Healing isn't always easy | Eden

He frankly hadn't planned on just falling asleep like that, but he just felt so happy, safe and most of all tired. Even trying to fight it made it more alluring to just give in. He barely noticed that he was being moved, only whimpering a bit before he was back safely in the vampyre's arms. He slept for a long time, but it was also clear his mind needed to catch up to everything that had happened that day. Their vows, their cave, the creature in their cave and later how vigorous their lovemaking had been.
He could smell the coffee which was slowly waking him up making his eyes move beneath his eyelids. Feeling his face getting greeted by cold and familiar hands he smiled a little, carefully opening his eyes to look at Eden. His husband. Oh thinking of it still made his stomach tingle. That and the fact he was actually hungry. It was strange, because he usually pressed his hunger down, but after all of yesterday he felt more in touch with himself. Maybe the vampyre had simply been the missing piece to his puzzle. "You made us breakfast?" he asked, not in disbelief but rather happy. He wasn't a fan of handling food before he ate it, and he trusted that the vampyre knew how to make it as he liked it.
Sitting up he reached for the cup of coffee, blowing lightly on it before taking a mouthful. He sighed, closing his eyes a little as it felt good to just sit here for a little while. He held the vampyre's hand, just letting his thumb caress his back and forth over his skin. "Can we eat it in the garden?" He then asked, opening his eyes to look at the man he held so dear to his heart. Taking another mouthful of his coffee he noticed he was in his shirt and it made him feel really validated. His husband really knew how to help him in all of this.

Romeo felt so comforted by all of this, seeing his husband so sweetly waking him up. It was all he had ever dreamt of since being with Eden. How funny it was that this man had helped him realize how much he truly needed a life like this. The notion of a table made him hum, "I'll just get dressed and then I'll be out," he promised, pushing his feet out over the bed. As he got up he felt a little lightheaded and then he felt a bit sore. Not anything bad, but it did make him moan softly, feeling how his muscles were aching a little. It gave him small flashes of imagery from the night before. "You really gave everything to me yesterday, huh?" He chuckled, lifting his shirt a little to see that he had a few bruises on his butt cheeks and legs, even a few that looked like fingers on his hips. It gave him an immense pride to see them. "I'm going to feel my husbands lingering hands on me for the rest of the day," he sighed with a soft smile, leaning over to kiss him tenderly before he had to get dressed. He waited until he got some privacy before getting out of his shirt and into something more appropriate for a day in their town. He still wore stylish things, but he liked to keep them more loose fitted now. Luckily that was very in right now.
As he had gotten dressed and fixed his hair a little he went out into the garden, seeing the table that had been prepared, and while the sight of food was still a little scary he also felt determined. He wouldn't say he stuffed his face, but being hungry did aid when it came to eating. They had some pretty casual conversation while he ate. He didn't really stray from the safe foods, perhaps because they were safe, but he did eat which was always a sign of a good day. "What are the plans for today then?" He couldn't recall if the vampyre had told him already. Everything had sorta been forgotten in the euphoric haze that was last night.

Being back here was a mixture of feeling like no time had passed at all while also everything had changed and gotten so much better. As he finished up eating he was just poking some green tops of a strawberry he had consumed, listening as the vampyre put out the options. There was a lot of things they could do but he nodded to the market in town. That sounded cozy. "I think we should just go to the market and then figure out what we want to do after on the spot?" A suggestion that both of them hopefully could live with. They weren't in a rush. They could do whatever they wanted. He smiled softly as a cute thought entered his head, "as long as I get to hold your hand the whole time," he said. Last they had been here they hadn't really shown outwardly that they were together. However now they could display that and not care who would judge them.
"Also, I think I need to get a new tie - as I recall there was a tailor in town, right?" He pondered out loud. He was going to need it for the new career they would be building. Was it silly that he thought a tie would bring him luck in this new venture? "You should get one too," he smiled, "it'll be like a lucky rabbits foot to us." Carrying something from their town with them in their daily lives would be a good reminder to them of how far they had come. And yet he also wanted it to be a motivator to what they were going to do in the future.

He shot him a daring look at the mention of it becoming useful, his lips curling up in a smile as he clearly liked the sound of that. However what he still couldn't completely grasp was when Eden said he needed to feed. He looked down, frowning as he shook his head, "I don't want to see you feed on others anymore .. not when I know you can feed on me," he admitted. Was that not fair enough? He knew that he couldn't produce enough blood for the human not to substitute with someone else, but he wouldn't be able to control his jealousy. "Just .." He was picking a bit at his fingers, "I don't like thinking about my husbands lips on anyone by my skin." One part of him felt very selfish for admitting that, but how would Eden not have reacted if it had been the other way around? He think in fact he was being a little tame.
"Promise me you won't take too long," he looked to his husband with pleading eyes. He knew there was an art to it, but he also wasn't sure he even wanted to think of his man cozying up to anyone. He looked down to his fingers, still picking at them a little, not sure if it helped, but it at least kept him from getting up and showing how hurt he was. It was stupid, wasn't it? Eden needed blood to survive, and the lycan would be naïve to think that he could ever create enough blood for him to live off of.

