Urges

Ari was still at work. Not working, mind you, but at work nonetheless. He had another blind date tonight, but this one was a bit different than usual. Instead of simply sending him a time and place, somebun at the Church of Sulfur had informed him that his date had requested to pick him up from work and start their date from there. Ari had agreed; if anything, it was an opportunity to advertise the cafe. 

He was sitting in a booth near the front window, glancing up every time a bun walked by and looking back at his phone when they moved past the front door. Ari’s outfit was a touch more simple than he would normally wear out on a date, but he hadn’t wanted to carry a bunch of stuff to work this morning. Black dress pants, white lace top, and pale pink heeled boots that matched the harness he was wearing over his shirt. The necklace Sebastian had gotten him when they first met glinted at his throat; a simple gold chain with small heart-shaped charms. And the finishing touch, a fluffy cropped jacket the same pink as his abnormally bright pupils. 

Ari checked his phone once more; it was almost the time this mystery bun was supposed to be picking him up. 

~~ 

Glancing up from the simple watch that adorned the inner portion of his wrist, Xerxes set his eyes upon the infamous ‘Host Cafe’ that his littermates were constantly raving about. Didn’t seem like anything that special, but he reminded himself about first impressions and that one saying about books and their covers. He fiddled with his cufflinks, making sure his sleeves were just so, before pushing past the doors of the cafe.

His blind date wasn’t hard to spot with his soft, fluffy pink hair. A small grin played across Xerxes’ lips as he noticed just how well this small bun’s outfit complimented his own. It was what he always wore; a simple dress shirt, unbuttoned low enough to show off a tasteful amount of skin, his slim waist accentuated with a plain leather corset garnished with jewels darker than rubies. His black slacks were bare aside from two gold chains dangling from the belt loops that tied in with the long necklace that draped over his collar bone. Some may argue that he was lazy for not putting more thought into his wardrobe, but Xerxes knew it was a classic look.. Sophisticated. And he pulled it off brilliantly.

He stalked across the floor to where his date was and lazily leaned against the booth, arms crossed, grin still steadfast on his face. “Now, who would let a gorgeous creature like you sit all by your lonesome?” He looked down at the neon bun in front of him, red and gold eyes half lidded and hidden behind the small crimson shades that sat low on his nose.

~~

Ari looked up from his phone to take in the bun who had come up to his table. He was tall, with Grand Pride horns and dark Hellfire curling around the ends of his ears. Ari’s gaze flickered down his outfit, tail curling in amusement as he realized that they were wearing fairly similar outfits. 

He put on an exaggerated pleading expression, glancing up at the other bun with wide eyes. “They’re all monsters, sir! I’m so glad you came to save me ~” Ari laughed playfully, leaning in closer. “This gorgeous creature is called Reverie. Are you my date for tonight?” He let his eyes roam down and back up again, much more slowly this time. 

~~

The multi-colored bun’s grin transformed into a full smile that showed off pearly fangs. He effortlessly pushed off the booth, straightening his posture. Xerxes extended his hand towards the lust bun sitting in front of him, palm facing upwards.

“You can call me your knight in shining armor. Though most people just call me Xerxes.” He took a pointed look around the cafe, eyes landing back onto Reverie’s heart shaped ones. He figured he’d be looking into those pink spheres throughout the night. There was something charming about the deep contrast of colors staring back at him. “What do you say we get out of here, and I treat you to dinner?”

The reservation had been sent as soon as Xerxes had talked to the now nameless and faceless bun from the church. After confirming Reverie had accepted the invitation to this date, the other bun became irrelevant to Xerxes. This was his time to show off and show out. It came in handy to befriend a chef of one of the fanciest restaurants in Burrowgatory.

“I promise it’ll be an unforgettable night.”

~~

“Alright, Xerxes, I accept. It’s the least I could do to repay my savior ~”Ari replied cheekily as he took Xerxes’ hand, letting the other bun help him up. He grabbed his jacket from where it had been sitting on the booth beside him and pulled it on. Xerxes was even more handsome up close, and Ari might be imagining it, but he thought the other bun must be wearing a cologne that was almost spicy. Regardless, Ari felt that this was more than worth having to stick around work for a few extra minutes. “I’m yours for the night, so make it count,” he added, winking. 

~~
Xerxes’ tail twitched with excitement at his date’s acceptance. “Let’s take a walk. The weather’s great.” Without letting go of the other bun’s hand, Xerxes led him out the cafe door’s where they were greeted by warm air that held the usual humidity of the burrow. The hellfire and bioluminescent crystals that lit the entirety of the large cave every succubun called home had faded enough to resemble dusk. The horizons were lowly lit, colors dancing through the sparse clouds, creating a very scenic walk for the two acquaintances.

