Amir smiled to himself as he heard movement in the hall. The shower turned on and he hoped Jin had had the good sense to accompany Mara in... to help. That the Nightsman had done so became very obvious within a few minutes. Amir's apartment was not large and with vampire hearing being what it was... well, he didn't hear everything but he heard enough.
His fingers faltered on the keyboard of his laptop as he heard Mara moan softly. He'd heard her do that before, months ago, when he'd kissed her himself. It was no less tantalizing now. That noise was followed by an answering one from Jin... he recognized that sound, too. He'd heard it somewhat intimately in the last few weeks. There was a distinct edge to it, though... an edge Amir suspected would be in his own voice, were their places reversed. It was more than good to have Mara back, safe and sound where she belonged.
Amir stared blankly at the screen of the laptop as he heard their two voices together, calling out for each other just minutes after that. He was tense in his chair, imagining what the two of them must look like at that moment, his mind painting a vivid erotic picture. He couldn't find it in himself to be jealous - of either of them. It was very clear that they were in love and he loved them both all the more for it.
Amir gritted his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut, panting softly at the rush of desire he felt upon hearing that blissful, mutual climax. This time, he thought, was just for Mara and Jin. They needed it. A little voice inside of him insisted that he needed it too, but he quelled it and told it to settle down. Time to think with his head and not his heart - or other parts. He realized that he feared he might be forgotten and that unsettled him once more.
Now that Mara and Jin were together again, would they truly need a third wheel? Amir stood quickly, knocking over his chair. He reached around to catch it but it still clattered against the floor before he could right it. He heaved a slow calming sigh and moved back over to the little cook top. He turned it on and carefully began to measure tea leaves into the pot.
He would not be forgotten. Mara and Jin wouldn't do that to him; at the very least he trusted in their friendship. Jin had made it clear that he was desired but Amir wouldn't hold him to it, not when it could very easily have been their mutual longing for Mara that had drawn them together while she was away. He shook his head to himself. He would never have felt these doubts before... yet, still, he was glad to suffer them if they were the cost of his own freedom.
Well-Deserved R and R (private)
Amir parked Jin's car carefully outside the Manor and turned the engine off. He'd been quiet for most of the ride, listening to Mara speak. She didn't give as many details as he had hoped but maybe that was for the best. As she went through her Africa trip he found himself becoming increasingly tightly wound. The thought of her requesting an audience with Subira was a daunting one; always in the past he had been there to stand between them.
He could imagine Mara standing there, her distress palpable, thrusting Amir's ruined jacket at his Creator and accusing her of killing him. Subira would have had her lieutenants with her. Her current second was a woman called Maweii who was nearly as old as Amir. Not one of Subira's children but loyal to her to an extent and an incredible warrior. That position, though, was one Amir had filled until very recently.
He was very glad to have been in the front seat. The more details Mara did divulge the shakier he felt, and facing away from Jin and Mara he could exert some control over himself. He would be there for Mara next time. If there was ever a next time.
Now, he opened the door and stepped out into the warm night air, moving to the back of the car to open it for Jin and Mara. The entire trip the two had been entwined on the small back seat of the car. Mara was clearly exhausted from her long voyage home, but she smiled at him as he opened the door and her smile was as beautiful as ever.
Amir grabbed Mara's bags from the trunk and turned to his two companions, looking at Mara.
"Where do you want to go?"
Amir
13 years ago
Jin
13 years ago
Jin was happy and relieved that Mara had not been far behind him. He held her close and listened to her heartbeat while they rested for a few moments. Mara spoke to him in his native tongue words of love and tenderness and he smiled softly from his place on her shoulder.
He looked up at her words in English and smiled at her. "You aren't allowed to leave again, no going into harm's way...at least not without me." She was back and that was all that mattered now. He sighed happily after she kissed him. She released her hold on him and let herself down; he was tempted to cling tighter but they needed to shower.
Mara hinted at more to come later with a mischievous nip on his ear. He grinned back at her. "And I will be ready for you again and again." At least he would certainly try, unless Mara really did manage to exhaust him into a zombie.
There was a loud thud from the other room. Jin stood up straighter and tilted his head to the side.
"I wonder what he's doing in there. Redecorating something else?"
They should probably hurry the showering along and not leave the Huntsman alone in the other room having to listen to them. Jin almost blushed thinking about what they must have sounded like. He would have hoped that perhaps Amir couldn't hear them over the running water but a vampire, even one without his and Mara's extraordinary senses, would have been able to hear what they had done a moment ago. He hadn't been thinking clearly enough to remain quiet and part of him was very glad that he hadn't tried.
Pulling out some soap, Jin gently spun Mara around and began washing her shoulders, back and arms. "We should talk, the three of us, if you are up for it." Jin slid his arms around her and soaped her chest, giving both breasts a light teasing squeeze before moving onward.
"I have come to be very fond of Amir. " He came around her and gave her a serious look and then a quick kiss before bending down to wash the lower half of Mara. "I feel more comfortable with sharing you now that I know him better. I want it to be the three of us." Jin paused and looked up at her. "I care about him. I could easily come to love him." Perhaps he already did but it was too soon to say such things. "How do you feel? Do you still want to try all of us being together?" He wanted to know her feelings first and if she still wanted the same thing as before then they could both talk with Amir and assure him that it was a mutual decision. He didn't want Amir to be an unequal partner but he and Mara had begun an intimate relationship first and Jin wanted to be sure this was still what she wanted.
"If we do this..." Jin stood up and looked her in the eyes. "I want Amir to feel welcome. I think in the beginning we might have to prove he's not an afterthought. " Jin only felt the tiniest bit of fear at the thought of sharing Mara. He was certain that the feeling would go away when he saw them together and they still wanted him afterward. Up until now he had been with one or the other but not both and he had never witnessed the two of them being affectionate with each other. When they both still looked at him with desire then he would feel assured. Either way, he wanted to try and he wanted to do it right.
"I think he needs us. He seems...lost right now." Jin handed her the soap and turned around. "I think he's trying to sort out which pieces are the real him and which things were Sabira's." Jin thought the good parts were Amir but he was also coming to the conclusion that he was biased.
"Oh, when we get back in there, ask him about playing detective."
He looked up at her words in English and smiled at her. "You aren't allowed to leave again, no going into harm's way...at least not without me." She was back and that was all that mattered now. He sighed happily after she kissed him. She released her hold on him and let herself down; he was tempted to cling tighter but they needed to shower.
Mara hinted at more to come later with a mischievous nip on his ear. He grinned back at her. "And I will be ready for you again and again." At least he would certainly try, unless Mara really did manage to exhaust him into a zombie.
There was a loud thud from the other room. Jin stood up straighter and tilted his head to the side.
"I wonder what he's doing in there. Redecorating something else?"
They should probably hurry the showering along and not leave the Huntsman alone in the other room having to listen to them. Jin almost blushed thinking about what they must have sounded like. He would have hoped that perhaps Amir couldn't hear them over the running water but a vampire, even one without his and Mara's extraordinary senses, would have been able to hear what they had done a moment ago. He hadn't been thinking clearly enough to remain quiet and part of him was very glad that he hadn't tried.
