Juniper the Tiefling (complete)

Male Reader x Male Monster (both cis)

I had grown up in a city that was devoid of most color. All the buildings were made of the same gray stone that was chiseled from the nearby mountains. And since it was mostly occupied by military personnel, there wasn’t much plant life around. I’m not sure why that is, maybe there weren’t enough people to take care of it. Maybe the stone made things inhabitable. That’s how it was for me anyways. That’s why I vowed to travel and see as much of the world as possible.

I’ve been lucky enough to do that. I got on well with a friend from the academy I was forced into. Juniper was one of those spoiled little mama’s boys who drew in people like flies to honey. You could call me one of those flies, but I had plans for cultivating a friendship with Juniper. I worked as his guard these days, and Juniper enjoyed his travels. It was two birds with one stone.

“Remus?”

I looked back from the window to see Juniper rising from bed. He was a late sleeper, and the unfortunate training my father put me under made me an early riser.

Juniper yawned, stretching out his long, thin arms then pushing back his dark hair from his face. “Oh goodness, I slept in again,” he yawned cheerily. How he even yawned with pep to his voice, I’m not sure.

I stood up from my seat near the window. “You always sleep in.”

Juniper looked up at me with a smile, his golden eyes shimmering as he gazed at me. It turned my stomach into knots.

“I suppose I do,” he laughed “You must have been up with the cock this morning?”

I arched a disapproving brow at him, especially when he gave me that certain kind of smirk. “That’s one way to put it,” I grumped.

Juniper patted the bed beside him, pushing back the blanket. “Come back and join me for a spell.”

I sighed and rubbed the side of my neck. Those knots in my stomach tightened and twisted. “You should be getting up. We have a long journey ahead of us today.”

Juniper giggled. “I was thinking we would stay here for a few more days.”

I arched both brows this time. I shouldn’t have been surprised. When Juniper likes a place he tends to stay as long as possible, maybe buying a house or business during his time there. But usually, it was never a thought to him again once we left. Not that he was careless or anything, he just had a way of being happy anywhere he was. I wish I knew the secret to being so jovial.

“Jun,” I began to huff.

“Oh don’t Jun me!” He whipped back the blanket and stood up naked from bed. “That silly tone of yours. You really think you’d have learned to relax by now, Remus.” He waved his hand out then wiggled his elegant fingers. “My robe, silly boy.”

I sighed and fetched his robe, draping it over his defined shoulders. His blue skin looked exceptionally silky today, something that caught my eye as soon as he woke up.

“There now.” Juniper untucked his hair from the robe and looked back at me. “And what have you been up to while I slept?” He captured my chin in his hand. “Not shaving I see.” He leaned in, pressing a kiss upon my eyes that was warm and a little wet.

“I finished that task you gave me,” I grumped.

Juniper gasped in elation and cupped my face between both hands. He kissed me again, more exuberantly than before. The knots in my belly slowly released, and I leaned in a little to this kiss. Juniper did smell really nice.

“Bravo!” Juniper cheered. He swept aside. “Took you a few days.”

“It needed a few days, Jun.” I followed him as he walked out into the hallway. “But it’s done, just as you asked for.”

“Wonderful!” Juniper sang.

Ever since school, Juniper has had a bucket list of sorts. Bit by bit he’s been taking care of that list, usually having me take care of the more unsavory details.

“I suppose we’ll be hearing word of it today,” Juniper sighed as we walked into the dining hall.

I pulled out his chair for him and guided his tail through the back of the chair as he sat down. “I wouldn’t doubt it.”

As Juniper sat down, some of the staff came out, bringing him his tea and placing fresh flowers on the center of the table. He paid the staff handsomely as it was, but everytime he saw them he offered them tips for a job well done, even when the job wasn’t done well.

“Come, sit.” Juniper pointed to a seat near him.

“I’ve already had breakfast,” I told him.

Juniper gave me a look. “What? Do you not like being around me, Remus?”

I gave him a look right back. “What? Are you trying to emotionally torment me, Jun?”

