Blushing Patrons

The lights were dim, almost softly flickering, as Blush walked through the familiar hall of the Church of Sulfer. There were numerous decorations for Matentines strung up on the walls and if he aid attention, he could even smell a hint of something floral.

In front of him were the table sets for the blind dating service.

Blush didn’t see the point of blind dating for himself, after all he had never struggled to find a partner for this time of year. And yet, Oleander refused to accept this and urged him to join the dating pool. That as a priest of lust, Blush should be offering his services to far more than his own parish.

And while Blush understood this, as much as he could understand anything Oleander said,, but he liked spending this season with someone he had known for some time or at the very least could trust them. 

He shook his head in defeat and made his way to one of the tables set up for the blind dating service. He sat down and adjusted the gift he bought along in his arms. It was a box of expensive liquor chocolates, each wrapped in silvery paper. 

Even if he was unsure about this, he refused to not be the perfect date. He was sure these chocolates would settle his partner and maybe it wouldn’t be so bad to help another bun that might be struggling for a partner this time of year.

He rested back against his table and waited for his date to arrive. Luckily the tables were numbered or he imagined it would be hard to find his date.

…

Patron didn't usually find himself so immensely nervous when going to the church of sulfur. He was a regular attendant, given how his terribly poor health had a penchant for impeding on his health. However, he had not come here today to seek guidance or aid from a pastor. Instead, the blind dates the church was hosting was his reason for sweaty palms and nervous biting at the inside of his lip.

That was not to say Patron was nervous about going on dates or enjoying casual romps, of course. The succubun's vice was lust, afterall, and he'd been on blind dates before without an issue. 

Rather, it was the season. Matentines was just around the corner, and with it came breeding season. As aforementioned, Patron was not of good health even without pushing his body, and the threat of the season being too much for him was a real one. The fact he was chancing that one someone he'd never even met was the true cause of his anxiety, but he didn't want to give in the towel completely without even trying. 

Still, he was very cautious of the whole thing and did not have high hopes. Given the way most buns were, he didn't really trust much of anyone with his health at such a delicate state, and the sole person he did trust…Patron did not wish to burden him. It was likely he'd simply have a quick chat here then take some suppressants for the season. 

How disappointing. 

A little sigh, and he finds himself heading for the tables, scanning the little memo in his hand for the correct number. He finds himself drawn to the correct table without looking at his date at first, instead his eyes were immediately drawn to the box on the table, beside the cardboard cutout with the table number scrawled onto it.

Ah, shit. He was expecting a casual, no strings attached deal, and hadn't planned on getting a gift. “Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't get a return- …gift–” he trails off, lifting his to meet the eyes of his date, and is completely caught off guard when he sees a pair of extremely familiar pink eyes.

“Blush…?”

…

There was a faint moment of silence when Blush heard his name, his head tilting up towards the voice calling him.

“Patron?” His smile was easy, comforting as he looked at his friend, “Have you come to join in on the blind dates too?”

It seemed the priest hadn’t picked up on why Patron was at his table.

…

The man in question slumped forward a bit, scratching his cheek with a bit of a shy smile on his face. He was glad to see he'd been paired up with his trusted friend, however…the fact he had gone on this date in an act of trying not to burden Blush only to end up with blush in the end was…unexpected. 

“Yeah, I sure did!” He laughs, trying to shake off the shy, awkward hold on him, “I really didn't think I'd be seeing you here, I didn't think you were the type to enjoy blind dates.” He admits, surprised. 

“And I would have brought a gift if I'd known you'd been my date! I- I'll buy you a bouquet of flowers after this, alright?” He adds, still feeling rather guilty about the whole thing. 

…

Blush sighed quietly, shaking his head, “I’m not, but Oleander said I should join and I have to humor him unfortunately.” 

He paused then, his eyes widening before a large grin spread over his face. He sat up straight, his tail already wagging under the table. “Patron? You’re my date?” 

He stood up, grabbing Patron’s hand and pressing a quick kiss against the other bun’s knuckle. “How lucky I must be.”

