Sorcerer Hunters Fan Fiction ❯ The Old Song and Dance ❯ Chapter 1

The Old Song and Dance

by Mina Lightstar

For Kujakku Amano, my girlfriend, for her birthday, 2003.

The path leading from the clinic to the village was like a dark cavern at night. You could look one way and see the welcoming lights of the town, and then look the other and catch a glimpse of the bright windows of the clinic. Tonight, though, the path leading to the village was illuminated by the moonlight. Marron stared up at his partner, noting how good he looked under the moon.

"I...don't think so." Marron declined the offer as politely as he could. He turned his head away and aimed his gaze at the ground to further indicate his disinterest.

Unfortunately, his companion wasn't so easily deterred. "Oh, come on. It's not like anybody will notice."

Marron shook his head, midnight tresses swinging to and fro with the movements. "This is hardly the time or the place."

Gateau raised a dubious eyebrow. "A small, romantic town? Downtime as far as the job is concerned? Carrot hospitalized? Tira and Chocolat staying with him to keep out trouble? And did I mention the downtime?" When Marron didn't reply, Gateau seized his shoulder and gave him a few gentle shakes. "Then when *is* the right time?" he asked incredulously.

"But if any of them see--"

Gateau waved a hand. "Oh, as if those three have any right to talk about not fooling around. How many times have we been forced to wait for hours on end for them to finish chasing each other around town? Come *on*, Marron. I've been wanting to since.... When was the last time we were in a town?"

Marron sighed quietly. It wasn't that he didn't *want* to, it was just that...well, what would Big Momma think if she suddenly called on them and *none* of them were keeping their heads? It was almost expected of Carrot; Momma would find it odd if he *wasn't* off flirting with women. She would also think it was odd if Tira and Chocolat weren't trying to *stop* Carrot from flirting.

"*Some* of us have to be prepared," Marron argued. "If Big Momma were to hand us an assignment while *everyone* is fooling around--"

"But why does it always have to be us?" Gateau whined in exasperation. "Why can't *Carrot* be the responsible one for a change?"

Marron loved his brother. He really, really did. But... "We all know the answer to that."

"Yeah," Gateau agreed, resigned. "I guess so."

Marron felt a pang of sympathy and guilt. Gateau looked *so* disappointed.... "Mm..." he paused, considering, weighing the odds. Momma *had* mentioned something about having a day or so off. Then again, anything could happen. "Well..." He caught Gateau's gaze with his own, but turned away just as quickly. His cheeks felt a little warm. He wondered if he was blushing. "I...suppose it's all right."

"Perfect!" Gateau exulted, pumping a fist in the air.

"But only one drink!" Marron insisted. "If Momma *does* decide she needs us, I don't want to have you under the table."

"Fine, fine," Gateau conceded, sounding minutely offended at the notion of him getting that drunk. "But I honestly don't think you need to worry. We have a day free, at least. I'm sure of it."

"I hope you're right." Marron closed his eyes and let the warm night breeze wash over him. Suddenly, he felt a little self-conscious. They'd been having their conversation outdoors in plain sight. There was hardly anyone about, and the words hadn't really hinted at anything, but still....

"No one heard us," Gateau assured him with a shake of his head. "Relax."

Guilt again. Marron knew he was rather conservative, and usually Gateau understood his hesitation. Nevertheless, the larger man sometimes exhibited a bit of hurt when Marron made sure there was no one around. It made Marron feel guilty. If Gateau allowed his reservations to fall away during times like this, why couldn't Marron do the same?

"Gateau," he uttered, "I didn't mean to--"

"Make it up to me with the old song and dance," Gateau quipped.

"The...song and dance?" Marron raised an eyebrow, curious.

"The *old* song and dance," Gateau corrected.

For all his demonstrated knowledge worldly affairs, Marron had to admit that when it came to matters of relationships and pillow talk, he was but a beginner. That had always been Carrot's area of expertise, not his own. Which was unfortunate and even a little odd, since.... Well, Marron would never say so out loud, but he was fairly certain that he engaged in lovemaking more often than his brother.

"I...can't say I know what you mean," Marron confessed. He averted his eyes, knowing that the shy action was one that Gateau found endearing. A beginner he might be, as far as flirtatious banter was concerned, but he was no stranger to...other things.

From the corner of his eye, he saw Gateau fold his arms and flash a smug smile in his direction. "It's the term used when a guy takes a girl out and begins the cycle."

"Cycle?" No matter how much he wanted to, he couldn't stop himself from making sure they were still alone. In an attempt to compensate, he leaned more closely against Gateau's sturdy build.

