AN:
Warnings: Steamy stuff ahead🙈

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400 AD - Gupta Empire

As Ayaz teleports into the bustling temple where Hestia and Ikaris's wedding unfolds, he finds himself enveloped in a vibrant sea of color and emotion. Lush floral decorations adorn every surface, creating a fragrant symphony that dances through the air. The laughter of humans and his fellow Eternals weaves a tapestry of celebration, but for Ayaz, the noise feels distant, muffled by the weight of his thoughts.

Druig is the first to approach him, an insufferable smirk plastered on his face. "Good to see you too, Ayaz. You're surprisingly on time."

Ayaz crosses his arms, a defense mechanism against the warm flutter that Druig's presence ignites within him. "There's no such thing as on time. You're either early or late. Pick one."

He takes a moment to absorb Druig's attire: a mix of deep black and maroon, trimmed in gold that highlights his striking features. The sight sends a jolt of admiration through Ayaz. How is it possible for him to look this good? The churning of jealousy creeps in, twisting his stomach. The mind controller has an effortless charm that makes Ayaz painfully aware of his own insecurities. Ayaz wishes he could just grab Druig's face and kiss him senseless until those perfect pink lips are swollen and breathless.

"Enjoying the view?" Druig's teasing voice pulls Ayaz back to reality, and he rolls his eyes, desperate to conceal the effect Druig has on him.

"Not really."

"Shame," Druig quips, his smirk deepening, and Ayaz can't help but feel exposed under his knowing gaze.

As the wedding ceremony begins, Ayaz finds himself standing between Makkari and Druig. The air is electric with anticipation as Ikaris and Hestia exchange their vows, sealing their bond with a kiss that sends ripples of joy through the gathered crowd. But Ayaz's thoughts spiral back to Druig, who stands dangerously close, his body radiating warmth that beckons Ayaz like a moth to a flame. Each breath feels heavy, his chest tight with longing. He closes his eyes, imagining what it would be like to feel Druig's lips on his own. Would he melt away? The thought terrifies and excites him in equal measure.

"You okay?" Makkari's voice cuts through his tumultuous thoughts, her brow furrowed with concern as she catches the tension in his posture. Druig, too, glances over, his expression shifting to one of curiosity.

Ayaz forces a smile, shrugging it off. "It's just the crowd."

Druig's smirk returns, satisfaction lighting his features as if he enjoys watching Ayaz squirm.

Later, Ayaz finds refuge on a plush couch in a quieter corner, drink in hand, observing the jubilant celebration unfolding around him. His gold eyes flit across the room, landing on Druig, who stands at the food table, laughing with Sersi. Druig's laughter is a melody, and it captivates Ayaz, sending a thrill through his heart. The way he smiles makes Ayaz's pulse race, and he fears his heart might leap from his chest if he stares too long.

"Do you love him?" A voice breaks through his reverie. It's Ajak, standing beside him with an expression that suggests she knows more than she lets on.

Ayaz tries to maintain his facade, sipping his drink casually as he feigns ignorance. "Love who?"

"Druig."

The mere mention of his name paralyzes Ayaz. He sputters, choking on his drink as panic rises. Ajak's concerned hand rubs his back, but the smile on her face reveals she sees through his act.

Once he recovers, he places his glass down and meets Ajak's probing gaze. "I don't love anyone," he insists stubbornly.

Ajak studies him, her eyes piercing as if she can read his thoughts. He sinks deeper into the couch, fighting the urge to glance back at Druig, terrified of giving Ajak any confirmation of her theory.

"Tell him how you feel. It's okay to fall in love," Ajak encourages, rising to leave.

"Will he feel the same?" Ayaz's voice is barely above a whisper, but the question hangs heavy in the air, a wish he dares to voice.

Ajak pauses, her encouraging smile softening her features. "You will have to figure that out yourself, Ayaz."

The celebration continues around him, but Ayaz stands on the balcony of the temple, leaning against the cool stone. The night air wraps around him, whispering secrets that only fuel his inner turmoil. He replays Ajak's words, feeling the weight of them pressing down on him.

