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Chapter 1

Quiet credits rolled on the TV in the comfortable dark living room from Klieg's home. The spotlight Darkner simply sat in silence, his gaze focused not on the motion picture, but down at the floor, as if his anxious mind was avoiding something else.

His mind wandered, focused not on the movie, but on his guest, who throughout the night had made himself more and more comfortable on the couch they were sharing.

Klieg dared himself to look at him, feeling his face heating up as his eye landed on his friend Rouxls, who had laid down on his couch, peacefully, eyes closed and breathing gently and softly like someone who could never even reasonably be compared to the loud and eccentric man that Klieg knew him to be.

He would be lying if he said he didn't eagerly look forward to their hangouts, but it hadn't been the first time that the blue darkner had passed out on his couch. Rouxls always seemed so content to come over, but if he was getting bored, Klieg had hoped that their friendship had grown strong enough to where he'd be able to tell him so.

But this wasn't the reason Klieg had felt so worked up. He felt worked up because as Rouxls sank deeper and deeper into the couch, he had taken to casually resting his legs on Klieg's lap, comfortably stretching himself freely, allowing his slim but lanky body to take up all the space without much regard for whoever was in the way.

Klieg hadn't known how to read this interaction, letting one of his hands idly rest on the other man's knee. He was, for the lack of a better word, stranded by his unwillingness to disturb Rouxls from his slumber. It made focusing impossible, and Klieg had dealt enough with thoughts on wanting to get closer with Rouxls, but his own shyness paired with the duke's general eccentrism, made it impossible to even bring up such a topic.

As carefully and gently as he could, Klieg slowly attempted to remove Rouxls' legs off of him, his four arms likely making things more awkward rather than being helpful. But Rouxls remained unbothered, nuzzling the couch's pillow with a relaxed sigh.

Klieg glanced longingly at him but forced himself to look away. After all, he had to finish their routine. Getting up, he walked to his closet, grabbing a comfortable blanket. Other than the leg incident, this had happened enough times that Klieg had learned to expect it.

Rouxls would grow drowsy, and accepting Klieg's invitation to watch a movie after they had finished working on their schemes, the card darkner had made a habit out of laying on the couch, soon falling asleep.

Normally, were this anyone else, Klieg would quickly get upset and protest, but when it came to Rouxls, he couldn't help but always make excuses for him.

Blanket in hand, Klieg turned off the lights in the room, dimming his own eye alongside it. Quietly unfolding the blanket and covering his friend like he had done many times in the past.

Instinctively, Rouxls held onto the blanket, slowly opening his tired eyes to catch the other darkner doing this.

Klieg froze in place when he saw the drowsy blue eyes looking back at him.

"O-Oh, I was just...!" He quietly stumbled.

Rouxls just gazed quietly, resting his head on the pillow and letting out a sheepish sigh "It appearse I've falleth into slumber once more..."

Klieg was too embarrassed to know how to respond, the duke's expression morphing into one with a tired smile.

"Kaard... You can tell me if these viewings are tedious to you..." Klieg glanced away, avoiding his gaze, but in the dark living room, his light grew warmer, his mind nervous at the prospect of Rouxls not finding his company to be enjoyable.

"Hmm... However doth thou meaneth?" Rouxls closed his eyes in relaxation, feeling Klieg kneel on the floor, sitting quietly by the couch to become closer to eye level with him.

A comfortable silence surrounded them, Klieg looking like he was attempting to figure out his thoughts, but Rouxls simply stared with a lazy smile. Looking flustered as he recalled all the times he'd wake up on Klieg's couch, mysteriously covered by a soft blanket that hadn't been there before.

"You always fall asleep..." Klieg mumbled, "N-NOT THAT YOU'RE NOT ALLOWED TO, o-of course!" He quickly excused himself "But I'd hate it if you were feeling forced into indulging me... You can tell me if it bores you... I'd have no trouble picking any other activity that is more suited to your tastes...!" He quickly stammered, fingers nervously fidgeting and closing his eye to hide his overwhelming glow.

But Rouxls simply looked dumbfounded, blinking with a tired expression "Doth thou believe that I am... bored...?" He asked confused, but sensing the accusatory tone, Klieg was quick to avert his face.

"I... I want you to have a good time..." He looked back at him, and Rouxls slowly blinked, yawning and smiling as he stretched his arms.

"Oh, but I am. Thine presence is rather relaxing..." He rested his head once more "T'is not often that I can... How ist that saying... 'Cut loose'...?"

Klieg simply blinked in confusion, if there was anyone whose presence was synonymous with cutting loose, he'd have a harder time picturing anyone other than Rouxls.

"Cutting... loose...? How do you have a hard time cutting loose..?"

Rouxls' finger danced circles around the fabric of the couch "Most certainlye thou knoweth how it feelst to play the part for an audition."

"I..." Klieg hesitated "Well, no. I can't act... Besides, n-no one wants to see me on screen! This sounds like a dreadful film..." He paused, "Wait, what... what audition do thou speak of, my muse?"

Rouxls just snorted, a lighthearted laugh escaping his mouth "The audition to becometh the loyalest minion to an evil rrruler, of course." He spoke, rolling the "R"s with a determined look.

Klieg simply blinked, tilting his head to the side ever so slightly. Rouxls smiled at him, but admittedly, without the proper body language or tone of his voice, the spotlight's expression proved to be rather difficult to read at times.

"I suppose..." Klieg sighed, or at least the closest approximation to what a mouthless being like himself could do to a sigh, "I... I suppose you'll be returning to that quest soon...?"