Pulling out some soap, Jin gently spun Mara around and began washing her shoulders, back and arms. "We should talk, the three of us, if you are up for it." Jin slid his arms around her and soaped her chest, giving both breasts a light teasing squeeze before moving onward.
"I have come to be very fond of Amir. " He came around her and gave her a serious look and then a quick kiss before bending down to wash the lower half of Mara. "I feel more comfortable with sharing you now that I know him better. I want it to be the three of us." Jin paused and looked up at her. "I care about him. I could easily come to love him." Perhaps he already did but it was too soon to say such things. "How do you feel? Do you still want to try all of us being together?" He wanted to know her feelings first and if she still wanted the same thing as before then they could both talk with Amir and assure him that it was a mutual decision. He didn't want Amir to be an unequal partner but he and Mara had begun an intimate relationship first and Jin wanted to be sure this was still what she wanted.
"If we do this..." Jin stood up and looked her in the eyes. "I want Amir to feel welcome. I think in the beginning we might have to prove he's not an afterthought. " Jin only felt the tiniest bit of fear at the thought of sharing Mara. He was certain that the feeling would go away when he saw them together and they still wanted him afterward. Up until now he had been with one or the other but not both and he had never witnessed the two of them being affectionate with each other. When they both still looked at him with desire then he would feel assured. Either way, he wanted to try and he wanted to do it right.
"I think he needs us. He seems...lost right now." Jin handed her the soap and turned around. "I think he's trying to sort out which pieces are the real him and which things were Sabira's." Jin thought the good parts were Amir but he was also coming to the conclusion that he was biased.
"Oh, when we get back in there, ask him about playing detective."
Mara
13 years ago
Mara would have been content to cuddle into Jin's arms until the hot water ran out but a sudden clatter from outside the bathroom had them both looking toward the door in curiosity. She turned back to Jin, shrugging helplessly. It had sounded like Amir had dropped something... that wasn't like him. He didn't have an ounce of clumsiness in him, usually.
Jin's touch upon her skin was pleasurable even when they weren't leading up to having sex. Mara marveled that such a thing could be possible. It still felt too good to be true. Jin was always so good to her, tender and loving. He had never raised a hand to her or treated her roughly. Aggressively, yes, but not the sort of aggression that spawned violence. Mara was too shy still to tell him she loved it, the fact that he could be so forward and yet still so gentle.
She felt her body relaxing even further with every stroke of his hands. This was what a shower should be, every time, she thought with cat-that-ate-the-canary satisfaction. Her hands gently returned the favor, drifting over Jin's body as well, filling themselves with him as if not touching him was too much of a burden to bear.
Mara listened to him talk, nodding along with everything he said. Jin was much older than she, much smarter, and very certainly much more widely educated in matters of the heart. He had also been the one here to observe and care for Amir while he recovered and she took in everything he said regarding her creator, mulling it over.
"I know we need to talk," she said softly. "I think I need to start the conversation." She had been thinking about that since leaving for Africa. Now that Amir was free, he might not necessarily want her anymore. It could be he'd rather take time to himself. More likely, he would be hesitant to push himself upon her. He'd spent sixteen hundred years protecting her from the very things she now desired from him and from Jin.
"He has spent almost his whole life keeping me from harm," she continued. "I think I might have come to terms with this more easily than he. I need to show him it's all right. And then, we will need to show him together. Am I right?"
She nodded again at Jin's observation that Amir was trying to find himself. Then something dawned on her, something she hadn't really made a connection from before. She wrapped her arms around Jin's neck as she leaned against him.
"He once said he turned me for insurance. I didn't understand then. I think, though... he turned me and then kept me from Subira. It wasn't only to protect me. I think he was protecting himself."
That would be canny enough for Amir... he was a jackal. He was as clever as one. He might have known, that long ago, what was happening to him and he had taken a step to preserve something of himself in Mara. He had insisted she stay with him for three centuries and in that time she had learned exactly who he was and watched him change subtly. She could direct him back to himself... but it would be the self he had been sixteen centuries ago.
"I don't know that his plan worked the way he wanted," Mara said. "It's been so long. I don't think he intended to be hers for such a long time."
She shook her head. "Either way, though. I want you." She looked directly at Jin, deliberately saying his name first. "And I want my Amir, too." Mara rested her head against Jin's chest for a moment. "I'm so selfish," she sighed softly.
Jin's touch upon her skin was pleasurable even when they weren't leading up to having sex. Mara marveled that such a thing could be possible. It still felt too good to be true. Jin was always so good to her, tender and loving. He had never raised a hand to her or treated her roughly. Aggressively, yes, but not the sort of aggression that spawned violence. Mara was too shy still to tell him she loved it, the fact that he could be so forward and yet still so gentle.
She felt her body relaxing even further with every stroke of his hands. This was what a shower should be, every time, she thought with cat-that-ate-the-canary satisfaction. Her hands gently returned the favor, drifting over Jin's body as well, filling themselves with him as if not touching him was too much of a burden to bear.
Mara listened to him talk, nodding along with everything he said. Jin was much older than she, much smarter, and very certainly much more widely educated in matters of the heart. He had also been the one here to observe and care for Amir while he recovered and she took in everything he said regarding her creator, mulling it over.
"I know we need to talk," she said softly. "I think I need to start the conversation." She had been thinking about that since leaving for Africa. Now that Amir was free, he might not necessarily want her anymore. It could be he'd rather take time to himself. More likely, he would be hesitant to push himself upon her. He'd spent sixteen hundred years protecting her from the very things she now desired from him and from Jin.
"He has spent almost his whole life keeping me from harm," she continued. "I think I might have come to terms with this more easily than he. I need to show him it's all right. And then, we will need to show him together. Am I right?"
She nodded again at Jin's observation that Amir was trying to find himself. Then something dawned on her, something she hadn't really made a connection from before. She wrapped her arms around Jin's neck as she leaned against him.
"He once said he turned me for insurance. I didn't understand then. I think, though... he turned me and then kept me from Subira. It wasn't only to protect me. I think he was protecting himself."
That would be canny enough for Amir... he was a jackal. He was as clever as one. He might have known, that long ago, what was happening to him and he had taken a step to preserve something of himself in Mara. He had insisted she stay with him for three centuries and in that time she had learned exactly who he was and watched him change subtly. She could direct him back to himself... but it would be the self he had been sixteen centuries ago.
"I don't know that his plan worked the way he wanted," Mara said. "It's been so long. I don't think he intended to be hers for such a long time."
She shook her head. "Either way, though. I want you." She looked directly at Jin, deliberately saying his name first. "And I want my Amir, too." Mara rested her head against Jin's chest for a moment. "I'm so selfish," she sighed softly.
Jin
13 years ago
Jin nodded to Mara's statement. It would be wise if she started the conversation; she was who Amir most needed to hear from. The two of them had already talked some while Mara was away but Jin didn't think it would be real and acceptable until Mara told him how she felt as well.
"Yes, I believe you are right. He needs to hear it from you. I think he knows you love him but." Jin turned and smiled at her. "there is no way to describe how wonderful it is to hear you say it." He knew that from very personal experience; a part of him wanted to hear those words from her now even though it had not been long ago that she had spoken them to him.
