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Old Soul

Chapter Two

Slow music beats filled the stuffy air. Thin rays of sunlight filtering in from street-level windows barely illuminated the claustrophobic basement room. Kronn had to bend his neck down to keep from hitting the ceiling as he made his way along the shelves filled with records. As he walked, he combed through the titles, trying to find the one he was looking for. His friend had specifically mentioned an American band he had never heard of, and he hadn't been able to find a good image of what the cover looked like. Still, he was determined to find her the perfect gift.

Looking at the labels, he checked to make sure that he was going the right way. ' This is R, should be at S soon, ' he thought. He continued forward, bent down to inspect the record spines for the artist name. Just as he was about to reach the section he was looking for; he felt his shoulder collide with something solid. Startled, Kronn looked up to see what was going on.

“Fuck," He swore, slamming his head into the low ceiling. He managed to steady himself, only to notice he'd just barely avoided walking into a shelf stacked with records. ' This place needs a sign out front to warn for tight clearance, ' He thought. Most businesses valued their customers enough to accommodate wildly varying heights and sizes, but every so often you came across a place that wasn't quite up to code.

Continuing to follow the alphabet, Kronn worked through the shelf until he found the section he wanted. And, at the very bottom, what looked like the record he was after. He knelt down, inspecting the record spine to make sure it was right. Sure enough, it matched his friend's description perfectly. Now, the only problem was how he was going to get to it. Kronn didn't see anyone else around, and trying to get at the slim record sleeve himself, he was quickly running into issues.

The stack of cardboard sleeves was just a bit too small for his fingers to get a grip on. ' Please don't fuck this up, ' He thought, grabbing the entire stack of records and pulling it outwards.

“Hey, don't do that," He heard a voice a few meters in front of him say. Too late. Kronn pulled the record stack free, only to notice that its absence destabilised the entire shelf.

Eyes wide, Kronn watched as piles of paper, plastic and vinyl fell onto the floor. The majority ended up falling right onto the source of the voice he had heard just a few seconds earlier.

“Shit, I'm so sorry!" Kronn said, quickly getting to his feet. “Fuck!" He exclaimed, once again hitting his head on the ceiling. He was going to need bandages at this rate.

“I think you need more help than I do."

Kronn massaged his throbbing skull, watching as a blonde Human sat up on the floor.

“I apologise, I'm an idiot," Kronn said, helping the Human to his feet. He only laughed quietly, looking up at Kronn while dusting off his employee uniform.

“Don't worry about it," the Human said, looking around him at the records strewn about on the floor. “You're not the first to knock this one over. I usually stay close to this area but I didn't quite get here in time for once."

“I don't know what to say, please let me help," Kronn said, getting down on his knees to help sort the records back onto the rickety shelf. He looked closer at the Human in front of him. He wore a brown blazer with a deep green shirt below. On the lapel, a bronze name tag. 'Daniel McCoy'.

“Did you find anything worthwhile, at least?" Daniel asked, smiling as Kronn helped him fill the shelf back up.

“Yeah, I'm buying a present for someone," Kronn said, holding up the record he'd picked out.

“That's a great choice, I'll show you some similar albums if you're interested in getting some variety," Daniel said, standing up to stack the last of the records on the shelf. Standing up, Daniel wasn't much taller than Kronn standing on his knees.

“Sure, that sounds great," Kronn said, rising to his feet in front of Daniel, who motioned for him to follow.

“This part is a bit disorganised, we're in the process of moving things around so not everything is in the proper order just yet," Daniel said, leading Kronn along the labyrinth of shelves and crates, all stacked with music. Kronn was only listening with one ear, he was busy eyeing up the boy in front of him.

“These all are in the same genre," Daniel said, pulling a handful of albums out of a crate to show Kronn. “If you enjoy the one you already picked out, I think you'd like these as well."

Kronn looked carefully at the albums Daniel showed him, and several more that Daniel gave him. Seeing his confusion, Daniel showed Kronn to the turntables the record shop had set up to let customers listen before they made a purchase.

It was well over an hour before they were done picking out different records and listening to them together.

“Thanks so much for your help," Kronn said as Daniel rang up his total and packed the records into a plastic bag.

“Happy to be of assistance," Daniel said, handing Kronn his purchase. As he took the bag, their hands briefly touched. They both lingered for a moment, neither commenting on it. “I hope your friend enjoys the gift."

“Thanks, I'm sure she will," Kronn said, backing away from the counter as Daniel disappeared back into the labyrinthine basement room. Kronn stood still for a moment, looking at the bag in his hand. He'd gotten far too many records to make an appropriate present, but he hadn't said no to a single suggestion Daniel had made. He was far too busy with other thoughts. His hair, his eyes, the way those small hands turned over an album or adjusted the volume knob on the receiver.