He grinned. “I would never torment you. Just sit! You don’t have anything to do today do you? You finished all your work I required of you.”

I huffed, taking a seat just to quiet him down.

“There! So nice.” he reached out, holding my hand while he sipped his tea. “You know, staying too seems less suspicious. If we were to pack up and head out today, it might seem a bit hinky.”

“Hinky?” I chuckled.

“That’s a word.” he sipped his tea again, rubbing his thumb over my knuckles. “Not only that, but now you get to relax.”

I looked down Juniper’s arm, past the ornate sleeve of his robe and along the side of his swan-like neck. I admired the shape of his jaw, just how defined and sharp it was. It swooped down like a crescent moon, leading to his soft lips.

“I wouldn’t call hanging around with you relaxing, Jun,” I quipped.

Juniper smiled. “I see that look in those pretty brown eyes.”

I narrowed my eyes at him and smiled. “I always have a look.”

Juniper winked. “A good one too.” He took his hand back as his food was delivered to him. He looked so excited as he cracked open the top of his egg.

Halfway through his breakfast, someone from the staff rushed up the table and began whispering into his ear. Juniper had a serious expression upon his face. He nodded a long, humming reply to them. As they turned and left, Juniper’s happy expression returned.

“My, my, word does spread fast!” He continued eating.

I leaned forward on the table. “What was that?”

Juniper chuckled, dipping his sliced toast into his egg. “Apparently, an old school chum of ours has been caught in quite a scandal. The whole city is aware of it by now.” Juniper’s hand slid onto my thigh under the table. “As always, my Remus, wonderful job. I knew I could rely on you.”

I tried to suppress my smirk, but I did enjoy the praise. I nodded to Juniper and leaned back in my chair. “As you wish, Jun.”

After breakfast Juniper and I returned to the bedroom and he locked the door behind us. All the while he had that sweet yet deadly smile upon his lips.

“I don’t want anyone busting in while I thank you for all your hard work.” Juniper’s robe fell off his shoulder.

I clicked my tongue as I watched him saunter towards me. “You don’t need to use word play, Jun.”

Juniper clasped my face between his palms again, kissing me deeply. He pulled back with a sigh, his long lashes fluttering as he looked at me. “How about sword play?”

“No,” I huffed.

Juniper smirked, dropping his robe around his ankles. “Oh fine. Suck all the fun out of the room.” he stepped close again, placing one hand around my waist while the other palmed at my groin. “Why do you act so tough, even with me? Haven’t you grown out of that?”

I puffed at his touch, which felt warm and welcomed. “I’m not acting,” I grumbled.

Juniper kissed my neck and cheek. “I know you, Remus. Better than anyone. You still act like you have something to prove.” He bit my ear and I closed my eyes. “You’re so handsome, and strong,” he whispered. “So smart.”

I swallowed, trying not to make a sound, but I did. The moan hummed in my throat and made Juniper’s fingers clench around my erection.

“That’s it, good boy.” Juniper stepped back and smirked up at me. “It’s only me here.” He grabbed hold of my belt and tugged me towards the bed. “No need to put up an act.” He sat down upon the bed.

I huffed, undoing my belt. “I’m not acting, I told you.”

“The rouge on your cheeks says otherwise.” Juniper’s hand rested in his lap, stroking himself as he watched me.

I stepped out of my pants, removing the rest of my clothes under his admiring gaze. I stood there a moment, watching him watching me.

“You get more rugged every day.” Juniper wagged his finger for me to come onto the bed. “Let me admire you up close.”

I sighed and joined him on the bed, pushing him down into the mattress. Juniper ‘s smile reached ear to ear as he looked up at me. His hands swept down my body, feeling like velvet against my skin.

“You were such a scrawny little thing back in the academy. Look how well you’ve filled out.” His hands griped my chest. “Beautiful pecs.” His hands went down. “Strong form.” His hands continued traveling further. “God-like thighs.” His fingers then sunk into my rear. “And this!”

“Stop it!” I growled.

“I know you like it. You stop it.” His fingers continued to knead into my ass, causing my cock to throb a little more. “You’re so fucking sexy, Remus.”

