine, sweat, and smoke. As much as Lumi wants to give in to his desires and pleasure Khimi, he knows he can’t keep anything down. “Eh? What about that tea?” he mutters, trying to distract himself by looking towards a small table near the bed.
“You seem like you’re feeling better,” Khimi says through pursed lips, allowing his other hand to slide down to Lumi’s rear while pushing their pelvises together more firmly.
“No… I can’t hold anything down even if I wanna,” Lumi admits, unable to tear his eyes away from the impressive bulge pressed against him. “My body feels like it’s turnin’ against me,” he whispers dejectedly.
Khimi scoffs. “How about you try laying down with me for a bit…? Then if you still feel ill, I’ll make the tea,” he suggests, leaning back to gauge Lumi’s expression.
“Fine,” Lumi resigns, color rushing into his cheeks.
“Alright,” Khimi grunts, heaving Lumi against his body, his fingers kneading deep into the meat of Lumi’s ass.
“I could have walked,” Lumi mutters against him.
“It’s just a few paces,” Khimi says, scoffing.
Despite his initial protests, Lumi can’t deny the warmth and comfort of being held by Khimi as he gently lays him down on the thin mattress. “It just makes me feel like… I’m incapable or something,” he sighs and looks up at the circular window above them. “When I get my appetite back, I’ll show you how capable I am!” he declares, determined to make it up to Khimi once he’s feeling better.
“Oh, I know you’re plenty capable,” Khimi’s hot breath tickles Lumi’s ear as he leans in closer, his fingertips deftly slipping beneath the loincloth. Lumi can feel his cheeks flush, his heart racing at Khimi’s touch. “And you never seemed to mind any other time I’ve carried you,” he whispers, his voice smug.
Lumi swallows nervously, his thoughts drifting back to the times Khimi carried him. “Well… one time I was drinking. And another…” He blushes, trailing off. “You know what we were doing.”
A low chuckle rumbles from Khimi’s chest. His lips trace Lumi’s thick, rounded ear. “Oh, I remember,” he murmurs. “I was deep inside you, and you wouldn’t stop moaning.”
“Uhhh,” Lumi starts, his thoughts muddled by Khimi’s lust-filled words. “I-I’m not responsible for the sounds I make when your cock is in my ass,” he confesses with a gasp.
“Oh, but I love those sounds,” Khimi murmurs, his fingers tracing slow patterns along Lumi’s thigh.
With nothing but the deft movements of his feet, Lumi tugs at Khimi’s undergarments, the sound of fabric slides from Khimi’s body and hits the planks with a muted thud beneath them. His breath catches as his eyes lower, drawn to the impressive sight before him—Khimi’s cock, thick and aching, bobbing up and down eagerly in front of him. The flushed tip glistens, swollen, ready to burst with need. A surge of arousal courses through Lumi as he gazes upon Khimi before him and as he watches, his own erection stirring beneath his loincloth.
Khimi watches him with a knowing smirk, his desire apparent as his grip tightens around Lumi’s thigh. He hums as his fingers slip beneath the narrow string, grazing teasingly along sensitive skin. “You’re all wet…”
With his leg propped up against his chest, held firm in Khimi’s grasp, Lumi sucks in a sharp breath, bracing himself. But the moment Khimi presses against him, a jolt of pain shoots through his body, his muscles tensing as he recoils. His head falls back against the thin cushions, a frustrated groan slipping past his lips. “Khimi,” he breathes, squirming under the firm touch. “Oil… please.”
Khimi chuckles, his arrogance on full display. “You’re such a wimp.”
Lumi’s breath hitches. “So… no oil?” His back arches as Khimi’s fingers press more insistently against his entrance, the lack of preparation making the sensation all the more overwhelming. He bites his lip, muffling the moans threatening to spill as Khimi works him open, stretching him in careful, circular rings. The sting is sharp, nearly unbearable—but if he can survive this, there will be nothing but ecstasy.
Khimi grins, bringing his knees to either side of Lumi’s waist. “Unless,” he murmurs, voice filled with amusement, “you’d care for my spit.” He rolls his hips just enough for Lumi to feel the slick head of his cock teasing against him. “Or,” he adds, smirking, “I can just—”
“Not yet!” Lumi exclaims as Khimi pulls him closer, his cock sliding over Lumi’s waist. “Khimi, no!” he shouts, feeling the overwhelming size of Khimi against him. “It’s gonna hurt!”
“I wasn’t—” Khimi growls under his breath, blowing air through his lips. “Though this… is a vision.” His turgid cock sits atop Lumi’s abdomen, reaching past his navel. “Look at how deep it goes inside of you,” he muses, running a hand along Lumi’s soft musculature. “I must go all the way to your belly.”
“Trust, I know how deep you go,” Lumi affirms while rubbing his smooth stomach where Khimi’s precum drools.
“Let me know if you start to feel unwell,” Khimi murmurs as he lifts Lumi’s ankle to his lips, teeth grazing over his toes in a teasing nip.
Lumi shivers, nerves and anticipation twisting in his gut. The weight of Khimi’s body, the warmth of his skin, the way he positions himself—it’s almost too much. His breath catches as Khimi’s cock glides against him again, promising the most mind shattering pleasure.
“I’m just going to shove it in, okay?” Khimi asks, his tone low, dripping with intent.
“No!” Lumi blurts out, his voice strained. “I’m gonna die,” he adds, a breathless laugh escaping him—equal parts nervous and exhilarated.
With a firm grip, Khimi seizes the thin cloth between Lumi’s cheeks and yanks it aside with rough impatience.
