private PSL

[srsbznss]

[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.]

Comments

[srsbznss]

[It's embarrassing how positively Ali reacts to being pinned down. Normally he dislikes being cornered and will be very loud as he ducks away from whatever soldier or nobleman is confronting him. But right here, at this moment, he gasps loudly as he's pinned and does not fight to get free. On the contrary, he shivers in delight and nearly loses control of himself right then. This whole encounter is opening up a lot of new doors for Ali.

When Concord starts bobbing his head, Ali's hips try to snap forward on reflex, only to be held down by Concord. That makes him whimper in delight, caught between enjoying the touch and craving release. But his end isn't too far off regardless, Concord will be able to taste the precum as Ali's orgasm starts to build up.

He tries to give a token warning, but his words are lost to moans. His fingers gripping Concord's shoulder tightly will have to serve as a warning instead, because Ali is coming hard and fast just moments after that. It's a good thing Concord is holding him too, because he really would have collapsed from weak knees.]

[virtuesignal]

[Concord might have had some second thought over taking Ali's shot in his mouth, but a few too many things happen at once. He feels Ali tensing, he pulls back as if he's going to take the dick from his mouth and let the man shoot across his own office floor, but then there's a knock at the door. A knock that probably startled Ali more than him, being right beside his head pressed back into the wood. Concord jolts and keeps himself in place, taking Ali's load onto his tongue.

Of course someone had to show up, Ali was probably just loud enough to make someone curious. Or maybe it was just routine, one of assistants arrived to bring him something and saw the door firmly closed. Concord doesn't think too much, he just winces to hastily swallow and grabs his clean coat off the floor. Rising, he reaches to stuff Ali's cock back into his robes and them just firmly step away to one side of the office. He near frantically rubs his face clean with a handkerchief, folding the jacket he came to get over an arm that he can just, firmly let hang forward to cover how damn aroused he still is.

Fuck, fuck, at least he hadn't taken his own cock out... Ali can deal with whoever is at the door, he's the one who had his mouth full a moment ago!]

[srsbznss]

[Oh. Shit.

Ali's head is spinning from trying to keep up with what's going on. The knock at the door came just moments into his orgasm, and he's still coming down from that high as Concord's grabbing his coat and fixing up Ali's clothes. Pleasure is quickly overtaken by panic as Ali checks his clothes and makes sure he looks presentable. He has to lace up the front of his robes to cover up his neck, and he curses quietly to himself as he fumbles with the strings. He's sure that he stinks of sex hormones but he's also hoping that a human's nose is too weak to pick up on that.

He would have liked to be more thorough in adjusting his appearance, but he doesn't have time. With Concord across the room, he has to be the one to open the door, and he tries his best to look annoyed when he does so.]

Yes, can I help you?

[He still looks a little flushed and it's going to be suspicious as hell, but the young man on the other side of the door- one of the castle hands, carrying some letters that are likely mail for Ali and his assistants- is hopefully one who won't ask too many questions.

And hopefully he doesn't question Concord being here either, especially at this late hour.]

[virtuesignal]

[If the mail can arrive this late, then Concord can be having a perfectly normal meeting with Ali, also... right? Right. He chooses to think as much of it. Concord isn't precisely a good actor, but his quiet tone and strange manner can disguise a lot.

He'll speak up so it doesn't seem like anything too private was.... going on. Just a normal, boring chat. About the festival. Yep.]

The funds you granted are sufficient. I will distribute them the following day. Amicable? [he has to clear his throat after, for reasons, but shhh. It's normal.]

[srsbznss]

[It's possible that Ali and Concord are having a perfectly normal meeting. It's also possible that the mail is a ruse and the servants in the castle got Really Curious when they saw Concord go to the treasury for a second night in a row.

Regardless, the servant holding the mail for Ali looks between Ali and Concord a couple times, clearly torn between asking a question and acting like everything is just fine. Because a couple of the washing women definitely reported some interesting sounds, which in no way would have sounded like a discussion of funds.

Ali sighs, and he reaches out and takes the mail from the servant before looking back to Concord.]

Yes yes, of course. I will have them sent your way the night before. [And then, to the servant, in a short and clipped tone.] Is this all?

[The servant is quiet for a moment, debating his choices further, before he finally works up the courage to speak:]

Er...Knight Commander? Sir?

