Satyr Boyfriend: Hael 2 (complete)

Nonbinary Reader (amab) x Male Monster (cis)

Hael allows himself to heal at the monastery. He also begins to come out of his shell. He’s especially close to the kids, and seems to feel freer with them than the other monks, talking to the children and doing chores with them as his strength returns, sitting in the garden and cleaning the vegetables the children pick. Then he starts digging in the soil with them. He enjoyed being on their level, but sometimes it’s hard due to the wound on his back.

It takes some time, but eventually you’re able to converse with him regularly. It isn’t that Hael is shy or intimidating, he’s merely closed off. His presence is tentative, but you’re used to that with new children, whose trust you have to earn to get them to open up. You just apply that same mindset to Hael.

He sits with you at lunch one day, and he doesn’t talk much, but his presence is welcome. After a while he begins speaking up more, but never much about himself. He asks about the monastery and how it operates. He chats about the weather and what he thinks it might do that day. He listens more than anything, seeming to enjoy the stories he hears. Sometimes, he catches you alone in the library, where the fire is warmest. He’s like a moth that way, always finding the warmest spot to hover around.

“Did you ever find your family?” He asks one day, out of the blue.

Your focus on the page wavers, and you sigh. “I did,” you answered. “My village was destroyed by the slavers. So I came here with the other children of my village.”

Hael’s eyes grow distant and sad. His ears tilt slightly and he turns his gaze away from the fire. “I’m so sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?” You smile. “It wasn’t your fault, and you saved many children that day.”

Hael grumbles something under his breath as he sits erect. “I know what it’s like, though. To be taken away and then have nothing to go back to.”

You remain silent so he can talk. This is the first he’s ever spoken of himself. “I was a young man, though you were still a child yourself. And you stayed here,” he says with a cross look. “Was it because you feared you had nowhere else to go?”

You're disappointed he isn’t talking about himself anymore, but you answer his question. “I stayed here because I felt I belonged here and could make things better. Maybe I was afraid at first, but the more I prayed on it, the more I felt my purpose. I worked hard and was able to make this place into something welcoming.”

“I cannot deny that the children are happy,” Hael murmurs. “And they speak so highly of you. I’m surprised you haven’t been sainted.”

You stand from the table and approach Hael. “If anyone deserves to be sainted here, it is you.”

He closes his eyes and folds his arms around himself. “No. I don’t.”

You sit in the armchair beside him and look into the fire. “I suppose you want to go to where Clercourt was soon. Your injury seems to be better.”

Hael slowly lowers his arms. “I told you it was nothing. But yes, it does feel better now.”

“I’ll start preparing, then. It’ll take a couple of days to get there, and I hope you can stand the long trip.” You feel excited to be going alone with him.

Hael nods. “I’ll be fine. I’ve survived longer journeys with twice the pain.”

“Twice the...” You give him a long, hard stare. “Are you in pain right now? If so, you have to tell me.”

Hael’s face betrays shock at having given something away. He quickly shakes his head. “A simple turn of phrase. That’s all.”

“Does it hurt? If so, I need to look at it! It’s been a while since you let me change the bandages.” You stand over him. “Please, let me see it so I can take care of you.”

“Stand back so I can get up.” Hael rises once you take a step back. “It feels like a bruise, it’s nothing.” But he doesn’t argue with you about checking it. Instead, he goes right to his room and takes off his tunic, and winces when he raises his arms above his head.

“Step towards me,” you say as you kneel. “I’ll take this bandage off.” You remove the wrapping from around his waist, noticing he’s filled out since he came here. He looks healthier now, less starved. The wound is healing over, but it looks quite red. You frown a bit, worried there could be infection underneath. “Lay down on your stomach for me, okay?”

“Not until you tell me what you’re going to do,” Hael growls.

“I may have to puncture it,” you say simply. Hael grimaces, and you try to be reassuring. “I need to inspect it, though it may not be infected. In the best case we might only need to reduce the swelling.”

Hael’s scowl persists. “Just lie down, okay? I have to get my kit, and I’ll return right away.” You give him a bright smile. “If anything is wrong, now is the time to fix it.”

Hael mutters under his breath as he lies down. When you return you find him stretched out across the bed, his head on his arms. He tail is sticking up, slowly wiggling from side to side, and it looks sweet, like the fluffy tail of a sheep.

