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Chosen had been considering retiring from professional combating for the better part of a year.
It had been a huge part of his life since he was in his teens, but now that he's grown, Chosen was wondering if it was time to hang up his compression bandages.
Ever since the sport had gained worldwide recognition, the scene had changed much too quickly for his liking. In its youth, competitive dueling had been about skill and perseverance; about believing in your skills and in yourself as a fighter.
Now, the crowd seemed to care more about flashy gear and state-of-the-art theatrics.
Combatants were more akin to celebrities these days, and Chosen found little appeal in the fame that seemed to go hand-in-hand with the professional battling scene.
Sure, he enjoyed some of the job perks, such as being able to travel to new places, but the limelight just wasn’t for him.
After the conclusion of the last tournament, Chosen had sat with himself for a long while and seriously considered taking a year or two off to explore his other interests. Perhaps, even find another line of work to pursue. He had put enough of his winnings in savings over the years to ensure a comfortable living for himself in the meantime.
In lieu of announcing his retirement last month, however, Chosen went ahead and signed up for Vic’s annual summer tournament.
The reason for his momentary lapse in judgment caught his attention the moment it- or rather, he- stepped into the hotel building, tossing a smirk at the dozens of paparazzi cameras he’d passed on his way in.
The Dark Lord was mostly made up of vicious mockery and sharp edges, with the firepower to back it all up.
Whereas, Chosen shied away from the attention, Dark, the absolute diva that he was, thrived on it.
When Dark steps into the grand lobby of the hotel, he looks more like a runway model gone astray than a top-class fighter. He dons winged liner, glossed lips, and is decked head to toe in some luxury brand Chosen can’t be bothered to remember the name of.
Chosen's brain space is more interested in the way Dark's linen shorts sit on his hips and the matching heeled wedges that give Dark a few inches on him.
Chosen crosses his arms over the banister in front of him and watches from the second-floor loft as Dark says something inaudible to someone in his staff/posse. The lady types something into her PDA and vanishes a moment later. Chosen isn't sure what Dark requested, but he's overheard Dark's various demands enough times to know that it's almost certainly ridiculous and over-the-top.
However, no one really knew how to say no to someone who looked like that so, for the most part, Dark got what he wanted.
He flirted with his fans, teased his competition, and wielded his good looks without care, showing little regard for Chosen’s sanity.
This was the main reason why Chosen liked to appreciate Dark from afar.
Once Dark got too close, Chosen was reminded of how insufferable he was, and it became more difficult for him to keep his thoughts quiet on the matter. Part of Chosen hoped that Dark would be knocked out of the tournament early on, but his inner fighter actually wanted to compete against him. After all, Dark was a fierce competitor, and he appealed to Chosen's desire for a challenge.
Chosen could do without having to deal with his particular playstyle, however.
Dark had a tendency to bat those dark, sultry lashes of his whenever he found himself in a tight spot. Once his opponents were rendered dazed, he'd throw a disarming smile their way for good measure, essentially luring his prey into a false sense of security. Ensnaring them into his web. Then, just when his opponent thought they had him on the ropes, he'd set up a trap and go in for the kill. Loud and boisterous and ostentatious.
Chosen had caught onto his tactics early on and wasn’t nearly as susceptible to them as his fellow duelists, but it was still Dark and that alone was hazardous to Chosen’s gameplay.
Regardless of his thoughts on the matter, Chosen knew that a showdown between him and Dark was all but guaranteed.
Vic would make sure of it.
Due to the sheer intensity and chemistry between them, his brawls with Dark always drew large crowds- and thus, ad revenue. Vic had compared their matchups to foreplay more than once.
Chosen vehemently denied this in the past, though when he thinks back to their previous battles, he's willing to admit that they are usually flushed and panting by the end. As though they endured something other than a tough, brutal fight.
He's given up trying to figure out what it all means.
All he knows for certain is that Dark riles him up like no other.
He's both annoyed and enthralled by him. He wants to put as much distance between them as possible and also press their bodies flush together.
On more than one occasion, when Dark has mouthed off to him in the middle of a duel, Chosen has imagined silencing him with his-
“Chosen.”
His name is spoken with an accented lilt, and it yanks him right out of his thoughts.
He registers Dark standing beside him, looking ever so smug. His irises are the most beautiful ruby under the hotel lights.
He's unreasonably handsome up close.
Chosen wonders if winning the genetic lottery is the reason why Dark is such a brat.
"You were quite distracted," Dark observes casually. "Something catch your eye?"
