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fangirlshrewt97 · 2 years ago

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Tale As Old As Time... (Part 12)

Could it be? Did this girl finally get her shit together enough to actually get back to the work everyone was waiting for so long that they are over it because of how long she took to get back to it?

Look guys, I have no idea when my next update will be, but I do have the entire story plotted out and am determined to see it though, so I kindly ask you to be patient and bear with me.

For all the anticipation, this chapter might be a little slow, but. um. Good things come to those who wait? I know I have made you wait A LONG TIME, but you have trusted me to come back to this story.

Also apologies if the chapter is a little rough, I am trying to get back into the groove of the story.

So, without further ado...

Full work on Ao3 is here

(Previous Chapter)

///

Welcome back my dear. Last we left our protagonists, they were sharing a bed in slumber, the first step in their journey together formed between their intertwined hands. Now the time is coming to see whether this seed will blossom, and what it will bloom into.

///

Jai blinked his eyes open lazily, nuzzling into the black head of hair resting against his shoulder. The scent of sandalwood comforted him into sinking into it. He curled himself from his back to his side, one leg brushing another’s.

The action had him snapping his eyes open as the world came into focus with dizzying speed.

He was in Kala Bhairava's room.

In his bed.

And Kala Bhairava was curled into his side, face smushed into Jai's arm.

Jai's brain may have been difficulty processing this information, but one half of Jai's body did not. It felt his the nerves of his arm in particular were directly connected to his lower half, the way each brush of Kala Bhairava’s eyelashes against his arm, or the soft exhales of his breaths against his skin sent frissons of static down his spine. Taking a controlled breath, Jai tried to put some space between them.

He didn't get very far. He had barely moved a few inches before a small whine from Bhairava rooted him to the spot, seeing if his bedmate would awaken. The space allowed him a better view of the other man's face.

The room was illuminated by faint tendrils of light, though very little made it past the canopy curtains. Extending his free hand to part the curtain, Jai inhaled sharply.

Even the small light seemed very bright after the darkness of the bed, with the rays casting a glow to Kala Bhairava's figure.

Bhairava.

The man had asked him to call him Bhairava last night.

As memories of the previous night flooded back in, Jai was torn between mild mortification at having come to Bhairava's room at that hour of night, and a stronger sense of accomplishment.

As he pictured their kiss, he could feel the phantom weight of another body, of fingers curling into his hair. He clenched his fists tight enough for his nails to bite into the flesh of his palm, trying to will his body under control.

Jai had taken bedmates before, spent the night in arms of both men and women. And yet.

And yet.

As usual, Bhairava had made every experience feel new, so much more intense than Jai could recall feeling with any other.

In the early dawn light, the other man's face was serene. He looked younger. Softer. There was none of the fear or hesitation Jai often saw in faces.

But Bhairava had never looked at him in fear. Hadn't that been what had piqued his interest in the first place?

Curiosity, surprise, shock, confusion. Even wonder.

But not fear.

Jai pulled back his hand, letting the curtain fall to plunge the pair in darkness again. The wave of want that hit him was new. Unexpected.

This man was driving Jai out of his mind, and entirely unaware of it.

Reaching out in the dark, Jai barely laid his fingers on Bhairava's hair, softly running down their length. Bhairava seemed to melt against him.

Jai needed to get out of here.

He needed to leave before Bhairava woke.

He would be expected at the palace shrine for his daily prayers, and he couldn't let the servants find his bed undisturbed. Gossip travelled faster than air within these walls.

Decision made, Jai slowly but surely pulled himself away from Bhairava. An eternity of five minutes, Jai was hyper aware of every point of contact between them. Bhairava's brows furrowing as he tried to tighten his grip nearly undid Jai. However, Jai managed to extract himself and slipped out of the curtain. Just before the cloth fell, he glanced back to see Bhairava's frown as he rolled into the space left by Jai, pressing his face into the pillow Jai had used.

Jai left the room quietly, walking quickly through the back passages till he reached his own room. Slipping in, he breathed in relief that he had not run into anyone.

He went and laid on his bed, knowing a servant would come in a minute to prepare his bath. And his timing was perfect, no sooner had he closed the curtains of his canopy, did he hear the servant's door being opened and water being poured in.

As he laid there, he pressed a finger to his lips. The kiss had been so much more than he had expected.

He sat up with his back to the headboard.

With his eyes closed he could feel Bhairava climbing onto his lap. The way their first kiss had been a barely there brush of the lips. The way Jai's fingers remember the shape of Bhairava's waist. The warring lust and nervousness in Bhairava's voice as he requested they just sleep.

The way a finger had hesitantly brushed his hand in the dark.

How their hands intertwined so naturally between them, as if they were made to be held together.

Jai's earlier lust faded into a deeper yearning.

What if he had stayed? Would Bhairava have been embarrassed? What would those deep brown eyes look like as they fluttered awake?