You place your hand on his lower back reassuringly, then begin touching around the wound with your finger. He moans and winces, but when you reach an outer edge he lets out a pained cry and lifts his head. “Careful,” you whisper. “Hold still.” You press a little more, it starts to ooze. “That’s what I thought.” You take some rags from your bag and press them over the afflicted area. “You’re just a bit inflamed right here. Once this stops, I’ll clean it.”

“It hurts,” he whimpers.

“It’s okay, I’m here. I’m so sorry it hurts.” You hold your hand out to him again. “You can hold my hand if you need.” He takes it readily, squeezing tight around your fingers, and his whimpers eventually turn into relieved sighs when the pressure subsides. You clean the wound again, gently as possible. Most of it has healed. “There,” you say after mopping him up. “All better. You should be pain-free by morning.”

“You’re leaving?”

The pitiful sound of his voice makes your heart seize. When you look at him, the expression on his face makes your insides melt. “I can stay, if you like.”

“Just a little while,” he whispers.

“Did it hurt that much?” You go back to the bedside.

“It isn’t that,” he murmurs. His eyes close and he curls into himself.

You sit beside him and rub his arm. “Can you tell me? I’d like to be able to help you better, if I can.” You cautiously reach up and touch his hair, stroking the back of his head. He shifts, almost leaning into your palm.

“Just… stay here for a moment,” he begs quietly.

“I will.” You continue to pet his hair. “I’ll stay.”

You end up staying with him all night. You never intended to, but as the night wears on you fall asleep, sinking onto the bed. When you wake, you’re facing him, his hair hanging in his face, peaceful and tranquil. His ears twitch slightly, and you can hear him breathing. You feel that you should move and get up before he wakes, but the selfish part of you wants to remain close to him. You inch closer, able to feel his body heat and smell his scent. He stirs, and you pretend to be asleep again.

Hael chuckles, sitting up from the bed. He looks down at you with a smirk, then gently nudges your shoulder. “Silly thing,” he whispers when you don’t move right away. “I know you’re not asleep.”

You hold your breath.

“I saw you awake. Don’t play pretend now,” he laughs.

You slowly rise, looking at him guiltily. “Sorry, I didn’t want to wake you.”

“I was already awake,” he smirks at you. “I was half expecting a kiss.”

Your heart throbs. “Oh, I wouldn’t… That would be...” you sputter.

“I think you’ve earned such a thing,” he says gently.

You can barely stand to look at him. Not that you haven’t thought of such things, but where did this come from? He had been so standoffish. And yes, you want to kiss him. Ever since you were young you’ve wanted to. His lips must be soft, and his hair would brush your face and you would stroke it away, cupping his cheek in your hand. But no! Now is not the time.

“Look at me.”

You do, gazing into those grey-green eyes. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Nothing.” He stands from the bed and musses his long hair. “You’re right, it does feel better.”

You certainly don’t feel better. Your face is ember-hot and your heart won’t stop trying to choke you. Getting up, your legs wobble a bit. “I should go wake the children.” You reach for your robe. “I’m glad the wound is feeling better.”

You avoid Hael the rest of the day, trying to get over your embarrassment. You get the wagon ready, putting in some supplies for what could be a four-day journey. The idea of being alone with him now makes your mind run wild. You imagine kissing him, holding him. You shouldn’t think of such matters!

“There you are.”

You look up from the horse to see Hael standing at the entrance to the barn. “I was just preparing for the trip to Clercourt.”

“I see.” Hael strokes the horse’s neck. “I was wondering why you seemed to be keeping your distance this afternoon.”

Your face grows hot as you look at him. “Since I slept in this morning, I’ve been behind on my chores,” you chuckle to brush it off.

“I have something I need to put into the buggy. I hid it away from the monastery, since I know how you feel about such things.” He picks up a sword and places it into the back of the wagon, along with a heavy pack.

“A sword.” It shouldn’t be surprising. After all, he had one when you first met him years ago. “Are you… are you going to need it where we’re going?”

“Hopefully not. I just didn’t want to scare anyone with it.” He touches whatever is hanging around his neck again, avoiding your eyes. “Sorry for teasing you this morning.”

“Oh that? No! It's fine.” Of course you’re lying.

Hael smiles softly. “I think it was because I had just woken up. Usually, I’m alone. Having someone there was, well, different.”

You wring your hands around the rope you’re holding. “I didn’t mean to fall asleep. I should be the one apologizing.”

