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#Post#: 1437--------------------------------------------------
Hunt for Love- Cruz&Ling
By: Minyaagar Date: February 16, 2026, 6:10 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Ling heard of poetry reading. While he wasn’t into it he didn’t
mind going for Cruz or a good glass of wine. He chuckled softly.
“Oh I’ll buy books- but it’s more for Aether- my place isn’t
exactly big. Eventually I’ll be able to move- it’s a small one
bedroom apartment- been saving for a while now.” He said. “By
then I can buy books for my own place with a nice big shelf.” He
said with a grin.
“So your here besides playing at the bar. Do you sing just music
or do you write them as well?” He asked as he took a drink of
his coffee.
——
"we don't have to go listen to poetry, we could find something
else to do. I know there's a place we could go try painting and
drinking wine, or if you're not into artistic things, we could
go ride motorcycles," Cruz suggested. "If you have anything you
like or want to do together, feel free to let me know,"
Cruz was a bit surprised to hear that Ling was living with
Aether. It had to be a bit awkward when Aether brought people
back home.
"If you'd like, I can help you look for a place. I know how hard
it is to find an apartment in this city," he offered. "Maybe
even a place that has enough space for a whole bookshelf,"
Cruz took a moment to open the box of scones and cut them into
half so they could share them easier.
"I have a few songs I've written, if you want a private concert
I could play them for you one day soon," he flirted a bit.
If he were completely honest, he was very much attracted to Ling
and wouldn't have minded doing more than just talking and
holding hands. He was aware however of Ling's past and didn't
want to rush anything. So he had decided to let Ling make the
first move and just be patient. The last thing he wanted was to
scare Ling off.
"Hey Cruz, I forgot, your last book order arrived this morning."
Bliss spoke up popping up between the two, holding out a rather
large paper parcel out to him.
"Oh thank you Bliss." He said taking the heavy book and setting
it to the side.
"How is everything? Is there anything else I can get you?"
"It's all great like always. I think we're good, Bliss," Cruz
replied giving her a slightly sharp look.
Bliss grinned and headed off, her hair bouncing as she moved
away.
"She likes to think of herself as a love guru and matchmaker,"
Cruz murmured to Ling. "Also, she's more than she appears to
be," he added.
He wouldn't actually reveal another supernatural to a human, but
he could give hints to one he trusted. "If she likes you enough,
she might tell you her race."
---fin--
“I don’t mind artistic - I just get easily tired at some
instances- like when I went to els shop one time- saga had
classic music on- it knocked me out..” he said to chuckle. “I’m
more into physical activities- I’m big on swimming though-
growing up was on the swimming team!” He said with a proud look.
“So if your up to going to the ocean or scuba diving..” he said
with a smirk. He heard the offer of finding a place.”that be
wonderful- thankfully Aether been to other people’s places for
his fun.” He said with a sigh.
He heard a voice and saw the book. “Ah.. I’d like another cup of
coffee!” He asked before handing us cup to notice how Cruz
acted. Once bliss headed off did long heard Cruz. Ling looked at
bliss a little his eye running her over as if assessing- a habit
he could not help. Given the brainwashing and training it was
his way of assessing people even if he couldn’t tell what she
was.
“Maybe.. I know I got things I’m unsure of revealing- admittedly
my past isn’t stellar.” Said long before seeing the woman place
the coffee down.”thank you.” He told the woman to bring it to
his lips to sip.
—fin—
"I can understand that. I'l only listen to classical music when
I need to sleep,"
Cruz couldn't help but smirk a bit at Ling mentioning physical
activities and then brought up swimming and diving as
activities. "If I swim, it's likely you'll get to see my siren
features. If that won't alarm you, then we can do that. Though,
you may have trouble keeping up with my fin," he couldn't help
but tease.
He got serious again when Ling sounded appreciative of his
offer, mentioning that Aether was actually more conscientious
these days. "Good to know he's changed for the better,"
Cruz noticed the way Ling's eyes flicked over Bliss, realizing
that the man might be a bit on edge not knowing what she was.
"Well, that's your history, not your future. I'm not going to
judge you for what happened back then. I'm not a perfect person
either. I've made mistakes, some pretty bad ones when I was
first starting out on my own."
Cruz fell silent when Bliss arrived with the coffee refill and
waited until she'd left.
"we should definitely have this swimming date on it gets warm
enough. Unless you're into polar bear swims," he couldn't help
but tease a little. "Though...we could see if Naz would drop us
off in Jamaica,"
---fin--
Ling looked at Cruz to notice the expression. “Promise it’s not
what it looks like- just curious I guess. Think when we are in
more private quarters I can tell you why. I know el was right
about you. Definitely a sweet guy.” Be said as he got the
cup.”Naz..the half demon that always looks hyper right?” Ling
asked with a chuckle.”don’t mind that idea either- just no idea
how the other world will affect me- long as it’s brief right?”
He asked.
—fin—
Cruz gave a nod, a bit relieved to know Ling wasn't frightened
of Bliss. Though curiosity sometimes did become a bad thing for
humans. Some got obsessive and started stalking supernaturals to
find out the truth.
"Maybe you'd like to have dinner with me? I could cook for you,"
he offered, very much wanting to spend more time with Ling.
He felt his face heat a bit at Ling saying he was sweet. "I've
mellowed a great deal, and become a much better listener," he
admitted.
Cruz gave a nod, chuckling a bit at Ling's description of Naz.
"He is pretty hyper. Though I wouldn't be surprised if he has
ADHD,"
"Well...with a protective charm you could endure the place
longer. Though a trip would only last a few moments at most.
I've only traveled a few times myself, but from what Naz has
said, humans won't be affected unless they're there for long
periods."
Once the coffee and food was gone, Cruz cleaned his hands before
opening up his packaged book to show it to Ling.
It was rare collection of Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
"I've been saving for this one for awhile now. I was a big fan
of mysteries as a child and still am. I've got a pretty nice
sized collection,"
---fin--
Ling felt a bit of a flutter in his stomach at being asked for
dinner, he never had dealt with such polite reciprocation
before. “I don’t mind joining you for dinner.” He said with a
smile. “And that feels reassuring.” He said before seeing the
book, “Sherlock Holmes is a really good classic, I’m partial to
the book myself- I find myself reading more ghost stories
though- even though half the stories isn’t real.” He said
chuckling.
“Now mellowed out- did you mean to say you got in a lot of
trouble?” He asked.”if I get too personal please let me know. I
just wanna get to know you.” He said before finishing his
coffee.
—fin—
Cruz broke into a rather big grin when Ling agreed to join him
for dinner.
"Great, I can't wait to win you over with my cooking,". He joked
a bit.
Cruz nodded, feeling pleased that they both were fans of the
same author. "Maybe, you'd like to join me when I go on a ghost
hunt," he said rubbing his chin when he heard Ling mention ghost
stories being only half real. "Humans do have wonderful
imaginations so it makes it hard to tell the difference between
real and made up stories,"
Cruz gave a nod, his eyes glancing away for a moment. "No it's
okay. I don't mind telling you. I lost my family when I was a
teenager and was an angry messed up teen and young adult for a
long time. I did whatever I had to do to survive. That's where
the trouble started. I got on the wrong side of the law, though
I made the point to never get involved with any gangs. I stole,
cheated, and caused lots of trouble. It took me awhile to figure
out none of that was going to get me very far in life. I've come
a long way from that."
He paused for a moment, then went on. "I normally keep my
personal and professional life separate. Mostly because I don't
want those i care about to be caught up with the people i deal
with. Some of the P.I. work i do can be dangerous, and the
bounty hunter jobs can be as well."
---fin--
Ling made a smile as he listened.”well honestly without their
imagination- the world probably be seen in a different lense.”
He said honestly. “And makes me wonder what you’ll cook to win
me over.” Said Ling with a smirk.”I cook too- I use to be
horrible at it but I’ve been taught by several how to cook so it
doesn’t taste like bland slop.”
He listened to Cruz talk and how his life went. He seemed a
brief flicker of suprise hearing he was a P.I. “No I understand,
I do dangerous work myself- but I try to keep it separated due
to.. ah things.” Said the man sheepishly.
—fin—
Cruz nodded at Ling's reply, then grinned at the man's reaction.
"Guess you'll just have to wait and find out," he smirked back,
his hand twitching, the urge to graze Ling's hand flashing
through him.
"It takes a good deal of practice to get better. I used to live
off of ramen before I got the hang of it," Cruz admitted with a
chuckle.
"It's all right you don't have to tell me specifics. I
understand quite well. You're actually the first one I've told
that much to. There's something about you that makes me feel
like I can trust you,"
Cruz cleared up their trash and then grabbed his book. "You want
to look through the mystery section first? Or a different area?"
He asked.
It was a few hours later that the two left the bookstore with
two book bags. Cruz had insisted on getting Ling a book he'd
been eying and obviously wanted.
"So, you want dinner tonight? Or a different day?" He asked,
pausing by Ling's car.
---fin--
Ling smiled warmly hearing this- it seemed the more they spoke
the more he felt trust.”don’t mind checking out the fantasy
section.” Said Ling with a smile.
After a bit the two walked back, he heard Cruz ask about
dinner.”how about tomorrow- I got a previous engagement going
on- aka work.. but could totally do tomorrow?” He asked flushing
a bit.
—fin—
Cruz gave a nod, find Ling even more adorable when he got all
flushed.
"Tomorrow works for me. Say 7:30? It can be later if need be. I
know work can sometimes go longer than planned. I'll text you my
address once I get to my office," he promised.
Cruz gave Ling a wave as the other drive away before heading to
his motorcycle and heading off to his small office building.
he checked his messages, erased all the spam calls and returned
a few. Once he'd worked on a few cases, he headed back home for
the night. It was after midnight that he felt the key on his
chest heat up and then suddenly go ice cold.
Instinctively he knew something had happened to Saga but he
wasn't sure what. He immediately dialed up Aether, recalling the
guy was with Elysia.
"Hey, did Elysia go through with her plan tonight?" He asked,
suddenly feeling worried about how Cisco would deal with Saga
being forced back to hell.
---fin--
Ling smiled.”sounds good to me! And that be great.” He said
before he would wave himself before getting in the car to drive
off.
Aether picked up as he was holding a sobbing Elysia.”she did -
but if the guy is smart and I know saga is- he will get back..it
may be a little bit though given what Lucifer mentioned. Key may
be useless for a while, keep a hand on it though, alright?” He
said.
—fin—
Hearing Elysia's sobbing through Aether's phone has Cruz cursing
inwardly.
"Is she okay? Do I you need me to come over? I'll go check on
Cisco first though." he murmured knowing that Cisco wasn't going
to be doing well after seeing Saga torn from the mortal world.
He'd seen it happen a few times in the past, and it was a rather
horrifying thing to witness.
"I'll hold onto the key, if there's anything El needs let me
know," he added before hanging up the phone.
Even though El and Cisco had been pretty close, he knew it would
probably be awhile before the light mage could bring himself to
see or even talk to Elysia.
As it was late, Cruz decided to try and get some sleep before
checking in Cisco. If anything he knew Cisco would stubbornly
ignore him if he showed up too quickly. It's just how the guy
was.
----
It was later in the afternoon when He returned from Cisco's
feeling empathy for his friend and began looking at his food to
plan out what to make for Ling.
Then he started prepping everything so he could cook it a little
before Ling was due to arrive. Once he was done with that, Cruz
cleaned up a bit and jumped into the shower.
Just why was he feeling so nervous and antsy? It was just
dinner. He kept repeating that in his mind as he got dressed and
when he started cooking, and checking the clock every few
minutes.
Cruz washed up and pulled off his apron, going to look out the
side window when he heard a car outside.
---fin--
“Probably wouldn’t be bad idea.. she will be- and that be great.
Honestly we were worried about him being by himself- you might
see rip near by keeping an eye on him.” Said Aether with a soft
breath out.
—-
Ling couldn’t help but feel empathy for the whole situation, he
pulled double the work so Aether could
Focus on his friend. The man parked to check the mirror. His
hair was combed and neat, and dressed a little nicer. He tugged
a little on his sleeve hiding a bandage that wrapped around his
arm. The last job just about had him thinking the thing would
take his arm off, but after ward he got it treated at a local
hospital under the guise of a dog gotten to him.
He turned to the back to grab a bottle of wine. He figured he’d
bring something to this meal. It just felt polite.
He walked up to knock on the door once he got out of the car.
Once the door opened he made a big smile and showed the wine.
“Hope you don’t mind- I wasn’t sure what you were making
though.” He said with a mild face change of thought.
—fin—
Cruz felt his heartbeat rise at the sound of the car door
opening and headed to the front to open his door. His gaze swept
over Ling taking in his handsome he looked.
"The wine will pair nicely with the stuffed chicken breasts I
made," he replied stepping back to give Ling room to come in.
Their bodies were briefly only inches away and Cruz caught the
scent of Ling's body wash. He made a slight appreciative sound
before closing the door and led Ling into his kitchen.
"Please have a seat, I'll open the wine and let it rest while I
plate everything up. I tried to not go too crazy. I've made
spinach artichoke stuffed chicken breasts, mushroom risotto, and
seared asparagus. Oh and there's dessert too," he added glancing
over at Ling.
He opened the wine with practiced ease and got two wine glasses
out from a cupboard to pour it and moved to set them in the
table.
"Please have a seat," he insisted before going to pull out the
food he'd kept warm in the oven.
Soon he was carrying the plates over and set one in front of
Ling and the other down. He removed his apron and put it away
before he sat down across from Ling. "Please, start first," he
insisted, very much wanting to see Ling's reaction to his
cooking.
---fin--
Ling smiled at what he heard.”oh? That sounds amazing.” He said
as he took in Cruz, the man’s hair being tied up due to cooking
made him flush a bit, it was definitely a turn on for him.
“Alright, and dessert hm? Can’t wait to dig in.” He said as he
watched the man open the wine expertly and pour the glasses.
He took his to give a swirl to smell,”definitely a good year.
Glad I picked this one..” he told himself as he waited. He sat
it down to see the food to grab his fork and laid the napkin in
his lap. He could see the excitement and anticipation on Cruz’s
face.
“Digging in.” He said with a chuckle. He tried a few things his
face making expressions that showed he was loving the taste. But
the chicken seemed to produce a sound.”mmmm… it’s so juicy.. how
did you manage to keep it juicy?” Asked Ling before he’d get the
wine to sip it a little.
—fin—
Cruz couldn't help but enjoy the pleased expressions Ling made
as he tasted everything on his plate. The moan had his eyes
darkening slightly, a wave of desire going through him to hear
it again.
"I pulled it out partway through and added some chicken broth
and then turned the heat down. It's a trick I learned from a
chef friend. Works everytime," Cruz replied with a smile.
Then he dug in himself. As he ate, he tried to rack his mind of
what to talk about. Though he normally wasn't the type to linger
over a meal, he found he didn't mind when Ling was across from
him.
"Is there a favorite meal you have? Maybe next time, I could
make it for you,"
---fin--
Ling seemed to be enjoying it as he listened to the man
talk.”partway huh?” He said with an interested look.”I may have
to try that myself when I cook. “ he said.
“Favorite meal?” Echoed ling almost in thought. He took a bite
to think for some long minutes.”I know I love pot stickers,
they’re known as dumplings- normally they’re made with pork but
I find I love ground shrimp or beef better. Mom use to make that
with egg drop soup, and kung pao chicken, never could get enough
of that” he said with a chuckle.
“What meals do you like Cruz?” He asked following up out of
curiosity.
—fin—
#Post#: 1438--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hunt for Love- Cruz&Ling
By: Minyaagar Date: February 16, 2026, 7:27 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Ling's comment about trying his tip had Cruz get the idea of
inviting him over to cook together sometime. "I've got more tips
that I can share with you," he said with a smile. "Or we could
try cooking together sometime."
Cruz nodded, not surprised that Ling's favorite was food his
mother used to make.
"That's how I got into cooking too, trying to recreate food my
mother used to make." He reached for his glass to take a sip of
wine before answering.
"I like a lot of different foods. Though I'm very fond of sushi
and fried calamari. I don't eat a lot of red meats personally.
With my siren side, it's harder to digest," Cruz explained.
Once their plates were empty, Cruz collected the plates and took
them to the sink to rinse off.
"Would you like a tour before dessert? Or we could go for a walk
around the neighborhood," he suggested, wanting to spend as much
time as he could with Ling.
---fin--
“I wouldn’t mind a cooking-together kind of date,” Ling said.
“Could we pick something to cook together and learn from each
other?” he asked as he continued eating.
“Moms make the best stuff, don’t they? Though my dad was one
hell of a griller and smoker. I still love the taste of the
grilled salmon he made once,” he said before sipping his wine.
“A walk would be nice; it would be best to walk off the meal
before dessert,” he said as he helped Cruz collect and dry the
dishes.