A presence beside him draws his attention, and he turns to find Druig standing there, casual yet commanding, the shadows of the night framing him perfectly. Ayaz desperately wants to toss aside his pride and confess, but the fear of rejection roots him in place.

"Have you ever thought of loving someone?" Ayaz ventures, his heart pounding in his chest.

Druig doesn't turn to face him, instead staring into the darkness. "Many times. Have you?"

Ayaz shrugs, his anxiety bubbling to the surface. "I wish... I could... I-I don't know."

"I understand." Druig finally looks at him, a soft smile that makes Ayaz's breath hitch.

"Have you ever thought of me in an intimate way? I mean..." Ayaz's voice falters, and he hesitates, suddenly regretting his boldness. "Forget it. It's just a crazy thought anyway-"

But Druig's eyes flash with interest, interrupting him. "I have. All the time."

Ayaz's breath catches, shock flooding through him. "Really?"

"Yeah. How can I not? You're a crazy individual, and deep down, I crave crazy." Druig leans closer, their lips mere inches apart, his gaze searching Ayaz's face for the truth. "What are all these questions about? I'm not complaining."

Gathering his courage, Ayaz channels everything he feels. "I talked to Ajak."

Druig raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You talked to Ajak?"

Ayaz rolls his eyes. "Oh, come on."

Druig chuckles, shaking his head. "I was jesting. Go on."

Ayaz runs his tongue across his lower lip, trying to steady himself. "And she said I should confess my feelings for you."

Druig turns fully toward him, leaning in until their lips are a breath away. Ayaz can feel the heat radiating from him, warm and inviting. "Do you have feelings for me, beautiful Ayaz?"

Ayaz's heart races, words spilling from his lips without hesitation. "I guess I do."

Time seems to warp around them as Druig closes the distance, capturing Ayaz's lips in a fervent kiss. All Ayaz knows is a whirlwind of sensations as they teleport back to the Domo, clothes torn away in their frenzy. The wedding celebration continues, blissfully unaware of the passion igniting in their absence.

The world fades around them, consumed by a fire that neither of them can resist. Ayaz is lost in the heat of Druig's touch, his body responding eagerly to the intensity of the moment. Every kiss sends shivers down his spine, and he finds himself craving every inch of Druig.

Hours blur into a haze of pleasure, their bodies moving together in perfect harmony, cries and gasps mingling with the sweet sounds of their union. As the first light of dawn creeps into the Domo, they lay entwined on the cold floor, breathless and spent, surrounded by the remnants of their passion.

Druig absently traces patterns on Ayaz's shoulder, humming a tune that feels like home. "We should get up now," Ayaz mumbles reluctantly, not ready to leave the cocoon of warmth they've created. But the reality of the returning Eternals looms over them.

With a reluctant sigh, Druig untangles himself from Ayaz, and they dress slowly. Every movement sends a pang of discomfort through Ayaz, but he tries to mask it, not wanting Druig to worry. Yet, Druig's gaze is keen, concern etched on his features. "Are you okay?"

"This is new to me." Ayaz winces, but a smile breaks through. "But we should definitely do that again."

Druig's laughter is light, but his eyes are serious as he leans in for another kiss. "I'll never get enough of you."

"Don't make me regret letting you steal my frost heart, pretty boy," Ayaz teases, tracing Druig's jawline, feeling a sense of warmth spreading through him.

Druig cups Ayaz's face, their eyes locked, and his voice drops to a soft murmur. "Your heart might be made of frost. Still, I can feel the warmth within."

Ayaz's heart flutters at his words, warmth spreading through his chest. Druig is summer to his winter heart. "Only for you."

Druig kisses Ayaz's cheek, a promise in that gentle touch. "You want to go outside?"

"I'll just sit here a little bit more," Ayaz replies lazily, leaning against the wall for support, savoring the lingering warmth of their intimacy.

Druig nudges Ayaz's arm lightly, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "Too rough?"

Ayaz scratches the back of his neck, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. "A little bit," he admits, glancing down to hide the shyness blooming within him. The aftereffects of their passionate encounter linger, and he's still processing the rush of sensations coursing through him.