[virtuesignal]

[Concord only bothers to turn once he's directly addressed. To his credit, his composure returns swiftly, looking stern and distant as usual. His face is no longer red and he's holding the jacket in one arm. With it casually draped over an arm held at his front, it covers up the bulge of his slacks. He wiped his face clean, too....

He doesn't fuss further, knowing it would look suspect to do so. Hopefully he didn't forget anything. He thinks he's getting away with this, or at least, he'll be as confident as someone who is.]

That will do, Ali. [He will move towards the door and eye the servant rather harshly]

What is it?

[srsbznss]

Your, um, your hair...

[Ali hadn't even thought to look, mostly because it isn't such a big change that it's blatantly obvious. But Concord's perfect braid had indeed been a little mussed up by Ali's hand. Not a lot, but just enough for the particularly nosy servant to pick up on.

It's a good thing the servant is looking at Concord and not Ali, because Ali's head turns sharply to look at Concord's hair, and then he visibly blanches as he sees what the servant sees.]

[virtuesignal]

[Concord manages to not overreact, that's a sure sign of guilt, isn't it? Instead, he just blinks slowly and then runs his hand to his bangs and down his braid.

With an accusatory annoyance so usual it doesn't sound the least bit forced, he casts a glare at Ali,]

Why didn't you say something? I should not be taking official meetings looking unkempt. [he sighs quietly, though his voice is hoarse... it could be mistaken for tired and fed up. Both things people are very used to Ali bringing about in Concord. Their cover isn't completely out the window, right?]

Apologies, squire. Thank you for telling me. I shall fix myself up shortly. [all the more excuse for him to very swiftly duck out and march direct to his room. For the sake of dignity and all that. He'll do so the moment the courier steps aside, hopefully done with his questioning...]

[srsbznss]

Well it's not my job to make sure you are properly groomed!

[It's surprisingly easy to fall back into their usual bickering, so much so that it does seem natural. The servant, at least, seems to accept that response. Even though it doesn't explain why Concord's hair is a little messy, it makes the servant think that he got an answer anyway.

And then Concord is gone, out the door, and the squire casts one more look at Ali before excusing himself as well. Ali is left standing there with the mail he had taken moments ago.

Ali and Concord already have a plan for the next time they'll see each other, so he doesn't make a point of seeking Concord out or trying to talk with him beyond what their jobs would require. They're still keeping this a secret, and Ali doesn't want to draw attention to himself or Concord needlessly. Nobody would let him live it down if they found out he had hooked up twice with someone and is planning to hook up a third time on top of that.

Perhaps more concerning, there are a couple people within the castle who know Ali's deep dark secret, his shame that prevents him from transforming into his dragon form most of the time, and he does not want that getting back to Concord at all. For some reason, he actually cares about the man's opinion of him, and he would hate for his size problems to be a source of torment.

'For some reason' has become a much-used phrase in Ali's mental dialogue too, a way of explaining away things he knows the answer to but doesn't want to face quite yet. 'For some reason' he finds his gaze lingering on Concord when they are in the same area for any reason. 'For some reason' he keeps finding business that takes him past the training grounds or any other place Concord frequents, even when he used to delegate message-sending and other minor tasks to his assistants. 'For some reason' he keeps thinking about the festival and is actually looking forward to it, when he had always avoided the noisy gatherings in the past. 'For some reason' he personally delivers the funds to the knights' office, and is slightly disappointed when it's one of the clerks for the knights who takes it from him and thanks him for his hard work.

'For some reason' he actually dresses up on the night of the festival, foregoing his usual work robes for a nicer set of trousers and a dress shirt and coat. Ali doesn't attend court events- he is not a noble and, even if his position would beget him an invitation if he pursued it, everything would be quite awkward with him around- so he doesn't have anything as fancy as those dress clothes, but this is still a step up from his usual attire. And he feels absolutely silly wearing it, so much so that he's fussing at the hem of his shirt as he waits for Concord to arrive.

Why is he dressed up when they only planned on sex? Because something in Ali's mind is telling him that doing something nice first, even if it's a quiet affair at the castle while everyone else is out at the festival, would be a good idea. Ali isn't really romantic, but he gets the feeling that Concord is, somewhere deep in that complicated heart of his. And 'for some reason' he feels like he should make the effort for Concord.]