Would he have allowed Jai to kiss him? To do more? To press him onto his back, bracketing him between his hips. For Jai's fingers to tangle in those black locks as his other hand slipped beneath the thin kurta he had been wearing.

The clicking locks of the servant's doors brought Jai back to the present. Pressing the heel of his hand to his forehead, he exhaled. He needed to get a grip.

Discarding his borrowed clothes (but not before running his fingers over where the seams had split; Bhairava gripping it so tight he tore it) Jai entered the bath. He sank into the warm water, tension seeping away from his muscles. Running his hands slowly down his chest, across his legs and back again.

He grabbed the scented oils, setting about bathing himself.

///

"Om Nama Sivaya" Jai finished his prayers, opening his eyes to watch as the priest brought the aarthi from the inner sanctum.

He reached out to hover his hands over the fire, pressing then to his hands, and repeating the motion twice more. A second priest held a silver bowl with theertha, sacred Tulsi water, which he poured a spoonful of into Jai's cupped palm. Drinking the water, Jai closed his eyes once more, pressing his palms together against his chest.

Bowing to the Shivaling, he rose from the short wooden bench.

He nodded once to the priests, who bowed to him.

Jai exited the shrine to find Kaakha waiting for him.

"Is it urgent Kaakha, or may we have our morning meal?" Jai said plainly.

Kaakha bowed. "It can wait a short while Maharaj."

The pair made their way to the royal wing, entering the dining room just in time to see Kusa throw a chikku fruit at Lava. Jai growled, making both brothers stiffen and scramble to their feet.

"Annayya!" "Jai!"

"I've meet st-street children with better manners than you two."

Lava ducked his head ashamed, while Kusa, as expected, tossed his head in the air. "Lava started it."

"I highly doubt it." Jai said drily as he took his seat at the head of the table. Kaakha sat down beside Lava.

"When did you come Annayya? I didn't hear the drums announcing your arrival." Lava asked softly, extending the platter of chutney for his brother.

"Near midnight." Jai grunted as he served himself.

That seemed to be a cue to pause further conversation. Of course his brothers could not actually be held to those standards. Barely a few minutes passed before Jai became aware of the unsubtle head tilts and glances being traded between the pair.

He placed his goblet of water more forcefully on the table, the bang making both of them jump. "What?"

Lava gulped as he ran a finger around the length of his collar. Kusa glared at him and spoke. "We met your little soldier friend."

Jai resisted facepalming. With everything that had occurred during his trip, he had forgotten about the meal between his brothers and Bhairava. Keeping his voice neutral, he asked. "And?"

"Looks like a girl." Kusa said. "Hey!"

Lava had obviously kicked him (successfully hitting his target this time). "Bhairava garu seems very nice, Annayya. Will he be staying with us for longer?"

Jai felt his eye twitch as he considered the consequences of stabbing Kusa. Not to kill. Maybe his upper thigh, he'd certainly been stuffing himself enough to have adequate padding.

"Indefinitely."

Lava and Kusa exchanged glances. “And…what is he going to be doing?”

Jai resolutely kept his eyes away from Kaakha.

"Did you behave?" Jai asked instead. There were too many feeling knotting together in his chest to make sense of presently.

"Obviously." Kusa retorted.

Jai's hand twitched. What the hell had Kusa said to Bhairava?

Draining the rest of his water, Jai signaled for the servants to bring the water bowls.

Soaking his fingers, Jai dried his hands on the towel the servant held. "Thank you Bhagesh."

Bhagesh bowed deeply. "It is my honor Maharaj."

Jai rose from his seat, only to pause when the kitchen doors swung open to reveal Arunama. "Maharaj!"

Jai's lips twitched. "Arunama. Can I d-do something for you?"

She pointed her ever present knife at Kusa, who shrunk back against the table. "Can you feed him to the snakes?"

Jai shook his head. "I cannot risk them getting indigestion."

"Hey!" Kusa protest was muffled by Lava slapping his hand over his mouth and trying to sit on him.

Arunama harrumphed. "Fine, then I need two more batches of vegetables to prepare for the Rajyasabha."

Jai nodded, turning to Kaakha. "Make the necessary arrangements Kaakha." Kaakha bowed. "Of course Maharaj."

"Anything e-else?"

Arunama shook her head. "Any requests for lunch Maharaj?"

"Whatever you decide will be more than sa-satisfactory."

Arunama smile, pride radiating around her. "Thank you Maharaj."

///

As Jai let the arguments between Charuvat-manthri and Goopeswaran-manthri fade to the background, Jai once again pondered why he had felt the urge to go to see Bhairava last night.

They had disguised the trip as a routine trip through Jai's provinces, but their real goal had been the small area governed by Sarkar-manthri.

Jai had fought to hide his disgust at how the people there had all been skin and bones, hairs hanging limply as further signs of their malnutrition. Even as his subjects all came to see him as he rode up to the manthri's mansion, he noticed the children with the tattered clothing and the distended bellies. Had noticed how unlike the children of the capital that looked at him with wonder, these children shrunk away and cowered in fear. He noticed the barely held back contempt in the eyes of the adults.

