Haley Thistle
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Placide the Paralangua: Part Two (rough draft)
🕑 Added 2022-09-28 20:01:00 +0000 UTCThe first Festival of Ash you could remember attending, was the one where you were taken to see if you’d be one of the chosen. At the time, your town was small and there weren’t very many kids your age. It had been very likely at the time you were going to be chosen. The ceremony progressed as normal, but you weren’t selected..
All your friends had been chosen, and they talked about it all the time. You smiled and nodded along, congratulating them on how lucky they were. But of course, you were lucky too. You could date anyone you wanted. Sure. You could. Time went by, and by your twenty-first birthday you had placed yourself on the other side of the world, away from home, and away from the Festival of Ash that year, the year your friends would no longer be chosen, and instead be with their paralangua in the labyrinth.
It didn’t bother you, you could date whoever you wanted. It really didn’t bother you.
What did bother you was that your hair looked greasy and awful, but Adele had warned you about washing your hair while you had that injury at the back of your head.
“Oh sure, I have to injure myself like this.” You fussed with your hair, trying to style it one way and then another. But absolutely nothing looked good to you.
You tapped your forehead where Placide had kissed you. “Don’t get your hopes up. That never works out.” You put on an old, favorite beanie to cover the greasy hair as well as put extra protection around the bump growing from the back of your head.
“Just act cool. You can do that at least.” You strolled out into your living room and sat down upon the sofa. “Nonchalant. Casual. Cool,” you repeated the words to yourself. You picked up the remote to turn the TV on. But then the panic set in of having to select something to watch, so if Placide came at that moment, you could have one something interesting. Whatever you had on would be a reflection of yourself, an intimate peek into your daily life, the way your mind worked.
True crime documenar? No. Too creepy.
Something based on Jane Austen? No. Too desperate.
Maybe a video game walk through? No! Too corny.
Music? No! Your music is weird!
There was a knock on the door and you placed your remote down gently. No harm, no foul. You got up and went to the door, peeking on your video doorbell who was there. It was Placide, dressed in a very dapper wool coat and carrying a bag in each hand.
“Crap he looks nice. And I look like an off the hours goth girl.” You calmed yourself. It didn’t matter. This was going to be a nice visit.
You opened the door and smiled. “Welcome! Glad you found the place okay.”
Placide stepped in and you offered to take one of the bags. “You have a beautiful house. I was surprised.”
You furrowed your brow. “You were?”
“I mean-” Placide cleared his throat. “I was expecting something much smaller. You sai you lived alone, right?”
“This is my family’s ancient stomping grounds. I inherited it from my grandmother. The kitchen is this way.” You led him down the hall. “During the wedding season I rent it out for extra money.”
“That’s not a bad idea. It’d be a perfect place.” Placide stepped into the kitchen and looked around. He shed his heavy coat and hung it aside. “It’s so cold out. I’m glad your house is warm.”
“Surprisingly good heating system for an old house, right? Do you need helping with anything?” You asked.
“I just need to heat a few things up.” He set some wrapped dishes down on the table. “How are you feeling, by the way?”
You touched your hat and shrugged. “Hurt and embarrassed still.”
“Don’t be. Embarrassed that is. But is the pain bad?”
You shook your head. “Only if I touch it. And here, this is the stove.” You stepped aside to let him near it.
It did feel a bit awkward, but you couldn’t tell if it was all just you, or if maybe Placide was feeling it too.
“It’s odd, I’ve never talked to you outside of being an elder,” you chuckled. “I’m not sure how to quite…go about it.”
Placide’s tail twitched upon the hardwood floor and slightly perked up. “Just treat me like any other man you’d have in your home.”
“Not had that much experience there either,” you muttered under your breath.
Placide put the dishes into the stove. “Although, I am a bit shy myself. After Carine, there weren’t many women who piqued my interest.”
“I piqued you?” You wanted to hit your head again.
Placide chuckled. “I enjoy talking to you. Our last event planner used the same things every single year. But the past few years you’ve worked with us the Festival of Ash has changed and grown, it feels like it did when I was a young man again.”