Ali so cute

[virtuesignal]

[The time between retreating from Ali's office and the festival feels like decades. Concord is used to time moving at a steady trot. Living so long, going through what he has, time rarely moves slowly, rarely crawls along. Yet, when he's anticipating the festival and sneaking off the meet in Ali's room, it makes everything drag on and on. He might seem a bit hyperfocused to others, as a result. They mistake it for being concerned about the King and protecting him for the first portion of the festival, where Concord would be accompanying him to the courtroom ball to be sure he was looked after.

Really, he spends most of the affair wishing he could dip out early to meet with Ali. Dutiful as ever, he stays until the King excuses himself to go mingle with the more commonfolk, where other guards will take over. He gets gentle ribbed by his liege, asking if he has any exciting plans. Concord manages to sound annoyed at it, answering "A meeting with Ali." because that is the truth as much as it is their cover. The King just... smiles and nods. Concord isn't sure what to make of that. It seems all too knowing.

Contrasting Ali's sweet gesture of dressing up, Concord dresses down. He'd been in full, gleaming armor of the court, meant to be as much of a showpiece as he was a practical guard. The Unicorn General, an impressive and intimidating ally to be vigilantly at the King's call. However, he considered what it would look like if he didn't change clothing before going to Ali. What a walk of shame from Ali's room it would be, if he only had his finest clothes and most polished armor to leave in, that following morning...

So, when he does knock at the door, it's once the sun has fallen over the sea and the castle lanterns are lit. He's not in his uniform, uncharacteristically casual dress for him, just sandals with a calf length, pleaded kilt and tunic over top. His hair is still in the fine braid he put it in for the court, but the jewelry he wove in had to be plucked out, so there are some stray silver strands poking out.

Will Ali come to the door or is it open? He waits for some indication after he knocks. The moments before that answer drags on and on, but he believe that will be the last of time stalling. Concord suspects this night will fly by...]

he's a nerd (a cute nerd)

[srsbznss]

[It looks like the King will be winning the bet, and he will also be the first to know he's won.

Ali is waiting right by the door, practically pacing as he waits for Concord, so as soon as Concord knocks Ali takes the two steps he needs to in order to reach the handle and open it.]

Hello, so good of you to-

[His words abruptly fall off, as he sees the mismatch in dress between himself and Concord. Immediately he feels like he's overdone it, like he assumed too much, and now he feels awkward.]

...

Just a moment.

[He closes the door as quickly as he had opened it.

He's not going far, and Concord might be able to hear him on the other side of the door anyway. He's just stripping off the coat and the cravat he had tied around his neck, leaving him dressed down closer to the level that Concord is. Within 10 seconds he's opening the door again, smiling as much as he normally does (which isn't much, but it's still there), acting like that first interaction didn't happen at all.]

So good of you to join me tonight. I trust the ball went well?

[He is standing slightly to the side, to give Concord room to step in. The coat and cravat have been hung on the coat rack nearby too.]

[virtuesignal]

[Concord is surprised by a couple of things, there. First, that Ali answered the door so quickly despite how slowly time felt like it was moving. Second, he just glimpses that nicer outfit than usual. Third, that the door is promptly closed in his face.

Huh. Ali sure is a strange creature. He wonders if he should leave, if this was stupid of them... well, yeah, it is definitely stupid of them, but that isn't enough to stop them. There's something thrilling in that. Concord takes in a deep breath between Ali opening, closing, then opening the door again.

He'll step inside when bid to.]

... yes. It did. I did not see you in attendance, [which begs the question] had you other plans you were dressing up for?

[couldn't be just for him. Couldn't be. No way. Not for him.]

[srsbznss]

Yes, of course- well, not before now, but I have plans now. This counts as 'plans', after all. And it would certainly be rude of me to not be presentable for a previously arranged engagement.

[He is rambling and he knows it. The poor hem of his shirt is going to be so wrinkled, he'll need to iron it later.

It's confirmation that he's dressed up for Concord though, even if it takes a moment to get there. Though as soon as he's said it, he already looks a touch flustered. He knows he's rambling and he feels like a fool. Hadn't he just been teasing Concord for acting like a lovestruck teenager?]

I had thought that, well, with the fireworks starting soon it might be nice to find a spot up on the walls to watch it from.

[He pauses for a moment, then glances away as he adds a bit more.]

If you want to, that is. You must be tired from all of your duties, so I would understand if you prefer staying in.

[virtuesignal]

[The sort that he is, Concord cuts straight to heart of Ali's ramblings. He looks, even, a bit soft to do as much.]

