Chapter Text
Clive's bedroom door latched shut in the deafening silence. Winter's chill swam about, gifting no relief from bitter cheeks, frost-kissed fingers, or iced disappointment. The empty place beside him hummed with Joshua's energy and faded as he focused, as if by trying to will the past to be changed, he cemented reality in its outcome. Defeat brought him to the ground, back sliding down the door as his only means of support, and Clive settled in the cold.
They tried, Founder they tried, to sneak back inside with mother unaware. Eventually, she would come looking, but time could be won over to fulfill promise and warm up together. Eyes flicking to his meager fireplace, Clive envisioned damp footsteps leading to the rug where they would escape, blanket encasing them and warm tea shared. Too greedy, Clive reasoned, recalling the joy it was finally seeing Joshua play in the snow for the first time. It was already too much on its own and that only given thanks to Father. Anything beyond was pure rapaciousness.
He should have known better to get Joshua's hopes up. Twice more known not to get up his own. Perhaps the freezing bedroom was punishment for his indulgence and for his own ruin which permeated through the entire outing. All corruption came with a price. Today, this was it, and Clive continued to be in debt.
Wallowing, the First pushed from his thoughts Joshua's cries and mother's reprimands to stew in his misfortune, unwilling to bring himself off the floor. That was until he heard a tender voice from behind it.
"Lord Rosfield," the voice called, its familiar hug instantly bringing to mind its owner, Lady Hanna, "I have something for you. Are you decent?"
Bolting to his feet, Clive answered her with a broad swinging open of the door and pleading eyes landing on Lady Hanna's soft smile and a tray of two steaming mugs. His heart sank. "If you've come to treat Joshua and I, I am afraid mother has him," he grieved while his shoulders slumped.
Yet, Lady Hanna did not share in his sorrow which was unlike her. Just as curious was her peculiar posture that he could not quite place why it was odd, but knew it wasn't right. Clive frowned and tilted his head as she replied, "Oh? A shame that. Still, a hot tea would do you nicely, wouldn't you agree?"
"I'm…not quite in the mood for tea this moment, Lady Hanna."
"Are you sure?" she pressed, a sharpness punctuating her words and screaming of hidden importance through her grin, "Truly, you appear parched. I insist a nice cup of tea shall do you well."
He did not understand and blinking dumbly, he almost denied her again. However, trusting her word, he conceded and stepped aside with an unsure, "Alright…if you insist?"
The strangeness only continued as slowly and with a hobble, Lady Hanna entered his sanctuary, moving in sluggish pace to the nearest table. Manners ordered him to her side to aid with the tray and upon lifting it from her hold, gawked as she began to fuss with her skirt.
"A-Are you well? Would you like some tea perhaps?" Clive asked, his baffled laughter betraying his kindness.
"Oh, not me," she retorted, her grin growing crooked before she began to hike up her skirts, "But I know someone."
The First was struck with a surge of panicked observations in rapid succession. To start, he should have averted his gaze as it was impolite to stare at a lady while adjusting her garments. Next, and most suspicious, two sets of feet appeared from under her. And finally, after a frantic flurry of cloth, blond hair, and a heavy thump as Clive's arms instinctively caught the bundle of giggles launching at him, Joshua was in his embrace.
"Clive!" Joshua exclaimed, doing his all to remain hushed. What he could not say he gave in boundless hugs and squeezes which refused to cease, crushing Clive in adoration no words could express. He returned them with a thankful sigh and a cradling of the boy in his arms, found vibrancy seeping into his soul and spreading around the bedroom, accenting around the nurse maid glowing at their reunion.
"I'll do what I can and you two boys enjoy your time," Lady Hanna said, placing a hand over her heart as she knelt to Joshua's height, "But when I return…"
The little lord squirmed from Clive's hold and flung himself into another grand hug before completing the warning, "I have to go and not a second after."
Nodding, she patted his head and then turned her gaze back to the elder, certainty and absolution suiting her well. "Now chin up! And enjoy your tea and snuggling and please mind the noise. I can only keep what I can from Lady Anabella if you both cooperate."
Clive didn't need to be told twice. "We'll mind our voices and keep the door shut," and in his glee, he added while joining in the affection with a tight squeeze around both she and Joshua, "Thank you."
Further words unneeded, they lingered in the hug just until Lady Hanna broke off to lead Joshua back to Clive's care. The comfort of her kindness never left even as she stood to take her leave and Clive echoed her grin as she shut the door behind her hoping his gratefulness reached her all the same. One day he would repay her for the lifetime of maternal guidance and love…but for now…
"Come on, Clive!"
He had an eager little brother to uphold some promises to and his own renewed fervor quickening his heart. Eyes dashed from the hot teas to the vacant fireplace and with the Blessing kindling in his chest, he ordered, "Go get your drink first, Joshua. I'll get the fire going."