“I would argue you’re still young.” You cleared your throat and glance aside. “I just know the festival is important for us. Not just the paralangua or the chosen. But everyone here knows it’s special.”
Placide’s smile is soft, but it was the way his eyes graze over you. There's confidence there, as well as a nervous vulnerability. “It’ll take a minute for the food to warm up. Maybe we should sit down.”
“Oh sure, here is fine. Or the sofa might be comfier for you.” You stepped towards the doorway, leading him back to the living room. He took a seat, curling his tail around his waist so it curled over his thigh and draped down.
You sat on the ottoman, a bit too anxious to sit on the sofa with him.
“You said your cousin was chosen. How is she looking forward to it?” Placide asked.
You shrugged. “Somedays she’s excited, other days she’s nervous. When I was growing up, most of my friends had gotten chosen too. I used to be so jealous of them.”
Placide tilted his head to the side. “Did it ever bother you?”
You swallowed. “Sometimes. I mean, I was happy for them. It was such a great honor and all. I got to see them get excited and nervous too.” You bit down on your lip. You sighed and shook your head. “There weren’t a lot of families here back then. Our group was small. So I felt left out a bit sometimes.”
“I’m sorry that happened, honey.” Placide’s smile was gentle as he looked at you.
“It’s fine really,” you tried to laugh. “I figured there was another purpose for me so-” You shrugged and brought a knee up to your chest. “I’m not worried about it anymore. What about you though? How was the labyrinth for you?”
“It was so long ago,” he chuckled. “I just remember all the build up and the adrenaline. The fighting was worse back then too, like you said, there were lesser people here long ago. So at the time I really had to fight my way through all the others my age.” He pulled up a sleeve and showed a scar on his arm that hindered the pattern of his.
“Back then, the ceremony didn’t really start until everyone had their stitches complete.” He offered out his arm towards you.
You touched his arm and ran your fingers up the scar, feeling how cool and smooth his scales were. “It was that brutal back then, huh?”
“Extremely.” Placide held your eyes for a moment then he sat up and pulled his sleeve back down. “There weren't enough humans to go around, and all of us wanted our own victory so badly.”
You wanted to ask more, but you felt that was prying too deep.
“I think everyone wants to feel like they’re being fought for in one way or another. I think that's why being chosen is so sought after. You want to feel like someone, anyone, wants you.”
You catch yourself in a nod then clear your throat. “It is nice.”
“I know romance is hard these days. But I’ve always been a bit of a dreamer.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Why don’t you come and sit beside me? I’m cold blooded and any extra warmth helps.”
Your cheeks warmed and you moved from the ottoman to the sofa, sitting near Placide and feeling more anxious than before. “It's a nice sofa. My grandmother bought it before she died, so it’s new-ish.”
“I see,” Placide chuckled. “It is nice.”
His hand was alone and vulnerable beside him. It was placed strangely though, almost like a piece of candy before a trap. You placed your hand upon the sofa, inching it towards his until your fingers brushed against his hand. His hand moved and then it was touching yours. You looked away as your hands touched then held one another.
“Do the paralangua allow this?” You asked out of nerves.
“It’s not exactly tradition. But it’s allowed.” He moved in close to you. “Although I do feel a bit strange. It’s been a long time and I like you.”
You leaned into his side. “I like you too.”
He chuckled. “Good. or else this would be much more awkward than I feel.”
You laughed too and for a moment things were quiet. The two of you sat there, holding hands, and then a warmth seemed to grow between you.You shifted, facing one another again, and Placide’s mouth opened.
“Oh no, my spinach puffs.” Placide stood and held out his hand again. “The food should be ready now.”
Dinner was delicious, you ate more than you expected. But it was the conversation that came afterwards that you enjoyed most. You and Placide talked over coffee about little things. It grew from there as you talked about music, your love for punk and his surprising confession of playing guitar when he was young. From there, the night felt natural and time slipped away until you noticed the wall clock.
“I can’t believe it’s one already.”
Placide double checked it and laughed. “I had no idea! I thought it was still so early. Perhaps I should go.”
