Syncopated

Late evening approached with the sounds of children chirping happily while zipping about, infants crawling and wobbling with help from their tendrils while mimicking their older siblings' sounds, and Celezar's affectionate chuckles. Jean loved every moment but felt strangely exhausted.

After coming inside with Celezar, his mate let him be as he put his things away. He placed his weapons and effects within a small armory hidden in the main hall, then walked through until he reached his and Celezar's bedroom. He approached the bed and flopped onto it face-down with a deep groan.

He closed his eyes, inhaling the smell of his mate that permeated the room and sheets. He grasped at them, the thought of sleeping so appealing to him. He yawned, curling into the scent of rain and earth. It enveloped him, filling his mind with memories of when he first had the delight of inhaling the scent.

A few minutes had passed when he sensed the small form swiftly approach before jumping on his back.

"Daddy, Daddy!" Darryl giggled. "I'm happy you're back!"

Smiling, Jean made an exaggerated groan. "You're so heavy."

"No, I'm not! Mommy said I'm only nineteen pounds!"

Darryl said the statement proudly, prompting Jean to chuckle, "Is that so."

"Yeah!"

The slight weight suddenly lifted from his back, and he glanced behind to see his son in Celezar's arms.

"Have mercy on your father, cricket," Celezar said with a smile. "He's tired."

Darryl's mouth rounded. "Ohhh. Sorry, Daddy," he chirped.

Turning to face them, Jean smiled. "It's alright, son. I'll play with you tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay!"

"Say goodnight." Celezar held Darryl for him to reach Jean.

Taking him into his arms, Jean gave his son a gentle but firm hug. "I love you, son. Goodnight."

Darryl purred, his little arms barely able to hold himself against Jean's chest. "Goodnight."

Letting him go, Jean watched him lower to the floor and skip out of the room. Once he left, Jean's gaze panned to his mate's form.

Celezar was looking in the direction of the door, but Jean had the barest glimpse of a strange expression on his face. It seemed almost unfocused.

"Zarryel?" He sat up, but Celezar shook his head with a slight smile.

"It's nothing, love. I'll put the little ones to sleep." The hybrid glanced his way, then left the room.

Jean stared after him, the door closing with a soft click. He frowned. Nothing important seemed amiss, but Celezar hid whatever was bothering him. Jean's frown deepened. He would wait to talk to him, then.

In the meantime...

He moved to lay on his side with a deep sigh. The distant sounds of quieting chirps and giggles floated through his ears, bringing a fond smile to his face.

He shortly fell into a deep, dreamless slumber.

Vibrations against his back and through his body woke him up. He smiled, caressing the arm around him.

"Good morning, love." Celezar gently squeezed him. "You've slept for nine hours."

Jean grunted. "Unusual..."

"But not unexpected," his mate chuckled. "Your body was comfortable. You felt safe, and thus could get the sleep you so clearly deserved."

He only grunted again. He turned around and onto his other side to face his mate. The green gaze stared lethargically at him. Or so it seemed. "What's bothering you?"

"Hmm..." Celezar looked away. "Nothing worth talking about..."

"So there is something."

He nodded, meeting Jean's eyes with a slight smile. After a moment, he sighed, reaching to trail a finger down the large scar over Jean's left eye and face. "I missed you, that's all."

Jean's expression sobered. "I'm--"

Celezar sat up and pulled him along. "C'mon, let's see the sunrise."

Pulled from the bed, Jean didn't have time to say anything before he found himself on his feet. From their room, hands entwined, they walked into the hall. Jean could hear the soft breathing coming from their children's room and glanced at it fondly. A gentle tug on his arm brought his eyes to Celezar who led him into the kitchen. From the kitchen, Celezar opened the patio door and brought him outside onto the back porch.

As soon as the cool autumn air hit Jean's face, his eyes briefly closed with a serene inhale. Celezar let his hand go, and he walked to the patio fence to stare at the sky.

Darkness still permeated the early morning heavens. Upon the horizon, however, sunlight started to break through. The light, a beautiful orangey pink, reminded Jean of his thoughts of sunrises and sunsets from the day before.

Strong arms wrapped around him. He closed his eyes, leaning back into the broad chest.

"How are you feeling?" Celezar asked softly. "I was tempted to visit you when I sensed you in pain last week..."

"I'm alright. I can stay at least a week..." He went quiet as Celezar made a soft sound of appreciation. "I'm sorry."

"Hm? What for, love?"

"Not being able to come back...for five months." His lips pursed when Celezar didn't respond.