"Yeah. Drink, talk, dinner, talk, inn." His voice dropped an octave. "And then...you know what comes next."

Marron wondered if he was flushed from the suggestive tone of Gateau's voice. "And this cycle is so common that it's earned a term?"

"Well, usually it's used in reference to a guy who's just trying to get into a girl's bed," Gateau admitted. "But that's not how I meant it," he added.

Marron nodded, accepting it all as the truth. "So I'm going to let you perform the old song and dance to make up for not being more open about us."

"That's right." Gateau laid his head briefly against Marron's. "You'll let me take you out to dinner, and then to an inn." He did not, Marron noted, elaborate on what would be happening at that inn. The thought made his stomach flutter. No, he wasn't new to lovemaking, but the chances he and Gateau had to make love were few and far between.

Besides, Gateau always did know how to make his stomach flutter.

"And how are *you* going to make it up to *me*?" Marron inquired, suddenly feeling a little devious.

"Ah?"

"For pretending to be sick so the hospital would take you in." It had worked for Carrot, but Chocolat hadn't given Gateau a chance to fool the nurse. Marron was not sour about it, really. It wasn't as though they had ever claimed to be each other's one and only. Still, though, it was fun to watch the larger man squirm.

"Oh..." Gateau rubbed the back of his head. "...I'll pay."

"So what *do* you think?" Gateau was saying, stirring his soup. The spoon he was using looked so small in his big hands.

"About?" Marron sipped the wine he had opted for. It was not the most expensive; he wasn't about to spend all of Gateau's money, after all. But all the same, it was good wine - and refreshing.

"Carrot, Tira, and Chocolat." Gateau punctuated each name by stabbing the noodles in his soup with a fork. He gave Marron a grin before downing them.

"What's there to think about?" Marron asked, taking a spoonful of his own soup.

Gateau peered at him. "Well, it's painfully obvious that both Misu sisters are in love with your brother."

"Well, we've known *that* for a long time."

"I know, but what do you think about it?" Gateau took a swig of his own drink. Not one to waste money, he had decided to share half a bottle of wine with Marron.

"What's there to think about?" Marron repeated his earlier.

Gateau shrugged a shoulder. "Sooner or later, it's going to have to be addressed. Tira and Chocolat can't *both* have Carrot. And then," he went on with a frown, "there's the possibility that Carrot will never come to love either of them the way they want him to."

"I know it," Marron replied simply. He took another sip of wine. "But it's none of our business, I'm afraid. They'll sort it out themselves when the time comes, one way or another."

"Don't you feel bad for the girls, though?"

"Definitely," Marron assured the other man. "But what about 'Niisan? If he really isn't interested in either of them, why must they continue to push the issue?"

Gateau raised an eyebrow and leaned closer. "You think that Carrot really isn't going to go for either of them?"

Marron shrugged. "I don't know. 'Niisan and I never speak of it."

"He never takes either girl up on her offers, though."

"True," Marron conceded, "but that may be just because they *offer*. It seems to me, sometimes, that 'Niisan values the pursuit more than the...conquest."

Gateau considered this, and then closed his eyes with a nod. "He's a weird guy, that brother of yours."

"One I wouldn't trade for any other sibling in the world," Marron added with a chuckle. He set his wine glass down and rested his cheek against his hand. "Gateau, why are we talking about 'Niisan and the lovely Misu sisters?"

He had to wait for his answer. The waitress appeared at that point, to ask them if everything was in order. To Marron's surprise, Gateau asked for the bill.

"But we aren't finished," he pointed out when the serving girl had left in a flurry of skirts.

"I'd say we are," Gateau replied with a grin. "By the time she gets back, we'll be set to go."

Marron shrugged again, downing the rest of his wine. "Answer my question, then."

"About our beloved allies?"

"Ah."

Gateau leaned back in his chair, examining his goblet. "Let's just say I have relationships on the brain."

"Oh?" Marron mused, stirring his soup absently with his spoon. He decided to take a shot in the dark. "And would any of those relationships happen to be ours?"

"Yes," Gateau replied simply. "Yes, it would."

Marron was a mite confused. "I thought we were...all right with it." They were fond of one another, very fond, and there was physical attraction there, as well. They were not what most people would call a "couple," but....

"You know how I feel," Gateau said.

Marron couldn't resist. "Sometimes, I'm not certain I do," he replied, referring to Gateau's earlier attempt to be admitted to the clinic with Carrot.

"I thought you weren't angry about that."

"I'm not. It doesn't mean I understand where we stand with each other, exactly."