On his way out, Kronn read a sign above the front door. 'Thank you, please return any time."

Kronn returned to the record shop every afternoon for the next week.

On his seventh visit, Daniel finally commented on it.

“You're not here for the music anymore, are you?" Daniel asked, picking the needle up off the turntable to stop the music.

“I guess not," Kronn said, twirling the headphone cord around his fingers. He looked at Daniel, who shook his head and cracked a smile.

“I have a job to do here, you know," Daniel said, smiling at Kronn. They were sitting close to each other in the cramped listening booth. Kronn opened his mouth to talk but Daniel interrupted him. “If you want to, maybe we can meet up somewhere else? I'm running out of music recommendations for you to not listen to."

“That sounds nice," Kronn said, taking his headphones off. “Maybe tomorrow, or later today?"

“I'll be done here in about two hours, that work for you?"

“Sure, that's perfect," Kronn said, face beaming. “There's a café close by, Saint's, do you know where it is?"

“Yeah, I've walked past it a few times," Daniel said, steadying himself against Kronn's arm as he climbed past the Orc out of the tiny room. “See you there at four 'o clock?"

“I'll see you there," Kronn said, smiling as Daniel waved goodbye and walked off to serve the few other customers in the store.

Autumn leaves fell in droves as Daniel walked out of the record shop. He looked at his phone, noticing he had a text message from his mother. 'Dinner at 7. Your sister is back from university.'

He frowned and deleted the notification. He didn't want to think about his family right now. His parents were going to ask why he hadn't come home at the time he usually did, but he could make an excuse. Maybe the store had an unusual number of customers, or he had needed to sort the shelves after someone tipped them over. Again.

Within a few minutes, he arrived at the café. Through the windows, he saw Kronn wait for him by the entrance. On entering, he saw the Orc's nervous face turn to a smile.

“Hey there," Daniel said, taking his gloves off as he entered.

“Hey yourself," Kronn replied, walking up to Daniel. He opened his arms, but caught himself just before. “Oh, may I?"

“You may," Daniel said and smiled as they hugged. They didn't know each other very well yet, but Daniel knew that being close to the Orc felt nice. Kronn's arms made him feel at home, there was a feeling of safety there that he found himself wanting more and more.

“I got us the table over in the corner by the bookshelf." Kronn said. “Go take a seat and I'll order for us, what do you want?"

“I don't know, what's good here?" Daniel asked. Kronn spun them both around to face the menu above the counter.

“They have all sorts." Kronn said. He still kept his arms around Daniel and leaned down so their heads were closer. “If you want something sweet, they can do hot chocolate or sundaes. There's coffee of course. I quite like the lemonade here." Daniel didn't answer, torn between reading the menu and zoning out against Kronn hugging him from behind. “Or I could just surprise you?" Kronn suggested, grinning as Daniel realised he'd stayed silent.

“That sounds like a good idea," Daniel replied, reluctantly extracting himself from Kronn's arms and walking over to the far end of the café where he had already left his jacket. The table Kronn had chosen was somewhat secluded from the rest, hidden away in a corner. It felt like a repeat of the cramped space they'd been meeting in for the last few days.

It was easy for Daniel to see why Kronn had suggested this café in particular. Besides being warm and welcoming, it was spacious and very obviously furnished to accommodate guests of varying types. Even still, Daniel found himself with his feet not quite touching the ground.

Lost in thought, he was startled back to reality when Kronn sat down beside him with two large glasses. They were identical, both filled with frothy green liquid, crowned with a cloud of whipped cream and thick clumps of chocolate.

“Guess what it is!" Kronn said, excitedly shoving one glass in front of Daniel who was only just coming to terms with the enormity of the drink. Apparently not only the furniture here was over-dimensioned.

“Mint chocolate chip?" Daniel tried, having to grasp the glass with both hands to lift it.

“Close." Kronn said, taking a big gulp from his glass. “ Matcha mint chocolate chip." He smiled at the Human taking a sip of the liquid.

“You have a sweet tooth?" Daniel said, scooping up one of the chocolate bits and chewing it slowly.

“Maybe a bit," Kronn laughed and patted his slight gut.

“Well, I like it a lot."

“The milkshake or this bad boy?" Kronn grinned and once again gestured to his belly.

“Maybe both?" Daniel laughed. He'd felt anxious before, but Kronn's upbeat nature quickly melted any tension away. Soon, he felt the Orc lay a big arm around him and bring him closer.

“You comfortable?" Kronn asked and smiled as the Human nodded. “I'm glad you wanted to meet. I guess I haven't been as clear as I could have been."