As Khimi releases his raised leg, Lumi’s breath hitches. His gaze locks onto Khimi, watching intently as he positions himself. The bulky head now pressing insistently against his puckered entrance. A gasp escapes him as Khimi wraps a hand around his own length, gripping the base and slowly stroking, intentional and taunting. With each measured shift of foreskin over the sensitive tip, dollops of precum spill onto Lumi’s slick entrance, quivering in anticipation. Lumi shifts, tentatively lowering his leg to rest against Khimi’s side, but Khimi exhales sharply, frustration flickering in his eyes. He shakes his head. He wants it deep…
His patience snapping, Khimi grabs Lumi’s ankles and pushes them back against his chest, forcing him open for better access. Lumi gasps again as his knees press against his own body, his breath stolen as Khimi’s cock grinds against his entrance, teasing, testing. The moment it breaches him, a deep groan tears from Lumi’s throat, his fingers scrambling for purchase before finding a small cushion. He bites down hard, muffling the desperate cries of pleasure spilling from his lips. Every inch, every throbbing vein, is felt as Khimi sinks deeper, stretching Lumi open in slow, relentless inches. Lumi whines into the pillow, his body writhing under the sensation, every nerve alight. Khimi seems to drink in the sight of him—his flushed skin, the way he squirms, the insatiable need he has for his fat cock.
Overcome, Khimi shifts, pushing Lumi’s legs even further back, folding him open completely. The new angle sends a sharp cry from Lumi’s throat, his body arching as waves of ecstasy crash over him. His vision blurs, his eyes rolling back as pleasure overtakes him, drool slipping from the corner of his lips onto the pillow stuffing his mouth. And still, Khimi pushes deeper. He pulls Lumi’s ankles up, resting them on his broad shoulders as his cock remains deep inside. Gasping for air and with a mind foggy from pleasure, Lumi’s entire body goes numb.
With every buck of Khimi’s hips, his thigh brushes against Lumi’s tail, and he reaches out a trembling hand to caress Khimi’s cheek. But Khimi reaches past his touch, fingers threading into Lumi’s hair, drawing him closer. As their lips meet, their tongues battle for dominance, saliva dripping between their mouths. Amidst all the pleasure, Lumi’s senses ignite with the familiar taste of Khimi’s mouth, bringing him back to reality.
Khimi slowly slides onto his elbows, his grunts letting Lumi know he’s savoring his wet, inner warmth with each thoughtfully slow thrust. On a particularly rough buck, his cock escapes from within, heavy and glistening with fluid. Khimi pants hard and rubs himself between Lumi’s cleft, the sensation of the black thong rubbing against his swollen shaft only seeming to intensify his desire. He thrusts himself back inside with heated need. The sound of his wet sack slapping against Lumi’s sopping ass fills the small quarters. The lusty sounds seem to awaken a primal energy within Khimi, and he coils his hands into Lumi’s hair. With his head pulled back, Lumi stares into Khimi’s eyes—deep cerulean threatening to devour him. Tears prick at the corners of Lumi’s eyes. Gods, he’s actually gone mad!
Time loses meaning; Khimi continues pounding away until his breath catches and Lumi can feel him nearing the edge. But he withdraws and strokes his glistening length with urgency, the weighty foreskin gliding over the tip. With a swift motion, he shifts Lumi onto his side, aligning himself with fervor. A moan of raw passion escapes him as he plunges forward, and Lumi responds by arching his back eagerly, driving Khimi’s cock even deeper into him. Khimi’s hand clamps down on Lumi’s thigh, hoisting it forcefully while he thrusts with a rapid intensity from behind.
Lumi’s hand runs to his abdomen, once more, feeling Khimi pressing into his depths. He’s trying to break me. Khimi’s teeth trail across Lumi’s shoulder before he begins to nip at his flesh, placing his lips against Lumi’s shoulders, sucking deeply, leaving small welts.
“Khimi…” Lumi gasps out between thrusts. “Wha-what about your crew?” he manages to choke out.
A rough kiss and an even more forceful thrust is Khimi’s response. “Don’t ruin this,” he growls into Lumi’s ear with a possessive edge. “Besides, they already know I shove my cock up your ass.”
With those searing, dominant words, any lingering doubts in Lumi vanish. He surrenders completely to Khimi’s overwhelming dominance, his tail slapping against Khimi’s thigh in approval. Each thrust sends shudders of ecstasy through him as he whimpers. Two days… and he’s gone mad! In a ferocious maneuver, Khimi bites into Lumi’s shoulder, then flips him onto his stomach. The thin mattress barely cushions the punishing impact of his plunging thrusts from behind. Lumi moans uncontrollably as Khimi mounts him, pressing his head forcefully down onto the cushion. With his thighs straddling Lumi’s ass, Khimi grinds into him like a rutting beast. Clutching the sheets for dear life, Lumi pulls them violently towards himself, his entire being trembling and shaking.
The heaviness of Khimi’s balls slap against Lumi’s ass, clapping in rhythm with his movements, while Lumi’s toes curl and his body ripples from the force. As his climax surges in a torrent, cum seeps into the sheets, and a desperate constriction takes hold, pleading to pull Khimi completely inside him. Khimi grunts hungrily as his arms tremble, stuffing himself completely inside.
Moans of elation ring out loud as Lumi feels the pulse of thick, engorged veins along Khimi’s cock colliding with his soft, padded inner walls. Gripping Lumi’s waist with rough, calloused hands, Khimi curses under his breath. Leaning over him, his testicles contract draw tight, shooting a searing warmth deep inside Lumi, who writhes in delight as his legs curl and shake under the force of Khimi’s orgasm.
