Ethan & Jag Destroy the World

by Maz Maddox

Jag made his way over to the cookies, standing beside Ethan as he explained the process of icing the tiny baked goods. The thick, sugar-based paint came in all shades, from bone white to coal black, blood red, and acid green, and even a pleasant poison blue that Jag liked.

“Depends, really. I met David at a party. After we talked a bit, he asked for my number and we went on a date.” He shrugged, trying to pass off the story like it was a casual memory, but Jag could see the sorrow tugging at Ethan’s eyes. “That’s it?” Jag scowled. “He didn’t even bring you a beast’s heart or the skull of a foe as an offering before he tried to court you?” Ethan’s eyes went wide as he shook his head, his gaze sliding between the road and Jag. “Uh, no. He got me flowers once.” Jag scoffed, the snort of disgust loud in the tiny car. “Flowers? What kind of spineless sack of guts and piss brings flowers as an offering?” “I like flowers,” Ethan argued. “I’d prefer flowers over ... heads or hearts.”

“I would not buy you coffee as an offering of courtship.” Jag snarled. “I would slay a chaos boar and bring you its tusks or wrestle a sulphur serpent to submission and rip the fangs from its skull to lay at your feet.” Ethan was silent a moment before he finally managed, “Thank you?” “Coffee does not prove my worthiness to be yours.”

“Are...we okay?” “What do you mean?” Jag’s dark brows creased. “Us?” Ethan motioned between them. “Are we okay?” Jag stared at him a long moment before straightening himself. “Ethan. Did you think something like this would drive me away?” “I don’t know.” “The only way I would leave your side is if you told me directly to do so,” Jag stated

“I wish I could prove to you how devoted I am,” he purred. “I’m tempted to let the worlds burn just to taste you again.” “Wow,” Ethan breathed. “I’m very close to agreeing.” The radiating heat of Jag’s skin was a warm glow against Ethan, the proximity just close enough to tease but not indulge. “Would you let the realms collapse to feel my tongues on you again, Ethan?”

“I could become addicted to this.” Ethan felt his body heating from the inside out from the idea that surfaced in his mind. “Do you...want to...watch me?” The dark pupils in Jag’s amber eyes flared wide, his voice straining to remain human. “Yes.” “Does that mean I can…” Ethan cleared his throat, trying desperately to sound sexy and not like he was vibrating with excitement. “Watch you?”

“Are you going to be able to keep your hands to yourself?” Ethan asked as he crawled onto the mattress, taking care to avoid bumping into him. “No.” Ethan paused and lifted a brow. “Jag.” The growl that rumbled from him made Ethan laugh. Jag huffed out a bitter, “Yes.”

“I could watch you for eons.” Jag’s horns scratched against the headboard as he tilted his head back, his hand slowly pumping. “You are more decadent than any delicacy I have ever had, more beautiful than a fallen battlefield, more sensual than any creature my home has to offer.”

“God, I can almost feel you,” Ethan exhaled. “You’re like the damn sun.” Jag inched closer, his breath a blast of summer wind against Ethan’s ear. “Every inch of me burns for you, Ethan.”

“You told me the only way you’d leave my side is if I sent you away,” Ethan snapped, his voice watery and hurt. “I didn’t send you away. You can’t leave me, Jag.” “I have to break that vow. I’m sorry.” Jag cupped his cheek. “Never in my life have I felt something so powerful and wonderful as loving you, Ethan of Clan Montgomery. Until my dying breath, I will hold you in my memories.” Ethan’s face twisted in pain, sobs racking his form. “I’m so sorry, Jag. I’m so sorry.” “Never apologize to me,” Jag whispered, kissing his forehead. “Be brave, my love. My scholar. My Ethan.” “I love you,” Ethan managed through his tears, his voice a husk of pain and misery. “I love you so much.”

“Well...he...it was romantic!” David pleaded. “Jag called him his clan and rushed off to die for him. C’mon!”