Gateau was silent for a few moments. He avoided Marron's gaze by taking a look around the tavern that was almost empty. "Sometimes I don't think," he offered after a couple of minutes had passed. "And for that I'm sorry. But given the fact that we hardly ever get to...act like we're together, you'll have to forgive my tenuous self-control sometimes. I'm not saying what I did was acceptable, just that...I couldn't help it. It came out before I realized what I was doing."

Marron shook his head in awe. "Gateau, you're acting like you've committed adultery. We never made any promises."

"I'd like to make one," Gateau blurted out, catching Marron's eye.

Marron was surprised, but couldn't bring himself to reply right away. As luck would have it, the waitress reappeared at that point, thanking them for their patronage and wishing them a good evening. Gateau paid her with a smile and a bow of his head, complimenting her on the food, wine, and service.

"Gateau," Marron uttered as they rose from their chairs, "what--?"

"Later," the larger man ordered curtly. He started leading the way out of the tavern.

Marron followed, nearly treading on his companion's heels as he willed the other to walk faster. Once they were outside, with the tavern door closed behind them, Gateau rounded on him before he could broach the subject.

"At the inn." Gateau looked up and down the street, probably trying to remember which direction the inn was located.

"No, not at the inn," Marron snapped softly. He took hold of Gateau's wrist and exerted pressure on it. He was no match for Gateau, as far as physical strength was concerned, but the blond man didn't resist as Marron drew him into an alley and out of sight.

"It really is something that should be discussed at the inn," Gateau argued lightheartedly.

"We'll have other things to do at the inn," Marron shot back, shocking himself with his own bluntness. His companion was equally nonplussed, blinking at Marron a few times before recovering his composure.

"All right, if that's how you want it..." Gateau moved forward in the too-narrow alley, large body pressing against Marron's and pushing him backwards against the wall of a building. Marron didn't stop Gateau from maneuvering him, but he winced when he thought of being shoved against the uneven stones that made up the wall behind him.

Gateau didn't go that far, though. Marron did find himself backed against the stones, but instead of initiating full-body contact, Gateau simply placed a hand on either side of Marron's head, keeping him trapped. Marron glanced worriedly back at the street, hoping no one would happen to pass by and notice them. To a stranger, he had no doubt what his situation would look like.

"Do I have your undivided attention?" Gateau asked with a smirk.

Marron returned the smirk with a wary smile. "I have little choice, I fear."

Gateau grinned, head bending so he could plant a chaste kiss on Marron's brow. "You're honest."

"Gateau, what did you mean?" His stomach was tight, twisting itself into knots. If Gateau was going to bring up fidelity and the omission of any other sexual partners.... Granted, those had never been topics of discussion between them before. Their relationship had been based on a series of unspoken guidelines. There had been no promises, no guarantees, or vows of love. Neither Gateau nor Marron had ever found comfort in the arms of others, but neither had they pledged their undying love to one another.

"We have a complicated relationship," Gateau said, unknowingly following Marron's train of thought.

"Complicated" was definitely the word Marron would have used.

"I want..." Gateau swallowed, breathing hard. Marron could smell the fine wine on his breath.

"You want...?" Marron reached up and touched one muscular bicep. Gateau was definitely his type of lover: strong, intelligent, and even sensitive.

"You, I think," Gateau managed to choke out.

Marron blinked, slowly. From the apparent difficulty Gateau had been having, he'd expected the confession to be something that...he hadn't already known. "I figured that we had determined that, already," he pointed out in a soft tone.

"No, I mean..." Gateau struggled for a moment, "I think I'm going to want you tonight, and tomorrow, and the day after that, and...."

Marron weighed the words, and took into consideration the mixture of emotions on Gateau's face. "Are you...falling for me?" he asked gently. He would admit that if he were going to fall in love with anyone, Gateau would be the one. But he had never been certain of Gateau's own feelings, and thus had found himself entangled in a pseudo-love affair with the large man.

Gateau bent closer, his warm breath puffing over Marron's nose. "I...think so."

Marron had no words just yet. Taking the step from friends to lovers would be hard. Not because it would be much different than what they were doing already, but because they would have to address the feelings they felt for each other.

But Gateau was clearly expecting an answer. He was holding his breath and standing very still. Marron knew that just saying that much had been difficult. It was odd; Gateau was usually the more forward of them. He had never been shy in praising Marron's beauty, or letting everyone around him know how he felt.

So Marron took hold of Gateau's cheeks, framing the larger man's face with his hands. Then he drew himself up, angling his face so he could catch Gateau's mouth in a soft, close-mouthed kiss. They remained still for a while, just savoring the contact.