“I could have made an educated guess the fourth time you spent hours in a record shop without buying anything," Daniel said, laughing as Kronn adjusted his shirt collar. “And shuffling into a very tight space with a stranger."

“Yeah…" Kronn said, stirring his spoon around the milkshake. “I was nervous. I didn't know what you would say if I asked you."

“I'm here now, you can ask me whatever you want," Daniel said, relaxing against Kronn's arm.

Kronn hesitated for a moment, staring off into the distance. However, the presence next to him urged him on.

“Can I kiss you?"

“Let's find out," Daniel said, looking up at Kronn.

In the two seconds their faces were separated, the short distance was electric. When they finally touched, both closed their eyes, leaning into each other.

They both tasted like mint. Slowly, their lips and tongues touched, exploring each other for the first time. ' He's so soft, ' Kronn thought, his hand against Daniel's cheek. He held back, conscious of his size, not wanting to make Daniel feel like he was being run over. Still, he couldn't help but fill Daniel's mouth, immediately noticing how the Human leaned into the kiss when he did.

“You're beautiful," Kronn said as they broke the kiss. His hands ran through Daniel's blonde locks, rolling the soft hair around his fingers.

“You don't look so bad either," Daniel said, smiling as Kronn leaned in to kiss him again.

3 years later.

“Welcome to Van Horne," Daniel read the road sign aloud as they passed it by. The sun stood high in the sky, shining down on the snow-covered pine forest behind them.

“Just a bit further now," Kronn said as they drove into the small town. They weren't the only outsiders arriving. Tourists flocked to the area in the winter season for skiing and the natural beauty. Kronn and Daniel weren't about to mingle with the locals, however. They were only in town to stock up on a week's worth of groceries. After that, they both looked forward to locking themselves in for a while.

“How did your uncle get this place?" Daniel asked as they parked in front of the grocery store. “He must have bought it ages ago, the prices have gotten insane around here and he wasn't a millionaire last time I checked."

“He inherited it from my grandparents," Kronn said, grabbing a shopping cart and wincing at the loud screech as they pushed it along the parking lot. “That's why we're not telling my mum where we're going, she got snubbed on that part of the inheritance."

“Your uncle screwed your mother out of a house?" Daniel asked in disbelief. From what he knew of Kronn's family, they didn't seem particularly cutthroat.

“I'm not too sure on the full picture," Kronn said as they entered the store. “I only really know what they've told me. Uncle Grash seems to think he deserves the place, mum disagrees with that. I guess every family has some darkness."

“You could say that again."

“Sorry, that was insensitive," Kronn said, looking on as Daniel loaded their shopping cart with groceries.

“Don't worry, kiss me and I forgive you," Daniel said, laughing as Kronn leaned down to plant a kiss on his cheek.

“I think we have an audience," Kronn said, discreetly motioning to an old couple behind them. One of them, an old lady, pointed at Kronn and Daniel and giggled as her husband smiled back at her.

“Seems to be positive attention," Daniel said, grabbing Kronn's hand.

After they finished up in the grocery store, they loaded the car and headed further north. For a long time, they drove silently through the dense pine forest. They'd long since left the major roads behind, and had to drive slowly along the gravel roadway.

Eventually, the forest began to thin out. A battered roadside mailbox alerted them to make a turn, and soon they found themselves pulling up to their destination.

They'd stopped in front of a small wood house. The roof and yard were covered by thick snow. It looked like a fairy tale location.

“This is it," Kronn said, stepping out of the car in front of the house. “It's nothing fancy but I think it's cosy."

Daniel got out beside him, eyeing the area around them. Behind the small, 1-story house he could see the glimmer of a frozen lake. In the far background, the enormous mountain range stretched out. It was the perfect postcard view.

“This is perfect," Daniel said, slowly walking out in front of the car. He turned around to face Kronn. “This is so perfect!" He rushed into Kronn's arms, embracing through their heavy winter clothes.

“I'm glad you like it," Kronn said, leaning down to quickly kiss Daniel. “Let's get inside, we need to make a fire and get the place warmed up."

“Will I get to see you chop wood?" Daniel asked, grabbing a grocery bag from the trunk of the car.

“You're really into the lumberjack thing, aren't you?" Kronn laughed as they walked up to the cabin.

“Maybe a bit," Daniel said, waiting as Kronn unlocked the door. “You've got the body and the beard for it. I hope you packed a flannel shirt."

“I did, actually," Kronn said, opening the door to the house. “Though it's a bit cold for me to chop wood in only a shirt. You'll have to wait for summer for that one."