—fin—
Cruz rather liked the idea of them having a longer date and
cooking together. "That would be an enjoyable date to have,
let's plan that for the next time then," he suggested eagerly.
"Grilled salmon is rather good, so I can understand that,"
Cruz tackled the dishes, quite pleased by Ling giving him a
hand. "Thanks for the help. That's what I was thinking, after a
heavy meal I usually try to work it off. Either with a walk or
work out," hr explained.
Once they'd finished with the dishes, Cruz dried his hands off
and then headed to his back door.
"you did mention the last time you liked active excursions.
Maybe you'd like to go surfing or swimming before we do dinner
again?" Cruz brought up as they started walking side by side
down the street.
---fin--
“I don’t mind swimming.” Said Ling.”I’ve never surfed before but
I wouldn’t mind learning.” He said as he walked closer to the
street, his instinct to keep Cruz safe kicking in.
“It be fun to do, could do a picnic?” He asked as he seemed to
think. The idle chatter seemed to help ease ling to feeling
secure.
“Enjoy the sun and the surf all day. Been needing a break from
my work,” Ling admitted. He sighed, glancing at the horizon in
idle thought. The brief mention of needing a break sparked a
deeper realization within him. He knew he had a pressing issue
to address — telling Cruz about his true identity as a hunter.
Ling pondered over how to bring up the subject and thoughts
plagued him of how he’d take it. The thought of revealing such a
serious part of him was risky, yet Ling knew it was necessary.
The question was not if he would tell Cruz, but how and when he
would find the right words to do so.
—-fin—
"surfing's not too hard, just takes a good balance and practice
to get it down. And we could do a picnic if you want to make a
day of it," Cruz replied.
"everyone needs a break every now and then," Cruz agreed and
snuck a look at Ling.
After they'd fallen into silence Cruz reached to take Ling's
hand to pull him up another street.
"Got something on your mind?" He asked. "You don't have to tell
me if you don't want to,"
---fin--
"Well... the thing is," said Ling, closing his eyes for a
moment. The street was surprisingly quiet, and the absence of
eavesdroppers allowed him to relax.
"I'm a hunter. I experienced a lot while working for the
mercenaries—the ones you've probably heard of, like Smoker and
Alastair. I wasn't particularly nice or good, at least that's
how I see it," he admitted honestly.
"Luna broke me free from the programming, and Aether took me in
to shield me from being dragged back into the organization.
Neither of those places is particularly good. We hold our own
hunting meetings in Elysia's shop. I was the ghost there.
Besides Al and Smokie, I was one of the top hunters. I'm still
grappling with my past a bit. I avoid Luna like the plague now
after the collar incident—that definitely wasn't fun—but it
opened my eyes. El showed me some compassion and freed me. I've
been trying to sort myself out since then," he confessed
earnestly.
-----
Cruz glanced over at Ling, focusing on the other's half
illuminated face as the man paused a moment before continuing
his train of thought.
Cruz had no visible reaction to what Ling shared, at least not
at first. Hearing that Luna had used one of her collars on him,
had his eyebrows narrowing a bit.
"I don't blame you for avoiding her. Those collars might work,
but they are far too harsh. It's better to break brainwashing
more slowly than she does," he sighed.
Cruz moved in a bit closer, his hand brushing against Lung's
gently. "If you ever need anyone to talk to, or if you're having
a rough time call me. Anytime you need. I'm in no way perfect or
an angel either. I've made lots of mistakes myself. I don't
think any less of you. If anything, I just feel proud of how far
you've come from who you used to be."
---fin--
Ling felt the brush of his hand and blushed a little.
“"Honestly," he admitted, "it does help. I struggled with
understanding my true preferences. I've had women hit on me
before—one of the most significant being Smokie. I realized
later how much they messed with my head. They brainwashed those
who showed any hint of liking the same sex. They wanted some of
us to have children together." He said with a mild grumble.
Ling took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the words he was
about to share.
His heart raced as he began to open up to Cruz, someone who had
shown him kindness and understanding. "That could've been me,"
he continued, his voice wavering slightly. "But talking to you
makes me feel like I can finally be honest about who I am."
Ling's eyes met Cruz's, searching for reassurance.
Slowly, as if peeling away layers of armor, Ling allowed himself
to be vulnerable with someone he felt he could trust.
—fin—
Cruz had heard of the things the hunters did to keep their
numbers from dying out. It kind of pissed him off that Ling has
gone through so much and had been kept from being himself
because of the hunters bigotry.
"That had to be pretty hard to go through. You're stronger than
you know. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough to trust me. When
you're ready for more than dates and talking, just let me know.
I'm not going to push you into doing more than you're
comfortable with. Though..I am quite tempted to kiss you," Cruz
admitted.
-fin-
Ling exhaled softly, a gentle breath carrying away the tension
that had lingered. “Thank you, Cruz,” he murmured, feeling the
tightness in his chest ease. The anxiety of wondering how Cruz
would respond had melted into something unexpected, something
warm.
“You... can kiss me,” Ling added sheepishly, his gaze flickering
with vulnerability and hope.
—fin—
A gentle look filled Cruz's gaze as he watched Ling relaxing at
his words and gently squeezed Ling's hand.
He gave a nod at Ling's thank you and then felt a skip in his
heartbeat when he was given the consent to kiss Ling.
Cruz slowly led Ling over to some nearby stairs and guided him
up two steps so they were the same height, then moved in
pressing closer.
One have slide gently up Ling's neck and cupped his jaw, and the
other moved to Ling's back. Then Cruz leaned in and pressed his
lips into Ling's. It started out firm and slow, and then
deepened into a rather intense smoldering kiss that had Cruz
groaning before he pulled back slowly.
The electricity between them, especially for Cruz was even more
palatable now.
"I could keep kissing you, but I don't want to overwhelm you,"
he murmured softly, his breathing a bit rough.
---fin--
Ling ascended the stairs, heart pounding as he was led to match
height with Cruz.
When their faces met, he felt the gentle touch of Cruz’s lips
against his own.
A soft sigh escaped Ling as he melted into the kiss, fully
immersed in the moment. Even after they parted, the warmth of
Cruz’s lips lingered, his gaze fixed on the man before him.
Cruz’s spoken words echoed in Ling’s mind, compelling him to get
another kiss—he couldn’t resist; it felt.. right.
Pulling back slightly, Ling’s smile was tender as he gently
cupped Cruz’s face. “You can keep kissing me,” he whispered
softly, his eyes filled with warmth and affection.
—fin—
Cruz didn't have to wait but a few moments before Ling moved to
kiss him back bringing another pleased muffled moan from him.
Cruz drew in a soft breath, the hands on his face and Ling's
whispered words bringing a smile to and sparkle into his eyes.
"I wouldn't mind that, but maybe we should continue back at my
place? Maybe on the couch? I promise to use every bit of
restraint to keep it to just kissing...and touches, nothing
more,"
---fin--
“That sounds great, I think my legs might not appreciate
standing the whole time,” he joked lightly to Cruz. Then, with a
slightly nervous chuckle, he added, “I’d really like that. I
just hope you’re okay with the pace I set—I’m still figuring out
what I like, you know?” His voice carried an honest, tentative
note, revealing a touch of inexperience.
—fin—
Cruz chuckled softly at Ling’s joke, his eyes warm with
amusement. “Well, I could always carry you back if your legs
really are tired,” he said, voice dropping to a lower, more
teasing tone as he leaned just a little closer, his smirk
playful.
But then his gaze softened, the flirtation giving way to
something more sincere. He reached out and gently took Ling’s
hand in his own, his thumb brushing lightly over his knuckles.
“I’m perfectly fine with going your pace, Ling,” he murmured.
“It took me a while to figure things out in the beginning too,
so I understand where you’re coming from.”
He gave Ling’s hand a small, comforting squeeze before letting
it go, turning to lead the way back toward his house. The air
was comfortably warm, the scent of salt still lingering on the
breeze.
“So…” Cruz glanced back at him with a small smile, “what do you
have in mind for our next date? You mentioned surfing and
swimming—have you ever tried windsurfing? I’ve heard it’s a
blast, especially when the tide’s just right.”
Once they made it back to Cruz’s place, the conversation
continued easily, laughter and shared stories filling the cozy
space between them. Eventually, they ended up side by side on
the couch, a shared throw blanket draped loosely over their
legs. Cruz’s arm rested behind Ling, their shoulders brushing.
There was a quiet moment, the kind that stretched just long
enough to make the air feel charged. Cruz turned slightly,
brushing Ling’s hair from his face, his touch light and
lingering. “You know,” he said softly, “I really like being
around you.”
Ling didn’t pull away.
Encouraged by that, Cruz leaned in, letting his lips gently meet
Ling’s in a warm, unhurried kiss. His hand rested lightly at
Ling’s waist, thumb moving in slow, soothing circles. It was the
kind of kiss that deepened naturally, slowly—unfolding like
something long-awaited and deeply wanted.
---fin--
Once they arrived back, Long heard his question. "I've never
tried windsurfing before—it looks like a lot of fun, and I'm
willing to learn."
Once things felt comfortable, Ling slowly leaned in, his heart
pounding gently in his chest. His steps were measured, closing
the distance between them with a subtle grace. As he reached
Cruz, he paused for a brief moment, his eyes reflecting both
tenderness and anticipation. Then, with a gentle tilt of his
head, Ling softly pressed his lips to Cruz’s. He just couldn’t
get enough of the man’s lips.
—fin—
Cruz slid his hands gently up Ling's back as their lips and
mouths moved together. He kept his kisses light a d unhurried,
more than happy to take his time in enjoying Ling's closeness.
His lips were feeling slightly chapped and sensitive when Cruz
finally pulled back and put a bit of distance between them. "I'd
keep you here all night if you let me." He admitted, his voice
just slightly hoarse.
"Shall we call it a night? If you're free on Sunday, we can go
on that beach/wind surfing date. If something comes up, we can
do it next weekend instead," he added, not wanting Ling to feel
pressured.
"Or you know, if you just want to hang out at my place we can do
that. I just want to spend time with you, either on dates or
just getting to know you better,"
---fin--
Ling pulled away, breathless, his heart racing as if trying to
catch up with the intensity of the moment. His chest heaved
slightly, the lingering heat of the kiss still tingling on his
lips.
As he caught his breath, he heard Cruz’s suggestion. Ling nodded
eagerly, a grin spreading across his face. "Yes, absolutely— I
don’t mind doing that wind surfing. And I don’t mind some small
get togethers here.” Said Ling.
—fin—
Cruz chuckled softly, brushing his thumb across Ling’s cheek,
his eyes warm and full of something unspoken. “You’re cute when
you're out of breath,” he teased, voice low, before leaning in
for another quick kiss—this one softer, more tender, like he was
savoring the moment.
“I’ll hold you to that,” he murmured against Ling’s lips. “Wind
surfing and all.”
Cruz kissed him again—deeper this time, his hand settling at the
back of Ling’s neck, pulling him close. The world shrank down to
the space between them, all heat and heartbeats and the quiet
hush of night outside the window.
Eventually, reluctantly, Cruz pulled back. “Come on,” he said,
lacing their fingers together. “Let me walk you to your car.”
They stepped outside into the cooler air, and Cruz didn’t let go
of Ling’s hand until they reached the car door. Before Ling
could say anything, Cruz leaned in once more, stealing one last
kiss—slow and lingering.
“I’m really glad you came tonight,” Cruz said quietly, brushing
a strand of hair behind Ling’s ear. “Drive safe, okay?”
With one final smile and a squeeze to Ling's hand, he stepped
back, watching as Ling slid into the car. The glow in Cruz’s
eyes didn’t dim even as the taillights faded into the distance.
-----
Cruz checked his phone for the third time in five minutes, then
glanced up at the apartment building. Relax, he told himself,
gripping the steering wheel to keep from tapping it again. The
late morning sun warmed the dash of his truck, and in the back,
his surfboard was strapped down beside a cooler packed tight
with sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. The picnic basket sat in the
passenger seat, and it smelled faintly of strawberries and that
weird-but-good pesto Ling liked.
The second the front door opened and Ling stepped out, Cruz felt
it—that small spark in his chest that always lit up around him.
Ling looked like the sun itself had kissed him good morning.
Cruz leaned out the window with a grin. “Damn, I should’ve
packed sunscreen just for how bright you look.” he couldn't help
but flirt.
He got out to walk around and opened the passenger door for Ling
and leaned in to steal a kiss when Ling was next to him.
"Ready for a full day of fun?" He asked with a grin as he shut
the door. Then he walked around to get into the driver's seat.
The drive was easy, music low, wind teasing through the open
windows. Cruz glanced at Ling now and then, just to catch the
way the sunlight touched his skin, or the way his mouth moved
when he hummed along to a familiar song. It was one of those
days where time didn’t feel real. Only the road, the waves
ahead, and Ling beside him existed.
When they finally pulled into the beach parking lot, Cruz killed
the engine and turned to him. “You ready to make some memories?”
---fin--
Ling felt a warm flush creep up his cheeks at Cruz's unexpected
comment, his heart skipping a beat as he tried to maintain his
composure. Embarrassment danced in his eyes, but he quickly
masked it with a playful smirk. Leaning slightly closer, he
chuckled softly, "Well, Cruz, if you're going to keep
compliments like that coming, you might need some shade
yourself—your beauty is practically blinding." His teasing words
hung in the air, light and flirty, as he watched Cruz’s
reaction, the tension effortlessly melting into shared laughter.
“And whatever you got in there smells heavenly!” Said the man as
his mouth watered.
He gave a warm grin to nod as he made his way with him to get
things set up, his hair moved a bit with the wind to brush it
out of his face.”think this is good wind surfing weather?” He
asked as he watched various beach goers passing by, playing or
more as he gazed out.
Ling appeared lost in thought, his gaze distant and seemingly
unfocused. Yet, without so much as a glance, his hand shot out
effortlessly, snatching a flying ball hurtling toward him. The
boys playing nearby gasped in awe at his sharp reflexes.
"How’d you do that?!" one of them exclaimed, wide-eyed.
"Got eyes in the back of my head," Ling replied with a wry
smile. Then, softening his tone, he added, "But be more careful
next time—there are people around. And you’d better head back to
your mother; she looks worried."
As the children dashed off, their laughter fading into the
distance, Ling let out a contented sigh, a soft chuckle escaping
his lips.
"Definitely a nice day," he murmured warmly, his eyes reflecting
a quiet satisfaction.
—fin—
#Post#: 1439--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hunt for Love- Cruz&Ling
By: Minyaagar Date: February 16, 2026, 7:35 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Cruz chuckled, his grin widening at Ling’s light teasing.
“Blinding, huh? Thanks,” he said with a mock swagger, brushing a
hand through his windswept curls like he was in a cheesy
commercial.
He crouched down by the blanket and beach umbrella they’d set up
earlier, carefully unpacking containers from the cooler. “It’s
your favorite—pesto pasta,” he added warmly, glancing up at Ling
with a soft smile. “Made it just the way you like it. I even
remembered the extra pine nuts this time.”
The rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the shoreline
filled the brief silence, a salty breeze tugging gently at
Cruz’s shirt. Ling’s question about the wind made him glance out
toward the water, where the tide glimmered beneath the early
morning sun.
“Oh, it’s perfect for it,” Cruz said, nodding with quiet
excitement. “Steady breeze, not too rough. Couldn’t ask for
better.”
When a rogue beach ball suddenly bounced their way, Cruz
blinked—but Ling caught it with the ease of someone used to
quick reflexes. Cruz watched the brief, playful exchange between
Ling and the nearby kids with quiet appreciation, something
tender and admiring flickering in his gaze.
“Nicely done,” he said, his voice a touch softer now. “You’ve
got a natural way with kids, you know?”
He stepped forward then, drawn in by the easy joy radiating from
Ling. “It really is a nice day,” Cruz murmured, slipping his
long arms around Ling’s waist and pulling him in for a hug. The
gesture was gentle but grounding, the kind that said: this is
exactly where I want to be. He pressed his forehead briefly to
Ling’s temple.
“Especially since I’ve got you all to myself.”
The breeze tousled their hair, and a gull cried out overhead,
adding to the peaceful symphony of the shore. Cruz tilted his
head slightly, his eyes full of quiet affection as he looked at
Ling.
“So,” he asked with a playful glint in his eye,
“you wanna ease into the windsurfing—maybe start with a few test
runs? Or do we dig into food first and risk not being able to
move afterward?”
---fin--
Ling felt an arm encircle his waist, drawing him into a warm
embrace. It felt undeniably right—comforting and grounding, as
if it connected him to something destined. A gentle smile curled
on his lips while a serene sense of peace washed over him.
The soft press of Cruz's forehead against his temple deepened
that feeling, making him feel truly at one with him. The thought
of spending his days like this was incredibly appealing.