Rouxls hummed thoughtfully, resting his head on his arms "If need arriveth..." He murmured, "Loyalest minion, mayhapseth... But yet..." He paused, a hint of a coy smile on his face "To be thine adoreth muse... Why, it simplye has this certain je ne sais quoi to it..."

"A-Ah!" Klieg quickly covered his eye, whose light grew brighter with how flustered he got. It was no use trying to hide how weak to the knees Rouxls made him, but even then, Klieg let out an embarrassed laugh, keeping his face covered "Ahaha... You mustn't let me distract you from your goal, you know...?"

Rouxls rolled his eyes with a smile, resting his head on the pillow and wordlessly observing him as a light blue blush tinted his cheeks. Klieg had been so loud and bold when they initially met, though Rouxls supposed it was a Director persona he had to maintain, and although keeping his stubborn pride, Klieg's boldness had washed away to reveal a much more timid and introverted individual the more they spent time together.

Rouxls, despite a proud ego, still knew of himself to be rather ditzy at times. But as ditzy as he was, it didn't take a genius to realize that the light darkner was crushing on him. Hard.

Or at least, Rouxls assumed it to be a crush. Either that or his ego was making him read too deep into things. He wasn't quite certain of his own feelings, romance had only ever felt like a performance to him, a cliche, a set of guidelines, the picture-perfect dreamy hunk, the bouquet of roses, the serenade and love letter.

It felt fake. A sense that he wasn't feeling what he was supposed to feel when he recited those proclamations. After all, that wasn't the type of relationship he sought.

He worried that Klieg would feel heartbroken were Rouxls to reject a romantic relationship, were the prospect ever to come into conversation.

But yet, Rouxls still found himself compelled to banter, the occasional coy smile, the occasional joke whenever the Director adamantly refused to write romantic themes into their scripts. He still wanted to be around him, like committed partners in crime.

Rouxls supposed that kind of partnership would be much like his desire to dedicate himself to a ruthless leader. He had first-hand experienced the power that taking Klieg's place in the Cable had given him. And despite spending all his life thinking that he was meant to overtake the very leaders he swore to serve, when given the chance, he instead found himself clueless as to what to do with that kind of power.

He noticed Klieg steal glances at him, before quickly glancing away "I can feel you quietly staring, Roux..."

The unexpected nickname caused Rouxls to blush, unsure of how to respond "Oh? Is that so? Thou must forgiveth me, for I am simplye lost in mine ponderings." He thought for a moment, "I must ask... What ails thee, my friend?" Rouxls continued.

Klieg looked surprised, considering for a moment but just fidgeting with his hands "N-Nothing... I'm sorry, I was... I was just not expecting you to be awake." He looked embarrassed, but looked back at Rouxls sheepishly "You caught me at a rather vulnerable moment..."

Rouxls blushed but smiled, adjusting to be closer "Thou felt vulnerable? And yet, t'was I who slumbered at thine humble home! And I it was who was quite vulnerable! Why, I wouldth have been defeated with ease were thou decideth to strategize a mighty powerful attack againsteth me!" Rouxls rambled, trying to find a way to bring up the topic of Klieg's infatuation, who just sighed longingly.

"Thou are such a wordsmith... Perhaps I could... But you just looked so... peaceful..." Klieg looked pensively "I do sincerely hope you're comfortable ..."

Rouxls stretched comfortably on the couch "Well... 'tis not a bed. But acceptable nonetheless." He commented, wondering if Klieg would pick up on the hint. But the spotlight simply blinked, looking thoughtful.

"Would... you prefer to sleep in my bed? I have no issue taking the couch for myself..." He looked sheepishly rubbing one of his arms.

Rouxls flushed in response to Klieg's blunt suggestion. One step forward and two steps back, he supposed. The card darkner fidgeted with his fingers "Oh, I... That I could never alloweth..." He smiled, an uncharacteristic shyness taking over. Rouxls was often opportunistic and he'd never be one to hesitate to grab opportunities as they presented themselves.

But as much as he enjoyed Klieg's attention and unsubtle expressions of affection, it didn't feel right to take advantage of him like that, although Rouxls had a hard time thinking of anyone as a friend, he'd be lying if he denied the kinship he had felt with the Light Darkner.

"If it helps you rest more at ease, I would not mind... I apologize for keeping you until so late...." Klieg looked back at him, their short distance filled Rouxls with an unbearable feeling of longing.

"T'is fine, Kliegeth..." He muttered, carefully trying to form the words for his following request, his smile slightly fading as he looked conflicted.

With this, Klieg flickered, his hinges lowering ever so slightly in an expression of concern "Oh, I'm sorry, I... I didn't mean to say anything strange...!" He fidgeted anxiously with his fingers but was shocked when he felt Rouxls reach for his hands, meeting his gaze, looking flushed but with a feeling of uncertainty.

Rouxls felt frozen for words, opening his mouth as if to speak but no words came out. Klieg just looked paralyzed, his pupil looking back at their hands and then at Rouxls, frantically trying his best to read the situation.

"I..." Rouxls swallowed, loosening his grip but not letting go of the Light's hand "I do not wish for thou to leaveth...", was all he managed to utter, feeling Klieg's quiet relief.

The light darkner did not respond, adjusting to sit more comfortably, avoiding his gaze as his eye gleamed a warm yellow. Rouxls noticed how Klieg brought one of his free hands to cover his face once more, holding Rouxls' hand back.

"Heaven's light, I'm utterly pathetic..." Klieg muttered under his breath, feeling ridiculous being a grown adult having a reaction much like that of a high school boy with a crush.

Rouxls just chuckled, the sudden wording catching him off guard, but he still felt a tinge of guilt following him "Who am I to judge thee in thine own home...?"

