Tiefling Boyfriends: Tivio & Menos (special preview)

You’re a bit shocked, no one ever asks for you specifically, even in the temple you are looked over for everything. Well, except for doing the jobs no one else wants to do, like getting wood. You’ve always had a feeling they didn’t see you as good enough. Ever since you were a child, you’d always been a bit chubbier than the others, and they often made you aware of this. 

“You’d really ask for me to go?” Your voice is quiet and unsure.

Tivio points up to the window. “Usually by now someone would come out to see who is pestering the young lady. So far, no one has cared. I don’t think we want anyone like that in our party. So what do you say?”

You screw your mouth into a tight line. Tivio has made a very good point. Why has no one come to check on you? Surely they at least needed the wood. You felt anger bubble up inside, old resentments you’d buried are rising from their graves.

“Money,” you blurt out. Your fists are balled up in your robe. “And you need to get me good winter attire!” You then insist. “I will not travel with you until you do.”

Tivio smiles brightly. “I would prefer you to be prepared for the harsh journey as well. Very well then.” He reaches into his pocket then produces a gold coin. “Take this now, we’ll split the money at the end of the journey.”

You grip the gold coin in your hand, slowly accepting your fate.

“Go and get your things,” Menos snaps.

You look at him. “I don’t have much. Nothing I would want to take with me anyways.” You shake your head. “I would rather leave now than have to explain myself to-” You glance at the temple then scoff. “They won’t miss me.”

“That’s sad,” Menos sniffs. “Fine then.” He takes off his coat and hands it to you. “Wear this for pete’s sake.”

“Awe, that’s so sweet Menos. When did you become such a sof-” Tivio isn’t able to finish before Menus kicks the backs of his knees and makes him fall to the ground.

“Whose soft?” Menos smirks.

“Fair point,” Tivio sneers as he picks himself up. He then chuckles as he sees your stunned expression. “Ignore us, we’re not brothers but we might as well be.”

“We’re both assholes, so best get used to it.” Menos flicks his nose with his thumb. “Now get that coat on, we’ll get you supples at the next town.”

You hurriedly slip on the coat and follow along with them. You then get a horrible idea in your head. “Wait!” You gasp. You run back to the wheelbarrow and with a small chant you ignite it on fire.

You then race back to them. “Ok, I’m ready.”

Menos’ grin is crooked, stretching further on the right side. “What was that for?”

You shake your head. “Nothing to worry about.”

The three of you make it to the neighboring village by nightfall. There, you find a room above the pub. It’s loud and raucous, which isn’t surprising due to how close it was to the mountain. Perilogos Mountain was home to several dangerous feats, monsters included, but as well as a host of rough gangs. There was the Black Hogs who had been the main reason for the abandonment of the original Temple of Pelor. 

“I think I will go get a drink.” Tivio’s bright and handsome expression doesn’t seem the sort to fit in in the pub below.

“Your funeral,” Menos grumbles. 

Tivio looks surprised by this. “You don’t want to come? It looked like they were having wagers on fights. I was hoping to bet on you.”

Menos gives him a harsh glare. “How stupid are you to leave this one alone?” He points his thumb at you. 

Tivio’s smile returns. “She could go with us.”

“I know you’re an idiot, but I didn’t realize just how stupid you were.” Menos sits on the bed and takes his boots off. “Go get your drink, I’ll make sure nothing gets this one.”

Tivio approaches you and gently tucks your hair behind your ear. “Will you be alright alone with the grouch?” 

Your cheeks burn from Tivio’s touch, as well as the soft scent of lavender that follows him. “I’ll be ok. I just plan on trying to get some sleep.”

His fingers brush down your arm and take hold of your hand. “Well, if anything happens, set a fire and I’ll come to your rescue.” He raises your palm, kissing your fingers. “I shall return later.”

Your heart is in your throat and you clutch your kissed hand close to your chest.

You turn and look at Menos who is rubbing oil into his tail. “You can go too if you really want to.”

Menos just glares at you.

You look down at the ground then take off your robe. Underneath, all you have on is a simple dress tied at the waist with a piece of rope. You sit down on the opposite bed to take your boots off.