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[Part of the problem with being a financial advisor, Ali realized, was that it meant he had to work. And it wasn't even the fun kinds of 'work' like stacking coins and sorting them by the quality of their gold or silver, oh no. The king had made it quite clear that any coin-counting was to be done only when requested, or outside of working hours. No, Ali had to do things like read and fill out paperwork, or run analytics on tax revenue and what kind of surplus or expenditures there were in the quarter. Or, at the very least, he had to assign all of that work to one of his several secretaries. After all, he at to at least keep up the appearances of being a financial advisor, and over the last few decades he had gotten pretty good at that. It wasn't impossible, but it also wasn't nearly as fun as counting coins.

Of course, he would get odd looks if he just sat around counting coins all day. To anyone else looking in, they did not see the fearsome dragon Aligrezoph, guardian of the kingdom's treasury. They saw Ali, a normal- albeit quirky- man who kept a very small social circle in the finance department and spent most of his days trying to keep expenditures to a minimum while saving up as much as he could. All for the kingdom's benefit, of course. It totally wasn't so there would be an even bigger pile of coins for Ali to count on his breaks.

Indeed, most who looked at Ali would just see an average-looking man. shoulder-length black hair tied back with a black ribbon, piercing blue eyes, a perpetual frown stuck on his face in most situations. A lean body that was more built for flexibility and speed than strength, and a very simple style of dress in neutral colors. He looked every bit like a stuffy accountant, though Ali would argue that he wasn't really THAT stuffy. He was just comfortable with the form!

He also would not talk about his other form under any circumstances.

On that day, Ali had an armful of expense reports with him. There was to be a meeting, and he had stayed up all night with two of his secretaries preparing these reports. With the midsummer festival coming up, the festivities had to be decided upon and paid for. And, as usual, Ali wanted to keep the expenses as low as possible. For the good of the kingdom, of course. Ultimately his team had prepared a few possible expense reports, with varying amounts spent on decorations, hiring out staff, and paying guards for keeping the peace. Any one of his plans would be acceptable, but Ali was sure that someone would complain. There was always someone who complained and called him a 'coin-pinching cheapskate', but those complaints had picked up more in recent years. Already Ali was annoyed just from the thought of the argument that would happen that day when he butted heads with a certain other advisor. Sparks would fly as usual, and these weren't the good kind of sparks.

But Ali was willing to give it a chance. As people arrived at the meeting- a meeting between the king and his dozen or so advisors in the various ways of running the kingdom- Ali worked to lay out one set of expense reports at each desk. It was only two pages of paper per table spot, so hopefully everyone liked to read!

Of course, when Ali passed a certain advisor, he had to fight the urge to make a snide comment. Instead, he just held out the two-page document to him, trying not to show too much contempt when he spoke.]

Do take care of those papers, will you? My staff stayed up all night finishing them.

[He was a dragon in hiding, not a snake in hiding, but his words still had bite to them.]

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[Part of him does want to push back, but another part of him keeps saying 'he brought you wine, he's trying'. Heavens know why, but Ali can try to be slightly more tolerable. Slightly.

He does roll his eyes at the shiny comment though. It's true, but Concord doesn't need to point it out. Silver needs to be worn tastefully, especially when you're already small to begin with. Too much and it looks like you're overcompensating.]

Well I can't look corrupt when I have to work with a pure, innocent being like a unicorn, now can I? Imagine the rumors there: evil dragon tries to corrupt the king while the brave unicorn protects the king's honor.

[And there's the push back. He's trying, but even he can't avoid the comments forever. Especially since he doesn't usually get to talk about the whole dragon thing, given everyone's perceptions of dragons as 'big and dangerous if you cross them'.]

Haa... [A genuine, if short bit of a laugh. Concord's voice is nice, deep and yet very clear. He didn't often sound even that amused,]

I would not stand for that kind of treacherous talk. You do well by the King and our people. Even if we don't see eye-to-eye, it would be dishonorable of me to not recognize your valor. [as for if he is pure or innocent, such terms often applied to unicorns by mortals, Concord looks somewhat self conscious. Unicorns have their own code of morality and ethics. If they appear righteous to humans or dragons, it is only because others have far looser standards for their own kind than the unicorns uphold. Concord supposes higher populations must be more lenient within their own groups, as there are simply so many more of them...]

[For a dragon like Ali, who grew up on the losing side of a 'might makes right' society, any kind of morals is an improvement. Even the finicky court of nobles with their ever-complicated social rules is an improvement. So unicorns, to him at least, look like paragons of all that is right and good in the world.

Maybe that's why Ali gets so irritated with Concord sometimes. Ali isn't naturally evil or anything, but somehow Concord always looks better than him. Though in this moment, he's genuinely touched by those words, partially because he knows Concord actually means it.]

