Something to keep safe - Chapter IX
#9 of Something to Keep Safe
I just realized that I somehow forgot to upload this chapter here. It's kind of strange because I usually upload chapters both here and on FurAffinity at the same time to avoid forgetting it.
It has been too long, I know. Way too long. I could lie by telling I've been some exceptionally rough months (well, that's actually true), but I'm just not writing often.
So yeah enjoy that new chapter !
DO NOT READ BEFORE THE STORY
That's a twist I wanted when I realized how much of a baddy Terreth looked like. It just felt too plain to have him simply like that. So I came up with a Terreth that was actually more... plausible. I mean, who would sanely rape his own daughter ?
And after so long, those two finally are together. Well, it won't prevent the situation to stay awkward though :p
"Hello neighbour."
A simple sentence that shouldn't be bearing such bad news. But given the current situation, it announced the beginning of serious problems. Of all the moments Terreth could have been near this river, it had to be the moment AuRon arrived to patrol his territory ! That wasn't good. Really, now the grey dragon was in trouble.
"Do you mind if I bathe in the river for a bit ? I had a very long day." the black dragon asked.
AuRon vaguely replied something near "No, go ahead" as he was thinking about how he was going to get out of this troublesome situation. For some reason, the black dragon indeed seemed like he hadn't gotten any rest for a while. Terreth simply nodded before stepping inside the water, calmly swimming with only his head out of the water.
"Tell me, AuRon, you wouldn't have happened to see Hazel recently, would you ?" the black dragon simply asked.
AuRon tried his best not to show anything as he heard this question. So he knew Hazel might actually be inside his territory... The sound of his voice was almost too calm. It was more worrying than anything.
"Hazel ? Oh you mean your daughter ? Erm, no, I haven't seen her. Why this question ?" the grey dragon replied as naturally as possible.
Terreth was swimming toward AuRon's side of the river, slowly but steadily. The young dragon was feeling more and more nervous. Did he believe what he just said or did he already know he was lying ?
"I was asking since she fled, and I am concerned for her safety. I am pretty sure that she went through your territory." Terreth calmly added.
AuRon tilted his head, as if trying to remember something.
"Now that you mention it, yes I recently noticed someone went through my territory, heading toward the north. Maybe it was her ?" AuRon replied, his nervosity slightly showing in his voice.
Terreth was getting closer and closer from him, looking still as calm as before. What should he do ? It would look suspicious if he stepped back now... All he could do was to watch Terreth swim toward him.
Suddenly, the black dragon lunged and, grabbing AuRon's head with his paw, violently plunged it in the water. The grey dragon got so surprised by the sudden move he didn't really oppose much resistance. He tried his best to struggle and get his head out of the water, but Terreth's paw was firmly maintaining it where it was. AuRon was starting to lack of air when the pressure suddenly stopped. His head raised from the water instantly, gasping for air and partially blinded from the water running in his eyes. A blurred movement was all he could see as Terreth headbutted him, his horns hurting AuRon's muzzle with enough force for a small crack to be heard. Dizzy from the hit, Terreth easily made him stumble and fall on his back, and before he could recover AuRon found himself pinned on the ground by Terreth, dangerously exposed. A dozen of seconds was all it took to the black dragon to beat AuRon and have him at his mercy.
"You always have been a poor liar, AuRon. In case you didn't know, I can clearly smell her scent on your body." Terreth sharply said.
The grey dragon tried to struggle out of Terreth's grasp but it was useless. The black dragon had him securely pinned on the ground, unable to get out or even struggle. His muzzle was extremely painful, and he had a hard time trying to focus on what Terreth was saying.
"I thought of you highly, AuRon. How dare you ? Hazel was only getting through her territory, and you dared keeping and claiming her for yourself ?" Terreth growled.
"Wait I never..." AuRon began to argue.
The young dragon was cut in his sentence as the claws of the black dragon's back paws dug in his flesh, around the top of his own back paws. AuRon let out a pained screech, clenching his teeth under the pain. Which proved not to be the best idea with his painful muzzle. The grey dragon felt some blood run across his back legs, tainting the ground beneath.
"You never what ? You never wanted to keep her for yourself ? You never wanted to mate her ? Spit it, what is your excuse ?" the black dragon growled, looking at him with a furious look.