"Only everything..." Klieg muttered, two more hands making their way to his face as his brown pupil glanced at the card darkner from between his fingers. "Thou must have figured it out already..."

Rouxls smiled sheepishly, his thumb rubbing on the back of his hand "...Thou... ...doth Not make much of an attempt to obscure thine infatuation, director."

"...R-Rouxls..." His name was all he managed to say, making the card darkner sigh, his smile fading.

"I'm afraideth that my heart lacketh the same glow as thee..." Rouxls spoke, a strange grief following his words as he let go of Klieg's hand, numbly resting his head on the pillow as he held his hands to his chest.

Klieg lifted his head to look at him, noticing how Rouxls avoided his gaze with an empty smile, so vague that the light found it hard to discern its meaning.

"I... No, I never expected you to reciprocate...!" Klieg quickly spoke. He had never planned to admit to his feelings, and the thought of Rouxls ever reciprocating had been nothing but a distant fantasy. Yet, he'd be lying if he said his chest didn't ache.

Klieg always had trouble pinpointing his own feelings, he wasn't even sure if his infatuation was even remotely romantic, all he knew was how much he longed for Rouxls' company, and how their bond felt more intimate than anything he had ever experienced.

A silence filled the space between them, Rouxls looked vacantly in the distance, then focusing back on Klieg, whose light had seemed to dim. The card darkner felt himself ache for him "It is simplye because," he spoke as he sat up on the couch "the kindeth of partnership I seeketh... T'is not the kindeth that thou sees in film..."

Klieg looked up at him, still sitting on the floor, he let himself lean on the couch "I don't know if I could recreate the kind we see in film..." He mumbled "I apologize... I would have told you but... for the longest time... Well, I didn't feel like there was anything to tell..."

Rouxls looked down at him, lowering himself from the couch to sit beside him, getting Klieg to tense up but look ahead "I findeth that to be quite difficult to believeth."

"I think so highly of you, Rouxls..."

"Aye, well... thou art quite brilliant, after all." Rouxls commented, getting a quiet chuckle from Klieg, who suddenly stopped when the card darkner wordlessly leaned his head onto his shoulder, looking ahead with a tired gaze and closing his eyes.

Klieg wasn't sure how to react, finding it difficult to understand the mixed messages his friend was giving him, quietly deciding to follow along, leaning his head onto Rouxls'.

They sat comfortably in silence, letting the simple gesture envelop the moment. Klieg had expected himself to drown in his anxious thoughts, but once the initial shock wore off, he felt himself relax in his presence.

"Mayst I confesseth something at thee...?" Rouxls mumbled, his smile absent from his voice "Au contraire to what one may believeth... I... do not... Like... the man I am..." Klieg listened in silence, looking surprised as Rouxls continued. "But thou... Thou makest it... bearable. I cannot loathe mineself whenst I am so captivateth by whatevere it is that thou sees in me..."

Klieg looked at him in awe, unsure of how to respond as the duke stared back at him, his vacant smile doing little to mask the tired look on his face.

"What...? But... Kaard... Why would you ever feel that way...?"

"Even in thou's grand generosity, is it not a crueleth irony that I am incapable of sharing in thine's feelings? How long I've attemptedth to make myself bask in thine light of... Love. But... alas..." He placed his hand on his own chest, never having spoken out his thoughts out loud like that.

"Like a part of thouself is missing...?" Klieg mumbled looking down "Like you're not feeling the way you are supposed to? Like your heart glows only for yourself..." He looked at his hands "Or your work...? Your role...?"

Rouxls did not respond, simply nodding in silence, flushing as Klieg spoke.

"I just really enjoy being in your presence, Roux..." he continued "Nothing has to change, I... I would not want to force you into being someone you are not..." He mumbled, returning to fidget with his hands once more "I do not think I'd be able to handle it... I do not think I'm capable of glowing that way either..."

Rouxls did not respond, finding comfort in his words until he finally got the courage to speak "If it is alright... I do not wisheth to slumber all by my lonesome tonight..." he quietly spoke, holding one of Klieg's free hands.

The light darkner flickered in surprise, thoughts running wild as he tried to understand his responses "You're giving me q-quite the mixed messages here... Besides, I do not think we both can fit on the couch..."

Rouxls ended up squinting at his response, noticing the way Klieg quietly held himself together and realizing the tone of what he had said could have been interpreted in a different way, "Mixeth... messages...?"

"I... I do not wish to make things strange... But... If you don't like me, then... why...?"

"I have spoken no sucheth thing!" Rouxls quickly corrected him "I juste... Aspireth for different flavourest of relationships..."

Klieg simply blinked at him, tilting his head in confusion, making Rouxls flush, trying to put his thoughts into words as he continued "Such as the bond of a ruthless leader and the faithful minion. The humble villain and their favourite goon. The..."

"Pardon my interruption, Kaard. In this scenario, art thou the faithful minion?" Klieg bluntly asked.

"Aye, my villain!" Rouxls grinned genuinely, looking up at him, but Klieg had a coy yet suspicious look to him.

"And in this scenario, doth thou also claim the villain's spot, impersonating them and stealing their look, tying them in a hidden room as a treacherous attempt to claim their glory?"

Rouxls looked wide-eyed at him, looking almost as if offended but scoffed "Were thou a better villain, and not a second-rate tritagonist, then perhapseth thou would not have fallen so easily."

"S-S-S-SECOND RATE?!" The light darkner exclaimed, insulted, but Rouxls' offended look was replaced with his coy grin once more as he nuzzled on him, headbutting him almost like a cat.

"The perfecteth match for the nature of a secondary mini-boss suchest The Rrrrouxls Kaard." He claimed, his eccentric exchange toning down as his voice became quieter "..Minus my genius, albeit misguided, betrayal of thoust's trust in my humble character... Of courseth."