Romeo looked to his husband as he came closer, feeling the touch on the mark on his neck. His eyes hopeful but a bit unsure as the vampyre made his promise. He couldn't quite understand. How would Eden feed from someone without even letting his lips touch another person's skin? He would have to trust him for now, and as the human went to sort out the arrangements he cleaned up a bit of the table, though he felt a little nauseous handling the food, so he hoped his love would take care of it for him. He headed inside, having a quick shower before he got dressed, a pair of slacks in a light color, a loose shirt on top as well as a vest over that. He kept the sleeves down, still unsure about showing his body, but around Eden it seemed more safe at least. He knew he had just taken on a new set after getting up, but he felt a bit too exposed in it so it was better to change than regret later.
Once he was done he went to sit in the lounge area as the vampyre finished up getting ready as well. Sometimes Romeo wondered if he found it annoying that he couldn't truly change in front of him. Though instead of wondering he looked up as the vampyre appeared, smiling at him as he got up to greet him. He adjusted his husband's collar, even if it didn't need adjustment, he just wanted an excuse to touch him. "Are you ready?" He smiled, reaching down to take his hand, entangling their fingers. Outside the weather looked promising, even if there were a few darkened clouds in the distant they moved very slow. So perhaps the rain wouldn't come until they reached the evening anyways. The streets weren't as full as they had been last time they were here, but it perhaps made it even better. He could almost imagine settling down here once they had grandchildren perhaps? It looked like a good community. He smiled a bit at how silly he was, already thinking of that stuff, but perhaps it was because he could imagine such a wonderful life with the man by his side.

Romeo wasn't blind to seeing how the vampyre had adjusted his wedding ring, though he seemed to snap out of it before heading out. And surely, just as he had noticed the ring thing, the vampyre saw him smiling. Perhaps because he sometimes still struggled finding it within him to smile."I suppose I'm smiling about the life I'm imagining for us down the line," he admitted. While he was still struggling with a lot of things, he found it comforting that he could still look forward to the future and find comfort in it. Perhaps some day he might look back at how he was struggling right now and be happy that it was over. "It's just silly things .. Like imagining retiring and settling down here; have grandkids come visit every other weekend; spend time together where we don't have to think about work or anything," he didn't dislike work. But he as any other living person perhaps would always look forward to a time where life could change.
"I noticed you looking at your ring," he admitted, giving his hand a gentle squeeze as they kept walking. "Is something wrong?" They had gotten married. Perhaps the vampyre thought that the ring needed to be updated now? They did have the crystal from their cave so if it was that, they could easily go to a jeweler and have it looked at; perhaps even finished before the day was over if they were lucky.

He felt the change in Eden, apologizing softly. He knew it was perhaps so far in the future for them that the vampyre was worried. But he was certain that the time until then would be far from rushed. "Of course there's going to be a long time before then," he assured him, his lips pulling up in a soft smile, "I'm not even thinking of having kids before our company is well secured." He chuckled softly, though he was also awfully aware of how young he was in this. He felt lucky that he had met Eden this early. This way they had more time together, right? And while Romeo didn't worry about how much or how little time they had, it was clear it was a worry for the vampyre.
The notion of a family ring made him smile, "no, I like that idea," assuring his loving husband that his wants were indeed valid. [color=#9980B8]"It would be good .. I mean, family heirlooms have to be created before they can even exist. Lifting his hand he kissed him gently, "tell me what sort of design you want; A letter or perhaps a crest?" There were genuinely endless of possibilities. But then he smiled. "I've decided that the crystals will be used for the family rings," he proclaimed with a warm and charming smile, leaning against him in a cutesy fashion. He genuinely just wanted to make him happy.
Walking amongst the small stalls and sales booths he really appreciated how protective the vampyre was. He wasn't restricted, but he felt cared for and not alone amongst these strangers. "Eden look .. there's the guy who made us taste those weird drinks back then," he whispered, clearly not trying to be rude. He could still remember the soulmate one. The one that had made him realize just how important Eden already was back then.

