An air mattress...Well it explained how Rowan was sleeping in his apartment. He guessed also that he wouldn't be staying over at his partner's place any time soon. Those things might be more comfortable than the ground but they weren't terribly great with two people rolling on them.
"I suppose that's something." As a vampire any kinks from sleeping wrong would likely be gone shortly after Rowan woke. Cris looked up at his companion. "You could sleep here, if you like. At least until you get a bed." Christian smiled. "I promise to give you space if you need it and you can use the guest bedroom if you want to. It has a day bed but its better than sleeping on a plastic thing on the floor."
He didn't want Rowan to think that was his preference though. "However, I think my bed is big enough for the both of us."
Cris smiled at his lover as the talk moved onto the problem of his addiction. "Oh, I promise to at least occasionally use as directed but there will be times." He leaned down and licked a long line up the center of Rowan's chest before meeting his lover's gaze. "when it will be very improper."
His partner took him up on his threat, slowly leaning down to kiss him again. Christian went willingly into that embrace, returning it with equal passion. A sly smile formed on his lips when Rowan pulled away. "I intend to."
Guiding his lover to the back of the shower, he sat him down on the bench that went in a semi circle around the inside of the glass tube. Cris knelt on the tile floor, pushing Rowan's legs apart so that he could slip between them. He reached out a hand and brought it up underneath his lover's balls, running his fingertips lightly along them before trailing them upward to his reawakening erection. Bending down, he took it into his mouth and sucked gently. [So you are saying you don't want me to take a long time in teasing you until you ask to be taken.] Working his tongue over the head of his lover's cock, around the ridge and then up the underside, he added his hand once more cupping his partner's sack that dangled just off the edge of the bench. [I guess I'll just have to work faster.]
Hit the Snooze Bar Again (attn: Cris)
Rowan opened his eyes. There was a long moment of confusion. The ceiling looked oddly familiar yet not...
Five minutes of blinking cleared his memory as he woke himself up without the use of nine or ten alarms. By then he realized he was in Christian's home, in the big bed with the white cover and the blue sheets. And Christian himself, wrapped snugly around him, very obviously still sleeping for he was silent and still, the only indication of his being alive at all a deep breath once every minute or so.
Rowan looked down at his lover. He was beautiful on a regular basis but now, he seemed even more so. Completely carefree, not a line to mar the perfection of his face. Not a single muscle tense. Open, free and perfect.
Rowan was amazed to have woken up before Cris. He grinned to himself; he really must have worn his lover out earlier that day. Rowan never woke up before anyone. Although he didn't sleep long usually. Maybe Cris did. He would have the opportunity to find out now, he supposed, and that knowledge made him smile.
He softly began to stroke Christian's side, turning his head toward his lover, letting his hands wander over the scar-dotted skin, down to his stomach and hips. If he was going to wake Cris up, he was going to do it as pleasantly as possible.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan smiled at Cris's tone. "Well... it's better than the floor," he admitted. "I meant to buy a bed earlier but time has sort of run away with me." That and working ninety six hours in a week. But he was sure Cris understood that part.
Christian's next offer, though, had Rowan stopping everything. Sleep there... at Cris's? Yes, of course he wanted that. How could he deny it? Moreover, how could he refuse? One look at Christian's face, five minutes spent in his presence, and Rowan was done. Lost in wanting.
How could he want this so soon? Cris had made a hell of an impression, and Rowan had been around the block plenty of times. He supposed that was why, when someone hit him this hard, he hadn't tried to resist. It was so sudden though that Rowan was forced to step back and assure himself that he hadn't inadvertently suggested anything. Could he? He didn't know Cris's exact age; for all he knew that was highly improbable. But, he resolved, he had to tell Cris about his ability to do so.
What have you done to me? Why is it so difficult to keep my hands off you? Those were questions he'd heard from Cris. Rowan, with his few uses of empathy, thought he understood the answers. But he couldn't, absolutely couldn't, have Cris thinking he had done something, actually willingly done something, to encourage it aside from be himself.
Suddenly he hated his suggestion very much. He didn't use it much, the same as his empathy. He'd have preferred different abilities if he'd had any choice in the matter. Sure, both were useful in his profession on occasion, but Rowan would have ditched them in a heartbeat.
When they got out of the shower he'd tell Cris everything he could do, each of his abilities, and pray his lover would trust that Rowan had a strong set of morals for a pirate, and hadn't influenced anything they'd done. The idea that such a misunderstanding could occur was terrifying to him now. It hadn't even occurred to him to mention all of it; he so rarely had anything but one-night stands.
He held Cris tighter to him, positively clinging for a moment. "I think... I'd like that a lot," he said softly. "You're kind to offer. I don't need much room really. I just write a lot and, well, I play music. But that can be done upstairs if it bothers you. I certainly don't need to do it here."
The conversation was tabled, however, as he allowed himself to be led and seated. He would talk to Cris about it... very soon. He certainly wasn't going to push his lover away, not when he was doing such delicious things to him. He leaned his head back and moaned softly, his body's response to Cris's mouth and hands almost immediate despite their recent activites.
Looking down at Cris, Rowan smiled, a wicked little smile that countered Cris's previous sly one. "I don't want you to tease," he said. "I want you to take me. Now. Hard."
Christian had mentioned previously that he could be more aggressive. And he knew his partner enjoyed being spoken to, as much as Rowan did. So he smiled even as he groaned with pleasure.
"I want you to take me like you did... that first time."
It was unbelievable that Cris could get this response from him so soon after they had just made love out on the bed but Rowan wasn't going to fight it. He wanted this. "I want to feel you pushing into me, stretching me around your cock, coming inside me. I want to wrap my legs around you. I don't want you to hold anything back."
He wanted to know the aggressive Cris as well as the Cris who had lain so patiently still while Rowan wrote upon him. They were both him, and Rowan was, as he'd maintained before, just as greedy as his lover.
Christian's next offer, though, had Rowan stopping everything. Sleep there... at Cris's? Yes, of course he wanted that. How could he deny it? Moreover, how could he refuse? One look at Christian's face, five minutes spent in his presence, and Rowan was done. Lost in wanting.
How could he want this so soon? Cris had made a hell of an impression, and Rowan had been around the block plenty of times. He supposed that was why, when someone hit him this hard, he hadn't tried to resist. It was so sudden though that Rowan was forced to step back and assure himself that he hadn't inadvertently suggested anything. Could he? He didn't know Cris's exact age; for all he knew that was highly improbable. But, he resolved, he had to tell Cris about his ability to do so.
What have you done to me? Why is it so difficult to keep my hands off you? Those were questions he'd heard from Cris. Rowan, with his few uses of empathy, thought he understood the answers. But he couldn't, absolutely couldn't, have Cris thinking he had done something, actually willingly done something, to encourage it aside from be himself.
Suddenly he hated his suggestion very much. He didn't use it much, the same as his empathy. He'd have preferred different abilities if he'd had any choice in the matter. Sure, both were useful in his profession on occasion, but Rowan would have ditched them in a heartbeat.
When they got out of the shower he'd tell Cris everything he could do, each of his abilities, and pray his lover would trust that Rowan had a strong set of morals for a pirate, and hadn't influenced anything they'd done. The idea that such a misunderstanding could occur was terrifying to him now. It hadn't even occurred to him to mention all of it; he so rarely had anything but one-night stands.
He held Cris tighter to him, positively clinging for a moment. "I think... I'd like that a lot," he said softly. "You're kind to offer. I don't need much room really. I just write a lot and, well, I play music. But that can be done upstairs if it bothers you. I certainly don't need to do it here."
The conversation was tabled, however, as he allowed himself to be led and seated. He would talk to Cris about it... very soon. He certainly wasn't going to push his lover away, not when he was doing such delicious things to him. He leaned his head back and moaned softly, his body's response to Cris's mouth and hands almost immediate despite their recent activites.
Looking down at Cris, Rowan smiled, a wicked little smile that countered Cris's previous sly one. "I don't want you to tease," he said. "I want you to take me. Now. Hard."
Christian had mentioned previously that he could be more aggressive. And he knew his partner enjoyed being spoken to, as much as Rowan did. So he smiled even as he groaned with pleasure.
"I want you to take me like you did... that first time."
It was unbelievable that Cris could get this response from him so soon after they had just made love out on the bed but Rowan wasn't going to fight it. He wanted this. "I want to feel you pushing into me, stretching me around your cock, coming inside me. I want to wrap my legs around you. I don't want you to hold anything back."