AuRon gulped, trying to focus despite the pain in his muzzle and his back legs. He was in a really bad situation. One wrong word and he was dead for sure. Terreth seemed almost furious beyond any reasoning, at the point the young dragon was feeling lucky he didn't simply killed him on the spot.
"I never mated her." he managed to reply, deciding to get directly to the point. There was no way the black dragon believed him, but it was worth trying.
Terreth blinked, apparently not expecting this answer.
"You never mated her ? You have Hazel's smell all over your body, and you're telling me you didn't mate her ? I hope you're not thinking I'm going to believe you !" Terreth replied, his furious tone having been replaced by a surprised one.
AuRon let out a groan of pain as Terreth slightly moved, his claws brushing against his exposed flesh. If he couldn't find a way to convince the black dragon he wasn't lying, he was finished.
"I swear I didn't. Well with her heat we almost did it because of an accident once, but I swear nothing else happened." the grey dragon insisted.
Terreth blinked again, seeming lost for a moment. The fury in his eyes started to fade, and his claws stopped digging in AuRon's leg.
"This was a terrible argument. You just told me you almost did it." the black dragon frowned. "But... For some reason it would be plausible coming from you."
AuRon sighed as the black dragon calmed down. Finally maybe he would get out alive from this confrontation.
"Like you said I'm a terrible liar, so I thought not hiding anything was a good choice." he replied.
"It was. But... are you really hosting Hazel despite her heat ? Without doing her anything ? I knew you were naive, but maybe not that much..." Terreth wondered.
"Like I have a choice ! She arrived in my territory without any plan other than going to the free territories in the north, and when I told her it wasn't safe at all she just begged to stay here..." AuRon answered.
Terreth lowered his head for a few seconds.
"Did... Did Hazel tell you why she was fleeing ?" he awkwardly asked.
This time it was AuRon's turn to be surprised. Seeing Terreth being awkward was unusual. He was almost seeming... ashamed ? But since he was talking about it, it was the moment to finally know what was going on.
"No she didn't. All I know is that she is fleeing YOU and is traumatised about mating. And I'd like to know what's going on ! The last time I saw you you had an happy family and would have done anything to protect your daughter, and our relations were cordial. And now the same daughter is seeking refuge from you and I seriously feared you'd kill me before I could even talk ! Terreth, what happened during those two years ? How can all this happen ?" he asked.
To his surprise, Terreth simply lowered his head, not replying for a few seconds.
"I... I can't tell you. AuRon... may I ask you something ?" he finally said, avoiding the question.
"Erm, I guess but could you at least stop pinning me on the ground ? And why can't you tell, Terreth ? What is going on around here ?" AuRon insisted.
Terreth looked around him, looking as if he just discovered he was pinning down the young male and digging his claws in his flesh. The black dragon moved, freeing AuRon, and started to head toward the river.
"I'm sorry. I... I have to go. I must go before it is too late. AuRon, please... promise me you will protect Hazel. Protect her from any danger... and from me..." he said, beginning to walk away.
"Erm, yeah... but wait a minute ? Protecting her from you ? Terreth tell me what's going on !" AuRon protested.
The black dragon leapt and glided over the river, only glancing back at the grey dragon who still didn't have the time to stand up.
"Sorry... I must go away. I don't want to hurt you more than I did. AuRon... Thanks. And farewell... I hope." Terreth just said, disappearing through the trees.
"Terreth !"
AuRon's call didn't receive any answer. Terreth was gone for good.
The grey dragon difficulty stood up, groaning in pain. That was a nice gash he had on his two hind legs... And his muzzle hurt like hell. Some blood ran on the inner side of his paws. Hopefully he wasn't bleeding that much. And hopefully he was right near a river to clean all that. AuRon stepped toward the water and entering it. He clenched his teeth as the water touched his wounds, immediately regretting this as he again hurt his muzzle. The water tainted in red around him. The grey dragon also plunged his head in the water, relieving the pain of his broken muzzle. There was not much else to do now other than waiting for all this to heal. Having his pain temporarily relieved let him think about what just had happened. He still couldn't understand what was going on with Terreth. One moment he was furious beyond reasoning, and the next moment he was cordial like before. What kind of behavior was that ? And also, why did he flee like that ? There was no other words for that, he really fled like he was fearing something if he stayed any longer. But most importantly was his request. Terreth just asked him to protect Hazel against himself. That wasn't making any sense. And since Terreth didn't tell him anything, there was only one person who could tell him what was going on. Hazel. Once he would be back to his den and his wounds would have been taken care of, he would have to ask her about this.
