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2025-02-13 03:01:08
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Tangled In Scales 12
Ashwin didn’t remember much about his earliest years—just flashes of movement and hushed voices. The memory that stuck, the one that always surfaced when he let his mind wander, was of the bus stop. The cracked pavement, the dull hum of traffic, the way his small hands gripped the edge of the bench as he sat there, waiting for someone who never came back.It was Hayden’s grandmother who found him. A kind woman with tired eyes and soft hands, she took one look at the abandoned boy and made a decision that changed both their lives. She raised Ashwin alongside Hayden, treating him as her own. And when Hayden lost his parents in a car crash, they became each other’s whole world—two boys with no one but each other, finding warmth in shared grief.But there were gaps in Ashwin’s memory, things that didn’t quite fit. Sometimes, when he thought too hard about that bus stop, the image wavered. Had he really been abandoned by a family of tourists, as Hayden’s grandmother always assumed? Or was
Last Updated : 2025-02-13Tangled In Scales 13
Ashwin stirred his tea half-heartedly, the spoon clinking against the ceramic as he gazed out through the kitchen window. The morning was quiet, Mount Haven still wrapped in the soft embrace of dawn, but his mind was anything but peaceful.His thoughts twisted, tangled, pulled in directions he didn’t understand.Hayden was missing. That should have been the only thing on his mind. The investigation, the police, the whispers around town—it all should have consumed him. And yet, here he was, sitting at the kitchen table, fingers curled around his cup, unable to think about anything except—Ishaan.Ashwin exhaled sharply, pressing his forehead against the cool rim of the mug.It didn’t make sense. None of this made sense.He had known Ishaan for a handful of weeks—less than two months—but it felt like Ishaan had been there forever, like he had slotted himself into Ashwin’s life so seamlessly that Ashwin couldn’t tell where the intru
Last Updated : 2025-02-13Tangled In Scales 14
Mount Haven’s market was a staple of small-town life, brimming with color, chatter, and the lingering scent of spiced bread. Ashwin found a sense of peace here—watching the townsfolk barter over fresh produce, admiring the handiwork of local artisans, and indulging in the occasional sweet treat.He sat on a rickety wooden chair outside a café, half-heartedly stirring his tea as he gazed through the kitchen window. But right now, his mind wasn’t on the market or the list of groceries he needed to buy. His thoughts were tangled—wrapped around something he couldn’t quite shake off.Or rather, someone.Ishaan.The man had only been in his life for a short while, but already, he was everywhere. In the spare room Ashwin had rented out. In the corners of his mind when he least expected it. In his dreams.Especially in his dreams.Ashwin sighed, his fingers tightening around his spoon. He told himself this was just an inconveni
Last Updated : 2025-02-13Tangled In Scales 15
Ashwin stirred the spoon in his tea half-heartedly, the rhythmic motion almost hypnotic as he gazed out the kitchen window. The glow of the streetlamp outside cast long shadows against the walls, making everything feel still—too still. The apartment was silent, save for the occasional creak of the wooden floors, the distant hum of a car passing by, and the soft ticking of the clock above the stove.Despite the quiet, Ashwin's mind was anything but calm.His grip on the ceramic mug tightened. Ishaan.It had only been a few weeks since he had moved in, but his presence was already disturbing Ashwin in ways he couldn’t understand. The man was too intense, too watchful, always lingering just close enough that Ashwin could feel him, even when he wasn’t looking.And that wasn’t the worst part.The worst part was the way Ashwin reacted to him.Every glance, every low murmur of his voice sent something sharp and confusing through Ashwin’s chest. His body tensed whenever Ishaan was near, but
Last Updated : 2025-02-14Tangled In Scales 16
Ashwin had been feeling… off.It had started subtly at first—a faint itch along his arms and legs, an odd tightness in his skin, as if it were stretched too thin. He had assumed it was just the changing weather, maybe dry air or the stress catching up to him. But by the time the weekend rolled around, it had worsened.The sensation wasn’t painful, just strange. Like something was crawling just beneath his skin, waiting to break free.Standing in front of the mirror, Ashwin frowned as he rubbed his hands over his arms. His skin was flaking—not dry, not sunburnt—just… shedding. The patches were pale, almost translucent, peeling away in small, thin layers like an old, discarded husk.The soft shuffle of feet outside his door made him glance up, and before he could react, his door creaked open.Ishaan stepped inside.Ashwin tensed, quickly wrapping his arms around himself, but Ishaan didn’t seem to notice.Or maybe he did.Because Ishaan suddenly stopped mid-step, his nostrils flaring sli
Last Updated : 2025-02-14Tangled In Scales 17