"Food first," Ling said with a chuckle. "I think I’ll move just
fine—just need some fuel before the fun. Honestly, that pesto
seems more appealing than the waves right now." His laughter
echoed lightly, filling the cozy space. After a brief pause, he
added, "And yeah… before the whole Hunter thing, I was an older
brother to two siblings."
He stole another glance at Cruz before reluctantly pulling away,
lured by the tempting meal Cruz had prepared. "What about you?
Any family?" he asked, his voice warm with curiosity.
—fin—
Cruz watched Ling with a quiet softness in his gaze, his heart
catching a little at the way Ling fit so naturally into his
arms, like he was meant to be there. The mention of siblings
tugged at something deep in him—something a little raw, but not
bitter.
He let Ling slip from his embrace, then moved to join him by the
food, opening the container of pesto pasta with a satisfied
grin. “I’m honored it’s more tempting than the waves. That’s a
high bar.”
But when Ling asked about family, Cruz paused, the smile on his
lips turning a little wistful. “Nah... no siblings. No real
family left, actually.”
He sat down beside Ling, stretching his legs out across the
blanket. His voice was calm, but there was a quiet honesty in
it. “I lost my parents when I was a kid. Got bounced around a
bit after that. Foster care, group homes—some good people, some
not so much. Took off when I was sixteen and kind of figured
things out from there.”
He glanced at Ling then, the wind ruffling his curls, eyes
steady and clear. “I had to grow up quick. But... I made it.
Built something solid, surrounded myself with people who
actually give a damn. And now I’ve got this—” he gestured to the
spread of food, the beach, the blanket, and finally back to
Ling, “—which feels pretty damn close to happiness, if you ask
me.”
A small, crooked smile curved his lips again. “So I guess you
could say I’ve made my own kind of family over time.”
He nudged Ling’s shoulder gently with his own. “And who knows…
maybe it grows a little more today.”
--fin--
Ling chuckled warmly. "I’d say your cooking ranks at the top for
me," he admitted honestly,
“We should cook together sometime,” Cruz suggested, his tone
light but laced with an underlying hopefulness as he gathered
his utensils to start eating.”see what we can cook up together.”
Yet, Ling’s chewing gradually slowed when he heard Cruz mention
not having family. The words hung in the air, carrying the
weight of countless untold stories.
Ling’s gaze softened, his heart reaching out silently. He
couldn’t fathom a life being bounced around. His chest ached
with empathy as he listened to the man talk.
Noticing Cruz’s gentle gesture across the food, and him. Was
when Ling felt a warmth spread from his heart to his cheeks. A
tender smile unfolded, as he whispered “That’s true.”his voice
carrying the sincerity of the moment. “In my book, this is
happiness too.”
He would feel the nudge, the contact of Cruz and him. It felt
like a spark- and a nudge to a life he wished to have.
“Possibly.. though I can see it happening for sure now.. least
from my end.” He said giving a lopsided grin.
—fin—
Cruz leaned back on one arm, his other hand resting lightly
beside Ling’s as he licked the last bit of sauce from his thumb.
“Okay,” he said with a satisfied sigh, “top-ranked cooking and
charming company? I’m officially ruined.”
He turned his head, meeting Ling’s gaze with a crooked grin. The
wind tugged at Cruz’s hair as he added, “We might have to make
that ‘cook together’ thing a regular occurrence… or I’ll just
keep bribing you with beachside meals.”
With a stretch and a lazy groan, he stood up and offered Ling
his hand to pull him up from the blanket. “C’mon, pretty boy.
Let’s go catch some wind before I decide keeping you wrapped up
on this blanket sounds better than a workout.”
The teasing note in his voice lingered as they cleaned up
together, and soon enough, Cruz was guiding Ling down a sandy
path toward the glittering coastline. The sky stretched wide
overhead, a soft blue that deepened toward the horizon, and the
wind tugged playfully at their hair.
Their boards waited near the edge of the surf, and Cruz began
prepping the gear with practiced ease. He peeled off his shirt
without fanfare, revealing the faint shimmer of water-touched
skin along his ribs and shoulders.
As his bare feet met the tide, a subtle transformation began.
Thin, iridescent scales flickered to life along his arms and the
sides of his neck, catching the sunlight with each step. His
ears elongated slightly, the edges becoming more fin-like, and
behind his jaw, delicate gill slits fluttered open to taste the
salt-laced breeze.
Cruz glanced back over his shoulder at Ling, who had paused
mid-step.
“…Guess I should’ve given you a heads-up,” Cruz said, rubbing
the back of his neck with a sheepish smile. “The ocean sort of
brings it out of me. Happens when I’m close to open water for
too long.” He offered a shrug, half-shy, half-teasing. “Siren
genes and all.”
He turned his board toward the water and added, “Still down to
see if you can keep up with me?”
Then he threw Ling a wink—eyes glinting like sea-glass—water
gliding off his skin like he belonged to it, Cruz launched
forward into the waves—powerful, fluid, and grinning like he
knew exactly how good he looked doing it.
--fin--
Ling chuckled. "Are you sure you're ruined? I think I’m the one
who’s ruined," he joked, flashing a grin. "Especially with this
out-of-this-world pesto—definitely a new favorite."
"I don’t mind cooking for dates every so often," he added with a
smile, "It’s definitely cozier at home. But this is nice too."
His gaze drifted thoughtfully toward the beach.
Ling heard Cruz groan to get up. The man gazing at what he felt
was like a dream. He took his hand to get up with him. He
stretched a bit as he watched the man prep for the water before
seeing the transformation. He couldn’t help but stare a little.
In his knowledge he was taught that voices gave them the
appearance of allure. Seemed it was false on that front. “I can
try- but I know when I am beat when you got a natural in the
water.” He said with a chuckle as he got his board in the water
to paddle it out. “Just.. don’t cry if I find a way to beat
you.” He said as the wind furled his hair around.
It felt like a dream, as they raced and swam. The wind sailing
turned to surfing, as Ling ran with a wave. The man was so
focused that he didn’t notice that he was being watched. Not by
Cruz but by unseen eyes. His laughter sounded out as he surfaced
from wiping out.
He swam a bit toward Cruz.” Did you see that?!? I almost got
through the curl.” He said as he got closer.
—fin—
Cruz laughed as Ling swam toward him, droplets glittering in the
sun on his skin. “Yeah, I saw,” he said, grinning wide. “You
almost had it—another few tries and you’ll be stealing my
waves.”
But even as he spoke, something pricked at the edges of his
awareness—a faint ripple beneath the natural song of the sea. It
was a vibration in the water, a pull not unlike the tide but
colder, sharper. His smile faltered for just a heartbeat as his
gaze swept the rolling swells behind Ling.
That’s when he saw it.
Farther out, a figure moved through the water with unnatural
grace. Sleek hair drifting like kelp, eyes far too bright for
this depth, lips curving in a smile that wasn’t friendly. Cruz
knew that look—he’d grown up hearing the warnings, and his blood
remembered it even before his mind did.
A siren.
It was already angling toward Ling, subtle but deliberate, the
water parting silently before it. Cruz’s jaw tightened. The
gills along his neck flared, his scales catching the sunlight as
he closed the distance with sudden, powerful strokes.
“Ling—behind you!” he called, his voice cutting through the
crash of the surf.
The siren’s head broke the surface, its voice curling through
the air like silk and saltwater. The sound was hypnotic,
coaxing. Cruz could feel it trying to wind its way into Ling’s
mind—and his own—but his siren blood met it with defiance, a
countercurrent strong enough to hold it at bay.
Before the creature could get closer, Cruz moved between them,
planting himself in the water like a shield. “Not today,” he
said low, his tone a growl meant for another of his kind.
The siren’s eyes narrowed, the water around it churning faintly.
But Cruz’s presence—broad-shouldered, scales gleaming, gills
flaring with each breath—was a warning in itself. He let a low,
resonant hum rise in his chest, one tuned to disrupt the siren’s
song. It faltered, the sweet call souring, and after a moment,
it hissed in frustration before slipping back beneath the
surface.
Cruz stayed still until the ripple of its retreat faded. Only
then did he turn, his hands coming up to steady Ling by the
shoulders. “You okay?” His voice was still low, but the tension
in it betrayed the adrenaline coursing through him. “It’s gone…
for now.”
He glanced back toward the open water, jaw still tight. “That
was one of mine. Well… not mine, but my kind. And they don’t
come this close to shore without a reason.”
--fin--
Ling coughed, droplets cascading from his hair as his wide eyes
reflected the lingering shock. His grip on Cruz’s arms was firm,
the tension beneath his friend’s skin evident.
“I—I’m okay,” Ling stammered, his breath ragged and uneven.
Forcing a weak smile, he tried to steady himself against the
adrenaline surge. “Thanks to you. That thing… it was trying to—”
A shiver rippled through him, the memory of the siren’s song
clinging like a cold mist.
His gaze drifted past Cruz’s shoulder to the spot where the
water had churned moments before. Swallowing hard, his voice
softened. “Its voice… it felt like it was pulling at something
inside me. Like I didn’t even want to resist. If you hadn’t been
there…”
Ling’s fingers tightened briefly on Cruz’s arms before he
released his grip, rubbing his own shoulders as if to dispel the
lingering sensation. Questions crowded his mind—was he attacked
at random, or was there a reason? The image of the siren’s face
flashed before him, and recognition dawned. He remembered—the
devastated face of a siren linked to a past hunt.
“I think I know now,” Ling whispered, a shadow crossing his
features. “In a way, karma has come back… or maybe my past has
come to haunt me. I killed his lover five years ago- before the
crazy witch ‘reformed’ me.”
He sighed. “Think he might try again?” He said his eye trailing
the water cautiously.
—fin—
Cruz’s jaw tightened at Ling’s words, a low, guttural sound
vibrating in his chest. The protective instinct in him flared so
sharply it almost felt like a physical ache. His arms stayed
steady around Ling’s shoulders, holding him close against the
soft push and pull of the surf.
“He’s not going to get near you again,” Cruz said firmly, his
voice low and edged with a possessive growl that didn’t sound
entirely human. His gills flared with each breath, and the faint
shimmer of scales caught the sunlight like a warning to anything
watching beneath the waves.
He tilted his head slightly, scanning the restless surface of
the water, every sense straining for a hint of the other siren.
Too close. He was way too close.
Cruz shifted his focus back to Ling, his thumb brushing over the
back of his arm in a grounding touch. “We’ll just have to be
careful whenever we’re near open water,” he continued, forcing
his tone gentler, calmer for Ling’s sake. “And until I can talk
to the local siren leader, you stay close to me. Always.”
Cruz offered a faint, crooked smile, though there was no
mistaking the fire in his gaze. “If the leader knows you’re
under my protection, it should give them pause. Sirens respect
territory… and my word carries weight.” His smile faded as he
added, quieter, “But this one? Losing his mate like that… I
doubt he’ll listen to reason. He’s hurting, and all he’s gonna
want is vengeance.”
A wave surged, splashing against Cruz’s back, and his tailbone
tingled with the urge to dive after the threat, to end it before
it grew worse. He exhaled slowly, reigning himself in.
“Let me try first,” Cruz said finally. “I’ll talk to him, see if
there’s even a sliver of hope he’ll back off. But if he
doesn’t…” His hand cupped Ling’s face, holding him steady, his
voice dropping to a fierce whisper. “Then I’ll do whatever it
takes to keep you safe. Even if that means going to war beneath
these waves.”
Cruz leaned forward, pressing his forehead to Ling’s with a
tender but unyielding touch. “You’re not alone anymore. You hear
me? We’ll face this together.”
With that, Cruz guided him back toward the shore, every step
calculated, protective, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon for
any sign of the siren that dared to threaten what was his.
-Fin-
Ling’s breath hitched as Cruz’s fervent words wrapped around him
like a protective cocoon. His heart hammered, not from fear, but
from the overwhelming intensity of Cruz’s devotion. The warmth
of Cruz’s hand against his face, the fierce glint in his eyes—it
was almost too much, almost more than Ling felt he deserved.
Ling swallowed hard, his fingers finding Cruz’s wrist, gripping
it gently but firmly. He tilted his face slightly into the
calloused warmth of Cruz’s palm, seeking grounding in the midst
of the storm brewing both in the sea and his heart.
“Cruz,” Ling whispered, his voice soft but steady, layered with
gratitude and a fierce determination of his own. “I don’t want
you to fight for me. I want us to fight together. I’m not
fragile. But I’m not one to brush off help either.”
His gaze locked with Cruz’s, eyes shimmering with both defiance
and affection. “I know what vengeance looks like. I’ve faced it
before. But if there is anything I was taught by Aether- is to
count on others covering my back.”
A small, determined smile curved Ling’s lips as he leaned into
Cruz’s forehead, their connection steady and unyielding. “I know
I’m not alone just be ready to fight if he comes back.”
With that, Ling’s hand found Cruz’s, fingers entwining as they
moved toward the shore—not with fear, but with a shared
strength, their hearts beating as one against the pull of the
restless tide.
As they neared to where they’d be able to stand would a swift
yank take him from Cruz’s grip his body twisting to see the
siren. He fought back the best he could his hand going for the
gills- dirty- but got free. His eyes softened at the wronged
mate before he’d make way to take a breath. Arms circled around
his shoulders as he felt the song attempting to flood his senses
again his eye on Cruz- full of trust for the man.
—fin—
Cruz’s world narrowed to a single point the instant Ling was
yanked from his grip. His heart lurched violently, a guttural
sound ripping from his throat as he spun in the water. The
siren’s song hit him like a wave, heavy and cloying, but his own
blood rose to meet it, countering the pull with raw instinct and
defiance.
“Ling!” Cruz surged forward, cutting through the water with
powerful strokes. His gills flared, his body shifting further as
more scales rippled across his skin. The ocean itself seemed to
hum around him, resonating with his growing rage.
Ling fought back fiercely, his hand going for the siren’s gills
in a dirty but desperate move. Cruz caught the glimmer of pain
in the attacker’s eyes—a grief so deep it was almost
tangible—and his chest ached even as his fury burned brighter.
This isn’t just violence… this is vengeance.
Ling managed to break free, gasping as he kicked to the surface.
Cruz was there in an instant, his arms wrapping around Ling from
behind, anchoring him against the water and shielding him from
the pull of the siren’s song.
“I’ve got you,” Cruz breathed, his voice rough and trembling.
“You’re safe. I swear it.”
The siren hovered a few feet away, its expression twisted
between hatred and heartbreak. Its voice rose again, a haunting
melody that threatened to seep into Ling’s mind. Cruz snarled,
his own voice rising in a sharp, discordant counter-song. The
sound clashed like clashing tides, forcing the siren back a
step.
“That’s enough!” Cruz growled. “Go back to the depths before
this gets worse.”
For a tense moment, the creature hesitated. Then, with a
guttural cry, it vanished beneath the waves, leaving only a
swirl of foam behind.
Cruz didn’t relax until he was certain the siren was gone. He
guided Ling toward shallow water, never letting go, his body a
solid barrier between Ling and the restless sea.
Once they were on the beach, Cruz sank to his knees in the wet
sand, pulling Ling close, both of them breathing hard. “You
okay?” he asked, searching Ling’s face, his thumb brushing over
his cheekbone to ground them both.
Cruz’s jaw clenched at Ling's question about the siren not
stopping.“No,” he admitted quietly. “Not until someone stops
him.”
He tilted his forehead against Ling’s for a moment, drawing
strength from the simple, grounding contact. “I’ll talk to the
siren leader. If anyone can rein him in, it’s her. She needs to
know you’re under my protection now.” His voice hardened, full
of unshakable resolve. “Once that’s clear, no one will dare
touch you again.”
Ling opened his mouth to speak, but Cruz shook his head, forcing
a small smile despite the tension thrumming beneath his skin.
“Not today. I’m not letting this ruin our time together.”
He cupped Ling’s face, his thumb tracing lightly along his jaw.
“We finish this date. We make memories worth holding on to. And
tomorrow…” His eyes gleamed with something darker, more
dangerous. “…I’ll deal with the ocean.”
Cruz stood, offering his hand to Ling, helping him up. “Come on.
Let’s get you dry and warm. The waves can wait. Right now, it’s
just us.”
Hand in hand, they walked back toward their blanket, the horizon
stretched wide before them, and somewhere beneath those same
waters, a storm of vengeance brewed.
-Fin-
Ling’s breathing was ragged, but not from exertion—guilt clawed
at his chest tighter than the siren’s grasp ever could. As Cruz
guided him toward the beach, Ling’s eyes remained fixed on the
dark water, haunted by the echoes of the siren’s heartbroken
song.
“I knew this would be an eventuality. Those that have been hurt
never forgets.” Ling’s hands trembled. “I know there is no way
of fixing that kind of hurt. While I know you’re doing it for
me, keep in mind of why- I took everything from him.” He said
quietly.
“It’s something I’ll carry till I go be it natural or not.” He
said with a deep sigh. “Try to get him help.. if anything.” He
said calmly slicking his hair back.