Frowning thoughtfully, Jin listened to Mara's theory on why Amir turned her. "He knew that long ago that his Creator was trying to change and control him?" He didn't like the thought of Amir struggling with that kind of influence for so many years. It was no wonder that he was having a hard time remembering who he was. "I think he made you because you were just too strong, beautiful and unique to let go." Jin glided a gentle finger down her cheek. "And those other reasons came second." He would acknowledge that the Huntsman was smart enough to seek some kind of insurance against his own slow loss of identity.
"We will just have to help him find himself." He smiled at her. "I don't think we can convince him to meditate on a mountain top but I don't think that would be very helpful anyway. Family was part of his choice to become a vampire, as I recall. I believe this time family will come to his aid. Don't you?" He understood and could sympathize with that dedication that he saw in Amir. Family was very important to him as well and always had been. Anantya was his vampire family and he would do anything to keep it safe and see it prosper but his immediate family, Mai, Akahana and his other siblings were special even among the clan. Now, Mara and Amir were special; they were his family as well. It was no doubt difficult to reconcile loyalty to family with Subira's actions; she was not protecting her family by tormenting and controlling her strongest child. Jin wanted to see her dead so that she could do Amir, Mara, and even Bao, no more harm. With that thought in mind, he wondered what Mai and Akahana might have learned while they were there. Mara would be the subject of much attention but perhaps his family, his sister especially, would have been noticed far less.
Jin curled his arms around her, coming out of his violent thoughts and back to the more pleasant conversation. "You are not selfish, Xiao Mao." He kissed the top of her head gently. "You deserve more love than we both can give you but we will both try our best." Jin was very sure of that. "Shall we go see what he has been up to in there?"
"Yes, I believe you are right. He needs to hear it from you. I think he knows you love him but." Jin turned and smiled at her. "there is no way to describe how wonderful it is to hear you say it." He knew that from very personal experience; a part of him wanted to hear those words from her now even though it had not been long ago that she had spoken them to him.
Frowning thoughtfully, Jin listened to Mara's theory on why Amir turned her. "He knew that long ago that his Creator was trying to change and control him?" He didn't like the thought of Amir struggling with that kind of influence for so many years. It was no wonder that he was having a hard time remembering who he was. "I think he made you because you were just too strong, beautiful and unique to let go." Jin glided a gentle finger down her cheek. "And those other reasons came second." He would acknowledge that the Huntsman was smart enough to seek some kind of insurance against his own slow loss of identity.
"We will just have to help him find himself." He smiled at her. "I don't think we can convince him to meditate on a mountain top but I don't think that would be very helpful anyway. Family was part of his choice to become a vampire, as I recall. I believe this time family will come to his aid. Don't you?" He understood and could sympathize with that dedication that he saw in Amir. Family was very important to him as well and always had been. Anantya was his vampire family and he would do anything to keep it safe and see it prosper but his immediate family, Mai, Akahana and his other siblings were special even among the clan. Now, Mara and Amir were special; they were his family as well. It was no doubt difficult to reconcile loyalty to family with Subira's actions; she was not protecting her family by tormenting and controlling her strongest child. Jin wanted to see her dead so that she could do Amir, Mara, and even Bao, no more harm. With that thought in mind, he wondered what Mai and Akahana might have learned while they were there. Mara would be the subject of much attention but perhaps his family, his sister especially, would have been noticed far less.
Jin curled his arms around her, coming out of his violent thoughts and back to the more pleasant conversation. "You are not selfish, Xiao Mao." He kissed the top of her head gently. "You deserve more love than we both can give you but we will both try our best." Jin was very sure of that. "Shall we go see what he has been up to in there?"
Mara
13 years ago
Mara never ceased to feel amazed at Jin when he expressed his feelings to her so clearly, so intimately. "It is wonderful, hmm?" She pressed close to him once more. "I love you." She kissed his lips softly. "I love you." With an air of mischief she tenderly kissed his cheeks, nose, and forehead, repeating the phrase between each kiss.
Leaning back slightly at Jin's question she nodded, her face growing solemn. "I don't know when it got worse," she said. "I don't know when Subira started Commanding him. But I'm a little afraid it was much earlier than I thought. Possibly before she even turned him. he must feel so... undefined."
That was her fear for Amir. He was always so direct, so purposeful. She knew he must be floundering now, even if he didn't care to show it. She laughed softly at Jin, however, and shook her head.
"I was not strong when he met me, Jin. Nor was I very beautiful. I was covered in dirt and blood and bruises and I was ready to die. I begged him. He made me strong."
She smiled at him, lifting her shoulders slightly. Jin might have a romanticized view of her but she was very well aware of the girl Amir had turned... and the woman she had become. She was so much more now thanks to Amir, and thanks to Jin, too, who had somehow managed to heal the hurts of her heart and soul in ways Amir had not been able.
She nodded her agreement with Jin. Amir's family would guide him through this. No matter what he'd been to Subira, Amir had always, always treated his children with care. Tough love sometimes, yes, but he had never willingly harmed them or caused them pain. She thought that spoke volumes about the man he used to be.
They finished their shower quickly, even though it was tempting to remain there and take pleasure in each others' company. While they dried and dressed Mara considered how to approach Amir. She wanted to avoid the awkwardness she was sure would come. She wanted Amir to know for certain how she felt, what she wanted, knowing that Jin had already told him as much... about himself, and about them as a pair.
To that end Mara smiled at Jin and gave him one last kiss as they left Amir's bedroom. She tugged on Jin's hand, twining her fingers with his as she headed into the living room. Amir was seated on the couch, cross-legged, with a book open on his lap. He looked up as they entered, a soft smile on his lips that was at the same time both familiar and completely new.
Mara didn't hesitate. She took a quick, determined breath, squeezing Jin's hand, not letting go until they were right in front of Amir. Then Mara leaned down, tugged Amir's book free, set it aside, and slid onto his lap, kneeling over him on the couch. Wrapping her arms around his neck she kissed him gently, full on the mouth, closing her eyes and sighing softly as she felt him stiffen in surprise and then relax.
And then, he lifted his arms and embraced her back and it felt good. As good as having Jin's arms around her. Different... she didn't think she would ever mistake one man for the other even if she hadn't been able to smell them each very distinctly. But it was still Amir. She remembered how this felt, having known his touch for centuries, and she felt with a little thrill of joy that this hadn't changed.
Mara finally pulled away from him and looked down at his startled expression. He looked so very young sometimes. It was easy to forget he was as old as he was.
"That was you," she said. "It was always you. Whatever else happened, or will happen, I would know that anywhere."
Not the kiss... obviously. But Mara would never mistake Amir's embrace for any other, nor Jin's.
Leaning back slightly at Jin's question she nodded, her face growing solemn. "I don't know when it got worse," she said. "I don't know when Subira started Commanding him. But I'm a little afraid it was much earlier than I thought. Possibly before she even turned him. he must feel so... undefined."
That was her fear for Amir. He was always so direct, so purposeful. She knew he must be floundering now, even if he didn't care to show it. She laughed softly at Jin, however, and shook her head.
"I was not strong when he met me, Jin. Nor was I very beautiful. I was covered in dirt and blood and bruises and I was ready to die. I begged him. He made me strong."