A staggering, breathless murmur escapes Khimi as he collapses atop Lumi, his lips brushing through the tangled mess of damp, golden hair. Even after everything, he can’t seem to resist the urge to grind his hips as his cum pours out of Lumi’s overwhelmed depths. With one hand threading through Lumi’s disheveled hair and the other gripping his waist possessively, he seems to revel in the warmth as he whispers filthy affirmations against him.
Lumi grumbles, straining beneath Khimi’s weight, the heat of their bodies making him feel suffocated. He desperately tries to free himself, but Khimi’s grip is firm. The sensation of their slick skin sliding against each other is both uncomfortable and strangely arousing. “You’re heavier than you think,” Lumi grunts, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead.
Khimi pushes himself up by his elbows. “Oh,” he taunts with a mocking tone, “don’t like it when I am on top of you?” He playfully pushes himself back down onto Lumi, their skin slapping together with wet smacks.
Lumi lets out a frustrated grunt. “Normally… I would be fine with it,” he admits, “but my stomach is startin’ to turn, and I need some air.” He strains against Khimi’s weight, desperate for breath. “And my tail is starting to ache,” he adds, wincing at the sharp pain. “My tail! Ouch, ouch!”
“If you’re going on deck, let me go with you,” Khimi says as he rolls over onto his side.
With a gasp, Khimi’s now-flaccid cock slides out of Lumi’s body, leaving him longing for its warmth to remain. After a moment of catching his breath, Lumi speaks again, “I just… need a moment.” In haste, he straightens his disheveled loincloth, the heavy black cloth stained with fluids. He frowns and turns to Khimi. “Do you have something to wash this?” he asks while holding up the soiled flap of fabric.
“I can have a deckhand—”
“It’s fine, I’ll do it myself!” Lumi cuts in, embarrassment heating his cheeks. “I’d rather not have someone else wash your cum from my clothes.”
“Why not?” Khimi teases with a flat look before standing up, quickly wrapping the loose material of his undergarment around his waist. “I’ll fetch a bucket and see if Ennui has anything to get those stains out,” he says, then adds with a grumble as he opens the door, “You know… you could have just taken it off.”
“You didn’t give me time!” Lumi calls back, still feeling flustered.
As a cool breeze rushes into the room and Lumi shivers from the sudden chill. He takes in his surroundings, noting through the window the dark sky filled with stars. How long were we at it…? He removes the rest of his clothing—the chestwrap and stockings—and tosses them onto the bed before pacing around the cabin. The rocking of the ship seems to have calmed down as they travel through the night. His eyes fall upon a small ledger on Khimi’s desk, filled with vellum pages covered in confusing letters and numbers. Silks, gold, spices, jewelry, livestock, and more are listed on its pages. The Zeybeks certainly know how to make a living. He sits on the small stool, continuing his study of the ledger. A curious mark catches his eye. An arcane sigil? It isn’t the Cerulean Star’s, that’s for sure. He traces his fingers over the marking. As he flips each of the vellum pages, he notices the sigil drawn again in the same corner. Maybe I should ask him. The vessel’s timbers creak loudly, the ledger and inkwell nearly sliding from the desk. The feeling of discomfort returns. Lumi lays his head across the desk, praying for the feeling to pass.
***
Rain begins to patter against the side of the vessel. The sounds of deckhands shouting to one another awakens Lumi from the desk. He was supposed to be right back. Standing from the desk, he steadies himself against the rough wooden table, his gaze quickly scans the room for something to cover himself with. Spotting one of Khimi’s linen shirts hanging from a chest beneath the bed, Lumi hastily pulls at the sleeve and drapes it over his head. The fabric hangs loosely on him, almost reaching his knees.
As he bursts out of the door in frustration at Khimi’s absence, Lumi is met with a scene of chaos on the deck. The sound of shouting becomes deafening as he steps into the hallway. His heart races at the sight before him; crew members stand at the front of the hall, brandishing swords and daggers in an attempt to fend off a towering creature. The dark figure stands over them, water dripping from its scaly skin, across the planks. Lumi can’t help but gasp in shock before he prepares himself. As he joins the fray, he catches a glimpse of its gaping maw, filled with sharp and broken teeth. A set of gills on its neck rhythmically opens and closes, revealing bright red filaments underneath. In its clawed hand, it holds a mighty trident that strikes out at the crew members with relentless ferocity. They stumble backwards in fear and desperation.
Amidst the chaos and danger, Lumi frantically tries to catch Khimi’s attention. He rushes towards the monstrous being, and it lets out a guttural snarl that sounds like a mixture of gurgles and screeches, its language incomprehensible to Lumi. But the message is clear—this creature will give him no quarter. Undeterred, Lumi reaches for his golden choker and whispers a prayer to the gods, pleading for their help and guidance. A sudden warmth fills him, coursing through his body and sparking little bolts of light along his fingertips.
The creature swings its deadly weapon at Lumi with ferocious strength, causing the trident to smash into the wooden wall with a deafening crash. Splinters fly across the floor as Lumi crouches low to avoid the blow. He focuses on channeling the glowing energy, creating a fierce burst of light that strikes the creature’s chest and leaves behind a searing wound. Thin tendrils of light then wrap around its body, illuminating its features and revealing more of its terrifying nature.
Lumi had never seen this manner of beast, yet he heard the tales of ships being attacked by men who resemble fish. Maneaters. He had heard a sailor call them that before. He scours the deck, spotting Ennui and Khimi engaged with more of the fearsome creatures. His thoughts are brought back to his current situation. A crewmate runs his scimitar into the creature’s chest. It snarls, gripping the man’s hand holding the sword. With a fierce shout, Lumi channels words that seem to carry a power beyond his understanding—words whispered to him by his mysterious gods before erupting from his mouth in a roar.
