To Salivate For

Breakfast ended with Celezar shooing the kids out with a washcloth. Jean offered to help wash the dishes and clean, but the washcloth turned on him shortly after.

Celezar whipped at Jean's ass with it, flashing a wicked grin. Laughing his way out of the kitchen, Jean ran his hands through his hair. "Sly dog," he muttered, glancing off at the horizon.

"Daddy!"

He looked down the patio and on the grass where Celestal waved her hands at him from atop the jungle gym.

"Play, play!" she called. Beside her, her brother hung upside-down on one of the poles.

"Be careful." Jean walked down, glancing around to see where his youngest two were. Purling softly, Isel and Ivel were still in the sandbox closer to the right of the patio...and were likely munching on bugs.

"Go faster!" Sescal called.

Jean purposely slowed down, moving as if in slow motion. While Sescal pouted and decided to stay where he was, Celestal's expression fell, and she immediately peeped in distress before jumping down to run away.

Jean set his sights on Sescal, who looked to be caught in the headlights with wide eyes. Lowering, Jean made a low, rumbling chuckle. "Got you, son."

"No!" Using his tendrils, Sescal lowered himself to the ground.

Jean pounced before the little form could flip himself upright. In seconds, he held his son upside-down in his arms. "Said I had you," he laughed.

Sescal blew a raspberry before giggling. "You got me!"

"Ha-ha!"

Jean's ear twitched but he didn't know exactly where his eldest son was hiding. A tug on his shirt brought his attention to his son in his arms.

"Daddy, look!"

Following the small finger, he saw Celestal in the large tree behind their house. Her expression was that of betrayal, making her brother laugh. She emitted a low growl of warning, but Jean reached out for her with his tentacles. She made a peep and shut her eyes, erecting a fragile blue shield around herself.

He smiled widely with pride but nonetheless wrapped around her and her shield, breaking it, to bring her to his chest. She opened her eyes with a smile and hugged him.

"Daddy got me." She nuzzled against him.

He emitted a low rumble that was interrupted by his chuckling when she glared at her twin. Sescal stuck out his tongue, and she shoved him.

"Now, now," Jean scolded with an even tone. Two pairs of blue eyes looked up at him, then Celestal chirred and kissed her brother's forehead.

Watching them hug, Jean gave them a gentle squeeze before lowering them to the ground. "Now, where is your big brother?"

The twins shrugged with alternating soft sounds. He hummed, moving to his feet. Deciding his eldest son would show himself on his own, he walked to the sandbox.

"Are you coming?" he called to Sescal and Celestal.

A chorus of chirps sounded behind him followed by the pitter-patter of small feet on grass. The two small forms ran ahead of him, making chirps as they neared the sandbox.

Isel and Ivel made soft giggly chirrups when their older siblings jumped into the sand, mouths dirty and revealing they had indeed made snacks out of the bugs.

While walking to the sandbox, Jean sensed something from behind him. He walked casually, then dodged out of the way at the last second.

Darryl went flying across the way and into the sandbox, kicking up dust and sand. He barely got out a shout before he was gone, buried under with just his feet showing.

Laughing, Jean jogged over. "You okay, son?" He stepped into the sand and came to the side of the kicking feet. He was in motion to help when small tendrils emerged from the sand and pulled Darryl out by his legs.

Munching on the sand, Darryl turned to look at him. "Daddy, did you see that?" He jumped into Jean's arms. "I flew!" he laughed.

Lifting him into the air, Jean grinned back. "Yes, son. You tried to get me!"

"Hee, and I didn't 'cause Daddy's senses are super!"

"Hmm, not as good as Mommy's," he assured, lowering Darryl to the sand. At his son's doubtful look, he gave a sincere nod.

"Daddy!"

He looked down at Celestal, who was pulling on his pantsleg.

At some point, she had stuffed a handful of sand into her mouth as well. "Wanna go to beach!" she said, patting the sand.

Sescal nodded before she finished, and Darryl gasped. "Beach!" he cried, looking up at Jean with pleading eyes. "Can we, Daddy?"

