Chapter Text
He stood amidst the Lycoris garden, and before him the elegant portal of shattered glass awaited.
There, a small shimmer of gold caught his eye. At the foot of the portal’s frame rested an ornate concert ticket. As he reached for it, he realized this wasn’t just any concert ticket, however. It was for a reserved VIP seat.
He had crossed this boundary a number of times. No such thing had ever appeared in the past. Phrolova had made it clear that despite the portal’s existence, it had never been an invitation to visit. Perhaps she wanted to be extra clear that this time there was an invitation for him, and him alone.
Hesitantly he gazed upon that magical threshold, weighing the potential consequences of accepting such an invitation.
Despite everything, she still wanted to see him. But since their last meeting, numerous questions plagued his mind. Was remaining in her life indulging her clinging to the past? Would he do something else to hurt her somehow? Their paths were so different. What good did it do either of them to try and keep their fates intertwined?
This time, he had avoided making any promises. So he wasn’t breaking any if he chose to walk away now.
But she had been right. Ever since their last meeting, she was practically all he could think about. Not just because of their activities, but because of… everything about her.
He knew that once he stepped into that realm, their entire relationship would change permanently.
And if their desires truly no longer aligned, then the visit would be his last.
Phrolova stood behind the curtain, donning the black dress as she once did during her performances long passed.
The red velvet was once a threshold of hope. Hope that she could find a single thread of the future. Hope that she could move forward. Hope that someone would see her. Hope that the one who had… actually returned as promised.
Now it was a reminder of crushing sorrow. The single thread of hope she encountered snapped as soon as it had been spun. It broke something in her. The last vestiges of life in a girl who should have died long ago.
So why was she here once again? Was her heart already too shattered to crumble even further? Was there simply nothing to lose? Or had an ember drifted into her long-extinguished pyre, daring to try and reignite it?
Perhaps her presence could be defined as hope renewed. And she found the chance worth taking one more time.
Taking a deep breath, she closed her eye and stepped past the precipice. The echo of her heels clacking against the wooden floor filled what sounded like an empty room. Despite this, she manifested her violin - her gem - placed it upon her shoulder, and began to play.
What once was only laced with sorrow and mourning now carried a lightness to it that signified that regained hope, as well as a celebration of lives previously lost but cherished all the same.
Voices of the past.
A small but visible smile graced her lips as she let those emotions carry her. In this moment, it didn’t really matter if anyone was listening. It was the piece she had struggled so hard to perfect after years and years. Only upon her ‘death’ had she realized the gem she had sought was not power shed by a divinity, real or false, but a part of her.
And as she finally concluded, she bowed. Though no applause followed as it once did, she kept that position for just a bit longer.
It was the moment of truth. She raised back up, and opened her eye.
There in the VIP seat, previously empty over countless performances, sat a black haired man with golden eyes. He smiled gently, knowing that applause wasn’t really what she needed right now.
Phrolova sucked in a breath as her violin disappeared in a shimmer, a sob following as a tear trailed down her cheek. She took a couple of steps and tore free the black laced fabric covering her other eye as if she needed full vision to truly believe.
Rover stood and entered the aisle, taking a few steps of his own, but his slow approach wasn’t enough for her.
She ran, as fast as she could, desperately eager to close that distance, until she finally reached him, thrust her arms around his body and wept harder than she ever had. Her legs failed her and Rover knelt with her as she all but put her entire weight on him, taking him with her to the floor.
He didn’t say anything in that moment. Just held her as she shed centuries of heartache and loneliness, staining his shirt with a seemingly endless fountain of tears. This outpouring of emotion had been a long time coming, and he was determined to be here as long as she needed.
Over time, her sobs began to quiet until she finally pulled back enough to meet Rover’s gaze with red, puffy eyes and offered a weak, but sincere, smile.
“I must look abhorrent…” Her voice wavered, strained from her cries.
“I’ve never seen anyone more radiant.” He responded warmly as he wiped away some of her tears, forcing her to use what little strength she had to prevent another stream of them.
“You finally finished it…” He added, “It was wonderful.”
“And you came once I did… As you promised…”
Rover shook his head slightly. “It still should have been sooner. I shouldn’t have kept you waiting.”
“Mm, you are not absolved… however… perhaps some trust has been regained and I will consider… allowing you to make up for lost time.”
As he gazed into the eyes reflecting that sea of red and blue, Rover was struck with a sudden desire. Grasping Phrolova’s chin gently, he tilted her head up and leaned forward.
But she pulled back, a quiet resolve forming in her gaze.
“Wait... I... do not wish to continue the hollow physical exchange I initiated during your last visit... I was damaged... Angry. I desired to hurt you, yet… I still wished your return. I feared if I rebuked you too harshly, you would think to stay away. To avoid causing me further pain…
“But that evening only satisfied sexual pleasure… Neither of us truly desire such dissonance between our feelings and actions…
“All this time, despite my frustration, agony, resentment... My true feelings for you never waned... Our symphony, though majestic, was too brief. I always yearned to see you again...