He wanted to know the aggressive Cris as well as the Cris who had lain so patiently still while Rowan wrote upon him. They were both him, and Rowan was, as he'd maintained before, just as greedy as his lover.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Cris moaned around Rowan's erection as his lover told him clearly what he wanted. Lifting his head back up, he reached out a hand and brushed it down his partner's cheek. "When put like that...I have no patience to tease you any more."
He stood up and turned to the door, looking over his shoulder, he smiled back at his companion. "Don't go anywhere."
Padding quickly to the nightstand, he found the tube that he was looking for and came back. Christian thought absently to himself that he needed to wipe up his wet footsteps off the hardwood but that would wait until they were done with their shower.
Holding up the small object, Cris smirked. "I take that back; there is something I need." He uncapped the tube and coated his fingers. Setting the tube down on the bench, Christian took Rowan by the hand and pulled him to his feet. He turned his companion and pressed them both against the other side of the shower. "One for every room might be enough." Placing his lover's hands against the metal railing that ran inside the shower, he said. "I think you might want to hold on." Placing his arm around his lover's back he sent. [Wrap your legs around me.] Cris then lifted his partner up, letting Rowan lean his upper body back onto his hands. He was strong enough to hold his lover easily but he saw the advantages of their surroundings and wished to utilize them. Christian was quite sure his partner would appreciate the extra leverage later. "It will hold you. No need to worry."
Sliding his fingers between their bodies, he teased Rowan's opening, gently pushing first one and then another inside. "I love when you tell me what you want." Thrusting in and out, he added. "Its so honest and erotic to hear you say it so plainly." Christian grinned, pulling his fingers away and guiding himself inside to replace them. "It makes you almost impossible to refuse."
He stood up and turned to the door, looking over his shoulder, he smiled back at his companion. "Don't go anywhere."
Padding quickly to the nightstand, he found the tube that he was looking for and came back. Christian thought absently to himself that he needed to wipe up his wet footsteps off the hardwood but that would wait until they were done with their shower.
Holding up the small object, Cris smirked. "I take that back; there is something I need." He uncapped the tube and coated his fingers. Setting the tube down on the bench, Christian took Rowan by the hand and pulled him to his feet. He turned his companion and pressed them both against the other side of the shower. "One for every room might be enough." Placing his lover's hands against the metal railing that ran inside the shower, he said. "I think you might want to hold on." Placing his arm around his lover's back he sent. [Wrap your legs around me.] Cris then lifted his partner up, letting Rowan lean his upper body back onto his hands. He was strong enough to hold his lover easily but he saw the advantages of their surroundings and wished to utilize them. Christian was quite sure his partner would appreciate the extra leverage later. "It will hold you. No need to worry."
Sliding his fingers between their bodies, he teased Rowan's opening, gently pushing first one and then another inside. "I love when you tell me what you want." Thrusting in and out, he added. "Its so honest and erotic to hear you say it so plainly." Christian grinned, pulling his fingers away and guiding himself inside to replace them. "It makes you almost impossible to refuse."
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan pressed his cheek against Cris's hand, suddenly feeling desperate to tell him what he needed to tell him. He would. Immediately. Right after... because with Cris doing what he was doing, Rowan couldn't form a full sentence anyhow.
Rowan grinned as Cris came back and said there was something he needed. He let Cris position him against the opposite wall of the shower, his lover's intent obvious. He obligingly wrapped his long legs around Christian's narrow waist, watching his lover with parted lips, already panting slightly in anticipation. Rowan braced himself against the cool rail with one arm, wrapping the other around Cris's neck as he was lifted off his feet.
"I'm not worried," he said, smiling. "You're here. It's all good."
He meant that. He trusted Cris. For matters more than simple things like railings. It wasn't difficult to do; Rowan thought he understood Cris well so far. At least he hoped so. He tipped his head back against the wall of the shower and sighed in pleasure as Christian entered him with his fingers. The words about honesty sent a little pang of guilt through his chest but he would fix it. He would tell Cris what he needed to know.
Rowan moaned as Cris withdrew his fingers and replaced them with his rigid cock. He strained toward it, gasping as he did, indeed stretch around it, the pressure delightful to feel. "Almost... irresistible?" he managed to pant. "I'm losing my touch."
As Christian sheathed himself fully inside of him, Rowan gripped the railing with his one hand, the other pulling Cris as close as he could. "That's perfect," he groaned. "My god, you feel so good. More. Please."
He wasn't above begging for it. Not with Cris, he shamefully wanted it all, right now, no mercy.
Rowan grinned as Cris came back and said there was something he needed. He let Cris position him against the opposite wall of the shower, his lover's intent obvious. He obligingly wrapped his long legs around Christian's narrow waist, watching his lover with parted lips, already panting slightly in anticipation. Rowan braced himself against the cool rail with one arm, wrapping the other around Cris's neck as he was lifted off his feet.
"I'm not worried," he said, smiling. "You're here. It's all good."
He meant that. He trusted Cris. For matters more than simple things like railings. It wasn't difficult to do; Rowan thought he understood Cris well so far. At least he hoped so. He tipped his head back against the wall of the shower and sighed in pleasure as Christian entered him with his fingers. The words about honesty sent a little pang of guilt through his chest but he would fix it. He would tell Cris what he needed to know.
Rowan moaned as Cris withdrew his fingers and replaced them with his rigid cock. He strained toward it, gasping as he did, indeed stretch around it, the pressure delightful to feel. "Almost... irresistible?" he managed to pant. "I'm losing my touch."
As Christian sheathed himself fully inside of him, Rowan gripped the railing with his one hand, the other pulling Cris as close as he could. "That's perfect," he groaned. "My god, you feel so good. More. Please."
He wasn't above begging for it. Not with Cris, he shamefully wanted it all, right now, no mercy.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Cris laughed at Rowan's answer expecting the man to complain about being 'almost' irresistible, a thing that to many would be quite the achievement. "Yes" He grinned wickedly. "sometimes I might wait to give in, just to watch you try a little harder." Christian knew that Rowan always did his best and that effort never failed to please him beyond his ability to express. However he could tease just a little.
He began slowly thrusting in and out of his partner, feeling the water from the shower pound on his shoulders with an insistent rhythm as if it too were pushing him toward the edge of bliss. His lover's words were what drove him like nothing else. Rowan's voice thick with desire asking for more.
Cris realized that he had lied. Rowan was truly irresistible.
With a pleased sigh, he picked up the pace, wrapping his free hand around his lover's erection and stroking it in time with his powerful thrusts. Right now, he wasn't teasing, he wasn't gentle, or tender. He locked eyes with Rowan, looking at him with the fierce hunger that he felt for his lover. The gaze contained all the need that his partner's words and mere presence ignited him so easily, fueling his desire until Cris felt that it would consume him. Rowan had asked him not to hold anything back. He took him at his word.
His own voice held a ragged edge as he spoke, just over the patter of the drumming water.
"As you wish."
He began slowly thrusting in and out of his partner, feeling the water from the shower pound on his shoulders with an insistent rhythm as if it too were pushing him toward the edge of bliss. His lover's words were what drove him like nothing else. Rowan's voice thick with desire asking for more.
Cris realized that he had lied. Rowan was truly irresistible.
With a pleased sigh, he picked up the pace, wrapping his free hand around his lover's erection and stroking it in time with his powerful thrusts. Right now, he wasn't teasing, he wasn't gentle, or tender. He locked eyes with Rowan, looking at him with the fierce hunger that he felt for his lover. The gaze contained all the need that his partner's words and mere presence ignited him so easily, fueling his desire until Cris felt that it would consume him. Rowan had asked him not to hold anything back. He took him at his word.
His own voice held a ragged edge as he spoke, just over the patter of the drumming water.
"As you wish."
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
"Then I'll try harder," Rowan said in all seriousness. "Until you can't resist. And you feel the same way I do, that if you can't take me right then you'll explode."
It was how Cris seemed to make him feel; as if he couldn't wait even a single second more. Rowan had never felt such burning need. He liked it. No, really, he loved it. He'd wanted to find someone like this for a long time. He just had to work hard to make everything right. He wasn't afraid of work.
For the meantime, though, Rowan was busy being transported by Cris's thrusts, which had begun far too slowly but were now picking up to a much more satisfying pace. Rowan curled himself up at the waist, using the hand behind Cris's neck to pull his lover down to him as he pushed up toward him. Rowan kissed him once, fiercely, deeply, and breaking away, gasped, "Yes. More."