“The mere thought will sustain me until then," Daniel said, carrying their bags inside. Kronn opened them all to look through the contents.

“No electricity here like I said, so some of this stuff will go in the shed outside," Kronn said, rearranging the grocery bags to store away in the cold outside. “I think there's firewood ready. You want to make a fire while I take care of this?"

“Yes sir," Daniel said, handing Kronn the remaining bags and walking into the living room. The air inside was cold and stagnant. It was clear that Kronn's uncle didn't visit very often.

The space was dominated by a large brick fireplace, complete with a stuffed deer head above the mantle. Daniel suspected it was a fake, if a good one. Beside the fireplace were stacks of chopped firewood. Daniel picked out a few logs that looked promising and began stacking them in the fireplace. ' Only good thing summer camp ever taught me,' He thought, tearing the bark off of a piece of birch wood and putting it together with the smallest, driest pieces.

Daniel hadn't made a fire in a long time, neither he nor Kronn were very outdoorsy, but the techniques the camp counsellors had imparted on him still worked.

Slowly, the small fire ate into the bark and wood. Daniel fanned it with a folded newspaper, watching as the flames rose toward the chimney. The room began to warm up and Daniel sat back on the floor, watching as the fire built to a small inferno in front of him.

“You get the fire going?" Kronn called from the next room over.

“Yeah, I banged a few rocks together and eventually it worked," Daniel said, warming his hands against the flames.

“Cool, I have a surprise for you," Kronn said. Daniel looked toward the doorway, but it was empty. “Just sit tight for a minute, I need a prop for this."

“A prop? Are you putting on a show?"

“Something like that, I'm almost done." Daniel heard the rustling of fabric in the next room, and a closet door opening and closing. Then, footsteps coming toward the doorway.

“How do I look?" Kronn asked, entering the small living room. The afternoon sunlight shone straight onto his upper body. He wore a red chequered flannel shirt, buttons popped open to reveal his chest. In his right hand, he carried a large axe, which he swung over his shoulder for theatrical effect. Grinning as Daniel drank him in, he slowly stretched his upper body, letting the shirt hem slip free from under the unbuttoned, weathered jeans.

“You are the sexiest man to grace this planet," Daniel said, eyes wide in wonder.

“Do you want to help your weary lumberjack boyfriend relax after a long day out in the woods?" Kronn said, swaggering toward Daniel.

“Fuck yes," Daniel said. Kronn dropped the axe onto the floor as they met in front of the fireplace. Daniel ran his hands over Kronn's chest, feeling the fabric stretched taut over his powerful frame. “I'm buying you more flannel shirts when we get home, this is so hot."

“If it gets you like this, I'll gladly do it more often," Kronn said, enjoying the attention as Daniel marvelled at his body. “Come here." He bent down to pick his boyfriend up. Daniel knew what to do, laying his arms around Kronn's neck to let himself be cradled against the Orc's chest.

“Bless your uncle for letting us stay here," Daniel said. He leaned in toward Kronn's face, their lips crashing into each other. Their kiss was hungry with need. The smell of burning wood mingled with pine resin from the cabin walls, filling the air with an earthy, primal atmosphere.

“I want you right now," Kronn said, a string of saliva connecting their lips as they barely separated. One of his hands cupped Daniel's butt, squeezing the still covered skin.

“Same," Daniel said, capturing Kronn's lips once more. “Do me here, on the floor."

“Fuck, that reminds me," Kronn said, setting Daniel down in front of the fireplace. “One moment, I knew there was something else we needed." Daniel took the opportunity to unbutton his shirt and pants, quickly denuding himself and putting the clothes away on the sofa. Soon, Kronn returned to the living room.

“Look at this," He said, holding up a huge stack of white and brown animal pelts. Daniel looked on as he threw them down on the floor in front of the fireplace, quickly creating a comfortable bedding.

“You're a genius, have I mentioned that?" Daniel said, taking off the last of his clothes and putting them to the side.

Daniel lay down on the furs, feeling them warm his skin from the slight chill in the air. Just in front of him, Kronn shrugged off his clothes and threw them on the sofa behind them. His eyes glowed with lust. He was a predator, and his prey had just willingly laid itself bare to him.

He was going to take what was his.

Daniel drew a sharp breath as Kronn grabbed his legs and spread them wide. His eyes were glassy as Kronn slowly dipped his head down between Daniel's legs. Every deep breath the Orc drew washing over his soft skin, reminding him that he was at someone else's mercy.

“Be as loud as you want, love," Kronn said. Daniel moaned as Kronn's tongue quickly flicked out to drag across his exposed cock. “There's no one around to hear you but me." A threat and a promise of a good time to come.