The valor of counting coins and making sure taxes are paid in full?

[It's said with a joking tone, but it's all because Ali does feel slightly self-conscious now. He's not strong, he's not impressive, and he certainly doesn't think anything he's done recently counts as 'valor'. He's an accountant. Even if he works for the good of the kingdom, he doesn't think that his work is particularly impressive when compared to things like guarding the kingdom or being the king's shield.]

Yes.

[said with a swift and precise confidence, unwavering as Concord might be on any serious matter. Not a joke, not a jab, but an assertion of fact. He takes a swig of his wine after, then moves slightly aside, freeing room on the lounge seat besides him. He pats it, a gesture to join him.]

You do important work, Ali. I would never deny you that pride. Money makes no sense to my kind. The King needs your mind as much as he needs my sword arm. In times of peace, even more of you than of I.

[There is a long pause there, because really, he hadn't been expecting an answer like that. He probably should have, Concord is just so ridiculously honest like that. But somehow this unicorn still surprises Ali again and again.

After that stunned pause though, Ali breaks out into a small smile. It's a rarity on him, as he usually smirks in victory when he's doing anything besides being a grump, but it's a genuine smile. His words are similarly less biting and more genuine sounding too.]

You know, I think that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me.

[A far cry from the usual bickering they have.

It's that kindness there, that perplexing confidence in his words that normally annoys Ali, which actually wins him over this time. He does get up from his desk, and he'll go over to join Concord at the couch.]

[Concord gets caught up in that smile. Attractive. Has he ever seen much of a smile from Ali before? Maybe not like that one. Not a soft, earnest smile, not a smile the way a smile should be.

His mind immediately splits between two responses. The first, that of breezy charm, "I shall do one better; you have a dashing smile". The second, repentance "I'm sorry to have been unkind to you". Neither turn out to be fully within his character to voice.

This is Ali, after all, they are something of rivals. He does not need to treat the man with such tenderness. The urge to do so should leave him, he thinks, it would be better left unexpressed.

He blows more air out of his nose, looking sidelong as Ali takes his seat.]

Do not grow accustomed to it. [there's the Concord Ali knows well, though it's said without his usual firmness. He sips his wine before straightening himself forward, realizing his wide armed relaxing onto the lounge put one arm at Ali's back.

That urge returns, of tenderness, of affectionate comradery, and he cuts the legs out from his own words by reaching for Ali and playfully ruffle his hair.]

[That's more of the Concord that Ali knows, and the familiarity does feel a bit better. It would be too strange if they were suddenly all buddy-buddy best friends, he thinks. With how long they have been butting heads, it can't change overnight. Especially not when Ali still technically lost one of their 'battles' that day, he would never settle for a loss.

The hair ruffle does get Ali's attention though, and the smile drops into an irritated look. That's his hair!]

Gah!

[Funny noises aside, Ali's immediate response is to reach out to grab for Concord's braid and tug on it. Not too firmly, since this transgression isn't one that deserves actual pain, but it's enough of a tug to be revenge for the hair-ruffling. A tit for tat in terms of mussing hair, basically.]

Nghh-..! [Concord also makes... a noise. Not the same kind of frustrated that Ali exclaimed. Much more down in a chest, heartier and less yelped out. One might call it a moan, he's embarrassed to consider that's what it sounds like.

His hair being pulled is a different beast, unicorn hair being a particularly sensitive thing!]

How dare you- Ali..! [what's this, is he a bit red in the face? From anger, certainly, not anything else]

[That sure is a noise. It's not the one Ali had been expecting, and he's left sitting there looking dumbfounded.]

Did- did you just moan?

[He has not let go of Concord's braid. He would have, but he's too shocked by this revelation to even think of moving right now.]

Do not- do not call it that-! Unhand me, dragon. [Outrage!!

And also... he seems entirely held in place by Ali's hold on his braid. He could easily pull away or bat at the dragon, but seems strangely reluctant to do so.

He is glaring flustered daggers, eyebrows crumpled down harshly over his flushed cheeks and nose]

[This is putting way too much power into Ali's hands. And truth be told, if Concord had given a better answer Ali would have accepted it and let go. But to deny the moan like that, well. Ali has to run with it.]

What's wrong then? Does it bother you when I do this?

[He tugs the braid again when he says 'this'. The smirk on his face says he knows exactly what he's doing too. Having the upper hand for a moment is nice, especially since he's making Concord flustered after a day of being flustered by Concord's actions.

He'll let go in a moment if Concord says to, but he needs this moment to have a tiny bit of revenge. As a treat.]

Bother... is not the word..!