He used the bar of the shower as leverage, holding it in his white-knuckled grip as he worked himself in time with Cris's hard thrusts, moving his hips against his lover. As Cris stroked him Rowan moaned softly, panting afterward as he gripped Cris with his legs and encouraged him.
"That all you've got?" he growled softly, wickedly goading but still smiling. His hand slid upward, burying itself in Cris's short hair. Still curled close he tipped his head to the side and offered himself to his lover that way as well.
"Take all of me," he pleaded, his voice softer than his previously growled question. "Come inside me while you drink me in."
There was nothing Rowan could imagine better then being completely possessed by Christian. He wanted it badly. Wanted to give all of himself. "I want to feel it. Every second of it."
There could be no restraint. Rowan was eager to be taken. Cris in this mood was just as seductive as when he was being teasing and gentle. Rowan hadn't lied; he did want Cris in every way, shape, and form.
It was how Cris seemed to make him feel; as if he couldn't wait even a single second more. Rowan had never felt such burning need. He liked it. No, really, he loved it. He'd wanted to find someone like this for a long time. He just had to work hard to make everything right. He wasn't afraid of work.
For the meantime, though, Rowan was busy being transported by Cris's thrusts, which had begun far too slowly but were now picking up to a much more satisfying pace. Rowan curled himself up at the waist, using the hand behind Cris's neck to pull his lover down to him as he pushed up toward him. Rowan kissed him once, fiercely, deeply, and breaking away, gasped, "Yes. More."
He used the bar of the shower as leverage, holding it in his white-knuckled grip as he worked himself in time with Cris's hard thrusts, moving his hips against his lover. As Cris stroked him Rowan moaned softly, panting afterward as he gripped Cris with his legs and encouraged him.
"That all you've got?" he growled softly, wickedly goading but still smiling. His hand slid upward, burying itself in Cris's short hair. Still curled close he tipped his head to the side and offered himself to his lover that way as well.
"Take all of me," he pleaded, his voice softer than his previously growled question. "Come inside me while you drink me in."
There was nothing Rowan could imagine better then being completely possessed by Christian. He wanted it badly. Wanted to give all of himself. "I want to feel it. Every second of it."
There could be no restraint. Rowan was eager to be taken. Cris in this mood was just as seductive as when he was being teasing and gentle. Rowan hadn't lied; he did want Cris in every way, shape, and form.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Cris sighed as Rowan kissed him and then demanded more.
His lover's goading words were met with a growl and even more savage thrusts. [Trust me you will get all I've got.] Christian abandoned all restraint, pounding into Rowan with a relentless rhythm. The hand in his hair was gentle and it tempered his lust with a surge of tender affection for the man who provoked and caressed him at the same time.
Rowan offered his neck and Cris immediately bent forward, wishing he had a hand free to pull his lover even more tightly against him. He sucked hard on the skin exposed for him, heating it, marking it as his own. [You make me want to possess you.] The words were simple but the emotional urge was powerfully felt. Right this moment, Cris had a driving need to claim Rowan as undeniably his. Christian sank his fangs in his lover's neck, drawing deeply, wishing the tiny marks would stay a little bit longer as a reminder of this moment. [Call you...mine.]
The combination of his lover's words, the taste of his blood and the relentless pace were quickly rushing him toward oblivion. Cris muffled a primal scream against his lover's skin, trying to stave off the final moment while pushing toward it with such ruthless determination.
In the end he was bound to lose, though the battle was well fought. He came violently, pulling away from Rowan's neck and crying out with the intensity of white hot ecstasy as it slammed into him and spread through out his body.
Shaking and spent, Cris took in huge lung filling gasps of air, heart still pounding, chest heaving. He looked at Rowan, his gaze still proud, challenging and fiercely predatory. As his breathing calmed, he watched his lover, his eyes softened and a smile touched his lips.
"I'm a man of my word."
His lover's goading words were met with a growl and even more savage thrusts. [Trust me you will get all I've got.] Christian abandoned all restraint, pounding into Rowan with a relentless rhythm. The hand in his hair was gentle and it tempered his lust with a surge of tender affection for the man who provoked and caressed him at the same time.
Rowan offered his neck and Cris immediately bent forward, wishing he had a hand free to pull his lover even more tightly against him. He sucked hard on the skin exposed for him, heating it, marking it as his own. [You make me want to possess you.] The words were simple but the emotional urge was powerfully felt. Right this moment, Cris had a driving need to claim Rowan as undeniably his. Christian sank his fangs in his lover's neck, drawing deeply, wishing the tiny marks would stay a little bit longer as a reminder of this moment. [Call you...mine.]
The combination of his lover's words, the taste of his blood and the relentless pace were quickly rushing him toward oblivion. Cris muffled a primal scream against his lover's skin, trying to stave off the final moment while pushing toward it with such ruthless determination.
In the end he was bound to lose, though the battle was well fought. He came violently, pulling away from Rowan's neck and crying out with the intensity of white hot ecstasy as it slammed into him and spread through out his body.
Shaking and spent, Cris took in huge lung filling gasps of air, heart still pounding, chest heaving. He looked at Rowan, his gaze still proud, challenging and fiercely predatory. As his breathing calmed, he watched his lover, his eyes softened and a smile touched his lips.
"I'm a man of my word."
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan gave a groan and laughed softly at the same time as Christian's words rang in his head. Cris's thrusts lost the semblance of control he'd maintained and he hammered into Rowan with a force that was just shy of painful, and it was perfect. Rowan continued to use the railing to meet those fierce thrusts, his face tensing itself into a grimace of agonized ecstasy.
As Cris bent and sucked hard on the skin of his neck Rowan could feel himself trembling with desire. "Yes," was the one word once more on his lips as he agreed to such possession. That was what he wanted. To become wholly Christian's even if it was just done in the heat of the moment. "Then call me yours," he gasped as Cris drove his fangs into Rowan's neck. [I am yours.]
The sheer pleasure of that bite, the delicious unrestrained fevered fucking, for that was what it was, the hand relentlessly working him; those were nearly enough there to drive Rowan over the edge of bliss. But Cris's muffled scream was the last straw.
Rowan turned his head away just a bit so it wasn't next to Cris's ear but pressing deeper, if possible, against his lover's mouth, and let go a scream of his own. His hands tightened on the shower railing and in Cris's hair, his hips slamming against Christian's as he came forcefully, his whole body going rigid as he felt himself throb, thrusting once or twice into Cris's hand before going perfectly still in the throes of release.
There was no time to lay back and relax; he immediately began to move his hips again, craving the feel of Cris's climax, unfulfilled until that happened. It did not take long. Rowan watched Cris's face as his lover pulled away from his neck. He held him tightly, still taking him fully in as he felt exactly what he'd wanted. The throbbing sensation deep within as Cris came had him moaning again; he didn't want it to end.
But end it must, and he found himself leaning back beneath Cris's fierce stare, wondering briefly if he had committed a grave error. Even if so, Cris was beautiful in his triumph and as his features softened Rowan let his hand slide from the short pale hair and drift around to brush his fingertips against Cris's cheek.
"So you are," he said, panting softly, smiling in return. "As am I."
He meant each word. There was no one else he could belong to; not now, possibly not since meeting Cris.
As Cris bent and sucked hard on the skin of his neck Rowan could feel himself trembling with desire. "Yes," was the one word once more on his lips as he agreed to such possession. That was what he wanted. To become wholly Christian's even if it was just done in the heat of the moment. "Then call me yours," he gasped as Cris drove his fangs into Rowan's neck. [I am yours.]
The sheer pleasure of that bite, the delicious unrestrained fevered fucking, for that was what it was, the hand relentlessly working him; those were nearly enough there to drive Rowan over the edge of bliss. But Cris's muffled scream was the last straw.
Rowan turned his head away just a bit so it wasn't next to Cris's ear but pressing deeper, if possible, against his lover's mouth, and let go a scream of his own. His hands tightened on the shower railing and in Cris's hair, his hips slamming against Christian's as he came forcefully, his whole body going rigid as he felt himself throb, thrusting once or twice into Cris's hand before going perfectly still in the throes of release.
There was no time to lay back and relax; he immediately began to move his hips again, craving the feel of Cris's climax, unfulfilled until that happened. It did not take long. Rowan watched Cris's face as his lover pulled away from his neck. He held him tightly, still taking him fully in as he felt exactly what he'd wanted. The throbbing sensation deep within as Cris came had him moaning again; he didn't want it to end.
