"I thought," Arwen said as she looked at her brother, "you drank all of that last time."

Dwen frowned. One bottle of cursed booze and he'd hear about it forever. Of course, considering his current appearance, his sister's appraisal wasn't entirely misguided.

"I did," Dwen replied.

"Then what did you do this time?" Arwen did not move out of the doorway of her quarters, not that she really had reason to.

Dwen considered refuting her assumption that he'd been the one to do something. But he had, and it had been far more minor than cursed booze.

"I rejected the advances of a witch while inspecting the market."

That was close enough. He'd actually been checking for a restock on a particularly fine non-cursed booze that he wanted to gift to Vermont, after inspecting the market, but Arwen didn't need all of the details.

Arwen sighed.

"Come on in," she said as she stepped aside. "Let's find you something to wear that fits."

Dwen nodded and shuffled in, through her study and into her bedchamber, thankful when Arwen closed the door and locked it. His shirt hung strangely, threatening the buttons on the front. And his pants were sitting even more strangely and his boots were far too large and were the first things he kicked off, too-large socks following.

Arwen had clothed him after the cursed booze and it was almost surprising how similar their shapes were, even for siblings.

"If you ever get turned into a man, what's mine is yours."

Arwen's long look suggested very, very firmly that she was not going to find herself in any of the sorts of situations that Dwen tended to.

"I'll keep that in mind. Now strip. I want to make sure it's all the same as last time."

Surely, it was all the same. But quietly, he stripped down while Arwen started digging in her dresser.

"Speaking of the same, do you want the same? It's not like I ever wear it anymore."

Dwen didn't really understand why Arwen would keep things around that she didn't wear, but it worked out well for him.

"It fit well," he said. Made his already perky breasts even perkier. Fit perfect over his curvy waist and hips. Accentuated that things definitely were no longer there.

But Dwen wasn't terribly bothered. He hadn't been the last time, either, which probably caused more commotion than his actual appearance. He'd been able to do his job, once his head stopped hurting, and the curse wore off the next day. What he looked like didn't really impact his ability to get done what needed to be done.

Arwen stared at his naked body for a long moment. And then she went back to digging while muttering something Dwen didn't quite catch.

~*~

"Will it wear off like last time?"

Dwen looked at Jan and shrugged.

"Hopefully," he said. It wasn't like he knew, and it wasn't like he was particularly bothered, either. Arwen had promised clothing and that would be enough. He could continue with his daily training and work without any trouble. In fact, he'd nearly finished with the day's applications and there was nothing else waiting for him.

"But you don't know how long?"

"Arwen promised to send for Lumen if it doesn't wear off in a couple of days." That sounded like a perfectly good plan to Dwen. Until then, he could wait and perhaps, like the last time, he'd wake up the next morning and have his usual body back.

Jan nodded quietly and went back to his own checklist. He'd dropped off what he'd needed to and Dwen didn't even look up when he left.

The door had only been closed for a moment before it opened again.

"Did you forget something?" Dwen questioned.

"I'd say you're the one who forgot something."

Dwen's eyes went wide at Vermont's voice. He'd been over his schedule and they had no meetings until the next day. His only tasks had been the inspection and his usual work. There was no way he'd have ever missed time with Vermont.

"Did you think I wouldn't want to know you've been cursed again?"

"It's not affecting anything," Dwen replied. "I performed the market inspection, borrowed appropriate clothing from Arwen, and I've nearly finished processing these applications."

Vermont just stared at him for what felt like far too long. Everyone else seemed to be far more concerned with the curse than Dwen was, which was honestly kind of confusing. He was fine, and that was that. The curse would hopefully wear off overnight or in a day or two, and if not, Lumen could take care of it.

"Please be more careful," Vermont finally said, and Dwen nodded. He didn't think Vermont sounded disappointed in any way, just concerned. "And be careful if you're walking around on your own. Take Jan with you if you go out."

Dwen blinked. He'd gotten a couple of comments earlier that he'd shut down immediately and he didn't think he was any weaker in this form than he usually was. If it came down to it, Dwen was sure he'd win in a fight, as long as it wasn't against Vermont or Alche.

But Vermont's orders were Vermont's orders.