[Ali is in luck, because Concord doesn't seem to have the will to protest. He arches a bit into that tug and that noise escapes him again, this time with more attempt to withhold it.

Which, sad for him, just makes the sound more desperate. Then his face flushes more, bright red against his pale skin, the constellation like beauty marks practically glow against the blush.

Ali will need to have mercy]

[Oh this is a wonderful new discovery that Ali is going to make sure to use on occasion. Dragons are not nearly as honorable as unicorns, and while it is slightly embarrassing to know that Concord is being affected so much, the enjoyment of watching the man squirm outweighs that. Ali is tempted to give it a third tug, but he relents for the moment. A useful tool is best not over-used, after all.]

Well what word would you use then?

[He's not tugging, but he still has a hold of that braid. Concord's answer will decide if Ali has mercy or not.]

[Concord responds with a terrible honesty, because the only word that speaks any truth to him is aroused, but he won't just say that. Not to Ali! That's not what this meeting was supposed to be about. Giving the dragon that admission after their prior conversation-?

He can't give that kind of a win,]

You do not want to know that.

[The cheeky grin on Ali's face says that he already knows the answer. But that kind of honesty is funny here, so he'll relent for the moment.

Which means, instead of tugging on the braid once more, Ali turns the end of it towards Concord and pokes him in the ear with it. But once that bit of teasing is done, he'll let go of the braid.]

I didn't know you could turn that shade of red. I think you went darker than the wine.

[While Concord usually held himself with a very stoic expression, it's his turn to have a grouchy frown settled onto his face. He's handsome enough that with his long eyelashes and blush, it's largely a cute look on him, despite his frustrations on display. He swallows to wet his throat some, which is suddenly too dry to not make his voice sound gravelly.

Actually, he'll just toss back the whole glass of wine to empty it before answering,]

... here I bothered asking you about your kind of courting. Only a life mate is allowed to handle a unicorn's mane, fiendish dragon... how crass. [and embarrassing, that he reacted so much to it,]

[It's hard not to appreciate how cute Concord looks in that moment. 'Cute' isn't a look Ali had expected a stoic knight to pull off, but somehow it works on this man. Ali isn't sure how to feel about this realization either.

Nor is he sure how to feel about the words Concord just said. Stumbling upon strange courting practices on accident seems about right for this strange conversation they have been having. But Ali's mind moves too quickly to get stuck on those feelings, as the gears in his mind are turning and coming to some interesting conclusions.]

But you touched my hair first.

[Dragons don't naturally have hair, so the touching or not-touching of hair means little to Ali. But if it's significant to unicorns, and Concord touched his first...]

You- You are no unicorn!

[Concord defends, simple as that. He wouldn't mean something like towards a non-unicorn, that's just... Outrageous! Not suiting of his station or his kind. There are already so few unicorns, messing about with dragon in such a way would be frivolous.

Why is Concord suddenly thinking on the topic so much? He'd only had a single cup of wine, it isn't that. He looks to Ali with that frown still planted on his face, though there is something like concern there now. Concern for the strange tension he's quite suddenly cluing into. What is this?]

Well you can't expect me to adhere to the rules of unicorn mating rituals if you're not going to do so yourself!

[To emphasize his point, he's going to use his free hand to jab at Concord's chest accusingly. It's meant to emphasize his point, really.

...maybe it's partially because he wants to goad Concord into responding further. Or partially because this is a little embarrassing and he wants to take out those frustrations on Concord. In Ali's mind this is clearly Concord's fault and he will shift the blame accordingly.]

I at least have the excuse of not knowing!

[Concord reacts entirely on impulse. Ali leans in closer and pokes as his chest and Concord grabs his wrist. Instead of wrenching it away or batting at his arm, he presses the man's hand flat to his own chest. He leans in towards him, his height and stature looming over Ali-

It might be intimidating if it wasn't for his tone. Not threatening so much as heated for his usual quiet, but it still sounds like a warning,]

Aligrezoph... [Act. Act. Do something, Concord. His mind chants at him, Ali held so close to him. Two options. Back off or- kiss him. Kiss him? Now? Why is that his second option?

He does neither, he stills between, looking to Ali for some signal. What are they doing?]

[The glass of wine falls out of Ali's other hand, clattering to the ground and spilling all over the wood floor. Eyes wide in surprise, all Ali can do is stare at the man leaning over him, breaths sounding loud in the otherwise quiet room. He had been trying to prod Concord to a reaction, but this isn't quite the reaction he had been expecting.

Then he hears his name- his full name, even pronounced correctly, something that even his king struggles with- and it's like a switch flips within him. The closeness, the way his emotions are already running high, the charged air, it's enough to push him to act. Concord might be hesitating further, but Ali isn't.