The incantation ignites the creature in a brilliant explosion of cobalt flames, casting an otherworldly glow across the entire area. The heat from the flames washes over Lumi, leaving him breathless and exhilarated. The once-ferocious beast catches fire before his very eyes, every color imaginable dancing within the flames and creating a mesmerizing spectacle unlike anything Lumi has ever witnessed before.
The creature recoils in pain, its head snapping back towards the railing. The deckhand’s eyes fill with horror as the creature lunges at the railing, still gripping onto his arm. In a matter of seconds, both the creature and the crewman disappear from Lumi’s sight, the sound of splintering wood ringing in his ears. Shock and hopelessness overwhelm him, but he forces himself to focus on Khimi. Thunder booms overhead and lightning crackles through the dark clouds. A stray bolt strikes nearby, casting an eerie light across the deck. Six of them. Lumi sprints down the hallway, his bare feet slipping slightly on the slick deck. He barely registers his lack of attire as he rushes towards Khimi and Ennui.
“What happened?!” Lumi shouts, grabbing a broken broom from the deck.
“What…?” Ennui replies, confusion etched on her face. “Are you dense?! We were attacked!” She swings at one of the fish-like creatures with all her might.
“Get back to the room!” Khimi roars, his scimitars locked in battle against one of the creatures’ spears.
“To me!” Ennui interrupts. “Help me out over here!”
Lumi hurries towards Ennui, but keeps an eye on Khimi. He watches in awe as Khimi’s blades burst into a ruby flame, illuminating the wet and rough skin of the creature before him. Lumi turns back to Ennui, noticing two fallen creatures nearby with daggers embedded in their bodies, a chilling reminder of Ennui’s talents. He swings the broken broomstick at the creature attacking her, but it seems unfazed by his efforts and continues to relentlessly attack Ennui with its razor sharp claws. Just then, a large wave rocks the ship and sends Ennui sliding towards the creature. It seizes the opportunity and digs its claws deep into her side, drawing blood. The scent of iron fills the air as Ennui stumbles back, pressing a hand to her injury and gripping a dagger tightly in her other hand.
Lumi grabs hold of the creature’s arm, the rough, wet skin feels alien and unlike anything he’s ever touched. It pulls against his grasp, lurching Lumi towards it. Words flow into his mind, shouting in ancient tongues.He closes his eyes, offering a quick incantation. An uneasy sensation comes across him, only to quickly leave him. The creature’s eyes widen in shock and pain as old wounds across its body reopened, years of healing undone in mere moments. With a thud, it falls to the ground—its once wet eyes now withered and its body rapidly desiccating. Ennui shakes her head in bewilderment, her eyes glowing with confusion. Lumi stares at the shriveled corpse on the floor until Ennui’s urgent voice snaps him out of his reverie.
“Lumi! LUMI!” she shouts impatiently. “Come on!”
Lumi leaps over the body and places his hand upon her side. A warm glow flows from his hands, blue tendrils of light twirl and dart across Ennui’s side as if probing her injury. Just as quickly as they begin, they end. Ennui eyes Lumi suspiciously before grabbing her gladius from the deck. She looks at Khimi while the rain licks her skin, then dashes into the fray. Lumi kneels, watching the creatures dive back into the water below. His vision blurs. I’m so tired, he thinks as he closes his eyes, listening to the sounds of combat over the deck. Despite his weariness, he couldn’t help but open his eyes to watch in awe as Khimi’s blade cuts deep into one of the creatures, its wet skin sizzling and smoking from the flames. With a loud splash, the creature falls from the ship and disappears into the dark waters below.
“Damnit!” Khimi shouts in frustration, looking over the railing at the dark waters.
The vessel’s worn and tattered sails billow loudly, flapping against the rough winds that continue to batter the ship. The occasional groan from a wounded deckhand and the rumbling thunder are the only remaining sounds as the last of the creatures vanish beneath the angry waves.
Ennui, her eyebrows furrowed, dashes up the stairs to the helm. Khimi gives the deck one final once-over before trotting over to Lumi, his hand resting on Lumi’s shoulder as he sighs deeply.
“Why didn’t you go back to your room?” Khimi growls, eyes blazing with fury. “Do you want to get hurt?” He shakes him harder. “Listen to me next time!”
“I’m sorry…” Lumi answers, looking across the blood-stained deck. “Are you okay?”
“Can you see to the wounded?” Khimi asks, ignoring Lumi’s concern. “Some are in a bad way.”
Lumi shakes his head meekly, flinching at the displeasure in Khimi’s tone. “I don’t know how much I can do. I’m barely able to keep myself awake.”
“Lumi,” Khimi pleads with another firm shake. “Do something.”
“I’ll do what I can,” Lumi mutters, his tail rattling in protest as his ears droop in defeat.
“Khimi!” Ennui shouts from the helm.
“Do it, Lumi,” Khimi says firmly before turning to face Ennui’s call. He moves swiftly, giving Lumi a nod of approval.
Lumi glances at them, his eyes able to discern his surroundings in various shades of gray. Parts of the crew rush to the helm, looking around Khimi and Ennui. Their expressions reveal some form of woe. It must be really bad. He sighs as he moves to the first of the crew he can find. Superficial wounds, he should be alright.
As he works his way through the ship, he comes across a brunette holding her hands tightly to her abdomen, gasping in pain. He kneels beside her and listens to her labored breathing. With careful movements, he pushes her hands aside to reveal gouges that had torn through her flesh. The sight of her exposed bowels nearly makes Lumi sick, but he holds his breath and offers a soft prayer into her ear as his blue tendrils of light caress and mend the wound. When he finishes, only a slight discoloration remains.