Ashwin didn’t notice it at first.The way his body responded to Ishaan without him realizing. The way he followed, the way he yielded—small, unconscious gestures that should have meant nothing.But Ishaan noticed.And Ishaan took full advantage of it.And possessed it.The morning sun poured through the window, casting golden hues across the kitchen. Ashwin stood at the counter, lazily stirring his coffee, still groggy from sleep. His oversized shirt hung loosely over his frame, exposing the smooth slope of his collarbone.Ishaan saw everything.And then—he moved.Not loud. Not rushed.Just there.A slow, purposeful step forward, closing the space between them until Ashwin felt warmth press against his back.Ashwin stilled.Ishaan didn’t touch him. Not at first.But Ashwin’s body reacted anyway.His spine curved ever so slightly, his weight shifting, his breath caught in his throat as if he expected something—wanted something.Ishaan exhaled, the sound barely audible over Ashwin’s pou
Last Updated : 2025-02-16Tangled In Scales 18
Back in bed, Ashwin lay on his side, his body still trembling from what had happened. His mind reeled, his heart pounding against his ribs as a sickening guilt began to claw at his stomach. He had cheated. On Hayden.The thought sent a wave of nausea through him, making him curl in on himself. His fingers clutched at the sheets as he tried to steady his breathing. He had always prided himself on being loyal, on doing the right thing, but now?Now, he felt tainted.Ishaan shifted beside him, the mattress dipping under his weight. "You're thinking too much again," he murmured, voice deep and smooth, like silk sliding over skin.Ashwin didn't respond. He couldn’t.Ishaan sighed as if amused, rolling onto his side to face him. “You cheated, huh?”Ashwin flinched at the word. "I—yes. I shouldn’t have done this." His voice was barely above a whisper.Ishaan let out a low chuckle, and Ashwin finally turned to look at him, confused by his reaction.Then Ishaan’s fingers brushed lightly over A
Last Updated : 2025-02-16Tangled In Scales 19
The air of Kal'Raksha was thick with humidity, fragrant with the scent of wildflowers and damp earth. Waterfalls cascaded from towering cliffs, feeding into lakes that stretched like sheets of glass under the moonlight. Mist curled lazily above the water, drifting through dense jungle greenery where ancient trees twisted toward the heavens. Their roots burrowed deep, intertwining with the land itself as if whispering secrets of a time before memory. Nestled in this paradise was the village—huts woven from sturdy reeds and clay, their roofs sloped to repel the seasonal rains. Fires flickered in the distance, casting long shadows across the jungle floor. The night hummed with the symphony of chirping insects and distant howls of unseen creatures. Among these homes was Ishaan’s home. Built with strong materials, its frame tall and grand, fit for someone of his stature. His bed was a raised frame, wooden posts wrapped in thick vines and silke
Last Updated : 2025-02-17
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Tangled In Scales 42
The streets were quieter than usual, the curfew looming over the town like a warning. It wasn’t even dark yet, but people were already heading home, locking their doors, avoiding the shadows.Ashwin glanced at Ishaan as they walked to the car. “This whole thing is getting worse.”Ishaan hummed in agreement. “That’s why we’re picking up the twins together. I don’t want you walking alone.”Ashwin sighed. “I can take care of myself.”“I know,” Ishaan said, unlocking the car. “But I’d rather not risk it.”Ashwin didn’t argue. He knew better than to fight Ishaan on things like this.As they pulled onto the road, Ishaan spoke again.“My brothers are coming for a visit.”Ashwin raised a brow. “Really?”Ishaan nodded. “They missed you. And the twins. And they demanded roasted fish and fried potatoes.”Ashwin snorted. “Of course they did.”Ishaan smirked. “You’ll make it for them?”Ash
Tangled In Scales 41
The soft hum of pages turning, the scent of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the faint vanilla musk of aged paper.This was Ashwin’s sanctuary. The bookstore café was a cozy little escape from the worries of the outside world, with its warm yellow lighting, wooden bookshelves stretching toward the ceiling, and snug reading nooks filled with plush chairs and knitted blankets.Ashwin sat behind the counter, absently wiping down the espresso machine as he watched the customers.A young woman sat by the window, a novel open on her lap as she sipped from a steaming mug. An elderly man in a tweed coat sat at a corner table, immersed in a history book, occasionally pausing to adjust his glasses. The soft murmur of conversation and the occasional clang of dishes from the café’s kitchen filled the air with a comforting rhythm.He liked this place. The quiet. The routine.But today, there was an unease hanging in the air. It started as whispers,
Tangled In Scales 40
Dark, fathomless blue stretched in every direction, but Ashwin wasn't afraid. He floated effortlessly, the gentle current cradling him like a familiar embrace. Cool water swept past his skin, yet there was no discomfort-only a soothing sensation, as if the ocean itself recognized him. He inhaled, and instead of drowning, his lungs filled with something light and pure.Breathing underwater felt natural.His body moved with a grace he never possessed on land, his limbs slicing through the water with ease, as if he had been born for this. Above him, golden rays of light filtered down from the unseen surface, scattering in ribbons that illuminated the space around him. Schools of fish darted past in shimmering waves, yet Ashwin barely paid them any attention.Because he wasn't alone.The enormous dark blue snake was there again, gliding through the water like a shadow given life. Its massive form coiled and uncoiled effortlessly, the deep hu
Tangled In Scales 39
