errenis | go where you are free [yussagast modern AU]

Separate spheres. He nods. That only makes sense. Caleb had assumed as much anyway. He'd assumed Yussa might want that even after the end of term, actually. It isn't as though they are talking about dating, or a relationship more involved than occasional sex. Are they?

He does reach for the honey and add a generous dollop to his tea. The taste is much more tolerable once it's stirred in, and he gives a brief smile, grateful for the suggestion.

The reminder that he could also be in a position to potentially ruin Yussa's new position here, and his standing in general, clearly strikes a chord in Caleb. He shakes his head, frowning.

"I have no interest in making things difficult for you," he says seriously. "Truly, nothing appeals to me less than making accusations about someone who does not deserve it. It was a grueling and painful enough process trying to remove someone who was guilty of abuse. I have had enough of that circus for a lifetime."

The way the school and the Assembly had protected Ikithon for years hasn't left Caleb with a whole lot of confidence that he would be listened to anyway. But then, Ikithon had been entrenched in this institution; Yussa is an entirely new addition, and not even from the Empire besides. It is a delicate thing, but Yussa is right; this trust does go both ways.

"Well," he demurs. "Then I am interested in continuing our... exploration. I should like to know you better, Caleb Widogast. And, at the risk of blurring lines, I do look forward to seeing what you're made of, both in and out of my classroom."

There's something coy there, a smile that's quickly hidden by a sip from his cup. That gives him some relief. He lowers his cup again, golden eyes still bright but his expression more placid.

"In that event..." He looks down and plucks a pen up from his desk. In an elegant hand, he writes something on a sticky note, then passes it to Caleb. A phone number. "I know you were perhaps hoping to avoid this, but I leave the ball in your court, as it were."

Caleb is grateful that Yussa doesn't press him any further on that matter. The challenge he presents is much more exciting. "I look forward to impressing you in the classroom. And continuing to impress you out of it."

The bright, flirtatious glint in his eye is dimmed a little when Yussa hands over his own number, putting the next step of this, whatever it is, in Caleb's hands. He is right, of course. He'd put this choice in Yussa's hands originally to take it out of his own, and perhaps avoid a little embarrassment due to his own over-eagerness. But they are a little past the point of embarrassment now. It takes him only a moment to memorize the sequence of digits before he tucks the note into his bag with a look of resignation.

"If you leave this to me, you will be getting a message today," he warns, while they're going for honesty.

"I should hope so," he answers lightly. "I am finished on campus at six o'clock, and I have nothing planned for this evening."

That, at least, is entirely true. Yussa had planned for a quiet dinner and perhaps some lesson planning, but he would welcome company for the evening. He finds Caleb agreeable so far, even if they do not know each other well. Something about the younger man's bearing, his way of moving through the world. Yussa is intrigued to know more about him, but that may take time, and for good reason.

From the way Caleb's eyes widen, it's clear that sounds to him too good to be true. But there is no catch. Yussa not only welcomes the idea of speaking to him again today, but possibly even seeing him again tonight.

"I--ja, my evening is free also," he agrees. "Would you...like some company?"

Technically, he is making the first move. But Yussa has made it easy for him, for which he is immensely grateful.

Yussa lowers his lashes, almost like the way a contented cat might slowly blink, and finishes his cup of tea.

"I would enjoy that. Take some time, let me know when you wish to come by after your classes are through for the day."

He thinks it would be best if Caleb gets through his day first before making any extensive plans for the evening, but Yussa does find himself hoping that the young man will still be up to it.

Caleb nods, earnest. "Yes. I will message a little later."

He sips at his tea again, thinking it would probably be rude to leave it unfinished after Yussa went to the trouble of offering it.