The initial bad taste in his mouth had only grown worse as he was ushered to a grand feast that had been prepared in his honor. So much food hoarded to fill greedy stomachs as young souls starved outside his walls. And the attitude of the manthri himself, obsequious to the point of disgust. How he spoke in double edged comments, a compliment and an insult wrapped in one.

When one of the servants, a young woman who appeared more a girl, had accidentally dropped a platter of nuts, the man had hit her with his cane. It was only Kaakha's biting grip on his arm that kept him from throttling the man in return.

That night, he had been fuming as Kaakha had reiterated how important it was to keep the manthri from guessing they knew of his desire to oust Jai from his throne. While far from the only manthri acting against him, they had determined Sarkar was the pack leader. They could not figure out what the man’s end goals were though, for all that he was greedy and craved wealth, even he would realize he was ill-suited to governing. He was far too lazy for all the responsibilities the crown bore.

No, it was better to pretend they were ignorant of the conspiracies running through his court. Until they had solid evidence and a better idea of all the players in the game, it would be reckless and foolish to confront Sarak directly now.

The following few days had been a similar ordeal of patience, with Jai grinding his teeth enough to give himself headaches. He knew he had asked for the 'Raavana' reputation to be spread beyond their borders, but it galled him that even within his own lands, his people looked at him in fear.

Easier to manipulate people to turn against a king they believed to be the cause of their misfortunes, after all.

By the time it was their day of departure, Jai was ready to crawl out of his skin, given how much anger he was keeping pent up. Kaakha had tried to suggest perhaps they should delay their return until the building storm had passed, but one glance at Jai's wild look had him keeping his mouth shut.

Jai had held back until they had crossed out of the manthri's lands before pressing hard on Ahilan’s side, and torn down the path. It was unwise to leave his retinue behind when he was technically still not in friendly territory but he almost hoped some assassin would try their mettle against him at that point.

Some bloodshed might provide relief for the storm beneath his skin.

He had been severe on Ahilan, pushing him till the animal was almost collapsing. Only catching his breath as Ahilan struggled with his, Jai had led them to the nearby river and let the animal drink water and rest. They waited till his retinue caught up with him, and Jai listened to Kaakha's scolding with a twinge of shame. He had covered more ground during his mad dash than he'd expected, and if they could maintain a steady trot, could be in the palace by nightfall.

Of course the sky had decided to come falling down on them in the last stretch to the palace, in the open road. With no other option the riders had continued till they reached the palace well past the middle of the night.

By then most of the anger had been banked, transforming into a bone deep weariness. He could not recall actively handing the reins of Ahilan to one of the stablehands, nor how his feet carried him to a bedroom that wasn't his own. He did remember the way Bhairava had pressed a blade to his throat, and how his voice had broken through the fog in Jai's brain.

"-raj? Maharaj!" Kaakha hissed sharply, similarly bringing Jai back to the present. Kaakha looked at him with a curious expression, but Jai focused on the scene in front of him. Clearing his throat, he spoke. "Well? Has an agree-," Jai paused to swallow the stammer in his tongue, "-ment been reached?"

Both ministers looked mullish but they nodded begrudgingly. Jai sighed. If only he could actually order them as he wished. Or this squabble didn’t inevitably cause problems in another few weeks. "Very well. I will see you at the Rajyasabha."

The ministers bowed deeply and exited the meeting chambers. Kaakha, to his credit, waited until the guards had also filed out before rounding on him. "I came to check on you last night. Your bed was empty. What did you do?"

Jai's eyes narrowed. "Spying on me, Kaakha?"

Kaakha bristled. "Quite the contrary, Maharaj. I'm your chief advisor. It's my duty to know of your location and safety at all times. After the ... unfortunate horse incident yesterday, I assumed you'd go straight to bed."

"I did."

Now it was Kaakha's turn to narrow his eyes. "And where might that be, may I know?"

Jai shrugged. "It's not important. I'm going to see Ahilan now."

"But Maharaj!" Kaakha cried out to his back. Jai quickened his pace. He knew he was being unreasonable, and Kaakha was right to be anxious. But all he wanted to do was get away from all these politics for a bit.

And maybe find some more ... pleasing company.

///

Notes:

“Om Nama Sivaya” - The mantra is the ultimate prayer to Lord Shiva, translating roughly to “Salutations to Lord Shiva”

Aarthi - Hindu ritual employed in worship, often part of puja, in which fire/light is offered to one or more deities.

Theertham - Sacred water offered to devotees, often infused with tulsi (mint) leaves

Shivling or Shiva Lingam - The Linga idol is the most common way in which Lord Shiva is represented in worship.