“You’ll be okay,” Lumi whispers to the woman, feeling relieved when her expression softens.
“Thank you,” she whispers gratefully, gripping his hand softly.
“Rest now,” he whispers back, gently stroking her hair from her face. “You’ll be okay, I promise.”
He continues to offer what aid he can to the remaining crew members, pausing each time he comes across one who is beyond help. He closes their eyes with a heavy heart then moves on to the next victim.
As Lumi finishes his rounds, Ennui places a hand on his shoulder. “You need rest. You look pale,” she says bluntly, squeezing his shoulder tightly. “You did the best you could. I’ll get rid of the bodies.”
“There were a few that I couldn’t save,” Lumi replies wearily. “And another who was dragged over.”
“We still have enough crew to operate the ship,” Ennui states in a half-hearted attempt at optimism. “The real issue is that the ship suffered some damage… the journey might take longer now.”
Lumi’s exhausted gaze sweeps across the deck. “How long…? And what are the chances those things are gonna come back?” he asks, his ears flat with worry. “We could probably take ‘em if we’re prepared…”
“The sahuagin?” Ennui questions, following Lumi’s gaze to the gulf. “I think they know we’re capable now. I don’t think they’ll be coming back anytime soon.”
Lumi’s ears perk up at that, his tail wagging happily as he stands. “I suppose I should get back inside.”
“Sleep well,” Ennui says with a smirk, helping him to his feet. “Cute shirt,” she adds, giving him a quick once over.
“Thanks,” Lumi replies bashfully, his ears wiggling at the compliment. “It’s Khimi’s,” he adds as color rushes to his cheeks. “Goodnight, Ennui,” he says, stumbling back to the cabin.
Lumi pauses once more to glance at the broken railing where he had heard the man taken overboard. I wonder what his name was. Grim thoughts fill him, and he finds himself contemplating the fate of the crewmate. I could have done more, he thinks as he walks into Khimi’s small cabin. Though he feels glad to be alive, there is also a heavy sense of loss. Moreover, he worries he failed Khimi somehow. They were part of the Cerulean Star. He unbuttons his shirt, letting the heavy, damp cloth fall to the floor with a wet slap. His exhaustion weighs heavily on him, and the soft blanket coaxes him to slumber. The moment his eyelids grow too heavy to stay open, he feels Khimi’s heavy hand running along his side.
“You did well tonight,” he whispers into Lumi’s ears. Gently, he slides behind him on the small bed.
Lumi holds his response, curling against Khimi’s warm body. Muscular arms engulf him. Within Khimi’s breath against him, he finally allows himself to sleep.
Tall Tales
The fog lifts after two days of ill winds and arduous repairs to the vessel. Melancholy hangs heavy over the crew in the days that follow the attack. Paranoia and fear plague those who survived, while those seemingly unaffected by the mood include Ennui, Khimi, and the cook. Ennui discovers that the navigator took it upon himself to redirect the ship toward land, leading to a small confrontation. The sound of Ennui shouting, “There’s no time for mutiny!” echoes loudly across the ship, as does the sound of her open palm striking the navigator’s fleshy cheek. Afterwards, many of the crew do everything in their power to avoid her.
Lumi does his best to maintain a positive attitude, but a strange sense of dread lingers after the attack. Meanwhile, Khimi somehow manages to act as if nothing occurred. Maybe Khimi lives for battle, Lumi finds himself pondering.
Many of the crew members express their gratitude to Lumi for his bravery during the attack, with one doe-eyed brunette constantly singing his praises. While he appreciates their kind words, he still feels guilty for those who were lost. However, Khimi’s constant admiration and praise helps ease his guilt.
The ship’s freshly patched sails catch the wind, propelling it smoothly toward its destination. Just a few more days. We’re back on track now; all the bad is behind us. Lumi leans against the wooden walls of the vessel, listening to the gentle lull of the sea and the soft lapping of the waves against the ship’s sides. After days on the open water, seasickness no longer haunts him. Perhaps he has adapted to the ocean’s constant movement. The sound of the door swinging open and creaking jolts him to his feet; his ears perk up, and the fur on his tail bristles. The sight of Khimi eases his tension. He sinks back onto the thin mattress and stretches out across the bed.
“Ennui has everything under control?” Lumi asks with a hint of sarcasm. His tail swats at the air playfully, then thumps against the bed.
“If you want to call it that,” Khimi replies, placing his scimitars beside the desk. He sits on the edge of the bed, resting a hand on Lumi’s abdomen. “The ship will be fine if I rest.”
“You deserve some rest,” Lumi insists, sitting up. He moves his back to the wall while Khimi places his head in his lap. “Khimi…” Lumi begins, gently running his fingers through the short cropped hair.
“Mmm?” Khimi sounds, his eyes closed. “What is it?”
“I wanted to ask you about those symbols in the ledger,” Lumi says, looking carefully at Khimi’s expression. “I’ve never seen ‘em.”
“That’s a story…” Khimi says, his brow line furrowing. “Maybe for another time.”
“We’re on a boat… it’s not like we have anywhere to go,” Lumi replies, discomfort showing in his tone. “If like… you’re, uhm, a devil worshiper or something, you can tell me.”
“Devil worshiper?” Khimi scoffs, a confused expression crossing his face. His eyes narrow as he locks eyes with Lumi. “You can’t believe all the dark things you hear about me.”
“Oh? Then you’ll tell me about it?” Lumi prompts, fingers threading lazily through Khimi’s hair. He leans back against the wall. “At first, I thought it was a celestial marking—like maybe you were gifted by the gods.” His fingers pause for a moment before resuming their slow strokes. “But that’s foolish… you would’ve told me, right?”