“Don’t. Even if it was awkward, it was nice to not feel so lonesome.”

Glancing down at your feet, you continue to pack the wagon. Hael lingers, helping you put things inside and watching what you’re doing. The next morning, once you get the children to breakfast, you and Hael bid farewell to the children and then drive away.

“If you’re cold, I packed an extra coat in the back,” you tell him. “I wasn’t sure what you were carrying with you.”

“I’m fine for now,” he murmurs.

You clear your throat and look straight ahead. “We’ll be close by nightfall, but it will be best for us to stop and rest. Then you can spend as much time as you need at Clercourt.”

“I’m not sure what will happen when we get there,” he murmurs.

You screw up your courage. “May I ask why you want to go to Clercourt? If there’s nothing there, what do you intend to do?”

Hael hangs his head. “If I tell you, I will start crying.”

“Oh. That’s fine.” You reach over and pat his arm. “You don’t have to say anything. I didn’t realize...” But it’s too late, and already tears are falling from his eyes. He hangs his head and clasps his hands around his face. “Hael,” you whisper. “I’m here, it’s okay.”

He sniffles and chuckles in the same breath. “It’s been so long, you might think I am foolish.” He raises his head and tugs the chain around his neck, revealing a ring. “I was kidnapped, much like you had been, and sold into the gladiator ring.” His nose twitches as he sniffles. “I fought all my life, and became a favorite.” His frown was deep and cut hard into the fine lines of his face. “I was moved to a house with the other favorites, and it was there I met Aramis.” He breathes the name like it’s life himself.

“I see,” I whisper. “He meant a great deal to you.”

“I loved him,” Hael confessed. “But...” The tears come fresh again as he holds the ring between his strong palms. He pressed his clasped hands to his forehead.

“I’m so sorry.” You reach out to him again, placing your hand upon his arm. “So, I take it he was from Clercourt.”

“He was. I promised him as he died that I would take something of him back with me.”

“The ring?”

“No,” he sobs. “My sword.” He wipes his face and tries to breathe. “It still has his blood on the blade.”

Your face goes slack, jaw hung open. “Hael…”

“We were put into the ring together, and it was fight or die. He told me to fight so I could…”

You turn abruptly, taking him into your arms and hugging him tight. He clings to you tightly, fingers digging into your body while he weeps onto your shoulder. You can’t imagine the pain he was put through, what he still feels after all this time.

“We’ll lay him to rest,” you reassure him. “I’ll help you.”

“You remind me of him, in your kindness and voice.” Hael smiles as you use the sleeve of your robe to wipe his cheek. “He was handsome, but not as pretty as you are.”

“Oh shush,” you chuckle.

“Thank you, again.” He takes your hand and kisses your palm. “It means a lot to have you here. I didn’t think it would matter. But now, it does.”

“Think nothing of it.”

You stop once it begins to get dark, build a fire and have a small meal. Afterwards, you lie in the back of the wagon side by side to get some sleep, gazing up at the stars. You count your blessings and say your prayers silently. “What are you whispering?” Hael asks.

“I’m praying,” you say. “For our safe trip. For Aramis. For you.”

Hael sits up and looks down at you. “Why pray for Aramis?”

You sit up and smile at him. “Because I’m sure he’s worried about you.”

Hael’s eyes grow soft and wet around the corners. He leans in, pressing a soft, fluttering kiss upon your lips. You’re shocked at first, unable to move as his kisses continue. He presses closer, resting his hand on your thighs. You kiss him in return, resting your palms on his face. “Sorry,” he whispers.

Your eyes flutter back open. “For what?”

“I’ve not felt this way since Aramis.” Hael touches your cheek. “I don’t remember how this is supposed to go.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not the one to know these things myself.” You gently tuck his hair behind his ear. “But I have held onto feelings for a long time.”

Hael kisses you again, moaning softly as his hands knead into your waist. You smile and nuzzle his cheek, kissing gently until his arms wrap tight around you. You fall asleep with him wrapped around your back, and even exposed in the cold of the night, you feel warm and safe.

In the morning you come upon the ruins of Clercourt and find one of the makeshift bridges, carrying the sword across. Hael stands looking out and over the few features that remain standing. Tears come to his eyes as he trudges away to find a spot to bury his sword. He comes to a small clearing where flowers have begun growing out of the debris - arimis flowers, which his lover had been named after.