But end it must, and he found himself leaning back beneath Cris's fierce stare, wondering briefly if he had committed a grave error. Even if so, Cris was beautiful in his triumph and as his features softened Rowan let his hand slide from the short pale hair and drift around to brush his fingertips against Cris's cheek.
"So you are," he said, panting softly, smiling in return. "As am I."
He meant each word. There was no one else he could belong to; not now, possibly not since meeting Cris.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Christian stood staring at Rowan for a moment longer, before easing out and gently setting him down. The sex had been quick but mind blowing. It was one of those times when only after it was over that you fully realize what you've done.
He stepped back into the flow of the water, pulling Rowan with him. Cris wrapped his arms around his lover and held him close, stroking his back tenderly. Rubbing his cheek along Rowan's collarbone, he squeezed his partner tighter to him for a moment. He worried that he had been too forceful. Christian replayed the experience over in his head and did not find signs that his lover had not enjoyed it but after it was over perhaps he might feel differently.
"I don't normally..." Cris leaned back and looked at Rowan, brushing a thumb gently along his jaw. "Are you okay? Was that what you wanted?"
His words toward the end and his lover's reply struck him then. Christian would have dismissed it as spoken in the heat of the moment but Rowan's smile and his statement spoken afterward...
Taking a step back, he looked at his lover. He realized he wanted Rowan's words to be true as his companion had said they were. There were things he needed to tell him, first though, before he claimed anyone.
"Come lets get out of here quick before it does get cold." Cris quickly rinsed himself again. He stepped out and grabbed a towel. After drying himself off, he used it to wipe up his earlier wet footprints.
Returning to the bathroom, he said. "I do want you to be mine. I'm surprised by that but I can't deny it." Cris sighed softly. "I feel before you agree there is something that you need to know about me." He didn't want Rowan to worry but it wasn't something he wanted to discuss here, naked in the bathroom. Christian wanted to believe that it wouldn't matter but he knew that it might which was why he felt Rowan needed to know now before he committed himself to a serious relationship with him.
He hung up the wet towel and headed back into the bedroom. Christian put on a pair of faded jeans and a light blue tee shirt with the words 'an Apple a day will keep ANYONE away if thrown hard enough' and a pair of tennis shoes before heading downstairs. He could shave and finish getting ready later. Caffeine and serious discussion first.
[How do you like your coffee?]
He stepped back into the flow of the water, pulling Rowan with him. Cris wrapped his arms around his lover and held him close, stroking his back tenderly. Rubbing his cheek along Rowan's collarbone, he squeezed his partner tighter to him for a moment. He worried that he had been too forceful. Christian replayed the experience over in his head and did not find signs that his lover had not enjoyed it but after it was over perhaps he might feel differently.
"I don't normally..." Cris leaned back and looked at Rowan, brushing a thumb gently along his jaw. "Are you okay? Was that what you wanted?"
His words toward the end and his lover's reply struck him then. Christian would have dismissed it as spoken in the heat of the moment but Rowan's smile and his statement spoken afterward...
Taking a step back, he looked at his lover. He realized he wanted Rowan's words to be true as his companion had said they were. There were things he needed to tell him, first though, before he claimed anyone.
"Come lets get out of here quick before it does get cold." Cris quickly rinsed himself again. He stepped out and grabbed a towel. After drying himself off, he used it to wipe up his earlier wet footprints.
Returning to the bathroom, he said. "I do want you to be mine. I'm surprised by that but I can't deny it." Cris sighed softly. "I feel before you agree there is something that you need to know about me." He didn't want Rowan to worry but it wasn't something he wanted to discuss here, naked in the bathroom. Christian wanted to believe that it wouldn't matter but he knew that it might which was why he felt Rowan needed to know now before he committed himself to a serious relationship with him.
He hung up the wet towel and headed back into the bedroom. Christian put on a pair of faded jeans and a light blue tee shirt with the words 'an Apple a day will keep ANYONE away if thrown hard enough' and a pair of tennis shoes before heading downstairs. He could shave and finish getting ready later. Caffeine and serious discussion first.
[How do you like your coffee?]
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan went gladly into Cris's embrace on wobbly legs that he barely remembered he was supposed to skate on shortly. That would be interesting. He sighed with pleasant relaxation, lifting his head to look at Cris at his partner's halting words.
"Don't normally what?" Rowan asked with arched brows. "Don't normally love without restraint or boundaries?" He kept his eyes upon Cris. In his opinion it took trust to do what they just had. On both parts. Rowan loved it. He smiled at Cris. "How could I not be all right? Look at me. I'm better than all right. I'm fantastic. But was it what you wanted?"
He wondered as Cris stepped back suddenly, leaving him feeling somewhat cold and alone in spite of the warm water running over him. As Cris left Rowan thoughtfully gave himself a quick wash and rinse. Cris was back soon enough and Rowan smiled a little hesitantly at his words as he climbed out of the shower and claimed the second towel.
Why should it surprise him to want Rowan? He looked down at himself, perplexed. It wasn't like there was anything glaringly wrong with him. Arms, legs, hands, feet... Everything was symmetrical and proportionate. Therefore there must be more he needed to know.
"There's something I need to tell you too," Rowan said, glad for the chance to say it since they were on the topic.
He followed Cris out to the bedroom and found his discarded clothing. Cris headed downstairs and Rowan let him go, taking a few moments to calm himself.
[Black, please,] he sent. Heading downstairs himself he found Cris in the kitchen and regarded him solemnly with a concerned expression.
"Let me go first? That way if you don't like what I've got to say you needn't worry about what troubles you. You may change your mind about all of this when you know. I should have said it sooner but it never came up and it didn't occur to me... It was stupid of me."
There was nothing Cris could say that would change Rowan's mind. He knew that. But Rowan had not been up front from the start and he should have been, especially with some of the things Christian had said.
"Don't normally what?" Rowan asked with arched brows. "Don't normally love without restraint or boundaries?" He kept his eyes upon Cris. In his opinion it took trust to do what they just had. On both parts. Rowan loved it. He smiled at Cris. "How could I not be all right? Look at me. I'm better than all right. I'm fantastic. But was it what you wanted?"
He wondered as Cris stepped back suddenly, leaving him feeling somewhat cold and alone in spite of the warm water running over him. As Cris left Rowan thoughtfully gave himself a quick wash and rinse. Cris was back soon enough and Rowan smiled a little hesitantly at his words as he climbed out of the shower and claimed the second towel.
Why should it surprise him to want Rowan? He looked down at himself, perplexed. It wasn't like there was anything glaringly wrong with him. Arms, legs, hands, feet... Everything was symmetrical and proportionate. Therefore there must be more he needed to know.
"There's something I need to tell you too," Rowan said, glad for the chance to say it since they were on the topic.
He followed Cris out to the bedroom and found his discarded clothing. Cris headed downstairs and Rowan let him go, taking a few moments to calm himself.
[Black, please,] he sent. Heading downstairs himself he found Cris in the kitchen and regarded him solemnly with a concerned expression.
"Let me go first? That way if you don't like what I've got to say you needn't worry about what troubles you. You may change your mind about all of this when you know. I should have said it sooner but it never came up and it didn't occur to me... It was stupid of me."
There was nothing Cris could say that would change Rowan's mind. He knew that. But Rowan had not been up front from the start and he should have been, especially with some of the things Christian had said.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Cris added the fresh cream and sugar in his drink and had Rowan's mug ready for and waiting for him. He had enough black coffee out in the field to well over it. These days he preferred to indulge himself with a more decadent brew, saving the straight stuff for times when there were no other options. Luckily he had a stern enough reputation that no one chose to comment on his choice of beverage.
Taking a sip of his coffee, he answered his lover's questions from before. [To be perfectly honest, no, I don't...but then I have not spent a lot of time with the same person in a very long while. Loving without restraint, as you say, is hardly appropriate for most one night stands. I very much enjoyed it. I was just worried that you might have gotten more than you wanted. That's all. ]
When Rowan entered the kitchen, he slid the mug over to him on the counter. Setting his own down, he reached out and wrapped his arms around his partner. He had caught the surprise in his companion's expression and the glance down at himself as if Cris's words suggested there was something wrong with him. "I am surprised that I should feel so strongly so quickly. You're perfect. Don't think otherwise." He squeezed his lover once more before backing up, and taking hold of his mug once more.