Klieg grumbled and sighed, resting his head on top of his and allowing himself to enjoy giving him the affection he had held himself back from for so long "I am not a villain..." he murmured, getting a smile from Rouxls.

"Aye... As it seemst... that I am not a faithful minion, either..." He spoke, "Howevereth, I am willinge to settleth as... Let us say... Brillianteth director, to be thine mosteth eloquent and awe-inspiring muse..." Rouxls stated "Would it suffice? Doth thou require inspiration for thine's most gruelling film projects? I findeth insects and vermin to be rather effective in causing a most dreadful reaction for the enemy, err... vIEWER!"

But Klieg did not respond, just humming quietly as he seemed to not want to let go of Rouxls, or perhaps, had the card darkner succeeded in turning a romantic rejection into a villainous partnership proposal, sending the flustered light darkner into shutdown mode?

Blinking, Rouxls lifted a hand to pat the side of his partner's head "...Kliegeth?"

"I'm dreaming... I'm dreaming and... I'll wake up if I let go..." He murmured, lifting his head "That's a good concept for a film actually... I'm sure we can incorporate worms into the imagery..."

Rouxls just blinked in confusion "Doth thou... dreameth of me?"

"...Sometimes..." Klieg spoke, getting a teasing scoff from Rouxls.

"Why, I doubteth that that dream phantasm thou sees in thine mind can fully graspeth at my essence."

"...Well, he certainly does not have your way with words..." Klieg timidly spoke "...Has your body always been this soft...?"

"...Wh-What?!" Rouxls gasped, realizing in a panic, that in his comfort with the other darkner's embrace, his body had started to lose its composure as he began to feel himself melting.

Laughing nervously, Rouxls let go and got up, quickly trying to compose himself so that Klieg wouldn't see him in such a... vulnerable state. "N-Nay! HAHAHAH! Must be thine's brillianth imaginative mind at work once more!"

Confused, the light darkner looked at him, then at his own shirt, noticing the faint blue smudges where Rouxls had been resting his hands and face on. He got up and approached the card darkner who had started to fan himself with an exasperated sigh. "What is... Are you alright?"

Rouxls grin widened "WH-WHATEVERETH DOTH THOU MEAN, HAHAHA—!" He exclaimed, placing his hand on his cheek and immediately pulling away, strings of his slime-like skin sticking to his fingers not much different from the complexion of that of melted cheese "N-Nothinge for thouself to be concerneth aboute!" He continued but knew he wasn't sounding the slightest bit convincing, doing his best to stabilize himself.

"Is... Is that normal?!" Klieg was at a loss for words, watching as Rouxls took a deep breath, his skin returning to its smooth form.

"It seemst I have alloweth myself to become carrieth away!" Rouxls sheepishly dismissed himself despite Klieg's concerned look, who approached him, wordlessly placing his hands on his cheeks and cupping his face with a worried look.

"Your face... It's still intact..." He commented, making Rouxls blush at the unexpected contact, keeping his focus not to begin melting onto his fingers as well.

"A-Ah... y... Yes..." The blue darkner quietly responded, feeling frozen by the gesture. He supposed that being robotic, to Klieg the concept of a softer body, let alone a more malleable one must have been a strange concept "I-It meanseth that... I AM QUITE RELAXED."

Klieg tilted his head, not looking convinced but deciding to let go of his face, "I apologize... You really startled me..." he sighed, rubbing his head "I must be getting quite tired as well..."

"A-And rather bold..." Rouxls murmured, seeming shaken as he passed a hand on his cheek, feeling far too flustered, but the light darkner just seemed lost in thought, with Rouxls following him to his room.

"You... wish to share the bed then...?" Klieg looked back but seemed far too flustered to meet his gaze.

"It gets quite lonelyeth in thine living room..." Rouxls excused himself with a grin, "As it does in the prince's humbleth manor. Besidesth... I get to enjoy thoust's warm company!"

He watched as the spotlight grew brighter with this comment, shyly looking away as they got to his room. Rouxls was still processing the way that Klieg had just... cupped his face with his hands, thumbs cautiously rubbing over Rouxls' smooth skin, which was just stable enough not to melt into the spotlight's hands.

Yet, in all of Klieg's cliche displays of flustered feelings, it seemed utterly absent in that interaction, as if he hadn't even registered the affection of his actions, retaining his clueless but concerned demeanour.

Rouxls couldn't help but fixate on that feeling, being desired like that, having his presence be enjoyed in such a way, he felt a bit selfish for enjoying the attention the way he did, but it seemed to make Klieg as happy to give it as Rouxls was to receive it.

"I truly apologize for the mess!" during this, Klieg had been quickly decluttering the room, four busy hands grabbing stacks of papers and pencils from the bed, scratched scripts, loose sheets of paper with chicken scratch doodles that he made sure to put away before Rouxls could see it.

"I-I'm not usually this much of a slob! Sometimes a bright idea just comes to mind and I get so restless, I cannot sleep until I have it out of my system!"

Rouxls snapped out of his train of thought when he heard the light darkner's nervous yapping. When he didn't go full quiet, Klieg seemed to fill the air with words to hide how nervous he felt, a trait that Rouxls also recognized in himself.

It was a fear of the all-consuming silence, often guilty of bringing unwanted thoughts, easily countered by endless running strings of words.

And yet, here they were, sharing a bed because of Rouxls feeling unable to bear the loneliness of Castle Town all by himself. He tried to think of it as just a sleepover, an activity like that of children.

But yet, after Klieg's mixed attempt at a... non??? confession???? There was a gentle sense of longing in the air.