…

The mulberry rabbit laughs, “Ah, the head priest after you again, eh? I should've known his meddling was involved. Not that I'm complaining.” His shy awkwardness was melting away thanks to the comforting familiarity his dear friend brought. 

He finds himself endeared at the way Blush visibly lights up at the admittedly somewhat delayed realization of who exactly is his date. Patron's attempts at a smirk soften at hid genuine excitement. “Indeed I am. Here I was starting to worry that I'd found myself angering my partner before I even got to sit down, but you'll let me off the hook, right?”

His face heats up a bit at the affectionate press of lips against his hand. The bun clears his throat, squeezing his partner's hand in return. “We are both lucky, I'd say. There's nobody I'd rather see at the other end of this table, waiting for me.”

…

Blush chuckled, “It comes with the job I’m afraid, Oleander is nothing compared to when Mercy has a thing or two to complain to me about.” 

He smiled, looking at Patron with a soft expression. “Of course, it’s you after all. I’m just happy to have your company.”

He gestured at the table. “So shall we?” He paused, a mischievous look crossing his face, “Or would you rather disappearing with me for a while.”

…

Patron cringes in sympathy. “Oof. I can still barely imagine Mercy the way you describe them, if I'm honest. So different to how they appear in public…” he shakes his head. The horns atop their head that indicates their vice certainly fit with Blush's anecdotes, though. Perhaps he was just naive? Then again, that didn't seem quite right, either.

“Flatterer.” He accuses without a single ember of fire behind it. The sweet, genuine smile on his face was much more telling of his true feelings. “I'm happy to spend any time I can with you as well. Although, given how close we are to the season…I must confess I do feel a bit guilty.” he sighs, “I'd hoped to spare you the burden of my health, for once.”

However, despite his worries, it was not yet the throes of breeding season yet, and a bit of a lascivious grin takes over his face. “Oh? Patience, pastor.” His voice takes on a lower, silky purr, “Shouldn't you teach your sheep fully as a paragon of lust? Show me your skills at wooing before you lure me away from the flock.” He saunters over to the table, a playful bounce in his step as he dramatically falls into his chair, chin propped between both hands.

“I'm waiting, dear.”

…

Blush frowned, tilting his head to the side. He knew of Patron’s concerns with his health, but he never imagined it would lead to the other bun trying to avoid asking for his help during this season. “Do hush my dear Patron, I would never be burdened by your health or so vain to think it was a problem.” He smiled, “You always keep with me.”

He laughed then, the sound carefree as he slowly followed Patron to the table. “I’m getting ahead of myself, hmm?” He sat down, his eyes indiscreetly looking the other bun over. “It wouldn’t do if I wasn’t the perfect date.”

He reached for the box of chocolates he left on the table, setting it in front of Patron. “Maybe you should open your gift first? I have a feeling you’ll really like them.”

…

Patron sighs a little, fond, meeting Blush's eyes. “I feel I should have known that, given your eagerness to pamper me. I was even considering taking suppressants, you know, when all I've really wanted to do is spend this time with you.” He removes one hand from his chin to draw little nonsensical patterns on the table, “I'd trust nobody else with my body during such a high stress period, really.”

He flutters his lashes at the other bun as he's checked out, so shameless now compared to the way he grew flustered over a chaste kiss on the hand. It was funny, really. “I should say so. This is the season of passion- even my bar is decked out in pink hearts and drinks with two straws. The church's esteemed pastor should be able to outdo at least that, yes?”

To be fair, Patron himself had also dressed for the season. He was no less risqué than his normal wear to the outfit, but he wore a matching pink and white pair of panties and crop top today in honor of the season, at least. He felt the black lace and bindings were a bit much for the atmosphere of a blind date.

…ah, he was getting distracted, and a length of time had already passed since Blush had slid the box his way. “Ah, shit. Yes.” He hurries to open the box. If he were honest, he was expecting a set of adult toys or a lacy thong from the gift, so he's pleasantly surprised to see an innocent enough box of chocolates instead. 