AuRon went out of the water and dried his body the best he could. He couldn't really shake his body because of his wounds, so he more or less waited a bit for the water to dry. Some blood was running on his legs, nothing really alarming though. The grey dragon difficultly took off. Taking of without jumping or running wasn't easy. And with his wounds it was painful. But he managed to do so and flew back to his den.
Hazel was more or less napping when she heard AuRon coming back from his patrol. Finally ! It sure had taken him long enough... The dragoness stood up and waved at him from her spot, wondering how she would lead him to the topics she had been thinking about. But AuRon visibly ignored her, continuing his trajectory toward his cave. That was odd, the young dragon wasn't the kind to ignore her... When he flew above her, something fell right in front of Hazel. A single drop... of blood. Hazel froze, suddenly realizing what it meant. AuRon was wounded ! The dragoness swiftly jumped her way out of the rocky formation, her heart racing. As she reached the top, she saw AuRon landing at the entrance of his cave, difficulty walking inside it. Hazel jumped from where she was, gliding toward the grey dragon.
"AuRon ! You're wounded !" she exclaimed, visibly worried.
The grey dragon turned his head toward her, trying to let out a smile that ended up in a smirk as he tried to take a step forward.
"That's just a scratch, don't worry." he tried to reassure her.
Visibly this didn't work, as Hazel noticed the blood running along his legs.
"What happened ? Wait no first let me take care of that. Where's the wound ?" she inquired.
AuRon tried to sit down, letting a pained grunt as the action acted on the wound.
"In the inside of the back legs. I already washed it." he just replied.
The grey dragon carefully leant on his back, and tried to spread his hind legs to get a better view on the wounds - which made him smirk. Hazel nodded as she saw the gashes. Two straight and deep gashes. There was no doubt about it AuRon had been in a fight. These were clearly claw wounds. But the place of those wounds was quite strange...
Anyway she would guess what happened later. For now she would take care of his wounds. Hazel got her head closer from the wound and started to lick it, cleaning and sterilising it. AuRon let out another grunt as her tongue touched the bare and sensitive flesh. This was painful, but he perfectly knew how necessary it was. Yet, he also was feeling... something else. It took a few seconds for AuRon to finally understand what that other feeling was. Oh no, everything but that...
"Erm Hazel, I'll do that myself..." he began, starting to blush.
Hazel, who had finished to lick the first wound, looked up and raised an interrogative eyebrow as she noticed AuRon's scales turning red.
"Why that ?..." she asked, interrupting herself as she felt something touch her cheek.
The dragoness let out a surprised meep, brutally raising her head as she realized what had just touched her cheek. AuRon was looking at her with an awkward look, starting to blush. His member had started to get out of its slit, growing bigger and bigger.
"That's... A kinda sensitive area..." the grey dragon stuttered.
This was awkward. Hazel couldn't help but stare at the member as it continued to grow, until it reached it final size. The base started to inflate as the knot also grew. Hazel never got to examine a male's member from that close before, and her curiosity surpassed her initial surprise. AuRon's cock had a decent size. Hazel could totally imagine that piece of meat stretching her inners, the knot bashing against her vent...
And once again her heat had gotten the best of her. Hazel blinked and shook her head, getting her look away from AuRon's crotch as she also began to blush.
"Erm, yeah, I'm seeing that... But we have to take care of that wound before anything else !" she exclaimed.
Before the young male could argue, the dragoness lowered her head and started to lick the other wound. She could feel his member brushing against her cheek, and she briefly wondered how AuRon was feeling. She got her answer as the male made a grunt that sounded like a pained grunt, but not exactly. She soon finished to lick the gash and raised her head, getting away from the male's crotch. AuRon was still blushing hard, looking at her with a puzzled look.
"That was... strange..." the grey dragon stated.
