Kazimir slowly glided back across the ice, watching the scars his skates cut through the surface follow along in his wake.

The moonlight drifted in and out of sight, illuminating him for moments before throwing him back into the golden light of the flaming torches that lit the edges of the lake.

He agreed with Aeralie.

They should go home.

It didn't matter the reason for their disappearance if they both left. He couldn't explain away Aeralie vanishing if he stayed alone.

So they had to leave.

If she wanted to go then they had to leave.

He absently changed foot, adjusting the curve his route and switched back to his leading foot, running a hand through his ponytail.

So tonight, while the rest of the castle was asleep, he would slip away and go home. He would speak to his mother. He would return in the morning then the following night they would leave and be done with it.

It would be a relief to be away for good. It would be a relief to get back home and... well, now that he thought about it, how was he going to explain their disappearance for his uncle?

The king would be raging.

He would blame Kazimir, that was for sure, even if Kazimir had been in the palace the entire time. It was always Kazimir's fault.

He let out a breath; the mist whirling passed him as he slid backwards, picking up speed.

What did he say to Dalton?

What did it matter?

Why was he even wondering? He didn't say anything to Dalton. He didn't owe Dalton any explanation. He didn't owe the man anything.

Was he honestly forgetting who had stuck him in a fish tank for their first meeting?

No, he wasn't.

He didn't need to say anything to Dalton. They understood each other, that was it.

... So what did he say to Cole?

Again, what did it matter?

It didn't. There was nothing between them to warrant a need to tell him anything. It would be a relief to Cole if anything; Kazimir's presence just wound him up.

He was too easily affected by Kazimir's 'charm.' Typical human. Kazimir hadn't even been trying with that one and he was enchanted. For Cole's sake, it would be better that Kazimir left.

Was it a shame they would never meet again... well maybe...

But he could think about that when he was back home, safely below the waves, away from Cole and Dalton and all the annoying humans who threw things off kilter.

He glanced down at his skates.

What a shame it would be to not skate again.

What a shame to never dance again.

He closed his eyes, blotting out the coming hours, before glancing over his shoulder to check where he would land, turning for the forwards take off and lifting into the air, tucking his arms in close as he span through the air – 1, 2, 3, 4... 5.

He landed hard and kept his balance. Perfect.

When would he ever have the chance to fly like that again?

Applause broke his focus and he looked towards the bank, surprised that anyone else would be out in the cold and dark at this time.

He blinked.

Cole stood on the shore, slowly clapping and Kazimir's couldn't tell if it was mocking or admiration.

"You really aren't human, are you?" Cole called, folding his arms as he watched Kazimir.

Kazimir swallowed. "I don't know what you mean," he said.

"Five rotations on that jump?" Cole said, then shook his head. "I don't know that much about ice skating – surprise, surprise, I don't  have much time for such enjoyments in my line of work – but I know an impossible jump when I see one."

Kazimir was quiet, then chose to shrug. What could he say to that? Admit to the fact that he wasn't human? He hadn't been expecting an audience or he wouldn't go jumping around doing things normal humans couldn't.

He'd learnt to tone it down as a child when he was around Mai and his mother had warned him to not show off around humans – he had a distinct advantage after all, being stronger and (in his opinion) better than them.

"Why are you out here?" he asked instead, gliding passed, not getting too close to the edge.

"Can't I come admire?"

"Do I look like some fish in a tank to be goggled at?"

"I've never goggled at anything in my life."

"You clearly haven't seen your expression."

"You're funny."

"Why thank you."

Cole fell quiet for a time, just watching as Kazimir absently glided around.

And Kazimir had to fight the urge to show off.

He didn't want to impress Cole, not at all.

Just enjoy the last night on the ice and ignore the spectator.

"Mai's gone then?"

Cole instantly ruined it by speaking up and Kazimir looked at him.

"Yes, she left some hours before," he said.

"Will you miss her?"

Kazimir raised an eyebrow at him then thought about it. "Somewhat, I suppose. But we hadn't seen each other in years, so it's not like I'm losing a lifelong friend."

"Are you leaving soon?"

Kazimir snorted. "Anxious to get rid of me?"