She smiled at him, lifting her shoulders slightly. Jin might have a romanticized view of her but she was very well aware of the girl Amir had turned... and the woman she had become. She was so much more now thanks to Amir, and thanks to Jin, too, who had somehow managed to heal the hurts of her heart and soul in ways Amir had not been able.
She nodded her agreement with Jin. Amir's family would guide him through this. No matter what he'd been to Subira, Amir had always, always treated his children with care. Tough love sometimes, yes, but he had never willingly harmed them or caused them pain. She thought that spoke volumes about the man he used to be.
They finished their shower quickly, even though it was tempting to remain there and take pleasure in each others' company. While they dried and dressed Mara considered how to approach Amir. She wanted to avoid the awkwardness she was sure would come. She wanted Amir to know for certain how she felt, what she wanted, knowing that Jin had already told him as much... about himself, and about them as a pair.
To that end Mara smiled at Jin and gave him one last kiss as they left Amir's bedroom. She tugged on Jin's hand, twining her fingers with his as she headed into the living room. Amir was seated on the couch, cross-legged, with a book open on his lap. He looked up as they entered, a soft smile on his lips that was at the same time both familiar and completely new.
Mara didn't hesitate. She took a quick, determined breath, squeezing Jin's hand, not letting go until they were right in front of Amir. Then Mara leaned down, tugged Amir's book free, set it aside, and slid onto his lap, kneeling over him on the couch. Wrapping her arms around his neck she kissed him gently, full on the mouth, closing her eyes and sighing softly as she felt him stiffen in surprise and then relax.
And then, he lifted his arms and embraced her back and it felt good. As good as having Jin's arms around her. Different... she didn't think she would ever mistake one man for the other even if she hadn't been able to smell them each very distinctly. But it was still Amir. She remembered how this felt, having known his touch for centuries, and she felt with a little thrill of joy that this hadn't changed.
Mara finally pulled away from him and looked down at his startled expression. He looked so very young sometimes. It was easy to forget he was as old as he was.
"That was you," she said. "It was always you. Whatever else happened, or will happen, I would know that anywhere."
Not the kiss... obviously. But Mara would never mistake Amir's embrace for any other, nor Jin's.
Amir
13 years ago
Amir managed to pull himself together, rolling his eyes at himself. He was impatient with his own progress. Some things never change, he thought wryly. He heard the shower turn off and started the water boiling again. Measuring tea leaves into the pot he left it next to the small cook-top and opened the refrigerator. Inside he'd stocked it with food that Mara and Jin enjoyed; he ate very little and so did Bao. There were one or two items he liked but otherwise the kitchen and its contents had been added with his family in mind.
Heading into the living room Amir picked his book up from the table beside the couch and sat down, lotus style, to await Mara and Jin's return. It didn't take them long. Mara entered the room first, her hand in Jin's. Amir felt both satisfaction at seeing them thus and a little anxiety over it.
Before he could say anything Mara had replaced his book with herself. He stared at her for a moment before her lips met his and he stiffened in surprise. Mara... he couldn't voice the word. Was this all right? He hadn't had a chance to talk to her, to tell her... anything. His brow furrowed as he warred inside himself. Mara seemed awfully assured and he wasn't used to that. He didn't want to take advantage of her though, of Jin, of either of them. He could stand alone if he had to.
His eyes flickered to Jin's face for a moment and he saw no anger there, no jealousy or resentment. Amir saw instead a knowing smile, some measure of amusement perhaps, but nothing that indicated to him that Jin was bothered by Mara's actions. He finally gave in and relented. Closing his eyes again Amir moaned softly, involuntarily, and wrapped his arms around Mara... his Mara, their Mara. She tasted like silk, like everything he needed, like Jin. He relaxed even as his heart threatened to pound through his ribcage.
As Mara pulled away he knew he looked dumbstruck. To say he hadn't expected that was an understatement. Mara's words took a moment to settle into his ears and make any sense at all. When he realized what she'd said he went numb.
"Amaret."
Amir bowed his head and took a deep shuddering breath. He searched for an emotion, any emotion besides anger and resentment for his Creator. He wanted himself back. And, he realized, Mara understood that. She understood what he'd meant by 'insurance,' what he'd been asking her for even then. Emotion returned, in the form of overwhelming grief and gratitude mingled together. He clutched her tightly to him and laid his head upon her chest, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Thank you."
Ignoring the sudden blurriness in his eyes Amir reached out with one hand and gripped Jin's shirt, pulling him close. "Both of you."
Heading into the living room Amir picked his book up from the table beside the couch and sat down, lotus style, to await Mara and Jin's return. It didn't take them long. Mara entered the room first, her hand in Jin's. Amir felt both satisfaction at seeing them thus and a little anxiety over it.
Before he could say anything Mara had replaced his book with herself. He stared at her for a moment before her lips met his and he stiffened in surprise. Mara... he couldn't voice the word. Was this all right? He hadn't had a chance to talk to her, to tell her... anything. His brow furrowed as he warred inside himself. Mara seemed awfully assured and he wasn't used to that. He didn't want to take advantage of her though, of Jin, of either of them. He could stand alone if he had to.
His eyes flickered to Jin's face for a moment and he saw no anger there, no jealousy or resentment. Amir saw instead a knowing smile, some measure of amusement perhaps, but nothing that indicated to him that Jin was bothered by Mara's actions. He finally gave in and relented. Closing his eyes again Amir moaned softly, involuntarily, and wrapped his arms around Mara... his Mara, their Mara. She tasted like silk, like everything he needed, like Jin. He relaxed even as his heart threatened to pound through his ribcage.
As Mara pulled away he knew he looked dumbstruck. To say he hadn't expected that was an understatement. Mara's words took a moment to settle into his ears and make any sense at all. When he realized what she'd said he went numb.
"Amaret."
Amir bowed his head and took a deep shuddering breath. He searched for an emotion, any emotion besides anger and resentment for his Creator. He wanted himself back. And, he realized, Mara understood that. She understood what he'd meant by 'insurance,' what he'd been asking her for even then. Emotion returned, in the form of overwhelming grief and gratitude mingled together. He clutched her tightly to him and laid his head upon her chest, squeezing his eyes shut.
"Thank you."
Ignoring the sudden blurriness in his eyes Amir reached out with one hand and gripped Jin's shirt, pulling him close. "Both of you."
Jin
13 years ago
Jin thought that even a dirty bruised Mara was beautiful and that it took courage to come looking for Amir in the first place, as she had. However, he knew she would tell him that he was biased and that her actions had been born of desperation and not any kind of bravery on her part. He saw in her a woman who was determined to have some control over her fate, even if the choice she made might have ended her life. But he also thought she was right; Amir had helped to nurture a stronger more confident Mara which made her even more lovely so he nodded his head and silently kept his opinions to himself.
They dressed quickly, which probably saved him from any distracting urges. Okay, it saved him from acting on those distracting urges. Jin followed Mara out of the bedroom, gladly twining his hand with her's. He walked with her over to her Creator, wondering what sort of opening she might have in mind. Jin expected it to be more blunt than anything Amir might have envisioned.