"Well," the hybrid finally sighed, "it's...part of the sacrifices you have to make."

"I should retire early." The words were shockingly easy to say.

Celezar tensed. "Jean--"

"I should. It isn't healthy for us to be apart so often. And who knows how long I may be gone next time. Isel and Ivel barely know me, and it can't be good for Darryl, Sescal, and Celestal either." The silence spoke volumes, and he turned to face his partner of eleven years.

A small, somber smile formed on the freckled face. "Your family wouldn't let you do that. You'd go down kicking and screaming..."

"It's not about me." Jean rested against his chest. "We have a family."

"Retire in ten years or so. We can wait."

"Maybe you can. But can our children? Darryl would be fifteen."

Celezar exhaled deeply from his nose, but Jean knew his words rang true.

Auburn hair fell as Celezar rested his head against him, breaking eye contact. For several moments, neither said anything. Jean knew Celezar wanted him to stay, knew it was best for him to stay.

Finally, Celezar murmured, "I just don't want any suspicion on you."

His lips pursed. It truthfully would be suspicious if he suddenly retired out of the blue. Someone would suspect something else was involved. If he had been on the opposite end, he could admit to himself he would consider family as a reason.

But for him, there was no other family. Someone would suspect something, and he couldn't risk that.

Letting his head fall, his shoulders slump, and emitting a resigned sigh, he grudgingly relented. He held his mate closer to him, looking over his head at the house. "I don't like this."

Celezar gently tightened his hold around him. "We knew the sacrifices we would have to make if we wanted to have a family while keeping it a secret."

His frown deepened. "Yes...but that was before we actually had a family," he said in a whisper.

"Yes, love," Celezar chuckled softly. "It works that way. Regardless, it was a decision we made together."

A somber silence overcame them. The arms held him closer, and their bodies moved side to side in a familiar gentle manner. Jean let his eyes close.

He didn't want his first morning back to begin with such a note of sadness. His mate seemed to agree with him as he heard a deep inhale near his ear. Likewise, he let the hybrid's scent permeate his olfactory. Earth, rain, and herbs with a musky scent that came with his human form. It was a marvelous smell.

It was a dangerous smell...

Raising a brow, he opened his eyes the same moment Celezar did to reveal green eyes rimmed with the familiar black of want and desire. "Someone's in the mood..."

"'Course, Jeanie-boy," Celezar purred, licking his lips with a slant-eyed smile. "I've had good dreams about this moment."

"Have you now..." Jean leaned forward, his tongue darting out to stroke the wet skin before kissing him deeply.

Celezar softly moaned, sending another shiver down his neck. "Yeah...really good dreams," he murmured. He smirked. "Wanna find out what they were?"

"Absolutely."

Emitting a low chuckle, he took Jean's hands to turn him in the direction of the patio table at the far right.

Jean's second brow rose. Atop the table stood several bottles of alcohol. Wine? As they came closer, he counted ten. "You want to get me drunk?" he asked with a humored smile.

Celezar's lips quirked up as he beckoned towards a chair. "Like I said...good dreams." His eyes narrowed. "Sit. Or I'll seat you."

Smiling back, Jean moved to settle in the chair closest to him. His mate nuzzled into his hair, scooting him forward, then sat across from him. He took one of the bottles, his dark eyes watching Jean closely.

Jean couldn't help but smile back. He took one of the bottles and easily uncorked it. Immediately, the fruity, potent smell overwhelmed his senses. He briefly blinked a few times, then watched Celezar open his bottle.

"Welcome back, love." Celezar raised the bottle towards him. He returned the gesture, clinking the glass together with a widening smile.

* * *

After so many years sober, intoxication felt new to Jean. He couldn't remember the last time he drank--and for good reason. The last time he did, he nearly died, according to what his doctor told him. This time, he shouldn't have to worry about such issues arising as an inhuman...

Yet, somehow, he still found himself deeply intoxicated.

His chest heaved from every deep, slow breath he took. Pleasure tingled throughout his body, and his groin pulsed hotly with need. Tentacles rolled over his legs, curled around his thighs, and held him against the larger body. He straddled in his mate's lap and softly groaned into a passionate kiss. A hand on his back, gently caressing him, kept him in place, and its partner crawled under his shirt.

A tendril entered his pants, unbuckling them and freeing his erection. With a breathy sigh, he broke the kiss, lowering his hands to claw at his mate's scarred back. "Z-Zarryel," he slurred.

"Mm? What is it, love?" Celezar murmured, licking his neck and pinching a nipple.