"Yes and no."

He looked at Cole in surprise. "Yes and no?" he copied.

"No, I don't want you to go; I don't want you to leave. Yes, I want you gone because it means I won't want you to stay anymore."

"Oh honestly," Kazimir said, shaking his head, "So dramatic. Go find yourself a nice girl and you won't feel so wound up."

"I'm not wound up," Cole muttered, looking away, "I don't need a nice girl. I tried; it didn't get you out of my mind, trust me."

Kazimir didn't have a reply for that so he shot back, "Well I'll be gone soon enough so you can rest easy."

Cole looked at him in surprise. "Soon? How soon? You've heard word from your home?"

Kazimir debated on how to reply to that then nodded. "Yes, they sent word with a merchant vessel. A ship will be arriving soon to take us home, for good. We won't be seeing you again."

"You didn't mention this to Dalton."

"I haven't but that's not your concern. I'll be speaking to him in private closer to the time."

"Why didn't you say anything before this? When did you get the letter?"

"I don't have to say anything to you," Kazimir said, frowning at him.

"You could have mentioned it!"

Kazimir skidded to a stop, glaring at him. "I didn't see a reason to," he snapped. "I'm not obliged to you in any way and I certainly don't owe you anything so I don't see why I'd be expected to mention anything to you."

Cole opened his mouth then gritted his teeth together, glaring.

Kazimir smirked. "Exactly," he said, "You have no response because I'm right. Goodness sake, you anyways get so irritable around me, I don't know why you'd want me to stay around."

"I get irritable around you because I... because I want you and I know that's not returned. Any man would get irritable when his feelings aren't returned."

"Feelings," Kazimir sneered, waving it off, "Feelings aren't involved here. You're thinking too much if you think your feelings are in play."

"If you don't return my feelings, fine, but I'd appreciate it if you didn't mock them," Cole snapped.

Kazimir laughed. "Why? Did I hurt them?"

"Yes, you're hurting them. It happens when the person you like mocks and teases you. I didn't take you to be quite so cruel a man," Cole replied and Kazimir's laugh cut off.

He narrowed his eyes for a moment then said, "It's for your own good."

"How so?"

"Make you realise that those feelings aren't anything that warrant your attention. What you're 'feeling' is nothing more than basic male desire."

"I don't think you have any idea what you're talking about," Cole said.

"Of course I know what I'm talking about!"

"No, you don't. You've never liked anyone before, have you?"

"What is there to like about anyone?"

Cole stared at him. "What a sad thing to say," he said, pity flashing in his eyes.

Kazimir bristled at that. "You needn't make it sound like I'm missing something."

"But you are."

"You and I feel the exact same thing and it's something that doesn't amount to anything," Kazimir snapped, then stalled at his words.

No, that wasn't right, that wasn't what he'd meant to say.

Cole started laughing. "You admit to loving me?"

"I'm talking about the physical!" Kazimir snarled back, "I'm talking about something that doesn't mean anything. That doesn't stand up to anything. That doesn't bare any weight."

"Ah, so you admit that you're attracted to me. Well that's a start," Cole said, smiling at him.

"I'm not," Kazimir growled, "And I'm just saying that whatever you think you're feeling will fade."

"I don't think so."

"Oh for goodness sake!" Kazimir spat, making Cole blink, looking at him as Kazimir shot across the ice, skidding at the bank, shards of ice flying around him as he stomped off the lake, dropping down onto one of the benches and rushing to undo his boots, wrenching them off one after the other, socks flying with them as he hurled them aside. "I'll simply have to prove you wrong, won't I?" he snapped, standing up, apparently oblivious to the snow.

"Prove me wrong? How?" Cole said, distracted by the sight of Kazimir's surely freezing feet – distracted until Kazimir grabbed his hand and dragged him across the bank to one of the gazebos.

"Oh it's simple, as is your mind. You're driven by one thing and, though you've clearly confused yourself into thinking it's something deeper, it's easily resolved." Kazimir said again, dragging him up the steps and – with startling force – throwing him forwards so Cole stumbled and slammed to the floor on his back, the floor winding him as he groaned, head saved from being knocked around as he landed by the huge cushions. "You tell me afterwards whether you still have feelings for me. I dare you."