“Sorry I kept you so long. I’ll wash your dishes and bring them back later.” You rose to show him to the door, but he didn’t move. He remained sitting at the table with a stern look upon his face.
“Is everything okay?” You asked.
He sighed. “I want to kiss you, but I’m afraid of what will happen when I do.”
You licked your lips. “Nothing has to happen. It can just be a kiss.”
Placide stood and approached you. “I can promise you, it won’t be. So if we kiss, you’ll have to promise me you won’t let me get away with anything.”
It was just suggestive enough for you to enjoy it, and just a little cute. “You’re making me the responsible adult here?”
“If you can try to be.” Placide’s hand rested upon your waist. “One of us needs to think clearly.”
His hand brushed against your cheek, the smooth scales and dark claws made you shiver. “Should we pull straws for it?”
Placide bent down and there it was, the kiss. You were taken back for a second, almost watching down at yourself while it happened. But you returned to the present, pressing closer and closer to him as the kiss deepened. You held onto him as a moan rumbled in his chest.
Placide was the one to pull back and his hands both rested upon your waist, holding you tightly so you didn’t come closer or move farther away.
“See…” You cleared your throat. “You did well.”
“But I could sink deeper,” he growled against your ear. “I feel it. It’s an old desire but I know it.”
You smoothed your hand down his chest. “But-”
“Yes, but.” Placide released you. “We both mentioned it has been a long while. We shouldn’t let want override our own needs.”
“Right.We have lots of time anyways.” You handed him his coat.
“You would think so, but even from where I stand, time doesn’t matter. It only moves forward, and it can pull us under that current.” He slipped on his coat. “So that is why I’d like to know when I can see you again?”
You lost your breath for a beat. “I’m free tomorrow?”
Placide smiled. “Tomorrow then.”
For the next few weeks, you and Placide meeted regularly. Nothing more than kissing happened, but there were moments where it felt like something more would happen. But you stopped each time, agreeing to wait and make sure it was right.
One evening, you woke up on the sofa lying on Placide’s chest. The TV had gone back to the main menu, and it was the only light on. You laid your head back down, resting it upon his chest.
“I’m sorry,” Placide murmured.
His voice started you and made you jump. “What?”
“I felt you stir,” he whispered. “And I almost called you Carine.”
You sat up, seeing his eyes were still closed tight. “I was half awake,” he said.
“I understand. It's okay.”
Placide sat up and sniffled. “But I’m with you. I know that. I care for you deeply, more and more each day.” And it was so long ago.”
“How long?” You asked. “I’ve wanted to know, but I’ve been too afraid to ask.”
Placide breathed in and let it out slowly. “I had her for ten years, and then she was gone. Then another ten years went by, and then another.” Tears filled his eyes. “Somedays it feels like yesterday.”
You held his hand tight. “I know.”
“She made me promise not to give up. That I was too good to not share.” He smiled sadly. “I feel like I’ve let her down.”
You cupped your hand around his face. “Do you really think that?”
His red eyes turned to yours. “I think it. But I know she wouldn’t.”
You kissed him then rested your head upon his shoulder. “Then stop it.”
His hands rubbed up and down your back. “I’ll try. I promise.” He lifted your head and kissed you again. Once again there was that unspoken desire between you. This kiss could go either way, all you had to do was decide.
“I want you,” Placide growled.
You panicked. “That’s nice.”
He laughed and held you tight in his arms. “If it wasn’t so cold out, I’d take you into the labyrinthe right now.”
“Why there?”
He sighed and cupped his hands around your face. “To make you feel like a victory. I know it bothers you, and I was hoping I could wait and make myself behave until spring. But the more time I spend with you, the more I can’t stop thinking about how much I want to be with you. I think like I’m young again, and I keep driving myself crazy.”
You bit your lip to contain your smile. “Have you touched yourself thinking about me?” You said with a teasing tone.
Placide grunted and averted his eyes.
“If you want to wait until spring, we can. I would like to see it for myself and have you win me over.” You kissed his neck and cheek. “If you can wait. I will too.”