Manthri - Minister

Rajyasabha - Gathering held by the king with all their ministers

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@rambheem-is-real @budugu @bromance-minus-the-b @hissterical-nyaan @obsessedtoafault @hufhkbgg @yehsahihai @rorapostsbl @fangirl-from-discord @fadedscarlets @alikokinav @chaotic-moonlight @rambheemisgoated @rambheemlove @jaganmaya @burningsheepcrown @lovingperfectionwonderland @rosayounan @iam-siriuslysher-lokid @thewinchestergirl1208 @dumdaradumdaradum @ronaldofandom @jjwolfesworld @jrntrtitties @kashpaymentsonly @jeonmahi1864 @stanleykubricks @m3gs1mps4a @tulodiscord @teddybat24 @sally-for-sally @ssabriel @jadebomani @stuckyandlarrystuff @veteran-fanperson @ohfuckoffpls @bheemaxrama @chaidrivenwhore

#rrr #taoat #jairava #jai x bhairava #jai kumar #kala bhairava #bhairava #jai lava kusa #magadheera #my fic #my writing

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starfriday · 2 years ago

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*Being a proud partner on RRR music, Bhushan Kumar congratulates Composer M.M Keeravani and Director SS Rajamouli for a glorious "Naatu Naatu" win at 95th Oscars*

RRR’s electrifying dance number Naatu Naatu bestowed with Best Original Song at the prestigious Oscars

Yet another history is created, SS Rajamouli’s RRR becomes the first Indian film to win Best Original Song at the prestigious 95th Oscars! The electrifying number, Naatu Naatu took Oscars by storm as it’s not only bestowed with this esteemed award but also as singer Rahul Sipligunj and Kala Bhairava’s smashing performance along with moves of Lauren Gottleib received a standing ovation, indeed creating a historic moment for global smash hit song!

Not only that, previously too T-Series pinned India on a top of world music chart as it has been a music partner for Oscar winning song - Slumdog Millionaire’s Jai Ho.

Being a proud to partner for the music on the film, Bhushan Kumar, Chairman and Managing Director of T-Series congratulates the team by saying, "Naatu Naatu has made everyone dance to its electrifying beats and this is glorious win at Oscars is a testament for the adulation the song has received! It’s an absolute honour to be associated with the music of RRR which has indeed stirred revolution in Indian music space, creating a remarkable history that the entire nation is proud of! We would like to extend wishes and looking forward to collaborate with composer M.M Keeravani, lyricists Chandrabose and singers Kala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj, amazing cast Ram Charan and Jr NTR along with producer D.V.V Danayya and the visionary director SS Rajamouli and S.S. Karthikeya."

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aneshb25 · 2 years ago

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Jai wanted to see him in silk clothes. See him decked in golden jewelry that set his dark skin aglow. Weave gemstones and pearls into his hair, clasp anklets with bells that chimed whenever he walked....

Shamelessly inspired by @fangirlshrewt97 ‘s absolute smash of a story Tale as Old as Time.

This story : *just exists*

Me: life saved, seen a new ray of light, skin glowing, body nourished.....

(click in to get good quality picture. Tumblr just won't do it naturally.)

tagging @burningsheepcrown @ssabriel @obsessedtoafault @sally-for-sally @rambheemlove @jrntrtitties @veteran-fanperson @justmeand-myinsight @stanleykubricks @jojofanfiction @thewinchestergirl1208 @ramcharantitties

#needless to say that line turned me absolutely FERAL #magadheera #jai lava kusa #jai kumar #kala bhairava #jai x bhairava #jairava #rambheem #rrr movie #rrr

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fangirlshrewt97 · 2 years ago

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Intertwined Till the End

Ok, so to preface, this is not part of the TAOAT verse, it just happens to be Jairava. That said, this is 100% @burningsheepcrown ‘s fault, so feel free to direct all blame at her. Because she not only drew the angst, she then prodded me about it.

Also, I typed this out on my phone in like 20 minutes, and have not edited it, so apologies for any typos or grammer mistakes.

Lan, suffer the consequences of giving me this art piece:

///

Bhairava grit his teeth as he shoved his dislocated shoulder back into position. The palace was going up in flames, half his soldiers were dead, and the other half retreating with whatever population had managed to reach the back gates of the city.

He yelled as his arm still throbbed, but there was no time for rest. He pushed through the debris until he reached the royal wing of the palace, where thankfully the flames had not reached yet. It would only be a matter of time.

He ran to the Princess- the Queen's chambers, bursting in to find his nightmare come true.

With a yell, he threw the small blade from his waist belt at Raavana, to no effect.

He flicked away the blade as though it had been a mosquito. As though it had not penetrated his skin and wounded him.

Slumped in her desk was the Queen, injured and bleeding from the arm, but miraculously still alive.

"Bhairava no!" Queen Mithravinda cried, but Bhairava tuned her out, grabbing one of the display spears and rushing at Raavana.

Even on his best day, a fight against this man was a challenge that used to bring him the highest pleasures. For his size, Jai had been fast and immoveable. Now, injured and still bleeding, well Bhairava knew a losing battle when he saw one.

But he needed to fight. Needed to distract Raavana long enough for Mithra to escape through one of the passageways where he had stationed soldiers to escort her away from the captured capital.