Her choice was as direct as she could possibly make it. Jin smiled to himself as he watched Mara crawl into Amir's lap and kiss him thoroughly. The bewildered look upon the Huntsman's face was priceless and he wished that they could have captured that expression on film.
Amir reached out and grabbed hold of his shirt; Jin laughed and let himself be drug down on the couch with the two of them. Rearranging himself more comfortably, he tucked his bare feet under him, wrapping an arm around Amir's back and laying his head on his companion's shoulder. He squeezed Amir gently in his one armed embrace, wordlessly expressing his sympathy and understanding.
Jin then smiled up at Mara, amusement still sparkling in his eyes. "These are the discussion skills the Order has taught you?"
They dressed quickly, which probably saved him from any distracting urges. Okay, it saved him from acting on those distracting urges. Jin followed Mara out of the bedroom, gladly twining his hand with her's. He walked with her over to her Creator, wondering what sort of opening she might have in mind. Jin expected it to be more blunt than anything Amir might have envisioned.
Her choice was as direct as she could possibly make it. Jin smiled to himself as he watched Mara crawl into Amir's lap and kiss him thoroughly. The bewildered look upon the Huntsman's face was priceless and he wished that they could have captured that expression on film.
Amir reached out and grabbed hold of his shirt; Jin laughed and let himself be drug down on the couch with the two of them. Rearranging himself more comfortably, he tucked his bare feet under him, wrapping an arm around Amir's back and laying his head on his companion's shoulder. He squeezed Amir gently in his one armed embrace, wordlessly expressing his sympathy and understanding.
Jin then smiled up at Mara, amusement still sparkling in his eyes. "These are the discussion skills the Order has taught you?"
Mara
13 years ago
Mara watched Amir's face and then simply held him close as he leaned against her. She cradled his head lovingly, elated to know he was free from Subira, feeling a curious sense of joy that finally, after so long, she could give back everything he had given her.
Amir reached out and tugged Jin down next to them. It didn't feel at all strange, this mutual embrace. Mara didn't think it was wrong, to have three people involved instead of two... whether wrong or right though there were no rules in her heart that said, "Love this one, do not love that one." She thought herself very lucky, to know two such people who cared for her and who she cared for in return.
As Jin smiled at her Mara arched her brows at his mischievous question. "These are the tactical skills my Creator taught me. Wait patiently for the right opportunity and then strike."
She looked down solemnly at Amir. "I have struck. Now you are ours."
Allowing her lips to curve up in a smile she added, "And don't try to think of escape. You belong with us. You are not in the way, and won't ever be."
She was still straddling Amir's lap, pinning him down. "I've waited so long to have you back. Or to meet the real you, whichever applies."
Amir reached out and tugged Jin down next to them. It didn't feel at all strange, this mutual embrace. Mara didn't think it was wrong, to have three people involved instead of two... whether wrong or right though there were no rules in her heart that said, "Love this one, do not love that one." She thought herself very lucky, to know two such people who cared for her and who she cared for in return.
As Jin smiled at her Mara arched her brows at his mischievous question. "These are the tactical skills my Creator taught me. Wait patiently for the right opportunity and then strike."
She looked down solemnly at Amir. "I have struck. Now you are ours."
Allowing her lips to curve up in a smile she added, "And don't try to think of escape. You belong with us. You are not in the way, and won't ever be."
She was still straddling Amir's lap, pinning him down. "I've waited so long to have you back. Or to meet the real you, whichever applies."
Amir
13 years ago
Amir found himself surrounded by cats and was just fine with it. He listened to Mara and Jin, trying not to smile but failing at that task, which he was also surprisingly all right with.
"I won't try," he said.
Not yet. He didn't know what his future held. This was the most uncertain he'd ever been about it. He used to have a clear direction and a clear purpose. He had nothing now, but he had his family. Mara and Bao, and now Jin.
He finally leaned back into Jin's arms, his own still linked around Mara's waist. "I'm not sure which applies," he admitted.
He knew when Subira had begun Commanding him; he just didn't know how long it had been before it had started to affect him. "We'll see," he said simply, shrugging his shoulders. He was helpless in that regard. He had no idea what was going to happen next. At least he wouldn't be alone for it... that hadn't been horribly important before but, somehow, it seemed critical now.
Behind them, in the kitchen, the kettle began to whistle. He looked up at Mara. "Do I get enough leash to go get that?"
"I won't try," he said.
Not yet. He didn't know what his future held. This was the most uncertain he'd ever been about it. He used to have a clear direction and a clear purpose. He had nothing now, but he had his family. Mara and Bao, and now Jin.
He finally leaned back into Jin's arms, his own still linked around Mara's waist. "I'm not sure which applies," he admitted.
He knew when Subira had begun Commanding him; he just didn't know how long it had been before it had started to affect him. "We'll see," he said simply, shrugging his shoulders. He was helpless in that regard. He had no idea what was going to happen next. At least he wouldn't be alone for it... that hadn't been horribly important before but, somehow, it seemed critical now.
Behind them, in the kitchen, the kettle began to whistle. He looked up at Mara. "Do I get enough leash to go get that?"
Jin
13 years ago
Jin laughed quietly at Mara's response and leaned in to whisper 'confidently' in Amir's ear. "Best to let her have her way; she's ruthless when she wants something. I suspect she learned that from you which makes it your fault." He tilted his head and winked at Mara. "So I hope you're happy with the result."
He nodded his agreement when she said that Amir belonged with them and wouldn't be in the way, adding his agreement to her statement. Jin had not felt any particular jealousy when he watched Mara kissing Amir; he would admit though that a good part of his attention had been taken up with Amir's response. He supposed that he might not have witnessed enough and might feel differently if he ever felt left out. Right this moment though he felt very comfortably included. Jin snuggled closer to Amir and sighed happily while running the hand not around his companion up Mara's thigh. Coming close to her hip, he looked up and gave her a warm look filled with rekindled desire.
Then the kettle on the stove whistled. Jin gritted his teeth against the annoying noise and quickly sat up. He wrapped both hands around Mara's waist and pulled her off Amir's lap and over into his own.
His actions were already and answer so he added a further response even though the question had been directed toward Mara. "I think we can trust you not to bolt at the first opportunity." Jin chuckled and hugged Mara close. "But if you feel the urge to run then please wait until tomorrow. It would be no fun if Mara hasn't had time to rest." A good game of cats and jackal might be fun though he suspected Amir was far more suited to do the chasing and than being the chased. He leaned closer to Mara's ear and warned softly. "Though I don't think you're getting any rest just yet."
He nodded his agreement when she said that Amir belonged with them and wouldn't be in the way, adding his agreement to her statement. Jin had not felt any particular jealousy when he watched Mara kissing Amir; he would admit though that a good part of his attention had been taken up with Amir's response. He supposed that he might not have witnessed enough and might feel differently if he ever felt left out. Right this moment though he felt very comfortably included. Jin snuggled closer to Amir and sighed happily while running the hand not around his companion up Mara's thigh. Coming close to her hip, he looked up and gave her a warm look filled with rekindled desire.
Then the kettle on the stove whistled. Jin gritted his teeth against the annoying noise and quickly sat up. He wrapped both hands around Mara's waist and pulled her off Amir's lap and over into his own.