"What the hell, Kazim—?" Cole started and his breath left him as Kazimir stepped forwards and dropped down, shoving Cole flat against the cushions and straddling his hips.

Kazimir smiled, his grin slow and lazy as he watched and felt Cole's instant reaction to him.

Cole's face flushed – though that was no innocent blush. His breathing changed, deepened, lips parting as his eye darkened, focused as his hands gripped Kazimir's thighs. Kazimir was willing to bet that Cole's trousers would be getting a damn slight uncomfortable soon.

"You're frustrated," Kazimir said simply, leaning down, setting his hands on Cole's hard, toned stomach and slowly easing them up to his chest.

Cole's eyes narrowed. "You think I don't know what frustration is?" he said, his voice deep, like a growl, "I sail for months on end with men I have no interest in getting to know on a 'personal' level, trust me, I know frustration. This isn't frustration."

"Oh yes?" Kazimir grinned, straightening and pulling his hair loose from its bind, letting it fall around his shoulders, running his hands through as he looked down.

He slowly, purposely, rolled his hips against Cole's and a deep, unabashed groan was dragged out of Cole, starting low in his chest as his head settled back against the cushions, his hands sliding up Kazimir's thighs to grip his narrow hips, the sound vibrating through them.

Kazimir didn't pay close attention to the things that sound did to him, didn't look too closely at what he might or might not be feeling at the sight of Cole's powerful body reacting so earnestly under his.

Cole suddenly lifted one knee and the movement knocked Kazimir forwards, his hands flying out to catch himself, landing on either side of Cole's head, hair flaring out around them and Cole grinned – and Kazimir had the sudden realisation that Cole wasn't quite as inebriated by his 'charm' as he was supposed to be as a human.

"You straddling me like this feels like déjà vu," Cole said, one hand sliding up his waist and locking into the hair at the nape of Kazimir's neck. "Though this time, let's skip the strangling."

Kazimir smiled. "Sure, if you promise to not put a knife to my throat," he said.

Cole grinned – and his smile was disarmingly happy. "I think that can be arranged," he said, tightening his grip on Kazimir's hair and pulling him down.

Kazimir didn't kiss.

He didn't like kissing all that much.

He certainly didn't kiss humans, the very idea made his stomach reel.

And yet he found himself bending down and pressing his mouth to Cole's, parting his lips and sliding his hands into Cole's hair.

One of them moaned and Kazimir had no idea who.

Cole let go of his hair and slipped his hands under Kazimir's shirt, recapturing Kazimir's mouth when he made to move away.

Kazimir let him, leaning into the kiss again, vaguely aware that he was losing control of the situation.

Cole rolled.

Kazimir jumped, startled and Cole held him tightly as he pushed them over, Kazimir landing on his back on the cushions, Cole kneeling between his legs, pulling him close by the hips so they were pressed as close as possible.

"Well, I suppose I don't mind pretending this is just frustration if I get something like this out of it," Cole said, a wicked grin forming as he leant over Kazimir.

Kazimir sneered up at him, though his face relaxed into an easy smile and Cole was sure he had no idea his face looked so calm and contented in that moment.

"You should be so lucky," he said and Cole laughed, leaning down and kissing Kazimir with the lightest of touches, one hand moving up his arm, lacing their fingers together.

"I should and I think you'll let me," he said.

"I might, though I'm no longer so sure about this location," Kazimir said.

"We can have a little fun before we move somewhere more private," Cole suggested lightly, his free hand playing with the buttons of Kazimir's shirt.

"We could," Kazimir muttered, lifting his head.

Cole took the hint and bent down again, kissing him, gently pushing his tongue between Kazimir's lips.

"I think I could love you," Cole murmured against him and Kazimir laughed into the kiss.

"No you can't," he said easily.

"You still think so?"

"Trust me. These feelings with vanish after tonight, I assure you."

"What makes you so sure?"

"That's what happens," Kazimir said simply.

Cole pulled back, looking at him. "And what if my feelings really don't change at the end of this? What will you do when I prove you wrong?"