"I will," he said, before pushing back his chair. He stood and stretched and brushed a bit of stray hair back with one hand. "Do you want the applications I've already processed? It's enough for a full schedule."

He reached for the pile, leaning over his desk, before straightening again with them in hand.

"Vermont?"

"Is that Arwen's old clothing, again?" Vermont questioned. "I don't remember her ever wearing anything like that."

"It is, and I think I remember it. I asked for something easy to move around in and this is what she offered. The top is holding everything in place nicely and the lower part is easy to move around in. The boots are surprisingly supportive," Dwen explained, gesturing as he went. Despite their size and shape, his breasts were staying properly in place and, and while he hadn't tried using the small space between for extra storage as Arwen suggested, he could see how it could be handy. He was showing a bit more skin than he normally considered comfortable, but he was also noticing the room temperature a bit more. The boots came up well past his knees, anyway, so it wasn't that different anyway.

"She's promised to make sure I have what I need until the curse wears off," Dwen continued. "Neither of us mind. We're surprisingly about the same size, and I've already assured her that if she's ever cursed similarly, she can wear my clothing in turn."

Vermont was still staring at him. Right, the applications.

Dwen walked over carefully and offered them. The boots were impressively supportive but had just a bit more of a heel than he was used to and it did affect how he walked, ever-so-slightly.

"T-thank you," Vermont replied and before Dwen could say anything else, he was gone.

Dwen wasn't quite sure what to make of that. The curse wasn't that disruptive, but it was enough that Vermont was concerned. That wasn't the sort of attention he wanted. And the sort he did, he'd long-since given up on.

He'd just stay by Vermont's side, and that would be enough.

He sighed and circled back around to his desk. There were still a few applications to finish and then he really did need to stretch and swing his sword around a bit.

Then he could see about a drink or two, maybe, and an early night.

Hopefully, in the morning, everything would be how it was supposed to be.

~*~

Dwen woke up not long after dawn and rolled over, mildly confused until he reached to determine the source of his unexpected discomfort. If this went on for any amount of time, he was going to have to ask Arwen how she slept while also having breasts. They seemed to constantly be in the way.

He'd peeled off his clothing to sleep, rather hopeful, but nothing had changed. Well, nothing had changed back.

While he could have had his own house, Dwen had long ago opted to live in the sprawling compound that had sprouted around the arena. Arwen had decided the same, and even Vermont's entire family lived in what was basically an annex to the arena's administrative section.

That did mean a shared bathing area and while Dwen hadn't thought about it the day before, and it hadn't been a problem the last time, now he had a decision to make.

A soak sounded fantastic, except he was fairly sure he'd cause an accidental ruckus in the men's bath, and, well, he was still a man. Using the women's bath would be improper.

That left asking the first member of Vermont's family that he could find if he might use their smaller private bathing area, which was probably the best idea.

Arwen had found him in the evening and given him a small basket of additional clothing, just in case, and after a proper stretch, he went to see what exactly she'd given him.

There was an outfit similar to the previous day's, and Dwen quite liked the colors of it. He didn't particularly remember it, but he'd also never paid that much attention to women's clothing in general. He'd honestly never thought much about clothing in general, as long as it did what it needed to, until Vermont had sent him off for that side job. That had been a hectic time and Dwen was rather glad he wouldn't be asked to work it again until the next season.

But there was a set of night-clothing as well, at the bottom of the basket, that seemed much like what he usually wore. A simple pair of soft slacks, a soft shirt with little front hooks...

Dwen wasn't sure what else to wear with it. Admittedly, he hadn't quite figured out how he felt about always being a little... moist, either, but that might be a bit much to ask advice on, even of Arwen.

His slippers were big on him, but not as awkward as his boots had been. After pulling a long jacket on over himself, Dwen shuffled off down the hall.

Thankfully, it didn't take long to get where he was going, nor to be found. He wasn't expecting Hernella to be the one to spot him, however.

"Dwen, is that you?" She looked like she was fresh from the bath, herself. Her hair was up in a damp bun and her cheeks were rosy. "I heard what happened. Do you need me to fetch Vermont for you?"

Quickly, Dwen shook his head.

"I was just going to ask about using your bath," he explained. "I probably shouldn't use the men's, or the women's."

"You certainly shouldn't," Hernella replied, laughing. "Let's get you taken care of. I don't think Alche's up yet, at least, so you'll be safe."