He took a second, just one, to catch a last look at Mithra's face, knowing in his bones this would be the last time he saw her.

He swung at Raavana, but the man swatted away the spear easily, instead delivering a powerful kick to Bhairava's chest that caused all the air in his chest to escape as he was hurled against the wall.

Blinking through the pain blurring his vision he reached for his sword with a trembling hand, pushing himself by the elbow to stand up. Only to scream when it was kicked out of his grasp and a foot came down hard on his injured arm, dislocating his shoulder again. A heavy weight settled against his chest, further obstructing his ability to breathe. He wretched his eyes open to see a smirking Raavana kneeling on top of him, one arm resting on the foot pressing his shoulder down.

An almost soft caress traced his cheek.

"Poor little soldier. I could have given you the world Kala Bhairava."

"I could never have been with someone who plays with lives as if they're disposable, Raavana." Bhairava bit out.

Raavana clicked his tongue. "There used to be a time when you called me by a different name. Screamed it too."

"I was not thinking clearly."

Raavana's eyes flashed as he roughly grabbed Bhairava's jaw, yanking his head up, forcing him to arch his neck. "I could have come to care for you."

"It takes a heart to care, Raavana."

Raavana snarled, hand slipping to wrap around Bhairava's throat. "She could never truly love you. She could never marry you. She could never see you as more than a soldier.

I COULD HAVE MADE YOU A KING!" Raavana roared.

"Not all of us are willing to sacrifice everything for power." Bhairava choked out, free hand itching for his waist belt while Raavana focused on his face.

"You would die for her?" Raavana growled.

"My life is meaningless in the larger scheme of things, if I have to die so she can live, then so be it."

Raavana tightened his grip, making Bhairava kick out his leg as his body tried to escape the punishing grasp. Raavana leaned down until his breath wafted over Bhairava's face. "Well looks like you are out of luck, Kala Bhairava. You are going to see as I kill her, and then I'll come and kill you."

"You...you're sure about that?" Bhairava gasped.

Raavana's jaw clenched as he whipped his head to find Mithra, only to find the chair empty, and the Queen long gone.

Bhairava used the split second to swipe the short dagger from Raavana's boot, slicing up his calf. Raavana roared again as he lost his balance.

Bhairava pooled all his remaining strength to roll them over so he was the one on top. "You shouldn't have come here Raavana. Because now, you're never going to leave."

Bhairava brought the dagger down in a powerful swing only to stop a hairs breath away from actually stabbing him. His fist curled into Raavana's armor instead as tears clouded his eyes.

Raavana laughed. "All those words, and you still can't see it. You still care for me Bhairava. That's why you can't kill me."

Bhairava looked at him with hatred, and betrayal.

Raavana.

Jai.

How could he have been so wrong about him? How could he have let himself fall for such a monster? Why couldn't he slay the beast? He felt exhausted, the drain of the battle, the revelation of his heart.

He dropped the dagger, collapsing on a chest he had spent many enjoyable nights with. Except where those had been filled with pleasure and a blossoming love, here they laid in a room whose walls were being licked by flames, resting on a pool of their blood.

"Perhaps I cannot kill you Raavana, but I can make sure I don't die alone."

Raavana.

No.

Jai.

No. Raavan-Jai sighed. "If there was anyone I could have seen by my side in life, it was you Kala Bhairava. You will do to accompany me in death instead."

As the two broken, bleeding men laid there, the fire reached the roof of the palace. It would soon break through the wooden beams and bring the whole structure on top of them. In another universe this story could have had a kinder ending. In another universe, this ending would never have occurred. In this universe, as a flaming lamp fell, it's rod pierced through two chests, interlocked them in death for eternity.

///

@rambheem-is-real @budugu @bromance-minus-the-b @hissterical-nyaan @obsessedtoafault @hufhkbgg @yehsahihai @rorapostsbl @fadedscarlets @alikokinav @chaotic-moonlight @rambheemisgoated @rambheemlove @jaganmaya @burningsheepcrown @lovingperfectionwonderland @rosayounan @iam-siriuslysher-lokid @thewinchestergirl1208 @dumdaradumdaradum @ronaldofandom @jjwolfesworld @jrntrtitties @kashpaymentsonly @jeonmahi1864 @zackcrazyvalentine @stanleykubricks @tulodiscord @teddybat24 @sally-for-sally @jadebomani @stuckyandlarrystuff @veteran-fanperson @ohfuckoffpls @carminavulcana @boochhaan @doodlesofthelastpage @filesbeorganized @meownique @ssabriel @meastradeur @ronika-writes-stuff @umbrulla

#rrr #jairava #jai x bhairava #jai lava kusa #magadheera #jai kumar #kala bhairava #bhairava #my fic #my writing

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fangirlshrewt97 · 2 years ago

Conversation

Jai: *walks by with a knife in his hand*

Bhairava not looking up from his book: No.

Jai, turning around and walking away: *grumbling* They deserve it.