Hazel slightly also let out an awkward smile. During the action, being so focused on AuRon's wounds, she didn't really thought of what she was doing. But now that the moment had passed, she definitively was realizing how... intimate she had been with him.
"Sorry. Those wounds really needed to be taken care of." the dragoness apologized.
AuRon flopped on his side, hiding his emerged member between his legs. For a few seconds an awkward silence settled.
"What happened exactly ?" Hazel asked, surprised AuRon didn't already talked about it.
The grey dragon took a few seconds to choose his words before replying.
"I... I met Terreth." he finally said.
Hazel blinked, visibly not expecting that. AuRon seemed to be searching for his words before continuing.
"He has been... extremely weird. He refused to tell me what was going on. Hazel, you owe me some explanations there. What exactly happened with Terreth ? The last time I heard from him, he was nuts about you and your mother. He would have done anything to protect you. And now I find you fleeing away from him. I didn't try to ask you this before, but now I need those answers. Tell me, Hazel, what happened ?" he asked.
At his surprise, Hazel lowered her head, not answering. Her look remained fixed on the ground.
"Hazel ?" the grey dragon called.
But the red dragoness shook her head.
"I don't want to talk about it." she simply replied.
AuRon shook his head.
"Hazel, I just got wounded because of that story. I haven't asked you about it before because I knew it would make you uncomfortable. But now this is really getting serious. I'm taking risks by hosting you here." he insisted.
The red dragoness didn't raise her look.
"But... I don't want to..." she repeated. Her voice sounded as if she was about to cry.
AuRon was determined to get his answer, though.
"I deserve to know it, Hazel. I know it's not easy for you, but I need to know what happened ! Tell me, Hazel ! Terreth... Did he really... ?" he insisted again.
His words seem to have hit Hazel. The dragoness's eyes became wet, and a few seconds later she began to sob.
"Yes... he did. I was so powerless... I couldn't do anything to defend myself... or to open his eyes..." she managed to say, sobbing between her sentences.
After that, she started to cry uncontrollably. AuRon felt sorry for her, and a bit guilty as he was the one who pushed her beyond that line. But he had guessed right. Terreth had done something unforgivable. But why ?
As Hazel was crying, she suddenly moved her head, putting it against AuRon's chest. The grey dragon was surprised by that reaction, but he didn't say anything and covered her with his wing. Hazel could clearly smell the male's strong and musked scent. For a reason this smell was slightly calming her. After a few minutes crying, the dragoness managed to stop, her head resting between AuRon's front paws.
"My mother... died two years ago." she began.
AuRon was surprised to hear her suddenly speaking, and moved his head so he could see her.
"Terreth... took it really badly. He was devastated. Actually, he never got over it." she continued.
AuRon slightly lowered his head. "I didn't know." he simply said.
"When I started to grow up, I began looking like my mother in her young years. This was when the problems began. My father... grew insane. At times he was mistaking me for my mother. When he was sane, you could guess how bad he was feeling. But his madness was getting worse and worse."
The dragoness stopped speaking for a second, letting out a small sob. AuRon didn't say anything, just slightly tightening his wings around her.
"And then, one time, he... he began to... rape me. It... It didn't last for long, only a few seconds. Hopefully he had regained his sanity quickly. But when he realized what he had done... I can remember his look clearly. Never had I seen so much shame in his look. In a way, I think it hurt him more than it hurt me. I mean okay, I'm a bit traumatised about mating, but Terreth ? From that point he did his best to avoid me. He didn't want to hurt me anymore. And then I got my first heat. I was afraid he wouldn't be able to remain sane the next time he would see me... So I fled. And the rest... Well you know it."
After her long story, Hazel stopped speaking. AuRon was still thinking about all this, and he didn't speak either. The dragoness began to sob once again. So that was what happened. A really sad story of an unfortunate family. The young dragon once again tightened his wings around Hazel, hopping it would make her feel better.
"AuRon ?" she finally asked.
"Yes, Hazel ?" the grey dragon replied.
"Thank you for everything. Thank you for listening to me. Thank you for hosting me despite the danger." she thanked him.
AuRon let out a smile. "You're welcome, Hazel."