When Marron pulled away, Gateau cleared his throat. "So...was that a yes or a no?"

Marron chuckled, despite the seriousness of the situation. "It wasn't no. My answer would never be no."

"So...?"

"A yes?" Marron smiled. "I'm not entirely certain if I'm in love with you. But I will say that no one else makes me feel like you do."

"We could always take it at a pace that would suit us," Gateau said. He pushed away from the wall and straightened. "I mean, no one is forcing us to go faster or slow down. We could--"

Marron cut off Gateau's rambling with another kiss, hoping that the action would speak louder than any words could. "I accept," he said when they disengaged.

Gateau took a deep, shuddering breath. He reached for Marron, hands stopping just shy of taking hold of his shoulders. Marron waited expectantly, but in the end, Gateau let his arms fall back against his sides.

"...Let's find that inn."

The small town wasn't very lively at night. Marron surveyed the empty streets as he and Gateau made their way to the only inn to which they'd managed to get directions. The roads were so quiet that the only noise Marron could hear was the scuffing of his and Gateau's boots against the dirt.

"Where is everyone?" he wondered. The smaller the village, the less lively the town folk, of course, but this town wasn't *that* small.

"Maybe they've all decided to stay in tonight," Gateau supplied. One of his large arms wrapped around Marron's shoulders and drew him closer as they walked. "What's wrong with you? You've been mildly paranoid all evening."

"I have not," Marron replied defensively.

"You're jumping at shadows."

"I am not."

"What part of 'downtime' don't you understand?" Gateau inquired wryly.

"I'm getting better," Marron said, pointedly snuggling further into Gateau's hold.

"Better," Gateau affirmed with a nod. "Of course, there's no one around to see." Before Marron could continue the playful argument, Gateau suddenly steered him along while he made a sharp turn to the right. "There it is. It's about time we found it."

The inn didn't look extravagant, but it did look warm and cozy. Marron suppressed a shiver. Now that he was actually before the door, knowing that tonight, he and Gateau would not be camping out with his brother and the girls.... /We're going to be alone for the night. Alone for the first time since...I don't even remember./

"I hope you have enough money," he whispered.

The look Gateau gave him was a mixture of humor and feigned disdain. "Oh, so now I have to pay for the room, too?"

The innkeeper had accepted their coin with barely a glance, and handed them their key. Gateau had all but dragged Marron up the stairs as quickly as he could. Marron had indulged the other man by moving faster, but couldn't help but glance over his shoulder to see if the innkeeper was giving them a knowing look or not.

The burly owner of the inn wasn't even looking their way, and soon Marron found himself on the second floor. Gateau found their room, worked the key into the lock and pushed the door open with such force that it nearly banged the wall.

"Calm down," Marron advised, pulling the key out of the lock and shutting the door behind them. They were plunged into darkness, the only light coming in from the window. "There's no need for--"

Gateau cut him off, big arms curling securely around his body and drawing him into a breathtaking kiss. Marron abandoned what he had been going to say and went limp against Gateau's chest, almost losing himself in the other man's large, solid arms. Gateau's tongue explored his mouth, drew back to lick Marron's bottom lip, and then plunged back in. Rough but gentle hands traveled up and down Marron's back, and he could feel their warmth even through his thick robes.

Then, Marron realized the sheer *veracity* of the moment they were having. Tira, Chocolat, and his brother were staying together in the clinic outside of town, and he and Gateau were trysting in an inn....

He realized he'd stiffened when Gateau pulled away. "What's wrong?" the blonde asked. His hands stopped roaming, but remained securely on Marron's hips.

Marron shook his head, hesitant to bring up the tired subject again, but also unable to lie. "I just keep thinking that any minute now, Dotta will show up, and we'll be the ones she comes looking for."

Gateau frowned. "Well, if anything, it would give her a shock. But she'd probably just change her mind and go bother Tira and Chocolat. Did you forget everything I've been telling you?"

Marron sighed quietly, hands fisting the folds of Gateau's shirt. "If you're sure there won't be any--"

"Would you relax?" Gateau interjected, exasperated. "There is nothing going on. *No one* is going to call on us tonight."

Marron was being ridiculous and he knew it. "I'm sorry. It's just that these nights don't happen very often, and--"

"They could, you know," Gateau interrupted again. "If you weren't so uneasy about the whole thing, they could."

The larger man sounded wry for the most part, but Marron's ears did pick up the hint of hurt. It tugged at his heart. "I'm sorry," he breathed, reaching up and encircling Gateau's neck with his hands. "I didn't know that--"

"Forget it," Gateau murmured, seeking out his mouth. "Let's just make up for it."