He went with Cruz to wrap the blanket around him. His eye
looking out toward the ocean.
—fin—
Cruz crouched down beside Ling, wrapping the blanket more
securely around his shoulders. His chest was still heaving from
the rush of the fight, but his focus was entirely on Ling—the
haunted look in his eyes cut deeper than any wound.
“Ling,” Cruz said softly, his hand coming to rest over Ling’s
trembling ones. “I hear you. I know this isn’t just about you
being attacked. It’s about the pain he’s carrying. The kind of
loss that leaves a hole you don’t think you’ll ever fill.”
He swallowed, his throat tight, his gills fluttering faintly as
if echoing his emotions. “But none of this was ever simple. And
while I want to tear the ocean apart for what he just did to
you… I get why he’s angry. Why he’s hurting.” His voice dropped
lower, rough with restrained emotion. “I’ve felt that kind of
hurt before.”
Cruz tilted Ling’s chin up gently, meeting his gaze. “I’ll try
to reach him. To talk to him. If there’s any chance to calm this
before it spirals out of control, I’ll take it. I promise.”
His eyes hardened, the protective spark flaring again. “But if
he won’t listen… if he keeps coming for you… then he leaves me
no choice.” There was no hesitation in his voice, only a fierce
determination. “I’ll end it before he ever lays a hand on you
again.”
He drew Ling against his chest, his arms wrapping around him
fully, grounding them both against the sound of the restless
waves. “For now, we’ll stay close to shore. You stay with me,
always. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the siren ruler and explain
everything. Once they know you’re under my protection, it should
hold weight.”
Pulling back slightly, Cruz softened his tone. “Tonight, though?
Tonight is ours. I don’t want this to overshadow what we have.
You’ve been through enough.”
He pressed a tender kiss to Ling’s temple, lingering there for a
moment. “We’ll face what’s coming tomorrow. Together.”
Cruz tucked the blanket closer around Ling and glanced out at
the dark sea, his jaw set. He wouldn’t rest until this was
resolved—one way or another.
-Fin-
Ling slowly leaned into Cruz’s embrace, his trembling easing
just a fraction under the warmth of the blanket and the steady
rhythm of Cruz’s heartbeat. For a moment, the world narrowed to
that safe circle—Cruz’s arms, the faint scent of saltwater, and
the distant lull of the waves.
He drew a shaky breath, feeling Cruz’s hand rub circles against
his back, grounding him.
Ling tilted his head, meeting Cruz’s gaze, the protective fire
in those eyes melting some of the ice in his chest. “If you talk
to him… if there’s a chance to make him understand, then I trust
you. But if it comes to the worst…” He swallowed hard and
nodded, voice low but steady. “I need to face that too, as I am
why he’s hurting. Least be present in my sins.” He said with a
sigh as his body finally relaxing a little. “Tonight, I just
want to stay here. With you. Pretend for a while that the world
is quiet.”
The waves answered in the distance, and for now, that was
enough.
He would draw the siren man down in a soft kiss, taking the
moment as he felt safer on shore and enjoying the rest of the
time with him.
—fin—
The world felt still for a time, the two of them lying tangled
together on the beach blanket, warmed by the afternoon sun and
each other’s presence. Cruz’s thumb traced slow, soothing
circles along Ling’s side as they shared soft kisses, letting
the tension of earlier melt away.
When Ling’s breathing evened out and his body relaxed fully
against him, Cruz allowed himself to simply hold him, committing
every detail to memory—the salty tang of the sea breeze, the
soft rasp of Ling’s laughter, the weight of his trust.
Eventually, the tide crept higher, a cool mist brushing their
skin. Cruz reluctantly pulled back, pressing one last lingering
kiss to Ling’s lips before sitting up. “We should probably pack
up before the ocean decides to claim our blanket,” he said
lightly, his grin warm but playful.
As he gathered containers and folded the blanket, Cruz glanced
at Ling, his expression softening. “Hey,” he began, brushing a
lock of windblown hair from Ling’s face. “I know today’s been… a
lot. So I was thinking maybe we take the rest of our day date
somewhere quieter. Just you and me, no surprises.”
He slung the folded blanket over one shoulder and reached out
his free hand to Ling. “Where do you want to go next? Could be
anywhere. Ice cream, a quiet walk, even just a drive with the
windows down. Whatever feels right to you.”
Cruz’s voice dropped, tender and sincere. “This is your day too,
Ling. After what happened out there, I want to give you
something peaceful—something that’s just ours.”
He gave Ling’s hand a reassuring squeeze, his sea-glass eyes
shimmering with affection. “So… tell me. What would make today
perfect for you?”
-Fin-
Ling hesitated for a moment, glancing down at their intertwined
fingers before letting out a shaky breath that turned into a
small, wry smile. “Ice cream,” he said finally, voice soft but
certain. “Something cold and sweet… and then maybe a walk in the
park. Change of scenery really-I think I need to move a little,
shake off… everything..”
Ling got moving to stand up.”let’s change and head there hm?” He
said to hold his hand out this time. He could still feel eyes
but ignored it. He would face that another day, and hopefully
somehow give the siren some semblance of peace.
—fin—
#Post#: 1440--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hunt for Love- Cruz&Ling
By: Minyaagar Date: February 16, 2026, 7:37 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Cruz’s lips curved into a grin at Ling’s answer, his sea-glass
eyes softening with quiet relief. “Ice cream, huh? That, I can
definitely do.” He gave Ling’s hand a playful squeeze before
adding, “Tell me—have you ever tried gelato? There’s this little
family-run place about fifteen minutes from here. Best pistachio
you’ll ever taste, I swear on it.”
As Ling helped him up, Cruz made a show of groaning
dramatically. “Thanks for the assist,” he teased, even though he
didn’t really need the help. His thumb brushed lightly over
Ling’s knuckles before he let go to start folding the blanket
and packing the last of their things into the cooler.
Once everything was loaded up, Cruz opened the passenger door
for Ling with a small bow and a cheeky smile. “Your chariot
awaits, sir,” he said, his voice warm and teasing. When Ling
settled in, Cruz leaned down to steal a quick kiss before
jogging around to the driver’s side.
The drive started with the windows rolled down, the warm breeze
whipping through the cab as the sun shine filled the cab. Cruz
grabbed his sunglasses and slide them on, turning the radio on
low, a lazy mix of acoustic guitar and mellow beats that didn’t
intrude on the comfortable silence between them. Every so often,
he’d glance at Ling, catching the way his expression slowly
softened as the weight of the earlier encounter began to ease.
As they passed along the coastline, Cruz reached over to rest
his hand lightly on Ling’s thigh, grounding him. “I get it,” he
said softly, eyes on the road. “Sometimes you just need to
change the scenery to shake things loose. After gelato, we’ll
hit that park you mentioned, take a slow walk, just… breathe for
a bit.”
He shot Ling a sidelong look and a tender smile. “No rushing.
Just you, me, and a whole lot of sugar.”
The gentle humor in his tone was enough to melt some of the
lingering tension, carrying them forward into the next, quieter
part of their date.
-Fin-
Ling’s lips quirked into a small, genuine smile as Cruz’s words
washed over him. “Gelato sounds perfect,” he replied, his voice
soft but steady, the earlier weight in his chest easing bit by
bit. “Pistachio, huh? You’re that confident?”
He let his fingers linger against Cruz’s for a moment longer
before releasing, watching him fold the blanket with practiced
ease. When Cruz opened the door with that dramatic little bow,
Ling rolled his eyes fondly but couldn’t stop the quiet laugh
that slipped out. “You’re ridiculous,” he murmured, sliding into
the seat. “But I guess I’ll allow it.”
As the truck rumbled to life and the breeze curled through the
open windows, Ling leaned his head back against the seat,
letting the sunlight warm his face. Cruz’s music choice was
gentle, and the silence between them felt like a blanket of its
own. He caught Cruz’s glance and gave him a slight nod, a silent
way of saying he was okay.
When Cruz’s hand settled on his thigh, Ling let his own hand
rest on top of it for a moment, grounding himself in return.
“Yeah,” he said quietly, the corners of his mouth lifting. “A
change of scenery is just what I needed. And maybe… a lot of
sugar.”
He turned his face toward the coastline, the endless blue
stretching out beside them, and finally, it felt like he could
breathe again.
They arrived at the ice cream place, Ling stepped up to the
glass case, eyes scanning rows of pastel swirls and vibrant
mounds like tiny, edible sunsets.
The pistachio Cruz had sworn by caught his attention first, but
his gaze drifted to the fruit flavors—mango like golden
sunlight, raspberry with its jewel-toned sheen, and a pale,
pearly lemon that almost seemed to glow. He tapped a finger
against the glass, lips pursing in indecision.
Something light, something that tasted like the ocean breeze and
the freedom settling in his chest—that’s what he wanted. “Maybe…
mango,” he murmured to himself, then shot Cruz a thoughtful
look. “Or raspberry. Ugh, why is this harder than it should be?”
—fin—
Cruz grinned as he stepped up beside Ling, watching his
boyfriend’s eyes dart between the bright, colorful swirls of
gelato. He could practically feel the indecision radiating off
him, and it made his chest warm with quiet affection.
“You know,” Cruz said, leaning down so his voice was low and
teasing in Ling’s ear, “you don’t have to pick just one flavor.”
His grin widened as he gestured toward the case. “Get both.
Mango and raspberry. Live a little.”
He pointed to the pale green mound of pistachio with a confident
nod. “Me? I’m sticking with my classic. Trust me, it’s
perfection in a scoop.” There was a playful glint in his
sea-glass eyes as he added, “Besides, this way you can steal a
bite of mine and pretend it’s not planned.”
Cruz gave Ling a light nudge with his shoulder. “Think of it
like life, babe—sometimes the best choice is not choosing at
all. Why settle when you can have it all?”
He stepped up to place his order, flashing Ling a quick wink
over his shoulder. “Pistachio for me, and a little bit of mango
and raspberry for the man who can’t decide.”
When the cups were handed over, Cruz grabbed a pair of spoons
and held one out to Ling with a flourish. “Now,” he said, voice
warm and full of promise, “let’s see which flavor wins your
heart.”
-Fin-
#Post#: 1456--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hunt for Love- Cruz&Ling
By: Minyaagar Date: February 17, 2026, 9:50 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Ling accepted the spoon with a small laugh, his cheeks flushing
a soft pink that had nothing to do with the chill of the shop.
“You really make it sound like gelato is a life philosophy,” he
said, shaking his head as he took the first tentative scoop of
mango. The sweetness burst across his tongue, and he couldn’t
help the hum of appreciation that slipped out.
“Okay… mango is amazing,” he admitted, then reached for the
raspberry. His eyes flicked up to Cruz’s, catching the glint of
mischief there. “But if I try pistachio and like it best, that
means you win, and I’m not sure I’m ready to give you that
satisfaction.”
He dipped into the pale green scoop anyway, letting the nutty
creaminess melt in his mouth. His eyes widened before he could
help himself.
“…Ugh. Fine. You’re right. It’s perfect.”
Ling leaned closer, lowering his voice so only Cruz could hear.
“But if you tell anyone I admitted that, I’m stealing all your
pistachio next time.”
—fin—
Cruz couldn’t hold back his laughter, the sound warm and deep as
it rolled out of him. He leaned in, his shoulder brushing
against Ling’s as he grinned.
“Relax,” he said, his voice low and teasing, “your secret’s safe
with me. I’m not about to go bragging about my gelato victory.
Though…” his eyes sparkled mischievously, “I might just enjoy
knowing you think I was right.”
He took a slow bite of his pistachio, savoring it before adding
with a wink, “And for the record, I don’t mind sharing.
Especially with you. So steal all you want, babe—I’ll just use
it as an excuse to get another scoop.”
Cruz’s hand brushed against Ling’s knee beneath the table, a
subtle, affectionate touch. “Besides,” he said, softer now, “if
it makes you happy, it’s yours. Gelato, pistachio… even me.”
He gave Ling a crooked smile, his thumb tracing idle patterns
against Ling’s knee. “Now, let’s finish up before it melts. Then
we’ll take that walk in the park you wanted. Fresh air, open
space… and no one around but us.”
-Fin-
Ling felt his cheeks warm, a smile tugging at the corners of his
lips despite his best efforts to stay composed. He leaned ever
so slightly into Cruz, letting the brush of his shoulder linger.
“I wasn’t going to steal it,” he said softly, his voice carrying
a playful edge. “But since you’re offering… maybe one more bite
won’t hurt.” His fingers drifted toward Cruz’s cup, deliberately
slow, eyes glinting as he met his gaze.
The gentle pressure of Cruz’s hand on his knee made his pulse
skip, but he recovered with a teasing hum. “You know… you make
it very hard to argue with you. Especially when you’re being
this sweet. Gelato, pistachio, even you? That’s a dangerous
deal.”
Ling took a small spoonful, savoring the cold and creamy taste
before leaning in closer, his tone dropping to a whisper. “But
if it makes you happy… I might just take you up on it.”
He nudged Cruz’s shoulder with his own, feeling lighter than he
had all day. “Come on, let’s finish this - then that nice walk.”
—fin-
Cruz’s grin widened at Ling’s playful tone, his chest tightening
with fondness at how much lighter Ling seemed now. Watching him
lean closer, teasing fingers creeping toward his gelato cup,
made Cruz’s heart do a little flip.
“Oh, is that so?” Cruz rumbled, leaning forward just enough that
their noses almost brushed. “One more bite, huh? You’ve got a
dangerous habit, babe. But… lucky for you, I like living
dangerously.”
He scooped up a small spoonful and held it out to Ling, his eyes
sparkling. “Go ahead. Last bite’s yours.”
When Ling accepted it, Cruz took the opportunity to sneak in a
quick kiss to the corner of his lips, tasting both pistachio and
Ling’s laughter. “Perfect,” he murmured, voice low and warm.
Once they finished their cups and tossed the spoons away, Cruz
slid his hand into Ling’s and guided him back to the truck. The
drive to the park was quiet but comfortable, the kind of silence
filled with shared glances and the occasional squeeze of
fingers.
The park itself was peaceful, the sun dipping lower and painting
the trees in gold and rose hues. Birds chattered softly in the
branches, and the scent of wildflowers mixed with the faint salt
of the ocean breeze. Cruz led Ling down one of the quieter
paths, his thumb stroking the back of Ling’s hand.
Then, with a sudden, mischievous glint in his eye, Cruz tugged
Ling off the main trail, slipping behind a thick cluster of
bushes and tall grasses. “Couldn’t help myself,” he admitted in
a husky whisper before pressing Ling back gently against the
sturdy trunk of a tree.
His lips found Ling’s in a slow, lingering kiss, full of the
heat he’d been holding back all afternoon. One hand cupped
Ling’s jaw while the other settled at his waist, anchoring him
close. Between kisses, Cruz murmured, “Been wanting to do this
since the beach.”
The world around them faded, leaving only their shared breath,
the rustle of leaves, and the soft sound of their lips meeting
again and again. Cruz deepened the kiss slightly, savoring the
taste of mango and raspberry still lingering on Ling’s tongue,
his heart pounding like the distant crash of the waves they’d
left behind.
Finally, Cruz pulled back just enough to rest his forehead
against Ling’s, his voice a rough whisper. “Best date ever.”
-Fin-
Ling laughed softly, feeling the warmth of Cruz’s hand in his as
they walked. His chest fluttered from the kiss, and the taste of
pistachio still lingered on his lips.
“You really don’t play fair, you know that?” Ling teased,
brushing his thumb along Cruz’s knuckles. “Stealing kisses and
gelato? I’m starting to think you have a dangerous streak.”
He leaned into Cruz’s side as they strolled through the park,
breathing in the fresh mix of flowers and sea breeze. The quiet
was comforting, full of little glances and the rhythm of Cruz’s
thumb against his hand.
When Cruz suddenly tugged him off the path, Ling’s heart
skipped. A laugh bubbled out even as his back met the tree, the
familiar solidity grounding him. The first kiss stole his
breath, slow and deep, and he couldn’t stop from curling his
fingers into Cruz’s shirt.
“Since the beach, huh?” Ling whispered between kisses, his voice
soft but playful. “Guess I should’ve let you steal a bite
sooner.”
He closed his eyes and let himself sink into the moment—the
leaves rustling overhead, the pulse of the ocean in the
distance, and the warmth of Cruz’s forehead resting against his
own.
“You know it,” Ling confirmed, his smile curving, before he’d
pull Cruz into another breathless kiss.
—fin—
Cruz’s lips curved into a slow, earnest smile against Ling’s. He
pulled back just far enough to look him in the eye, his thumb
brushing over Ling’s cheekbone with infinite care.