With a soft hum, Jean sent a mental message to his mate. He received an immediate response. "When would you like to go?"

Darryl looked at his siblings with a chirrup. Ivel and Isel didn't pay any attention, but Sescal and Celestal responded with purls and chirrups, looking at one another. Smiling, Jean waited for their conversation to finish, sliding a hand into his pocket.

After a few seconds of musical chirping, Darryl and his siblings looked at him. "Today or tomorrow is good!"

"Alright. Tomorrow, then. Your mother wants to go eat out tonight."

"'Kay!" Darryl chirped. "Where?"

"Hmm..." Jean glanced at a window visible from his position. It was the kitchen's main window where Celezar watched them with a sly expression.

Jean's mental train of thought switched tracks as he considered a place. "How about the buffet?"

"Oooh!" Celestal and her twin cried. "Yay, yay! Buffet!" They giggled at their rhyme.

Chuckling, he lowered to sit in the sand with them.

* * *

Sometime later, Jean and his family walked into town from their home. Jean observed his children, head tilting to the side while listening to the sounds they made. Their giggling and laughter--and the gurgles made by Isel and Ivel--differed from the sounds they normally made, less musical and more human. This was thanks to Celezar who, with a hallow technique, could mask the natural sounds they made, allowing them to blend into human society.

Jean liked how they lived on the edge of the countryside, giving them access to the town roughly an hour and twenty minutes by foot. The children loved it. It allowed them to release all their excess energy; they zoomed around with the excitement of children who had never seen the outside, smelling and picking flowers, showing them to him, and looking endlessly at the clouds. They rolled in the fallen leaves and climbed trees, keeping a lasting smile on his lips. Beside him, Celezar pushed the carriage Isel and Ivel rested in, and it faced the front, allowing the girls to see the world.

The children had calmed down by the time they arrived in town. Sescal and Celestal stubbornly refused to let Jean carry them and wobbled with great determination to catch up to their older brother. The townspeople gave them cordial smiles and greetings, though Jean couldn't miss their wary and curious glances his way.

"Hi, Darryl!" a girl greeted, waving at his eldest. Her eyes were focused on his son, and there was a look in her eyes that made one of his brows rise.

"Hi, Esther!" Darryl waved back, though his wave was less excited, far more casual.

Jean smiled to himself, amused. His son was oblivious.

"As much as his father," Celezar commented softly.

Scoffing, Jean gave his smirking mate a strange look. "Good thing?"

Celezar merely cocked a brow up, clearly saying something, but Jean hadn't the slightest clue what.

Adults and children alike greeted them on their way to their destination. Nothing was said to Isel or Ivel, and Sescal and Celestal were too shy to speak to anyone, but all four were cooed over a few times for their cuteness. Some introductions were made between Jean and other adults, most of whom emitted stark intimidation at his presence when they looked over him.

He imagined he looked rather fearsome with his discolored left eye, his facial and neck scar, and the additional scars he obtained recently. Yet he couldn't help but wonder how no one seemed intimidated by Celezar, the actual full-blood inhuman among them.

They arrived at the buffet just after eleven in the morning approaching lunchtime. Once close enough to the modest, flat house-like building in the center of town, Darryl ran ahead and waited near the door. When the carriage came nearer, he pressed a switch that automatically opened the door. He beamed proudly when Celezar thanked him, then held his younger twin siblings' hands beside Jean as they entered.

Smells of food wafted through Jean's nose the moment the door opened. He inhaled the pleasant smells, picking out everything from baked pot pies to baked dessert. He made a small smile of amusement when his children oohed as if they hadn't visited the eatery several times already.

Celezar set the carriage aside while Jean spoke to the host. After picking up their infants, they followed the host to their appropriately sized booth. It was in a perfect spot, away from the window and nestled in a corner, and was half-circular in shape. This allowed Jean and Celezar to sit on both ends with their children between them.

"Alright, does anyone need to use the restroom?" Jean asked. Heads shook.

