— Is he all right?
— It seems that our dear puppet is in the world of the moon.
Aslan and Ray's comments didn't bother Benjin, in fact they sounded like whispers that could easily be ignored. Hugging his knees, the puppet stared at the living room window as if anxiously awaiting someone's arrival. And while he waited, he lost himself in thought.
Lost in memories, in fact.
— Leave him alone. He's probably still processing today's concert — Vicente warned, pouring himself a cup of coffee.
Oh yes, the show.
Benjin could still feel his heart racing because of the show.
He had got used to shows, not even when he first went on stage would he have felt this nervous. Benjin had always been confident in his abilities, and mistakes would never be made. However, that morning he felt his heart pound when his young master took to the stage. The spotlights emphasised his presence, his beauty was highlighted by the burgundy tuxedo stealing the air Benjin breathed.
His every move, his every utterance, his every gesture, his every glance... Nothing went unnoticed. Benjin captured every moment, wanting to commit it to memory so that it would never be forgotten.
The moment when Leonardo gently took his hand would certainly be the one that would remain with him forever. At that moment, Benjin lost his breath and felt that only the two of them existed in the world. Leonardo's gaze seemed to seduce him unashamedly. The sly smile that contained a hint of malice hadn't gone unnoticed either.
Benjin was teased in front of an audience.
Lowering his green eyes to his left hand, he saw the gold ring detailed with the gradient jewel.
"— In this forest called solitude, will reside the angel who will guide the way with stones of brilliance. I want you to be my angel, who will never abandon me and my forest, and I promise under the song that I will give you the most beautiful dream for all eternity."
— Aaaaaaah! — Benjin shouted, hiding his face between his hands as he felt the heat rise to his cheeks.
— Well well well, he's really all right — smiled Ray, laying his head on Aslan's lap — Just look how this puppet doesn't even try to hide his shame.
— Well, I don't blame him. Leo really surprised me with that line.
— Is that what you wanted, Vicente?
Vicente took a sip of his coffee and rested his cup on the saucer with a thin smile.
— Surely that person must have liked it.
— Ah, but you said you saw Diablo at the end of the show. Isn't that worrying?
— Don't worry, Aslan — Vicente looked at the window, where Benjin was staring out again, lost in thought — Now our young master is a suitable adversary for our dear Diablo.
As soon as the rusty gates of the mansion were opened, Benjin raised his head to observe the arrival of the two humans. He completely ignored the presence of the detective who seemed to be having a serious conversation with the young master. His anxious eyes could only see Leonardo, who was still wearing his tailcoat.
It should be a criminal offence to be handsome in a tailcoat.
And even more so with your hair tied up!
Benjin almost gave up his role to throw himself into Leonardo's arms when he saw him with his hair tied up. It was the first time he had seen him like that, so tidy and so stunning. Although it didn't really matter what Leonardo wore, as he was always handsome.
Lost in thought again, Benjin was startled when their eyes met. It was a little embarrassing to be caught red-handed spying on Leonardo through the window. However, his young master smiled and waved at him, causing his heart to beat a little more wildly.
— Leo~
Slyly, Benjin grumbled about to get up when he returned his attention to the conversation of the other three.
— What? Did Giovani see Diablo too?
— That's surprising, why would Diablo show himself to the detective too?
— Haa, I have no idea — Vicente mumbled, looking tired — I can only assume that the detective's investigations are becoming a nuisance to him, or else...
— Or Diablo is planning to use Giovani to target our young master.
— What do you think, Benjin?
The trapeze artist sat up straight and pondered.
— Hm... As far as I know, Diablo can't stay out of that place for long. If he's gone, then it's likely that he's come to check on something for his plan.
— He intended to use Viola for something, didn't he? But you said she managed to escape — Aslan reminded him.
— Oh, that, my piece of cloud, was thanks to that person. If not, our little fairy would be a real nightmare for the young master.
— Viola gets on very well with that detective, so I don't doubt that Diablo will use him to get to her too — Benjin whispered — In fact, any human close to Leo could be in danger.
— I'm home!
As soon as the door was opened, the conversation was interrupted. Benjin quickly got up from the upholstery and ran towards his young master, jumping into his arms and grabbing him tightly. It was lucky that Leonardo was quick to grab him.
— Haha, Ben. Careful, otherwise you might fall.
— It's all right, you held me — whispered the trapeze artist happily, without letting go of the embrace.
— And I'll always hold on to you.