“His mother said once he was born, she looked out the window and saw all the pink aramis had bloomed. So she chose to name him after those flowers.” Hael kneels there, tears falling onto the pink petals.

“I’ll start digging,” you say.

“No,” he sniffles. “I’ll dig. I want you to pray.”

“Are you sure?” You look at him as he begins to dig, using his hands to turn soft dirt and ash. You sigh, sitting behind him and saying your prayers out loud. Hael digs a hole big enough to lay the sword in deep enough that it can’t be unburied. You stay there for a long time in silence as he watches over the burial spot. Eventually, he rises and holds his hand out to you.

“Are you sure?” you ask again.

He smiles. “I’m ready to go back.”

You take his hand and walk clutching it until you’re back to the wagon. That evening, as you settle in to sleep, Hael comes in close, kissing your neck and cheek. His breath tickles your skin, and you turn to meet his lips. Something feels urgent in his touches as he pulls close, reaching under your shirt. He touches your skin, moving himself so you’re pressed together.

“Do you like this?” he whispers.

“Yes, of course.” You kiss him hungrily.

“Can I touch you more?”

You nod, letting him on top of you. He removes your clothes, kissing your chest and down your body. The night feels cold against your skin, but Hael’s touch lights a fire below the surface. His lips press to your hips, and with a sigh you encourage him to go further. He tugs down your pants, seeing you erect. He makes a small, nervous sound, and then he licks you. He moans against your shaft, kissing and tasting you, and his hands knead your thighs while you breathe in luxuriously. Hael takes you into his hand, stroking as he sucks at you. His mouth feels so hot, so wet. When he moans, the sound slips through your veins, making you shudder all over. He eventually lifts his head, looking up to see your expression. Grinning brightly, you pull him up to kiss you and strip away his clothes. You press against his hairy chest, running your hands down his back and strong arms.

“We don’t have to go further than that,” he whispers.

You shake your head. “Don’t stop. Not now.” You kiss him again. “I want more. Anything you want to give.”

Hael shudders and smiles. “I have a lot to give.”

You reach down, touching his shaft. You moan into his ear, stroking him and feeling his pulse against your palm. “Tell me what to do.”

“Do… do you have any oils in your kit?” Hael whispers.

“For dry skin, yes.” You reach for your bag, producing the bottle.

Hael kisses you again, laying you on your back. “Now, relax. If anything feels weird or bad, we can stop.”

You look up dreamily at him, gazing at his perfection in the moonlight. He takes the oil, rubbing it into his shaft and smearing it between your legs. You bite your lip in surprise and you gasp loudly as his fingers press inside you. “Are you okay?” he whispers.

“Yeah,” you whimper.

“How does it feel? Does it hurt at all? Does it pinch?”

You wriggle your hips a bit and sigh. “Is it supposed to?”

Hael kisses you. “If it does, tell me and I’ll stop. So please, tell me how it feels.”

You smirk and arch your back. “Kind of weird. Kind of nice.”

“I just want you to feel good,” Hael moans into your ear.

“I do. Now I want us to feel good together. I want you now.” You spread your legs more, pulling him close. His cock presses to your rear, slowly easing in with the oils.

“Are you praying?” he whispers.

You kiss him. “A little.”

You feel him pressing inside, opening you up, and it stings for a moment. Once he’s snugly inside, you whimper. “Does it hurt?” he asks again.

“A little, but...” You loop your arms around his neck. “It’ll feel better if you move a little.” You kiss him as he does. Bit by bit, his thrusts become stronger, and he presses his body and fur-covered legs tighter against you. Inside you he’s warm, and the more he moves the less you notice the pain. You breathe together, gasping, moaning, gazing at one another. His kisses are hungry and intense. Your touch digs into his arms and back.

The night drags on, and your bodies scream for rest, but you cannot get enough. When you’ve sated yourselves, Hael lays beside you, nuzzled into your neck where he breathes deeply. His legs are tangled with yours, still trembling from his release, some of your seed still on his belly. You gaze upwards, smiling into the sky. “Are you alright?” Hael asks.

“I’ll be fine.” You look at him as he lifts his head. “How about you?”

His smile is sad, but loving. “I feel happy,” he says with tears in his eyes. “I think Aramis answered my prayers.”

You wrap your arms around him. After all this time wanting to thank him for saving you, it turns out you were his blessing all along.