Kenny stayed quiet for a while, thinking deeply. Finally, he lifted his eyes to the monk.
"I will first ask Brother Kin and Brother Vixen… and only after their permission, I'll give you my answer."
The monk nodded. Kenny glanced once at Zavrion, who silently gave his approval with just a look. Kenny then walked to Kin and Vixen, explained everything, and waited. To his relief, the two brothers agreed immediately, without a second thought.
When Kenny returned to the monk and Zavrion, he sat down quietly, his face serious. Zavrion grew tense, his heart racing, afraid of what Kenny might decide.
But then Kenny broke the silence with a sudden soft smile.
"I… agree."
Zavrion's chest loosened with a sharp breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
The sacred ritual began. A silver thread was tied carefully around Kenny and Zavrion's hands, binding them together. The monk chanted holy verses, his voice echoing against the cold stone walls of the monastery. When the thread glowed faintly, the bond was sealed.
Next, the monk poured holy water into two small cups and handed them over.
"Drink," he instructed. "This is the final step."
Kenny and Zavrion lifted the cups together and drank the sacred water in unison. The liquid tasted faintly bitter, yet strangely soothing.
The monk's eyes softened.
"In a way, I have already married you two," he said with a faint smile. "If you still wish to have an official wedding in the future, you may. But know this—you are bound from this moment onward."
He then whispered a holy spell into their ears, one after another. Kenny's heart trembled at the sensation, while Zavrion felt warmth spreading through his veins like fire and honey.
When it was over, the four of them—Kin, Vixen, Kenny, and Zavrion—bowed to the monk, thanking him, before leaving the monastery. It was already late. Vixen decided they wouldn't return to the village that night. Instead, they went to a restaurant for dinner together, laughing softly as the tension of the day lifted. Afterward, they rented rooms at a nearby hotel.
While booking the rooms, Vixen turned to Kenny and asked with a smile,
"Do you want your own room tonight?"
Before Kenny could answer, Zavrion cut in immediately.
"Why would my husband sleep alone? He's staying with me."
Vixen flicked Zavrion's forehead.
"Shut up. I wasn't asking you—I was asking Kenny."
Kenny and Kin both tried to hide their laughter. Kenny shook his head, smiling faintly.
"No, I don't need a separate room. I'll stay with Zavrion. I'll be fine."
Zavrion's lips curved in satisfaction.
Later, the group went shopping together. Kenny dragged Zavrion into the trial rooms again and again, handing him outfits and making him try them one by one. Zavrion did as he was told, stepping out each time for Kenny's approval.
When he finally emerged in a light blue t-shirt, Kenny's eyes lit up. He pressed his lips together, then said softly,
"This one. It makes you look… like my husband."
Zavrion froze, stunned. His eyes widened.
"What did you just say?"
Kenny looked away quickly. "Nothing."
"Yes, you did," Zavrion insisted, stepping closer. "Say it again. Please."
Kenny's cheeks flamed red. His voice trembled as he whispered,
"...Hubby."
Zavrion's heart exploded with joy. He nearly jumped like a child, unable to contain himself.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the shop, Vixen and Kin were picking matching t-shirts. Without warning, Vixen slipped away, disappearing into a trial room. Kin panicked when he couldn't find him. But just as he was about to call out, a strong hand grabbed his wrist and pulled him inside.
Kin gasped, about to scream, when Vixen pressed his lips over Kin's mouth, silencing him with a kiss.
Kin shoved at his chest, whispering frantically,
"What are you doing? People are outside!"
"Let them see," Vixen murmured against his lips. "They'll only see a husband romancing his spouse."
Kin blushed, whispering, "You're impossible."
"Change in front of me," Vixen demanded, eyes glinting.
"I'll use the next room!" Kin protested.
"No," Vixen growled softly. "Here. In front of me."
Kin reluctantly began unbuttoning his shirt. The moment his chest was bare, Vixen couldn't hold back—his lips crashed against Kin's skin, kissing his chest, his neck, his throat.
Kin's eyes widened at the growing heat pressed against him. His voice shook,
"Not here… it's a public place."
"Then let's go back to the hotel," Vixen whispered, his voice rough.
"What about Kenny and Zavrion?" Kin asked weakly.
"They'll manage. Trust me."
With that, Vixen dragged him out after buying their clothes.
Meanwhile, Kenny was still busy shopping. He secretly bought matching underwear for himself and Zavrion, hiding the blush on his face. Afterward, they shared strawberry and vanilla ice cream before heading back to their hotel room.
By the time they arrived, Kenny was exhausted. He collapsed straight onto the bed without even changing.
"Go freshen up first," Zavrion said gently, brushing his hair back. But Kenny was already asleep, breathing softly.
Zavrion sighed fondly, then carefully picked him up. He undressed Kenny slowly, tenderly, and carried him into the bathroom. Lowering him into the warm bathwater, Zavrion slipped in as well, pressing soft kisses along Kenny's shoulders, his neck, his spine.
Kenny stirred, his body flushed from both tiredness and heat. His heart raced uncontrollably. He couldn't resist anymore. Pulling Zavrion closer, Kenny guided him inside, his voice breaking in a soft gasp.
Zavrion froze in shock at the sudden intimacy, but his own restraint shattered quickly. Desire burned hot, unstoppable, as their bodies entwined in the steaming water.
Kenny clung tightly to him, every movement making the bathroom echo with breathless gasps and moans. The world outside ceased to exist. There was only the water, the heat, the hunger, and each other.
When it was finally over, Zavrion carried Kenny back to bed. They lay tangled together, skin to skin, Kenny's head resting against Zavrion's chest. Sleep took them both, wrapped in warmth and the unbreakable bond of the ritual they had just sealed.
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