Bhairava, still not looking up: I’m sure they do, Bangaram.

#rrr #taoat #jairava #jai x bhairava #jai kumar #kala bhairava #bhairava #jai lava kusa #magadheera

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fangirlshrewt97 · 2 years ago

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TAOAT’verse - Drunk with Affection

So. Remember how I said I would update TAOAT in October. And then I didn’t? This is still not chapter 12. But I missed the boys and I missed this universe so I wanted to write something for it. This is the result. I am not quite sure if it is the same quality of TAOAT, it is set in the same universe. Timeline wise, I guess you could consider it “post-canon’? I tried my best to not include any spoilers for the story I have planned.

Again, apologies for the delay in updating, but I hope I can get back into the verse soon!

I love and appreciate how patient you have been with me, and I hope this work is to your liking.

///

Jai sat down heavily on the pillows arranged into a seating area in the corner of his suite of rooms. He interlocked his fingers behind his neck, leaning back to stretch. Today had not been as rough as last month’s meeting with the ministers, but the meetings had been so dry, Kaakha had had to poke him a few times to keep him awake. Not that Minister Devaraj had noticed.

He exhaled roughly as he finished his stretches, melting back against the pillows as he started stretching his legs. He opened his eyes to scan the room, but obviously Bhairava had yet to return.

Getting up, he walked to the small table piled high with fruits and refreshments, and poured himself a cup of water. A faint tinkling sound started from the balcony, and when Jai turned to look, he saw the wind chime Bhairava had hung up. He started to make his way towards it, only to pause at the sound of knocks at his door.

Finishing the rest of his water, Jai placed the cup back on the table before he went to open the door.

He didn't manage to hide his look of surprise if the half sheepish, half apologetic look Tapan gave him was any indication.

"My apologies for interrupting your evening Maharaj, but I fear Bhairava garu may have celebrated a touch too much."

"Tapan," Bhairava whined, "The hallway won't stop spinning."

Jai blinked at the sight of his beloved. Bhairava rarely indulged in drinks, and never more than a single cup. How on Earth had he managed to get drunk?

"Sorry Bhairava garu, but see, we are back to your room." Tapan cajoled.

Bhairava blinked his eyes open with effort. They were glazed and half-lidded. Until they seemed to focus on Jai and understand what they were seeing.

It was a transformation, for Bhairava went from hanging heavily from Tapan's shoulder, forcing him to support most of his weight, to standing to his full height by himself. Even if he swayed dangerously to one side.

"Jai!" Bhairava exclaimed, utterly delighted.

That was the only warning Jai got before the other man threw himself into his arms, nearly sending them both falling to the floor. As it was, Jai stumbled back a few steps. It was only the presence of the column that kept them upright. Jai grunted, ears going warm as Bhairava wrapped his arms around Jai's chest, rubbing his nose affectionately at Jai's chest.

Bhairava never called him by his name in front of others, nor did he initiate any affectionate touch in public.

For him to do both in front of Tapan, well Jai was starting to understand why Bhairava stayed away from alcohol.

Tapan cleared his throat, and when Jai glanced up, the man was very clearly staring over their shoulder. There was a light blush dusting his cheeks.

Jai cleared his throat, one hand coming up to steady Bhairava at the hip.

"Alright, thank you Tapan. I will s-see you tomorrow."

Tapan bowed. "Thank you Maharaj. Good night."

Jai maneuvered Bhairava enough to go close the door before leading him to his small nest of pillows. It was a task, with how much Bhairava was trying to cling to him instead of putting one step in front of the another, but eventually they made it to their destination.

Once he had gotten the other man to sit, Jai wrapped a hand around the back of Bhairava’s neck, setting his thumb at the juncture below his ear, and tilted it back. He carded Bhairava’s hair back with the other. “Bhairava?”

Bhairava’s eyes fluttered rapidly before he managed to blink them open. When he caught sight of Jai, his mouth parted slightly as his pupils dilated wider. “Jai…”

It was still so alien to him, but intoxicating, being the object of Bhairava’s besotted gaze. Jai cleared his throat even as he felt the back of his neck grow warm. “Bhairava, can you t-t-tell me what happ-p-ened?”

Bhairava’s face twisted into a deep frown, and he tilted forward. “I…Tapan took me to meet our men. We were celebrating… something. They all gave me drinks.”

Jai’s lips twitched. “Yes, and you accepted all of them did you?”

Bhairava whined lowly. “It was so much. It would have been rude to say yes to a couple and no to others. But then it started to feel so good.”

Bhairava swung his head back to look at Jai. “I think I can float Jai.”

Jai bit his lip to keep his smile in check. “Is that so?”

Bhairava nodded his head vigorously, only to break off abruptly as he held his forehead. “Ow. That hurt.”

Jai huffed. “Yes, I am s-sure it will be worse in the morning.”

He went to move back, only to be pulled back in by Bhairava’s steel grip and pleading eyes. “Noooo, don’t go.”