Chosen shrugs. "Lots of things catch my eye.”
That's not actually true. Chosen's tastes are so specific that he rarely finds someone his brain deems stare-worthy, but he isn't willing to admit that out loud and definitely not to Dark.
He's been on the receiving end of Dark's flirting for quite some time now, but Dark flirts with everybody. That being said, Chosen has seen Dark turn down enough of their colleagues to know that Dark is more of the 'look but don't touch' kind of flirt.
Just as well, since Chosen isn’t one for casual flings, though he's often mistaken as someone who is. Many sticks alike see his leather outfits and belts and chokers, and they assume he's up for a good time when what he really wants is commitment and companionship.
“I’ve heard some rumors lately."
Tension seeps into Chosen’s shoulders, but his face remains unchanged. "You should know that rumors are not the most reliable source of information.”
“Which is why I am asking you directly,” Dark says. He leans back against the banister, facing him. His sharp eyes shift over Chosen’s face with intrigue. “I’ve heard you’re retiring.”
Chosen's shoulders relax. He only shared his thoughts with a select few fighters, yet he shouldn’t be too surprised that word already begun to spread. Secrets had a tendency to come to light early in this line of work.
“Considering it,” Chosen answers nonchalantly. “Vs Dueling is only getting more popular, and I'm not really one for all the attention.”
Dark’s eyes flicker down his frame. He purrs, “Could’ve fooled me."
Chosen really shouldn’t let Dark stand so close to him. This little proximity between them gets his blood pumping with the oddest combination of lust and exasperation.
“You seem tense, Chosen.”
“Well, I do have a five-foot-five vixen trying to distract me from the tournament I've been meticulously preparing for."
“Five-foot-seven with the heels,” Dark says with a wink. His slender fingers reach out to play with one of the chains dangling from Chosen's hips. "You know what could help you to relax?” he says, his baritone dipping.
Chosen shoots him a sideways glance. “Let me guess: does it start with 's' and rhyme with flex?”
“Oh, so you have heard of it?”
Chosen imagines bending Dark over the banister he’s propped against and showing him just how much he knows on the subject matter.
"Yep," he says instead. "I'd even say I'm pretty decent at it."
Before Dark can respond, someone behind them calls for him.
Chosen is grateful for the interruption.
“Better run,” Chosen says, nudging Dark along. “Wouldn’t want the room temperature water I’m sure you ordered to get too cold.”
Dark chuckles. "So much hostility for a big guy such as yourself,” he says, dragging his fingers up Chosen's side, “but you're right, I should go hydrate and rest.” He leans in close enough for his lips to graze the shell of Chosen’s ear. “Keeps me nice and flexible."
Dark pulls away from him, tossing a honey-sweet, "See you tomorrow, Chosen," over his shoulder as he goes.
Chosen remains where he is a while longer, wrangling his hormones back into submission.
He really should've retired when he had the chance.
The expansive grounds where the hotel sits are equipped with its own arena, making for an easy commute the next morning.
It’s a sunny, warm day which is great for the audience yet disastrous for Chosen’s blood pressure.
It gives Dark the perfect excuse to wear a spiky and layered skirt. He pairs it with a sheer blouse and flawless makeup.
The stupid, gender-non-conforming minx was clearly hellbent on making a mockery of Chosen’s precious composure, though at least Dark did him the mercy of wearing sandals today.
Come afternoon, Chosen finds himself watching one of Dark's duels from the sidelines.
At one point, Dark begins to fan himself with his blades. A minute later, he unbuttons his shirt, blaming the heat.
His opponent's jaw nearly goes slack, and Chosen rolls his eyes. It gives him a reason to tear his gaze away from the sliver of Dark’s bare chest.
Dark wins three minutes later, cinching his playoff spot and guaranteeing a brawl with Chosen the next day during the semifinals.
Once the last fight concludes, Chosen returns to the hotel. He stops by the bar on the first floor for a drink to help settle the adrenaline rushing through him after an intensive day of competing.
He cuts himself off after only one, knowing he needs to keep his wits about him the next day.
He regrets not drinking the whole bar though when he ends up in the hotel elevator alone with Dark. It would just be his luck that they'd be on the same floor of this very widespread building.
“Saw some of your games today,” Chosen says before Dark can speak. He shoves his hands in his pockets and leans his shoulder against the elevator wall, casting Dark a simple glance. “You did well.”
Dark grins. “I’m flattered you watched.”
“Makes sense to watch the competition,” Chosen reasons.