They had been lounging in more casual sleepwear already when it was made clear that Rouxls was staying over once again, and as Klieg fussed here and there, he continued grabbing pillows and hiding away the messes of clutter to save his dignity.

With this, Rouxls sat on the bed, a yawn escaping him once more as he glanced at his... Friend...? Partner...? Bulbfriend... Who focused on his rushed cleaning.

To say Klieg was an enjoyer of cinema was but an understatement, it was easily his biggest interest, with any manner of film media filling his shelves, neatly organized, with categories for specific genres, years, directors and the like.

There were also collections of film memorabilia, darkner and lightner alike, displayed proudly. To call him a hoarder would be an offence, but it was clear that when he became excited or a specific fixation sparked his interest, he had a hard time putting things back in their proper places.

"Are... Are thou in needeth of assistance?" Rouxls commented when Klieg's rushing anxiety passed through the threshold from being charming to maybe just a bit too silly. Yet, the light darkner just looked back at him pleadingly, any further and he might even be caught whimpering.

"I am almost done!" He quickly spoke, yelping when he accidentally let some more papers fall "Oh sparks-" he cussed "I-If I had known ahead, I wouldn't have left the place like this..."

Rouxls rolled his eyes with a smile and got up to help him, "Kliegeth... Thine stress is ever so distressing to witness... Please come rest..." He spoke, picking up some of the scribbled-over sheets of paper and putting them aside.

As he kept to his organizing, it slowly clicked to Rouxls that rather than a concern for appearances, Klieg was actually stalling on getting to bed, finding some new excuse to keep himself from relaxing and lying down.

"B-But the mess..." Klieg stammered, glancing at Rouxls from the corner of his eye and quickly looking away "A-And the bed might be too small a-and..."

Rouxls raised an eyebrow, glancing back at the reasonably sized bed, then back at Klieg with a nervous smile on his face "I assumeth that thou hath changeth thine mind in regardeth to the sharing..."

Klieg returned him the same pleading look, the hinges of his light lowering once more "Th-That's not..." He sighed and put the rest of things away as his light flickered anxiously "N-No... I'm just... nervous. And... worried..."

"I believeth that those are synonyms..." Rouxls blinked "What woulde the cause of thine concern be...?"

There was silence for a bit, as Klieg seemed to be figuring out how to word himself "What if... I do something... I-In my sleep...?" He inquired, getting a concerned look from Rouxls.

"I... do not understand what thou means."

"It's just that... I could end up grabbing you! A-As in... h-holding you I mean!" His light grew brighter as he spoke, "Th-That would most certainly be a grave violation of thine boundaries!"

With this, Rouxls gave him a dumbfounded look, his confused smile becoming genuine as he felt a bit flustered "Soundeth like a mosteth pleasant night of slumber."

"No no nooo..." Klieg covered his face with a quiet whine "How utterly improper of me... I respect thou's lack of reciprocation, I can't resort to acting on a whim like that... I must keep all my hands to myself."

With this, Rouxls let out a tired snorted laugh, approaching him and holding one of his pair of hands, warm from the light of his eye. The other pair kept covering his face as he lowered his head in shame.

"Thou art acting in quite the most sillyeth of manners, director! I may not reciprocate thoust attempts at romance, however, can muse and artiste not indulge in the most ancient art of... Aah, how doth thou calleth it... Cuddleth?"

Klieg had broken again, shaking his head with how flustered he got at his muse's utterly scandalous proposition "A-Apologies... I d-don't know how to cuddle..."

"Oh, there ist no needeth for such dramatique displays..." Still holding his hands, Rouxls smiled as he stepped backwards, pulling Klieg with him as he lay in bed. The Light Darkner timidly followed along, uncovering his face just in time to catch Rouxls boldly pulling him to lay with him on the bed.

As Klieg quickly managed to hold himself not to accidentally tackle Rouxls with his weight, he noticed how the blue darkner looked just as surprised by his own strength, or maybe how easily Klieg went down? The Light Darkner opened his eye to find himself looking down at Rouxls, who looked back up at him in surprise, panting quietly from the strain of pulling him.

"S-See... was... was that so... difficult...?" Rouxls commented, his expression turning to one of realization at the suggestive pose he incidentally brought on the two of them.

"N...No..." Klieg murmured as he flushed, enthralled by Rouxls's soft panting and the way his hair spread on the bed as a light blue blush tinted his cheeks.

"Hath..." Rouxls closed his droopy eyes, letting out a quiet breath "Hath thou dreameth of a moment like this...?"

Klieg blushed brighter at this comment, quietly getting off from top of Rouxls and laying beside him, feeling his chest pounding "I don't... think it would be appropriate to answer that..." He glanced at the side, with Rouxls lying on his side to be able to look at him.

Rouxls had both a tired but endeared look on his face and approached Klieg to rest his head under his. Closing his eye once more, Klieg's hands shyly reached towards the Card Darkner's back, holding him closer to his body.

"Is this... Is this cuddling...?" The light darkner inquired, getting a pleased hum from Rouxls.

"Oh, I would not knoweth either..." He laughed a bit, sensing Klieg's arms comfortably wrap around him "Art thou comfortable...?"

"...Yes..." Klieg had seemed to relax, "...However, your question still lingers in my mind..."

Rouxls smiled, wrapping his arms around him as well "About thine dreams? Aye, the thought haunts me too..."

Klieg blushed, feeling Rouxls' warm breath on his neck, he felt flustered over how aroused it made him, but something told him Rouxls was having similar thoughts as Klieg placed his hands on his waist, pulling Rouxls towards him.