Placide’s hands tightened around your hips and he fidgeted his lap. “I’m not sure I can. Right now I feel…frustrated.”
“Maybe I can just help with that.” You laid a palm in his lap.
“Wait-” His voice choked and he captured your wrist in his hand.
You kissed him, pressing up against his chest and easing him back down upon the sofa. You sat back up, tugging off your sweater and his eyes bulged. You kissed down his chest, the smooth, plae scales felt cool to your lips, but you were growing warmer and warmer with each second.
“Tell me about the labyrinthe.” You say as you straddle his lap again.
“Uhm-” He breathed in deep. “It’s beautiful. Lots of lush moss and vines. It goes deeper than most people think.”
You dip down, kissing his belly as he talks. You fingers find a mound between his legs that’s begun to open and dribble out a viscous ooze.
“There’s places to swim, but it’s the underground lake that’s my favorite.” He whimpered and his hips bucked.
Your fingers were inside and bit by bit he revealed himself. The top was ruby red, and compared to the rest of his pale body it stood out. Even more so, the size of him was prodigious. The thick base of his cock was baby pink and when it was fully released it laid against his stomach.
“May I?” You asked.
“Please, keep going.” Placide gently cupped the back of your head, careful as there was still a tenderness there. You kissed along the shaft, dragging your tongue up to the tip. The slippery ooze that covered him was slightly sweet and barely unpleasant. You brought him to your lips, kissing down the side and feeling his pulse twitch.
Placide gulped and tried to breathe. “I would…I would take you to that lake in the labyrinthe and lay you there upon the moss. You would…you would know how badly I wanted you, how much of a prize you really are.”
Pausing, you tried to decide what to do. You sat up, removing the rest of your clothes and Placide placed his hands upon you. He kissed you and nipped your skin, burying his face against your soft form until you sat upon his lap.
“Don’t move,” he growled into your ear. “I can feel you…so warm and wet.” His claws sunk into your back. “Don’t move or I’ll take you right here. Right now.”
His cock pressed against your mound. As you breathed, your body moved and rubbed against him.
“I want it,” Placide panted.
“Me too.” You looked into his eyes. “I can’t wait for spring when you’re right here. Show me the labyrinthe when it’s warm. But you’ve won me now.”
Tears were in his eyes. “I won’t waste this. I promise.” He adjusted himself, moving so that he could be inside you. You let out a long, strangled sound then buried your face upon his shoulder.
Lacide turned so that his feet were off the sofa and you we leaned into him. He arched his hips, pressing deeper inside you. He held you up just a bit to pull out but he was deep within a second later.
“So warm,” he whimpered.
“So big,” you whined back.
Placide swallowed and pressed his forehead against yours. “I’m trying to control myself. You’re not helping things.”
“Don’t hold back. I want it.” You wrapped your arms around his neck. “Go ahead, do what you want with me.”
He shook his head. “I want to but-”
You kissed him, pressing your palms down upon his shoulders so he pressed into the sofa. You rode him, taking what you wanted if only to let him know you were ready for anything he could give.
“Oh god, honey-” he growled.
“Stop waiting and just-” You saw nothing but a blur before you and you were on the floor. Placide was on top of you and lifting your legs up before he pressed deep inside you again. It was another blur again mixed with snarls and grunts into your ear. He pressed himself into you, giving you everything he had.
A bright light woke you from your dreams. And while your bedroom was dark, the sharp, white light that reflected from your window was a thick blanket of sparkling snow. You rested back into your pillow with a deep sigh. You then felt arms around you, and kisses upon your neck.
“Good morning,” Placide whispered.
Your body remembered all at once his ferocity last night and you shivered down your spine. “G-good morning!”
Placide chuckled. “It was nice having this warm body last night. When it snows like this all I want to do is cuddle.”
“I almost thought I dreamed last night.”
“I went a little too hard, I’ll be gentle next time, promise.” He kissed your cheek and wrapped his body around you.
“Tell me again about the labyrinthe.” You say as you stroke your hands down his body. “What will you do to me there?”
Placide growled. “What I won’t do to earn my victory. Lay back, I’ll show you.”