“I had found a harmonic, kindred spirit... I knew it that very evening that my heart could only belong to you. And when our paths finally crossed once more after so long, after I had finally given up, I knew I truly could not discard the desire embedded in my very soul...
“You abandoned your memories, everything you had in life... but you are still yourself. The same man I met hundreds of years ago. The same man my heart will forever crave...
“So I plead to you... do not show me such affection carelessly... I do not want pity, nor shallow physical connections. I will give you one chance, and one chance only.
“If you wish to truly have me, and allow me to have you, souls intertwined forevermore...
“Only then may your lips grace mine…”
Rover didn’t waste a second, slipping his hand behind Phrolova’s head and guiding her into a kiss - gentle, but full of emotion and a new promise, not through words, but action; A complete contrast to the kisses they shared the other night.
And the ashy-haired woman pressed into it fully, her hands clutching at his jacket so tightly as if she feared he would vanish if she let go. Fresh tears fell from her eyes as she felt that once unbearable ache in her soul finally began to lift, leaving her feeling lighter than ever.
Phrolova couldn’t stop herself from letting out a soft whine as he pulled away, but the comforting smile and gentle caress of his hand upon her cheek kept her eyes shimmering with joy.
“I may not have my memories anymore, but I felt something I couldn’t place when I was near you… You asked me if I had any regrets, and somehow I knew deep down why you were asking. It’s much clearer now. You’re the one I’ve always been meant to be with.
“I… after everything, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness… But if you’re truly giving me this chance, I’d be a fool not to take it…”
“Hmnh... How do I allow myself to still be so easily charmed by you? Perhaps we are both fools…” Phrolova blushed, reaching for one of his hands and taking it in hers.
“Let us… Start over.” She continued, gradually closing the distance between them, “Create a brand new symphony between us... One far grander than before…”
They kissed deeply, the tenderness and warmth making her heart thump strongly against her chest. It wasn’t anything like their kisses from their previous night together, yet it elated her far more; It was as if it poured life into her very soul.
Neither were eager to let this one end, with Phrolova letting her other hand gently sift through his hair, and Rover slipping his hand around her nape to keep her close.
For the first time in centuries she was surrendering her entire self, and it felt amazing.
She would toss away those memories filled with so much sorrow, etching new ones into their place, starting with this one.
They parted to take a breath, using this chance to once again look into each other’s eyes. The violinist’s now matched, the one once hidden no longer reflecting that pained, darkened red. She squeezed his hand affectionately, tilting her head as the most beautiful smile graced her lips.
“Take me home…?” Phrolova whispered. Rover nodded, standing and assisting her with the hand already taken by hers.
Then, without warning, he slipped one arm beneath her knees and the other around her back, lifting her into a princess carry. She let out a surprised squeak - an unexpected sound from one so composed - as she quickly wrapped her arms around his neck for support.
“Surely you do not take me for some delicate storybook maiden…” Her eyes narrowed, though her blush betrayed any real irritation.
“Oh, should I put you down?”
“Hmm, I’ll indulge your frivolous fairytale cliches… for now…” A faint smile graced her, eliciting a soft laugh from Rover as he carried her out of the concert hall.
Despite her initial protest, Phrolova had no complaints allowing Rover to carry her the entire way to her cottage. She basked in his warmth for the journey, her head resting against his shoulder. Once they entered, he assumed he’d set her down, but she clutched him tighter, tilting her head up and motioning him to keep moving until they reached the bed.
He placed her upon it gently and her hands urged him to follow, leaving him hovering over her as she looked up at him. Her eyes used to reflect an elusiveness, which then settled into hostility when they hit the end of the line in the search for the gem. Now they were warm, inviting, hopeful - Something his current self had only seen in that ancient memory she had shown him of their first meeting.
Slender fingers brushed against his cheek, neither of them uttering any words for some time.
“You okay?” Rover finally asked quietly. Phrolova nodded, her gentle smile never once wavering.
“I am merely taking time to admire what is mine…”
“What a coincidence, that’s what I was doing too.”
Phrolova snaked her arms around his neck, guiding him down into another tender kiss and Rover responded in kind. And plenty more followed. Kiss after kiss they savored the taste of each other amidst their renewed connection. Though, both of them felt something simmering within, a need for more. When they parted, they both could sense the change in atmosphere and what it implied. Phrolova spoke first, her hauntingly beautiful voice gracing his ears.
“Forgive me for my aggression our past evening together... This time, I desire to claim each other as our true selves… Embrace harmony between us, and allow passion to make us whole. Finally, and with hatred no longer…”
“I’d like that… and please forgive me for… calling you uh…” Rover trailed off, the shame of his previous words suddenly hitting him like ice water.
“A… slut?” She instead finished for him, tilting her head and offering an unexpected, playful smile. “Indeed, I tend to detest such vulgarity… However, in times like this, entangled in a duet that graces no ears but our own…”
Phrolova leaned right up to his ear, her hot breath making the situation even more intimate than it already was, and continued in a mere whisper, “You may call me whatever you wish…”
“N-noted…” He stuttered. His hope was that she would forgive him, not encourage more of that behavior. She could see the confusion in his eyes and chuckled ever so lightly.