“I don’t play fair,” he admitted softly, his voice low and
husky, “I play for keeps. When I find someone I feel deeply for,
I don’t give up. I’m in this for the long haul, Ling. I don’t
mind taking things slow—hell, I’ll go at whatever pace you
need—but you need to know something…” His forehead pressed more
firmly against Ling’s, their breaths mingling. “I’m not going
anywhere.”
The words hung in the quiet hush of the park, layered with a raw
honesty that only deepened the weight of his embrace. Cruz’s
hand slid gently down Ling’s side to rest at his waist,
grounding him.
“I’ve spent too many years alone,” he continued, his tone tender
but fierce. “Drifting, keeping my guard up, telling myself it
was easier not to need anyone. But then you came along, and
now…” He gave a small, self-deprecating chuckle. “Now I can’t
imagine going back to that. I don’t want to.”
His thumb traced the curve of Ling’s lower lip as his eyes
softened. “So if that scares you—if the weight of what I feel is
too much—tell me. But don’t ever doubt it. You’re not just a
passing thing for me. You’re it.”
Cruz leaned in again, sealing his promise with a kiss that was
slower this time, deeper, his hand curling at the back of Ling’s
neck like he never wanted to let him go. When he finally pulled
back, his grin returned, lighter but no less sincere.
“Now… what do you say we see how many kisses I can steal before
we make it back to the main path?”
-fin-
Ling’s chest tightened, the warmth of Cruz’s words sinking past
every defense he’d built. For a moment, all he could do was
stare back into those earnest eyes, the world around them
blurring into the soft hush of leaves and distant city sounds.
His throat worked before he finally managed a whisper.
“You… you mean that?” he breathed, the edges of his voice
trembling. “All of it?”
Cruz’s thumb still rested against his cheek, grounding him, and
Ling felt his pulse leap beneath the gentle contact. He
swallowed hard, his lips curling into a hesitant smile that grew
brighter by the second.
“I… I feel it too,” Ling admitted, the words spilling out like a
secret set free. “This—whatever this is—it scares me a little.
But it also…” He let out a shaky laugh, leaning into Cruz’s
touch. “It feels like I’ve been waiting for it without even
knowing I was.”
Ling’s hand rose, tentative at first, then firm as he laid it
over Cruz’s heart, feeling its steady rhythm beneath his palm.
“So… if you’re not going anywhere,” he said softly, his gaze
steady now, “then I guess neither am I.”
He tilted his head, closing the last inch between them for a
kiss that was his own this time—gentle, searching, yet full of
the spark that had ignited between them. When they finally
parted, Ling’s breath mingled with Cruz’s, and he whispered with
a newfound confidence:
“Okay. Let’s see how many kisses you can steal… but I might
start stealing some back.” He said with a chuckle as he took
Cruz’s hand.
—fin—
Cruz’s breath caught for a moment as the words sank in. He
hadn’t realized how tightly he’d been holding himself until now;
the instant Ling said then I guess neither am I, every bit of
tension bled out of his shoulders.
A slow smile spread across his face—something soft and a little
disbelieving—as he lifted a hand to cup Ling’s jaw again.
“Yeah,” he murmured, his voice a low rasp, “I mean every word of
it.” He brushed his thumb across Ling’s lower lip, eyes warm and
steady. “And hearing you say that back… that’s the best damn
thing I’ve heard in a long time.”
The next kiss was slower, deeper, tasting faintly of laughter
and promise. Cruz let it linger until breathing became
necessary, then rested his forehead against Ling’s.
“You know,” he said quietly, amusement flickering at the edge of
his tone, “if you’re planning on stealing them back, we’re gonna
be here all night. Not that I’m complaining.”
He squeezed Ling’s hand, twining their fingers again as they
started walking. “But fair warning,” he added with a grin, “I’ve
never been one to surrender easily. You’ll have to fight me for
every kiss.”
Cruz glanced sideways at him, eyes gleaming in the fading light.
“And for the record? I’m all in, Ling. Whatever comes—sirens,
storms, or gelato debates—you’ve got me. For keeps.”
With that, he lifted their joined hands to press a gentle kiss
to Ling’s knuckles before tugging him back toward the path, the
two of them melting into the golden glow of the setting park.
-Fin-
Ling lingered in the fading glow, the park’s golden light
dimming into violet shadows. The warmth of Cruz’s hand against
his own felt like an anchor, and for a heartbeat, he considered
abandoning the world entirely—just letting night claim them
here, in this quiet space where time moved so softly.
But reality crept in with the first cool whisper of evening. A
breeze rustled through the trees, and the sky deepened to a
bruised blue. Ling’s chest tightened with reluctant awareness.
“I… should get going- I have work coming up,” he murmured, voice
rough with something caught between awe and regret. His gaze
flicked to Cruz, drinking in the spark in his eyes, the curve of
his mouth, committing them to memory for the long hours ahead.
He leaned in and kissed him—slow, and unhurried-tasting the
promise they’d built in the quiet dusk. Their lips lingered like
they were trying to memorize each other, before Ling finally
pulled back with a shaky breath.
Then his phone buzzed in his pocket, shattering the cocoon of
twilight. The screen flared with Aether’s name. Ling hesitated,
glanced at Cruz, and swiped to answer.
“Ling,” Aether’s voice crackled through, urgent even over the
distant hum of the evening city. “We’ve got something. I need
you here—now.”
Ling’s stomach knotted, the weight of the world settling back
onto his shoulders.“Another needing a safe way back?” He asked
on the phone.
*Yeah- this time? It’s sirens and mermaids- some sick ass tried
to keep them for some glorified water circus.* said aether.
“On my way.” Ling hung up and sighed.”I enjoyed myself- but now
I got work- seems the crazy witch got a group for us to get back
home.” He said softly as he slid the phone in his pocket.
—fin—
Cruz’s ears twitched the moment he caught the words sirens and
mermaids from Ling’s phone call. His posture shifted
instantly—alert, focused, every trace of relaxed warmth replaced
by sharp attention.
When Ling hung up, Cruz was already watching him closely, the
calm in his tone edged with something fierce. “You’re going
after them, aren’t you?”
When Ling had confirmed what was going on, That was all Cruz
needed to hear. “Then I’m coming with you.”
Ling looked like he was going to object.
“No,” The single word carried quiet finality. Cruz stepped
closer, his expression steady but unyielding. “You and Aether
are going to need an extra hand, especially if that siren from
earlier catches your scent again.” His jaw tightened, the faint
shimmer of scales flickering along his neck as his instincts
stirred. “I’m not the type to sit back when my people are in
danger. It’s enough for me to see them safe.”
Ling started to protest again, but Cruz’s hand came up gently to
rest on his shoulder, his tone softening even as resolve burned
behind it. “Look, you’ve got a good team. I know that. But I can
move in the water better than any human, and if those sirens or
merfolk panic, I can calm them down. They’ll trust one of their
own before they trust anyone else.”
He smiled faintly, though it didn’t quite hide the steel in his
eyes. “You know I’m right, pretty boy. Besides…” his thumb
brushed absently over Ling’s sleeve, “…I’m not about to let you
walk back into that kind of danger alone.”
Straightening, Cruz nodded toward the truck. “Come on. Let’s
move before they get relocated again. You can fill me in on the
way.”
-Fin-
Ling hesitated for a moment, searching Cruz’s face. The logic
was impossible to refute—Cruz’s siren instincts, his speed in
the water, the subtle authority he carried among their kind.
Ling exhaled slowly, tension bleeding into acceptance.
“Alright,” he said at last, voice low but firm. “You’re right.
If anyone can keep the sirens calm, it’s you. And I’d rather
have you with us than worrying about you trying to follow
later.”
Ling started toward the truck as he got details of where to go
to meet Aether. “Aether’s already getting the van ready for us.
We’ll regroup with him and then head straight to the docks
before anyone else interferes.”
Cruz fell into step beside him, the faint shimmer of scales on
his neck fading as he refocused. Ling couldn’t help but feel the
tiniest flicker of relief at his presence—if things went bad,
he’d need Cruz there.
The two of them climbed into the truck, the engine rumbling to
life. In the distance, Ling could already see Aether by the
small van, moving briskly as he prepared gear for the group.
Ling glanced once at Cruz, then back to the road ahead. “Let’s
make this quick. We don’t want to lose them again.”
Together, they drove toward Aether, ready to move out as a team.
—fin—
Cruz kept the truck steady as they cut through the last stretch
of road, the night air cool through the cracked window. The
smell of saltwater grew stronger the closer they got to the
docks, familiar and grounding. It made his pulse quicken—not
from fear, but from instinct. Something in him always woke up
when the sea was near.
Sirens and mermaids. The words had caught his ear the moment
they left Ling’s lips. Now, every sense in his body was attuned
to the pull of the ocean. If those poor souls were being held
somewhere nearby, he’d feel it before he saw it. The water
always whispered when it carried pain.
He drove in silence for a while, glancing over at Ling every so
often. The mage’s directions were sharp, calm, but Cruz could
feel the weight behind them—the urgency. Whatever they were
walking into, it wasn’t just another retrieval.
As the truck rolled into the gravel lot, Cruz cut the engine and
let the quiet settle. The faint clang of halyards against masts
echoed in the distance, the rhythmic sound of the tide brushing
against wood and steel. He popped the latch on the glove
compartment, grabbed his old duffel, and slung it over his
shoulder. The familiar weight steadied him.
The bag carried the tools of old habits: crowbars, picks,
insulated cutters, and a few weapons he hoped he wouldn’t need.
He’d used them in darker days—when he worked alone, taking jobs
that blurred lines between mercenary and rescuer. But tonight,
the goal was clear. Freedom.
As he stepped out, the brine in the air hit his lungs like a
pulse. His gills fluttered once, then settled. He could feel
them out there—sirens and merfolk, the faint shimmer of their
song brushing at the edge of his consciousness. It wasn’t loud,
not like a true call—more like a trembling hum beneath the
surface. Fear. Containment. Desperation.
Cruz clenched his jaw and adjusted the strap of his bag. “Hang
on,” he murmured under his breath, the words barely audible.
“We’re coming.”
Aether came into view near the van, tall as a damn tower and
radiating power like the air itself bent to him. Cruz didn’t
need magic sight to feel it—the energy rolled off the mage in
waves, brushing up against his fae side like static. His gills
flexed instinctively, reacting to it before his mind caught up.
For a moment, Cruz just watched him—calculating, quietly
impressed. There was something about the way Aether moved,
deliberate and precise, that told him this wasn’t someone to
underestimate. Good, he thought. We’re gonna need someone like
him.
When Ling and Aether exchanged words, Cruz stayed a step back,
scanning the perimeter. The docks looked quiet—too quiet. No
guards in plain sight, but he knew better than to trust the
surface. People who trafficked beings like sirens didn’t rely on
brute force; they relied on control.
As Aether’s plan started taking shape, Cruz stepped closer, his
voice low but firm. “Once we hit the water, I can scout ahead,”
he said. “If there are enchantments or dampeners around the
tanks, I’ll feel the interference before it hits anyone else.
Siren blood reacts to that kind of energy—it’s like swimming
through static.”
He caught Ling’s gaze, letting the corner of his mouth twitch
into something like a smile. “Besides,” he added, tone
lightening, “someone’s gotta keep you two from getting your feet
wet.”
He turned his eyes back toward the rows of shadowed warehouses,
the rhythmic hiss of the tide calling him forward. Somewhere
beneath those roofs, he could feel them—voices trembling under
steel and magic.
Cruz adjusted his bag and squared his shoulders. “Let’s bring
them home.”
-fin-
#Post#: 1457--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hunt for Love- Cruz&Ling
By: Minyaagar Date: February 17, 2026, 10:01 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Ling crouched near the truck’s shadow, eyes scanning the docks
as the tide whispered against rusted hulls. “The drop-off’s at
Warehouse- Eleven,” he said quietly, tracing a line on the map
he’d unfolded on the hood. “Back entrance faces the water,
minimal lighting. We get in fast, get them out faster.”
Aether crossed his arms, gaze locked on the darkened building.
“Handling it quietly is one thing,” he rumbled, “but if there
are spell wards or dampeners, subtlety won’t last long.”
Ling nodded, calm but firm. “Then we adjust on the fly. I’ll
draw the wards if they’re active. You contain any magical
backlash. Cruz…” He tilted his head toward him, a silent
invitation.
Aether’s expression darkened. “Him? No. He’s not part of the
plan.”
Cruz stepped forward, jaw set, but Ling lifted a hand. “He is.
Cruz has the instincts we need in the water. He can feel the
enchantments before they hit us. He’s determined to help.”
Aether exhaled sharply and looked away, the sea breeze tugging
at his coat. “Fine,” he said at last, voice tight. “But if he
ends up hurt, he can’t blame me.”
Ling folded the map and slid it into his pocket. “Then we move.
Quiet until we can’t be. Quick in, quicker out. And remember—we
leave no one behind.”
—fin—
Cruz crouched beside the truck, muscles coiled and senses sharp.
The night was heavy with salt and rust; beneath it, something
darker stirred—the faint, aching hum of fear seeping from the
water beyond the docks. He could feel the sirens, their voices
muffled under layers of iron and enchantment, like screams
behind glass.
When Ling gave the signal, Cruz moved without hesitation. He
slid into the shadows flanking the warehouse, his boots silent
against the damp boards. Every sound mattered here: the low
groan of the tide, the faint scuff of movement beyond the
loading doors. His instincts mapped the space before his eyes
caught up—six, maybe seven heartbeats inside, two near the
tanks, the rest guarding the entrance.
He flexed his fingers, whispering under his breath as he reached
for the faint shimmer of his fae side. The magic responded, slow
but steady, spiraling from his palm like a ripple through water.
He pressed his hand to the door’s iron handle and murmured an
old word. The lock gave with a soft click, and a faint shimmer
of protective energy wrapped around him—a ward against
enchantment backlash.
“Clear,” he whispered into the comm.
The second he stepped inside, the air hit him—thick with salt
and dampened magic. Glass tanks lined the far wall, dimly lit by
flickering lamps. Within them, silhouettes moved weakly, sirens
and merfolk pressed against reinforced glass, their songs
trapped in their throats. Cruz’s jaw clenched, rage simmering
low in his chest.
Then came the shout. “Intruders!”
Cruz moved before the words finished echoing. He slammed the
nearest guard into the wall with a fluid sweep, the impact
reverberating through the metal frame. Another lunged at him
with a shock baton; Cruz ducked, swept his leg, and drove his
elbow into the man’s ribs. The cra.ck was sharp and satisfying.
Pain flared as another attacker’s spell struck his shoulder—a
burst of heat and static. Cruz snarled, his gills flaring as his
protective charm absorbed most of it, though the sting lingered.
“That all you got?” he growled, voice rough but steady.
Behind him, one of the tanks shuddered, the water inside
reacting to the clash of energy. Cruz felt the panic ripple
through the captives. He closed his eyes briefly and reached for
that connection, channeling his siren heritage. A low hum left
his throat, layered with calm and promise—you’re safe, we’re
here. The vibrations steadied the frightened sirens; the water
quieted in response.
Aether’s magic cra.cked across the far side of the room like
lightning; Ling’s wards flared in blue light. Cruz ducked
another strike, pivoted, and drove his shoulder into an
attacker’s chest, sending him sprawling.
When the last of the guards dropped, Cruz straightened, chest
heaving, and wiped a smear of blood from his lip. His defensive
spell shimmered faintly, still holding. He turned toward the
tanks, meeting the wide, disbelieving eyes of the sirens inside.
“It’s over,” he said softly, pressing his palm to the glass.
“You’re going home.”
He turned to Ling and Aether, voice steady but urgent. “Get the
wards down. I’ll handle the locks. We don’t have long before
someone else shows up.”
Cruz’s fingers tightened around his tools as he stepped forward,
determination burning like seawater in his veins. He’d fought
too hard and too long to see anyone else caged again.
-fin-
Ling slipped into the warehouse just as Cruz’s voice crackled
over the comm. The scent of saltwater, old iron, and faint magic
clung to the air. His eyes narrowed, scanning the room with a
practiced precision. Aether was already in motion, his rune
magic flickering like wildfire as he moved toward the far wall.
Ling didn’t waste time with words; they didn’t need to be spoken
between them.
He crossed the room quickly, the sounds of chaos fading behind
him as Aether’s magic cra.ckled like distant thunder.
They’d been over it a few times. Cruz would keep them calm,
Ling would pick the locks. Aether would be looking out.
His eyes flicked over the cages, the helpless sirens pressing
themselves against the glass. Their desperation and fear hit him
like a wave. His anger simmered below, and guilt- as he once was
a man that had done this.
Aether’s voice came low, edged with control. “Wards are down.
Guards are out-This place is open now. Get them out, fast.”
Ling moved without hesitation, sliding into position beside
Cruz. He could feel the heat of Aether’s magic simmering through
the air, the runes that had bound this place now splintering
under his power.