Jai ran his thumb over Bhairava’s cheekbone, a warmth curling around his heart as the man melted against his hand. “I’m not going anywhere, just to get some water.”

Bhairava whined.

“Bhairava.” Jai chided. “It will barely take me a minute.”

Bhairava pouted but released his hold, swaying unsteadily when Jai took his hands off of him.

Jai hurried to the refreshment table, grabbing the pitcher of water and a cup, as well as the platter of fruits for good measure.

He brought these over to the corner, setting them on the low laying stool nearby. Bhairava was staring intently at something on the opposite wall, but then Jai turned he couldn’t see anything particularly striking.

“Bhairava?”

No response.

Jai lightly tapped his shoulder, making the man jump when he sat before he looked at Jai, blinking those warm brown eyes of his. The kajal from the morning had faded, but enough was still visible to make his eyes seem larger than their size. Jai broadcast his movements as he placed a gentle hand over Bhairava’s cheek.

He filled the cup with water from the pitcher one handed, bringing the cup to Bhairava’s lips. The man tried to push it away, but Jai applied some light pressure. “Come on, drink up.”

Bhairava whined but opened his mouth, allowing Jai to pour small sips past his lips. Jai set aside the cup and sat beside Bhairava. He grabbed Bhairava’s chin between his thumb and forefinger and turned it towards him.

He then reached for the fruit, quickly carving up a couple of the chikku fruits before he held out a piece to Bhairava’s lips. “Open.”

Bhairava’s face twisted in displeasure but he opened his mouth. Jai made him eat both fruits, satisfied that at least he wouldn’t be going to bed empty handed. Pouring some water over his hands to clean them, he wiped them on a nearby cloth before he sat down in the nest of pillows.

“So, how was tonight?” Jai asked.

Bhairava sighed tiredly, and tilted sideways to rest his head on Jai’s thigh. “It was good, there were so many people. And everyone wanted to talk to me. I just wanted to be home.”

Jai raised an eyebrow. “You aren’t one to tire so easily.Or shy away from p-people.”

Bhairava glared at him without any heat, batting at his shoulder. “You’ve been away on one of your trips again, you just got back two days ago. I wanted to be here. With you. I missed you.”

Jai’s eyes widened slightly. It was still a novel feeling, being someone another person actually cared for. Being someone who could be missed.

Bhairava continued. “Besides, the attention faded once the dancers came in.”

Jai started to brush through Bhairava’s hair with his fingers, a small smile settling on his face as the action made Bhairava sigh in contentment and rub his nose into Jai’s dhoti. “You didn’t feel like dancing?”

Bhairava lightly pinched him, making him jump. “Ask another stupid question, and you won’t like the result.”

Jai held back the laughter. “Oh? You would d-d-dare lay a hand against your Maharaj?”

Bhairava opened one eye to look at him, a mischievous smile taking over his face. “Who said anything about a hand?”

Jai’s face heated, and it was his turn to pinch at Bhairava’s bare hip where his kurta had ridden up. “Who corrupted you?”

Bhairava laughed. “You.”

Jai grumbled, making Bhairava chuckle some more as he propped himself up on one elbow, reaching up with the other one to tangle his fingers in Jai’s hair. Jai’s eyes closed as those fingers started to scratch at his scalp.

An eternity passed in those few minutes Jai fell into a doze under Bhairava’s ministrations. The sounding of the horns calling out the midnight hour rang through the room, and Jai blinked his eyes open.

Bhairava was staring at him with that besotted expression again, one fist curled and tucked against his cheek.

Jai felt his cheeks warm. “What?”

Bhairava ducked down, giggling.

Jai poked at his hip. “What?

Bhairava giggled harder.

Jai slipped his fingers under Bhairava’s kurta and ran two fingers lightly over his side, making the man try to squirm away from his touch even as his giggles turned into laughter. “Stop, stop!”

Jai removed his hand, instead wrapping his arm around Bhairava as the man adjusted himself to lay on his back. “Now, tell me.”

Bhairava smiled widely at him, making Jai’s heart skip a beat. And then flinch as Bhairava slapped his face from both sides, holding his face into a firm grip. “Bhairava!”

Bhairava was unfazed, instead digging the heel of his palms into Jai’s cheeks and stretching them. “You are so cute!”

Jai growled as he pried Bhairava’s hands away. The other man was still amused as he sat up again, this time, throwing his arms around Jai’s neck and nuzzling there.

Jai was unimpressed, even as he wrapped his arms around Bhairava’s waist. “Anyone e-else and they would be in the dungeons right now.”

Bhairava hummed. “No one else would dare. And you know why?”

“I am the king.” Jai responded.

Bhairava bumped his forehead into Jai’s jaw. “No. Because you are mine. And they’d have to get through me to even have a chance.”

Bhairava said these things so easily. These declarations that pulled the rug from beneath Jai’s reality and set him afloat without any idea of which was was up and down. He did so even when he wasn’t drunk.”