Christian frowned thoughtfully at his companion wondering what could be so dire that Rowan worried that it would change his opinion of him. Nodding his head, he took a sip of his coffee before setting it down again. This seemed to warrant all his attention, Cris leaned against the counter and crossed his arms.
"Elaborate, please."
Taking a sip of his coffee, he answered his lover's questions from before. [To be perfectly honest, no, I don't...but then I have not spent a lot of time with the same person in a very long while. Loving without restraint, as you say, is hardly appropriate for most one night stands. I very much enjoyed it. I was just worried that you might have gotten more than you wanted. That's all. ]
When Rowan entered the kitchen, he slid the mug over to him on the counter. Setting his own down, he reached out and wrapped his arms around his partner. He had caught the surprise in his companion's expression and the glance down at himself as if Cris's words suggested there was something wrong with him. "I am surprised that I should feel so strongly so quickly. You're perfect. Don't think otherwise." He squeezed his lover once more before backing up, and taking hold of his mug once more.
Christian frowned thoughtfully at his companion wondering what could be so dire that Rowan worried that it would change his opinion of him. Nodding his head, he took a sip of his coffee before setting it down again. This seemed to warrant all his attention, Cris leaned against the counter and crossed his arms.
"Elaborate, please."
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
As Rowan reached the kitchen he was pleased to be embraced almost immediately by Cris. He smiled and shook his head. "I'm not perfect." If Cris still thought so after several months he would consider it a miracle. Hell if Cris still thought so in five minutes Rowan might go to church.
Rowan took up his mug with a smile of thanks and sipped the bitter brew in appreciation. He didn't always take it black; it depended on how he felt each particular occasion.
He clung to his mug with both hands as he took in Cris's appearance; his frown, his crossed arms, each bit of body language speaking of distance in such a way that Rowan did take a step back. He hated uncomfortable topics. Generally he avoided them but much like storytelling he recognized when it was important to face the music and act against his inclination. He wanted Cris. And that meant honesty in all things. Rowan believed in that in these situations.
He winced away from the cold and calculating words. Cris was an empath. He should be able to tell Rowan was sincere and not hiding anything. He knew his emotions would look bad... He was nervous, afraid, worried. But open and honest. There was only one way to tell how Cris would react and that was to start talking. So he did.
"I'm a suggester," he said bluntly. "And an empath. And you already know about the other stuff. To put it in the most sordid terms I was made to mess with people's heads. And at one time, a very long time ago, I did just that."
He kept his voice low, aware of the bitter tone. Rowan hated moat of his abilities now. They brought mostly trouble.
"I use them plenty now but usually only at work. Not on friends, not on clanmates, and please believe me Cris, not on you."
Rowan looked up at Cris finally, emphasizing those last few words. "It should have occurred to me before. The things you've said... Your surprise. I didn't consciously do that. But I don't know how to prove it to you."
He'd never been in this position before. It had never really mattered. "Please," he said. "I can't help what I am. But you have to know that aside from what you've allowed, I haven't, wouldn't, use those curses on my family."
Maybe they were gifts to some, but not to Rowan. He'd have been fine without any or all of them no matter how useful they were at work.
Rowan took up his mug with a smile of thanks and sipped the bitter brew in appreciation. He didn't always take it black; it depended on how he felt each particular occasion.
He clung to his mug with both hands as he took in Cris's appearance; his frown, his crossed arms, each bit of body language speaking of distance in such a way that Rowan did take a step back. He hated uncomfortable topics. Generally he avoided them but much like storytelling he recognized when it was important to face the music and act against his inclination. He wanted Cris. And that meant honesty in all things. Rowan believed in that in these situations.
He winced away from the cold and calculating words. Cris was an empath. He should be able to tell Rowan was sincere and not hiding anything. He knew his emotions would look bad... He was nervous, afraid, worried. But open and honest. There was only one way to tell how Cris would react and that was to start talking. So he did.
"I'm a suggester," he said bluntly. "And an empath. And you already know about the other stuff. To put it in the most sordid terms I was made to mess with people's heads. And at one time, a very long time ago, I did just that."
He kept his voice low, aware of the bitter tone. Rowan hated moat of his abilities now. They brought mostly trouble.
"I use them plenty now but usually only at work. Not on friends, not on clanmates, and please believe me Cris, not on you."
Rowan looked up at Cris finally, emphasizing those last few words. "It should have occurred to me before. The things you've said... Your surprise. I didn't consciously do that. But I don't know how to prove it to you."
He'd never been in this position before. It had never really mattered. "Please," he said. "I can't help what I am. But you have to know that aside from what you've allowed, I haven't, wouldn't, use those curses on my family."
Maybe they were gifts to some, but not to Rowan. He'd have been fine without any or all of them no matter how useful they were at work.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Cris listened to Rowan with a confused frown in the beginning. The fact that Rowan could use Suggestion did not seem so terrible. There were many people within their clan with the ability and he could not imagine despising Rowan for what he -could- do with it.
He listened and nodded when his companion explained that he had, in the past, used his abilities for less that honorable means. It was not a surprise to him that a young vampire would make the most of the new talents that he possessed. It was more important that Rowen had learned from his experience and grown beyond such uses of them.
Cris smiled and stepped forward, gently shaking his head at his lover's worry. "You didn't use that ability on me. I'm sure." Placing his hands on Rowan's hips, he sighed and looked out at the windows with their mid morning alpine view. "I have made a very large effort to stay away from intimate relationships, especially with clan mates. Its a long story. I'm coming to the conclusion that I'm an idiot who has made himself miserable for a very long time."
He smiled up at Rowan then. "Its been ages, literally, since I've felt this way about anyone and that's the cause for my surprise. That's all."
Christian placed a hand on his partner's chest. "They are not curses all the time." He shrugged. "I deal with suggesters often. I can't say that it is my favorite talent having had people try and convince me to 'let them go' or 'this matter isn't important' or 'you could just forget you saw that'. I've grown accustomed to the signs of it, either before or after it has been used. If you're worried about whether or not you might have unconsciously used it on me then try it now if you like."
Cris nodded his chin toward Rowan's coffee. "Something simple. Suggest I drink your coffee instead of mine. I don't have any particular reason not to so it should be easy enough."
He wanted Rowan to have no doubts about his feelings, shocking to him though they might be. If his companion harbored any belief that he might have forced him to feel the way he did then it would worry him and Cris could already see that Rowan was deeply troubled by it. The dark grey cloud in his lover's aura was so at odds with his lover's more vibrant normal hues. There was also a muddy blueish red that he had come to associate with nervousness that was also present but that was understandable given Rowan's confession. He was no doubt worried that Cris would reject him over it.
"Its okay. I care about you because you're you and that's not going to change so easily."
He listened and nodded when his companion explained that he had, in the past, used his abilities for less that honorable means. It was not a surprise to him that a young vampire would make the most of the new talents that he possessed. It was more important that Rowen had learned from his experience and grown beyond such uses of them.
Cris smiled and stepped forward, gently shaking his head at his lover's worry. "You didn't use that ability on me. I'm sure." Placing his hands on Rowan's hips, he sighed and looked out at the windows with their mid morning alpine view. "I have made a very large effort to stay away from intimate relationships, especially with clan mates. Its a long story. I'm coming to the conclusion that I'm an idiot who has made himself miserable for a very long time."
He smiled up at Rowan then. "Its been ages, literally, since I've felt this way about anyone and that's the cause for my surprise. That's all."
Christian placed a hand on his partner's chest. "They are not curses all the time." He shrugged. "I deal with suggesters often. I can't say that it is my favorite talent having had people try and convince me to 'let them go' or 'this matter isn't important' or 'you could just forget you saw that'. I've grown accustomed to the signs of it, either before or after it has been used. If you're worried about whether or not you might have unconsciously used it on me then try it now if you like."
Cris nodded his chin toward Rowan's coffee. "Something simple. Suggest I drink your coffee instead of mine. I don't have any particular reason not to so it should be easy enough."
He wanted Rowan to have no doubts about his feelings, shocking to him though they might be. If his companion harbored any belief that he might have forced him to feel the way he did then it would worry him and Cris could already see that Rowan was deeply troubled by it. The dark grey cloud in his lover's aura was so at odds with his lover's more vibrant normal hues. There was also a muddy blueish red that he had come to associate with nervousness that was also present but that was understandable given Rowan's confession. He was no doubt worried that Cris would reject him over it.