“Keep the sirens calm,” Ling instructed, his voice steady. He
didn't need to look at Cruz to know what he was doing. He turned
to the nearest tank, his fingers tracing the edge of the glass.
The lock mechanism was old, but effective—rusted, layered with
protection wards of its own.
>>>
Ling knelt down, pulling a set of small, thin tools from his
belt. His hands were steady, despite the mounting urgency.
“Stay with them,” he murmured, working with quick precision. He
could feel the hum of Cruz’s magic surrounding the sirens, a
ripple of energy that calmed their panic. As the lock clicked
open, the tank’s door swung outward with a low creak. Ling
grabbed the edge, flinging it up just enough for the first
captive to slip free.
The siren hesitated, glancing at him with wide eyes, still
unsure if this was real.
“Go,” Ling urged softly, stepping aside. The siren needed no
further encouragement, pushing to get up and over with a
desperate urgency, her webbed feet splashing against the floor
as she landed.
Ling’s heart twisted at the sight, but there was no time to
linger. He turned back to the next tank, Cruz already working on
the locks of the others.
Aether’s voice rang out, a low growl as another wave of
protective spells surged around the room. “We don’t have much
time.”
>>
Ling’s hands moved faster, each click of the lock another step
closer to freeing them all. He didn’t glance at Aether—his focus
was solely on the task at hand. He could hear the sirens moving
toward the door, their songs beginning to rise in a quiet,
harmonious hum. For a moment, it felt like the warehouse was
holding its breath.
Then, with a sharp click, the last tank was open.
“Done,” Ling called, rising to his feet. He didn’t wait to see
if Aether and Cruz were done clearing the area.
“Move out,” he barked, already moving toward the exit. The air
outside felt like a breath of freedom, the salt of the ocean
thick against his skin. He didn’t look back. They’d done what
they came to do, and there was no time to waste.
The air was thick with salt as Ling moved swiftly, helping the
last of the sirens and merfolk toward the water. He could feel
the weight of their eyes on him—the survivors, each one fragile
with the echoes of their captivity, but they moved toward the
ocean like it was the only thing keeping them tethered to life.
His eyes scanned the group, his heart lightening for each step
closer to freedom.
"Almost there," he muttered, his voice rough with the weight of
the night. Aether’s low voice came over the comm, checking the
perimeter, making sure they weren’t followed.
Ling kept his focus, guiding an older siren—her scales dulled by
age and imprisonment—gently toward the water. She was slow, her
movements stiff, but her eyes were filled with a gratitude that
made Ling’s chest tighten.
"You’re safe," Ling said, his voice soft as he helped her steady
herself. "Just a little farther. You’re going home."
The older woman nodded, her eyes fluttering with a silent
thanks. She stepped forward, her bare feet finding the wet sand,
the ocean washing over her. A deep breath escaped her lips as
she lowered herself into the water, the waves curling around her
like an old friend. Ling took a step back, relief momentarily
washing over him.
>>>
Then, a sharp tug at his feet.
Before he could react, the world tilted. His body was pulled off
balance, dragged backwards into the surf, and his instincts
kicked in—he tried to grab the sand, but his boots slipped
against the slick rocks beneath him.
"Aether!" he shouted, as his feet were yanked further into the
water that reached him waist deep, the saltwater flooding his
senses. His hand reached out for a grip, but it was no use. He
was going under as he was pulled into deeper waters.
Aether’s voice thundered over the comm. “Ling! No!”
Ling’s chest tightened as he was yanked further beneath the
surface, his heart pounding against his ribs. He heard the sound
of crashing waves and a muffled splash, and then, the sea seemed
to close in around him.
The sirens around him—some already swimming freely—suddenly
froze, their eyes wide with horror. A couple of younger siren
men, their dark eyes flashing with confusion, caught sight of
the scene unfolding.
One of them—a taller young male with blue-tinted scales—darted
toward the edge of the water, his face twisted with panic. He
was the first to spot the source of Ling’s struggle—a muscular,
shadowed figure with long, matted black hair, a jagged scar
running across his neck. The older siren had a grip on Ling’s
ankle, holding him under with a raw, primal force.
“Let him go!” the young siren cried, his voice breaking the
quiet tension. His hands curled into fists. “You can’t keep him.
Not after everything he’s done for us!”
>>>
Another siren, his features sharp and angular with dark green
scales, stepped forward, his voice rising in a pleading roar.
“He *saved* us! He’s the reason we’re free—he is one of the ones
that *helped* us get to the water, to *live* again!”
The older siren who held Ling under the water didn’t respond at
first, his face grim, the conflict churning in his stormy eyes.
He was torn, clearly struggling with something deep within him—a
deep-rooted resentment, a buried piece of old pain.
The tall siren stepped forward, his chest heaving as he faced
the older one with a burning gaze. “After everything, after
we’ve been through, after he *saved us*—you would *let* him
drown here?”
The older siren’s grip tightened on Ling’s ankle for just a
moment longer, but his jaw clenched, and his eyes—those ancient
eyes, scarred by years of captivity—shuttered. His breath came
out in a low, mournful growl.
“I *hate* him," the older siren muttered, his voice jagged with
pain, his fingers trembling slightly as he held Ling under.
"He’s the one who helped them—*humans*—he’s one of them, you
don’t know what he *did*."
The words were bitter, spat out like poison, but the pain in his
voice was unmistakable. His hands flexed, torn between the rage
of his past and the weary ache of his present.
The younger siren, the one with the blue scales, stood his
ground, his hands outstretched toward the older one, pleading,
desperate. "Whatever he did in the past- he’s not that
anymore.He’s *different* now—look around!he helped us, he
*cares*. Please, don’t let your past drown him!. He’s the reason
we’re alive, the reason we’re free."
Ling gasped as his head broke the surface for a moment, his
lungs screaming for air only to be yanked down again. His eyes
were wide with the desperate need to breathe, but the older
siren loosened his grip- just a bit. He only stared up at Ling,
as though haunted by a memory long buried, the resentment and
rage clawing at him.
>>
He saw many of his brethren making the sea, some looking as if
they been in capture for years.as if he was trying to decide if
Ling truly changed.
—fin—
Cruz had known chaos before—he’d lived it, breathed it—but not
like this.
The warehouse’s silence had turned to thunder: locks snapping,
tanks hissing open, water spilling across the floor in silver
streams. The freed sirens’ fear echoed like a pulse through the
air, brushing the edges of his mind. He could feel them—all that
panic, confusion, the fragile heartbeat of hope trying to rise.
He moved fast, faster than most humans could track. One hand
reached out to steady a young merboy scrambling out of a cracked
tank, his other gripping a baton wrenched from a guard’s hand
moments before. A quick strike, a sharp grunt, and the guard
dropped.
“It’s okay,” Cruz murmured, lowering his tone into that low,
thrumming register that came naturally—the resonance of a
siren’s voice turned gentle. “You’re safe now. Follow the
others. Keep close.”
The youngling’s gills fluttered, eyes wide, but the fear in him
ebbed just slightly. That was all Cruz needed. He turned,
cutting down another attacker who had burst through the side
door—two quick motions, precise and brutal. Blood slicked his
knuckles; his chest heaved.
He caught sight of Ling on the far side, unlocking the tanks
with calm, surgical focus. Aether’s runes still shimmered
faintly, crackling against the walls. Everything was holding.
Cruz’s ears flicked toward the water, though—the ocean was too
loud. His siren senses caught something else beneath the
surface, something sharp and familiar. Anger. It pulsed like a
second heartbeat, old and raw, calling to the darker part of him
that still remembered siren vengeance songs.
--
The last of the captives hit the sand, sliding toward the waves.
Cruz stayed near the rear, watching over them, blade in hand,
scanning the edges of the pier. “Go,” he urged softly. “You’re
almost there.”
And then he felt it.
The shift in the current. The sudden, jagged pull of power.
He turned just in time to see Ling vanish beneath the water.
The comm cra.ckled. Aether’s shout tore through the noise. Cruz
didn’t wait for orders.
Cruz didn’t think. He moved.
The instant Ling vanished beneath the water, instinct
obliterated reason. His pulse synced to the sea’s rhythm,
ancient and inexorable, and he dove—headfirst—into the churning
waves.
The moment the ocean closed over him, the shift took hold. His
body remembered.
Skin shimmered faintly, bioluminescent veins pulsing like
threads of light beneath the surface. The water accepted him
like an old lover, wrapping around him with a surge of energy
that made every nerve burn alive. Fins burst along his forearms,
sleek and strong, their edges razor-sharp; his legs elongated,
muscles knotting before fusing into a powerful tail of dark
emerald and obsidian scales that rippled like wet glass. His
face sharpened subtly—cheekbones cutting, pupils dilating until
only thin rings of color remained.
And his teeth—those he couldn’t hide. Rows of pearlescent,
slightly pointed edges caught the faint light. Beautiful, but
predatory. The kind of smile that promised danger.
Where merfolk were crafted from beauty and grace, Cruz’s lineage
carried the wild pulse of the deep—the part of the ocean that
lured sailors with soft voices and swallowed them whole. In the
water, his presence was commanding, dangerous, divine.
--
He could feel everything—the rip currents, the salt, the faint
shimmer of magic pulsing through the waves like veins of gold.
And beneath it all, the thrumming anger of the older siren,
vibrating through the sea like a war drum.
Cruz’s eyes glowed faintly gold as he cut through the water,
each motion a flash of muscle and light. The deeper he went, the
darker the water turned, but it didn’t matter. He saw
everything. Ling’s silhouette struggling. The older siren’s
grip, brutal and unrelenting.
Cruz’s magic surged like a tide breaking through a storm wall.
The water responded—currents bowing to him, swirling at his
command. His voice rolled out, a low, haunting sound that
carried through the depths. “Enough.”
The ocean itself trembled. The command struck like lightning
underwater, vibrating through the current. The older siren
flinched, startled by the sheer force behind it.
Cruz reached them in seconds. One arm wrapped around Ling’s
torso, pulling him free with a violent kick that sent a
shockwave through the water. The older siren’s nails grazed his
scales but couldn’t hold. Cruz’s tail swept, sending the other
reeling back into the dark.
He surfaced with Ling in his arms, both of them gasping as the
air broke around them. Ling’s skin was cold under his hand, his
pulse frantic but steady.
Then came the snarl from below—the older siren breaking the
surface, his expression twisted with grief and rage. “You
protect a murderer!”
--
Cruz’s gills flared, his voice rumbling with an edge not quite
human. “And you’d destroy yourself over vengeance?”
The glow under his skin brightened, his magic thrumming in
response to the confrontation. He looked down at Ling, the one
he’d almost lost, and something deep, primal, sacred stirred.
When Cruz spoke next, it wasn’t just him—it was the sea speaking
through him. “He’s mine.”
The words resonated through the water, ancient and binding. His
body pulsed with bioluminescent light that spread outward like
ink in water. It sank into Ling’s skin faintly—an ethereal mark,
luminous for only a second before fading from sight.
The sea responded. The waves stilled. The current bowed.
Every siren present froze. The older one’s eyes widened,
realization dawning in a mix of awe and disbelief. “You… you
claimed him?”
Cruz’s gaze softened, though his voice remained steady. “By my
blood and by the sea. Harm him, and you defy the ocean itself.”
The other siren’s rage broke, collapsing into sorrow. He backed
away, trembling, before finally vanishing beneath the waves,
swallowed by the depths.
--
Cruz stayed there, chest heaving, scales flickering with faint
light as his tail began to split again, reforming into legs
beneath the water. The transformation back was slower, painful
even—his body protesting the abrupt reversal. When he surfaced
fully, human once more, the ocean seemed almost reluctant to let
him go.
He gathered Ling close, brushing soaked hair from his forehead,
relief crashing through him like another tide. “Easy,” Cruz
murmured, his voice rough but gentle. “It’s over. I’ve got you.”
Ling stirred faintly, his breath returning in shaky bursts. Cruz
pressed his forehead to Ling’s temple, the glow from his skin
dimming until it vanished. “Not letting you drown,” he
whispered, voice cracking. “Not now. Not ever.”
And as the waves calmed around them, Cruz could feel it—the
sea’s quiet approval. The bond was made. Irreversible. Eternal.
-Fin-
Ling was in a daze. He saw the old siren release its grip, and
at that moment, he felt Cruz—the breath he craved. Breaking the
surface, he coughed and sputtered, fighting to inhale. There was
no time to admire Cruz in all his glory, no time even to think.
He couldn’t make out the words around him; all he knew was the
desperate need for air and trying to calm down.Until the voice
finally reached him.
“He’s mine.”
A strange heat spread across his skin at the sound. He heard the
rage and sorrow in that tone and forced himself to focus.
As he felt a gentle brush against him, he murmured, “Maybe for
me—but this… this is a mess.” Just then, Aether rushed toward
them after being stunned for a few moments.
In that instant, Ling realized he was now bound to Cruz, his
mate. But by human standards, he knew the situation was
complicated.
“Let’s move- we are heading to Elysium.” He told Cruz as he got
them to the car. “I’ll drive.”
It would be a bit of a one before they’d pop up at the shop, the
closed sign shining but Elysia waiting at the door to let them
in.
“What happened?”
“Another vengeful monster.” Said Aether.
Elysia sighed.”mind explaining exactly what happened?”
—fin—
Cruz hadn’t said much on the drive back. He couldn’t. Every word
tasted like salt and regret. The hum of the engine and the
distant pulse of the sea through the window were the only sounds
filling the space between them.
The pain had started halfway back—dull at first, then sharp,
radiating from his chest outward like a spreading burn beneath
his skin. The bond was incomplete; his magic had reached for
Ling, found him, anchored—but nothing came back. The ocean
inside him wanted balance. Siren instincts didn’t understand
restraint. They only knew claim, response, unity.
But Ling couldn’t return it. Not yet. Not without help.
So Cruz bore it quietly, jaw tight, one hand gripping the seat
as he breathed through the ache. He didn’t want Ling to see,
didn’t want him to feel guilty for something he hadn’t asked
for. The pain was his to carry.
When they reached Elysium, Cruz stepped out slowly, the night
air cooling the heat under his skin. The world felt
unsteady—like the tide pulling in two directions—but he
straightened when he saw Elysia waiting. Her gaze swept over
them both, sharp and knowing, lingering just a little too long
on him.
“Not a monster,” Cruz murmured before he could stop himself. His
voice came out rough, quiet. “Just someone who lost too much.”
He hesitated at Elysia's question, the weight of the words
pressing on his tongue. Ling stood nearby, pale, exhausted, and
Cruz didn’t want to make it worse. But he couldn’t lie. Not to
Elysia.
“I claimed him,” he said finally. The words came out steady,
though every nerve screamed. “The siren would’ve killed him. I
didn’t think—I just… couldn’t let him go under.” He swallowed,
looking away. “The bond saved him. But it’s one-sided right
now.”
The air seemed to still for a moment.
"One sided bonds are painful.." he admitted his hand moving up
to press against his chest as the pain flared up even more. The
muscle in his jaw clenched in response, his brows tightening as
he grunted at the pain.
Cruz shook his head gently, seeing the expression on Ling avd
the others faces.
“Don’t feel like you owe me anything, Ling. You didn’t ask for
this. I made the choice, not you.”
“You’ll need balance before it eats at you too much. Elysia can
use your blood, and Ling’s, to form a mirrored mark. It won’t
bind him magically, but it’ll balance the energy—ease the pain.”
Kit spoke up softly as he joined them, a look of concern in his
eyes. "If you go too long with this pain it will cause damage
that will never heal. With you being mixed blood, it probably
hurts even worse,"
Cruz’s gaze flicked to Ling, his expression open but uncertain.
“Only if you want that Ling.” he said softly. “The bond’s
already there. I can handle the rest if you’re not ready.”
He forced a faint smile, trying to disguise the exhaustion
creeping into his voice. “I just need to know you’re safe.
That’s enough for me.”
His body disagreed, the faint glow beneath his skin pulsing with
discomfort. But he stood his ground, shoulders squared, gaze
locked on Ling’s. Whatever came next—claim returned or not—he’d
made his choice the moment he dove into the sea.
-Fin-
Elysia’s eyes widened, her sharp composure cra.cking for just a
moment as her gaze snapped fully to Cruz.
“You marked him?” Her voice was low, taut with disbelief, each
word cutting like ice. “Cruz… I won’t give Ling that choice in
the matter. I won’t let you suffer long-term pain.” Her tone was
steady, firm.
Slow, deliberate steps carried her forward, her hand running
through her dark hair. She crouched beside Ling, examining him
with a healer’s precision. Her fingers hovered over the faint
glow beneath his skin. She inhaled sharply.
“If I leave it like this, you’ll tear yourself apart. I can
mirror-mark you—reverse it just enough to balance the magic, to
keep the pain from consuming you.” Her voice softened, but the
warning in her words weighed heavy in the night. “But understand
this, Cruz—if this bond thrives, or if it shatters, either way
you will carry the consequences. There is no walking away
unchanged. And there’s no fixing that.”