"And that was the only reason you were watching, hm?”
“Sure was.”
Dark huffs a laugh. “I suppose you need all the help you can get.”
Chosen’s pride flares. “That’s cute coming from someone who lost the last time we fought.”
Really, they were so evenly matched, the fight nearly ended in a draw, but the point still stands.
The elevator pings, signaling their floor. When the doors slide open, Chosen tries to make his escape.
Dark is hot on his trail though, falling into step beside him.
“That was then, this is now,” Dark says. “And now, I think I’ll win.”
Chosen stops in the middle of the hallway, turning around to face Dark.
He realizes much too late how close they are.
The air around them, which had been edged with competitiveness before, is charged with something else now. Like the space between lightning and thunder.
“You think you can beat me now?" Chosen challenges but his voice is quieter than before. "What makes you think anything has changed?”
Dark pauses for half a beat before replying, “You've changed.. the way you look at me has changed.”
Chosen's gaze flickers down to Dark's mouth. “I’ve always looked at you like this,” he says.
Dark doesn't respond right away, his pupils wide and chest heaving beneath his blouse, the air around him crackling with intent.
Arousal pulses in Chosen's veins, and he feels himself slipping. Dark is there, practically offering himself on a silver platter, and Chosen is starving.
“I need to go.”
Dark’s hand curls around his wrist, stopping Chosen when he turns to leave.
He whips his head back around and narrows his eyes at Dark. “Let me go," he warns him.
Dark's grip tightens. "Make me."
Chosen's composure cracks violently.
He crashes their mouths together so hard, their teeth click, and neither man seems to care.
Dark's hands fly to his face, his palms warm on his cheeks as he tries to pull Chosen closer.
Chosen takes hold of Dark's narrow hips and shoves him against the wall, not caring in the least that they're technically still in a public area.
"You can't help yourself," Chosen pants when their brutal kiss ends. He dips his head to clip Dark's jaw with his teeth and relishes in the needy groan that follows. "You just don't know how to close your mouth. You need me to shut it for you."
Chosen does just that, sealing Dark's mouth with his own again and slipping his tongue inside of it for good measure.
Dark tastes like he smells, blistering and intoxicating.
His lips are smooth with cherry balm, his tongue welcoming and playful in how it curls around Chosen's own.
Chosen had so many fantasies of Dark's mouth in a slew of compromising positions, and the real thing is so much better.
Chosen wants more, wants to punish him and feel his body underneath his and, by the way Dark is arching into him, Dark wants those things, too.
"You're such a spoiled brat," Chosen mumbles against his lips, "and everyone lets you get away with it because you're so fucking gorgeous to look at." Chosen's hands skirt over his abdomen, teasing at his waistline. "But what you really need is for someone to take you over their knee and teach you how to behave. Maybe just some good dick to make you act right, huh?"
Dark is always quick with a retort yet the man can't get a single word in when Chosen recaptures his lips in a hungry kiss. Dark moans into his mouth, hands moving to tangle his fingers in Chosen's hair.
Lust burns in Chosen's abdomen, having Dark respond to him so eagerly. Was he really so needy for his cock? Did he truly desire him so? Was this more to Dark than just a game of cat and mouse?
When Chosen draws away, Dark chases him, unwilling to end their kiss.
Chosen's hand goes to his throat to hold Dark still, fingers cradling his jaw to keep him in place as he soaks in Dark's flushed features.
Dark is panting through pretty, pouty lips and looking at him between strands of surprisingly soft hair. His eyes burn with arousal under a fan of lashes that shimmer with remnants of his glittered eyeshadow.
The raw need in Dark's gaze has it all clicking together in Chosen's head.
The taunts, the poking and prodding, the unrelenting flirting that Chosen associated with Dark but now he understands means so much more.
Chosen rubs his thumb over Dark's top lip, admiring him.
"So pretty," Chosen coos. He leans in and licks a stripe up Dark's neck, tasting the salt of his skin. Then, he brings his lips to Dark's ear and murmurs, “So, your makeup and clothes and accessories, was it all to get my attention, Dark?"
"Your ego would like to think so, I’m sure," Dark argues, but he's hardly convincing with the way he's almost vibrating out of his skin at Chosen's touch.
Chosen draws Dark's pierced earlobe into his mouth, lips grazing over the silver studs. "Even your lies are pretty," he whispers heatedly.
Dark whimpers, twisting his head in search of Chosen's mouth but Chosen denies him by pulling away again. The hand still curled around Dark's neck keeps them separated.