His words filled my head even more than his touch.

“You’re so beautiful, and all mine.” Juniper whimpered. “Every strong inch of you. I get hard just thinking about you.”

I huffed and reached down, yanking up his legs until my hands were on the back of his thighs. He was grinning when I did this, biting his lips with those perfect teeth of his. I looked down, seeing his hard cock laying against his belly. I leaned down, licking him and taking that beautiful thing into my mouth.

“Oh fuck-” Juniper whined. “That’s it. Good. So good!” He continued to whimper. “That’s my Remus. So good!” I felt his perfectly manicured nails against my scalp. The sharp sensation sent tingles down my spine.

I kissed down his shaft, going further until I came to the tight blue bud below. I licked it and Juniper’s whole body shuddered.

“Oh yes! You know what I want!”

I continued to lick, sopping him up and easing my finger inside. He was warm and deep, waiting for me to take him. I got up from the bed to fetch the small jar from my belt. Juniper posed seductively on the bed while he waited.

“Now whose acting?” I huffed.

Juniper giggled. “I want to make sure you come back.”

I scoffed and uncorked the jar. The oil inside was a blend Juniper had made, one that kept things slick and warmed the more we moved. I poured a bit over myself, stroking it in. I then used my greased fingers on him. I slipped them inside Juniper, watching him whimper and stretch upon the mattress.

“Roll over,” I growled at him.

Juniper pouted. “Don’t you want to see my pretty face?”

“I told you to roll over.”

Juniper licked his lips. “I like when you’re tough.” He did as I asked, raising his rear up before me. I clapped my hand down onto his cheek and he whined loudly. I rubbed the excess oil into his skin, making it shine. I spanked his ass again, rubbing where my palm hit. Each time I was rewarded by one of his petulant little moans.

I pushed my finger inside him again and his tail stiffened upwards. He moaned into his pillow, shaking his hips backwards towards me.

I spanked him again. “You’re such a fucking slut.” I rose up on my knees and slid my cock between his thighs. I felt his sack and shaft against me and I sank my fingers into his plump, perfect rear. I grabbed hold of his tail, tugging gently.

“Ah-!” Juniper cried out. “You’re driving me crazy!”

I bit back my smile, spanking him one more time before I gave him what he wanted. I pushed inside him, going as deep as I possibly could. His body tensed, curving, and mine wanted to melt all at once.

“You feel amazing!” Juniper whimpered.

“Pitiful,” I breathed. I licked my lips as I looked down at him stretched tight around me. I groped his ass then began to slowly move inside him.

Juniper whimpered and moaned. Taking gasps of breath when I moved suddenly. In bed he let me have full control of him. As long as he got what he wanted at the end, I could do anything I desired to his gorgeous body. Right now, all I wanted to do was fuck him until he cried.

I could feel his body shaking. At a certain point he no longer could make noises except grunts that were dampened by his pillow. His cock released onto my thigh, and the warmth it left behind drove me further. I went harder, shaking the bed so it hit the wall. I snarled and grunted, feeling everything rush to the top of my head and make me dizzy. I was losing breath, thoughts, whatever was in my body all collected in the same space. It was rushing upon my face, gaining speed, swallowing me up, drowning me. The flood washed me away and left itself deep inside Juniper.

I pulled back panting, heaving, unable to think if I wanted to. I fell onto the bed, pulling Juniper into my arms. I kissed his shoulder, the back of his neck, cradling him close to me as a smile grew upon his face.

“You’re amazing,” Juniper whimpered. “Fuck…I feel like I’m floating.”

I rubbed my palm up and down his chest. “Just don’t go anywhere.”

Juniper giggled and turned back, kissing me and placing his palm upon my cheek. “I love you, you grumpy asshole.”

Those golden eyes melted me all over again. The knots returned and I panicked as  there was a knock on the door.

“You have got to be kidding me,” Juniper grumped. He sat up slightly, pouting towards the door. “What on earth is it?” He yelled.