“It’s the Old Tongue,” Khimi replies simply. “As to what the sigil means… it’s the seal of the efreet known as Enan.”
Lumi’s fingers freeze in his hair. His ears perk up, eyes widening. “Wait, an efreet? That’s a jinn!” he blurts out, excitement bubbling into his voice. “You know they say a jinn’s wish always comes with a price… wait—you actually know a jinn?” He leans in, his tail flicking behind him, barely able to contain his thrill. “You’re not messing with me, are you? You’re joking, right?”
Khimi chuckles, but there’s no amusement in it. “They aren’t all they’re made out to be. Like most powerful beings, their stories are… embellished.” His smile lingers, never reaching his eyes.
Lumi narrows his gaze, scrutinizing him. “No way. You actually met a jinn.” His voice drops in disbelief before rising again in defiance. “Tell me everything!”
Khimi exhales through his nose, closing his eyes for a beat. When he speaks, his voice is quieter, tinged with something distant. “It was during the time I left my family,” he begins. “In my youth, I decided I no longer wanted any part of my lineage. Duty, honor, nobility… all of it felt suffocating. So I left. Fled in the middle of the night.” He pauses, his grip tightening slightly around Lumi’s hand. “I told myself I wouldn’t care how they felt, but the thought of it roiled inside me.” He shakes his head, a dry chuckle escaping him. “Then, I found myself in dire need of coin. Turns out, my spending habits made sure I’d have to seek out some sort of—”
“Is this when you met the jinn? You wished for coin?” Lumi asks, his baffled expression deepening. “You can’t ask for coin when you already have so much—”
“No! Just listen,” Khimi interrupts with a laugh.
Lumi huffs but settles, his ears twitching with curiosity.
“I traveled from desert town to desert town,” Khimi continues. “Always aware that Rashid was hunting me down. Ennui helped me disguise myself, and I took an alias. I picked up small jobs escorting caravans through the sands, always careful to avoid any that passed through Sidi.” He pauses, giving Lumi’s hand a firm squeeze. “Eventually, Ennui put in a good word for me with a group of mercenaries she worked with. For ages, I traveled the desert with them, fighting off monsters, bandits—anything that paid.” His expression grows distant as is he’s sifting through memories.
Lumi watches him carefully. “Did you ever lose any friends?”
Khimi lets out a quiet scoff, shaking his head. “I wouldn’t call many of them friends. Mercenaries are loyal to coin, not each other. If they knew who I really was, they’d have slit my throat in my sleep for my father’s rivals.” He strokes Lumi’s hand absentmindedly, exhaling. “I never let myself learn their names if I could help it. It was an unspoken rule, and the work was dangerous enough without getting attached.” A quiet lingers before he shifts, continuing, “But there was a scholar, a woman named Isbeth. She hired our company to take her north of Rhaz, deep into the ruins of some ancient something or another. She never told us why—just that we were to protect her while she studied the place.”
Lumi’s tail flicks in excitement. “Wait, wait—this sounds like some kind of fable.” He leans over Khimi, studying his expression. “Are you lying? I have a feelin’ you’re real good at fibbin’.”
Khimi smirks. “I wish I were. Now, do you want me to continue?” he asks, his tone challenging. “Or are you going to just… interrupt me constantly?”
Lumi gives him a playful shove. “No way. You’re messing with me. C’mon, what happened next?”
“She was an efreet, not a jinn, but close enough, I suppose,” Khimi corrects before resuming his tale. “Isbeth knew exactly what she was looking for. She spoke the Old Tongue, and every time we questioned her, she brushed us off. I should’ve paid more attention… should’ve noticed the way she knew how to get into that vault beneath the ruins. She solved an inscription in seconds, something none of us could even begin to understand.” He pauses, peeking an eye open at Lumi, who hovers eagerly over him. “I insisted we leave. I could tell that place was cursed, but Isbeth refused. And by the time only a handful of us were left, even our captain suggested turning back. Then—” he stops, his voice lowering, “then the beast appeared.”
Lumi’s ears flatten. “What kind of beast?”
“A big lizard. Maybe it was a dragon. Bigger than a sand drake. It spat fire in every direction, burning through our ranks in moments. Isbeth bolted for a stairwell, and in my anger, I followed her. I thought the others could handle it. But… I was wrong.”
“You should’ve left,” Lumi says bluntly, his tail coiling around Khimi’s arm. “She clearly knew what she was lookin’ for.”
Khimi exhales, his fingers idly tracing the curve of Lumi’s wrist. “A part of me needed to know. I followed her down an ancient corridor, pitch black, until I lost the sound of her footsteps. I struck my flint—and suddenly, magick.” He shudders at the memory. “The walls came alive. A tunnel of fire exploded around me, guiding my path. Each time I tried to turn away, the flames blocked me. I could feel it, Lumi. It was sentient. Fire leapt and danced across the walls with its own mind. I followed the direction that the flames led me, and each time I would cross to go down another passage, they barred my path. I rounded a corner, the ceilings grew taller and taller still, rising until I couldn’t see any further.”
Lumi leans in, enraptured. “Where was Isbeth? Did you find her?”
Khimi hums, stretching his legs. “Patience.”
Lumi swats his arm, making him chuckle.
“The corridor grew taller, impossibly so. Then, I saw it—a massive door, its mechanism already undone. Whatever locked it had been ancient… maybe even dwarven. I stepped inside, and there she was. Isbeth, wreathed in flames.”
Lumi’s breath catches.