His actions were already and answer so he added a further response even though the question had been directed toward Mara. "I think we can trust you not to bolt at the first opportunity." Jin chuckled and hugged Mara close. "But if you feel the urge to run then please wait until tomorrow. It would be no fun if Mara hasn't had time to rest." A good game of cats and jackal might be fun though he suspected Amir was far more suited to do the chasing and than being the chased. He leaned closer to Mara's ear and warned softly. "Though I don't think you're getting any rest just yet."
Mara
13 years ago
Mara found it difficult to look dignified while being lifted off Amir's lap and snuggled back into Jin's. Nonetheless she made an attempt while nodding to Amir. "I think we can manage that much, but I'm not letting you go so easily again."
Jin's arms around her felt ridiculously good. She nuzzled up against him while Amir turned the kettle off. "And you're not letting me go again, so really, it's just for the best that everyone stays here."
Jin's words and his obvious overtures warmed her to her core. She tilted her head, sucking suggestively at his neck once again. "Being with you, both of you, rests me," she said with a knowing smile.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I can't tell you how happy I am to be home again, Jin. Wherever you are is home. I always want to be home."
Jin's arms around her felt ridiculously good. She nuzzled up against him while Amir turned the kettle off. "And you're not letting me go again, so really, it's just for the best that everyone stays here."
Jin's words and his obvious overtures warmed her to her core. She tilted her head, sucking suggestively at his neck once again. "Being with you, both of you, rests me," she said with a knowing smile.
She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I can't tell you how happy I am to be home again, Jin. Wherever you are is home. I always want to be home."
Amir
13 years ago
Amir was 'allowed' to go get the kettle, which he did quickly. Both Mara and Jin were sensitive to the high-pitched noise it was making so he hurried to remove it from the burner. He looked back and saw them cuddled together on the couch. It made him smile. It was good to see Mara finally reaching out to someone, and he liked that that someone was Jin.
He carefully poured the tea into the teapot so it could brew. He set it on a tray with three mugs and a plate of assorted fruit and berries he retrieved from the fridge. He knew both Mara and Jin liked sweet things, and he hoped the snacks would be light and refreshing. He mainly had Mara in mind, after her long trip, but he wanted to please Jin too. He couldn't forget the debt he owed the Nightsman.
Amir brought everything to the coffee table and set it down. Carefully he poured tea into the three mugs, setting them on the table. Then, quietly, he regained his place on the couch, sitting somewhat apart from where Mara and Jin were.
After a moment of consideration he leaned over and lay against Jin, wrapping his arm around Mara and fitting himself in. It felt odd to invite himself, as it were, but once he was there he felt good.
He was silent for a moment and then said, "I don't think I want to escape."
He carefully poured the tea into the teapot so it could brew. He set it on a tray with three mugs and a plate of assorted fruit and berries he retrieved from the fridge. He knew both Mara and Jin liked sweet things, and he hoped the snacks would be light and refreshing. He mainly had Mara in mind, after her long trip, but he wanted to please Jin too. He couldn't forget the debt he owed the Nightsman.
Amir brought everything to the coffee table and set it down. Carefully he poured tea into the three mugs, setting them on the table. Then, quietly, he regained his place on the couch, sitting somewhat apart from where Mara and Jin were.
After a moment of consideration he leaned over and lay against Jin, wrapping his arm around Mara and fitting himself in. It felt odd to invite himself, as it were, but once he was there he felt good.
He was silent for a moment and then said, "I don't think I want to escape."
Jin
13 years ago
Jin laughed out loud as Mara mentioned that he had said the very same words to her not even an hour earlier. He nodded his head in agreement; no one was letting anyone go anywhere again so staying here seemed like the only option.
He smiled at her when she said they were both restful to her, squeezing her just a little closer. Then he glanced over at Amir who was gathering tea and things from the fridge. His eyes slid back to Mara, looked down at her in his lap and then back up into those beautiful silvery pale eyes. "I don't know about Amir but as for myself I do not believe restful was the effect I was hoping for." Jin teased her despite knowing exactly what she meant. "Unless you mean the sleeping well after being loved thoroughly...repeatedly." He waggled his eyebrows at her meaningfully. "In that case, then, yes, we are thinking the same things."
Sighing happily, Jin nuzzled up to Mara's neck, gently breathing in the scent of her to remind himself further that she was here in his arms. "You are home." He stated it simply but meant it both ways, she was back safe where she belonged and, to him, Mara was also home.
Amir set the tray down with the bowl of fruits and began pouring the tea. Jin smiled at the Huntsman, watching his simple graceful movements with rapt attention. He had come to enjoy watching Amir move, even doing the simplest things. The man didn't have a cat's grace; it was different, more purposeful with each movement, almost as though Amir's will flowed into everything he did. It was hypnotic to watch and Jin could do it for hours.
As the Huntsman finally sat down, he snapped his attention away and back to what Amir had brought with him. "Oooh!" Jin reached over and plucked out an orange slice, so messy but so good. He stuck the wedge in his mouth and then smiled up at Mara with his new 'teeth'.
Feeling Amir lean closer, Jin wrapped an arm around him, holding him close. He took his other hand away from Mara long enough to take his prize out of his mouth. Jin rubbed his cheek lovingly against Amir's head that was against his shoulder.
"Good. You are home also."
He smiled at her when she said they were both restful to her, squeezing her just a little closer. Then he glanced over at Amir who was gathering tea and things from the fridge. His eyes slid back to Mara, looked down at her in his lap and then back up into those beautiful silvery pale eyes. "I don't know about Amir but as for myself I do not believe restful was the effect I was hoping for." Jin teased her despite knowing exactly what she meant. "Unless you mean the sleeping well after being loved thoroughly...repeatedly." He waggled his eyebrows at her meaningfully. "In that case, then, yes, we are thinking the same things."
Sighing happily, Jin nuzzled up to Mara's neck, gently breathing in the scent of her to remind himself further that she was here in his arms. "You are home." He stated it simply but meant it both ways, she was back safe where she belonged and, to him, Mara was also home.
Amir set the tray down with the bowl of fruits and began pouring the tea. Jin smiled at the Huntsman, watching his simple graceful movements with rapt attention. He had come to enjoy watching Amir move, even doing the simplest things. The man didn't have a cat's grace; it was different, more purposeful with each movement, almost as though Amir's will flowed into everything he did. It was hypnotic to watch and Jin could do it for hours.
As the Huntsman finally sat down, he snapped his attention away and back to what Amir had brought with him. "Oooh!" Jin reached over and plucked out an orange slice, so messy but so good. He stuck the wedge in his mouth and then smiled up at Mara with his new 'teeth'.
Feeling Amir lean closer, Jin wrapped an arm around him, holding him close. He took his other hand away from Mara long enough to take his prize out of his mouth. Jin rubbed his cheek lovingly against Amir's head that was against his shoulder.
"Good. You are home also."
Mara
13 years ago
Mara smiled at Jin. It seemed that he was relaxing now, perhaps realizing that she was, indeed, not going anywhere for quite some time. His mood seemed now much more playful and she responded to it, shedding her travel-weariness to wriggle enticingly upon his lap. "I think that sounds delicious," she said softly.