"Enough talking, I gather?" Marron mused, attempting to add some humor to the situation. "Some song and dance."

"I'd say we did pretty well."

They kissed again, Marron sliding up against the front of Gateau's body. He relaxed once again, feeling Gateau's hands resume their exploration. One floated down to rest atop Marron's bottom, the other tangled into his black hair.

They chased each other's tongues for a long time, and then their lips disengaged. Marron wanted to say something - anything - but refrained. Words were not needed for this. He drew away from Gateau, watching the larger man watch *him*, hands already working the hidden fastenings of his robes. Gateau narrowed his eyes, looking predatory and hungry. Marron kept moving backwards, making his way gradually toward the bed.

In retaliation, Gateau started removing his own clothing. Marron was soon distracted, his gaze settling on the blonde's perfectly sculpted body as it was bared little by little. Gateau could often be found showing his impressive build to anyone around him - whether they wanted to see it or not - and there was good reason for that.

Marron inhaled deeply, smelling the spicy aroma that filled the chamber, as Gateau stepped out of his breeches and boots. Boldly, gloriously nude, the taller man strode across the room. When Gateau was before him, Marron made a show of looking him up and down. He admired the hairless chest, the chiseled stomach, the lean thighs, and the arousal.... Slowly, he reached out to lay a palm flat over Gateau's heart.

"You're amazing," Marron murmured.

"I can't hold a candle to you," Gateau muttered back. His larger hand curled around Marron's fingers, gave them a squeeze, and then released them. Gateau considered him for a brief moment, and then his hands were moving, finishing the job Marron had started.

His snow-white robes tumbled to the floor seconds later, and Marron willingly kicked them aside. The air was cool against his bare skin, so he slithered up against Gateau's larger body, seeking the warmth to be found between his arms. Gateau's mouth found one of his ears, and began exploring it with his lips and tongue. Marron shuddered, fitting himself more solidly to the other man's chest.

Compared to Gateau's bronze perfection, Marron's skin was a ghastly white. The contrast was apparent even in the moonlight. Marron glanced up, watching evening shadows dance across his lover's face.

"You're pale now," Gateau said, as though reading his thoughts, "but you'll be flushed soon. If I have anything to say about it," he added with a grin.

Marron shook his head, laughing despite his slight embarrassment. "You're so self-absorbed," he quipped, drawing himself up on tiptoe to mouth the strong tendons of Gateau's neck.

"I was thinking of you!" Gateau cried, instantly defensive.

"And flaunting your prowess," Marron added dryly.

"You are so unfair," Gateau whined. Instead of answering, Marron snaked a hand between their bodies to tease his lover's erection. The hardness was pressed against his stomach and he wanted to.... "*So* unfair," Gateau emphasized, breaking whatever spell had taken hold of him so he could reciprocate the attentions.

When Gateau started moving, Marron knew that he would lose the upper hand for the remainder of the evening. It didn't bother him; other opportunities would present themselves, and he could always prepare suitable retaliation for one of their future trysts. Gateau was taller and stronger, but that didn't mean Marron never seized a chance to take the lead.

For tonight, though, he was content to follow Gateau's movements. The other Hunter enveloped him, pushing him down to the bed. Marron arched, the blankets cold from their lack of use. They lost their chill quickly, and Marron arranged himself more comfortably as Gateau moved over him.

The first couple of times they'd made love, Marron had been uncertain of the procedure. Even when they'd figured it out, he had been leery of being taken by someone Gateau's size. Gateau was not a small man, and he had quite a bit to offer. But while large, Gateau was also remarkably gentle. There was no other man in the world that Marron would rather have ravishing his body. Gateau made him feel safe and cared for no matter how or when they made love, whether the climax involved Gateau going down on him, or sinking into him - deep and slow.

On this particular night, the climax involved both.

Even long after their tryst, Marron had yet to fall asleep. He remained on his side, drowsy but not ready to sleep, with Gateau's body spooning his own. He could hear his lover's exhalations; could feel the expansion of his chest at each breath he took.

The events of the evening were replaying through his head. Particularly the short, but serious, discussion they had concerning their relationship. Nothing had been resolved - not entirely. On the other hand, doors had been knocked on, and Marron had a feeling that they would be opening very shortly. He smiled to himself, snuggling further back against Gateau, deeper into his embrace. They had steps to take, but slowly and surely, they would be taken.

Marron could definitely become accustomed to embracing and abandoning sleep in Gateau's arms.