Alche. Dwen couldn't help wincing. Alche's reaction the last time this had happened had been explosive and she'd tried to make him promise not to let it happen again. He'd long-since learned not to promise her anything, but he had said he'd do his best. And here he was, with Alche's mother guiding him into a small, steamy room.

"Do you need any help?" Hernella questioned. "Oh, probably not. Just wash everywhere."

Hernella was not that much older than he was, and she had bested him in practice matches more times than he ever wanted to admit. She was his senior is multiple ways, and Dwen knew she'd not fail him. But some things...

No, some things he'd still rather not ask of Arwen.

So perhaps Hernella was the best one to ask.

"Actually," Dwen said softly. "I have a couple questions about..."

Any term he would have used would have been crass and while also likely words Hernella knew and used at times, it seemed easier to just gesture downward.

Hernella blinked and seemed to just be opening her mouth to ask what he was talking about when it finally clicked.

"Oh," she said. "Oh."

"Last time, I didn't really have to do any maintenance," Dwen admitted.

"If you don't mind my presence, we'll go over the basics," Hernella replied with a firm nod.

Dwen said nothing when, after nodding, Hernella walked over to lock the door.

And once he was submerged in the water, Hernella sat on a low stool and started explaining a bit more than Dwen thought he ever wanted to know.

~*~

The curse did not wear off overnight, nor the day nor the next. Arwen sent for Lumen, Alche threw an absolute tantrum and wasn't speaking to him, and his one attempt at doing anything visible in the arena was met with so much unwanted attention that Dwen retreated to his office and drank an entire bottle of something he'd long meant to share.

Thankfully, Lumen arrived promptly. But it took a couple more days for him to investigate and, finally, call a meeting.

~*~

Though he wasn't late, Dwen was still the last one to arrive. He'd been stopped just down the hall from Vermont's office by a member of the junior staff and he'd been able to her question, but it had taken a few moments to understand exactly what she needed to know.

Vermont was sitting behind his desk and Lumen was leaning against it. Jan was sitting on a nearby sofa, and Arwen had chosen a chair.

Quietly, Dwen walked over to sit beside Jan.

"You've found a cure?"

"I believe so," Lumen said. He had a weird smile on his face and Dwen didn't trust it. He trusted Lumen, in general, and knew Lumen wouldn't put him in any actual danger. But there was something about that smile combined with knowledge of some of what Lumen had dabbled in before that made Dwen pause.

"How unpleasant is it, if you've called us here?"

"Based on what you told me, and what I've found described in a particularly old, rare tome..." Lumen paused and cleared his throat. "It's likely you were the unfortunate target of a complicated curse that can only be broken with the assistance of another."

"So far, so good."

"You're going to need to spend the night with someone," Lumen continued, and there was that weird smile again. "That's the only recorded cure I've found."

"Spend the night with..." Dwen trailed off and swallowed hard. Lumen had not just said that. Lumen had absolutely not just said that. Not in front of Vermont. Not in general. Not in the way that had made Arwen's eyes go wide.

"There has to be another way." Arwen was nearly on her feet. "Because you mean, you need Dwen to-"

"Dwen, you're the only one who can decide," Lumen interrupted. "There's a chance it might wear off but it could take some time. Are you willing to try to wait it out or are you willing to try this?"

It wasn't that there was anything wrong with the body he had at the moment, and he'd started to get used to it, but the thought of breaking the curse was strangely relieving. Except- If the cure really was what Lumen had suggested it was, then he was going to have to find someone willing to...

He certainly wasn't a virgin, but it had been years since he'd bothered even with a night or two somewhere.

He had nobody to ask or suggest, unless Jan knew-

Dwen looked around the room quickly. Arwen was obviously there because she was his sister. Vermont was his superior, and Lumen was the one with the information. That left Jan, who was definitely a trusted colleague and slowly becoming as close to a friend as Dwen was interested in having.

Jan wouldn't be the worst choice, if he was willing, but Dwen also thought Jan's tastes ran closer to his own. There were other options, as well, and he could certainly afford them.

He took a deep breath.

"I'd like to try."

There was dead silence in the room and Dwen was suddenly sure he'd said the wrong thing. But he was willing to try. And if it was with someone he didn't mind, then it would just be to try to break the curse.