Three generous pieces of lumber retrieved and nestled in the iron grate caught instantaneously under the Firebird's power concentrated in Clive's hand. The swirl of eikonic flames danced from fingertip to firewood, stoking ember and flame to a soothing flicker proper for the pair. And as the magic waned and the warmth of success roared, Joshua behind him proclaimed, "I could have done it!"
Matters of Joshua's strength aside, Clive shook his head. "I said it was my job to tend to your chill."
"You did," Joshua agreed, stepping forward with single mug in hand to find a good spot on the rug, "But I can help you too!"
Simpering, Clive bid his racing heart to still. "You already have with your presence."
Despite Joshua's doubtful pout, his eyes smiled and melted away the frustration as he turned the words in his mind, finally succumbing to a light chuckle, turning Clive's head. It was then, the First caught a glint. Inexperience would say it was their pyre light in Joshua's eyes, but Clive knew better and wetted his lips before scooting back to join Joshua's side. An empty lap was all the invitation Joshua needed to sit and upon his settling, so too did the remnants of charged longing in the pit of Clive's stomach.
Peppermint struck him then, wafting from the mug and blending well with Joshua's daily medicines which peppered his skin, though their potency had faded and spoke of how quickly Lady Hanna stashed the younger away. Not even time to reapply? A gluttonous thought of bare skin and cherishing hands massaging oils and topicals in seized Clive's lungs and he was only freed when a kiss pressed to his cheek.
"You're a little cold, but you're cheeks are so red, brother," Joshua noted and kissed him once more as if confirming his observation, "I don't think the tea is enough or even the fire!"
Was… Joshua flirting? Oh, he absolutely was and Clive snorted as he too did his own investigating, willing and delighting in his brother's forwardness. One, two, three, no… a dozen pecks bestowed onto Joshua's face, stirring giggle and squeal which Clive hushed by way of his own mouth, jumping when a few drops of tea spilled onto his middle. Clumsily, Joshua attempted to juggle it and a want to reach for his brother, the mug too large in his hand to hold with just one.
So sweet…
"I am not the only one, but fear not," Clive murmured as he grasped the mug only to discard it as Joshua's arms wrapped around his neck, "I know what to do."
"Do you, brother?" Joshua whispered, his flush blooming from cheeks to his ears, "Is it a good way to warm up?"
Countless visions of Joshua panting and chasing ecstasy crawled up Clive's spine which he acknowledged by swallowing them down, shivering as all he gained was a vicious heat stirring in his belly. Not so fast and not so greedy…as much of a gift as it were they were together, it was without proper planning and unknown time. Best to begin with smaller temptations under caution.
Yet, as he leaned in for a heated kiss, with lips parted and mouth watering, a loud ping struck the floor and caught his attention. Joshua panicked, fumbling about on the rug until in victory he reclaimed what he had dropped. A small, familiar shaped bottle bubbling about with clear fluid.
Every inch of Clive's skin deepened to a berry red. "J-Joshua! When did you get that from my–" He glanced towards his nightstand which still had its half-empty vial tucked behind a candle and his eyes widened. Then, he grasped Joshua's wrist to confirm his suspicions. "Where did you get this?!"
Joshua perked up as if proud of his procurement without a hint of shame. "Jill helped me get it!"
It appeared the majority of the women in Clive's life were adamant about ensuring his debauchery.
"I wanted some for my room just in case," Joshua continued, his tone far too innocent for the subject at hand, "And…well…I thought about what I wanted to do outside and brought some to make sure we could!"
Clive wished he were outside now to bury his burning face and loins in the snow. Mind reeling, he prepared his argument even as blood abandoned his head. The uncertainty, the noise, the clean up, the alternatives…Founder, the alternatives. All inviting and all just as useful in quelling a chill. Yes, Joshua should be easily convinced to enjoy passionate tongue and friction of hands.
Alas, before he could even speak, Joshua tackled him onto his back and straddled his waist.
"J-Joshua?!" Clive yelped and then covered his mouth to remember his volume. Behind fingers, he added in a muffled hush, "We can't! What if we have to stop in the middle of–"
Silence and compliance could be earned in a myriad of ways, one of which was the unlacing of trousers to grasp wound arousal by the palmful. Eager fingers begged for Clive's surrender while bright eyes watched in fierce attentiveness. Adrenaline smacked the elder's head in two directions, one yelling for retreat and the other singing for more, driving his hips upwards towards the touch. Joshua beamed.
"Just enough to warm us up," Joshua bargained, his grin speaking of how often he could get away with more and would with this just as always. More sweets, a new toy, secret outings…stealing his big brother's attention amongst other things. 'Just enough' was not a request, but a promise for all and one Clive's body responded to without conscious effort.
Unfortunately, his wits were not far behind. He blamed the winter air.
"We must be quick…and quiet," Clive muttered, suddenly panting now that Joshua was shimmying out of his own bottoms, "Hand me the bottle."