"I want to hear you say it, Dark. I want you to tell me how much you want me. That you strut around here in your shorts and skirts and heels because you're just so desperate for my cock. You tell me the truth, or I'll leave you to take care of this," Chosen slips a thigh between Dark's legs and presses into him, resulting in the most delectable curve of Dark's spine, "by yourself."
"Chosen, please, " Dark gasps, then he bites into his bottom lip.
Chosen is instantly jealous.
He captures Dark's mouth with his, coaxing out his bottom lip to take it between his own. He sucks on the sensitive skin, drawing a moan from Dark's throat.
"Tell me, Dark,” he repeats.
At long last, Dark crumbles in Chosen's hands. "Yes, I wanted you to notice me. Of course, I want you. Fuck, I want you so bad."
The confirmation that his feelings are genuinely returned is music to Chosen's ears. He rewards Dark with another firm press into his bulge under his cotton skirt.
"How do you want me?"
"I want you to fuck me," Dark says.
Chosen bucks into Dark, their arousals meeting in a rough grind. They both respond with heavy groans, muffled only by the sloppy kiss they find themselves in.
Chosen licks at Dark’s lips, tasting the cherry flavor as he grinds into him again.
"I want to ruin you, Dark," Chosen says to him.
"Do it then," Dark whines.
For once, Chosen is incredibly on board with Dark's demands.
It’s an impressive feat that they make it into Chosen’s room in one piece with how blindly they fumble there, lips locked and hands clutching at each other.
The first pieces of their clothes fall to the floor just as Chosen's hotel door closes behind them.
By the time they fall into bed together, they are both bare.
To Chosen's utter vexation and delight, Dark’s fucking perfect naked. Truly the most gorgeous thing he's ever seen.
He's all tight, corded muscles under rich skin that Chosen wants to unwind and turn to putty in his hands. Dark's perfect body and needy personality simply beg for Chosen's utmost attention.
Dark is an entity. He showed up one day and took the dueling scene by storm, taking Chosen right along with it.
He radiates confidence and entitlement with seemingly no idea of how to balance the two.
Chosen could help him though.
Chosen could teach him how to conduct himself in public, how to behave, how to be a proper figure whose sole purpose in life wasn't to drive Chosen insane with jealousy and fiery arousal.
As he looks down at Dark now, he finds himself torn; he wants to take him from behind but he also wants to watch Dark's pretty face twist in pleasure while he fucks him.
"What are you waiting for?" Dark groans impatiently. "Fuck me already."
From behind it is.
He drags his palm up Dark's toned thigh and guides him to turn onto his knees. He thinks he should take his time just in case this is a one-off thing for Dark, but he can see Dark's hole waiting for him, so pretty like the rest of him, and he knows he can't hold out much longer. He retrieves a packet of lube and a condom from his wallet and gets to work. He swears he can feel Dark's entire body sigh in relief when he sinks a slick finger into him.
"Fuck, Chosen," Dark gasps when Chosen adds a second finger. A tremor runs through his legs when Chosen begins to scissor him. "I need you inside of me now, please."
"Oh, so you do have manners?" Chosen queries, wriggling a third finger inside of him. "Shame you never use them."
Dark’s response is lost to the pillow, near incoherent when Chosen pumps his fingers into him.
When Chosen is satisfied with his work and Dark's exasperated pleasure, he retracts his hand to stroke lubricant onto his cock.
He guides the tip to Dark's entrance and watches the prepared rimmed skin part for him as he presses his cockhead against it.
The sight is so sinful, he shudders with desire.
Dark tries to sink back into him greedily, but Chosen keeps him steady with firm hands on his hips.
Dark whines. "Chosen, I swear if you don't- "
Chosen's palm cracks against the supple flesh of Dark's ass.
Dark bears down on reflex just as Chosen plunges forward, creating the most delectable drag.
Their joined moans nearly shake the walls.
"What was that?" Chosen breathes, trying to sound unaffected, but he's so very affected.
His hips are now flush with Dark's ass, cock all but swallowed by him. He's so tight and hot and slick. Damn.. Dark feels better than he ever imagined.
When Chosen withdraws and then pushes back inside Dark's yielding body, words begin to tumble from his lips. "You take my cock so well," he praises mindlessly. "I thought you couldn't get any prettier, but you are breathtaking with me inside of you."
"Fuck, faster,"
Chosen's hand meets Dark's ass again, timed with a rough thrust forward, and the pleasure is mind-altering.