The silence continued for a bit as none of them dared to move. Or actually wanted to. Hazel was starting to feel good, her head comfortably lying between AuRon's front paws. His scent was calming her. Between his paws, she was feeling safe. Safe from her problems... Safe from her sorrow.
On his side, AuRon also was enjoying the moment, despite the situation. The grey dragon never shared an peaceful intimate moment like this with Hazel. Feeling Hazel's head near his chest was a nice feeling. Yeah, he was feeling good.
The grey dragon got a bit lost in his thoughts, remembering what he had been thinking during his patrol before meeting Terreth. All these thoughts felt confirmed by his current situation. Yes, definitely, he had fallen in love with her. But now what should he do ? Was it a good moment to tell her about it ? What if she wasn't feeling the same ? Would she take offense of it ?
AuRon took a deep breath. There was only one way to know. And besides, his deep breath didn't go unnoticed as Hazel moved her head.
"AuRon ? What's the matter ?" the dragoness asked.
AuRon didn't instantly reply, trying to find the best way to bring the topic.
"Terreth... made me swear to protect you." he declared.
Hazel slightly lowered her look, a bleak smile on her face. Uh, maybe it wasn't the good way.
"And I am going to keep my words. I'm going to protect you, whatever happens. Because... because... I fell in love with you." he admitted.
Hazel suddenly raised her head, her maw opened in surprise. AuRon, the shy and always embarrassed AuRon just declared his love for her ? He must have been thinking about that for a while. She was about to reply when the grey dragon continued.
"I love how you look, with your scales matching the color of the sunset. I love how playful you are, how caring you are, how funny you are. I enjoyed every moment we spent together. I love the sound of your laughter. I love when you smile. I love you, Hazel, and I want you to be my mate." AuRon finished, smiling.
Hazel felt her heart melt as she listened to the grey dragon's speech. A wide grin appeared on her face, and once AuRon finished she got her head closer from his, their muzzles almost touching.
"I love you too, AuRon. I... I realized that while you were out marking your territory. You're fun, nice and caring. I couldn't expect more from a mate. It seems like I have been incredibly lucky in my misfortune. Be my mate, AuRon." the dragoness replied, almost whispering.
A grin slowly appeared on the grey dragon's face as his heart raced inside his chest. She accepted ! She accepted to be his mate ! AuRon was the happiest he ever had been. Unable to wait any longer, he titled his head and moved his head forward, his lips touching Hazel's. The dragoness happily purred as she slightly opened her mouth. The grey dragon locked his jaw with hers as the two shared their very first kiss. The two were kissing shyly at the beginning, having only locked a small part of their jaws. But over the seconds they both became bolder. AuRon made the first step at Hazel's surprise by locking their jaws further. The kiss became more passionate as AuRon grabbed Hazel's flanks with his front paws and brought her closer from him. The kiss continued for a good minute, getting more and more passionate and sensual. They both realized the mood had changed a bit too much when AuRon found himself grabbing Hazel lower and lower and reached the end of her back. They softly broke the kiss, smiling and chuckling at the situation. However, AuRon didn't move his paws from where they were, looking at Hazel with a playful grin. The dragoness feigned to be offended, unable to hide her giggle.
"Looks like someone gained some confidence..." she taunted him.
But she couldn't hide that his behaviour had started to arouse her. With her heat that was the last thing she wanted... She got a sweet vengeance as the young dragon caught a whiff of her arousal and slightly blushed, moving his paws and putting them back on her flanks. As she glanced between his legs, she saw his cock still was erected and was showing no sign of receding. As lovely this kiss had been, it visibly aroused them again.
"That was a pretty good kiss. I'm surprised you managed to get the courage to do all this." Hazel smiled, gazing in AuRon's eyes.
The grey dragon also smiled, loosing himself in Hazel's eyes. "To be honest... I can't believe it myself." he chuckled.
The two of them continued to cuddle for a few minutes, trying the best to ignore their respective arousal. It was harder for Hazel though. Now that AuRon had stepped the line, she had one less reason not to mate with him. Her body was willing, and so was her heart. Only her scarred spirit didn't want. The dragoness wanted to quench her heat, and wanted to do so with AuRon.
"... AuRon ?" Hazel asked after a long silence.
"Yes, what ?" the grey dragon enquired, raising an eyebrow.