“She screamed, her body lifted into the air, fire stripping her flesh to nothing but ash. I stood there, frozen. And then… I saw her.” Khimi’s voice lowers, his eyes darkening. “The efreet. She sat upon a throne of molten metal, her eyes smoldering embers, her horns pouring black smoke. A deep crack ran across her face, like a wound that wouldn’t heal, it glowed burning red. Like when you forge metal… I initially placed my hand on my scimitar, but I realized I was no match for whatever this creature was. She gave me a cruel smile. And that’s it, that’s the story.”
Lumi stares, enraptured. “What did she do?”
Khimi smirks. “She smiled.”
Lumi lets out an exasperated whine, slapping Khimi’s cheek lightly. “What happened next!?”
Khimi laughs. “You still think I’m lying?”
Lumi huffs. “It’s too ridiculous not to be true. I’ll ask Rashid about it…” Lumi replies softly. “I believe you, it’s just… an efreet?!”
Khimi scoffs, “And you serve the gods… that’s quite a tale itself,” he says in amusement.
“Everyone is a servant of the gods in one way or another,” Lumi responds plainly, blinking slowly.
“You know what I mean,” Khimi says with a roll of his eyes. “Not everyone who serves the gods gets to use their power.”
“I suppose…” Lumi ponders. “Now, finish the story! Go on! What did she say?”
“So, she gave me a cruel smile.” Khimi shifts, his voice dipping into a near whisper. “She spoke in a language I couldn’t understand, but the moment she stood, the words entered my mind. It was as if our thoughts connected. She asked me why I had come—if I sought riches, power, or if I was just a lost fool.”
“And what did you say?”
Khimi smirks. “I told her the truth. I came to bring Isbeth back to justice.”
Lumi snorts. “You, a mercenary, talking about justice?”
“I wasn’t always a mercenary,” Khimi reminds him. “And she found my answer amusing. She told me her name—Enan. It echoed in my mind like something I’d always known. Then she asked me how I would free her.”
Lumi’s ears twitch. “And?”
Khimi shrugs. “I asked her what she’d do if she were released. She told me she’d leave Talmus and return to where she belonged.” He sighs. “I wanted to believe her. And when I asked what was in it for me, she smiled again. Told me I’d have the stamina of a bull from the Burning Planes, fire at my fingertips, and if I freed her… a life free of mortal woes.”
Lumi freezes. “A life free of mortal woes… you mean death?”
Khimi shrugs. “Maybe. But I never freed her.”
Lumi asks, baffled. “Wait, so are you immortal?”
“I don’t think so. She’s given me gifts, but she hasn’t bothered me since. She’s been imprisoned for centuries—what’s a few more decades?”
Lumi exhales, studying him. “I guess… the stamina part makes sense,” he muses, his ears twitching. A taunting grin spreads across his lips. “And you can make your swords catch fire.”
Khimi nearly chokes on a laugh. “I don’t need an efreet’s blessing for my stamina.”
Lumi licks his lips, gaze flickering downward. “You’re certainly big as a bull,” he murmurs teasingly. His fangs sink into his plump bottom lip, his mind rifling through images of Khimi’s cock.
Khimi stares at him and then groans, tossing an arm over his face. “Gods help me.”
Lumi giggles before nudging him. “So? What happened next?”
“Alright,” Khimi exhales, his voice softening. “I told her that as long as she swore to keep her word, I would free her.” His fingers still idly tracing along Lumi’s wrist as he speaks. “That’s when she told me we had to form a pact to seal our bond. I thought it’d be simple—maybe spit in our hands and shake on it.” He lets out a dry laugh. “But no. That wasn’t quite the case.”
Lumi watches him intently, ears twitching as he waits for more.
“Enan reached out, her nails, huge, sharp, gripping the top of my head like she meant to tear it clean off. And then, with one swift movement, she dragged her thumbnail across my face.” He lifts a hand, grazing the scar over the bridge of his nose. “It felt like a white-hot poker was searing into my skin. When she was done, she just smiled and said, ‘Now you’ll remember me every time you see your reflection.’”
A slow exhale leaves Lumi’s lips. His tail curls and uncurls around Khimi’s wrist, fingers twitching slightly against his skin.
Khimi smirks at the memory, though there’s no humor in it. “Then, just like that, she snapped her damn fingers and I swear I went through every circle of the hells at once. Fire wrapped around me, energy crackled through my bones—I could feel my flesh burning, but I was still alive. And the next thing I knew, I was back on the surface, lying at the entrance of the ruins.”
Lumi blinks, taking it all in. “And the others?”
Khimi shakes his head. “Gone. No one was waiting. I guess they thought I’d died down there.” His fingers tighten slightly around Lumi’s. “I scavenged what I could from the dead, took what water skins were left, and dragged myself through the desert back to Rhaz.” His voice drops lower. “And ever since… I’ve had dreams of that sigil. The same one I saw marking the vault where she was kept.”
Lumi swallows. “So… after all that, you returned to Sidi?”
“Not quite,” Khimi’s face twists into a grimace as he recalls the memory. “Rashid found me in Rhaz. I still remember his face.” A dry chuckle escapes him, but there’s bitterness in it. “I thought we were going to brawl right there in the street.” His grip on Lumi’s hand tightens, almost uncomfortably. “But instead, he just embraced me. Told me my place was with the Cerulean Star. That it was time to come home.”
Lumi nods, but his smile falters at the mention of Rashid.
“I never told them much,” Khimi continues. “Not about the Silver Swords. Not about Enan. I didn’t want Aleyna to see me—I figured if she saw the scars…” His voice trails off.
Lumi hesitates, then offers a small nod, a reassuring grin pulling at his lips. Without thinking, his hand lifts, fingertips brushing along the rigid lines of Khimi’s face. “I can help with those,” he murmurs. “Remember? I offered before.”