"Do you have someone you'd like to try with?" Lumen questioned, even though Dwen was sure Lumen already knew the answer.

"No." Dwen shrugged. "I'm sure I could hire someone, though. That might be the most efficient way to handle it."

"There's no need to take those measures," Jan said. But he didn't say anything else. Maybe he was waiting to be asked.

This was probably the most awkward Dwen had felt since he'd been cursed.

"You're right," Lumen finally said before the silence consumed everything. "Dwen, if you don't mind, I'll volunteer myself."

Lumen? Well, Lumen wasn't unappealing. But-

"I'll do it," Jan quickly interjected. Dwen looked over at him, a little surprised at how red Jan's face was. "I mean, if you don't mind, Dwen. I-"

There was a loud thump from the direction of Vermont's desk and everyone turned to look at him and the fist he'd just banged on the bare and worn wood.

"I'll volunteer," Vermont said. "Dwen, I sent you on that inspection..."

Vermont said something else but Dwen didn't hear it. He was pretty sure he should insist on taking the professional route but Vermont had just volunteered to fuck him. It would be an absolute dream come true except the situation was an absolute nightmare.

He'd get a night with Vermont, but entirely out of a sense of responsibility and not actual desire.

But it would be a night with Vermont. It would be a night with Vermont and he was stuck in a body he was now trying to revert because he'd been cursed and-

"Dwen? Dwen, are you okay?" Arwen was kneeling in front of him, a hand on his knee. "You don't have to say yes."

Dwen looked at her, eyes wide, and shook his head. "I'll do it."

Even if it wasn't quite what he wanted and certainly not how he wanted it, Dwen was going to be selfish. He was going to take a night with Vermont and hold it in his heart for the rest of his life.

"Good," Vermont said. When Dwen looked over at him, he was smiling. "Now, that's settled. We can all get back to work."

"With your permission, Vermont, I'd like to take Dwen into town," Arwen said quickly. Dwen blinked, but Arwen was always on his side. Surely she had something beneficial in mind. She hadn't left him and she was the picture of grace as she looked up at Vermont and Lumen.

Of course, she also knew Dwen's feelings for Vermont. She always had, and she'd quietly kept that information in confidence for all of these years.

"Whatever you need to do," Vermont replied. "Dwen, come by my quarters tonight if you're ready. Dismissed."

Dwen didn't really think it was the kind of meeting to be dismissed from, but Jan bolted for the door and once Dwen found his feet, he wasn't far behind. Arwen was still at his side, but Lumen remained.

Given Lumen's earlier willingness to- No, no, Dwen didn't want to think about what any further conversation would entail.

"This is the worst everything," Dwen said as Arwen guided him towards town.

"I agree." Arwen reached for Dwen's hand and squeezed it. "And you don't need to go through with this. Not... like this. You don't have to. We'll find another way, or... a professional, like you said."

Dwen shook his head.

"It's the only chance I'll ever get," he said softly. "I'll take it."

He paused and looked at Arwen and bit his lip.

"You're going to give me some advice, right?"

Arwen shook her head.

"Not me," she said. "I know someone better."

~*~

They were shown to a quiet sitting room and told that Marchioness Denarisa would be with them shortly. And she was, looking both elegant and gently rumpled. She had one of her knights on each arm, and once she was in the room, she kissed each on the cheek before dismissing them.

"Arwen, darling, you're looking well," she said as she crossed the room to sit. Her skirt was long enough that it touched the ground, and her steps so measured that she nearly looked to be floating.
"But who is this? I though you only had your handsome brother and this is clearly-"

"Dwen," Arwen interjected. "It's Dwen and he's been cursed."

Denarisa blinked and stared before getting quickly back to her feet.

"It is," she said as she brought herself close. "Not my type, now, but exquisite nonetheless."

Dwen held in a sigh. He'd refused Denarisa's advances an appropriate number of times and she'd always been gracious about it. It wasn't like she was hurting for knights to love her, anyway, and once he'd flatly explained why it wouldn't happen, she'd promptly refrained from further comment.

"I want to break the curse," Dwen explained. "But I..."

Arwen had been right about one thing. Short of going to see another professional, there was nobody Dwen could think of who'd be better at explaining how to handle the evening.