“Oh! I love chocolate.” He grins, immediately picking one up and popping it in his mouth. His eyes widened as the richness of the chocolate was also paired with the pleasant burn and sweetness of rum. “Oh, darling. Liquor chocolates are my favorite! Are you sure you didn't know I was your date?”

…

Blush sighed softly, his chest aching. “You can tell me anything Patron, really. I would have been more than happy to spend the season with you.” He scoffed fondly, “Although maybe fate knew that, given I ended up being your date.”

He shook his head, amused by Patron’s teasing. “Is that a challenge my dear? Of course I can give you more than a few decorations can, or I’m not a very good priest.” 

He waited for the other bun to open the box of chocolates, trying not to smile too wide when he noticed the other wasn’t paying attention. It gave Blush time to admire his outfit, such care for the holidays, it made him wonder if he should have wore anything other than his priestly robes. But Oleander really did just spring this on him.

He snorted when Patron broke out of his thoughts and hurried to open the box. His tail wagged quickly when the other bun took a bite. “Not at all, I thought it would be a good ice breaker for my date. Hard to dislike a date with good chocolate.”

…

Patron smiles a little, somewhat wobbly, reaching away from the chocolates to give his date's hand a little squeeze. “You have far too much patience with me, you know. That means the world to me. I just…I care so much for you, I don't want to drag you down, you know?” He shakes his head then, a fond laugh, “...but it seems fate really did want to call me out on my bullshit. I know I couldn't be happier for it.” A bit of a playful grin at that, “Nobody satisfies me quite like you can.”

The grin is only growing as Blush takes the gentle provocation for what it is- they would enjoy this date without getting too raunchy, but it was still matentines and illness or not, Patron was feeling a bit more playful and willing to push back than he was normally. “Hmmm…I don't know…” he pretends to think, taking another chocolate. Instead of eating it this time, however, he Instead leans forward to brush it against Blush's lips.

His eyes have gone half-lidded with that half-smug, half-rakish smirk still plastered to his face. “I can definitely say you've gotten good marks for bringing me such a nice, high quality gift. Especially when I didn't bring one in return. That's certainly a point in the good priest's favor. However…” he pauses a moment for effect.

“We have special drinks for Matentines at the bar that were made with chocolate liquor, and I won't be surprised if the boss starts selling chocolates as the middle of the month draws nearer. You'll have to try a bit harder than that, my dear.”

…

Blush laughed quietly, squeezing Patron’s hand with a look of fondness. “Drag me down? Perish the thought, my dear, never assume my patience is for anything other than my care for you.” His tail wagged as his voice turned an octave lower. “And satisfy you I will this season, that’s a promise.”

He paused, his mouth slightly parting as a chocolate pressed gently against his lips. Blush  looked amused, opening his mouth wider as he leaned forward to take the candy, his tongue barely brushing Patron’s finger. 

“Oh? Have I lost to your place of business already?” He leaned back, his eyes heavy. “I wonder how I should spoil you? What does my Patron want so badly he thinks I’m losing?”

…

The look on Patron's face as Blush squeezes his hand back and coos reassurances is nothing shy of doe-eyed with adoration. A fresh wave of affection for the bun washes over him, and he feels silly for being worried in the first place. “Thank you. I know I'm safe in your hands.” And because of that, he could be as coy as he wished. The game was on. “A promise? My, how confident. What if I don't play as nice as I usually do?” He taps his free hand against the table as he speaks, almost lazily.

His friend doesn't hesitate to take the offered candy, but not without a subtle tease of the tongue. Patron's eyes visibly darken slightly as he stares. It takes him a moment to regain control of himself. He clears his throat, but his words still come out with a slight, throaty rasp.

“Not quite yet, but I would say the two of you are tied currently.” He watches Blush move, eyes seemingly glued to his features even as he lowers his hand to snatch up another chocolate. “That said, you have several advantages over my place of business. Your words, your…actions. Those are what I want, and the only hand you have to play, darling.”

He pops the new chocolate on his mouth, pointedly licking a tiny patch that had melted from his finger as he does, eyeing the pink lust bun all the while.