"I... I don't know what to think anymore. I... want to do it with you. But I'm scared to do so. I'm feeling guilty to put such a pressure on you. If you want, we can... try. I promise I will do my best not to leave my fears take over." she hesitantly suggested.
Hazel flopped on her back, making her best to present herself to AuRon. But she was already tensed and highly nervous.
The grey dragon blinked and couldn't help but enjoy the view he had on Hazel. His member throbbed, requesting the attention of those lips that were exposed between the dragoness's legs. But AuRon shook his head, refusing the offer.
"Hazel, get back on your side. Are you seriously asking me to force my way through you ? You know me enough to know I'll never accept such a proposition. I want to make you moan and shout, not cringe and cry." he sharply replied.
It probably wasn't the goal AuRon had when he said these words, but hearing him say he wanted her to moan and shout aroused her even more. Hazel went back on her side, letting out a sigh.
"But still, we can't continue like this. I want to do something for you. To ease your arousal I mean. You're doing a lot for me, and I can't offer you anything in return..." she said, lowering her head.
She got surprised as she felt AuRon's paw slide under her chin and gently raising her head until she was looking him in the eyes.
"You're offering me your company and your love. That's more than enough to me." the grey dragon told her with a smile.
Hazel could't help but smile at this answer.
"Still, I wish I could offer you more." she said, started to frown again.
This time AuRon interrupted her by locking his jaw with hers, engaging a soft kiss. It lasted only a few seconds before they withdrew, AuRon tenderly looking at Hazel.
"I told you it was more than enough. We have a lot of time to figure out the rest. All the time we want. We'll find something, don't worry about that." he told her.
The dragoness let out a smile, looking into AuRon's golden eyes.
"If you say so. But the day we find something you'd better be ready for it." she replied.
The grey dragon slightly chuckled at her comment.
"And on that day I will be more than happy to oblige." he playfully replied.
AuRon's heart was feeling warm in his chest, and somehow he knew he had just made the best decision in his life. Now he had a mate, a nice and beautiful one. Who could have guessed it would all happen like this though ? Certainly not himself. The grey dragon softly nuzzled Hazel, making her purr. Outside the cave, the sun was starting to set.
"Well it seems like we won't do much else today. What would you think about moving to the more comfortable part of the cave ?" the grey dragon asked.
Hazel nodded and stood up, breaking AuRon's hug. Her heart also was feeling warm from the recent events. It really felt good to have the grey dragon hug her like that. For a moment she had really forgotten all her problems and all her fears. As well as AuRon's wounds. Oh. The dragoness took a concerned look as she saw the male difficultly standing up, occasionally letting out some pained grunts.
"Oh ! Let me help you with that !" she exclaimed.
Hazel lowered her shoulders, letting AuRon put his paw around the base of her neck. The grey dragon nodded as a thanks as she helped him standing up. The two dragons slowly made their way to the back of the cave, smiling at each other on the way. Once they finally managed to get there, Hazel lowered herself, letting AuRon lie down on the comfortable grass. Hazel lied down next to him, their front paws touching.
"There. I hope it didn't hurt you too much ?" the red dragoness asked.
AuRon shook his head. "Not that much. The wound isn't really deep, I guess it should heal in a few days."
"I'm glad to hear that, sweetie." Hazel replied with a small grin.
The young male slightly raised an eyebrow. "Sweetie ? Oh so I earned a nickname, honey ?" he playfully inquired.
Hazel chuckled. "Yup you did, and so did I apparently. Why, are you not happy with it ?"
The grey dragon purred. "I sure am." he replied, nuzzling her again.
Hazel returned the nuzzling, also purring.
"Then get some rest, sweetie. You're going to need it if you want that wound to heal nicely." she said, insisting on the new nickname.
The grey dragon nodded. "Yeah, you're right. Good night, honey." he replied, mimicking her exageration on the nickname.
The grey dragon let out a yawn and rested his head on the soft grass. Hazel did the same, their heads not far from each other. Hazel slightly moved her own head, giving her new mate a gentle kiss.
"Good night, AuRon." she gently said.
The two dragons closed their eyes and soon fell asleep, their tails entwined. It wasn't long before the two started dreaming about their future, both keeping a smile during their sleep.