Her gaze drifted to Ling, pale and damp with seawater. His chest
rose and fell in uneven breaths. His eyes were unfocused,
fingers twitching faintly, as if he were suspended between shock
and memory—the echo of drowning clinging to him like a second
skin.
“Ling,” Elysia said gently, trying to draw him back, but he
didn’t respond. His stare was fixed on nothing, still processing
the edges of what had just happened.
With a slow exhale, Elysia straightened, her expression
hardening as she turned back to Cruz. “This is on you. I get
it—you had to. But it’s never just the siren. When we talk the
way we do, it’s because people like this—those who’ve lost
everything—can change. They can become monsters.” She paused.
“Smoker is one of them. Ling told me she lost her family to
trolls during a camping trip. It turned her into a vengeful,
gun-loving psycho. And the siren? He’s lost his family, too. For
now, he’s aiming for Ling—but this stunt? It could push him into
something far worse if we don’t manage it.”
>>>
Her words were blunt, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
“Kit, get some drinks ready. Aether likes his whiskey.
Ling—something non-alcoholic, sweet. I’m about to draw his
blood.” She moved with purpose to retrieve her tools.
Ling rubbed his face, his voice quiet but steady at last. “I
think… Elysia is right. I just need time to process. But I
really don’t want to be the reason you suffer. Think I’m
Just worried on what could happen now that I’m not his aim..”
—fin—
Cruz watched Elysia move with that fierce, no-nonsense grace she
always had—every motion precise, everything already sorted in
her head. When she snapped at him, he didn’t flinch. He met her
eyes, all the apology and stubbornness and something dangerously
close to relief wrapped into one look.
“Yeah,” he said quietly, voice rough from the sea and from
whatever this bond had dug up inside him. “I marked him. I
couldn’t watch him drown.”
Elysia’s next words landed hard, and Cruz let them. She was
right—there would be consequences. He let the weight settle over
him without argument. “Do it,” he told her when she offered to
mirror-mark him. “Balance it however you need to. I don’t want
this eating me alive while he’s still trying to breathe.”
Kit hovered near the doorway with a tray. “Anything for you,
Cruz?” he asked, practical as ever.
“Water, please,” Cruz answered, throat tight. “And… thanks.”
He turned his attention back to Ling, who still looked half
under the sea. Cruz eased down to the blanket beside him,
careful not to crowd. His hand found Ling’s wrist and squeezed
once, a small anchor in the whirlwind. “You don’t have to say
anything,” he murmured. “Let Elysia do her work. Rest. Breathe.
I’ll handle the rest—talk to the siren ruler, make sure this one
doesn’t spiral. He won’t get away with hurting anyone else if I
can help it.”
--
Cruz’s jaw tightened, then softened. “I’m sorry you got pulled
into that.” He swallowed. “But know this—if he needs help, I’ll
get it for him. If he refuses help, I’ll make damn sure he can’t
hurt anyone again. Either way, I’ll be the one who takes
responsibility.”
He glanced up at Elysia. “Mirror-mark me. Whatever it takes to
stop the pain from ripping me apart while he finds his footing.
Don’t let me make him choose between healing and vengeance.”
Then, quieter, to Ling only: “When you’re steady—when you
can—tell me if you want me to talk to the ruler tonight or
later. I’ll wait if you want me to wait. I just… want him safe.
And I want you safe. That’s not negotiable.”
Cruz let the silence hang there—not empty, but full of promises.
He’d made the choice in the water; now he’d live with whatever
came after it. He’d start fixing the pieces, but he would not
force anything on Ling. Not now. Not ever.
-Fin-
The air was heavy with tension as Elysia gathered the materials
she would need to balance the bond between Cruz and Ling. The
quiet hum of the room seemed to magnify every movement, every
breath. Elysia worked with the precision and calm she always
had, but there was something different in her eyes
today—something that hinted at the depth of the work she was
about to perform.
She glanced at Cruz before she moved, her gaze soft but firm.
The apology had been spoken, but there was still a simmering
fire between them. She could see it in the way his jaw was
clenched, the way his eyes didn’t quite meet hers when he’d
agreed to the mirror-mark.
"Lay face downward," she said, her tone quiet but commanding. "I
need you settled before I start. This won't be quick."
Once cruz did what was told would Elysia work. Her quickly,
preparing the ink and the vials of blood. The room was lit
dimly, casting shadows that seemed to flicker across her
movements.
She filled her tattoo machine, the mix of the blood that had
been drawn from Ling with the ink she’d carefully prepared. The
dark red hue seemed to shimmer as it swirled together, the
viscosity thick and almost alive.
As she reached for the edge of Cruz’s collar, she looked down at
him for a long moment. "Relax," she said, a softness creeping
into her voice. "This is the part where you let me do my work."
>>>
She set the needle to his skin, and the world seemed to stop for
just a heartbeat. The ink she used on him as she got the mark
done- began to glow and pulse- as her lips moved in a low,
sing-song cadence. Her voice was soft, almost melodic, each word
carefully woven together in a language that hummed with power
and ancient intent.
The lines she drew weren’t just marks—they were bindings. Not in
the traditional sense, not chains or locks, but subtle threads
of magic that connected them all.
Her voice was the key to it all. The incantation was slow,
hypnotic, the words unfurling in patterns, woven into the air
between them.
**"In the flow, I claim what’s mine,
A soul entwined, our fates align.
No harm shall near, no shadow dare,
Bound in blood, my vow I swear.."**
The rhythm of her words matched the slow, steady swirl of ink
across Cruz’s skin, the symbols forming in layers—each layer
building on the last. She worked, her fingers light and
deliberate, whispering the spell as the marks slowly began to
take shape. She was giving the echo Cruz needed to not be in
pain.
There was an almost musical quality to her chant, the words
falling from her lips with an eerie beauty. Each verse seemed to
pull the tension from the air, knitting together the seams
between Cruz and Ling, reinforcing the bond but also
neutralizing the storm that had been brewing between them. It
wasn’t easy work, but it was necessary.
As she continued, the room felt heavier—charged, like the
stillness before a storm. The blood that had been taken from
Ling began to move in the ink, responding to the incantation,
the bloodlines pulsing beneath Cruz’s skin. It was a deep,
ancient magic—one that Elysia had never used in this way before.
And then she paused.
>>>
Her hand hovered over the last symbol she was about to inscribe.
Elysia’s gaze shifted toward Cruz, her lips no longer moving,
but her expression intense. She was waiting—waiting for
something.
For Cruz to *let go*.
She’d bound them both to this moment. Bound them to the fate
they had chosen—together. But there was always a risk. A weight.
Finally, she whispered, a final breath to seal the bond:
**"Not one sided. Long since echoed.
Balance restored. Heart been answered.."**
The air seemed to shudder as she completed the mark, a soft,
almost imperceptible pulse radiating from the ink. Her fingers
lingered a moment longer, feeling the magic settle into place.
When she finally pulled back, she exhaled, her lips pressing
together. The work was done—but not without leaving its mark.
She glanced down at Cruz, her hand lightly brushing over the
lines she had made.
"All done," she said quietly. "The balance is restored. No more
pain. But now, *you* have to take responsibility. Don’t let this
break you, Cruz. Don't let it destroy *him*."
Her voice softened as she pulled away, turning toward Ling,
where the last traces of the spell would start to work on him.
Cruz had done his part, but now it was time for Ling to heal.
She had tethered the natural tot he unnatural.
“How your love lives go is on you both. Just don’t regret your
choices.” She said as she went to move. A soft noticeable sway,
and her hand catching kits. It took a lot. But for her- she’d do
it every time if it meant her friends have any chance of being
safe.
—fin—
#Post#: 1458--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hunt for Love- Cruz&Ling
By: Minyaagar Date: February 17, 2026, 10:06 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Cruz stayed silent for a long moment after Elysia’s voice faded.
The air still hummed with the remnants of her spell, a low
resonance that thrummed beneath his skin. The ache that had been
burning through him since the ocean ebbed, leaving behind only a
dull heat and the strange sensation of stillness—like the sea
holding its breath.
He drew in a slow breath and finally pushed himself up on his
elbows.
The mark on his back pulsed once beneath his skin, matching the
beat of his heart. Balanced. For the first time since the water,
it didn’t feel like he was being torn apart from the inside.
“…thank you,” he said, voice low and rough, the words carrying
more weight than volume. He glanced up at Elysia, meeting her
tired eyes. “You didn’t have to do that, but you did. I owe
you.”
His gaze softened when it shifted toward Ling. The younger man
still looked pale, dazed, but Cruz could feel the magic between
them—quiet now, like a heartbeat after a storm. He reached up to
rub at the edge of the new mark, the skin still raw and warm.
“I’ll take responsibility,” he said finally, echoing Elysia’s
warning. “I already decided that the second I dove in. I know
what this means… and what it costs.”
He exhaled slowly, steadying his voice. “Once he’s steady
enough, I’ll contact the siren ruler. The one who oversees the
coastal clans. He’ll make sure the one who attacked Ling gets
help before this turns into something worse.”
Cruz stood carefully, muscles still protesting. He took the
glass of water Kit had set down for him and nodded his thanks
before drinking deep. Then he added quietly, “That siren wasn’t
evil—he was lost. If someone had reached him before he broke,
maybe none of this would’ve happened. I’m not letting another
one fall that far if I can help it.”
Setting the glass aside, he looked at Elysia again.
“I’ll keep him safe,” he said simply, his voice steady now. “I
don’t care what the bond makes of it or what the sea demands. I
made my choice before that spell ever left my skin.”
He turned back to Ling, a faint, tired smile flickering across
his face. “Get some rest, okay? Once you’re ready… we’ll figure
out the rest together.”
And though his words were calm, a quiet, unspoken promise
threaded through them—one meant only for Ling:
*I’m not leaving you.*
-fin-
Elysia watched Cruz rise, her eyes softening as his words sank
in. The quiet determination in his voice soothed the last
threads of worry that had been clinging to her chest.
“You’ve made your choice,” she said finally, her voice calm but
laced with fatigue. “And I believe you’ll see it through. That’s
enough for me.”
She turned her gaze to Ling, who was still pale and swaying
slightly, exhaustion written in every line of his posture. With
a small, gentle gesture, she motioned down the hall. “You need
rest before anything else. Borrow one of my rooms for the night.
No arguments.”
When Ling hesitated, she added with a faint, tired smile,
“Consider it a healer’s order. The sea can wait, and so can all
the questions. Sleep first.”
Her attention lingered briefly on Cruz, a silent acknowledgment
passing between them. She accepted his promise—for now, that was
enough.
“Three of you chose a room, and get some rest. Feel free to use
the shower- kit mind rummaging in the closet and getting some
sleep pants- I think there’s saga’s extras- he never did really
mind helping them out.” She said softly as she moved to work on
making tea.
Ling nodded in quiet agreement with Elysia, her soft, tired
smile drifting toward Cruz. “I’m sorry it turned out this way
for our first date,” he said gently.”you even helped us.” He
said and blushed a little.
A soft kiss to the man’s cheek before he would head to the
shower as he went to get prepared to sleep.
—fin—
Cruz blinked, a small, surprised smile tugging at the corner of
his mouth when Ling leaned up and pressed that soft kiss to his
cheek. The gesture hit harder than it should have—simple,
unguarded affection after everything that had happened.
“You’re apologizing for a first date that involved saving lives
and surviving a siren attack?” he said quietly, voice low but
full of warmth. “Guess we’re setting the bar a little high,
huh?”
He meant it as a joke, but as Ling straightened, Cruz caught the
unsteady sway in his posture. His hand shot out automatically,
steadying him before he could stumble. “Easy there,” he
murmured, his fingers curling gently around Ling’s arm. The
warmth under his skin still felt a little too fragile.
“You’re wiped,” Cruz said after a moment, his brow furrowing.
“You shouldn’t be on your feet right now, let alone trying to
shower on your own.” He hesitated, searching Ling’s face before
continuing in a gentler tone. “How about I help? Nothing
weird—I’ll keep my boxers on. It’ll save water, and I can make
sure you don’t pass out in there.”
There was a teasing glint in his eyes when he said it, but the
concern ran deeper, clear in the steady way he kept Ling
upright. His voice softened even further, the protective edge
bleeding through. “You’ve been through enough tonight, pretty
boy. Let me help you take care of yourself, yeah?”
He waited there—close enough to catch Ling if his knees gave,
but not so close as to push. The quiet hum of Elysium’s walls
surrounded them, the scent of Elysia’s brewing tea drifting
faintly through the air.
Cruz tilted his head slightly, watching Ling with quiet
patience, ready for whatever came next. “Your call,” he said
softly. “I’ll follow your lead.”
-fin-
Ling blinked up at him, the corners of his own mouth twitching
in a faint, almost sheepish smile. He could feel the fuzziness
in his head, the gentle spin of the room every time he tried to
focus too long.
“I…” He swallowed, glancing briefly toward the floor as if it
might steady him. “I probably… shouldn’t argue with that, huh?”
His voice was soft, a little frayed around the edges, but he
tried to inject a thread of humor through his hesitation.
Ling leaned slightly into Cruz’s hand without meaning to, the
warmth anchoring him more than he wanted to admit. “I just… I
don’t want to be a burden,” he murmured, lids fluttering for a
moment as he let out a slow breath.
Another beat, and he gave up a tiny, crooked smile. “…Okay. You
can help. But only because I don’t trust my legs to not betray
me.” He chuckled weakly under his breath, the sound airy and
tired. “Lead the way, hero.”
—fin—
Cruz’s expression softened the instant those words left Ling’s
mouth. The weariness, the half-apologetic way he leaned against
him—it pulled something deep and steady out of Cruz instead of
frustration.
He shifted his grip just enough to keep Ling balanced, his thumb
brushing a damp strand of hair away from the other man’s temple.
“Hey,” he murmured, voice quiet but sure, “you’re never a burden
to me. Not now, not ever.”
He waited until Ling’s eyes met his again before continuing, the
faintest smile tugging at his mouth. “Taking care of you,
keeping you safe… that’s not some chore I got stuck with. It’s
what I want to do.” His hand moved briefly to Ling’s back,
tracing small circles meant to ground him. “I care about you,
Ling. More than I probably should already.”
Cruz let the words hang there, sincere but gentle, giving Ling
room to breathe before nodding toward the bathroom. “Come on,”
he said softly, “let’s get you cleaned up before Elysia decides
to drag us both in there herself.”
He kept a steady arm around Ling’s waist as they walked,
matching each careful step. “And for the record,” Cruz added
with a low chuckle, “I’m taking that ‘hero’ title. Feels like I
earned it tonight.”
He glanced sideways, grin widening just a bit. “But I’m not
cashing it in for anything except making sure you don’t fall
over in the shower.”
He paused at the bathroom door, eyes warm despite the exhaustion
shadowing his features. “You ready?”
---
Cruz kept his promise, guiding Ling carefully through the
shower, staying close enough to steady him but never
overstepping. He made sure the water stayed warm, that Ling
didn’t falter or slip. The moment he was sure the younger man
could stand on his own, Cruz helped him rinse the last of the
salt and blood away and wrapped a towel gently around his
shoulders.
By the time they made it back to the room, Ling looked steadier,
though the exhaustion still lingered in every motion. Cruz eased
him down to sit on the edge of the bed and crouched in front of
him, snagging a towel from the chair. “Sit still for me,” he
murmured, tone soft but steady.
He worked slowly, carefully blotting the water from Ling’s hair,
fingers combing through the damp strands to make sure they
didn’t tangle. The quiet between them wasn’t awkward—it was
heavy with everything unspoken, with the calm that follows a
storm.
When Cruz finally set the towel aside, he brushed a few stray
locks from Ling’s forehead and smiled faintly. “There,” he said
quietly. “All done. See? No drowning, no fainting, no head
trauma. I’m getting pretty good at this caretaker thing.”
Ling’s tired laugh was all the thanks he needed. Cruz stood,
pulling the blanket up over him, then sank into the chair beside
the bed. “Get some rest,” he said softly, voice dropping to a
near whisper. “I’ll be right here when you wake up.”
He leaned back, exhaustion finally catching up to him, the faint
glow from his new mark fading as the room settled into silence.
For the first time that night, everything felt still.
-Fin-
Ling let out a slow breath, shoulders sinking as the warmth from
the shower seeped into his bones. He leaned lightly against
Cruz, the steam and comfort softening the last bits of tension
he hadn’t realized he was holding. “You make it sound so easy,”
he murmured, voice hoarse but sincere, “like taking care of me
is just… natural.”
He didn’t flinch when Cruz’s steady hands helped him into a
clean shirt, the fabric clinging slightly to his damp skin. Ling
let him guide his arms through the sleeves, too tired to argue,
and for once, unwilling to. “I… I’m glad you’re here,” he
admitted, barely above a whisper, his eyes fixed on Cruz’s face.