"I'll bring you food. Wait in the Domo," Druig says, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on Ayaz's forehead. The warmth of the gesture sends shivers racing down Ayaz's spine, leaving him breathless as Druig steps away. That soft touch lingers, igniting something deep inside him-a yearning that feels both thrilling and terrifying.

Once Druig is gone, Ayaz gathers himself, the thrill of their shared moments still thrumming in his veins. But as he stumbles out of the chamber, a sharp pain radiates with each step, a reminder of how exhilaratingly intense their connection was. "Fuck, it hurts," he mutters, wincing again with every cautious movement.

"Ayaz?"

The voice startles him, causing another jolt of pain to shoot through his body. He turns to find Kingo standing there, an eyebrow raised in confusion. "You scared me out of my wits!" Ayaz exclaims, the tension in his voice betraying him.

"You okay?" Kingo asks, concern etched across his face as he steps closer, his eyes scanning Ayaz for signs of injury.

Ayaz places a hand over his heart, trying to steady the wild thump beneath his ribcage. "Once my heart starts beating again, yeah," he jokes weakly, forcing a smile that feels fragile, as if it might shatter at any moment.

"Why are you limping?" Kingo's gaze sharpens, his instincts kicking in as he observes Ayaz's awkward stance.

"I tripped on my way?" Ayaz replies, attempting nonchalance, but annoyance bubbles within him like a boiling pot.

"Are you hurt?" Kingo presses, eyes narrowing as he examines Ayaz for visible injuries. "Should I take you to Ajak?"

"No. I'm fine." Ayaz shakes his head, frustration creeping into his tone. "Just a bit sore. Nothing much."

"Is that why you left early?" Kingo prods, clearly sensing that there's more beneath the surface.

"Sort of." Ayaz's evasive reply only fuels Kingo's curiosity.

"Did you go to fight Deviants all by yourself?" Kingo asks, crossing his arms, his skepticism growing.

"I'm not Thena." Annoyance seeps into Ayaz's voice, and he glares at Kingo, his patience wearing thin. "Will you leave me alone now, or do you have more questions to ask?"

"Calm down. I'll leave you to yourself." Kingo raises his hands in mock surrender, backing away with a bemused expression, leaving Ayaz alone with his thoughts.

Once Kingo is gone, Ayaz finally breathes a sigh of relief, the weight of his emotions crashing down on him like a tidal wave. He makes his way to the circular chamber, illuminated by the soft glow of unusual glass lamps that feature spheres with tendrils stretching outward, casting intricate shadows on the walls. The walls are almost obsidian, rough and organic, adorned with designs that seem to pulse with an ancient energy. In this moment of solitude, the chamber feels oddly sacred, and Ayaz finds comfort in its quiet embrace.

He lays back on the cold floor, closing his eyes, letting the chill seep into him, grounding him. A groan escapes his lips as he remembers the trouble he went through to change chambers when teleportation is as simple as a thought for him. It's a stark reminder of how caught up he got in the whirlwind of emotion with Druig.

His heart races at the memory of their kiss, the heat of their bodies pressed together, the electric connection sparking between them. Ayaz knows he is entirely smitten by Druig's affection, and that realization fills him with a warmth that contrasts against the chill of the floor beneath him. He's never felt like this before-exposed yet exhilarated, vulnerable yet alive.

As he lays there, Ayaz's mind races, filled with memories of Druig's laughter, the way his eyes sparkled with mischief, and the way he made Ayaz feel-seen, desired, cherished. Each thought sends a rush of adrenaline through him, igniting a mix of hope and fear in his chest. Could this be real? Could he truly allow himself to love someone so intoxicatingly complex?

A grin creeps onto his face, his heart fluttering as he imagines what could be. With Druig, he feels alive, and for the first time in centuries, he's ready to embrace what they could become together. The thrill of possibilities dances in his chest. igniting a spark of hope that warms him from within, Ayaz knows he's ready to step into this new chapter even if it terrifies him.