Kazimir blinked, like the idea hadn't really occurred to him. "Nothing," he said simply, "What can you do? I'm leaving soon. This ends here, whatever it might or might not be. Pray to whatever god you believe in that you don't feel anything for me, because when I walk off this land, I'm not coming back."

Cole looked down at him for a moment and he looked so sad in that moment Kazimir had to restrain himself from reaching out and hugging him tightly.

"Of all the people to like," Cole sighed, leaning down and kissing Kazimir's jaw then cheek.

"Like? So you don't love me anymore?" Kazimir asked, making himself grin.

"Well, let's find out," Cole muttered, moving back to kiss his throat, Kazimir tilting his head back as Cole slowly, carefully, unbuttoned his shirt, easing it back and settling his hands on Kazimir's waist.

He felt the moment Cole froze.

After a second, he looked up and found Cole stock still, staring at Kazimir's torso and Kazimir knew he wasn't admiring his muscle structure.

"What?" he asked, his voice tighter than he'd meant.

"What... what are those?" Cole said slowly.

Kazimir looked down at himself and felt a jolt of surprise when he realised Cole was talking about the markings up his side that led to his hidden Heart. He'd forgotten Cole would see those and would think them odd – possibly even off putting.

"Just... scars," he said slowly, "They're strange, I know."

Cole was staring at them. His hand slowly rose to touch his own chest, just below his own collarbone, the move distracted and unconscious.

He looked shocked, yes, but more than that... he almost looked horrified.

They weren't attractive when they looked like scars but they weren't so awful as to warrant that look. For the first time in his life, Kazimir felt self-conscious about them.

"What?" he snapped.

"How did you get them?"

"I've always had them."

Cole went quiet again, just staring, taking them in slowly from where they started at his hip, passed his pelvis, up his abs and over the left side of his chest, meeting the Heart that was covered and hidden and safe.

Cole didn't move.

Kazimir finally reached up and grabbed his jaw, forcing his eyes up. He locked his blazing blue eyes on Cole.

"Me, focus on me," he ordered and threw everything at him in an instant. Every thought of desire, every second of lust, every want and need and desperate craving, forcing him to feel so much he would crack under the pressure of Kazimir's manipulation.

He wouldn't ignore him.

He would walk off a ship into the god damn ocean if Kazimir wanted it.

He would not get distracted.

"I'm ordering you to focus on me and get this over with," he snapped, no longer enjoying it. He must have been mad to think he might actually want such a thing.

Cole stared at him for a moment, his eyes shiny and glazed, dazed as his mind tried to combat against the orders.

And then, suddenly, he planted a hand on Kazimir's chest, shoved him back, flat against the pillow...

And got to his feet.

In one lithe move, he was on his feet and moving away.

Kazimir lay there for a moment, eyes wide, staring at the ceiling, mouth open in simple shock, before he slammed his fist into the floor and sat up.

"You're going to walk away?!" he snarled.

Cole was already hurrying back to the palace but he stopped at Kazimir's words.

"All you're big talk and you're going to walk away?" Kazimir shouted, shoving to his feet.

Cole looked back and Kazimir couldn't miss the want in his eyes.

He wanted to stay. He wanted to so damn much and yet he was walking away.

How the hell was he walking away from Kazimir?

People didn't walk away from him!

"I'm sorry," Cole said, taking a step back, "I'm so sorry."

Kazimir stared at him, then ground his teeth as he felt his face heating up. "What a grand display of love," he spat and spun away, walking in the opposite direction, back to the bench with his discarded skates and shoes.

When he glanced back, unable to help himself, he couldn't even see Cole anymore, the figure long faded into the darkness.

~~~~

Up next: Monday

Art by: Pinterest

....Oh Cole

Also, for anyone not really into ice skating (And who cares after this chapter). The jump Kazimir did in this chapter would be a  quintuple axel. (The axel being the only jump you take off while facing forwards, considered the hardest jump.)

Such a jump does not exist lol

A quadruple axel barely even exists. In competitions, men will perform single, double and triple axels. Women will perform single and doubles - there are less than ten women in the world who have successfully landed a triple axel. A quadruple Axel has yet to be attempted in competition (as far as I know at