“Master Juniper, you have a guest arriving. He sent word ahead of his arrival hoping you’d not turn him away at the door.”

Juniper glanced at me then sighed. “Well, who is it?”

“Lord Hunkins.”

Juniper clicked his tongue. “That is a surprise,” he huffed. “No wonder he sent word ahead.” He murmured to himself. “Alright, prepare for his arrival!”

I sat up with a scowl upon my face. “Why would he come here?”

Juniper hobbled over to his wardrobe and opened it. “An old school chum is in his city just when he has been onslaught with scandal? Sounds about right.”

I went and stood behind him at the wardrobe, wrapping my arms around him. “He’s ruined the moment.”

“We’ve ruined his life. Least I can do is see what he wants.” Juniper turned back and kissed me. “We can play again tonight. Don’t you worry.”

I huffed and gathered my clothes to dress. “What if he knows it was us?”

Juniper glanced back at me. “Would he have any reason to?”

I adjust my shirt. “Of course not. I never leave a sign.”

“Then he’s here to beg for something,” Juniper sighed. “I saw it happen with my mother countless times. I know how to handle this, so don’t worry.”

Once Juniper was dressed he went to the mirror and inspected his hair. “Why does it always look better when I am freshly fucked?” He said with a marveled expression. He fluffed and bounced his hair, admiring himself closely.

“Should I go ahead?” I asked.

Juniper sighed. “Why not? I’ll make an entrance.” He looked back at me and smiled. “You look better freshly fucked too.”

My cheeks warmed and I left the room without a word. I went to greet Lord Hunkins as he arrived, and I would take him to the dining hall to wait for Juniper.

Lord Hunkins was Cadan Hunkins, a former schoolmate of Juniper’s and I. He had been friends with Juniper more than me, most people were back then. His father was a wealthy land baron, basically owned a few villages, and ran a grand estate other affluent people could rent out in the country. Which made his father close to many influential figures.

“Good afternoon, Lord Hunkins. It’s been quite a long time since we last saw each other,” I greeted him.

He looked me up and down with an odd expression. “It has?”

So he didn’t recall me from the academy. It should have been obvious to me, but I do like to think I am a bit memorable. “Yes, we went to the academy together as boys,” I said with a laugh. “I work for Master Juniper these days.”

“Oh yes.” he kept giving me that look as he tried to place how he knew me. But he didn’t remember me, which pissed me off beyond belief. “Where is Juniper?”

“Still getting ready. He asked me to tend to you until his arrival.” I then motioned towards the hallway. “How about a drink? From what I’ve heard, you need it.”

His face went sheet white and glazed over with cold sweat.

That gave me the fulfilling satisfaction I so craved. “Come along, Lord Hunkins. We’ll wait for Master Juniper in the dining hall.”

With his ghostly pallor and sweaty upper lip, Lord Hunkins followed behind me. “Yes. Of course.”

He may not remember me at all, but I remember him. A spoiled, entitled loaf of bread was all he was. I suppose even now he was the same. Back in the academy he always held a superior stance over most of the student body. He acted like I was there to tend to him and others he deemed equal to himself, when really, all his fortune came from his father over charging villagers, and blackmail.

But what had Hunkins on Juniper’s bucket list was the money he took from Juniper’s mother.

“Do you know how long Juniper will be?” Hunkins asked.

“Master Juniper will be ready when he is ready. I don’t think one can be picky right now.” I offered him a seat. “How about that drink?”

Hunkins nodded, still acting entitled even when his reputation was being held by a thread. All the better.

“Are you still having trouble going to the left?” I asked as I poured drinks for the table.

Hunkins looked at me with shock and a bit of offense. “I beg your pardon?”

I offered Hunkins his drink, feeling all the more superior the more he played into my hands. “During the academy, you had trouble aiming more left than dead center. With a sword I mean,” I said with a smug smile.

Hunkins mumbled something and took the drink while I set Juniper’s down in preparation for his arrival.

“I used to take advantage of that until our professor caught on. After that, I used to get fussed at for bullying.” I leaned against the back of a chair and I sipped my drink. “Man, childhood huh?”