Khimi tilts his head slightly, watching Lumi with an amused glint in his eyes. “I don’t mind my scars,” he says. “But if they bother you—”
“I love them,” Lumi interrupts, his voice filled with sudden conviction. Khimi blinks, caught off guard.
Lumi flushes, ears flattening slightly. “I’ve always thought they were pretty,” he admits, his fingers ghosting along Khimi’s scar. “I just thought… it’d be something you wanted. Most people don’t like their scars. But they make you… special.”
A slow grin tugs at Khimi’s lips. He traces the length of the mark on his nose before meeting Lumi’s gaze. “I’m glad they don’t bother you,” he says, his tone sincere.
Lumi presses his palm over Khimi’s hand, feeling the warmth beneath. “So this was made by the efreet, huh?” he murmurs.
Khimi exhales, his thumb brushing absentmindedly over Lumi’s knuckles. “Yeah,” he murmurs.
Lumi hums thoughtfully, fingers tracing the scar once more. “I think I like it even more now.”
The two lay in silence for nearly an hour, Khimi’s hand joined with Lumi’s. Lumi rests his back against the wall, listening to Khimi’s gentle snores. He looks up at the window. I bet he’s just embellishing things… unless he’s just lying. Though I don’t really think he’s the type… he hasn’t lied to me yet… at least I don’t think. A knock on the door brings Lumi back from his thoughts. Ennui peaks her head slowly into the room, glaring at them with an amused grin.
“Don’t mean to bother,” she whispers mockingly, leaning against the door frame. “But there’s a bit of a situation.”
“Can’t you handle it?” Lumi grumbles in a whisper. “Khimi needs his rest.”
“Well then,” Ennui mocks a bit louder. She leans back against the door frame, fanning herself with the door. “Actually, he may need to handle this.”
“What happened?” Lumi asks, his brow pinching with concern.
“It’s the navigator,” Ennui begins in a whisper. “I had to… take care of him,” she adds, pressing her hand against her cheek.
“You didn’t kill him… did you?” Lumi asks with suspicion.
“Nah, but he’ll be in a lot of pain when he wakes up,” Ennui says, her expression turning serious. “Did you really think I would just kill him?” she asks, mock hurt in her tone. “I’m not so cruel.”
“Khimi told me some of the things you used to be into… so I don’t think it would surprise me if you had,” Lumi replies with a pensive look. “Do you want me to handle it?” he asks.
“Can you?” Ennui challenges, narrowing her eyes. “I’d love to see how you handle it,” she adds playfully, tapping her finger against her lips.
“What do I need to do?” Lumi asks determinedly.
“Discipline the navigator… put us back on the right path… either of those options are good,” she responds, holding the door open. “Come on, kitty,” she says mockingly, swinging the door back and forth.
Lumi tenderly moves Khimi’s head to the side, his fingers gently pushing aside the soft strands of hair that have fallen over his face. He watches with admiration as his lover’s chest rises and falls with each steady breath. With a fond smile, he slips out of bed and crosses the room, pulling on his sarouel and adjusting the waistband. As he heads towards the door, Ennui’s gaze stops him in his tracks.
“Is something wrong?” Lumi asks in annoyance, looking up at her.
Ennui gives him a sneering smile as she remarks, “You might be more convincing to the crew with a shirt on. Otherwise, you just look like a little boy.”
Lumi glares up at Ennui. “You’re so irritating,” he mutters, snatching a shirt from Khimi’s desk and yanking it over his head.
But Ennui, as always, refuses to back down. She leans in, whispering something too low to catch—just enough to needle at him. Lumi exhales sharply, pushing past her, but she steps into his path, head tilting curiously. “Had I known Khimi was into… this,” she muses, gesturing at him with a slow flick of her fingers, “I wouldn’t have tried bothered trying to get with him all those years ago.”
Lumi’s ears twitch, his body going rigid. His head snaps fiercely in her direction. “You tried to get with Khimi?” His voice oozes possessiveness.
Ennui replies, shrugging “I just wanted to see your reaction. Plus, seeing Khimi’s little pet in distress is… amusing.”
“I’m not his pet,” Lumi mumbles under his breath as he follows Ennui down the hallway.
“Pet or not,” Ennui hums, slowing her steps, then drops level with him. She leans in, voice a purr, words laced with something venomous. “Khimi may fuck you… but that doesn’t mean he’ll ever love you.” Her lips curve into something almost pitying. “Everyone thirsts for Khimi. Whatever he feels for you? It won’t last.”
Lumi scoffs, shoving her hand away. “Khimi loves me. And frankly? I don’t give a damn what you think.”
Ennui merely chuckles, tilting her head as she taps his cheek with teasing familiarity. “Oh, but you should care what I think, little lion,” she purrs. “After all, I have saved your life before.” A smirk unfurls on her lips, sharp as a blade’s edge. “And, more importantly, I might just be the only true friend Khimi has ever had… so you’d best get used to me.”
Lumi growls quietly in frustration as he mutters through gritted teeth. “I… am thankful for your help.” He sighs, then narrows his eyes. “But I hate the way you push me. It’s almost as if—” His lips curl in accusation, “—you want him for yourself.”
Ennui’s laughter rings out, like a cat toying with its prey. “Oh, Lumi,” she coos, dragging her fingers lightly under his chin, making him stiffen. “I just live for your reactions. But Khimi? No, darling, he’s not my type.” Her smirk widens. “I simply love watching you squirm.” With one last playful tap against his cheek, she pivots gracefully on her heel. “Now, be a good boy and set this ship back on course.”
Lumi exhales through his nose, running a hand through his hair as he watches her saunter away. “You’re the worst,” he mutters—though a grin ghosts across his lips.