As Amir came back to them Mara watched him, as Jin did. Mara knew he was aware of their eyes upon them. Amir was observant; it wouldn't escape him. She turned her attention to Jin just in time to catch his orange-filled smile. Mara laughed and shook her head at him.
Turning and reaching, she plucked a strawberry from the plate as Amir reclined against Jin and wound an arm around her waist. Mara sighed happily. This was how things should be.
"It's a small home," she said softly, smiling. She looked down at her Creator. "You'll come with us, Amir?"
She glanced at Jin, wanting to make sure he'd made that offer to Amir. She was sure he must have.
"There's more than enough room for three."
Mara was convinced that in their case, three was definitely not a crowd. She lifted her strawberry to Jin's nose and ran it gently down the bridge, leaving a tiny drop of moisture at the tip. Pulling it away she kissed his nose and happily bit into the fat little berry, chewing and swallowing before leaning down to offer Jin a strawberry flavored kiss.
As Amir came back to them Mara watched him, as Jin did. Mara knew he was aware of their eyes upon them. Amir was observant; it wouldn't escape him. She turned her attention to Jin just in time to catch his orange-filled smile. Mara laughed and shook her head at him.
Turning and reaching, she plucked a strawberry from the plate as Amir reclined against Jin and wound an arm around her waist. Mara sighed happily. This was how things should be.
"It's a small home," she said softly, smiling. She looked down at her Creator. "You'll come with us, Amir?"
She glanced at Jin, wanting to make sure he'd made that offer to Amir. She was sure he must have.
"There's more than enough room for three."
Mara was convinced that in their case, three was definitely not a crowd. She lifted her strawberry to Jin's nose and ran it gently down the bridge, leaving a tiny drop of moisture at the tip. Pulling it away she kissed his nose and happily bit into the fat little berry, chewing and swallowing before leaning down to offer Jin a strawberry flavored kiss.
Amir
13 years ago
Amir relaxed against Jin and smiled at his friend's caress. He peered up at Mara and Jin, tilting his head back to watch them flirt together. It was cute. He was further amused by Jin's orange face although he did attempt not to show it.
Listening to Mara, Amir nodded at her. "If that's what you both want, then yes," he said. Jin had made the same offer and while he'd been hesitant at the time Amir was growing less and less so with every passing minute.
Watching the strawberry's journey down Jin's nose he smiled again. Jin brought out the playfulness in Mara, and it was nice to see her lose her shyness and be herself around someone other than him. He was going to make some kind of sarcastic comment toward them on general principle as Mara kissed Jin but as if she had read his mind she turned, plucked another strawberry from the plate, and shoved it into his mouth as he opened it.
It was difficult to glare self-righteously at -anyone- when you were busy trying not to drool pink berry juice.
Listening to Mara, Amir nodded at her. "If that's what you both want, then yes," he said. Jin had made the same offer and while he'd been hesitant at the time Amir was growing less and less so with every passing minute.
Watching the strawberry's journey down Jin's nose he smiled again. Jin brought out the playfulness in Mara, and it was nice to see her lose her shyness and be herself around someone other than him. He was going to make some kind of sarcastic comment toward them on general principle as Mara kissed Jin but as if she had read his mind she turned, plucked another strawberry from the plate, and shoved it into his mouth as he opened it.
It was difficult to glare self-righteously at -anyone- when you were busy trying not to drool pink berry juice.
Jin
13 years ago
"This is just right. I think." Jin gestured in a circle that encompassed the three of them. Not too big, not too small; there were others that were metaphorical neighbors in this home of theirs and they were nearby. This fact made Jin happy. He wanted to spend time with his sister now that she was residing in Nachton again and before her busy social life made it difficult to squeeze him in. Jin was sure she was working on rebuilding her network of connections already and Hana probably had some still here from the past. It would take no time at all.
"She is right about the house though. The place is really too big for just the two of us; we would feel very alone in it, especially after the Manor." Sometimes being alone was nice and productive but it was not a state that he preferred. With three of them at least there was always someone to bother when someone else wanted some time to themselves...and if none of them wanted time alone that was even better.
He grinned at Mara as a strawberry was dragged gently down his nose and then devoured. Jin hummed softly, pleased with the fruity kiss and leaned forward to claim another. He turned just in time to catch Mara stuffing another berry into Amir's mouth when he opened it to speak. Laughing, Jin pulled his hand from around Amir's shoulders and twisted toward the Huntsman, gently taking the man's jaw and tilting it toward him. Then he claimed another strawberry flavored kiss, deciding that he could definitely get used to this little ritual. Jin lingered tenderly on Amir's lips, parting his mouth and tasting with his tongue in light little touches. "Mmmm" He pulled back again and smiled at them both. "If you two continue to eat those I might have to change my favorite fruit."
That said, he finished off the almost forgotten orange in his other hand and tilted his lips up towards Mara expectantly, offering her an orange flavored kiss in return.
"She is right about the house though. The place is really too big for just the two of us; we would feel very alone in it, especially after the Manor." Sometimes being alone was nice and productive but it was not a state that he preferred. With three of them at least there was always someone to bother when someone else wanted some time to themselves...and if none of them wanted time alone that was even better.
He grinned at Mara as a strawberry was dragged gently down his nose and then devoured. Jin hummed softly, pleased with the fruity kiss and leaned forward to claim another. He turned just in time to catch Mara stuffing another berry into Amir's mouth when he opened it to speak. Laughing, Jin pulled his hand from around Amir's shoulders and twisted toward the Huntsman, gently taking the man's jaw and tilting it toward him. Then he claimed another strawberry flavored kiss, deciding that he could definitely get used to this little ritual. Jin lingered tenderly on Amir's lips, parting his mouth and tasting with his tongue in light little touches. "Mmmm" He pulled back again and smiled at them both. "If you two continue to eat those I might have to change my favorite fruit."
That said, he finished off the almost forgotten orange in his other hand and tilted his lips up towards Mara expectantly, offering her an orange flavored kiss in return.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara sighed happily. This little scene was perfect. There in Jin's arms and Amir's she forgot the ordeal of the past few weeks. She watched as they kissed; Jin was beautiful as always, his every movement sensual and graceful. Amir was hesitant at first and then assertive.
She didn't have any basis for comparison, never having experimented in this manner before and not knowing anyone who had, but Mara suspected this triad of theirs would be perfect. At least for her, she couldn't imagine anything more right.
The mood in the room was light and cheerful, and Mara felt it as Jin turned to her and she kissed him once more, full of passion, brimming with love. He tasted like oranges, strawberries, and Amir. It was sinfully perfect. Turning again she brushed her fingers against Amir's cheek, wondering if he tasted like oranges, strawberries, and Jin. She leaned down to explore that theory and found herself repaid as Amir popped a berry into her mouth as well.
She tasted raspberry and smiled, savoring. Mara closed her eyes and chuckled softly as she heard Amir's voice in her ear.
She didn't have any basis for comparison, never having experimented in this manner before and not knowing anyone who had, but Mara suspected this triad of theirs would be perfect. At least for her, she couldn't imagine anything more right.