Hunkins nodded along, seeming to recall the memory, but he still couldn’t remember who I was. Too bad, maybe if he did remember me I’d feel somewhat bad for him.

“Hello! Hello! Hello!” Juniper sang as he waltzed into the dining hall. He was dressed nicely with a billowy top and lavender colored leggings. The heels on his shoes were high and pointed, making him appear more willowy and elegant than before.

“Hunkins! You old bastard! Long time no see.” He spoke as if he liked Hunkins, but I knew the truth.

Hunkins rose to greet Juniper, shaking his hand then offering to pull out his chair. What a suck up. If I could’ve punched him as hard as I could, I would have twice. I rose and finished my drink, heading back to get another.

“Yes, it has been a while since the academy. I see life has been quite good to you.” Hunkins was clearly buttering Juniper up.

“Easy when your mother is rich.” Juniper laughed and held up his drink. “You know that too don’t you?” He winked.

Hunkins was pale again. He took a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed at his overly shiny forehead.

“Oh?” Juniper held a genuine look of concern on his face. “Whatever is the matter? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”

Hunkins took another drink, his hand slightly shaking as he put down the glass. He was worried, but not that worried. I could see he was putting on a show, bluffing even harder than when he used to cry over me winning matches in school.

“I am not certain if you have heard the news,” Hunkins started. His eyes darted, and I could tell Juniper noticed by the way his eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

“News? What news?” Juniper gasped.

I smiled to myself. Juniper was enjoying this way too much. He was basically a swimming shark around an injured seal. It was almost cruel, almost if only because we hated Hunkins.

“A bit of misfortune, really,” Hunkins replied. “Something that-” His eyes cut back to me. “That I would hate to get out.”

I leaned back and waited for the blow.

“Is that why you are here? Is there something you think I can do?” Juniper leaned in like he cared.

Hunkins let out a chuckle. “I was hoping, well, your mother’s influence goes all the way to the top.”

“Yes. That’s common knowledge I would think.” Juniper drank from his glass then raised it to me. “Perfect as always!”

Hunkins drew Juniper’s attention again, turning him away from me and drawing in even closer so Juniper couldn’t turn away. “Please, I know it’s been a long time. But we were good friends at the academy. I have children to think of. My wife!”

Juniper smiled. “Yes, we were friends weren’t we.” He drank again. “For a tiefling I had lots and lots of friends at school.” He smiled brightly. “My mother always told me it was because I was such a bright and happy child! It didn’t matter what I was. It didn’t matter that she was an elf royal. I was what was special.” There was a sharpness to his eyes then that made me hold my breath. Not anyone would. Probably only his mother and I had seen such a look and could recognize it.

Hunkins nodded. “Yes. Of course.”

Juniper’s fingers glided along the rim of the glass as if it were the edge of a knife. “But what exactly do you want, old friend?”

Hunkins nodded. “Well, you see, I’d rather you didn’t know if that is possible.”

Juniper smiled. “Then it will have to be a no. You see, if it’s something really heinous, my mother would shit a brick,” I laughed. “It would be a gold brick, but she would hurl it straight into my head,” he laughed.

I bit my lip, enjoying seeing him bat this man around so easily.

“Bu-but, I’ll be ruined!” Hunkins argued.

Juniper reached out and kindly patted Hunkins hand. “I know what you’ve done, you idiot.” He said with the kindest of smiles still on his face. “Why are you trying to hide it?” He tilted his head to the side. “Your father had a bit more class to him. All those poor women.” he patted his hand. “Your children! Which ones? How many?”

Juniper knew how many, I had collected signatures from each and every woman he abused. I had gathered proof of it. Each family was rewarded handsomely for their stories. I simply had to deliver it to Hunkin’s father, and a few others he did business with.

“What could I even possibly do at this point?” Juniper sighed. “Seems quite…helpless, doesn’t it?”

Hunkins was devastated. He was whiter than a ghost. He sat there, in silence, watching Juniper as I'm sure he tried to think his way out of this one.