The warm morning sun peeked through the curtains, making little golden patterns on the walls. The house was quiet—until it wasn’t.Thud. Thud. Thud.Tiny feet stomped down the hallway, followed by giggles. The bedroom door burst open, and two little boys tumbled in, jumping onto the bed.“Mommy, wake up!” Koa squealed, tugging at Ashwin’s arm. “We’s late, we’s late!”Kai crawled onto Ishaan’s chest and plopped down with a huff. “Yeah! We gonna be so, so late, an’ then we no learn nuffin’!”Ashwin groaned, half-burying his face in the pillow. “Koa, Kai, it’s not even seven yet.”“But school is ‘portant, Mommy!” Koa pouted, bouncing on the mattress.Ishaan let out a tired chuckle, wrapping an arm around Kai to keep him from rolling off. “Alright, alright, we’re up. But first, morning kisses.”The twins squealed as Ishaan and Ashwin covered their little faces in kisses, making them giggle loudly.“Now go b
Tangled In Scales 38
The afternoon sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a golden glow over the quiet streets as Ishaan strolled toward Mrs. Patel’s bakery. The warmth of the light contrasted with the crisp breeze that whispered through the town, rustling the leaves in gentle waves. It was a beautiful day, idyllic even—but his mind was far from the peaceful surroundings.All he could think about was Ashwin.The memory of last night clung to him, refusing to let go. How Ashwin had trembled beneath him, his small frame helpless against the force of Ishaan’s desire. How he had taken him again and again, until Ashwin was utterly spent, boneless in his arms. The soft, gasping sounds he made had left an imprint on Ishaan’s mind—sweet, broken little noises that sent heat straight through his veins.Even this morning, before Ishaan had left, Ashwin had still been dripping, slick and warm, all over their bed. The thought alone made Ishaan’s fingers twitch at his sides, itching
Tangled In Scales 37
Ashwin shuddered. The contrast between them had always been stark—where Ashwin was lean, lithe, and finely built, Ishaan was broad, towering, and commanding in every movement. It wasn’t just size; it was the way Ishaan held himself, the way his presence filled every space like it was meant to belong to him."You're shaking," Ishaan noted, amused. One of his hands drifted lower, possessively mapping the dip of Ashwin’s waist before gripping his hip hard. "But you're not running. You never do, do you?"Ashwin bit his lip, refusing to give him the satisfaction of an immediate answer.Ishaan chuckled, low and knowing. "Because you like it when I take control," he continued, his voice smooth, almost hypnotic. "You like knowing you don’t have to think. You can just let me handle everything."Ashwin exhaled, his fingers flexing against the table as he let Ishaan’s words settle into him. He wouldn’t admit it out loud—not yet—but Ishaan was right
Tangled In Scales 36
The door clicked shut, and before Ashwin could even exhale, Ishaan was on him. His larger frame loomed over Ashwin’s smaller body, radiating heat and pent-up frustration. Rough hands cupped Ashwin’s jaw, tilting his face up just before Ishaan’s lips crashed down, swallowing him whole.The kiss was all-consuming—hungry, desperate, and demanding. Ishaan didn’t just kiss; he took. His lips were firm, his teeth grazing Ashwin’s bottom lip before sucking it into his mouth with a possessive pull. The force of it sent a jolt down Ashwin’s spine, making his knees weaken, but Ishaan’s grip on him was ironclad. There was nowhere to run, no room to breathe. Only Ishaan.Ashwin let out a muffled sound against his mouth, pushing lightly at Ishaan’s chest, but the man was relentless. His large hands slid from Ashwin’s jaw down to his waist, fingers pressing into the slight curve of his hips, gripping, grounding. It wasn’t just a touch—it was a claim. Ashwin’s breath hi
Tangled In Scales 35
Ashwin stood by the car, arms crossed, his posture deceptively relaxed. The dim streetlights cast long shadows across his face, highlighting the dark circles under his eyes. He hadn’t slept. Not properly. Not while Ishaan was locked inside that police station, treated like a criminal.His fingers drummed restlessly against his bicep as he watched the doors, his pulse hammering harder with every second.Then, finally—The doors swung open.Ishaan stepped out, slow and unhurried, like he hadn’t just spent two days being interrogated. He was still wearing the same clothes he had been arrested in, the fabric wrinkled, the sleeves slightly damp from where he had rinsed his face in the station’s bathroom. His jaw was tight, but his gaze lifted the moment he spotted Ashwin.Relief flickered in those dark eyes.Ashwin barely had time to push himself off the car before Ishaan was closing the distance between them.No words. No he
Tangled In Scales 34
The cell was small, barely large enough for the cot bolted to the wall and the metal toilet in the corner. The air was stale, thick with the scent of disinfectant and something metallic—blood, perhaps, long scrubbed away but still lingering beneath the surface.Ishaan Arthava sat on the cot, back straight, hands resting on his knees. His wrists were sore from the cuffs they had slapped on him hours ago, but he didn’t complain.Complaining was weakness.The officers outside whispered among themselves, their voices muffled through the steel door. He knew their type—cops who thought they had him cornered, who thought a few hours in a holding cell would break him.They didn’t know him.They had no idea what kind of patience lived inside him, what kind of restraint he had mastered over the years.The door creaked open.A uniformed officer stepped inside, gesturing for him to stand. “Move.”Ishaan exhaled slowly throu