"Hmm?"

Thankfully, Arwen started on the details and thankfully, Denarisa returned to her chair.

~*~

Dwen took a deep breath and raised his fist to knock on Vermont's door. Thankfully the halls were empty. Whoever had corralled Alche was his newest hero. She was the last thing he needed when he was trying to summon his courage and even if she wasn't speaking to him, he was in her home.

This was far from his first visit to Vermont's quarters, but certainly the first time for anything other than business or the occasional drink. It was not an uncomfortable space, though he could only think of once he'd followed Vermont into the bedchamber and that was while trying to find some book or other. He couldn't remember exactly what Vermont had been after. But he remembered Vermont's bed and that had fueled his longing for months after.

Armed with Denarisa's advice, which was mostly practical regarding his own current body, and dressed by Arwen in a matching set of sleep-clothing that showed even less skin than what he'd been wearing during the day, Dwen thought he was ready.

He had to be ready.

Dwen knocked and the door opened almost immediately, as if Vermont had been right there waiting.

Vermont looked at him, quietly, and Dwen fought the urge to look away. What was he even supposed to say?

"Come in," Vermont finally said, stepping aside. He was wearing what Dwen assumed was sleep clothing, and a bit more casual than what Arwen had chosen. It was closer to what Dwen had in a bundle, tucked under one arm, for the morning- simple clothing and slippers. Hopefully...

"Thank you," Dwen replied and stepped inside. The room was no different than what Dwen remembered with its lanterns and books and bits of armor and weapons. It was lived in, but Dwen didn't move to sit and settle. Instead he stood there while Vermont closed and latched the door.

"I'm sorry I can't make this any less awkward for you," Vermont said as he turned, but Dwen shook his head.

"Arwen made sure I had a practical education," Dwen explained. "I'll try to-"

"Oh, Arwen explained-"

Dwen shook his head as he set down his clothing bundle on a side table. "No, no, she took me to visit Marchioness Denarisa, who was very gracious about my condition and also very thorough with descriptions."

He had, in fact, attempted a bit more exploration based on Denarisa's advice and descriptions, but he hadn't had any particular luck. Nothing like what she described, which seemed both similar and different from how he'd describe how his body normally worked.

Vermont blinked and then chuckled. "Well, then I don't think I have to worry quite so much, then."

"Were you worried?"

"Dwen, you've been cursed and this is the remedy."

Dwen nodded. Even if it wasn't quite how he'd imagined it, this was going to be a night he'd treasure forever. Things would have to go back to normal after, and he knew that, but he'd treasure the night.

"We'll make the best of it," Dwen said.

And not knowing what else to do, and certainly not willing to continue negotiating lest one of them decide to call the whole thing off, Dwen turned and headed towards Vermont's bedchamber.

"Dwen..."

Dwen turned and gave Vermont the tiniest of smiles. That was Denarisa's advice and Dwen hoped he'd done it right. He didn't tend to smile. He'd never thought he was good at it, but perhaps he'd managed to do okay.

"I'll extinguish the lanterns," Vermont offered, having followed far quicker than Dwen expected.

"No, it's fine." Dwen still wanted to see Vermont, after all. And he'd seen Vermont naked plenty of times when washing after sparring or other events, but this was far different. "Unless you want to."

Vermont didn't reply, but he didn't move to do anything about them, either.

"You'll have to forgive my clumsiness, Dwen," Vermont finally said. "It's been a bit of time since I've been with anyone."

Dwen nodded. "Same," he said softly. For very different reasons, he was sure, but that didn't matter.

"I don't want this to be miserable for you."

The lanterns were forgotten as Vermont stepped close enough to pull Dwen to him and Dwen forgot about everything else including the reason for his being there to begin with when Vermont kissed him.

It did not matter that he was on his toes even in the heeled boots he was still wearing, nor that Vermont's arms wrapped around his waist a little too easily.

Dwen just closed his eyes and reached and clung, kissing back and not wanting to let go. The soft prickle of Vermont's mustache and beard was no deterrent, and he pressed himself closer and kissed Vermont deeper.

He'd never cared if he was any good at any of this before, but suddenly it mattered.