"Yes," he confirmed with a soft smile. He knew tradition was important to the vampyre, and now they had the chance to start their own traditions. He wanted them to have a family, "we could maybe even make it a tradition; when a kid comes of age they go and pick out a crystal from our cave and that crystal will be embedded in a ring of our design," would that not be a legacy above all else? Including a tradition that could span for generations. He found it so comforting, and hopefully the vampyre would as well. He would, after all, be there to see their legacy. It made Romeo feel more safe and secure, even if he knew that it was far far off, just knowing that the life they had would live on in some capacity was what anyone wanted. The joke and poking fun at starting a family made him blush a little, looking at the vampyre quite defensively, "and so what if I want that; you want it just as much as I and you know it." He was quite adamant about this, but his features did soften up in a warm smile.
When he spotted the man it was like a blast from the past. He would hold Eden's carved rose as the vampyre tried a sample. Feeling the confusion second-hand felt odd, and as he was asked about trying it out he looked rather hesitantly on the fluids. He ended up shaking his head no, looking down a little ashamed. But he just could get his mind to stop spinning, especially as he had already eaten breakfast. It was all too much for him to consume right now. He gave Eden's hand a soft squeeze, signaling that he wanted to move on and away from whatever about this stall that seemed triggering to him. "I'm sorry that I'm no fun," he apologized as they had walked away, leaning his head against his arm, closing his eyes for a little as they walked. "I thought I could be brave, but I'm clearly still struggling."

Romeo genuinely needed some encouragement. One thing was going out and being around a lot of strangers, another was the slight pressure from himself to at least act normal. But he wasn't normal, was he? He sighed softly at the assurance, opening his eyes as the vampyre clearly had decided that the lycan should buy something. "Alright .. I just need a little breather first," he said softly, moving a bit away from the market, finding a nice bench under a tree where they could watch the people passing by to and from the small stalls. He just kept holding the vampyre's hand, closing his eyes as he made his breathing exercises that he had learnt from his psychologist.
After that he just took a second to take in all of the sounds and the scents. "I think I want something for my office desk - or rather my eventual office desk," he had made up his mind, but he wasn't sure what it would be. Getting up from the bench he took a second to lean in and steal a kiss from his husband. It felt rather relieving, just being able to do something like this in public without fear of anyone watching them. Well people would always look at them, but he felt at ease that he now could love his man without worry. "I think I saw some metal figures somewhere .. but I can't remember where that stall was," he sighed, hoping that Eden might remember, otherwise they would have to go through the stalls he supposed.

A breather was fine. They had all day if they wanted to, as long as Eden got to have Romeo by his side during that time. He moved with the lycan to sit on the bench, letting him do his breathing exercises. Eden did offer to do them with him or whatever he needed, even if it was just holding his hand, which Eden did gladly without a complaint. How his warm skin warmed up the cold was a feeling he would always cherish.

He looked out on their surroundings as well, turning his head to the lycan as he finally spoke. Eden smiled softly. “That’s a good idea.” He nodded, getting up on his feet. The kiss that was stolen by Romeo made him scoff softly. “It’s alright, you can take your time kissing me?” He teased him with a soft chuckle. The mention of metal figures made him hum thoughtfully as he did remember seeing something like it as well. “Uhh… I think it was in the beginning of the market? Or maybe the middle..?” He pondered before he looked to his husband with a soft grin. “I guess we’ll find out when we get there.” He said, entangling their fingers softly, rubbing the back of his hand with his thumb.

If Romeo was ready, Eden would lead them back, not really in a rush or in need to hurry ahead. It was better for the lycan if they just took things slow either way, right?

He could take his time? Never had he thought of that as a possibility when they were out and about. Sure, they could hold hands, but it always felt like they could let go at any moment. They were married now! It was quite the thing to do for a relationship that had started out in hiding. He stopped himself from moving, turning to face him and lifting his hand to touch his cheek. The cold and the warm clashing in the best way possible, smiling as he pulled his face down to greet his, his lips seeking his in an eager kiss. It was strange how attraction worked. He released their hands, moving up around his shoulders pulling him closer as their lips danced beneath this old shading tree. They weren't really kissing anymore, were they? They were making out. For everyone to see! Gasping softly he had to release the both of them to breathe. He opened his eyes, looking at the man he could now proudly call his husband. "Better?" He asked in a soft pant. Because for him it had been much better than good, that much was for sure.
They had to release themselves and return to the market. Moving back up and down the stalls he suddenly spotted the booth he had been thinking of. They walked closer to it, and he looked at all the beautifully crafted small figurines. They were heavy as well, so not something easy to fall off the table. "I like this one," he said, smiling a little as he picked up one that was shaped like a bird mid flight and propped on a stick and stone bottom so that it could look more lively. He paid, getting it wrapped up and bagged as Romeo now felt even more excited for them to start their firm.

