2024 - South Dakota

Ayaz stirs awake, the warmth of Druig enveloping him like a comforting blanket. He lifts his head from the soft cushion of Druig's chest, meeting the enchanting depth of Druig's beautiful eyes, which glimmer with a familiar mischief.

“Good morning,” Druig murmurs, his dimpled smile igniting a spark of joy in Ayaz’s chest.

“Good morning,” Ayaz replies, his heart fluttering as he stretches, his legs feeling heavy and tangled. They are in Ajak’s homestead, surrounded by memories and echoes of laughter. This room, reserved just for him, holds a profound sense of belonging. The plaque with his name on the door, a token of Ajak’s love, brings a bittersweet pang to his heart. He wishes he could thank her, to tell her how much her nurturing spirit has shaped him.

“Come back to bed,” Druig purrs, patting the empty space beside him. His tone is playful, laced with an undeniable allure. “You promised to let me do things to you once we got home.”

Ayaz’s brows furrow in mock confusion. “Hold on. Where did that ‘let you do things to me’ part come from? I agreed to simple making out,” he teases, a playful glint in his golden eyes.

“Did you though?” Druig counters, his smirk teasing the edges of his lips. Before Ayaz can respond, Druig swiftly pulls him back down onto the mattress, leaving Ayaz breathless, heart racing in surprise.

“Hey!” Ayaz exclaims, laughter bubbling up uncontrollably as Druig traps him, his legs pinning Ayaz down. The tickling begins, and their shared laughter fills the room, vibrant and intoxicating. It’s a sound that resonates with freedom, a joyful harmony that washes away the weight of eternity.

“Stop it!” Ayaz gasps between fits of laughter, squirming beneath Druig’s playful onslaught. The sensation is overwhelming; he can’t remember the last time he felt this light, this alive.

Eventually, the tickling subsides, and Druig finds solace in the crook of Ayaz’s neck, their breaths mingling in the soft light of the morning. As Ayaz catches his breath, Druig nuzzles against him, his warm breath sending delightful shivers down Ayaz’s spine.

“My beautiful, beautiful Ayaz,” Druig murmurs against his skin, voice low and filled with reverence. “You have no idea the things I want to do to you.”

Ayaz’s breath hitches, desire pooling in his core as Druig trails soft kisses along his neck, igniting fire beneath his skin. The sensation is intoxicating, and he closes his eyes, savoring the moment.

Druig shifts closer, his lips brushing against Ayaz’s, sending a jolt of electricity coursing through him. Ayaz can feel the heat radiating between them, a magnetic pull drawing them closer. Druig’s mouth moves tantalizingly to Ayaz’s earlobe, kissing it softly, the delicate pecks making Ayaz shudder with longing.

“You’re mine,” Druig whispers, the possessiveness in his voice sending waves of warmth cascading over Ayaz. Druig’s fingers slip beneath Ayaz’s shirt, teasingly pushing it up, igniting a burning desire deep within him.

“I changed my mind. I officially give you permission to do things to me,” Ayaz breathes, vulnerability seeping into his voice, leaving him open and raw.

“Do you now, my love?” Druig’s smirk deepens, his face inches from Ayaz’s, the intensity in his gaze igniting a fire in Ayaz’s heart.

“Mmm-hmm.” Ayaz hums, his pulse racing, heart pounding as he leans into Druig, surrendering to the moment.

Druig leans in, knowing he holds power over Ayaz without needing to invoke his abilities. “Beg.”

Ayaz blinks, shock coursing through him. “What?”

“Beg for it,” Druig challenges, the playful authority in his voice sending a thrill of excitement through Ayaz.

“No?” Ayaz tries to feign defiance, but he can feel the heat rising to his cheeks, desire battling against his pride.

“Okay then.” Druig rises with an infuriating calm, making his way to the door. The sudden distance feels like a cold wave crashing over Ayaz.

“Wait! Wait!” Ayaz calls out, panic bubbling up as he realizes the game Druig is playing.

“Yes, my beautiful Ayaz?” Druig turns, his expression a mix of amusement and patience, clearly enjoying the tension.

Biting his lip, Ayaz grapples with his pride, a fierce internal struggle brewing.

Druig watches, a smug smile blooming as Ayaz writhes in indecision.

Finally, with a heavy sigh, Ayaz relents, his voice soft and pleading. “Please.”

Druig’s smirk widens, victorious. “Please what?”

Ayaz mutters a curse under his breath, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface.

“What was that again?” Druig leans closer, his eyes sparkling with mischief, clearly relishing this moment.

“Nothing.” Ayaz grits his teeth, overwhelmed by the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him. Druig’s teasing pushes him closer to the edge, the combination of desire and frustration heightening his senses.

“See you later, my beautiful Ayaz,” Druig says, the mockery crystal clear in his tone.

Ayaz rolls his eyes, grabbing a pillow and hurling it at Druig, who deftly dodges it with a laugh, leaving Ayaz flustered and breathless.

“Son of a bitch.” Ayaz groans, burying his face into the pillow, his emotions swirling—frustration, longing, and something deeper that he struggles to define. The urge to scream builds within him, but he swallows it down, opting instead for a cold shower to clear his head. Perhaps he can plot a way to turn the tables on Druig, to make him squirm just a little, to feel the thrill of control once more.