"Wh...why'm I...mn..." Jean grounded his groin against the sizable bulge in Celezar's pants. His eyes rolled closed as his mate suckled loudly on his neck.

"Why're you so...what? Tell me, love."

He loudly groaned, "Drunk. Sooo drunk..." A chuckle in his ear made him shudder, made the heat inside increase. "C-Crae..."

"Mmm, don't know." Celezar gave Jean's neck another lick, then used his tentacles to pull and bind Jean's arms behind his back. Exhaling against wet skin, Celezar looked into Jean's hazy, incoherent eyes. His gaze was languid, and he smiled amorously. "But...I like it.

His body bare for Celezar's pleasure, Jean watched a blackened gaze eye his erection. The dark eyes only caused more pre to flow from his tip, which in turn made a black tongue slip from between Celezar's lips. As his mate descended on his cock, Jean's mouth widened.

The moment his cock disappeared into the hot mouth, his body shuddered when he came with a vocal moan.

Humming delightedly, Celezar looked into Jean's eyes. He gently moved away, his tongue lolling out to reveal the cum coating it. "Delicious."

"F-fuck," Jean whimpered, squirming.

"Soon, love. I feel good..." Celezar swallowed, massaging Jean's scrotum with his tentacles. "Don't you?"

Nodding, Jean drooled from the stimulation. A sneaky tendril slipped into his pants from behind, and he groaned as the slick, ribbed inches slid into him. He felt wonderful. "Intoxicated" was the perfect word.

He threw his head back when the tentacle hit his prostate, his body taut. Crooning, Celezar grinned wickedly and licked against the sensitive organ with his tendril. Jolting in his grasp, Jean's breath came out in short staccatos to each thrust.

"You're gorgeous, love," Celezar crooned, bringing him closer to lick his bared navel. "So...beautiful. Why, I can't...help myself..." He suddenly grunted, and Jean gasped as heat coated his prostate.

Saliva dripped from the corner of his mouth, one of his eyes rolling back as the other fluttered. The sensation of Celezar's tongue trailing down his abdomen tickled and caused the nerves in his gut to tingle hotly.

Biting his lower lip, Celezar slightly raised himself so he could lower his pants and slide them down, freeing his large erection with a deep sigh. His blackened eyes looked up into Jean's with a wicked smirk.

Swallowing, Jean whimpered again, eyeing the pulsing glans that dripped with hot pre. The tentacles slightly lifted him, then lowered him over Celezar's cock.

He emitted a loud, drawn-out, moaning grunt as the cock entered him inch by slow, heated inch. Drooling, his eyes rolled closed.

"Look at me, love."

Without hesitation, he obeyed, staring into black eyes burning with barely suppressed lust. His throat bobbed, mouth opening with heated pants. Soon, he emitted a satisfied, pleased moan. It had been too long since he was filled with his mate.

"F..." He squirmed, desiring friction.

"What's that?" A black tongue slipped from Celezar's mouth to curl around Jean's cock. It stroked him once, lapping up the pre. "You want me to fuck you?"

"Uh huh," Jean slurred.

Celezar chuckled with a grin. "Very well. How can I deny such a request from my love?"

The first thrust made Jean shudder, then he rocked in sync. His breathing came out in grunts and groans, and each time he closed his eyes, Celezar would tut, reminding him to look into the dark eyes. Now and then, Celezar's expression would twist with a sighing grunt.

"So...mn...beautiful, love," he murmured, running his hands up and down Jean's sides. When Jean managed a drunken smile, he sighed, "Gods...you're so--"

Jean's head fell back, and he choked as Celezar's cock changed in temperature and size. It grew hotter, larger, thicker, pulsing inside him.

"Z-Zar--fuck--mm...m-more," Jean pled, "please!"

Celezar tutted. "Now love...no need to beg..."

Another tentacle wrapped around Jean's cock, then began to slide up and down the length. An increase of pre dripped down its side, causing Jean's breathing to come out heavier with anticipation. He knew he was going to come hard.

Celezar's thrusts sped up, causing him to bounce in his lap. "Fuck!" he hissed, the heat in his abdomen releasing at last. His eyes rolled into his head as he came, his seed captured by Celezar's hot mouth. Likewise, he felt hot liquid coat his insides as his mate came alongside him.

Sensation melted, jumbled, and spread, his body undulating in his mate's grasp. His whimpers and desperate pants filled his ears along with Celezar's groans. Then, the pleasure slowly ebbed, drifting away with the promise to return another time.