Kronn slowly lifted Daniel's entire midsection in his hands, dragging his tongue down Daniel's taint to the smooth crack below. Daniel's eyes shot open as Kronn's thick, wet tongue ran over his small hole. ' Let's see what happens now,' Kronn thought, aggressively driving his tongue forward.

Daniel moaned breathlessly as he was penetrated. Kronn's tongue, flexible but still plenty thick for a Human to take, raked over his sensitive insides. It stretched him just right, testing his tightness. Kronn wasn't going to let up until he was gaping wide open. Daniel would never want anything other than Orc dick once he was done.

“Oh, fuck me," Daniel squealed, his hands tightly gripping the furs as Kronn's tongue repeatedly speared his tiny hole. Every single time, the Orc found his prostate, poking him just right. Kronn had a front row seat to the show. He could see Daniel's face contort in pleasure, and how the Human's cock jumped and throbbed endlessly. Kronn could make Daniel cum just by eating him out, he'd done it before, but tonight he wanted to feel his boyfriend writhe in pleasure beneath him.

Slowly stroking Daniel's stomach with his hand, Kronn continued to lovingly stretch Daniel for his assault. His own dick was painfully hard, dripping thick globs of precum onto the hardwood floor.

“You ready?" Kronn said, pulling back and laying Daniel down against the thick furs. Daniel nodded, holding his legs open. Kronn scissored two fingers in and out of Daniel's hole whilst spreading his freely flowing precum across his cock. Soon, he laid the blunt head against Daniel's small entrance. Locking eyes with his boyfriend, he bucked his hips forward, letting the deep green meat penetrate Daniel.

Daniel closed his eyes, holding his breath as Kronn slowly fed the veined monolith into him. He was no beginner, but he still had to grit his teeth every time Kronn first entered him.

Minutes later, he felt Kronn's skin against his own. Opening his eyes, he saw Kronn's face grinning down at him. He threw his head back as Kronn flexed his cock inside him, a throaty groan escaping his open mouth.

Bending his legs back, Kronn laid down on top of Daniel, pressing him down into the sumptuous furs. He slowly ground his hips around in a circle, watching as Daniel's eyes fluttered closed. Drawing back a little bit, he shoved home once again, feeling Daniel's dick throb against his belly.

“That feels so good," Daniel moaned as Kronn slowly thrust his entire length in and out of him. He could feel every ridge and vein play against his stretched opening. Every time Kronn speared him open, the titanic length of green manhood perfectly pressed against his prostate, sending ripples of forced pleasure through his body.

Kronn leaned down, planting his lips on Daniel's, kissing him slowly as they made love. Daniel's toes curled with every movement, his head spinning as Kronn deftly played his body.

“Fuck yes, give yourself to me," Kronn grunted. He broke the kiss, letting Daniel's face slide down against his chest. He put more of his weight on the little Human below him, feeling Daniel's face press into the valley between his heavy pectorals. Drops of sweat gathered on them both as the fire raged next to them. Daniel dragged his tongue against Kronn's damp skin, his tastebuds alive with his lover's potent essence.

Kronn mashed Daniel's head against his chest and flexed his leg muscles, driving his manhood hard into the Human's tight hole. Daniel's entire body shook as Kronn forced his climax, his cock erupting untouched between their bodies.

“You have such a hair trigger," Kronn said, lifting his body slightly to let Daniel breathe. He didn't get a response, not that he was interested in one. “Let's get you back where you belong." Kronn bent his upper body slightly, stuffing Daniel's face into his armpit. He grinned as he felt that soft tongue lap up his sweat. He caressed the back of Daniel's head, keeping him still and encouraging him to continue.

Daniel was completely enraptured as Kronn resumed moving in and out of his tight ass. His cock was rapidly hardening as he felt his load lubricate the space between them. With the combined sensory assault of Kronn's armpit and the massive Orc cock using his hole, it wouldn't be long before he came again. Kronn took great pleasure in forcing Daniel to orgasm time after time, wanting the Human to be an insensate, fucked-out mess when they finished.

Meanwhile, Kronn was trying his hardest to hang on. Daniel's undersized hole clenched like a vice around him, milking him like a determined machine. Kronn had excellent stamina, but even he had limits.

'Just a little bit longer,' Kronn thought, pumping his hips up and down in a steady rhythm. He wanted to feel Daniel come for him again, wanted to feel his small body shake and quiver as he was used by someone stronger. More than anything, he wanted to feel Daniel submit to him. The knowledge that his love trusted him enough to lay himself completely bare was intoxicating. It drove Kronn mad with desire.