That is all... a touch romantic, Ali. [Despite the suspicious edge of his tone- there is always a sharpness, he simply doesn't now how else to talk- he says this with curious sort of wonder. He hears himself say it and it strikes him with some bashfulness, the very idea of it, Ali going out of his way to be that way towards him. Him. Of all people!

And yet, Concord realizes he's done the same. How embarrassing they are being. He reaches to Ali and slowly takes one of his wrists, turns his hand to face upward, and places their palms together briefly. Concord leaves... another shiny, silver coin behind, before taking back his hands. He got it while at the courtly ball, asked a noble to trade a gold coin of his for it. A silly, unequal trade... but the coin had probably never left the noble's possession, it was so freshly printed it looked fresh from a forge. It also... has the imprint of a horse, as the one before did, but it is in better condition.]

Which is fine. I do not mind.

[srsbznss]

Well- that is, you see, it feels improper to not do something first-

[He's stumbling over his words for an explanation, but he's cut off by Concord grabbing his hand. Which also serves to draw Ali's gaze to their hands, just in time to see Concord place that silver coin into his hand. He stares for a moment, then looks up to Concord, eyes wide in an open, stunned look. The first time could be counted as a fluke, but twice?

Ali opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. So he closes it, clears his throat to bring himself back to his normal way of speaking, and tries again.]

...thank you. Though if you're giving gifts, then please accept one from me too.

[His gift is going to be more of an experience though, so. He slips the coin into his pocket-and it clinks against another coin already there, three guesses as to which coin it is- and then he shifts his hand in Concord's grip to hold his hand instead of just having his wrist held. Yes, he wants to leaf Concord to the spot he has in mind.]

[virtuesignal]

[Ali stammering, failing to come up with anything as cover, is charming to Concord. The dragon has a funny way about him. Why had that always bothered Concord, he wonders... Now, he suddenly appreciates it, seeing Ali in new light.

He lets his hand he taken in turn. Wherever Ali leads him, he'll follow.]

You are welcome. I do not give gifts with any expectation of return. [but he won't turn it down, either. He's here for a reason, they both know it. The door is locked, right? They can feel free to do as they like.]

[srsbznss]

Of course not, you're too noble for that.

[He sounds a little passive-aggressive, as he often does when pointing out how noble or upstanding Concord is. This time, however, he feels a bubble of affection in his chest as he says it. 'For some reason.'

Ali's quarters are connected to the treasury and are a patchwork job of turning old unused parts of the castle into a livable space for the dragon. A staircase had been walled off to give Ali privacy, but he could still access it from within his quarters. It's narrow, and Ali has to use his free hand to maintain a small bit of fire to illuminate the space, but it's private and it leads them up to a door that exits to the top of one of the castle walls.

It's not the highest point along the walls, but it is well above the main grounds below and offers the two men quite a view and some privacy. Ali dispels the fireball once they are up there, with the glow if the festival far below them providing enough light for them to see without tripping. The doorway isn't immediately visible unless you're looking for it either, and the space along the castle wall up here dead ends against one of the taller towers of the castle. Privacy brought on by multiple renovations over the years.

Once they are up there, Ali grins and gestures to the space around them.]

Well? Quite a view, isn't it?

[virtuesignal]

Indeed it is. [Concord takes in the sight with quiet admiration. It's a curious enclave, neatly tucked away. He'll need to try and spot it from the ground sometime, as he can't think of ever looking up this way himself. A perfect little hiding spot.]

Do you come out here often? I imagine it is nice for discrete sunbathing, in the summers. [a cute image of a dragon comes to mind, like a lizard laying out on a hot stone to warm itself. He also considers that Ali probably couldn't do so in the space, if he's the kind of large dragon Concord presumes him to be.]

[srsbznss]

Of course, especially when-

[Ali abruptly cuts off though, realizing he's almost admitted to something he wants to keep private. He can't just admit to transforming into a dragon and sunbathing up here, if he were the proper size for a dragon then someone would have seen him doing it! He has to pretend to clear his throat, like he had just coughed for real and it's not because he's tripping over his words again.]

-sorry, as I was saying, I have to enjoy this space as a human. It's far too small for a fully grown dragon.

[Nailed it.

He absolutely does sunbathe up here as a dragon though. He's just so small that he doesn't even peek up over the castle walls unless he jumps up on the side of it.]

[virtuesignal]

I would guess as much. [And he's completely unawares that Ali is lying about that fact. Mostly, he just doesn't think the truth is possible, that dragon can be small. That would be more of a wonder to him than a large dragon, that only seems average for that kind.