"Then, Darryl, you and Sescal first." Celezar stood, and their sons followed after, sliding off the seat.

"What would you like, beanie?" Jean asked Celestal, resting his arm around her and his remaining twins.

She hummed, a dainty little finger to her chin. "Want pink bugs! And yellow stuffs."

"Hmm, shrimp and rice, or do you mean couscous?" he asked.

Blue eyes blinked at him. "Yellow round stuff couscous?"

"Yes, beanie."

"I want!"

"Hmm, you need vegetables, too." He gently jostled her. "You want to grow big, right?"

Her lips pursed, looking forward as she thought about it. She then shook her head and looked back at him. "No."

He gave an amused laugh, not at all expecting that response. "Why so?"

"Wanna stay small an' cute." She made a serious nod.

"Ah, I see." He glanced away, momentarily catching the gaze of several people before they darted their eyes away. Focusing back on his daughter, he explained, "Well, Sescal wants to be big, right? Like me and Mommy."

She nodded.

"You don't want to be smaller than him, do you?"

Small brows furrowed, and then her lips parted in realization. "No!" she gasped. "He littler brother!"

"Mm hm." He managed not to laugh or chuckle, nodding his head sagely and sincerely. "Then you want to eat your veggies, especially green, leafy ones. Big people can be cute, too."

"Okay, Daddy! I will!" She nodded rapidly.

He hugged her closer, briefly closing his eyes. "That's my girl," he said, kissing into her hair. She made a small giggle in return, kicking her feet.

He raised his head to see Darryl and Sescal return. Darryl was carrying two plates. "Okay, Celes!" said Sescal, scooting back beside Ivel as Darryl placed his plate in front of him. "You next!"

Jean glanced towards the heating stations. He didn't see a head of reddish hair above the others... "Where's your mother?"

"He went to the restroom," Darryl said, watching Sescal share his large plate of assorted foods with his younger sisters.

Jean raised a brow but moved out of the booth with Celestal. She took his hand and they walked to the stations.

Indeed, his daughter chose a plate of shrimp and couscous from among the many choices of food in the buffet along with a decent portion of bok choy. She waddled back to the booth, clapping her hands, and he followed to place her plate on the table. She shortly sat down and began to share her food with Isel and Ivel as well. The younger twins ate everything given to them greedily. The girls were not picky eaters.

"You got nothin', Daddy?" Sescal asked, kicking his feet as he ate some chicken.

Jean looked toward the direction of the restrooms. "I will. I'll be back, alright?"

"Okay!" Darryl, Sescal, and Celestal chorused.

He took a moment to wait until they were fully engrossed in eating before turning his attention to the tingling he sensed in his link with Celezar. He licked his lips as blackness rimmed the edges of his sclera. That was fast. He glanced once more at his children, then walked to the restrooms.

A man was just exiting as he neared, and the scent of his mate's arousal hit him like a gust of winter wind. Gasping, his eyes turned pitch black from the potency. It was so thick, he could swallow it, and it sent warmth flooding through his body.

He want--no.

He needed to mate.

Salivating, he eyed the stall where he sensed his mate's presence. He all but slammed the door open.

Celezar sat on the side of the coatrack's seat, looking up at him with equally blackened eyes. He was panting, his shirt open to reveal his chest heaving, and crooned upon seeing him. "Jean...Jeanie-b--"

Jean pounced with a growl, slamming him against the coatrack seat and capturing his lips. The door of the stall shut, clicking behind him. Taking his mate's face, he undulated against him, rubbing their strained erections together. A growl rumbled through his chest, and he bit the tongue that licked his insides.

Moaning, his mate took his sides and ran his hands down to his back. Familiar darkness and haze surrounded them, which never ceased to heighten Jean's arousal. Baring his teeth, he lowered to suck and nip at Celezar's neck. He freed his tentacles, immediately sliding them into the tight pants beneath him, and his mate's own tendrils unbuttoned his shirt to roam over his bared chest.