"Its okay. I care about you because you're you and that's not going to change so easily."
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan felt a vast wave of relief at Cris's very first words. It was tempered by the worry that that was exactly the sort of thing Cris would say if someone had used suggestion on him in the manner Rowan could have. When Cris explained the reason for his surprise Rowan felt his eyebrows draw together in wonderment.
"But why?" he asked softly. Then he shook his head, putting his hands on Cris's shoulders. "You're not an idiot," he said firmly, "but I don't want you miserable."
He felt anxious, then, to draw Cris from whatever cloud he was under. To chase away whatever it was that had turned him from such closeness. He was such a passionate person. People like Cris weren't meant to isolate themselves, to be alone.
As Cris put his hand on Rowan's chest Rowan drew him closer, embracing him warmly, feeling as though he could weep with relief and gratitude at Christian's ready acceptance. His first reaction at Cris's idea was to draw back slightly. He didn't want to suggest anything to Cris. Not at all. He did see what Cris was trying to prove, however.
"I don't want you to have to drink my coffee," he said. "If you did want to, though, just to try some, you'd be welcome to. It's quite good."
The second half of his statement was laden with suggestion. Rowan was no slouch at it; he could pack a punch when he wanted to, so he did. He had to make sure. He wanted to know for himself that he hadn't accidentally said or done something to force himself on Cris.
He heaved a huge sigh at having gotten the confession off his chest. Cris might not think his abilities were curses but Cris had not gotten into the sort of trouble Rowan had with them. Rowan had definitely learned the hard way.
Remembering that he wasn't the only one who'd had something important to say, though, he leaned forward and rested his forehead lightly against Cris's. "And I like you for you," he said with a smile, somewhat giddy with relief. "Do you think my affections are less engaged then yours? There isn't anything you could tell me that would change how I see you."
"But why?" he asked softly. Then he shook his head, putting his hands on Cris's shoulders. "You're not an idiot," he said firmly, "but I don't want you miserable."
He felt anxious, then, to draw Cris from whatever cloud he was under. To chase away whatever it was that had turned him from such closeness. He was such a passionate person. People like Cris weren't meant to isolate themselves, to be alone.
As Cris put his hand on Rowan's chest Rowan drew him closer, embracing him warmly, feeling as though he could weep with relief and gratitude at Christian's ready acceptance. His first reaction at Cris's idea was to draw back slightly. He didn't want to suggest anything to Cris. Not at all. He did see what Cris was trying to prove, however.
"I don't want you to have to drink my coffee," he said. "If you did want to, though, just to try some, you'd be welcome to. It's quite good."
The second half of his statement was laden with suggestion. Rowan was no slouch at it; he could pack a punch when he wanted to, so he did. He had to make sure. He wanted to know for himself that he hadn't accidentally said or done something to force himself on Cris.
He heaved a huge sigh at having gotten the confession off his chest. Cris might not think his abilities were curses but Cris had not gotten into the sort of trouble Rowan had with them. Rowan had definitely learned the hard way.
Remembering that he wasn't the only one who'd had something important to say, though, he leaned forward and rested his forehead lightly against Cris's. "And I like you for you," he said with a smile, somewhat giddy with relief. "Do you think my affections are less engaged then yours? There isn't anything you could tell me that would change how I see you."
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Christian sighed once more and shrugged his shoulders. "It is in the past. A relationship with a clan mate. It ended in her death and I resolved to not have that happen again."
He waved a hand, in dismissal of the topic. Christian would explain at some point if Rowan wanted to know but right now he was more concerned with the present relationship and making sure that it had the best chance to work as possible.
Cris looked at Rowan's mug for a long hard moment. His lover's words were deceptively contrary with the urge that struck him. Pushing it down with a bit of effort, he smiled up at his partner. "You are very good at that. That was smooth. I'm impressed." It helped that he knew that it was coming but over all he is still quite certain that he would have known if his feelings were coming from suggestion.
He slid closer again, wrapping one arm around Rowan's waist. "No, I don't think that you feel any less affectionate toward me but I know what I have to say and I'm not sure how I would take it."
Turning to Rowan, he said. "There is something that I feel needs to be said about my job and about my relationship with our Elder, Alfarinn." He smoothed his hand along his partner's arm, lest those words cause him to begin to worry. "He calls me his keeper. I suppose that is true after a fashion. I take protecting the members of my clan very seriously and Alfarinn, trouble maker that he is, even more so." Cris sighed. "Not long ago, it became wise for Alfarinn and I to be bonded. Its not my gift. Its his." Looking up at Rowan, he gave him a small smile. "We are not intimate. Never have been. But he can always sense me and I can always sense him. We both can shut each other out." Cris's smile tilted up a little further on one side. "No doubt he's done quite a lot of blocking of late."
He looked at his companion. "I know that its strange having your lover bonded to someone else. I hope you understand why it was done, that it is a friendship and a duty and not a romantic relationship. I don't want to lose you after just finding you."
Christian leaned his head against Rowan's chest, sipping his coffee.
[Alfarinn?] Cris heard the distracted response; it was quick and more real than his sendings. It was a true connection of both people, vivid and rich. He did not regret making the choice to bond to Alfarinn; he just hoped with all his heart that Rowan understood and accepted why he had done it.
[How do I feel?] The response back was a wordless question and a request for him to explain what he was asking. [I'm an empath but sometimes... I just don't know how to read me. I'd rather you, who are impartial, tell me what you sense.]
There was a thoughtful sound and Cris opened himself completely while thinking of his relationship with Rowan to allow Alfarinn to sift through his emotional state and give him his opinion.
[Well Cris, I sense happiness, worry, excitement, lust, respect, affection...love.] Christian bit his lip and sent his thanks. [Is that what you wanted to know? Its new but I'd say that if I didn't know you better, Starbuck, that you were falling in love. Let it happen and stop worrying about it. Though you are adorable when you worry...] Cris scowled inwardly at his friend and threatened him with the chattiest security member he could find the next time Alfarinn needed one. [Do I get to meet this ninja who managed to sneak up on you? I'm impressed and fascinated.]
Cris huffed slightly, but was pleased that Alfarinn was interested in meeting Rowan. [Yes, but not today. We have a date. Yes, you heard correctly.] He sighed. [Its going to ruin my robot image if it gets out.] Alfarinn's laughter rang in his head before his friend brought up his subterfuge once more.
He was falling in love... Alfarinn knew how to read people better than anyone he knew. In love...
Cris looked up at Rowan, giving him a brilliantly happy smile.
He waved a hand, in dismissal of the topic. Christian would explain at some point if Rowan wanted to know but right now he was more concerned with the present relationship and making sure that it had the best chance to work as possible.
Cris looked at Rowan's mug for a long hard moment. His lover's words were deceptively contrary with the urge that struck him. Pushing it down with a bit of effort, he smiled up at his partner. "You are very good at that. That was smooth. I'm impressed." It helped that he knew that it was coming but over all he is still quite certain that he would have known if his feelings were coming from suggestion.
He slid closer again, wrapping one arm around Rowan's waist. "No, I don't think that you feel any less affectionate toward me but I know what I have to say and I'm not sure how I would take it."
Turning to Rowan, he said. "There is something that I feel needs to be said about my job and about my relationship with our Elder, Alfarinn." He smoothed his hand along his partner's arm, lest those words cause him to begin to worry. "He calls me his keeper. I suppose that is true after a fashion. I take protecting the members of my clan very seriously and Alfarinn, trouble maker that he is, even more so." Cris sighed. "Not long ago, it became wise for Alfarinn and I to be bonded. Its not my gift. Its his." Looking up at Rowan, he gave him a small smile. "We are not intimate. Never have been. But he can always sense me and I can always sense him. We both can shut each other out." Cris's smile tilted up a little further on one side. "No doubt he's done quite a lot of blocking of late."
He looked at his companion. "I know that its strange having your lover bonded to someone else. I hope you understand why it was done, that it is a friendship and a duty and not a romantic relationship. I don't want to lose you after just finding you."
Christian leaned his head against Rowan's chest, sipping his coffee.
[Alfarinn?] Cris heard the distracted response; it was quick and more real than his sendings. It was a true connection of both people, vivid and rich. He did not regret making the choice to bond to Alfarinn; he just hoped with all his heart that Rowan understood and accepted why he had done it.
[How do I feel?] The response back was a wordless question and a request for him to explain what he was asking. [I'm an empath but sometimes... I just don't know how to read me. I'd rather you, who are impartial, tell me what you sense.]