Jeez, how far did he intend to get his heart racing?
Benjin could explode with happiness right there. Nothing else mattered. Just smelling Leonardo and feeling the warmth of his arms was enough to make him never want to leave.
— Ben, let the young master get home properly.
— It's all right, Vicente. I'm going to my room, so have a good night.
— Hee~ looks like the young master is going to enjoy his wedding night.
Aslan quickly elbowed Ray, scolding him with his gaze.
Even with this provocation, Benjin didn't budge from his young master's lap. He even crossed his legs around Leonardo's waist and refused to get off. Hearing a low chuckle, the boy only had to continue down the corridor carrying the tall, clumsy trapeze artist to his room.
— What's the matter, Ben? Are you jealous of Giovani again?
— It's not that, Leo — mumbled the trapeze artist, his face completely red — I just want to be with you.
— All right, I'm all yours now.
On the way to Leonardo's room, the puppet smelled his lover's scent. He could feel his heart beating against his chest, the sound of his breathing and the movement of his body as he walked. Every little detail was noticed by Benjin, who cherished it like a sweet moment.
As soon as he reached the bedroom, Leonardo closed the door and locked it. Only then did Benjin get off his lap and soon grab Leonardo's face to take possession of his lips in an eager kiss. He had been holding back all day, longing for Leonardo to return so that he could finally show him how much he had changed.
How happy he was.
If he didn't touch him, it would be like a punishment.
Leonardo returned the kiss, wrapping his arms around Benjin's shoulders and surrendering to the moment. Without breaking off the kiss, the puppet took a firm hold of his young master's waist and led him across the room until they found the bed, where he lay him down and got on top of him.
The intense, desire-filled kiss took both of their breath away. Benjin's whole body shivered and warmed when he felt Leonardo's hands on him. Fingering his arms, the puppet took Leonardo's hand and placed it on his head, allowing them to intertwine their fingers.
As he played with his lover's moist lips, he savoured his taste and was only pleased to hear him gasp against his mouth.
He wanted to make him feel good.
He wanted Leonardo to forget about the world outside that room and concentrate only on himself.
He wanted him so much.
There was nothing like the desire and love he felt for him.
What would he do?
How could Benjin express his feelings?
Feeling a hand touch his face, Benjin broke off the kiss, seeing Leonardo completely red and smiling.
— Why are you so anxious? You're going to choke me to death.
— Don't even joke about it! I just want to make you mine.
Letting out a low laugh, Leonardo slid his fingers through the strands of Benjin's bleached hair, caressing the nape of his neck and sending immediate shivers down his spine. Sighing softly, Benjin could only feel it more and more intensely.
— You promised, Leo. You promised that you would make me have the most beautiful dream. Forever.
It was Leonardo's turn to blush with embarrassment, being a beautiful sight in the puppet's eyes.
— I knew you'd remember that.
— And how could I forget? — Benjin whispered with a smile, leaning in to kiss Leonardo's neck — You were marvellous when you swore your love for me in front of everyone.
— Well... technically speaking, only you understood it as a pledge of love.
Raising his head, Benjin pursed his lips.
— Yes, they did! — Raising his left hand, the boy pointed to the ring — I'm yours! It's proven! Everyone saw it!
Laughing softly, Leonardo entwined his fingers with Benjin's, rubbing it gently against his cheek and placing a kiss on his fingers. If holding his hand so gently wasn't enough, Benjin almost had a heart attack when Leonardo gave him a seductive look.
— I'm glad they know you belong to me.
Oh my.
Oh, dear.
He certainly wasn't helping.
— You're a deadly weapon, you know that, Leo?
— Haha, you think?
Pouting again, Benjin leaned over, leaving mere centimetres between their faces.
— I worry about other people being affected by all this charm.
— Are you kidding me?
Benjin sighed and sat down on Leonardo's lap. Wrapping the fingers of his free hand around his tie, the trapeze artist pulled him along, smiling mischievously.
— You have no idea what a piece of mischief this is, my young master.
Leonardo looked away in sheer embarrassment, adding to Benjin's malice. Carefully undoing the knot of his tie, the trapeze artist enjoyed undressing his lover while snooping on the other's reaction. He could see his breathing quicken and his body stiffen as if he were holding back.
Benjin hadn't even started his teasing!
But it was already fun.