Celezar's moan came out as a deep croon, and Jean emitted one with him while he unbuckled his mate's pants. "We're going to do this?" he chuckled, his voice low, against the wet skin.

"Yes, you fuckin' sexy beast," Celezar gasped, shifting to run his hands over Jean's pecs. "The children will be f--" He emitted another moaning croon when Jean thrust into him, then began to rock.

There were no words, just gasps, groans, and moans with the occasional growl from Jean. Through articulations in their link, they communicated neediness. Neediness, deep yearning, desire, and somewhat sheepish acknowledgment they were being ridiculous. They never went so far as to have sex in a public bathroom before.

Jean relished every shudder and moan that escaped his mate to every thrust made into him. Celezar returned the thrusts, undulating beneath him. Breaking away from a stringy kiss, Jean's breathing increased as he came close to completion. His tentacles twitched wildly behind and around him before he grunted, thrusting a bit harder, faster, causing Celezar to make intermittent, panting gasps; music to his ears.

He growled loudly when Celezar squeezed around his length, milking him for just his precum alone.

"Come, Jean."

The words echoed in his mind, making his eyes roll into his head. It was just what he needed, and he groaned, giving a hard final thrust as he came. Another growl ripped from his throat and he slammed his hand on the bench beside Celezar's splayed-out hair when his testicles were squeezed by his mate's tendrils. He was indeed being milked for all he had.

They simultaneously moaned as they descended from their high. Lowering, he kissed Celezar tenderly. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you, too," the hybrid replied, placing a hand on his forehead. "I feel intoxicated."

Jean slightly chuckled, running his hands through his hair, and smiled when green eyes watched him closely. "Yeah..."

His chuckling was met by Celezar's soft laugh. "I can't believe we did this..." He briefly glanced away.

"What's wrong?"

"I want more kids," he whispered, looking Jean in the eye. "Many...many more."

A blond brow rose. "Is that so..." Jean lowered to plant a kiss on eager lips. "We should probably go back...but..."

"They'll be fine." Celezar pulled him closer with a low, demanding growl. "Now, fuck me pregnant, man."

Jean didn't need another prompt, his eyes darkening until only blue dots were visible in their depths.

* * *

Jean left the bathroom first, allowing Celezar to compose himself. Threading his hands through his locks, he exited with a satisfied smile. He almost returned to the booth with his children before remembering he had yet to choose his food. Peeking through the gaps and slats of the serving stations, he saw the children were still eating. He nodded to himself, then slipped a plate into his hands to choose his meal.

By the time he sat with his plate, Celezar had already returned to the booth--somehow. The hybrid's plate consisted of a medley of foods, and he gave Jean a sly smile as he sat beside Sescal. "Meats, hm, Jean?"

"There's broccoli, too," Jean insisted.

"Daddy doesn't gotta eat greens," Celestal explained to her mother, "cause he big!"

A sly look overcame Celezar's features, and he looked directly into Jean's eyes. "Indeed, he is...and he's going to get bigger."

Three pairs of wide eyes looked at him. "Really?" Sescal asked with a gasp. "Bigger than Mommy?"

Jean slanted his eyes, amused.

"Mm." Celezar looked at their children. "Not bigger than me. Never. Ever, in fact."

Almost scoffing aloud, Jean shook his head at the absurdity of the conversation but didn't interject. It was likely true...

Several platefuls of food later, they readied to leave the buffet. Jean thanked the host, and his words were echoed by Darryl. Once Isel and Ivel were in their carriage, they left the restaurant.

Sescal and Celestal held Darryl's hands as they walked just slightly ahead of Jean, Celezar, and the carriage. After leaving the town and entering the stretch of land between it and their home, the children had more energy to run off. Jean walked with an arm around his mate, nuzzling him from time to time and keeping a lasting, smug smile on the hybrid's face.

The trip home felt quicker than the walk into town. By the time they arrived home, the children were visibly worn out. They went to bed almost immediately after returning home, leaving Jean alone with his mate.

