“Uh-huh,” Seymour croaked.
“Are you sure? You do not sound all right.”
“I’m good.” Seymour took a deep breath. “I can feel my pulse down in my asshole and I don’t think I’m gonna be doin’ any marathons, but really. Good. So fuckin’ good.”
Sariel kissed the top of his head and cradled him close. “I was afraid I hurt you.”
“Nah.” Seymour shifted his hips. “You can totally pull out though.”
“Oh! My apologies.” Sariel withdrew, gently urging Seymour’s legs down to the floor.
Seymour remained propped up against Sariel’s chest, glad for his strong arms to keep him from melting into a puddle. “It’s fine. Promise.”
Sariel nuzzled Seymour’s hair again. “I will locate your pants.”
“Pants? Oh. Right. They’re around here somewhere.”
A voice in the stall next to them cleared their throat, something tapping at the top of the divider.
Seymour looked up to see a scaly blue hand holding his jeans. “Oh. There they are.”
“Ah. Thank you.” Sariel turned a brilliant shade of red and quickly grabbed them.
Seymour willed his body to move so he could pull his underwear back up. He winced when the fabric rubbed against his sore cheeks. “Damn.”
Sariel frowned deeply. “Are you certain I did not harm you? Was I too rough?”
“No, no.” Seymour shook his head, grinning as he rubbed his butt. “It’s all right! I can take it. Tougher than I look.”
Sariel perked up a little, and he nodded. “I am aware. It is one of the many things I admire about you.”
“Yeah? Is that so?”
“Yes.” Sariel smiled. “Aries are known for their bravery, after all. It is a sign that is said to embody both fearlessness and courage, and you have demonstrated these qualities many times over in the brief period we have known each other. There are very few others, even among my fellow monsters, who could claim to be as resilient and adaptable as you have been, in spiteof our ever-changing and often quite terrifying circumstances. You are quite incredible, Seymour.”
Seymour didn’t think it was possible, but his face flushed hotter. “Well, uh, thanks. I got a nice ass too.”
Sariel laughed. “That you do. And many other things.”
“You got a lot of nice things too, you know.”
“Do I?”
“Uh-huh.” Seymour kissed him. “You’re so fuckin’ smart, and hey, you’re brave as fuck too. Not to mention way fuckin’ resilient considerin’ you’ve been stuck havin’ to listen to that big ol’ asshole demon forever. That kinda shit might break someone. Make ’em bitter. Angry. But not you. You still have this light in you, this joy, and I see it every time you smile. Kinda takes my breath away.”
“Seymour, I…” Sariel’s eyes glowed, and he smiled warmly.
“Yup. See? Just like that.” Seymour smooched his cheek. “Now come here, I gotta put these damn pants back on.”
“Of course.”
Seymour leaned on Sariel to step into his jeans, his legs still a bit wobbly. He checked his pockets to make sure everything was there. He tried to smooth a hand through his hair, and he could feel how flushed his face and neck were, as if he’d been out in the sun too long.
Definitely was gonna walk out of here looking like he’d just been righteously fucked.
Sariel, of course, was completely flawless.
Not even his tie was crooked.