"I don't want this to be miserable for you, either," Dwen said, half to Vermont's shoulder, when he finally drew away enough to catch his breath and find his balance.

Instead of words, Vermont simply scooped him up and carried him the short distance to the bed. Surprised, Dwen clung and then smiled again. This had never been part of any of his fantasies, and though it was quick, he knew he'd never forget.

Vermont's bed was not soft, exactly. It was comfortable, in the way that any simple object becomes with use, and while Dwen made the tiniest of adjustments to free his loose hair from beneath his shoulders, Vermont climbed onto the bed beside him.

There was more than enough space for them both, but Vermont was tugging him close again a moment later, kissing him again and letting his hands slide further down Dwen's body than their previous spot on his back.

Vermont's hands were on his ass a moment later, and Dwen moaned ever-so-softly into Vermont's mouth. From there, Vermont's hands were everywhere, on his back, his thighs, even settling on his breasts for a brief moment.

He was not expecting Vermont to go for his neck next, nor for how the act shot through his body in new, unexpected ways. Now a few of Denarisa's comments suddenly made sense.

He gasped when Vermont moved just a bit lower, and when Vermont settled one of his big, strong hands on one of Dwen's breasts. They hadn't ever seemed quite so sensitive, but suddenly he was aware of them, aside from their general attractiveness.

Vermont seemed to be enjoying them. That was the most important part. Vermont, who had pulled away and propped himself up to search for the little hooks on the front of Dwen's shirt.

"I should have taken my boots off," Dwen mumbled. An oversight, and he wanted to say it wouldn't happen again but there would be no point.

"Easy enough to remedy," Vermont replied, reaching down instead. Dwen's boots were not the thigh-high black leather he'd been wearing, but only reaching his calves and with simple buckles. They hadn't been as supportive as the others, but Arwen's selection was limited and of the few major qualms he had with his current body, he did rather miss his height.

Vermont made impressively short work of the boots and they dropped off the side of the bed with soft thunks.

"There," Vermont said. Dwen nodded. There was an odd hunger in Vermont's expression, one that made him think of the rare mornings when they sparred for hours, covered in sweat and savoring their battle.

"The shirt works like this," Dwen said softly, reaching to undo the little hooks on his own. He probably should have insisted on something more simple but then again he wasn't bothered by them and he'd figured he'd be undressing himself in the dark and-

Vermont's hands were over his own quickly, half-guiding him through the process.

Then he was exposed, full breasts and hard nipples bare as Vermont pushed Dwen's shirt open. Carefully, Vermont circled one nipples with his rough calloused fingers and Dwen gasped. Again, he felt it everywhere, including down where he was sure he was getting incredibly damp.

When he'd tried, earlier, to touch himself, it hadn't felt at all like what Vermont was making him feel, and Dwen wasn't at all surprised. He wasn't at all surprised when Vermont leaned to suck on one breast, tongue circling one nippled while he kept a hand on the other one, circling and gently squeezing until Dwen was moaning in a voice he nearly forgot was his. He squirmed beneath Vermont, wanting to grind himself against Vermont's body for some sort of relief. The way he ached was beyond what he could describe and even Denarisa had seemed a little lost for words when she'd described it. But Dwen understood. He felt it and he wanted nothing more than Vermont inside him, hard and moving until the ache exploded in bliss.

"Vermont, please," Dwen managed as he raked a hand through Vermont's hair. "I need..."

Dwen wasn't sure how to explain it, but Vermont understood nonetheless. Dwen wasn't entirely sure if his attire- Arwen's, if he wanted to be particular, but Arwen had insisted it didn't need to be returned -survived the next few seconds.

He was on his back again quickly enough, naked, before being half-scooped against Vermont, legs spread.

"Like this?" Vermont questioned as he reached down, fingers between Dwen's legs in all the damp.

"Yes." Dwen buried his face against Vermont's shoulder as Vermont started moving his fingers. He could hear his wetness as Vermont moved in it, tracing out all that he was. And then Vermont found that spot, the center of Dwen's ache and Dwen groaned.

"There, right there," he managed. "Please."

He didn't want to admit that he certainly hadn't figured it out. It didn't matter. Vermont knew. Vermont kept rubbing it, slow and fast and after dipping fingers deeper into him, deeper and farther, changing the ache into something different and bigger. He felt absolutely soaking wet and like it was only the beginning.