There was a thoughtful sound and Cris opened himself completely while thinking of his relationship with Rowan to allow Alfarinn to sift through his emotional state and give him his opinion.
[Well Cris, I sense happiness, worry, excitement, lust, respect, affection...love.] Christian bit his lip and sent his thanks. [Is that what you wanted to know? Its new but I'd say that if I didn't know you better, Starbuck, that you were falling in love. Let it happen and stop worrying about it. Though you are adorable when you worry...] Cris scowled inwardly at his friend and threatened him with the chattiest security member he could find the next time Alfarinn needed one. [Do I get to meet this ninja who managed to sneak up on you? I'm impressed and fascinated.]
Cris huffed slightly, but was pleased that Alfarinn was interested in meeting Rowan. [Yes, but not today. We have a date. Yes, you heard correctly.] He sighed. [Its going to ruin my robot image if it gets out.] Alfarinn's laughter rang in his head before his friend brought up his subterfuge once more.
He was falling in love... Alfarinn knew how to read people better than anyone he knew. In love...
Cris looked up at Rowan, giving him a brilliantly happy smile.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan didn't press Cris on the topic of his tragic relationship. He frowned briefly when Cris waved dismissively, sure the topic would come up eventually and they would address it. He couldn't change Cris's past, obviously, but he could look for ways in which to make his future happy, if he had the chance.
As he tried to work his suggestion on his lover, he winced. He didn't want it to work. Thankfully, it seemed Cris was indeed able to throw it off. "I used to use it quite a lot. I got used to it."
As Cris slid closer Rowan slipped his arm across his lover's shoulders. Rowan drank his coffee slowly while Cris spoke. As the words came forth Rowan found himself wondering what he'd gotten into. What the hell was he doing anyway? He was a tiny fish in a very big ocean, and he'd just run across some very big fish. Cris was the head of Security. Rowan knew what that meant. Not just Meridian Security. Evenhet. And that meant working with Elder Alfarinn.
Very closely, apparently. That didn't bother Rowan. What bothered him was the fact that he could be stepping on some very important toes, suddenly coming in from nowhere. Giving himself to Cris. But Cris was Cris, he argued with himself. Everyone needed someone. And if he was Christian's, that matter as between them. Right?
Rowan nodded at Cris's words; he could understand why his partner worried. But as Cris leaned his head on Rowan's chest Rowan pulled him close. "Cris. No one's losing anyone here."
He looked down at the handsome face he was growing so fond of. "I understand why you're bonded. I don't think it's odd."
It made sense. Why wouldn't the leader of their clan form a bond with his chief protector, if that ability was available to them? "It's reasonable. I'm glad to know it's not a romantic link," he admitted, "but why would I mind? I wish i could share in that sort of thing with you."
He sighed. How different it might be if he had the ability to bond with Cris himself. But that wouldn't be the case. "Will he approve, do you think? Of me?"
Rowan's words were soft but his voice was determined. If for some reason he didn't meet with the Elder's approval he would fight for it. Cris was worth any effort. He didn't see why it should matter, really... but he was messing with people in far higher places than he. It was intimidating but Rowan was generally a confident person. He'd get through it.
He watched as Cris seemed to be thinking about something for a bit. A number of expressions crossed his face; he bit his lip, he puffed a sigh, and then he turned up to Rowan with the most amazing, beautiful, open smile Rowan had seen on his face.
He rested his hand against Cris's cheek and leaned down to kiss that smile. "Cris," he said, "I want to be yours. I don't think I could belong to anyone else, knowing you're here. Knowing you exist. Nothing you can say or do will change that."
As he tried to work his suggestion on his lover, he winced. He didn't want it to work. Thankfully, it seemed Cris was indeed able to throw it off. "I used to use it quite a lot. I got used to it."
As Cris slid closer Rowan slipped his arm across his lover's shoulders. Rowan drank his coffee slowly while Cris spoke. As the words came forth Rowan found himself wondering what he'd gotten into. What the hell was he doing anyway? He was a tiny fish in a very big ocean, and he'd just run across some very big fish. Cris was the head of Security. Rowan knew what that meant. Not just Meridian Security. Evenhet. And that meant working with Elder Alfarinn.
Very closely, apparently. That didn't bother Rowan. What bothered him was the fact that he could be stepping on some very important toes, suddenly coming in from nowhere. Giving himself to Cris. But Cris was Cris, he argued with himself. Everyone needed someone. And if he was Christian's, that matter as between them. Right?
Rowan nodded at Cris's words; he could understand why his partner worried. But as Cris leaned his head on Rowan's chest Rowan pulled him close. "Cris. No one's losing anyone here."
He looked down at the handsome face he was growing so fond of. "I understand why you're bonded. I don't think it's odd."
It made sense. Why wouldn't the leader of their clan form a bond with his chief protector, if that ability was available to them? "It's reasonable. I'm glad to know it's not a romantic link," he admitted, "but why would I mind? I wish i could share in that sort of thing with you."
He sighed. How different it might be if he had the ability to bond with Cris himself. But that wouldn't be the case. "Will he approve, do you think? Of me?"
Rowan's words were soft but his voice was determined. If for some reason he didn't meet with the Elder's approval he would fight for it. Cris was worth any effort. He didn't see why it should matter, really... but he was messing with people in far higher places than he. It was intimidating but Rowan was generally a confident person. He'd get through it.
He watched as Cris seemed to be thinking about something for a bit. A number of expressions crossed his face; he bit his lip, he puffed a sigh, and then he turned up to Rowan with the most amazing, beautiful, open smile Rowan had seen on his face.
He rested his hand against Cris's cheek and leaned down to kiss that smile. "Cris," he said, "I want to be yours. I don't think I could belong to anyone else, knowing you're here. Knowing you exist. Nothing you can say or do will change that."
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Cris sighed happily at Rowan's words. "I'm glad. I wanted you to know now but I was still afraid you wouldn't be very happy about it."
He squeezed his lover tightly. "I wish you could also. Its interesting. I've come to know Alfarinn better in the last year or so than I've ever known him. However, who's to say I wouldn't have known just as much if we'd just been closer? I'm sure we can muddle through without it."
Christian laughed and looked up at Rowan. "I think he will. He already wants to know who this 'ninja' was who managed to sneak up on me. His words, not mine." Still smiling, he scratched his head and looked sheepish. "He also told me to stop worrying."
Setting his coffee cup down, Cris pulled Rowan down to him for a lingering kiss. "I will most certainly lay claim to you if you'll let me. There is also no doubt in my mind that I'm equally yours. I think of you constantly and want no one else." After another such kiss, he stepped back, those tended to lead to other things and they'd never manage to leave if that happened. Perhaps some day they wouldn't have such passion for each other but he hoped it was not any time in the near future.
Finishing his coffee, he said. "Give me a moment to shave and brush." Christian gestured in a circular motion around his face to suggest both hair and teeth. "Then we can take a trip upstairs to get the things you need. Maybe when we get back we can retrieve some work clothes and such."
Grabbing Rowan by the waistband, he pulled him close once more, unable to resist another kiss before hurrying off upstairs to finish getting ready, whistling happily as he went.
He squeezed his lover tightly. "I wish you could also. Its interesting. I've come to know Alfarinn better in the last year or so than I've ever known him. However, who's to say I wouldn't have known just as much if we'd just been closer? I'm sure we can muddle through without it."
Christian laughed and looked up at Rowan. "I think he will. He already wants to know who this 'ninja' was who managed to sneak up on me. His words, not mine." Still smiling, he scratched his head and looked sheepish. "He also told me to stop worrying."
Setting his coffee cup down, Cris pulled Rowan down to him for a lingering kiss. "I will most certainly lay claim to you if you'll let me. There is also no doubt in my mind that I'm equally yours. I think of you constantly and want no one else." After another such kiss, he stepped back, those tended to lead to other things and they'd never manage to leave if that happened. Perhaps some day they wouldn't have such passion for each other but he hoped it was not any time in the near future.
Finishing his coffee, he said. "Give me a moment to shave and brush." Christian gestured in a circular motion around his face to suggest both hair and teeth. "Then we can take a trip upstairs to get the things you need. Maybe when we get back we can retrieve some work clothes and such."
Grabbing Rowan by the waistband, he pulled him close once more, unable to resist another kiss before hurrying off upstairs to finish getting ready, whistling happily as he went.