The clench of Dark's ass, the gasp in his throat that cuts short his impatient demands, it all feels so fucking good.
He's having a hard time wrapping his mind around being able to put Dark in his place after all this time.
"Harder."
Chosen groans, "Spank you harder or fuck you harder?"
"Uh, either?" Dark keens, blissed out and words muffled by fabric. "Both. Just more, I need-"
"I know what you need, baby. I'm gonna give it to you."
Chosen does just that by building up to long, deep strokes that have Dark writhing beneath him, and Chosen seeing stars.
"How do you like my cock?"
"So good."
"I love when you use your mouth for something useful," Chosen pants. "Maybe next time, I'll fuck you raw so that I can come inside of you. Then, you can stand there and pose for all those photo-ops with your thighs damp and my come dripping between your legs."
"Fuck yes, Chosen, that's so hot. Cursors, making me y-yours."
He spanks him again, this time as a reward. It's all the same to Dark who tightens around him and moans appreciatively.
"Y-yeah?" Chosen says. His bangs lie sweaty on his forehead and in his eyes, but he can't let go of Dark for even a moment to move them aside. "Mine? Is that what you want, pretty thing?"
"Yes. I've wanted you- wanted us like this."
"Shit, me too." Chosen drives into him, into that spot that has Dark trembling with pleasure. He can see the pink irritated outline of his handprint, creating a nice target point for him.
He hopes Dark feels it, too, when they battle tomorrow; hopes the next time Dark opens his mouth to say something asinine, the spot stings and has him thinking twice.
His line of thoughts, Dark's clenching muscles, the sound of their skin slapping together, it's all enough to have Chosen's thighs quaking with his impending release.
He holds Dark's hips tight enough to leave bruises, fucking him without pause through both of their climaxes and all but ensuring a noise complaint in his near future.
Once they are both spent, they collapse in a heap of sweaty limbs.
His lungs barely have time to recover when he feels the bed shift. Suddenly, Dark is on top of him, burying his face in his neck and practically purring.
Chosen feels Dark's lips purse over his pulse point in a light kiss.
The touch calms some of Chosen's racing thoughts. Charmed, he runs his fingers gently through Dark's tousled hair.
"Aren't you sweet after a good fuck?"
"A great fuck," Dark says, nuzzling further into his neck. "And shut up."
Incredible.
His goal had been to wreck Dark yet he might've gone and ruined himself, too.
"Are you alright?" Chosen asks carefully. At his tone, Dark raises his head to look at him. "Sorry if I overdid it," he says, and he brushes some loose strands out of Dark's eyes without really meaning to. "You.. sort of drive me crazy."
Dark just grins, the corners of his eyes crinkling with delight. "Alright? I'm amazing." His smile widens mischievously. "You're so sexy when you're all riled up."
"Pfft, is that why you do it?"
Chosen pulls Dark down into an open-mouthed kiss before Dark can answer. He kisses him lazily, his movements still slow in his post-orgasmic state of bliss. Dark responds with indulgent swipes of his tongue.
As they kiss, Dark's body half-draped over his own, Chosen trails his partner's spine with the pads of his fingers.
He can feel Dark melting under his touch.
The sex was spectacular, but Chosen enjoys this just as much.
“Took you long enough," Dark mumbles into the kiss.
"Don't be a brat," Chosen warns, dragging his teeth over Dark's bottom lip. "I was trying to be professional." He draws away enough to add, "Also, I.." really like you, “am not a fan of one-night stands.”
Dark's eyes twinkle. “Good. Me neither.”
Chosen’s heart swells.
"So.." Dark continues after a moment, "if you really are thinking about retiring, does that mean you're looking for new employment opportunities?" To Chosen's raised brow, Dark adds, "I'm in the market for a new manager."
Chosen blinks, baffled. "What?"
"I mean, you know the game better than most. You're familiar with the tournament schedules and travel. It would keep you involved enough with Vs Dueling, which I know you still love, but you'd be able to stay in the background and out of the limelight." Dark's smile turns wicked. "And you'd be able to keep me in line."
Damn him.
"So, what do you say?"
Chosen's already sold, although, he has to ask, "Are you offering me a job or asking me to be your partner?"
Dark shrugs. "It can be both."
Chosen finally returns Dark's smirk with one of his own. "Well, how can I refuse such an offer?"
"I'll take that as a resounding yes, then."
Dark looks so freaking proud of himself, and Chosen can't help but roll his eyes. "I'll show you a resounding yes," he says, and he spins them over to kiss Dark senseless.