Both of Ali's hands reach out for the front of Concord's shirt, and he pulls Concord down into a firm kiss. Thankfully Ali does have some experience with kissing in this human form he has taken, so it's not too sloppy. But it's certainly more forceful than a sweet kiss. It suits their relationship, really.]

Mmph-! [A very eloquent noise from Concord, a recurring event for this evening in Ali's office. It's surprised, but not displeased. Ali pulls him into a kiss and their mouths collide. While Ali seems to know what he's doing, Concord is more awkward in the gesture.

That doesn't he's not eager. Concord moves into the kiss, reciprocating with a passion suiting the tension of the moment. It's a kiss full of want and desire, any initial clumsiness falls away as he continues to match the dragon. His lips are plush and his breath is hot to mix with Ali's, opening his mouth to slip his tongue out and taste the dragon's mouth.

What more is there to want... he considers the answer is, shockingly enough, Ali. His grip on the dragon's wrist loosens, slides up to hold over the back of his hand at his chest. His hand holding the empty glass of wine fumbles to set it aside, but eventually gives up and simply throws it aside. The other glass was dropped and it seems extremely unimportant about now. He wants that hand on Ali. He reaches it to wrap around his back, pulling him in even closer]

[Eager is plenty here, any inexperience can be made up for with enthusiastic participation. Concord seems to be picking up on what to do quickly anyway, as evidenced by what he's doing with that tongue of his. Ali feels that tongue against his lips and he gasps quietly in surprise, giving Concord access to his mouth. That gasp turns to a moan as their tongues slide together, letting them taste each other freely.

Originally he had grabbed for Concord just to pull him closer, but now he's holding on tightly as their bodies press together. Sitting side by side like this isn't really conductive to kissing though, turning his body to the side is going to make him sore before too long. So he lets go of Concord's shirt in favor of holding onto his shoulders, giving him more balance to shift his body to face Concord more fully. One of his knees ends up bumping into Concord's, and he decides that fuck it, they're already this far in and he has no intention of stopping. If Concord doesn't stop him, Ali is going to slip on over so he's in Concord's lap, which will give him enough additional height to be taller than Concord as he tries to take control of the kiss.]

[Ali gasping and moaning against him is nothing Concord would have thought was even... possible. All of a sudden, he's hungry for nothing else. He wants Ali to keep making such noises, wants them to ring in his ears so much louder. Not to mention the taste of him, mixing with Concord's. A unicorn will always smell and taste of their home, the land they're supposed to look over. Given the forested nature of the Kingdom, Concord tastes like spring water and moss, fresh and bitter. He would have guessed Ali would taste metallic or smokey, now he knows for sure what it's like.

And he likes it, regardless of what it actually is. He also wants to adjust, considers turning himself and pushing Ali backward onto the lounger to crawl over top him. As he hesitates, Ali again beats him to a better positioning, instead crawling over top him. Concord helps pull him along, moving his hands to each of Ali's hips, holding him down onto his lap firmly. The dragon wasn't very heavy, but his weight pressing into him makes Concord all the more heated.

While he felt an embarrassing jolt of arousal having his hair pulled on, it hadn't actually aroused him physically. Now, with Ali sitting on his lap, hands digging into his shoulders, Concord feels himself growing stiff. His well fit uniform doesn't exactly make it easy to hide, especially because, well, at his stature and being what he is, he's well endowed enough that Ali is sure to notice.

Not that Concord really minds. He just wants to keep moving his lips and tongues against Ali's, groping up his sides and gripping his hipbones]

[The taste of the wine on Ali's lips mixes well with the smoky flavor that lingers there naturally. He's all ember and fire, a holdover from his dragon form that can't be completely covered up with his human disguise. Likewise, Ali savors that fresh flavor on Concord's tongue, eating it up like a fire consumes a forest. And with no reason to stop right now, Ali is going to keep consuming Concord, only breaking the kiss here and there to get a quick breath of air before diving right back in. If nothing else, at least Ali doesn't do things in half measures.

He does feel Concord growing stiff against him, and he feels a moment of triumph over that. Knowing that he's the one causing such a reaction in the unicorn makes him feel a surge of pride and accomplishment, and Concord might feel a smirk in their kisses. It also drives him to press his hips down against Concord instinctively, applying pressure to both of their groins. Ali isn't quite as stiff as Concord is, but he's getting there and pressing this close is certainly helping. He has to suppress a shiver of pleasure that shoots right up his spine at the contact, and even that isn't completely covered up. Concord might be able to feel that, but Ali can't bring himself to care too much at the moment. He's too focused on touching and tasting as much of Concord as he can, at least in this short time before his mind catches up with where their bodies have gone.]

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