"I am also looking forward to knowing you better, Yussa. Very much." His smile is somewhere between earnest, bashful, and playful. They talk a little more before they have to go their separate ways--though not for long, Caleb hopes. It is a strange situation to be sure, but he finds that he is oddly grateful for it. He programs Yussa's number into his phone and texts it several hours later, when his last class is finished. After a short exchange, they agree to meet at Yussa's home at eight-thirty, after Yussa gets held up a little longer than anticipated. He mentions having drinks, and Caleb readily agrees.

Maybe it is a little too much effort, but Caleb changes his clothes before he goes over. If Yussa is going to invite him into his home, he can at the very least wear a shirt that doesn't have threadbare holes at the elbows and pants that actually fit him--for the portion of the evening he remains clothed, anyway. The warm light grey sweater and black jeans he saves for slightly nicer occasions are passable, he thinks.

Tonight he sees Yussa's kitchen, and he gets to impress him a little by making their first round of drinks: a bourbon, orange, and ginger cocktail that Yussa compliments immediately after the first sip.

They talk about Caleb's studies, his change in focus from evocation to transmutation, how he returned to the Academy only last year after a long absence to pursue an advanced degree, making him quite a bit older than most of his peers (the human ones, anyway). Yussa seems surprised and intrigued by how much Caleb has been able to learn in the intervening years through self-study alone. He wonders what he would think if he told him that he filled most of his spellbook in only a year, but keeps that to himself for the time being.

Helped along by a little booze, the conversation is easy and enjoyable, and Caleb very much enjoys Yussa's insights, his thoughtful questions, and his dry humor. Even if this was to be the extent of their evening, he would be fine with that--though with how much they've been flirting, he doesn't think that will be the case.

Yussa is annoyed that he's stopped on his way out of his office, but he endures an impromptu faculty meeting with as much patience as he can muster. He was looking forward to seeing Caleb anyway, but now he has even more reason to want to unwind with agreeable company.

By the time Caleb arrives, Yussa is still dressed in what he'd taught in earlier that day, save for one key difference: the black turtleneck he'd worn beneath the white blouse is gone. The simple binder he wore beneath it and his warm skin are quite evident beneath the thin fabric. And he finds himself quietly delighted when Caleb mixes the first round of drinks. He loves the warmth of the ginger, and between the cocktail and the company, he's in a far better mood before long.

He is fascinated by Caleb's apparent skill - self-study is not easy, and to be accepted into the program Caleb must have made his talent clear. Yussa itches to ask him more, but reserves some of his curiosity. He can parcel it out - he isn't interested in interrogating the younger wizard tonight.

Yussa makes the second round of drinks with rum, ginger beer (to stay on theme), and lime. His part of the conversation involves a bit of well-earned complaining about the last minute meeting that delayed his night, a little bit about how he got this job in the first place - or rather, how it was offered to him - and some about his time in Nicodranas. The story of the Open Quay is usually good for some amusement.

By the end of the second round, Yussa is feeling pleasantly warm, and he's ended up sitting much closer to Caleb on the couch. He is very handsome, somehow moreso now that Yussa's been able to see him in the daylight. Or perhaps it's his intelligence and dry wit that's added to the attraction.

When there's a natural lull in the conversation, Yussa says:

"Should we discuss... I don't know, boundaries? Expectations?" Perhaps he should have brought that up earlier. He's far more interested in kissing Caleb right now, but he feels he should at least make the attempt.

The more Caleb drinks, the more difficult it becomes to pretend he isn't spending a lot of time looking at Yussa's chest. The white blouse isn't quite sheer, but near enough to it that what's beneath is more than hinted at. Last night, Caleb found Yussa devastatingly attractive, somehow he has only become more so over the course of the day. Not only is he sexy, smart, and powerful (and rich enough to own an entire district in Nicodranas, apparently?), but he is also witty, considerate, and very endearing as he complains about the last minute meeting that kept him late.

Despite this morning surprise, Caleb is incredibly happy to be tipsy on his couch together, close enough that they could nearly be cuddling. In a moment of quiet, he considers finally putting his arm around Yussa properly, though that's interrupted when he speaks again.