Like every decision he had ever made, the distance between Reverie’s place of work and their choice of fine dining was carefully calculated. Just enough time to let the two talk and get to know each other, and let the smaller bun grow to appreciate Xerxes’ more “sensitive” side.

“You’re going to love this place. It’s a little place called ‘Urge’, but don’t let the size fool you. It has the best food this side of Burrowgatory. I know the guy who runs the place, we go way back.” It was one of the few times Xerxes boasted about something other than himself, which spoke volumes about the quality of the restaurant and its owner.

Glancing down Ari, Xerxes held back a chuckle. Despite wearing those boots, the pink bun was still shorter than him. He gave Reverie’s hand a light squeeze and looked at the space in front of them again. “So… tell me about yourself.”

~~

“We’re going to Urge for dinner?” Ari was so surprised he almost faltered mid-step, but quickly recovered. “If it’s the same place I’m thinking about, it’s almost impossible to get a reservation there… And you’re friends with the owner?” 

He looked up at Xerxes with a new light in his eyes. “I’m not sure what I could possibly tell you about myself that would be as interesting as what you have to say.” Ari didn’t even have to lay on the flattery at this point; he was genuinely intrigued. He just hoped the other bun didn’t think he was avoiding the question (even though he was a little bit). 

~~

Amusement danced in his golden eyes, and he couldn’t help but raise a brow when he noticed Ari just so happened to avoid the question. He wouldn’t push the issue…just yet. He effortlessly transitioned to holding his date’s hand to lazily draping an arm around his shoulder and pulling him into his side, lightly enough that the other bun could easily push away if he wanted. Xerxes let his body relax even more and the next time he opened his mouth, each word oozed with cockiness.

“We go way back. The kid sorta owes me, and what better time to cash in a favor than when you’re trying to impress a complete stranger?” His grin was back and it reflected the playfulness of his speech.

~~

Ari hummed happily, surprised at Xerxes’ easy intimacy but definitely enjoying it. “You’re really going all out tonight, aren’t you?” His tail playfully looped around Xerxes’ as he leaned into the other bun. “I hope I make it all worth it by the end ~” Xerxes was suave and charming, and Ari could tell that Pride horns suited him. This was gonna be one hell of a night. 

~~ 

“You’re really going all out tonight, aren't you?” You have no idea, Xerxes thought to himself. Most nights all it took was a few smooth words, a pointed look, and a tour around his room and the deal was done. But there was something different this time. It might be the time of year, his hormones being on the rise due to mating season approaching, but the need to impress was there. Nothing was quite as arousing and exhilarating as his partner sharing the notion that Xerxes was indeed prime pickings. He wanted to be the first choice, the only choice right now, and the way to that goal was romance spiced with a little mystery and intrigue.

Xerxes let out a small puff of breath and slowed his pace until eventually the two had stopped walking entirely. He turned toward Reverie slightly, opening up his body language to the flirty fiend next to him. “Looks like we’re here.”

Playing the role of the gentleman, Xerxes grabbed the long bar handle on one half of the matching glass doors, engraved with the word ‘Urge” in fancy cursive, and held it open for his partner. “After you.”

~~

Ari was disappointed as Xerxes pulled away, but that feeling quickly evaporated as he realized they had arrived. “A gentleman, thank you,” he purred to Xerxes, and then entered the prestigious restaurant that would provide an experience just as much as it would a meal. 

Xerxes was pushed to the sidelines of his attention as he took in the interior of Urge, eyes wide and tail tip flicking back and forth happily. ‘I hope I make it all worth it,’ Ari had flirted. But frankly, even if he gave Xerxes the best sex of his life tonight, Ari still felt that he was the one getting the better deal. “Wow,” he murmured, not bothering to hide how impressed he was.

~~

The ceiling was high, wooden beams spanning across its entirety. Hanging from those beams were hexagonal mesh chandeliers, the light emanating from them was low, the ambience romantic and mysterious. There was woodwork all around the open space, stained dark as to not clash with the rest of the mood work.

A waiter in a classic button down white shirt and black half apron escorted them to a tab;e covered in fancy white cloth, candles lit, matching table sets and wine glasses at the ready. Xerxes pulled out a chair with soft cushioning and held it until Ari took his seat. He felt like a ham, doing all this typical first date, chivalric bullshit, but it’s what the masses liked, and from the reactions he was inciting from Reverie it really seemed like the over-the-top theatrics were a hit.