The mood in the room was light and cheerful, and Mara felt it as Jin turned to her and she kissed him once more, full of passion, brimming with love. He tasted like oranges, strawberries, and Amir. It was sinfully perfect. Turning again she brushed her fingers against Amir's cheek, wondering if he tasted like oranges, strawberries, and Jin. She leaned down to explore that theory and found herself repaid as Amir popped a berry into her mouth as well.
She tasted raspberry and smiled, savoring. Mara closed her eyes and chuckled softly as she heard Amir's voice in her ear.
Amir
13 years ago
Amir closed his eyes briefly at Jin's words. "Being alone... it's no good," he said. That used to be fine with him but it wasn't any longer. Now it was the last thing he wanted.
All fears of feeling like he was in the way were forgotten as Jin tilted his chin up and kissed him. Amir paused for a moment and then slid himself up on the couch, returning Jin's kiss, parting his lips and inviting Jin in, returning his gentle caresses with more demanding ones.
When they broke apart Amir shifted so he was sitting more upright but still curled up against both Jin and Mara. While Jin returned Mara's kiss next he reached over, grabbed a raspberry, and then placed it between Mara's lips.
"Diversity and versatility," he said solemnly, his dark eyes sparkling humorously at her. "See how Jin is adapting to his surroundings?"
He could get used to eating, himself, if this is how it was accomplished. He took a raspberry as well and turned to Jin. "Care to try a new flavor, rohi?"
All fears of feeling like he was in the way were forgotten as Jin tilted his chin up and kissed him. Amir paused for a moment and then slid himself up on the couch, returning Jin's kiss, parting his lips and inviting Jin in, returning his gentle caresses with more demanding ones.
When they broke apart Amir shifted so he was sitting more upright but still curled up against both Jin and Mara. While Jin returned Mara's kiss next he reached over, grabbed a raspberry, and then placed it between Mara's lips.
"Diversity and versatility," he said solemnly, his dark eyes sparkling humorously at her. "See how Jin is adapting to his surroundings?"
He could get used to eating, himself, if this is how it was accomplished. He took a raspberry as well and turned to Jin. "Care to try a new flavor, rohi?"
Jin
13 years ago
He wrapped his arm back around Amir's shoulders and hugged him close at the lost sound in his friend's voice. Amir had been alone long enough to last an eternity and he was glad to be one of the one's making sure that did not happen in the future. "Never again, definitely goes for you too." Though Mai would have to enforce that and not him. Jin might have to plead with his mother not to send Amir away any time in the next several centuries. He was willing to grovel if it helped keep his and Mara's personal Huntsman with them safe and sound.
His thoughts turned to other things as Mara took up his orange flavored offer. Her kiss was less chaste than their previous one and Jin pulled her tighter to him, returning the passion, lingering on the sweetness of her lips until she pulled back and leaned toward Amir. Jin laughed as the Huntsman rewarded her with a raspberry for her efforts.
Amir took up a raspberry as well and turned to him, offering him a taste of something different. Jin hummed a delighted little sound as he leaned forward.
"I could definitely be enticed to try new things if you two were involved in showing them to me."
Pressing his lips to Amir's raspberry flavored ones, Jin sucked gently on his companion's bottom lip before he deepened the kiss with a little moan of pleasure. Between the both of them Jin found his heart was now beating rapidly in his chest and the sleeping dragon of desire was wide awake and hungry once more. Ravenously hungry, for both of them.
Mara definitely wasn't the only one who was selfish.
Jin shifted her slightly as parts of him became increasingly uncomfortable. He turned toward her and nodded toward Amir. "I think you should the second hand raspberries. They are delightful." Winking at her, he added. "I'll hold him down if necessary and then we can both smother him with feline affection." He glanced back smugly at Amir thinking that wouldn't be needed at all.
His thoughts turned to other things as Mara took up his orange flavored offer. Her kiss was less chaste than their previous one and Jin pulled her tighter to him, returning the passion, lingering on the sweetness of her lips until she pulled back and leaned toward Amir. Jin laughed as the Huntsman rewarded her with a raspberry for her efforts.
Amir took up a raspberry as well and turned to him, offering him a taste of something different. Jin hummed a delighted little sound as he leaned forward.
"I could definitely be enticed to try new things if you two were involved in showing them to me."
Pressing his lips to Amir's raspberry flavored ones, Jin sucked gently on his companion's bottom lip before he deepened the kiss with a little moan of pleasure. Between the both of them Jin found his heart was now beating rapidly in his chest and the sleeping dragon of desire was wide awake and hungry once more. Ravenously hungry, for both of them.
Mara definitely wasn't the only one who was selfish.
Jin shifted her slightly as parts of him became increasingly uncomfortable. He turned toward her and nodded toward Amir. "I think you should the second hand raspberries. They are delightful." Winking at her, he added. "I'll hold him down if necessary and then we can both smother him with feline affection." He glanced back smugly at Amir thinking that wouldn't be needed at all.
Mara
13 years ago
Mara immediately focused most of her attention on Jin at the little moan he made while kissing Amir. She knew that sound. She loved that sound. He shifted her slightly and she could feel why; that knowledge had her lips curling into a sensual smile. She moved on top of him, rubbing against him, arching her brows at his words. "Is that so?" she asked. "Delightful?"
He mentioned holding Amir down and Mara looked at her Creator, a man she had loved for centuries. She didn't think he'd need to be held down, either.
Amir looked up at her, and she saw in his eyes the same desire that she'd seen months ago, the same expression on his face as when he looked at Jin. It warmed her, to feel so natural with them. She had been worried, a little, that this would be awkward or uncomfortable. Instead, right now, as playfulness of one kind evolved into a game of another sort, she was simply happy and excited. She wanted to share herself with both of them. It was still a surprisingly new sensation but she was growing a little more used to it, so long as Jin and Amir were the ones present.
Mara shifted against Jin again, leaning down to kiss him softly on his lips. "Well, you said you could try anything new, right?"
She felt her cheeks grow red. "I have been wanting to try something new myself. And maybe now that I have a teacher here who might be able to show me..."
Mara looked down at Amir. She bent over to him, glancing at Jin, and whispered softly into his ear, low enough so that even the keenest of eavesdropping tiger ears could not hear her request.
He mentioned holding Amir down and Mara looked at her Creator, a man she had loved for centuries. She didn't think he'd need to be held down, either.
Amir looked up at her, and she saw in his eyes the same desire that she'd seen months ago, the same expression on his face as when he looked at Jin. It warmed her, to feel so natural with them. She had been worried, a little, that this would be awkward or uncomfortable. Instead, right now, as playfulness of one kind evolved into a game of another sort, she was simply happy and excited. She wanted to share herself with both of them. It was still a surprisingly new sensation but she was growing a little more used to it, so long as Jin and Amir were the ones present.
Mara shifted against Jin again, leaning down to kiss him softly on his lips. "Well, you said you could try anything new, right?"
She felt her cheeks grow red. "I have been wanting to try something new myself. And maybe now that I have a teacher here who might be able to show me..."
Mara looked down at Amir. She bent over to him, glancing at Jin, and whispered softly into his ear, low enough so that even the keenest of eavesdropping tiger ears could not hear her request.