"That is probably wise," he agrees, though the topic makes him nervous. He does have boundaries when it comes to sex that he needs to enforce for his own safety. But it is always expectations that ruin a thing like this. Admitting to wanting something the other does not tends to make things awkward. Caleb, who's found that he usually wants too much, has learned to just agree with whatever is on the table.

His second drink is nearly gone, so he finishes the rest with a long gulp and sets the empty glass aside. "So what do you want from me, Yussa?" he flirts, bracing an arm against the back of the couch to lean closer to the elf with a warm smile and a suggestively raised brow. He is not going to let this conversation sap away the good mood he's established, he decides.

"Oh, sweet boy," he murmurs, more relaxed and more open with a bit of liquid help. He brushes his fingers along Caleb's jaw. "I want many things."

Yussa saw the brief flash of uncertainty or tension at the start of this conversation. Caleb has more nerves than he might have imagined last night. He'll try not to exacerbate them.

"I want you to be clear if there is anything you do not want. And I want you to be exceedingly clear when there is something you do want." There's a flash of wickedness in his grin. "Even if you must beg."

He doesn't think he's read Caleb wrong, not after what he's seen so far.

Oh, gods. The soft flush turning Caleb's pale skin pink deepens, and he feels a stab of heat in his gut. The way his lips part with a sharp inhale and his eyes widen by a fraction has to give him away. But what could he possibly want more than to be Yussa's sweet boy and beg for the privilege? Yussa's fingertips rake lightly through his beard, and he swallows hard.

"Ja," he agrees, a breathy husk to his voice that wasn't there before. His gaze can't seem to leave Yussa's face. "I can do that."

He wants to ask (beg, even) to kiss Yussa right now, but that would cut this conversation rather short. Which might not be such a bad thing, except that Yussa has asked him to be clear.

"I--I want to give you pleasure, primarily, even if it excludes my own. I want to earn your approval, and whatever you may see fit to reward me with should I do well. I enjoy praise, but only if it is deserved. I like to be told what to do. But I do not enjoy, um...when the goalposts shift midway, so to speak, or being set up to fail. I do not like being tied down to things, and I cannot do leather restraints at all, but other kinds are okay with pre-negotiation. I do like a little pain--pulling my hair, biting, scratching, slapping. I would probably enjoy more intense pain as well, on a case-by-case basis. Punishment is good, as long as I am allowed to make up for whatever displeased you. Teasing is welcome, and I like to be told what I am good for. You can be mean, but not, ah...cruel, if that makes sense?"

Red-faced, Caleb lays out his own desires and limits as well as he knows how to. There is probably more, but he feels like he has spoken so much already.

Yussa wants to lean in, to close the scant space still left between them, but he tries to wait. He wants to hear Caleb out, even if every word enflames his desire. Some of the things Caleb says, the limits he sets, sound like they are in place due to bad experiences, and Yussa finds himself annoyed that anyone could use this man with cruelty, in any context.

He finally gives in and presses a kiss to Caleb's slightly parted lips.

"I do not enjoy setting up anyone to fail." Not if he is invested in him. "And while I think I might like being mean to you, I will never be cruel. I will bear all this in mind, but it remains my requirement that you speak up should anything be heading in a direction you do not want."

If Caleb is putting himself in Yussa's care, then honesty is the only way forward for both of them. He kisses Caleb again, aware that he will be the reason for the breakdown of the conversation at this rate. He breathes a soft sigh and it almost sounds like longing. He should hold up his end of this.

"I don't mind rough handling, may even encourage it if I am in the right mood," he says, still quite close. "But there is a difference between that and inflicting pain with no other purpose. I am not interested in the latter. There will be days when I have no interest or energy to wield authority once I am off the Academy grounds, I hope that will not be a disappointment. If it will be, we'll simply not make arrangements on those days."