His own mug set aside, cork popped, and fingers drenched in glistening bliss, the First had his final warning scratching the back of his mind that this was too dangerous to commit to. He promptly forgot it as before him, Joshua stood bare legged and and ready with chest heaving and thighs shaking in excitement. Or perhaps from the briskness still lingering between licks of the fire.
Clive could fix that…
Pulling him close with free arm, Clive trailed his gaze upward to watch the cycling of expressions as he slipped a hand under his brother. How shamefully easy it was to trail inside, seeking the warmth within and the first squeeze of want. Shameful twice over was the means which Joshua relaxed without cue, sighing as with closed eyes he rocked his hips to insist quickness. The pyre crackled beside them, illuminating the adorable roundness of Joshua's cheeks while his jaw grew slack. Such a wonder of youth and boldness in a tiny package. Clive could stare forever and find salvation as much as he found his damnation.
Then, peeking from behind golden eyelashes, Joshua whispered, "More…please…I want on your lap…I need to…O-oh, Clive…"
Second finger obeyed, slipping within and working as a flint to strike and kindle. Wobbling knees gave way while the little lord's head fell back and his hips jutted forward, seeking the flame. Perhaps Clive could deviate in such a vulnerable position. He could satisfy and spare them the chance of destruction with but a few presses and a long drag of ravenous hunger. His mouth ached for it, opened for it. Yet, before it could make claim, Joshua dropped and forced hands away as skin met skin.
A single grind bolted Clive to the floor as he endured lust's call, blotches of haze blooming in his vision and his breath held. He was not consumed by Joshua—not yet—but he would have nary a heartbeat before he was. The boy was adamant, fevered even, if not by action then by the speckle of dampness forming on his brow and the crimson spreading further down his neck. That damned flush and all its allure to beckon his most vile thoughts to fruition. How it taunted him so and begged to be painted further still.
"You poor thing," Clive said softly and reached to touch red cheeks, "Still so cold, I see."
Joshua's whole being quivered. "Warm me up, Clive? Please?"
And sitting up to take better hold of Joshua's body, Clive aligned them that they may finally taste the heat they craved.
Scorching and divine, Joshua's body drank of him, taking him in like a famished creature needing to be sated. Upon reaching hilt, the younger's eyes rolled back while trusting hands reached for his brother's shoulders. The First lingered, reveling in not only the sensation, but the completeness, how perfect it felt despite the terror. A thousand echoes of scoldings to come when he was alone ebbed in his mind, only to vanish once he made the first, proper thrust.
Joshua gasped, anchoring himself to Clive as again they moved. It was little, but marvelous in friction and pleasure which enticed the appetite for more. However, with footsteps trailing beyond the bedroom door, they dared not. Frozen, they clung to each other as Clive shielded Joshua with his arms, obscuring the boy by shifted to keep his back towards the entryway. At the least, it would buy them a moment if need. However, the threat waned as quickly as it arrived and silence once again fell.
"Are you alright?" Clive asked, entranced suddenly by the image of Joshua encased in embered glow and the fire crowning his head. The spell was amplified by Joshua's grin and urging bounces which Clive ceased by grasping his bottom.
"Hurry," Joshua insisted, squirming to bestow another kiss on his brother's lips, foxlike tongue beseeching foolishness neither could afford now. Clive loved it even as fear gripped the back of his neck. What he would do if not so hindered.
Obedient and patience now thread bare for there wasn't time to waste, Clive snapped himself upwards and dropped Joshua to catch him with an audible smack. Heart jumped while ears burned, gauging the danger as the younger trembled with the impact. Yet, what little he could sense was sent away by Joshua's muted writhing and fluttering eyes. Again, then…and again! Gods…again… Thank the Founder for the pops of the fire masking the worst. A moan escaped here and an airy groan there, but they were enshrouded by hearth's kindness as completion curled toes and hands rushed to cover agape mouths. It was too much and not enough, yet even just…Joshua collapsed against Clive's chest, satisfaction in his exhale.
And Clive remained stilled as his release left him cursed. There was no politeness in it nor an easy means to hide it. Joshua would carry the evidence with him like a forbidden gift. All the same, he was delighted.
"Now I'm warm," Joshua noted matter-of-factly, giggling when Clive grinned even if in guilt. "Are you?"
"Too warm," Clive conceded before awkwardly moving about to get Joshua in a better position. "I'm sweating."
"We could—"
Whatever tease or quip Joshua had in store, it was lost as a knock struck the door and the pair jumped out of their skin. Distraught groping for decency and normalcy purged the room of its lover's charge and together they fumbled for their now cold mugs of tea. To their relief, it wasn't mother, but Lady Hanna once again gently warning with whispers through the keyhole, "Only a few more moments, boys!"
It was a miracle Clive's pulse found him again and he hadn't given up the ghost.
"D-Do you think she heard?" Joshua whispered. After all, Lady Hanna said not a second after she returned. And yet…
"If she did," Clive answered, groaning as he rubbed his face and the mental lashings began, "She gives us more grace than we deserve."
He would beg her forgiveness if need later and think of a decent lie by then as well.