As the towel rubbed his hair and the lingering salt gave way to
warmth, Ling closed his eyes, letting himself trust the rhythm
of Cruz’s careful touch. The quiet felt safe, like the world had
finally stopped spinning out from under him.
When Cruz pulled the blanket up over his legs, Ling sank back
against the pillows, his voice soft but steady. “Thank you… for
not letting go. For… for staying.” He hesitated, then let a
weak, genuine smile curve his lips. “Guess maybe you really are
my hero tonight.”
He let the room’s silence swallow his words, eyelids heavy,
comforted by the soft sounds of Cruz settling into the chair
beside him. Wrapped in warmth and the faint scent of saltwater
and soap, Ling finally let himself drift, safe in the certainty
that Cruz would still be there when he woke.
—fin—
#Post#: 1459--------------------------------------------------
Re: Hunt for Love- Cruz&Ling
By: Minyaagar Date: February 17, 2026, 10:11 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Morning light filtered through the gauzy curtains, soft and gold
against the quiet hum of Elysium.
Cruz woke first—years of habit and an instinct that rarely let
him rest long. His back ached faintly from sleeping in the
chair, but the sound that met his ears steadied him: slow, even
breathing. Ling was still asleep, half-turned toward the window,
his expression finally untroubled. The faint shimmer of dried
salt still clung to a strand of his hair, catching the light.
Cruz exhaled softly. He’s safe. That was enough to start the
day.
He stood quietly, stretching until his shoulders cracked, then
pulled the blanket a little higher over Ling before slipping
from the room. The mark on his back pulsed once—a reminder, not
a pain—and then settled. The spell had worked. He could breathe
again without feeling the ocean dragging at his ribs.
Downstairs, Elysium was still. The smell of herbs and lingering
incense hung in the air. Cruz paused at the doorway to the
kitchen, taking in the familiar space. He’d cooked here
before—after late nights, after bad missions. Elysia’s kitchen
always felt like a small sanctuary of its own.
He rolled up his sleeves, moving with quiet ease, opening
cabinets without having to look. A pan, oil, eggs, the leftover
vegetables from last night’s dinner. The rhythm of it came
naturally. The faint sizzle of the pan filled the silence as he
worked, the normalcy grounding him after the chaos of the night
before.
When Kit appeared, bleary-eyed and rubbing the sleep from his
face, Cruz just grinned faintly and nodded toward the coffee pot
already brewing.
“Morning,” he murmured. “Figured we could all use something warm
before the day starts.”
Kit leaned against the counter, watching him. “You know, you
move around here like you own the place.”
Cruz chuckled under his breath, flipping the omelet. “Nah. I
just know Elysia hates it when people rearrange her spice rack.
Learned that one the hard way.”
The two shared a quiet laugh. Then, softer, Cruz added, “Ling’s
still out. Let him sleep a bit longer. He needs it.”
He turned back to the stove, his expression thoughtful. The
scent of food filled the air, mingling with the faint sea-salt
tang still clinging to his skin. For now, that was enough—the
steady comfort of morning, the warmth of a kitchen, and knowing
the man upstairs was breathing easy.
-Fin-
Ling stirred slowly, the warmth of the blanket and the faint
scent of cooking drawing him from sleep. His eyelids fluttered
open to the soft gold light streaming through the gauzy
curtains, and for a moment, he simply lay there, listening. No
crashing waves, no roaring wind—only the hush of Elysium and the
muttered clatter of someone moving downstairs.
He exhaled, tension he hadn’t noticed loosening from his chest.
Safe. He was safe.
The memory of the night before brushed against his thoughts: the
cold bite of the ocean, the drag in his lungs, the mark searing
faintly in warning. He shifted slowly, feeling the phantom pull
of water fade with each breath. Cruz must have stayed. He could
almost feel the warmth of him lingering in the room, the quiet
patience he carried.
Ling pushed himself upright, moving carefully as the blanket
slipped from his shoulders. He ran his hand through his hair as
he gave a yawn.
The soft rhythm of footsteps guided him to the stairs, the
comforting smell of herbs and something warm and savory leading
the way. He paused at the top of the landing, leaning for a
moment against the frame, listening to the hushed voices below.
“Morning,” he called down, his voice rough with sleep but
touched with warmth.
Ling descended slowly, making his way into the kitchen’s gentle
glow. The sight of Cruz at the stove—sleeves rolled, moving with
that calm ease—was grounding in a way words couldn’t touch.
“Smells good,” Ling murmured, sliding into a chair. He let the
scents, the warmth, and the quiet laughter settle around him.
For the first time in what felt like forever, he allowed himself
to simply exist, breathing in the morning light, and trust that
for now… everything was okay.
—fin—
Cruz turned at the sound of Ling’s voice, the corners of his
mouth lifting in that quiet, easy smile he wore only for him.
The morning light poured across the kitchen, catching in the
gold flecks of his eyes as he flipped the pan.
“Good morning, A’Ling,” he said softly, his tone a mixture of
warmth and relief. “Did you sleep well?”
The sizzling of vegetables filled the comfortable
quiet—mushrooms, onions, peppers, and garlic browning in the pan
alongside diced potatoes. The savory scent mingled with the
faint trace of sea salt still clinging to Cruz’s skin. He
whisked up a bowl of eggs and poured them in, the mixture
hissing as it met the heat.
“You want toast or English muffins?” Cruz asked over his
shoulder. “There’s coffee, too. Might want to grab some before
Cisco gets up—he’s been avoiding caffeine like it’s poison
lately.”
The soft scrape of the door and a muffled yawn broke the calm.
Kit shuffled into the kitchen, hair a half-tamed mess, reaching
automatically for the blender. “At least you’re not cooking
bacon,” he mumbled, pulling out spinach, apple, and a carton of
oat milk. “Last time someone tried, Cisco looked green for
hours.”
Cruz chuckled under his breath. “Yeah, learned that lesson fast.
No bacon, no coffee, no stress. Doctor’s orders.”
Kit shot him a sleepy thumbs-up as the blender roared to life.
“You’re basically family at this point, you know that? You move
around here better than I do.”
Cruz laughed softly, flipping the omelet onto a plate. “Elysia’s
kitchen has a rhythm. You just have to listen.”
He slid a plate in front of Ling—eggs golden and folded
perfectly, a side of sautéed vegetables steaming beside them.
The smell filled the room with comfort. “Eat while it’s hot,” he
said, voice soft but certain. “You’ve got a long day ahead, and
I plan on making sure you don’t skip breakfast.”
Cruz’s fingers brushed Lings’s as he slide a fork into his hand,
and Cruz lingered there a beat longer than necessary, his gaze
meeting Ling’s in the glow of the morning light. For the first
time since the chaos of the night before, it felt like the world
had steadied beneath them again.
Cruz watched as Ling eased into the chair, the morning light
tracing faint gold along his hair and the faint mark on his
neck. Something in the calmness of it—the sight of him breathing
easily—made the tension in Cruz’s chest unwind.
He set another mug of coffee down in front of Ling, steam
curling between them. “You look a lot better today, Ling. Sleep
help?”
Cruz smiled at Ling's response, turning back to the stove to
plate the last of the eggs. “Good. You needed it.” He glanced
over his shoulder, eyes soft but attentive. “You got much going
on today? I figured you and Aether might need to debrief after
last night, but…” He hesitated, his voice dropping slightly,
gentler now. “If you’ve got any time later, maybe we could do
something. Something quiet. Just us.”
-Fin-
Ling let the warmth of the coffee seep into his hands before
taking a slow sip. He met Cruz’s gaze, a faint smile curving his
lips.
“Yeah,” he said, his voice still carrying the rasp of sleep.
“Sleep helped. Besides the debriefing- I’ve also got to hold up
my end of the deal with Elysia today. She lets us use the space
for meetings in the basement- in turn been teaching martial
arts.”
He lifted a shoulder in a careful shrug. “Can’t spar this time
though—still need a few more days before I push it—but I can act
as an instructor. Keep an eye on form, make corrections, that
sort of thing.”
Ling set the mug down, taking a forkful of eggs, savoring the
warmth. “After that, though… I think I can make time for
something quiet. Just us.”
—fin—
Cruz leaned a hip against the counter, watching Ling with quiet
fondness as the other man ate. The mention of teaching drew a
hint of admiration to his face. “You teach martial arts too?” he
said, clearly impressed. “You really don’t slow down, do you?”
When Ling gave a modest shrug, Cruz chuckled and set his mug
down beside him. “Well, if you’re short on bodies to help with
the class, I know some mixed martial arts and defensive
maneuvers. I could jump in, spot for you, make sure no one gets
too bold when you correct their form.”
He shot a teasing glance toward Kit, who was at the counter
measuring flour into a bowl. “We could even recruit Kit. I’ve
seen how quick you are—you’d make a good sparring partner.”
Kit blinked, halfway through cracking an egg, and looked between
them. “Me?” he asked, disbelief coloring his tone. “What do I
get out of this, other than a collection of bruises?”
Cruz smirked, leaning his elbows on the counter. “I have a
feeling you’re faster than you let on. You’d probably get out of
most of my holds before I even finished throwing one. Tell you
what—if you help, I’ll owe you something. Within reason.”
Kit arched a brow, whisk in hand. “Anything that’s not food
related?”
“Anything that’s not food related,” Cruz confirmed, though his
grin hinted he might regret saying it later.
Kit thought for a moment, then sighed. “Clothes. Real ones. Not
whatever’s left in the closet. Half my stuff’s Saga’s or
Cisco’s, and I’m swimming in them.”
“Done,” Cruz said immediately. “I was already planning a grocery
run tomorrow, so I’ll swing by and grab you some things. Your
size, your style.”
Kit blinked, surprised by how quickly Cruz agreed. “Seriously?
No argument?”
Cruz just shrugged, flipping Ling’s empty mug upright to refill
it. “You help us out, you deserve to have something that’s
actually yours. Fair trade, right?”
The faintest warmth touched Kit’s expression before he hid it
behind a half-smirk. “Alright, deal. But if I’m going to get
tossed around, I’m getting good clothes out of it.”
Cruz chuckled, setting the fresh cup of coffee in front of Ling
and brushing his fingers lightly over the other man’s wrist as
he did. “See? We’ve already got a team forming. Just try not to
overdo it, A’Ling. You still need to take it easy a few more
days.”
He let the words hang for a moment before adding, softer, “But
I’d like to come help, if you’ll have me. Be nice to see you in
your element.”
-Fin-
Ling wrapped his hands around the warm mug, letting the steam
curl up into his face for a moment as he blushed at Cruz a
little. “I’ll take it easy.. Cruz.”
“Kit,” he said taking a breath, his tone gentle but firm, “if
you’re going to do this, you can’t hold back on Elysia. She
needs to learn how to handle herself when she doesn’t have magic
to rely on. That means getting tossed around a bit and still
getting back up. If you want to help her, you have to prepare
yourself for that and commit to it all the way.”
He took a slow sip of the coffee before adding, “Good clothes or
not, she’s depending on you to be real with her.”
“Speaking of- is she sleeping in?” He asked now noticing she
hadn’t done down stairs. She had slept in to recoup.
Aether walked in yawning .”probably- she had to do a rush job-
give her 30 and we can start.” He said sleepily before going for
the coffee.
—fin—
Kit paused mid-whisk at Ling’s calm but unmistakably serious
tone. His ears twitched faintly—he might’ve been used to teasing
and half-hearted challenges, but not that kind of
straightforward faith. He blinked once, then nodded, more sober
than before.
“Yeah,” he said after a beat, his voice quieter. “You’re right.
If she’s trusting me to help, then I’ll do it right. No
half-measures.”
Cruz smiled into his mug, clearly approving. “That’s the
spirit,” he said warmly. “Don’t worry, Kit. I’ll be around too.
Between the three of us, she’ll be unstoppable.”
Kit shot him a sidelong look and muttered, “Yeah, yeah, until
she figures out how to throw you.”
Cruz laughed—a deep, easy sound that rolled through the
kitchen—and turned just as Aether wandered in, tall and
bleary-eyed, his yawn practically shaking the walls.
“Morning, sunshine,” Cruz teased, setting down his cup.
“Coffee’s still hot. You better grab some before Kit drinks it
all.”
Aether grunted, muttering something unintelligible as he poured
himself a mug, the scent of roasted beans momentarily
overpowering the rest of the room.
Cruz leaned back against the counter, arms folding across his
chest as he studied the towering mage with a curious glint. “So…
how are things with Naz?” he asked, tone easy but threaded with
genuine interest. “Haven’t heard a word about him the past few
days. Usually by now there’s a story involving fire, flirting,
or mild chaos.”
He chuckled softly, finishing the last of his own coffee.
“Almost makes me nervous when I don’t hear about him. He’s not
the type to sit still.”
The question hung there, half teasing and half serious, an open
cue for Aether to fill them in on whatever trouble—or lack
thereof—Naz had managed to stir up lately.
-fin-
Ling tilted his head slightly, watching Aether over the rim of
his own cup.
His gaze flicked between Aether and Kit, thoughtful but steady.
“So. Where is he, really? And should we anticipate fire,
flirting, or something worse?”
He took a slow sip, letting the warmth roll over his tongue
before adding, softer, “I trust you’re keeping him out of
trouble… or at least close enough to pull him out when it
matters.”
Aether seemed to let it sink in before snagging his phone to
text Naz practically checking on him.
It was then, the fall of bare feet would be heard and Elysia
popping in. Her hair a mess from sleep, her sleep shirt a bit
off her shoulder and making it to the coffee pot.
A sigh.
“It’s all gone.” She groaned before prepping to make more.
Aether chuckled.”should have gotten up in time.” He teased.
“I’ll remember that when we do some sparring Aether- and you’ll
find out real quick where my foot will be heading.” She retorted
with a smirk.
“Sleep well boys?” She asked as ling nodded his head.”and kit is
taking my place for the spar session. Today you’re learning how
to take on multiple people.” He said sipping his coffee.
—fin—
Kit raised an eyebrow at Ling’s question about Naz and gave a
casual shrug.
Cruz chuckled softly, as though he’d been thinking the same
thing. His gaze slid to Aether, who was already tapping out a
message to his demon prince lover.
“Knowing Naz,” Cruz mused, “he’s either working some secret job
for his father, or—more likely—leading a dramatic protest over
the national shortage of sequined clothing.”
Kit snorted loud enough that Aether’s shoulder twitched.
Footsteps padded down the hall—soft and sleepy—and Elysia
appeared in the doorway, hair falling over one shoulder, shirt
slipping at the neckline. Her first stop was the coffee pot. Her
groan, when she found it empty, was almost tragic.
Kit was already moving.
He grabbed the coffee tin from the top shelf and set in her
reach. Then turned on autopilot toward breakfast.
“Sorry—you looked too cute to wake,” he said earnestly. “Next
time I’ll set aside a cup for you.”
Cruz hid a grin behind his mug.
Kit cra.cked two more eggs smoothly into the pan and reached for
a muffin, sliding it into the toaster. “Do you want jam with
yours or just butter?” he asked, glancing back over his
shoulder. “And—uh—runny yolk or firm?”
Cruz’s grin sharpened as he watched the scene unfold like a
predictable romance trope lining up perfectly.
“Mm-hmm,” he drawled. “Look at you fussing over her. If that’s
not boyfriend potential, I don’t know what is.”
Kit nearly dropped the spatula.
His cheeks flushed cherry-red. “I—I’m just making sure she’s fed
so she doesn’t pass out during training!” he blurted, ears flat
in flustered defense. “That’s responsible, not romantic!”
Cruz didn’t look up, but the smirk in his voice was undeniable.
“Sure it is.”
Aether’s phone buzzed a second later and a message popped up.
`Naz: Working on something for father. Should be at Elysium
later tonight. Try not to break anything before I get there—or
at least leave me something fun.`
------
Ling chuckled at Cruz’s comment, before his gaze shifted to kit
who gotten up and already fussing over Elysia. The girls ears
showing how the comment given affected her. “Oh no need- coffee
is the elixir of life for most- thankfully we don’t have to go
hunt it down in the highest mountains or deepest caverns for
it.” She said playfully.
Elysia got the coffee pot started, Kit’s voice cutting over the
talk.”sunny side up, like the yoke runny. And butter and honey
on toast.” She said as she moved to get some water as she waited
for the coffee.
Cruz’s comment almost had her dropping her glass. The slight
blush now bright red.
elysia spoke low- it was as if it was almost to herself.”he’s
not wrong..“
Aether chuckled to type back.
**oh it’s just some training with El. So unless you wanna train
with the no magic or abilities rule feel free to come have fun.
Right now you should see how red kit gets man… totally
definitely into El.**
He slid his phone screen facing the table to pick up his
cup.”after we eat a light stretch, don’t wanna pull something.”
He said sipping it down.
—fin—
*****************************************************