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan shook his head at Cris. "No. It makes sense to me. Why wouldn't you share a bond if such a thing were available to you?" He might not always like it but Rowan couldn't say anything against it. It was practical, and he had no reason to believe it was anything other than what Cris said it was.
He smiled at Cris and shrugged. "I'm already bound to you," he said softly, confidently. He didn't need to say anymore on the topic. He had made his opinion clear in that regard.
As Cris relayed his communication with Alfarinn, which Rowan assumed was the reason for the odd number of expression Cris had made previously, Rowan laughed. "Did you set him straight? Pirates are far better than ninjas any day. I think ninjas are extinct anyway. You never see them."
He didn't need to be asked twice to kiss Cris, and suspected he might never have to be. He leaned down as he was tugged and met his partner's lips, caressing them happily and nibbling and sucking his way around until they broke apart. "Let you?" he asked when they pulled away. "Another week and I'd have begged you."
He held Cris tightly once more as they kissed again. He grimaced when they parted but he understood. They had a date. They'd be back soon enough to mess up poor Cris's bed.
"I'll be waiting here," he said, finishing off his coffee and smiling at Cris. While he did so, he picked up both empty coffee mugs and rinsed them in the sink. A brief look around revealed a dish rag and detergent and he made sure both mugs were rinsed and cleaned.
By the time Cris returned Rowan was done and waiting by the door. He hadn't bothered to pack the wii, assuming it might prove entertaining at some later point.
"Ready?" He couldn't help thinking that Cris was gorgeous. Rowan tried not to stare as he came back downstairs but everything about him sent off warning bell in Rowan's head that this man was dangerously delicious.
Ah well, too little too late , Rowan thought with a smile. He grabbed Cris's hand, drew him close and kissed him once more.
He smiled at Cris and shrugged. "I'm already bound to you," he said softly, confidently. He didn't need to say anymore on the topic. He had made his opinion clear in that regard.
As Cris relayed his communication with Alfarinn, which Rowan assumed was the reason for the odd number of expression Cris had made previously, Rowan laughed. "Did you set him straight? Pirates are far better than ninjas any day. I think ninjas are extinct anyway. You never see them."
He didn't need to be asked twice to kiss Cris, and suspected he might never have to be. He leaned down as he was tugged and met his partner's lips, caressing them happily and nibbling and sucking his way around until they broke apart. "Let you?" he asked when they pulled away. "Another week and I'd have begged you."
He held Cris tightly once more as they kissed again. He grimaced when they parted but he understood. They had a date. They'd be back soon enough to mess up poor Cris's bed.
"I'll be waiting here," he said, finishing off his coffee and smiling at Cris. While he did so, he picked up both empty coffee mugs and rinsed them in the sink. A brief look around revealed a dish rag and detergent and he made sure both mugs were rinsed and cleaned.
By the time Cris returned Rowan was done and waiting by the door. He hadn't bothered to pack the wii, assuming it might prove entertaining at some later point.
"Ready?" He couldn't help thinking that Cris was gorgeous. Rowan tried not to stare as he came back downstairs but everything about him sent off warning bell in Rowan's head that this man was dangerously delicious.
Ah well, too little too late , Rowan thought with a smile. He grabbed Cris's hand, drew him close and kissed him once more.
Christian Bern
13 years ago
Christian smiled at Rowan when he came back down the stairs. He looked down at himself and shrugged. "Ready enough."
He found himself pulled close for another kiss and it was easy to melt into it, his arms going around Rowan as if they belonged there. It was over too soon but Cris felt better knowing that there would be more, many many more. It was enough to almost make him start whistling again.
Pulling the door open before they were tempted to stay longer, he took Rowan's hand and headed toward the elevator.
"Good evening, MARI."
The AI's face appeared on the little screen. "Good evening, Mr Bern and Dr Murphy. Did you know there are eighteen different shapes of animal crackers? May I ask why humans bake crackers, which I am to understand are also called cookies into the shape of animals? Is it a predatory instinct?"
Christian reached out an arm and wrapped it around Rowan's waist as the door closed, pondering the AI's question with his head against his lover's shoulder. "I believe they were made to look like circus animals and not like prey. The cookies...or crackers are meant to appeal mostly to children who are quite fond of animals and the circus, generally speaking."
MARI frowned thoughtfully before nodding. "I will take that under advisement. Why are they called crackers if they are cookies? Is that not confusing?"
Cris shrugged and looked up at Rowan. "Do you have any idea?"
He looked back at MARI who seemed to be waiting expectantly for an answer. There were times when having the AI around did not make things faster.
"What floor are we going to, Rowan?"
He found himself pulled close for another kiss and it was easy to melt into it, his arms going around Rowan as if they belonged there. It was over too soon but Cris felt better knowing that there would be more, many many more. It was enough to almost make him start whistling again.
Pulling the door open before they were tempted to stay longer, he took Rowan's hand and headed toward the elevator.
"Good evening, MARI."
The AI's face appeared on the little screen. "Good evening, Mr Bern and Dr Murphy. Did you know there are eighteen different shapes of animal crackers? May I ask why humans bake crackers, which I am to understand are also called cookies into the shape of animals? Is it a predatory instinct?"
Christian reached out an arm and wrapped it around Rowan's waist as the door closed, pondering the AI's question with his head against his lover's shoulder. "I believe they were made to look like circus animals and not like prey. The cookies...or crackers are meant to appeal mostly to children who are quite fond of animals and the circus, generally speaking."
MARI frowned thoughtfully before nodding. "I will take that under advisement. Why are they called crackers if they are cookies? Is that not confusing?"
Cris shrugged and looked up at Rowan. "Do you have any idea?"
He looked back at MARI who seemed to be waiting expectantly for an answer. There were times when having the AI around did not make things faster.
"What floor are we going to, Rowan?"
Rowan Murphy
13 years ago
Rowan's heart lifted as Cris reappeared. He took in his lover's appearance appreciatively, a smile on his face. "Gorgeous," he said simply, shrugging his shoulders as smiled happily at the feel of Cris's arms around him.
He was quietly thrilled as Cris kept hold of his hand for the short walk through the hall on the first floor to the elevator. Once inside he leaned against Cris, wrapping both his arms around his waist and pulling him close. "I did say I wouldn't let you fall again," he murmured softly, remembering their first elevator ride. He wasn't sure how much of it Cris remembered though.
MARI greeted them and immediately struck up a conversation of sorts, on a topic which made Rowan groan inwardly. He did his best not to have anything to do with cooking at all. It wasn't one of his skills. It was, however, one of Henri's. Rowan had been a guinea pig for all kinds of techniques and creative efforts on the occasions when he did go back to Europe. While he didn't often go to France, having somewhat of an aversion to the place he'd been turned, Henri always came to see him.
"I don't really know," he ventured, "but I think it's in how they're made." Had Henri ever gone one a crackers versus cookies diatribe? Rowan couldn't recall but he thought it was possible. He shrugged. "That's all I've got. Try Google."
He had slumped against the wall so he could hang onto Cris; at his lover's question he looked up. "Oh. Fifteen please," he said.
Once the elevator began to move he simply tightened his arms around Cris, for no other reason than to hold him, and waited to hear if MARI did actually have the inclination to google animal crackers. He didn't doubt she could.
He was quietly thrilled as Cris kept hold of his hand for the short walk through the hall on the first floor to the elevator. Once inside he leaned against Cris, wrapping both his arms around his waist and pulling him close. "I did say I wouldn't let you fall again," he murmured softly, remembering their first elevator ride. He wasn't sure how much of it Cris remembered though.
MARI greeted them and immediately struck up a conversation of sorts, on a topic which made Rowan groan inwardly. He did his best not to have anything to do with cooking at all. It wasn't one of his skills. It was, however, one of Henri's. Rowan had been a guinea pig for all kinds of techniques and creative efforts on the occasions when he did go back to Europe. While he didn't often go to France, having somewhat of an aversion to the place he'd been turned, Henri always came to see him.
"I don't really know," he ventured, "but I think it's in how they're made." Had Henri ever gone one a crackers versus cookies diatribe? Rowan couldn't recall but he thought it was possible. He shrugged. "That's all I've got. Try Google."
He had slumped against the wall so he could hang onto Cris; at his lover's question he looked up. "Oh. Fifteen please," he said.
Once the elevator began to move he simply tightened his arms around Cris, for no other reason than to hold him, and waited to hear if MARI did actually have the inclination to google animal crackers. He didn't doubt she could.