As soon as his shirt was open, Benjin leaned down to kiss Leonardo's abdomen. His warm skin went goosebumps with every kiss, and his arousal was already clear when he touched one of his hard nipples. A squeeze and he could already hear a gasp. And, of course, Benjin took the opportunity to spy on the reaction of that completely reddened face.
— Don't look at me like that, Ben. You're teasing me too much.
— Of course. It's more delicious that way.
A pillow was thrown at Benjin, who laughed at his young master's embarrassment. He wouldn't promise to stop his teasing, he didn't mean it. It was just satisfying to see Leonardo's reactions, proving that he responded to his touch.
Only if Benjin touched him would Leonardo react like that.
And it was addictive.
Back to his teasing, Benjin revelled in Leonardo's body. He caressed his curves, soaked up his warmth and his kisses, felt him kiss him until his lungs burned from lack of air. He touched to excite him until it was impossible to contain himself. Benjin knew exactly where to touch, as if there was no secret in Leonardo.
At a certain point, his clothes forgotten in the bedroom and Leonardo only able to cling to the headboard, arching his back at his provocations, Benjin revelled in Leonardo's body. He caressed his curves, soaked up his warmth and his kisses, felt his kiss until his lungs burned from lack of air. He touched him to excite him until it was impossible to contain himself. Benjin knew exactly where to touch him, as if there was no secret in Leonardo.
The young master arched his back as he felt Benjin's tongue lick him. When all the volume had gone into his mouth, the puppet rejoiced at the moan that escaped from that mouth, as it was a sign that he was enjoying the act.
And it wasn't just there that Benjin enjoyed himself.
Leonardo's thighs were bitten and squeezed, and it was discovered that Benjin loved to hold them and pull them together so that their bodies were joined. Leonardo's nipples were also painfully swollen from being stimulated, the puppet's main amusement when it came to the art of arousing his lover.
When Leonardo lay on his back, becoming receptive to Benjin... well, it was the most adored sight. Benjin loved leaning over Leonardo's back, kissing his bare skin as he filled him. Having him in his arms was definitely the most pleasurable sensation in the world.
— Argh... Ben... That!
Certainly having his nickname sounding through those lips and showing his pleasure was the pinnacle.
— Wait! You're getting bigger... Aah!
— Sorry, Leo. But it can't be helped — Benjin whispered, holding Leonardo's neck and kissing the back of his neck — I just got hungrier and hungrier to have you.
For the first time, Benjin felt such need. His desire seemed to have no end, and all he wanted was to fill Leonardo's body until they became one. Even if Leonardo came, and even if the puppet climaxed, it wasn't enough. Benjin simply wouldn't calm down.
And his young master just gave in to his whims, surrendering himself body and soul.
Hours later, they both finally calmed down. Benjin hugged Leonardo, placing affectionate kisses all over his face and hearing him laugh hoarsely.
— You don't look like a dog in heat just now.
— I'm not a dog and I'm not in heat!
— I'm joking. But I've never seen you so... thirsty.
This time Benjin had really outdone himself. Leonardo could barely move because his hips were sore.
— Don't you like it, Leo? Did I hurt you?
Reaching out to stroke his face, Leonardo smiled.
— On the contrary, it was pleasant.
— So let's do it again!
— Go to sleep, you perverted puppet! — The boy complained, throwing down another pillow, only to grimace when he felt another twinge in his hip — Aah, that fucking hurts.
Pulling the covers over their naked bodies, Benjin wrapped his arms around Leonardo's waist, promising to behave. While he enjoyed that quiet moment where only the two of them existed, the trapeze artist also revelled in the caress he received from Leonardo. But when he looked at him, he realised that his mind was far away.
— Is something bothering you, Leo?
— Hm? Oh, Giovani said he saw Diablo, so I'm worried about that bloke walking around Dreamland.
— He's not walking around.
Turning to face Benjin, Leonardo looked at him curiously.
— How can you be so sure?
— Diablo only exists in the Mirror World. Outside it, he's just a temporary fragment of his presence.
— Mirror world? What the fuck is that?
Smiling sadly, Benjin stroked Leonardo's face, taking his time to reply. If he could be selfish, he would want Leonardo to know nothing. He'd prefer him to remain ignorant and be happy inside Dreamland. However, his attachment to his late father's dream would prevent him from turning a blind eye to Diablo's atrocities.
That's why Leonardo's soul was so brilliant that it made a demon like Diablo want it.
And that's why Benjin was still worried about losing the happiness he had gained by his side.
— Ben?
— It's our cradle. That's where we were born.