The first shivers of his orgasm were barely warning for everything that came after, as Vermont did not slow his hand even when Dwen started seeing stars. He cried out against Vermont's shoulder, clinging, unsure how long the blinding pleasure would last.

Finally, Vermont paused, and Dwen sagged against him.

"Dwen?"

"That was-" He didn't know. Denarisa had told him so many things but he hadn't been ready.

"Not enough to change you back," Vermont surmised, and shifted to begin to remove his own clothing.

Right. Change back. That's what they were doing. Dwen gasped for breath and then moved to help Vermont, fingers fumbling against buttons to expose his broad, fuzzy chest.

"Let me," Dwen said as he looked up at Vermont before kissing him. He held the kiss even as he reached lower, finally getting a hand on Vermont's cock through the fabric of Vermont's sleep slacks.

Vermont gasped and Dwen just stroked harder. He could feel Vermont hardening in his hand and he kept kissing Vermont until he was sure he was ready.

Then, Dwen slid down, pulling Vermont's slacks down enough to free his cock. Dwen said nothing, instead just taking the tip into his mouth and sucking on it.

"Dwen..."

Dwen did not want to explain that this was what he wanted. He had dreamed of this, and he could suck Vermont's cock without thinking about his own body or the curse or anything else.

He took Vermont in deeper, savoring how Vermont kept hardening in his mouth and how big he was. Dwen kept sucking and licking and taking in more. Vermont just groaned and tangled a hand in Dwen's hair, which Dwen took as a signal to keep going.

He would have been content to have Vermont finish in his mouth, but Vermont carefully guided him back before too long.

"Dwen, I could, but- We need to change you back."

Right, yes. Dwen was on his back under Vermont before he'd even nodded, his mouth claimed in a hard kiss. He went back to trying to get Vermont out of his clothing and Vermont relented, shifting to pull everything off.

Then Dwen was dragged up the bed and stared at, as Vermont knelt between his legs. Dwen didn't dare close his eyes; here was Vermont, hard and dripping and looking at him with an expression of pure lust.

"I'm ready," Dwen said. He was. As much as he didn't want this to end, it was time. He reached for Vermont and was rewarded. Vermont settled over him, positioning himself. Dwen raised his hips a bit, surprised by the feel of Vermont's cock against him.

"Good," Vermont replied. "I'll be gentle-"

"Don't."

Dwen didn't know if Vermont's first thrust was meant to be gentle or not, but it was thorough and deep. Dwen felt himself filled in a delightfully strange way and he groaned when Vermont paused.

"Are you sure, Dwen?"

"Yes, yes-" Dwen wrapped his arms around Vermont, keeping him close as Vermont began to move, thrust after thrust. He moved with Vermont, learning the rhythm as he was rocked with every motion.

Dwen wasn't sure how long it took. He was already feeling his body responding all over again when Vermont repositioned himself half-upright, guiding his thrusts with his hands on Dwen's hips. He moved faster and harder and Dwen closed his eyes for a brief moment, surprised as the change in position changed how Vermont's body met his and how he reacted. It was that ache again, sudden and overwhelming and quickly becoming more as Vermont moved even faster and harder.

Vermont groaned as Dwen moaned, and the feel of Vermont hot inside of him was the last of what Dwen needed to shudder beneath Vermont with a second orgasm.

At first he wasn't willing to untangle himself from Vermont. He wanted Vermont close for just a bit longer. Once Vermont pulled out, there was no reason to linger.

But Vermont did pull out and rolled to the side and then reached to guide Dwen into another series of kisses.

There was only one thing wrong.

"I didn't change back," Dwen mumbled. He was still catching his breath, but he'd go-

Dwen reached to find the bed behind him and how much space he had before he could swing his legs over the edge. Hopefully they'd hold him. He'd just get dressed again and leave, back to his own quarters to sleep alone.

"Stay," Vermont said, one strong arm pulling Dwen close again. "Humor me, Dwen? Don't leave me after that."

Dwen froze but let Vermont move him. Surely Vermont just meant for the evening. They'd shared the ultimate intimacy, so maybe...

He didn't want to ask. He didn't want to clarify. He'd take til morning.