…

Blush raised an eyebrow, “Don’t worry Patron, I can make you play nice with a little encouragement.” He did like the challenge, even more when it was his friend he was trying to impress. A friend that haunted his every thought of late, who he wanted to give everything to.

Especially when Patron looked at him like that, that dark look that meant the other bun was trying to control himself. It was exciting.

“Is that right? Well you should know I’m good on my word, I’ll be sure to tend to every need you have of me.” He stared down Patron’s hand, watching what he knew to be a clever tongue. “I know I shouldn’t rush us, but my dear, you are temptation. I think the demon who raised me warned me about buns like you.”

…

Patron really didn't know what was coming over him- this certainly wasn't normal for him. He loved to tease and play around with Blush, but he never really directly challenged him like this. Something about the heat must be getting to his head though, because he seems to be finding all of this exciting rather than taking his normal role.

“Oh? I don't think that's going to be as easy as it normally is, my darling. But please do try. I'd love to see your…encouragement.” He sucks at the chocolate in his mouth a moment longer, before finally biting into the decadent sweet. The noise of pleasure he makes as the taste of rum and chocolate fills his mouth again may be…slightly exaggerated, but he wanted to see Blush get as worked up as Patron himself was becoming. 

“Ah, I must admit, that is true. You are always so attentive to me. Even if I decide to be a bit…demanding.” the last part is practically a purr as a thrill of excitement sends shivers down his spine. Huh. Seems he was liking this pushback way more than he was expecting. 

“Oh, my dear, no need to rush. The game is practically half the fun, and one I'm usually not so willing to play.” He snickers a little at the latter half of Blush's statement. “Who, little ol’ me? What exactly was that demon warning you about, mmm?”

…

Blush knew it was the season that caused him to be impatient, but just watching Patron tease him about this all being a game to win, he felt like he couldn’t breathe quickly enough. “You know Patron, I pride myself on being kind to you, careful, but if you keep this up, I might just have to comfort you in the morning instead of being gentle.” 

He tried not to focus on that sound the other bun made, the keyword being tried, but he was already picturing how else he could make Patron sound like that. “Demand as much as you want, my dear, I’ll give you everything you need.”

Blush shook his head, looking amused, “The game might end sooner than we thought.” He leaned further forward. “Warned me that my vice makes me too eager for a swaying tail like yours. A pretty bun that would make me do anything for him.” He took a deep breath, his eyes sharp, “Don’t tempt me too much, Patron, I find I’m not good at waiting during this season.”

…

Oh, yeah. The way Blush was looking at him right now was most certainly getting to his head, and the bartender felt drunk on adrenaline despite the fact he'd barely eaten two chocolates with actual alcohol in them. “And if I don't want you to be gentle? Maybe I won't go down as easily as I usually do.” He continues to push. He'd worry about the consequences the next morning. 

It's easy to see how much this teasing was affecting Blush, and it was definitely information Patron would be storing away for another time. He hadn't realized his date enjoyed Patron challenging him like this. It made him even more thrilled for what would come after they left the church. 

“Aw. Don't worry, I may be your pied piper, but I promise I won't let you drown.” He giggles, “If your eyes are on me, people who truly wish you harm won't be able to get through to you, right?” He finds himself unable to tear his eyes away from the intense gaze Blush had on his, but he still pretends to pout. “Aw. I hate to interrupt our game before it's conclusion, but I suppose I'd better tempt you someplace else before this table's sturdiness is tested. Wanna head back to mine?” He couldn't even hide how eager he was to leave, and promptly. 

…

Blush hoped Patron meant it when he say he wouldn’t go down so easily, the priest had a feeling he was going to let himself really test the other bun’s limits. “I’d like to see that.”

He chuckled, “I’m that obvious? I have been thinking about how much this table can hold.” He was teasing, mostly, but he also knew Patron was having a difficult time refusing the urge to leave too.

He stood up, grabbing Patron’s hand as he pullled him to his feet. “Let’s go before I really let myself go.” It was easy enough to walk out of the church onto the street, the pair walking quickly.

He would have to tell Oleander later that the blind date was a success.