He smiled at his children while retreating from their room. They slept soundlessly--or nearly so; their soft, sighing breaths were the only sound in the large room. They slept together on a large feather bed that was nearly a pillow. Piled on top of one another, they protected each other in a sort of nest with Isel and Ivel in the center of their older siblings.

He gently closed the door behind him as he exited. Looking up, he spotted the retreating form of his mate in the direction of the kitchen. He followed the obvious signal to follow, walking steadily down the hall. He turned into the kitchen to see his mate's lone figure, his silhouette outlined by the single light from the dining room.

Jean sensed unease strongly through their link. Footfalls soft on the floor, he approached and wrapped his arms around the hybrid, sighing against his back.

"I missed you," Celezar murmured. He glanced back. "A lot more than I thought." He turned in Jean's arms, resting back against the counter. His eyes gave off a dim glow as they stared downward.

With his head, Jean lifted his mate's chin and gently kissed him. The eyes were looking at him now, and he slightly frowned at the sadness in their depths.

"Jean..." Celezar pursed his lips, as if unsure if he should speak. He then sighed, resting his head against Jean's. "Five months is a long time."

Jean's eyes shut with a ping of guilt.

"I'm not fully hallow but...enough, I guess. We are...deeply affectionate...connected...and needy creatures. I thought I could handle it, but I guess not. Fuck...I don't know what came over me earlier. I just...want...needed you." Celezar placed his hands on the sides of Jean's face. "I've...been thinking about it. You're right. I don't...know how this is going to work, anymore..."

The words sent another ping through Jean, one of immense worry and sorrow. "I need to retire."

The green gaze cut away. A curtain of auburn hair hid Celezar's face as he shook his head. "You can't."

Jean wished to say more on the subject, but a teardrop fell from Celezar's face. "Zarryel..." He wrapped both arms around him, holding him close. Tears prickled at his eyes, and he gently prodded his mate's mind.

Once he was let in, his eyes closed as the sensation of Celezar's hidden sorrow ran through him, sending the tears pouring down his cheeks. He hid it so well.

"We need to reconnect," Jean murmured. "Tomorrow."

Slowly, muscular arms went around his waist. "Tomorrow," Celezar whispered. He softly began to rumble, and he gently, intimately rocked them side to side.

Jean softly groaned, nostrils twitching as a subtle smell began to grow. He slightly moved away to look into black eyes of arousal and want. He licked his lips with slanting eyes, taking Celezar's hand to bring him through the hall. His thumb made circles on the back of the larger hand.

They entered their bedroom. It was dark, quiet, and the scent increased. The moment the door clicked shut behind him, he spun around, pulled Celezar to him, and took his lips in a heated kiss. The warm body undulated against him, rubbing a large bulge against the one in his pants. He groaned, then spun to all but throw Celezar onto their bed.

Panting, Celezar immediately unbuckled and shimmied his pants off. He then pumped his cock, spreading his legs with a purr.

Jean's eyes briefly rolled into his head at the potent, heightened smell of his mate's arousal. With blackened eyes, he released his tentacles and let them slide over the supine, needy body. As he approached, he unbuckled his pants, never moving his eyes from his mate's.

He knew what was wanted. Sex, yes, but slow and intimate.

Lowering onto the bed, Jean crawled closer while sliding his hand over one of the spread legs and took his mate's side with the other. Hovering over him, he captured the panting mouth in another, slower kiss.

They softly moaned, their erections rubbing against each other to create pleasurable friction, sending warmth through Jean's body.

He gently broke the kiss, eyes slanting when a calloused hand cupped his cheek. Soft rumbling reverberated from their chests, and Jean enjoyed the quiet moment. He then shifted his position so he could enter his mate.

He went slowly, making Celezar drag out a moan as each warm inch of Jean's cock slid into him. Jean shakily exhaled; Celezar was so wet and ready for him. An amused, slightly coy smile formed on Celezar's face at his thought.

Chuckling, Jean lowered again to plant a kiss on Celezar's lips. "Adorable," he whispered.

Slightly moving back, he began the first thrust.