The world shifted and gone was the domed room. Claude now found himself seated on a bed, Ellandor beside him. Ellandor detached himself from Claude and stood, and Claude took a moment to examine the room.

Sunlight streamed through lace curtains as a gentle breeze swirled intricate shadows across the terracotta floor. The room was surprisingly sparse, with only an ornate desk and chair near the opening to the room. The rich earth tones might have given the room a bland appearance if not for the rich colours from the large number of pillows adorning the bed. A multitude of varying shades of satin green, blue and gold were piled against the headboard.

“Not what you were expecting?” Ellandor asked, leaning against the desk, watching Claude.

“No, not at all, but I like it,” Claude replied.

Ellandor’s gaze roamed over Claude and a shiver went through his body. Since their first encounter, Ellandor had made no attempt to contact Claude. As much as it vexed Claude, he was well aware of the position they were in. If attending the meetings became the only time they could meet, Claude was more than prepared to continue attending.

Ellandor’s gaze reluctantly drew away from Claude towards the windows. With a soft murmur of words the sun dimmed, and the room grew dark. Another set of words, unrecognisable to Claude, were repeated towards the door.

“We won't be interrupted.”

A devious smile crept over Claude’s face as he manoeuvred himself against the headboard, throwing several pillows to the floor. Ellandor remained where he stood and with the raise of an eyebrow, Claude flicked his head inviting the elf to join him.

Ellandor came to the foot of the bed but no further. His stoic expression difficult to read, their eyes remained locked until Claude saw a flicker of doubt cross Ellandor’s face. It was them Claude realised there was something on Ellandor’s mind. Something that might determine how they would progress.

“You should be honest - with me - and yourself.” Claude said.

Ellandor’s gaze dropped, as he stared at the pillows on the floor.

“I’m scared,” Ellandor whispered.

Claude was taken back by Ellandor’s response; it was not what he’d expected to hear. Momentarily stunned into silence, Claude stared at Ellandor unsure how to reply. The silence lingered for some time before Ellandor spoke. “I don’t want the pain of losing someone again. I realise now I made a mistake, and I don’t want that to happen again.”

Ellandor stared into Claude’s eyes and Claude found himself coming to the realisation regarding their relationship. In the week passing, Claude had not considered how long or serious their relationship might be. Sex was all Claude had on his mind and nothing more. Ellandor, however had been thinking more seriously, and this made Claude uncomfortable. He didn’t have the response Ellandor looked for. Not at that moment.

Claude reached out and took Ellandor’s arm, pulling him down beside him. He had asked Ellandor to be honest and the least Claude could do was the same.

“Your thoughts are much deeper than mine, and I will need time to consider this between us. There will be repercussions if we are discovered.”

“I understand.” Ellandor replied.

There was a tenderness in Ellandor’s expression Claude was sure very few ever saw. Claude traced the lines of Ellandor’s face with the tips of his fingers, stopping at his lips. Ellandor’s mouth parted, and another shiver ran down Claude’s body.

Ellandor gave a soft chuckle. “Eager, are we?”

There was no hiding Claude's anticipation, his body more than ready to be pleasured. However, Claude realised, while his mind still contain an ounce of rationality, they should understand where they stood.

“It’s not too late to stop this.”

“Is that what you want?” Ellandor asked, tracing his tongue over Claude’s fingers, still lingering on his lips.

“I want… to do what’s right for both of us.” Claude found his concentration slipping.

Ellandor took Claude’s hand in his. “Too long I’ve ignored my desires. Even in the one relationship I had, it wasn’t like - this. It frightens me and that’s what excites me. I’m prepared to take the risk.”

Pleasure pulsated through Claude’s body.

“We have the others to support us if…”

Laughter erupted from Ellandor.

“Do you believe they will support us?” The snide tone in Ellandor’s voice sounded his disapproval but Claude wouldn’t let him think otherwise. With his free hand, Claude placed it over the top of their hands, squeezing hard.

“I have to believe, if I want this to work. I haven’t considered the implications of this as much as you have. Nor what might happen if our families discover our relationship. I want to understand you better. I want to be with you, and I like the way you make me feel. I trust you, which is something that come’s hard for me. This is important and if a handful of creatures can have our backs if or when we are discovered, we should encourage their friendship and support.”

“Friendship. You ask too much.”

Claude squeezed his hand over Ellandor’s again.

“Then their support, at least. As they will need ours.”

“I don’t know if I can.” Ellandor replied, drawing his hands away but Claude stopped him.

“Each one of us has something to lose but isn’t what we’ve gained worth fighting for.”

Ellandor stared at Claude, his eyes wide and bright.

“We know nothing about each other.”

“No, we don’t. But we do know sex together is mind blowing, and I’m not sure why we’re still talking.”

“It will not be easy, this, what we have,” Ellandor said.

“Of course not, but then why would we want easy?”

Claude saw the moment Ellandor gave in and his expression softened.

“It’s all about sex with you,” Ellandor asked.

“You like it as much as I do.” Claude leaned forward, biting Ellandor’s ear as he whispered, “We’re both willing to take the risk.”

Ellandor moved fast, pinning Claude to the bed before he could respond.

Claude gazed up at Ellandor, a smirk on his face. “You couldn’t leave me even if you tried.”

Ellandor used his magic to secure Claude to the bedhead. “Now why would I want to give up this, when it will always be here for the taking?”

In that moment, Claude realised he would do anything to keep what they had going for the longest time possible. If anyone dared step in their way, Claude would fight with all he had to protect their relationship.