Caleb tries not to melt after that first kiss, but it is difficult to resist. He manages to at least nod in earnest understanding as Yussa continues speaking, absorbing and remembering his words. When it seems a verbal response is required of him to ensure he understands and knows he is expected to say something if his comfort is encroached on, he murmurs, "I am not here to be hurt. If my boundaries are being pushed, I will tell you."

He thinks perhaps that will be all, because Yussa kisses him again, and Caleb allows himself to lean into it fully this time, sliding his arm down from the back of the couch to curl behind Yussa's back--but he pulls away again with a sigh that Caleb feels in his bones. Gods, he wants him. But that can wait, because Caleb wants to know Yussa's own limits as well. Gently, his hand rubs up and down in short motions against the small of the elven wizard's back as he explains.

That Yussa encourages rough handling ignites Caleb's interest in a way he hadn't expected it to. He's never had a lover so much smaller than him, and he hadn't imagined it would appeal to him particularly. Apparently he was wrong about that. Last night, having to stretch Yussa open so thoroughly for his cock was incredibly arousing. Caleb is average at best for a human man, but to Yussa he is big, and there is something undeniably appealing in that. It makes him feel just a little more special, a little more capable of giving Yussa what he wants. But pain is something he is very much not interested in inflicting, and he nods gratefully, glad that they are on the same page there.

While incorrect, that Yussa thinks it is possible he might only be interested in his ability to take control is understandable, given what Caleb has outlined so far. But he shakes his head at once when he voices the idea that seeing him on days that he does not feel up to that might be a disappointment. That could not be further from the truth.

"No, no," he assures quickly, "I certainly do not expect that from you every time we meet. I understand that it can be exhausting, especially if you are already tired. I would be happy to see you even without that dynamic in play." Lifting his hand to Yussa's face and brushing his thumb lightly along his cheekbone in an exceptionally tender gesture, Caleb offers a soft smile. "For example, I am enjoying your company now quite a lot."

Yussa had complained of his last-minute meeting draining his energy; Caleb sees no reason to make him do anything tonight except relax and feel good.

Yussa relaxes more into Caleb's arms as he offers that reassurance. Well, that's good to know. He appreciates the candid response and the fact that Caleb is interested in more than power dynamics. Good. That opens a lot more doors for them and Yussa enjoys exploring. Even if he has been through them before himself, it's always different with someone new.

"I think we've sorted things out for now," he murmurs against Caleb's mouth. "We can discuss more as it comes up."

That said, he kisses the younger man again and slides closer until he's nearly in Caleb's lap. After all he's learned so far, Caleb's mouth is utterly distracting and he realizes it may be best to blow off steam so that he doesn't think about it - even in passing - while they share a classroom. Yussa does not worry about keeping his interests separate, but having an outlet will make it easier still.

Yussa breaks the kiss somewhat abruptly, but he still doesn't pull away very far. Enough to allow both of them to speak.

"Do you have anything else to add?"

Very agreeable, Caleb's arm grows tighter around Yussa the closer he gets, keeping him there as they kiss. Already he wants more, wants to feel him splayed over his lap, his weight settled over his groin. But Yussa doesn't quite get there before the kiss stops again quite suddenly. Caleb nearly groans in frustrated disappointment.

"Nein, no," he breathes urgently, eyes sliding open and growing darker as heat builds under his skin. "We have covered the important things."

Boldly, his hand slides down Yussa's back to cup his ass. Caleb's head tilts and his mouth wanders away from Yussa's for just long enough to tease his earlobe with his tongue, then a light scrape of teeth.

"Though I should ask what you are up for tonight," he concedes. Long, gracefully tapered arcanist's fingers follow the curve of his ass down until they can dip between his legs and rub lightly over his cunt through his dark trousers. "Are you sore from yesterday at all?"

Yussa gets into a better position with Caleb's help and wandering hands. He closes his eyes as the other man's warm mouth finds his neck, and he breathes in sharply as clever fingers tease between his thighs. He's certainly already feeling sharp arousal and the teasing pressure sends a jolt right through him.