“My father. He will-” Hunkins raised his hands and dropped them several times.

“Oh, I’m sure he’s upset.” Juniper murmured. “Wouldn’t you be if you found out-” he stopped himself. “I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about it.”

Hunkins fell from his chair, falling to his knees before Juniper. “You have to help me do something! Your mother doesn’t have to know.” he grabbed hold of Juniper’s shirt and started shaking him.

I charged forward, grabbing Hunkin’s by the back of his clothes and yanking him up. I shoved him against the wall and held him there.

“My shirt,” Juniper pouted.

“What are you doing? Unhand me!” Hunkins screamed.

“He’s doing his job,” Juniper sniffed. He stood up and finished his drink. “Please escort Lord Hunkins out. If he’s going to behave like a begging dog, see that he is shown out like one.”

I nodded to Juniper, wrenching Hukins back and gleefully showing him the exit. I tossed him outside, standing over him to make sure he got up and left.

Hunkins scrambled, looking up at me from all fours then hurrying to stand. “Just because you work for him now, do not think that makes you bathed in his glory!”

I just smiled. “At least I have his respect.”

Hunkins glared me down. “You were always a smug little shit.”

My grin grew. “So you do remember me!”

Hunkins glared and I could tell he was a breath away from challenging me. “That tiefling will hear me.”

“Not when you talk about him with such a tone.” I bowed to him. “May we never cross paths again, Lord Hunkins.” I grinned at him as I turned. “Doubt you will be lord if we ever do.” I chuckled as I walked back inside.

A few days later, Juniper was ready to travel on. He asked me to go out and get a few things before we left, so while he was napping, I went down to the market to get his list.

“Excuse me, Mister.” A young girl tugged on my sleeve. I recognized her as one of the girls I had spoken to before.

“Yes?” I saw she had a letter in her hand. She offered it to me and when I took it she quickly ran away. I sighed and rolled my eyes. “Great.” I opened up the letter to see scrawled handwriting inside.

“Come to the Penberthy Bridge before dark, or harm will come to the child.”

“What a piece of shit,” I grumbled. I finished off my shopping  and made my way to the bridge.

The sky was turning shades of pink and purple as I stood on the bridge. The water below was twinkling and flowing close to shore due to heavy storms further north. The river looked dark pink as it rushed under the bridge, turning black in the shadows. Stars were appearing above me, and the colors looked like a fine fabric Juniper would wear. As I was standing there someone came up behind me. I had been aware of someone lurking at the other end of the bridge, but my thoughts had kept me from seeing them approaching.

I turned towards them, only to feel steel at my left side.

“Remain still,” a voice growled.

I set my bags down on the bridge.

“I said to be still!” The cold blade jabbed into my side more, going through the fabric to touch skin.

“I will be.”

“Do you want to die this day?” I recognized it was Hunkins now.

I sighed. “Depends on how I go.”

The blade cut into my skin, it stung like hell, but I had worse.. “Don’t be smart. You were always smart mouthed. Now if you wish to live, you’ll come with me.”

I chuckled. “What for?”

“You don’t get to talk!” Hunkins snapped. “Now you will come with me or else!” He jabbed the blade into me, and thinking fast I leapt over the railing of the bridge. I fell into the water, thanking the gods it was deep enough. I don’t know what Hunkins wanted me for. Maybe he knew what I had done. Maybe we wanted to use me against Juniper, who knows? He simply made a few mistakes that allowed me to escape. And he probably thought I was dead.

I let myself get washed down the river. Once I got out I inspected the wound. Luckily, it was to my side, but it hurt like hell. Soaking wet, I made my way back to Juniper. By the time I arrived there was a mild panic about the place. I found Juniper getting ready to leave and he looked at me like I was a ghost.

“What on earth happened to you?” He rushed to me, putting his arm around me to help me.

“I’m fine. I’m just stabbed.” I brushed him off. “Happens all the time.”

He glared at me with his mouth pressed firmly together and his eyes slightly bulging. “Yeah! All the fucking time! We just stab each other for fun!”