Sensing that he wouldn't last much longer, Kronn laid his arms around Daniel's upper body and pulled him up into his lap. Immediately, Daniel drew a sharp, pleasured breath as he sank ever deeper onto Kronn's member. With his face exposed to the air, Daniel had nothing to muffle his cries. Every sharp upward thrust produced a throaty, high-pitched whimper. Kronn held him in a tight grip, bouncing his Human up and down as hard as he dared. He looked at Daniel's face, sneering in delight at those flushed cheeks stained with his sweat.

Flexing every muscle in his body, Kronn slammed Daniel down onto his manhood, pressing their lips together as the Human's mouth opened in shocked pleasure. Daniel came again as Kronn snaked his tongue into his mouth. Tears ran freely from his eyes in unrestrained joy as Kronn buried his enormous Orc cock fully inside him. Daniel's full-body orgasm sent Kronn over the edge, in turn. His toes curled and fingers gripped Daniel in a death-grip as his member flexed and his scalding hot seed poured into Daniel's guts.

They both moaned in unison. One voice an exhausted moan, the other a powerful roar. Daniel laid his head against Kronn's shoulder, feeling the Orc's thick cum pour into him, warming him from inside.

Kronn slowly leaned forward, laying Daniel down onto the soft furs. Daniel breathes heavily as his lover pulled out of him and crashed onto the floor beside him

“Holy hell, that was good," Daniel said, looking at Kronn laying next to him. The Orc's dark green skin glistened with sweat in the firelight.

“You could say that again," Kronn said, grinning as he rolled over to kiss Daniel. They embraced in front of the fire, the furs clinging to their sticky skin.

They lay together for a long while, slowly running their hands across each other. Fairly soon, however, the dying light outside reminded them of the hour.

“Come on, let's wash off," Kronn said, helping Daniel to his feet. The Human walked on shaky legs, Kronn felt proud that it was his doing.

To Daniel's dismay, he soon discovered that there wasn't a real shower installed. The house had running water, but no power to heat it with.

“There's an outdoor bathtub you build a fire underneath, we'll use that tomorrow," Kronn said as they scrubbed each other in the bathroom. Daniel shivered from the cold water, his eyes shooting daggers at his boyfriend. “I guess I should have considered this before I put on the flannel and hypnotised you with my lumberjack sex appeal."

“Yes dammit, you should have," Daniel said, bracing himself as Kronn dumped a bucket of cold water onto him. “Fuck!" He hugged himself, trying to conserve any measure of warmth he could. Kronn wasn't nearly as bothered. His size and Orcish body temperature insulated him.

Daniel counted his lucky stars that he had packed warm clothes.

Once they'd dried off, they got to work on dinner. Kronn explained that they'd have to use the outdoor grill to cook, and he soon found himself standing alone on the veranda while Daniel watched from inside. ' I probably deserve this,' He thought, waiting for the grill to reach the right temperature.

Kronn had wished for a quiet birthday celebration, and he got his wish. Daniel didn't mention it even once, until they'd finished eating.

“I've got something for you," Daniel said, motioning for Kronn to stay at the table while he went to get something. Kronn heard him searching through their packed bags, and Daniel soon returned.

“So, don't hate me for this," Daniel said, sitting back down in front of Kronn who looked puzzled. “I know that you're allergic to gifts and all that stuff, but I couldn't just not give you anything." Daniel produced a small, flat box wrapped in navy blue paper and handed it to Kronn, who took it and read the label.

“Happy birthday, Kronn. Let this remind you that you are loved each time you look in the mirror." Kronn quietly read the label, turning the small box over in his hand.

“Come on, open it," Daniel said, urging him on.

Kronn slowly untied the red ribbon and slipped the box free from the matte wrapping paper. Underneath, he found a small container, the words 'Diane Jewellery' embossed on the packaging in glossy gold.

Kronn opened the box. On the black velvet inside were two large silver rings, each polished to a perfect mirror sheen.

“They're supposed to go on your tusks," Daniel said, smiling at Kronn inspecting the thick silver bands. “I think I got them in the right size, I had to do some guessing. If not, they can be resized."

Kronn just looked at the metal pieces in his hand. He held them up to the light, seeing his own reflection in the surface. One of them had an inscription on the inside. ' To every new day. All my love. '

“Do you like them?" Daniel said, tilting his head to look Kronn in the eye.

“Do I like them?" Kronn began, releasing a breath he hadn't noticed he'd held. “They're beautiful, I love them." He met Daniel's gaze, the twinkling candles like starlight in both their eyes.

“Happy birthday," Daniel said, walking around the table to where Kronn was sitting, not breaking eye contact the entire time.

“Thank you," Kronn said, voice thick with emotion as he stood up, wrapping his arms around Daniel.

