Nocturne
Here's my response to the Alphabet Challenge--quite the difficult one, I
must say! I even managed to write it into my Damage/Damage Control
series, though considering I can't get Joxer and Strife off my brain
lately, I guess that's not too surprising.
Warnings: light m/m smut.
Strife flashed into the room at the small inn and looked around in the
darkness. The man he'd come to visit lay sleeping on the bed; he
approached quietly, not wanting to wake him right away. Undressed and
covered only partially by a light blanket, Joxer seemed so at peace and
content that Strife almost didn't want to disturb him at all.
Visions of such serenity and beauty were rare, particularly in the God of
Mischief's life. Watching Joxer as he slept was something Strife loved,
when he could afford the time to stay the night with his mortal
companion. Xena's friend, Joxer traveled in circles and led a life far
different from his own, and the god was determined that things should
remain that way. Young, innocent, beautiful--in his sleep, these
qualities seemed even more pronounced and radiant on Joxer's relaxed
features. Zeus' grandson sat on the edge of the bed near Joxer and
marveled at the twisted path of events that had brought them together,
still finding it nearly impossible to believe.
A smile played across Joxer's lips as he shifted in his sleep, apparently
caught up in a pleasant dream. Brushing his hand through Joxer's hair,
Strife smiled as well, enjoying the feeling of the soft hair under his
fingertips. Crazy...I'm crazy to keep doing this, considering what Unc
will do to me if he ever finds out, Strife sighed to himself. Dread
filled him to think about the consequences of being discovered with Ares'
former lover, but he tried to push those fears aside for now. Even the
threat of death--or punishments worse than that--was not enough to keep
him away from the one whom he loved.
Fingers slowly trailed down from Joxer's hair to his cheek, then along
the elegant curve of his neck. Giving in to his building desire, Strife
leaned down to brush his lips lightly over Joxer's, wondering how long he
could tease him before the mortal would awaken. His lips were so soft and
inviting, and they parted easily under the gentlest urging. It did not
take long for Joxer to begin to respond to the kiss, moaning softly
against his lover's mouth. Joxer's eyes opened as Strife pulled back to
enjoy the look of surprise on the young man's face.
"Kisses like that are sure a nice way to wake up," Joxer said with a
grin. Licking his lips lightly, the mortal looked far less innocent now,
nudging aside the blanket and inviting the god to join him.
Moving to lie down, Strife answered, "I can think of other ways to make
sure you're awake," and he pulled Joxer to him for a longer, more
thorough demonstration of his affections. Nothing had ever felt as good,
as right, as Joxer's body pressed against his own. Only a thought was
required to do away with his own clothes, and a shiver passed through him
at the delicious sensation of flesh against flesh.
Passion led them, drove them to seek quick release, knowing that there
would be time, later, for savoring each others' touch at a more leisurely
pace. Quiet returned as their breathing slowed and cries of pleasure
subsided, and Joxer curled up against his immortal lover, holding him
tightly as if he hoped he would never leave.
Running his hand along Joxer's side, Strife sighed and wondered how many
more nights like this one the Fates would grant them.