I scoffed and shrugged. “Look, let me just wrap this up and get a nap and we can be back on the road. Oh, I kind of left your supplies on the Penberthy bridge.”

“What happened?” Juniper snapped.

I shrugged. “Hunkins being Hunkins.”

Juniper’s jaw set and his tongue clicked. His eyes held that sharp, frightening gaze to them again. “I’ll go fetch a doctor. Go and rest, but do not fall asleep until the doctor gets here!” he called over to someone to help me get to bed.

“I’ll be fine,” I huffed.

Juniper mounted his horse. “I know you will. But please, do what I say.” he charged off, galloping off into the city.

I was laid in bed and given a wet cloth to hold around my wound. Eventually a doctor arrived, but Juniper didn’t return.

“It’s a good thing it was your left side,” the doctor murmured. “Had it been on your right, it could have been worse.”

“Because it went left?” I asked.

The doctor nodded. “Yes! You could tell?”

I shrugged. “Sure.” I just knew. It was Hunkins, of course it went left. He barely did any damage. I’d just be itchy from the wound healing for a while.

I tried to stay awake for when Juniper returned, but I guess sleep won out. I was woken by pain in my side and a cold sweat on my brow. As I opened my eyes I saw Juniper sitting beside the bed, his hand clutching mine.

“There you are,” I murmured.

Juniper’s eyes looked sunken and red. “There you are!” He said, amazed. “Hi.” he reached out, brushing my damp hair away from my forehead. “Welcome back.”

“What?” I scoffed. “I’ve just been asleep for a few hours.”

“A few hours plus a day,” Juniper fussed.

I sighed. “Ah…well shit.”

Juniper climbed into bed beside me, laying at my right and resting his head upon my chest. “I was so scared, Remus.”

I scoffed. “Jun, I’m fine. The doctor even said it was nothing. I just needed the rest to heal.”

Juniper sat up and looked down at me. “You’re not allowed to die. You hear me? Not without me anyways.” Tears began to fill his eyes as he looked at me.

“Geez,” I murmured. “I get it. I’m not dying anyways.”

Juniper placed a kiss on my lips. “I love you so much.” He stroked my cheek. “I couldn’t bear losing you.”

I felt a prickle to my eyes and I nodded. “I know.”

Juniper rested beside me again.

“What did you do?” I asked.

“It doesn’t matter.” Juniper murmured.

I rubbed his arm slowly. “It matters to me. The doctor came back, but you didn’t. What did you do?”

Juniper sniffled. “No one hurts you. No one tries to take the man I love from me. I simply made sure Hunkins isn’t a problem ever again.”

I sighed heavily. “Jun, that could mean anything. I want specifics here.”

“You are no romantic!” Juniper huffed. He sat up again to look me in the eye.

I reached up, touching his face. “Give me what I want, and I’ll give you what you want, Jun. Those are our special rules.”

Tears ran down his sculpted cheeks. “I took the hand that hurt you,” he whispered. “I then gave him money and a horse, and told him that if he were to ever appear in this city again, or any that I call home he would be worse off than dead.”

I smiled, tugging him down for a kiss. “That is romance.”

Juniper sniffled and rubbed his eyes. “I would do anything for you. You were the only true friend I had in the world. You’re the love of my life.”

I kissed him again. “I just wasn’t worth your mother’s bribe money. I don't know if I deserve those titles.”

“You do,” Juniper said with a soft smile. “I would rather have you than all my mother’s fortunes.”

I wiped away tears from his cheek. “I appreciate the sentiment. But we both know you’d die without that money.”

Juniper broke into a huge grin. “You’re probably right. But I’m lucky. I have both.” His hand rested gently upon my chest. “The money and your heart.”

I chuckled softly. “You’re gross sometimes, you know that?”

Juniper just kissed me and rested back down beside me. “You still love me anyways.”

I sighed and kissed the top of his head. His usually soft hair was a little greasy, which meant he had been up this entire time. I glanced out the window and the night sky was the same color as his beautiful skin.

“Yeah. I do.”