"Some, but I so no reason why that should stop us," he murmurs, voice heavier as he moves his hands. One tries to get beneath Caleb's sweater while the other slides over the front of Caleb's jeans, wondering if the conversation excited him. "I will tell you if anything is too much."

Of that Caleb can always be sure. Yussa lifts his head to guide Caleb into another kiss, this one more demanding as his tongue sweeps into his lover's mouth.

Yussa's exploration certainly yields results; there is a definite stiffness in Caleb's jeans, his cock half hard from conversation and kissing alone. He barely manages to bite back what probably would have been an embarrassing moan at the sudden direct touch. But Yussa will certainly be able to feel the way the muscles in his stomach quiver and clench, with little to prevent him from getting his hand under his sweater and the thin shirt beneath.

"Good," Caleb murmurs, though his accent is heavy enough that it sounds more like the Zemnian version of the word. "You were so eager for me to finish inside you last night that I intend to do it again."

In that low, playful declaration is a veiled question he should have asked sooner: is that still all right?

His fingers give another slow caress between Yussa's legs, this one with more deliberate pressure now that he knows Yussa is not tender enough for it to be a deterrent. Even through the layers of fabric he can feel the heat of the older man's cunt, it suddenly he desperately doesn't want either of them to be dressed any longer.

"Yes," he purrs in agreement in answer to that declaration. Gods, that is exactly what he wants, and hearing Caleb say it so confidently sends another rush of arousal sinking through him. He's certain that he is well on his way to being quite wet, especially when the memory of last night joins everything happening now. Yussa feels like a dam has broken and he is happy to get swept away in having physical intimacy again. He guides Caleb into another kiss and tips his hips, trying to encourage the younger man's touch.

His other hand drops down to join the first in working Caleb's pants open. Zipper, then fly, then his hand can slip beneath to palm his cock through his smalls. His thumb strokes against the hot flesh hidden by thin fabric and he breathes a soft sigh. Caleb might only be half hard, but Yussa does not doubt for a second his ability to encourage the younger man all the way there.

As they kiss, Caleb indulges Yussa in a little more of the same friction through his trousers, but he is just as eager to get past that barrier as well. The kiss breaks with Caleb's gasp as Yussa is the first to succeed in that, reaching into his jeans and stroking his cock with only his smalls between them. His length pulses, heavy and hot, under that touch and he can barely keep his hips from jumping up to meet it. He isn't going to remain half hard for long.

Caleb's hands are hurried as he works open on the buttons at Yussa's waist, and as soon as he is able to, slips a hand inside and into his smalls to cup his cunt in his palm. Two fingers crook up and rub along his slit, spreading the slickness there as a hum of approval rumbles in Caleb's chest at how warm he feels.

"How many fingers should I give you first, hm?" he wonders, low and rough with want. "Are you open enough for two?"

Yussa's breathing changes as Caleb gets a hand beneath his clothes, quickly finding his slick slit. He rocks his hips, chasing the light friction now that they are bare skin against skin, even if it is only like this. Yussa bites the other man's bottom lip and feels another little surge of wetness as Caleb proposes two right away. It's not quite twenty-four hours since they last fucked.

"Try it," he murmurs by way of encouragement, his accent heavier. He's excited, he was well-fucked last night, and after a couple of drinks he's feeling wonderfully relaxed - it might be possible. And if it's not, Yussa knows Caleb will take care of him. He's also finding he quite likes the way Caleb talks when he's feeling bold.

With one hand between Yussa's legs, the other slides up his back beneath his shirt. Caleb licks his lips, the bottom one smarting, and makes an approving noise. His fingers drag back and forth through his folds, skimming over his clit and testing his entrance. He feels slick and soft, inviting, and when Caleb presses slowly deeper, his cunt yields for both fingers together.