"R-Roux..." Klieg muttered, hearing a warm huff from Rouxls, who hid his face on his neck.

"A-Ah..." Rouxls moaned quietly, making Klieg's heart nearly jump out of his own chest "Please forgiveth me...'' He looked back up at his partner, who also seemed to be caught up in the moment.

"I've... O-Of course I've dreamed of... it..." He looked ashamed "Though I usually wake up before anything... uhm..."

Rouxls flushed at his confession, finding himself slowly rhythmically rubbing against him "Doth thou wish to give it a try...?" The card darkner muttered, his hand reaching under Klieg's sleepwear shorts, leaving no doubts as to what "it" was referring to.

The light darkner lowered his head and nuzzled him, his nerves returning "I'd love to, but... I don't... I do not think you'd be too pleased with what I have to offer..." His voice grew quieter, enjoying the sensation of Rouxls' body so close to his.

Rouxls blushed as well, smiling timidly "Thou can reject it. 'Tis not a demand... Besides... I too would loathe to be a disappointment if thou sees me..."

"I'd never think that of you..." Klieg looked at him, noticing Rouxls' shy smile as he stared back at him "You're still my muse..."

"Would thou maketh a masterpiece out of me?" Rouxls chuckled, getting a laugh out of Klieg as well "I care not if thousts light rodis beloweth average measurements."

"Wh-WHAT?!" Klieg choked in surprise "N-No! The size is not what I'm concerned abo- Wait, Cut. Did you say LIGHT ROD?!"

Rouxls snorted in response, even himself feeling a bit silly for his comparison "Haha... my apologies... Perhapseth I feeleth quite unnerved..."

"...You feel nervous?"

"Aye... Thou too makes me weak..." He spoke, as Klieg felt Rouxls suggestively pull at his shoulder, following along so he'd be topping him once more.

"So you'd want me to...?"

"If thou so desires..."

This time, almost as if on instinct, feeling Rouxls grab onto the back of his shirt, Klieg lowered himself, feeling Rouxls wrap his legs around him, he slowly began to grind on him. Rouxls let out a soft huff at the motion of their crotches rubbing together, feeling himself get wetter by the second.

The light darkner's motion would have seemed desperate, but it was clear that he was holding himself back, though if things remained like this, Rouxls would have to find out about him sooner than he'd like. He wanted to stop, but as he got harder, Klieg cursed the pleasurable sensation of his muse's body on his own, making him not want to stop, only feeling thankful that he had decided to wear shorts this time around.

"I... c-can't..." Klieg huffed, slowing the humping and hearing a whimper from Rouxls who looked absolutely delighted, his legs ever so slightly trembling.

"P-Please..." Rouxls huffed, panting gently "I need thou..."

Klieg had been panting as well, sitting back, his head dizzy from how bright he felt, but his lust wasn't strong enough to counter his anxiety regarding his body.

Rouxls looked back at him, noticing how he grew more and more hesitant, placing one pair of hands in front of his crotch and taking deep breaths. Worriedly, Rouxls sat up, approaching his nervous partner and headbutting him gently "Kliegeth... 'tis fine if thou are not ready..."

"I want to... I-It's just..." He muttered, his lower set of hands covering himself "How shameful..."

Rouxls looked down curiously then back up at him "I will not looketh. If thou does not look at me either..." He blushed, looking at the side "For I might seem to lacketh what thou might be looking for..."

Klieg looked curious by this statement but flushed as Rouxls approached him once more, feeling the card darkner's hand reach for his own as if asking for permission to touch him. The spotlight quietly huffed, allowing Rouxls to touch him, and feeling his hand carefully cupping the bulge, gently rubbing him as if to get a feeling for the shape.

"O-Oh...!" Rouxls muttered in realization, hearing a quiet huff from Klieg who once more covered his face on his shoulder "Is... Is this...? Thou art... retractable...?"

"I'm sorry... I understand if you don't want to go through with this" Klieg uttered, feeling Rouxls' body against his own as the card darkner held him, breathing warmly against his neck.

"N-No... Just... quite the surpriseth..." Rouxls responded, reaching for Klieg's hand, and bringing it to his own crotch.

Klieg was surprised by this, his hand feeling not only the absence of a bulge but rather a warm sensation "Y-You're..."

"Aye... Couldn't bringeth myself to get rid of it..." He closed his eyes as Klieg felt him "If thou is fine with this, then so am I..."

With this, Rouxls felt the tension of his partner's body ease as Klieg allowed himself to relax, the lower set of his arms desperately holding on to the blue darkner's legs as Rouxls comfortably sat on his lap.

"Y-You're not nervous...?" Klieg inquired, getting a snort from Rouxls.

"Most petrified! Doth thou needeth both of them stimulated or would one suffice?"

Klieg flushed, looking flustered, his fantasies had never gone beyond the playful banter stage after all "Hah... I've never.... done this..." He murmured.

Rouxls looked surprised by his statement, throwing away his hopes that Klieg would know what to do so that he wouldn't have to keep pretending he had any idea what he was doing here. His coy expression softened, looking down a bit flustered but keeping his wide smile "Neither have I... Alas... It shouldeth be fun, doth thou agree?"

Klieg flushed and nodded, slowly headbutting his partner who looked pleased with himself "This... I enjoy this... And oddly enough... I enjoyed it when I got to feel you... Is that strange...?"

"Mayhapest..." Rouxls had wrapped his arms around him "Yet, is this act of platonic artistique procreation not as strangeth?"

"Roux..." Klieg purred, feeling Rouxls grind on his crotch "Thou art a poet at heart... But I'm certain there are better ways to refer to... this..."