Romeo hummed at the elderly lady's instructions, buying just a couple of smaller vials of oil as it wouldn't take much. He took the bag, feeling his cheeks warm up a little by the whisper. It seemed as though they had a lot to look forward to in that regard. He let Eden go smoke, not following as it would be a temptation to keep his hunger down. He at least knew his limits. Just moving around the nearby stalls he was quickly distracted as a few sales men and women drew his attention. He felt himself fidgeting with his fingers and the edge of his bag.
Eventually he found himself lost in the midst of people. A few giving him looks he knew what meant. He wasn't trying to attract anyone or attention for that matter, but it was part of him sadly. At least with Eden by his side it seemed that suitors were more likely to be discouraged. But here alone felt almost scary. Perhaps because of everything he had gone through. He decided to back track, head towards the smoking area, but he was out of luck. His husband wasn't there. A slight panic set in. Maybe that was why he didn't do the wise thing and stay put. His body was getting tired as well, still having quite the muscle to rebuild. "Eden?" He called out, but he felt like his voice was drowned in the talk of people around him.
Eventually he had to stop, his legs shaking a little as he made his way to a pole, holding onto it for support. He had exhausted himself yesterday, he knew it, but he had wanted Eden to see how much progress he had made. He wanted to let the man he loved finally have a bite of normality. As he was hanging onto the pole, a man was eyeing him up before approaching. "Are you lost?" The man asked but Romeo pretended not to hear him, ignoring these types of people were better than engaging. "I could help you?" The man smiled, reaching out to grab at his arm. Romeo pulled away, he would not let himself be touched like that. Like he was helpless. Like he was easy prey. "Wow, you're really pretty .. like a woman almost .. maybe I could treat you to a drink? I mean I normally don't swing that way, but you are really something else, huh?" The man grinned but Romeo shook his head, "leave me alone .. I'm waiting for my husband," he would gladly say that proudly. The man didn't take that nicely, gritting his teeth, "so you are one of those queers? Well then I suppose you'd only like more attention from a strong man like me?" But it was clear he wasn't listening. He grabbed onto Romeo's arm, pulling him with him while Romeo complained, asking him firmly to be let go. But this man was clearly too far gone.

Romeo didn't like this one bit, calling out Eden's name, but once more he felt like it was being drowned in the sea of people. None of them even did anything to help him! Maybe because he was a guy and was supposed to stand up for himself? Or maybe because he was a lycan and they couldn't see how skinny and weak he was beneath his layers of clothing. "Release me! I am not interested!" He yelled furiously, pulling at his arm and finally getting loose. He stumbled back, hitting the ground as he felt a sharp pain in his chest, but the guy clearly didn't give up. He just leaned down, picking him up as if he was nothing and carrying him a bit away to a more private area. Here Romeo was finally let back down on the ground, but not for long as the guy grabbed his neck. Pushing him back against the tree trunk he groaned as his head felt like it was pounding a bit. His vision a bit blurry at this point too. He hadn't eaten since this morning and the fatigue was slowly getting to him. "Just .. let me .. go," he panted.
The guy didn't care, and holding the lycan by the neck he leaned in to breathe in his scent. Romeo could hear a zipper being opened and his whole body froze on the spot. His breath hiccupping with fear but it seemed to just turn the guy on further. He could hear his grunts, hear how the other hand was slapping against this unknown person's private area. The man moaned in his ear, and Romeo fought to get loose, only he hadn't truly realized that it was a daemon who had him held here. Even there he could hardly match in strength. Especially as this guy seemed stronger than most. "You're such a little slut, aren't you? Just walking around, flaunting yourself as if you know we all want to fuck you." He muttered vile things in his ear, and Romeo could hear how the man was groaning from pleasuring himself. He wanted to disappear. This was a bad dream. This wasn't real. He would wake up any second now and be in Eden's arms. He would hold him close and soothe him, kiss him better and show him that no-one could ever hurt him.
And yet no matter how many times Romeo tried to wake up, it didn't work. "Eden!" He cried out, tears running down his face. This had to be some cruel joke. He could hear the daemon finishing, feeling something warm and wet hit his trousers. Romeo was shaking like a leaf as the daemon grunted, releasing him a little. Maybe this was all it was. The lycan tried to get out, but the daemon grit his teeth, "far from done with you," he said almost as if it was a promise, but the lycan saw it as a threat. He shook his head, "let go of me this instance! Have you no idea who I am!? I am-" But his voice was cut off as the daemon squeezed around his neck, almost crushing his vocal chords, "shut up and look pretty for me .. it'll be over soon enough." Romeo shook his head no, struggling to breathe.