Bhairava pulled back enough for Jai to see the bright twinkle in his eyes, as well as the staggering amount of fondness in that gaze that made Jai look away.

Bhairava tsked, nudging one finger against Jai’s jaw to get him to turn back. “You’re so handsome Jai.”

Jai definitely blushed, if the way Bhairava’s lips curved into a smile against his neck was any indication. He looked hesitantly at Bhairava, who cupped his cheek.

“Why do you do this? When the world praises your leadership? Or your people praise your kindness? Or whenever I say something nice, you hide yourself away.”

Jai’s gaze focused on the hollow of Bhairava’s throat, words choking in his throat.

Bhairava ran his lips over Jai’s stubble till his earlobe, making him tighten his grip on the man’s waist.

Bhairava whispered directly into his ear. “You are amazing, and smart, and brave. And so, so good Jai. I wish you could see yourself the way I do.”

Jai tugged his beloved closer, hiding his face in the curve of his neck. Bhairava pressed a light kiss to his cheek, leading him to draw a ragged breath as even inhaling seemed difficult right now. He had started shaking.

“I-I-I’m not g-g-good.” he finally stammered out.

Bhairava rubbed his face against Jai’s. “You are the very best. And you know what else you are?”

Jai raised his eyes fearfully. Bhairava leaned forward to press a kiss to his forehead. “You are mine. My Maharaj. My protector. My friend. My confidant. And most importantly,” Here Bhairava wrapped his arms fully around Jai’s torso and squeezed with all his strength. “You are my baby.”

A kiss to his temple.

“Mine to play with.”

A kiss to his cheek.

“And cuddle.”

A kiss to his jaw.

“And coddle.”

A kiss to his nose.

“And take care of.”

A kiss to the top of his hair, wherein he tucked Jai underneath his chin.

“And hold.”

Jai was grateful Bhairava was holding him so tight because he couldn’t promise he would not have shattered into a million pieces otherwise. Unable to form a reply, Jai held on just as tight, breathing in the familiar scent of sandalwood and musky sweat.

Bhairava started rocking them gently, humming an old drinking song. Eventually his hold slackened, and though Jai was reluctant to let go, his muscles had started to cramp up as well.

“Bhairava…” Jai started, only to have to shoot out his arms to catch a sleeping Bhairava who seemed to have dozed off in their hold.

Jai’s mouth parted in surprise, only to twist into an adoring smile at the sight of his lover’s peaceful countenance.

Hooking his arms beneath Bhairava’s shoulders and knees, he pushed off the pillows, hefting Bhairava into the bedroom to comfortably set him down in the middle of their bed. He surrepititously removed Bhairava’s kurta and the bigger pieces of jewellery so he could lie down easily.

He went to move away once done, but an iron grip on his wrist stopped him.

“Don’t go…” Bhairava slurred, clearly still asleep.

Jai leaned down to kiss the back of his hand. “I need to extinguish the candles, Bhairava. I’ll be quick.”

He pried the fingers away, hurrying to complete his task. He returned to bed, removing his kurta before he entered. He pressed close to Bhairava, drawing the light blankets up to cover their hips. He then lay down on his back.

Immediately, Bhairava rolled up to him, throwing a leg over his thighs.

Jai turned on his side slightly, tucking Bhairava close against him before he caressed down his side.

A few rays of moonlight fell across their bed, lighting the other man up in silver and shadows that made him seem just like the apparitions Jai witnessed in his dreams. Except far superior because he was real.

And he was here. With Jai.

He leaned down to press a kiss to Bhairava’s hair.

He did not know what he did to earn Bhairava’s love, and wasn’t sure he was worthy of it. But he would fight with everything he had to keep it.

“Good night, my brave warrior.” Jai murmured before he closed his own eyes, and let himself be lulled to sleep by the sound of his beloved’s breathing.

///

What do you guys think? Did I characterize them right?

Tagging (Please let me know if you want to be added or removed from the tag list!): @rambheem-is-real @budugu @bromance-minus-the-b @hissterical-nyaan @obsessedtoafault @hufhkbgg @yehsahihai @rorapostsbl @fadedscarlets @alikokinav @chaotic-moonlight @rambheemisgoated @rambheemlove @jaganmaya @burningsheepcrown @lovingperfectionwonderland @rosayounan @iam-siriuslysher-lokid @thewinchestergirl1208 @dumdaradumdaradum @ronaldofandom @jjwolfesworld @jrntrtitties @kashpaymentsonly @jeonmahi1864 @zackcrazyvalentine @stanleykubricks @tulodiscord @teddybat24 @sally-for-sally @jadebomani @stuckyandlarrystuff @veteran-fanperson @ohfuckoffpls @carminavulcana @boochhaan @doodlesofthelastpage @filesbeorganized @meownique @ssabriel @meastradeur @ronika-writes-stuff @umbrulla

#rrr #taoat #jairava #jai x bhairava #jai kumar #bhairava #kala bhairava #jai lava kusa #magadheera #my fic #my writing

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