“I want to shed the animosity of that night, but do not misunderstand and think I did not enjoy the results of my provocation… I would very much like to again be ravaged by the oh-so-righteous Rover’s unleashed side.
But we shall save that for the future… Tonight, please show me your devotion…”
“Anything for you…” He responded, taking one of her hands and kissing her knuckle gently. The simple gesture still managed to captivate her, but despite her appreciation for such adoration, she needed him to take her already. A need she punctuated by pulling him into a much more passionate kiss.
There was no hasty tearing of clothes this time. Rover undressed Phrolova slowly, silently admiring her flawless pale skin as more came into view. Hands were never once idle as they gradually shed layers until nothing remained between them. He then proceeded to touch her all over, with a care and reverence she had never once experienced. She had long since discarded any interest in being physical with another person, having been so laser-focused on her one goal for centuries. Now that she was here, with him, every inch of her felt as if it had been encased in ice and only with his caress could she regain the warmth of life.
Soft gasps escaped Phrolova as more and more nerves were reignited, biting her knuckle to stifle louder cries. How even these gentle touches were frazzling her mind was beyond comprehension. The entire surface of her body had never felt so sensitive. Now the fire inside of her was blazing, causing her to start squirming in anticipation. She would distract herself by scanning him with her hands as well, enjoying the immaculate form of a warrior now reserved solely for her; Scattered scars were stories she would ask him to tell later, strong arms that she wished would hold her forever. Every aspect of him was pure perfection.
As he began to add a stream of kisses all along her flesh, Phrolova immersed herself in the feeling of finally being wanted, being loved. Not just by anyone, but by him - The only one that she herself had ever dreamed of having in such a way. Her heart was absolutely pounding as she let her hands sift through his hair, helping guide him along her body.
For once, her guard was completely down. And there was no fear, no pain, only a sense of elation. The way he worshipped her proved his feelings for her. There was no doubt in her mind that he wasn’t taking advantage of this situation to just get more physical satisfaction. Because every so often, his golden eyes would meet hers again and there was an undeniable sense of sincerity in them. He had broken her trust in the past, but his gaze reassured her far beyond the words of promise she once clung to.
As Rover moved back up to kiss her again, Phrolova’s arms and legs wrapped around him. Impatience was getting the best of her. Indeed, her flushed face, racing pulse, and dripping pussy were more than enough to express just how much she needed him.
“I cannot wait any longer… Make love to me, and bring me to a divine crescendo, will you?” She whispered in her airy, enchanting voice. Rover nodded, kissing her again as he aligned, finally pushing into her with one smooth motion.
Her breath was taken from her as she was completely and utterly filled. It was different this time. This time, she knew he was truly hers - In both body and soul. And she was his as well. She hoped with time that her insides would mold to him, making his cock the one true key to her body.
She never took her eyes off of him as he began to thrust into her at a steady rhythm. More and more the heat built within her as she relished those long drags of his thick shaft throughout her snug passage. She squeezed him tightly, inside and out, making sure he would stay around her and within her as much as possible. Tonight she could soak in the gradual increase of pleasure, knowing the heights it would eventually bring her to. Her breaths grew more shallow, with scattered soft moans that were often swallowed by kisses.
They didn’t need many words, only whispers of names into each other’s ear, or Phrolova gently begging him for more. Tears once again welled in her eyes as she clutched Rover tighter, rocking her hips against him as she urged him to go faster. He was more than happy to oblige, eventually reaching the point to where he was truly fucking her good and hard. She could hardly believe how in tune he was with her body. He could hit all the right spots, move at just the right pace, or thrust with the perfect amount of strength. It all served as more proof that they were made for each other.
The violinist reached for one of his hands, intertwining their fingers as her moans grew louder, the warrior squeezed her hand as his grunts grew harsher, and together their hips collided with firm smacks - All of it brilliantly mixed to form the symphony she had so long yearned for. The blissful pulsing in her core soon reached an unbearable state, and Rover’s throbbing intensified until finally they climaxed, both of them letting go in a moment of shared ecstasy.
Phrolova cried out his name, her mind soaring through a sea of colors as her body spasmed beneath her lover, feeling him pump her womb full as he painted her insides white with his seed.
Rover rolled to her side as they took heavy breaths, only to feel the comforting warmth of his partner’s body drape over him shortly after.
“Mm, now that was a brilliant performance, dear Rover…” Phrolova finally spoke, a satisfied smile gracing her lips.
“You set a high bar with yours. I have to give it my all.” He chuckled softly.
The ashy-haired girl pushed up, placing her lips upon his and kissing him affectionately. Their eyes met as they parted, with Rover’s hand gently cupping her cheek.
“I love you, Phrolova.”
Her breath hitched as she finally heard those words. She already knew, but hearing them still filled her with a feeling of pure contentment.
“That love is fully returned, dear Rover…
“Now, I hope you realize I will be requesting an encore… perhaps a double…”
Rover let out a short, breathless laugh as he slipped his hand behind her neck, agreeing via a passionate kiss and continuing the night that signified the beginning of their new symphony. One that was certain to outdo any other.