The table they were seated at was, not to brag, the best seat in the house, according to the bun who ran the place. The two were sat in front of a large window, with the perfect view of burrowgatory. The city seemed to glitter under the night sky, and Xerxes couldn’t help but notice that everything was falling into place tonight. Even the weather.

While he let Ari examine the vast menus placed in front of them, Xerxes took the time to admire his date a little closer. He kept finding himself drawn into Ari’s eyes. Those striking, guarded eyes that resembled those lust horns on the top of his head.

“Stunning.” The word was said under his breath, barely audible, but it was still said as he reached his hand toward Ari, and lightly tapped his cheek, rubbing away a stranded, fallen lash.

~~

Ari looked up from his menu, prepared to give Xerxes a witty response to his compliment, just in time to watch the other bun reach out and brush his cheek. “You seem to enjoy touching me, hmm?” He smiled coyly, keeping his eyes on Xerxes’ as he turned his head slightly and pressed a kiss to the other bun’s hand as it lingered at his face.’

~~

The small act sent tingles through his body and Xerxes’ tail began to flick back and forth as a fire lit in his eyes. “I’m sure I’d enjoy doing much more than just touching you.” He let his hand fall away, but kept his eyes locked on Ari’s.

~~

“You buy dinner, I’ll be dessert, sound good? Speaking of,” Ari playfully changed the subject, although he snaked his tail under the table to caress Xerxes’ thigh. “I’m ready to order… Unless you need more time? You seem quite distracted ~”

~~

For an herbivore, Xerxes was feeling particularly carnivorous. He cocked an eyebrow at Ari’s flirty quip and handed both menus back to their waiter without even looking up. “I’ll have the usual, and whatever red you recommend.” He cocked his head lightheartedly and leaned back in his chair. “And whatever this fine specimen would like.”

~~

Ari told the waiter his order, finally breaking eye contact with Xerxes to look up at them. "And whatever rosé you recommend, thank you." 

His eyes flicked back to Xerxes' once it was just the two of them again. "What do you do for work, Xerxes? Is it the reason you've got such interesting friends?" 

Ari wasn't sure he actually cared, but he was invested in where he expected the night to be going, and wanted to cater to Xerxes' Pride as much as he could. 

~~

Xerxes interlocked his fingers together and rested his hands on the table in front of him, still relaxed and leaning back in his chair. “I do a lot of things.” This wasn’t a lie. Xerxes had many talents, but didn’t put any of them into working a 9-5 job.

He had plenty of money saved from his younger years and spent most of his days lounging about, or scouring the library halls in his free time. “Mostly I do what I want. And that’s helped me build rapport with some more.. Well known buns.”

~

“‘A lot of things’, huh?” Ari supposed it was only fair for Xerxes to be vague considering Ari had practically ignored his similar question earlier. “Well, you know I work at a cafe… Would it surprise you to hear that I’m on the menu?” It didn’t take too much of an imagination to guess what that meant. 

~~

Xerxes nostrils flared ever so slightly at the insinuation. “Surprised? No. Pleased? Most definitely.” He wanted to whisk Ari away to his place and truly eat his fill. His lax demeanor shifted into something more tense. His jaw had a slight tic to it now, and a few veins were visible on his arms as he flexed his hands, keeping himself in check. It was getting increasingly harder to stay the gentleman.

They were at such a nice restaurant, and for a reason. And their food hadn’t even arrived yet and Xerxes was already jumping at the bit to get the pink bun out of here and into his arms.

~~

Ari prided himself in his skill at reading body language. It helped a lot with his job, after all; being a ‘daydream’ would be a lot harder if he couldn’t tell what his clients wanted. 

Ari’s eyes flickered from one tell to another, reading Xerxes’ desire as if he was an open book.

“Are you feeling okay, Xerxes?” Ari’s coy smirk negated the false concern he pumped into the question. “It’d be a shame if we had to leave so soon.”

~

He had to consciously unclench his jaw to give his response. “I’m doing just fine sweetheart. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on the full experience.” He wanted to bite those lips, just to see if the smirk would stay or leave.

“Tonight’s all about you.”

~~

“We have time before our meals come,” Ari started nonchalantly, waving his hand vaguely in the direction the waiter went. “If you need to take some time in the restroom I wouldn’t be upset.” He then met Xerxes’ eyes again, intent burning in his heart-shaped pupils. “I think I even know of a way to help you feel better, if you’d let me.”

~~
The words were barely out of Ari’s mouth and Xerxes was already out of his seat, and around the table. He was hovering over Reverie, breathing labor, skin flushed and eyes dark with desire.

“Lead the way.”