"Hm... Better, thou sayeth...? Perhaps a... friendly act of fornication?" The blue darkner mocked, getting a squinting look from Klieg, usually equivalent to him being displeased.

"Not that either..." He huffed, becoming restless from the restraining feeling of their clothes "I liked the first one better..."

"And yet, thou dareth to question my genius..." Rouxls tried to sound smug, but sounded out of breath instead, "Hngh... Of all days for thou to decideth to wear undergarments..."

This couldn't help but make Klieg laugh flustered, as Rouxls began to laugh as well "This was not how I was expecting to spend the night..."

"Thou always said I was a most excelenth improviseur." Rouxls smiled, finding himself at quite the awkward angle to attempt to remove either his or Klieg's shorts "So I shall useth that skill to... erm... Well..." He fidgeted, trying to find a good angle to grab at the hem of his pants, as Klieg noticed his situation, he quickly attempted to help him.

"Oh dear... Hold on-"

Clumsily, the two fought to be rid of their clothes as Klieg found his four arms stuck in the sleeves of his shirt with Rouxls promptly assisting him.

However, with their mix of excitement and clumsiness, kicking away shirts and pants, it got the two darkners to awkwardly fall back in bed as Rouxls had been attempting to get rid of his partner's pants, instead losing his balance and falling on top of Klieg, whose hands had taken to bury themselves under Rouxls's boxers, greedily holding on to his rear and incidentally bringing the two of them down.

"A-Ah!" Klieg exclaimed in surprise as his action had quickly backfired on him, but Rouxls was only momentarily surprised, shaking his head as he got his bearings, finding himself stranding the light darkner below him.

"Thou would not happenth to have a script for howst to proceedeth..."

"I w-wish...!" Klieg looked exalted as Rouxls moved his own hair out of his face, laughing awkwardly as he finished removing the half-unbuttoned shirt he had been wearing.

Their crotches felt warm against each other, separated by nothing but the thin pieces of fabric from their undergarments. Klieg's hands had once more reached to grip Rouxls' rear, desperate fingers impatiently holding on to the smooth but firm skin.

The blue darkner huffed with a smile, his own hands reaching towards Klieg's crotch as his palms rested comfortably on the oddly shaped bulge "I do requireth thy guidance, my friend..." Rouxls smirked genuinely "I can improviseth, but thou knowst thine body better than I!"

"This is so embarrassing..." Before Klieg could give in to his flustered feelings and cover his face with his free hands, Rouxls quickly lowered himself to grab onto the Light's wrists.

"W-Wait!" He called out, suddenly looking flushed as he saw Klieg looking back at him then facing away in embarrassment "I... wisheth to see thine face..." Rouxls murmured, loosening the grip on his wrists as his partner was looking nervously with his face flushed a subtle glowing yellow.

"Wh-Why so...?"

"Thine firstesth time... flickers...? They are quite endearing..." Rouxls smiled as Klieg's light flickered as if on cue.

"Ah... Haha... How art thou this confident...?" The Light darkner looked sheepishly, quietly yelping in surprise as he felt Rouxls' hands on his crotch once more.

"Thou thinks I soundeth confident?" Rouxls blinked curiously, noticing the way Klieg tried not to let his reaction to Rouxls' touch show. The spotlight's hands had held on to the duke's rear, ever so slowly lowering his boxers, but being unable to commit.

"Hng... Is... Are we starting...?" Klieg managed to mutter, as Rouxls seemed to be getting a feel for his crotch.

"I believeth we've been commencing copulation sinceth we've been here..." He spoke, eyes glancing down as he dared to lower his partner's boxers, the wet aroused appendage perked up as Klieg let out his equivalent of an exhale.

"D-Don't... Kaard... P-Please don't stare... Nor say copulation... What... What are we...? " Klieg huffed, but Rouxls was still processing what he was looking at. He figured from feeling around that his friend had an unusual situation down there, the appendage betrayed its owner's modesty, begging for attention as Klieg found himself covering his face again.

"T...Two..." Rouxls bluntly stated, looking down then back at his flustered partner, breathing warmly as he guided Klieg's hands to free the two of them from their underwear "Thou hast tw-"

"Y... yes."

Klieg had been frozen by his own nerves but found himself wanting to steal glances at Rouxls, feeling the warm and humid feeling of his pussy as the card darkner brought one of his dark tentacle cocks to it, grinding slowly on it, never inserting it, but huffing wetly as he got a feel for the size.

"R-Roux..." Klieg grew brighter at the sensation, taking notice of Rouxls' tdick, a much smaller timid tentacle that did not hesitate to rub itself against its larger companion.

"Thou has... two light rods."

"I-IT'S PERFECTLY NATURAL FOR MY SPECIES—!" Klieg exclaimed, getting Rouxls to laugh awkwardly as his face flushed a bright blue, realizing how much he was still stranding his partner under him.

"Oh! Please do not misinterpret my observation, Kliegeth!" Rouxls tried his best to sound confident, which was hard when he was so sure both of their minds were getting fuzzy with lust "I simply needeth to know..." He spoke as his hand caringly held the second neglected appendage, his thumb running across the length.

"Wh-What is it...?" The sensation of his wet pussy was making it harder and harder to focus, were he not stranded nor crippled by his anxiety, he'd give anything to grab onto his muse by the thighs and go all out on him.

"I shall save mine ardent anatomy queries for a later time, but I musteth know..." He began, pulling the shaft away from his pussy as he exhaled quietly "Hhn... Doth thou have a preference? Humbling as it woulde be, the double penetration is a most daunting task, I'm certain that thou understands."

"Ough... E-Either of them!" Klieg begged as he covered his face desperately "Do it quick before I do it for you...!" He cried out, his usual director snappiness slipping through before the realization of what he had just said suddenly dawned on him.