Saliva coated his neck, having dripped into his shirt, and he finally made out Celezar's form again. His mate sat languidly, a satisfied, somewhat silly smile on his face. Swallowing a mouthful of saliva, Jean mirrored his expression. "I love you."

With a chuckle, Celezar released him from his tentacles to bring him closer. Jean immediately wrapped his arms around his neck to kiss him sloppily, but passionately. When they broke apart, Celezar grasped his sides.

"I love you, too, love," he whispered, his tone reverent. As his eyes slowly bled to their normal color, he reached to run his hand through Jean's hair, then cupped his cheek. "I love you so much."

Drunk he may have been, but Jean still felt that something was amiss. "What's wrong, Zarryel?" he asked, his words still heavily slurred. He gently pressed their foreheads together. "You're...sad."

"It's nothing, love."

"Don't lie to me."

The green eyes met his. "It's...I just missed you. But you're here now."

"Mm hm." Jean kissed him, closing his eyes. "I am." He felt Celezar nod.

When he opened his eyes again, he was in the hybrid's arms as he walked through the house.

He hummed, reaching to place a hand on Celezar's chest. "I really wanna fuck you."

Just a hint of black formed in his mate's eyes. "Mm...that does sound...really good right now. But I have to wake the little ones first." Upon entering their bedroom, a smile flashed down at him. "We'll have plenty of time for fucking today."

Jean pouted, and he didn't miss how his mate hesitated. "What about now?" He brought Celezar closer to kiss. They both softly moaned into it, and Jean could smell their shared arousal. They broke apart, leaving a string of saliva between their mouths that Celezar lapped up.

The hybrid swallowed, biting his lower lip while placing Jean on the bed. "Love..." Jean watched the freckled throat bob. Eyeing him, Celezar sighed, "Fuck, you're sexy like this."

He took Jean's head and pulled him into a kiss. Jean brought him into his lap, and Celezar straddled him far too willingly. He let his tentacles emerge from his back, only to entwine with Celezar's a moment later. Panting, groping, groaning, they fiercely tumbled in the bed. Jean was almost painfully hard, but he wanted to give Celezar pleasure.

"Zarryel," he murmured.

"Mm." Celezar latched onto his neck, breathing into his ear, "I want you. Gods, I always want you..."

"Have me."

He groaned loudly, nipping at Jean's neck. "Always."

Jean lowered him onto the bed, pleased when Celezar immediately removed his pants. Unbuckling his, he let his tentacles roam over the naked body beneath him. Licking his lips, he removed his shirt as Celezar slipped out of his robe, leaving them bare.

Celezar's eyes were beady black as he spread his legs. "Fuck me," he growled.

Jean lowered over him, taking his lips in a kiss while entering him in one easy motion. Gasping, Celezar crooned with pleasure. Arms wrapped around Jean's neck, and he began at a fast pace with Celezar in his lap. Celezar's moans were breathy, his mewls plaintive, and he met the thrusts with abandon.

Softly grunting, Jean dotted his mate's throat with kisses. Their tentacles writhed and entangled together, a visual representation of their union. Their pleasure melded together as they shared their experiences.

This inevitably caused them to come hard and fast with loud gasps. "Yesss!" Celezar moaned, clawing at Jean's back.

Chuckling and licking his ear, Jean undulated against him, gently thrusting so they could ride the high.

With a deep exhale, Celezar lowered into the bed, running a hand through his locks. "Jean...I need to get you drunk more often..."

Jean softly laughed. "Why?"

"Because...you're damn sexy like this."

"Hm, thought I was always sexy..." He gently gave a nip at the moist skin, eliciting a soft grunt from beneath him.

"Oh, you are..." Celezar placed a hand on the back of Jean's head. "But certain things you do make you...so much sexier."

Jean went still, wrapping his arms around his mate's body. "Tell me..."

A chuckle. "Love, I have to wake up the kids..."

"They'll wake up on their own."

"True, but I have to make breakfast..."

Jean grunted.

Celezar laughed, only to go silent shortly after. "I like you like this..."

"Hm?"

Fingers ran through Jean's hair. "Nothing, love...sleep."

Inhaling the heightened smell of his mate mixed with that of sex, he was willing to obey. He just couldn't figure out what was bothering Celezar...Maybe after he awoke they could talk about it.

He softly exhaled, lulled to sleep by the massaging in his hair.

* * *

Distant chirping awoke Jean from comfortable slumber. He nestled into the sheets. He loved hearing how happy his children seemed. How happy they were. They constantly giggled, chirped, and laughed. He grasped at the mattress, softly vowing to ensure they would stay that way as long as it was within his power.