He moves towards the parapet to look out over. It's dark where they are at, so he's not worried about being seen with any clarity. A very nice view, he could definitely envision lounging up here with a glass of wine, counting his coins. Another cute image...

Concord is glad he's long mastered patience, because this might be killing him, otherwise. He wants Ali, he's wanted him all week now. A minuscule amount of time in the grand scheme of things, but it feels like it's been so much longer.]

I will go out into the forest around the castle, when I need time to myself. There is so much stone here. Too much. I need to go roll in the grass from time to time. [maybe that's a funny image, a noble unicorn getting smeared with crushed grass stains, but it was only natural to him]

[srsbznss]

[The wait will make the evening that much sweeter though. At least, that's what Ali is telling himself. Besides that, he feels like they should spend at least some time together without going at it, he doesn't want to start getting worked up every time he sees Concord just because of expectations.

Interestingly, when Concord describes his jaunts out to the forest, Ali doesn't picture him doing that as a unicorn. For a moment he imagines a very human-looking Concord rolling around in the grass, and he lets out a soft 'pffft' in amusement as he tries to cover up the smile on his face with a hand. He gets crinkles at the corners of his eyes though, betraying how funny he finds that mental image.]

How do you even have time for that? You're one of the most dedicated advisors to the king.

[virtuesignal]

[Hmm, a compliment from Ali that he actually believes, doesn't see as backhanded. How novel,]

I am glad you think so. [Concord doesn't mind the laughter, merely cocking his head Ali's way to watch as he tries to hide it. He presumes he's also got some cute image in his head from the description. Only fair, given Concord had similar about Ali...]

As for when. I need to do so at least every equinox. It helps the land turn over into a new season. [unicorn stuff, nothing special to him]

[srsbznss]

[Oh, now that's interesting. Ali doesn't know much about the duties of unicorns, but given how magical they are he's not surprised by this admission.]

Oh? You must have done that a few weeks ago then, yes?

[The summer equinox is usually about a month or so before the midsummer festival. Now Ali is wondering if he can remember Concord's absence from any work duties during that time. He has to admit to himself that he hadn't really been paying attention to Concord's comings and goings then though.]

Are there others who go with you? I don't know of any other unicorns in the capitol city.

[virtuesignal]

Yes. Which is why I didn't think to take time off this festival, when you first mentioned as much. [Ali is right about him being dutiful, he doesn't usually make time for what isn't entirely necessary.]

I would not suspect there are. We are anchored to whatever land we oversee, so leaving it is unwise. Only female unicorns can roam free and only when they are looking for a mate. They will travel the entire world to find a suitable partner.

[why is he sharing all this? Just because it is nice to do so? Maybe it isn't for Ali's sake, but his own. That's probably self centered of him, so he quiets down, leave it at that.]

Have you known other dragons?

[srsbznss]

[It's useful for Ali, it's clearing up some misconceptions he had about unicorns. It also explains why the King had thought to ally himself with Concord: it sounds like the protection of a unicorn is vital to the land, so being in contact with the unicorn tied to this particular bit of land would help keep the farms prosperous and the forests relatively safe. Very smart on the King's part, Ali finds himself thinking.

The question that follows prickles at the back of Ali's mind though. He's sure Concord is asking to be polite, and he has no way of knowing how sensitive the topic is. So Ali ends up leaning against the parapet and gazing out over the festival as he gives an answer. It's easy to talk in half-truths when he's not looking directly at Concord's scrutinizing eyes.]

A long time ago, yes. I actually have two other siblings I was hatched out with, and dragons tend to be social creatures. There's always some posturing over hoards- collections, but generally dragons who don't have overlapping collections can get along with each other.

But I'm a bit of a pariah among dragons, since I prefer this form over my dragon form. Dragons are a bit conceited, and most other dragons see my preferences as a sign that something is wrong with me. Dragons are often hunted by humans, after all, and usually for benign crimes like 'eating livestock' or 'having a home too close to a town'. Most dragons see humans as an annoyance at best. So it's just...easier, I suppose, to not constantly have the same conversation about why I like living like this.

[It's technically the truth, a lot of dragons do think Ali is weird for living largely as a human. But it's leaving out the very large detail of "being such a small dragon gets him teased by friendly dragons and outright bullied and stolen from by the more territorial ones".]