"A-AH!" Rouxls smiled in surprise, his face flushed blue "Thou art liketh a metronome, flickering back and fortheth with thy modesty and bluntness!" He stated as his hand idly continued to rub his partner, who looked more and more overwhelmed by the stimulation.

"I d-did not mean to yELL..." Klieg looked embarrassed himself, looking at Rouxls who lowered his body to be closer to his face.

"Haha... 'tis alright, my light. I amst quiteth nervous as well..." Rouxls' voice softened, breathing warmly as he reached with his hand to bring his partner's member inside of him, his wetness aiding in the entrance.

Klieg's light flickered once more before he closed his eye, feeling Rouxls' warm wet breath on his neck as the card darkner adjusted to his size, riding him slowly.

"Hnn... Is... Is this good...?" Klieg muttered, feeling Rouxls nod on his chest, huffing in pleasure as Klieg held him.

"Ah... Y-yes..." Rouxls was able to whisper, making an effort to keep his moaning quiet, even if he couldn't hide the smile from his voice.

Were they to go any faster, Klieg wouldn't be sure how long he'd last, but with Rouxls on his lap, he felt it was better to let him take charge, even if Klieg struggled not to let his hips buckle, instead allowing for his desperate hands to aid Rouxls in his motion, gripping at his hips while the top set of hands held him close, burying his fingers in the duke's soft hair.

They kept it slow like that for a while, enjoying the feeling of each other's bodies. Rouxls' nervous thoughts had faded, as he instead focused on Klieg's touch, filled with so much care for him. He had denied himself the light's affection for long enough.

"Aah... Thou... art still feelingeth quite... timid..." Rouxls managed to mutter, lifting his head to look at Klieg, who just barely opened his eye, revealing it to be brighter than Rouxls had ever seen it.

"Hnn... You just feel so..." Klieg muttered, keeping in his moans in pleasure "S-So... Perfect..." He spoke, gasping quietly as Rouxls kept riding him, but brought down a hand to hold the neglected dick, rubbing it slowly.

"Thou art givingth me quiteth the workout... Art I unworthyeth of hearing thine whines of joy...?" Rouxls chuckled, getting a quiet laugh from Klieg.

"Hnn... But how will I hear yours...?" He managed to mutter, gasping quietly as he felt Rouxls pick up his pace, breathing warmly as he sat back up on his lap, panting softly.

"May... May thou taketh it from here...?" Rouxls moaned, but refused to stop, enjoying the sensation of his every inch far too much.

Never getting off him, Rouxls began to lay back as Klieg followed along, switching to topping him as he followed along with the motion, grabbing his legs and thrusting into him, trying to keep the slow movement that Rouxls had set up for them, but the way that Rouxls' moans grew from quiet whimpers to cries in pleasure made it harder to keep a clear mind.

As he lowered himself to properly adjust to their new position, Klieg felt Rouxls' legs wrapping around his waist as he lifted his head and closed his eyes, wet moans leaving his mouth.

Following on his instinct, aided by Rouxls' legs around his waist, Klieg allowed himself to properly fuck him, a thought he had forbid himself from indulging in, but he'd be lying if he said the blue darkner didn't find himself haunting his wet dreams.

To think of their current act as "Making love" felt diminutive, and as he felt Rouxls wrap his arms around him, this truly felt like nothing but yet a more intimate expression of their art. Though were Klieg's thoughts focused on anything but pleasuring his muse, he would find the comparison to be quite silly, but instead, in the moment nothing else mattered.

It wasn't to last however, their desperate and inexperienced bodies could only keep up so much, and with a whine in pleasure, Rouxls lifted his head as Klieg felt him getting tighter around him, the sudden sensation surprising him as he felt himself grunting in pleasure, cumming inside of Rouxls, who had wrapped his legs tighter around him when he felt him getting close.

Panting, the two comfortably fell limp in bed, with Rouxls refusing to let go of his partner, his hair now in a mess as his skin seemed to be trying to keep itself from melting as a result of the comfort and pleasure he felt. Meanwhile, Klieg had his head resting on his chest, panting with his eye closed, knowing just how brightly he could glow when on the verge of a climax.

They were quiet for a while as only the sound of them catching their breath could be heard.

"...Th-That waseth..." Rouxls finally muttered, looking down at Klieg who simply panted. head rested on him "Perhapst... next time, we shall try to plan this better..."

But Klieg just remained quiet, panting on his chest as Rouxls looked down to realize that his partner not only was capable of finishing from his two appendages, but that his cum seemed to have a faint glow to it, as seen from the neglected cock which had no choice but to finish on Rouxls' belly. Twice the exhaustion, Rouxls assumed as he reached to caress his partner's face, getting him to lean towards his touch.

"Kliegeth... Art thou well...?" Rouxls asked, still panting softly.

"Hnn..." The Light Darkner managed to mutter, his arms holding on to Rouxls' body as he took a deep breath and rested on him.

"Thou art... wonderful..." Rouxls spoke, feeling Klieg nuzzle against him.

"Roux... I... I think I'd like to try... cuddling now..." The light spoke, his voice all but a whisper, but his tone seemed content.

Rouxls could swear he felt his heart skip a beat with this comment, and with a sigh on his own, he smiled and too wrapped his hands around his friend, the high from their climaxes slowly fading, being replaced with the drowsiness that they had been trying to ignore "Aye... The ancientest art of the cuddleth..."

With this, Klieg seemed to quietly chuckle, but he just felt far too tired, and as Rouxls closed his eyes, the two eventually fell asleep, content in each other's company.

ᐊ ❤ ᐅ