“I love you," Daniel said, looking up at Kronn as they hugged.

“I love you too," Kronn said, a tear rolling down his cheek. He tightened his arms around Daniel, as if he was afraid the Human would slip away from him. “I love you so much…"

“Hey, none of that now," Daniel said, wiping the tears from Kronn's eyes. Seconds passed, Kronn and Daniel quietly looking into each other's eyes. The crackling from the fireplace filling the silence. “You need to try them on, I want to see what they look like!"

“Of course," Kronn said, turning around to grab the jewellery box from the table. He handed it to Daniel. “You do the honours."

Daniel picked up the silver pieces, holding them up to the light. They were lightly tapered, with smooth edges. Kronn leaned down, holding his head still as Daniel slid the twin rings onto his tusks. They fit perfectly. Daniel took a step back, his arms stretched out in wonder.

“They're great!" He said, observing as Kronn ran a finger over the metal. Kronn reached into his pocket and took out his phone, opening the camera app to check himself out. “You look regal."

“Well, I am your king after all," Kronn said, grinning at Daniel. He turned his head around, checking how the camera captured his face in different angles. The silver sparkled in the candlelight, two glistening points of light on his face.

“Hell yes, you are," Daniel said. “And now everyone who sees you will know that."

“I should get you something to match," Kronn said, holding his arms out to beckon Daniel toward him. “Like a collar or something."

“Well, that went from sweet to kinky very quick," Daniel said, laughing as Kronn winked at him.

“Would you wear one?"

“A collar? I don't know. Maybe just get me a necklace instead?" Daniel laughed, craning his neck to look Kronn in the eye. The silver rings were classy, sure, but they also gave him a primal look. Like he was some powerful, decorated warrior.

“Collar or not, you're mine either way," Kronn said, holding Daniel's face in his hands. “Thank you, love. This is the best birthday gift I could have asked for."

For the rest of the evening, they ended up lying together on the sofa. The dying fire cast longer and longer shadows across the room. They talked quietly, sometimes laughing at a joke, but neither felt the need to say much.

When Daniel woke up the next morning, Kronn had left him a note on the nightstand.

'I'm taking uncle Grash's pelts into town to get them dry cleaned. Didn't want to wake you. Be back soon. -K '

Daniel got out of bed, taking the blanket with him. The sun was on the way up. ' Must be just before noon,' He thought. He dressed quickly, trying to keep the cold at bay. Entering the living room, he looked at the now empty spot in front of the fireplace.

“Lumberjack sex appeal," He said to himself, laughing quietly. He wasn't very hungry, and decided he'd look around the house while it was still day. Bundling himself in winter clothes, Daniel opened the door outside.

As he walked out to the veranda, the frozen lake in full view, Daniel felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Pulling it up, he saw an incoming call from a number he didn't recognise.

“Hello?" Daniel answered the phone.

“Hello, little brother," A female voice said. “Do you have time to talk?"

“Elise. What do you want?" Daniel said, clenching his fists.

“What a way to greet your sister," Elise McCoy said, sanguine voice filled with contempt. “Mum and dad have been trying to reach you. They paid a visit to your home, if you can call it that, but you weren't there. We need to talk. It's important."

“Anything they would say in person you can tell me now," Daniel said, impatiently pacing the deck. The cold air felt harsh against his face. It was barely past noon, but the sun had already begun to set. “Just get it over with."

“Dad wants to make you an offer," Elise said. “He's prepared to let you back into the family business if you return to the fold."

“I'm not interested. He should know I don't want any of it by now."

“I would think carefully about this if I were you. Don't think it will be so easy to just disappear, Daniel. Me and Veronica will be making sure that-." Daniel hung up, stuffing his phone into his coat pocket.

Daniel's eyes were blank, staring straight ahead to the lake below. Steadily falling snowflakes settled in his hair, covering him with endlessly glistening crystals of ice. The open mountain landscape did little to help, walls were closing in around him from every direction.

He felt like a cornered, frightened animal who couldn't tell where the danger was coming from. His hands slowly numbed from the cold as every shallow breath drew the warmth from his body.

Daniel didn't even notice he was shivering, he tried to focus on calming his heartbeat down. He slowly counted backwards from one hundred, his fists clenched in his coat pockets. By the time he got to eighty, he had to start over.

His vision blurred. The metallic taste of adrenaline stung his taste buds. A second later, he bit down hard on his lower lip, drawing blood. He didn't notice the sound of footsteps behind him.