Carefully, he settled against Vermont and let blankets be pulled over him. Vermont just held him close and warm until finally, Dwen was sure he should say something.

"Maybe I'll have changed by morning?"

Maybe he wouldn't change at all. It would never be ideal, but if he had to keep living in his current body, it might not be the worst. Not if-

Vermont answered only with a soft snore and Dwen, unsure if he should be relieved or upset, curled even closer and closed his own eyes.

At first he wasn't sure how he'd ever sleep, finally getting to lie like this in Vermont's arms, but before he knew it, he was drifting off as well.

~*~

When Dwen woke in the morning, it took him a long moment to remember where he was and why he was so warm. But it was Vermont he was still naked against, and Vermont had a strong arm over him.

There was one more thing, and it took just the tiniest bit of movement to sort out that he was indeed correct.

The curse was broken and he had his original body back.

It was time for him to go.

But Vermont was still asleep, so there was no harm in lingering for just a bit longer. He'd linger until Vermont woke and then see himself out. He'd have to fetch his clothing, but he could dress quickly. Then he'd need a bath, and to stretch, and then back to work.

He'd linger, comfortable, in Vermont's embrace, at the end of a strange dream.

Vermont stirred against him but didn't seem to wake. Instead, Dwen was just pulled closer. It was unfair, in a way. But still, Dwen didn't move.

"Should we continue pretending to be asleep?" Vermont asked softly, some time later.

"I changed back," Dwen replied, not at all surprised that Vermont had been awake for at least a bit. "I should go."

"If I asked you to stay a bit longer?"

"But I-"

"I've always known about your feelings," Vermont said, his voice still quiet. "But Dwen, I'm twice your age. My children are older than you..."

Dwen winced. Vermont had known? All these years, he'd known and-

"Yet when Lumen said that was the way to break the curse, I couldn't bear the thought of anyone else touching you," Vermont continued.

"Vermont..." Dwen didn't want to move. He wasn't even quite sure why Vermont was telling him all of this.

"You'd be better off finding someone your own age," Vermont said. "That's what I told myself, again and again."

"What are you saying?"

"That you should stay a bit longer."

That was enough. That was absolutely enough.

Dwen closed his eyes and kissed Vermont, quietly, leisurely. It was only when Vermont shifted to go for his neck that Dwen realized the plan for the morning. If Vermont was sure, then he certainly was.

Vermont's hand on his half-hard cock was really all Dwen needed to take things up a notch. Vermont's body was his to worship, and he'd memorize every inch. Even when Vermont stopped him, quietly getting a small bottle from near the bed, Dwen's arousal did not waver.

This time, Dwen pushed Vermont onto his back, half on top of him as Vermont's fingers pressed inside of him. His fantasies had detailed all this and more, yet they'd never felt so good. He kept stroking Vermont's cock, fighting the urge to finish what he'd started the night before.

Instead he just pulled back to straddle Vermont and reached to position Vermont's cock at his entrance. His own cock was achingly hard and stayed that way as he relaxed down onto Vermont.

Then he paused, breathing, and took in Vermont's smiling face.

"When you're ready, Dwen."

Dwen nodded. He'd been ready for years. For nearly half his life. He'd wanted and he'd long accepted that it would never happen. He'd just have stayed with Vermont forever. He-

He moved, and Vermont moved, and Vermont's hands settled on his hips to help guide him. Vermont's cock was bigger than any he'd ever taken, but it was good. He moved, he moved, losing himself in the motion. Vermont reached to touch him and it was the beginning of his end.

There was no reason to last, none at all. The building pleasure that he knew overflowed. Dwen cried out as he came, hot and white over Vermont's hand. And then, half-dazed, Dwen just held on as Vermont bounced him through a dozen rough fast thrusts until he, too, was moaning release.

He-

"Stay a bit longer," Vermont said as Dwen sprawled on his chest. Dwen just nodded. He would. He knew Vermont knew that.

"As long as you'll have me," Dwen managed. He smiled.

"We should probably see about a bath and breakfast, before it gets too late."

Vermont had a point there.

"I'll also have to tell Alche."

Dwen tried not to sigh. He knew how that would go.

It would be a long day.

He wondered if the stall in the market had that particularly fine, non-cursed booze in stock.

It would be a perfect gift for later.