After sleeping for a few more minutes, he rose from the bed and took a quick shower. He then dressed in fresh clothes and left his and Celezar's bedroom to enter the dining room. The sight of his family sitting at the table greeted him, bringing a smile to his face.

"Daddy!" Darryl called, waving at him. "Good morning!"

"Daddy!" Sescal giggled. "Want food, hurry!"

Celestal batted her eyes as he approached. "'Morning, Daddy," she said sweetly.

"Good morning, beans," he greeted, coming over to give each of them kisses on the cheek. To Celezar, he asked, "What's breakfast today?"

Beckoning to the counter, the hybrid responded, "Breakfast wraps and juice."

"Thank you." Jean took his plate and mug, then came to Celezar's side to kiss him.

A slant-eyed smile formed on the freckled face, and he took Jean's chin to deepen the kiss.

Jean chuckled, opening his eyes to look into green irises and sclera rimmed with the slightest of blackness.

"Zarryel," he murmured.

"Mm?" The hum was mischievous.

Parting, Jean whispered into his ear, "I'll fuck you again when the kids are busy, hm?"

Celezar softly groaned and nodded.

Moving, Jean took his food to walk past Isel and Ivel, who were sitting in their highchairs and already eating, their little hands grasping fruit and pieces of eggs whole. He smiled and nuzzled into their hair, causing them to purl softly, feet kicking happily while keeping their eyes on their food.

Once they were all situated at the table, Jean closed his eyes to softly pray. His soft words were echoed by Darryl, the only of his children who thus far had a connection to Ragna or any religion. He was the eldest of his siblings; the others may do the same in time.

After they finished, they opened their eyes and began to eat. Celezar made fresh juice consisting of fruit and vegetables which was their one breakfast staple. Taking a sip, Jean enjoyed the smoothness of the homemade drink, then asked, "What's the agenda for today?"

"Agenda?" Sescal asked before stuffing his mouth with fruit. "What that?"

"What are we going to do today?"

All eyes went to Celezar.

"I was thinking spending the morning at home," Celezar said, his eyes on Jean.

Pointedly keeping his gaze on his food, Jean nodded in agreement. "I'd like that. We can play today."

"Lots of that," Celezar said around his drink.

"Yes!" Darryl cheered.

"We play in trees?" Sescal asked, bouncing in his seat.

"Sure, we can," said Jean.

"I'll hide," Darryl said with a mischievous smile. "I wanna try something out!"

"Do you? Like what?"

"Hee, it's a secret!"

Celezar looked at him. "He's been working on--"

"Mommy!" Darryl gasped. He pouted, a finger to his lips. "Secret!"

"Alright, alright," Celezar relented with a smile.

Jean's eyes went to Sescal as he made maniacal little giggles, using his small tentacles to pour syrup onto his wraps. He then splattered his hands in the syrup. His twin looked on with disdain and made a perturbed chirr.

"Sescal, don't play with your food." Celezar wore a slight smile despite his words.

The words had just left his mouth when syrup splashed onto Celestal from her brother's plate. She growled, not impressed by Sescal's sheepish grin, and cast a look at Celezar that demanded for her brother to be punished.

Celezar chuckled, resting his head on his palm atop the table. To Jean, he explained, "She's been vindictive lately."

Jean's brows rose with suppressed amusement of his own.

"Sescal, apologize."

The command in Celezar's tone made him slightly shiver. He watched his second-born son's smile fade, then it became a slight frown as he looked at his sister. Head held high, she waited.

He finally made a soft purl, and she brightened immediately before pulling him towards her to give him a hug with a coo. He returned it, wiping his hands on her shirt.

Jean pursed his lips to hold in a chuckle as she gave her twin a dark look that he only sheepishly giggled at.

Sighing fondly, Celezar returned to his food. He whispered to Jean, "Future problem child."

"Predictive labeling?" Jean asked, picking an egg that rolled out of his wrap to pop into his mouth.

"Aye."

He softly laughed, glancing somewhat apologetically at his son in question who looked offended. Beside him, his sister was busy trying to wipe the syrup from her shirt.

A splatter of syrup suddenly hit Darryl's plate. "Wha--?"

All attention diverted to Isel and Ivel. The sisters were making determined, happy purls while playing in syrup.

"Twins!" Darryl groaned, placing a hand over his forehead. "Good job, Sescal!"

The culprit giggled, his face warming.

Celezar gave the twins and Sescal a stern, if not wry, look while Jean finally made a hearty laugh.

He missed this.

Creation, he missed this.