"Oh, yes," he breathes. They sink in all the way to the last knuckle, cradled in his tight heat. He could barely fit one in first thing last night, and now he can curl and rub at his walls with two with barely any resistance. That he'd fucked him well enough last night for that--gods. His cock throbs under Yussa's hand. "Perfect. So perfect."

He can see nothing, working entirely behind the barrier of Yussa's clothing, so Caleb watches his face instead.

Yussa grabs Caleb's shoulder and moans as two fingers sink into him without resistance. He certainly feels it still, but gods, it's easier than he thought it would be. Color rises high in his cheeks and his cunt briefly tightens around Caleb's fingers as they rub against him. Unlike the impassive instructor at the head of the class earlier, Yussa's expression now betrays every moment of pleasure - he isn't trying to hide anything.

There isn't much room for Caleb's hand to move, but it doesn't need to. Yussa rocks his hips and kisses Caleb again with a renewed urgency. He shifts, attempting to grind against the heel of Caleb's hand.

"Sweet thing," he whispers, voice tight. The caress of the other man's hand up his back is grounding. "I would let you have me here, but I think we both have earned a bed."

His couch is very comfortable, but his bed is even more so and they have more room there.

Yussa is going to ruin him with just two words. All this sweet boy, sweet thing is driving him mad with the desire to prove them true, to be exactly as sweet as Yussa needs him to be. Caleb's fingers rock gently inside him, and he holds Yussa close as the other man adjusts to being so full.

As attractive as Caleb had found his intimidating professor this morning, he thinks he likes him this way even more, beautifully open and receptive. The man this morning was untouchable. This one is begging to be fucked, kissing him and grinding eagerly on his hand.

"I do want to properly undress you before we get carried away," he agrees, nudging his forehead to Yussa's. Showing the same care as when he'd pressed them inside, Caleb slowly eases his fingers from Yussa's cunt. They come out predictably wet, and he smears them over his clit, rubbing teasingly light before withdrawing his hand from the open front of Yussa's trousers entirely. "There we go," he murmurs.

If Yussa is at all unsteady when getting up, Caleb's arm is there behind his back to steady him.

Yussa sighs heavily as Caleb draws his fingers free with that last, teasing stroke over his clit. He slips out of the younger man's lap, not quite so far-gone yet that he needs to worry about his balance. His fingers brush along Caleb's jaw, drawing away with a come-hither gesture as Yussa heads for the stairs. He untucks his blouse the rest of the way and begins to unbutton it on his way up.

His bedroom is much the same as it was last night. The bed is made and there is a different nearly-empty mug on the nightstand. Yussa shrugs out of his blouse and tosses it over the armchair near the window - the teacups from the previous evening are gone. The trip upstairs gives Yussa a bit of time to clear his head, but gods, he looks forward to Caleb clouding it again. He's unbuttoning his trousers completely by the time Caleb catches up. The lights in the room are already on, bright enough to see by but low enough to create an atmosphere conducive to what they're about to do.

As Caleb enters his bedroom and sees Yussa undressing, it strikes him again that this is his second time here in as many days. In most circumstances, a reveal like this morning's would have killed whatever has started between them before it could really begin. But not this, not them. They fit so well together already; the attraction between them is powerful and undeniable. In Yussa's presence Caleb is content and comfortable in a way he rarely is around anyone, let alone someone he has just met. For him to find himself in Yussa's bedroom two nights in a row is evidence that he isn't the only one feeling this connection. He was invited.

Smiling mostly to himself, he pulls his sweater off over his head on his way over to the bed, followed by the thin teeshirt beneath. Both are left on the floor as he finishes the job Yussa had started downstairs and shucks his jeans as well, sitting on the edge of the bed to pull them down his legs. But he watches Yussa as he does this, and as soon as his hands are free, he reaches for him. His hands land on his lower back and skim down to his waist, where a playful but insistent pull guides him to stand between Caleb's spread knees. Pleased, Caleb presses a kiss to the soft brown skin right in front of his face, nuzzling against Yussa's stomach.

He is, truly, just happy to be here.

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