“There you are," Kronn said, throwing one end of his scarf over his shoulder. He walked closer when he didn't get a response. “Daniel? Everything okay?" Kronn stepped in front of Daniel, immediately seeing the icy panic in his eyes. “Hey, look at me," He laid both his palms against Daniel's cheeks, forcing the Human to look up at him. “It's okay, I'm here. It's going to be fine." Kronn bent his knees to get their faces level.

Daniel's whole body shook as he cried. Kronn held him up, Daniel's legs would've given out otherwise. He didn't know how long they stood together.

“Everything's going to be okay," Kronn said, letting Daniel bury his head against his chest. He didn't need to ask what had brought this on. Kronn had experienced enough of Daniel's family to understand what a wellspring of pain they were. Almost three years had passed since Daniel left them, and they still knew how to twist the knife.

“I can't do this," Daniel said, voice shaking between ragged, short breaths. “It's too much, I don't know what to do."

“That's not true, love," Kronn said, holding Daniel almost painfully tight against him. “You're not alone, you're going to get through this."

Kronn held onto Daniel for as long as he needed, listening as Daniel's breaths got deeper and calmer over time.

“Come on, let's go inside," Kronn said, steadying Daniel against him as they walked back inside the cabin. Kronn had stoked the fire recently. The brightly burning inferno lit up the room, casting flickering shadows over the furniture. After helping him out of his coat, Kronn sat down in front of the fireplace, pulling Daniel into his lap.

Daniel closed his eyes, feeling some of the tension leave his body. Kronn's hand caressed his face, gently wiping the tears away from his puffy eyes. The warmth from the fire stung against his reddened cheeks.

“It was Elise," Daniel said after a few minutes. “I guess I was dumb to think they wouldn't get involved too."

“Your sisters, you mean?"

“Yeah, her and Veronica," Daniel said. “What do I have to do? How do I get them to go away?" He slowly shook his head.

“I don't know," Kronn said. “We'll think of something together. What do they want this time?"

“It's the same as always," Daniel sighed, his voice barely a whisper as he let Kronn hold him. “Dad has this fixation with keeping the business in the family, and it looks bad that his only son ran off." Daniels voice grew louder as he talked, his despair slowly turning to anger.

“And, of course, they all go to the same fucked up church every week. I bet the other women there talk behind my mum's back about how she lost one of her children to 'evil'." He made air-quotes around the last word. “It's all just appearances to them. If they could replace me with a convincing enough mannequin, I bet they would."

“Maybe we should send them one, I think I know your measurements well enough to make a decent replica," Kronn said, cracking a smile. Daniel scowled back but couldn't hide a hint of amusement. “Oh, I saw a smile!" Kronn teased him.

“Alright, it was a decent joke," Daniel said, breaking his frown. “Still doesn't solve the problem, though."

“Don't stare yourself blind at this, Daniel," Kronn said, taking Daniel's hand in his. “There's nothing you can do about it right now either way. We'll deal with it when we have to. You don't owe them anything, and they don't have power over you."

“That's not true," Daniel said, hanging his head down. “One phone call and I'm a mess, I wouldn't call that powerless."

“Maybe, but you're doing so much better now than before," Kronn said. He was silent for a moment, watching Daniel's chest rise and fall with every breath. Kronn remembered the times he'd been woken up to Daniel having nightmares, how he'd held him tight while he calmed down. Sometimes the horrors were entirely imagined, most were based on memories.

They'd spent too much time like that. For some time, the simplest things would send Daniel hurtling off the edge. Breaking free from his family had come at a terrible cost. For months, they hounded him. Letters, phone calls and visits in person. If they had been harsh when he lived with them, their malice truly blossomed in his absence. And now, they seemed to be doing it again.

“Maybe you should go back to seeing Dr. Friedman? You haven't been in a while."

“Maybe, I guess it's been a long time."

“I think it might be a good idea," Kronn said, combing Daniel's hair with his fingers. “It takes time to work through this stuff, and sometimes you need to take a step back and get some help."

“I'll call her once we get back home," Daniel said, looking up at Kronn who smiled back at him.

“I'm proud of you," Kronn said. Daniel began to reply but he was cut off. “No modesty now, I mean it. You've gotten so far, and that says so much about how strong you are." Daniel just nodded. Kronn didn't need him to reply, he knew he'd gotten through.

They both looked through the window as the snow fell outside, slowly working to bury the house in a blanket of glittering whiteness. After a while, Kronn opened his mouth to suggest they go for a walk, but noticed that Daniel had fallen asleep in his arms.

Trying his hardest to be careful, Kronn scooped Daniel into his arms and carried him to the bedroom. He pulled the covers over his boyfriend, tucking him in and lying down beside him.

Whatever lay in store for them in the future could wait. For now, there was no one around but two lovers and the endless, quiet wilderness.