Getting Settled (open)

[lyonza]

Of course I am right, Iroth said.

“I’m glad you thought of me,” he said as he lifted his hand to touch the pendant again. It was really beautiful and he was confused by the feeling that washed over him. He wasn’t sure what to think.

Is it a good thing? Iroth asked. Garrett is inexperienced in relationships, in fact he has never had a serious relationship. Ever.

Garrett laughed. “I see Novath has mastered the art of subtlety,” he said between gasps of breath. “But since Iroth gave me pretty much the same imagery, I’d say they want us to get together.” He knew what E’rra was concerned about. “Don’t worry, I know you’re not the type to try something underhanded,” he said, “but there were one or two that have tried in the past. I quickly taught them the error of their ways.”

That had been quite satisfactory the last time it happened. He had literally thrown the man down the stairs into the lower caverns, yelling at the top of his voice what he thought of such underhanded attempts. The rider was gone by the end of that sevenday.

Garrett shook his head. “That is the one thing about fostering I never understood,” he said. “Not that I’m criticizing the practice, but I couldn’t picture not having my parents around all the time. My sister on the other hand really wanted to be fostered with a friend of hers’ family but my parents wouldn’t allow it. Who knows, things may have been very different if they had let me and my sister go.” He just nodded understanding, not wanting to make E’rra talk about it any more than he had to.

He was surprised at the intensity of the kiss, but not unhappy about it at all. In fact, he protested a bit when E’rra pulled back. He took a deep breath, his eyes dilated with pleasure. “Well, a kiss like that is guaranteed to have me make noises like that.” He smiled, hiding the worry that if they went any further, the other riders would think E’rra had orchestrated everything so his dragon could catch Iroth. No amount of protests would change already formed opinions. “I did say I’d love to see them,” he started, hesitation in his voice. “But I’m not sure it’s such a good idea right now,” he said reluctantly. “I think we both have the same fears, E’rra. That the whole weyr will think you orchestrated it all to gain an advantage during Iroth’s flight.” He kept his hand on the back of the blackrider’s neck so he couldn’t pull away. “Not that I care about what anybody in the weyr thinks, I care about what you think.”

[missing]

Ah yes, how foolish of me. I shall endeavor to remember that in the future, He was teasing her, and probably shouldn't be lest he anger her so soon before her flight, but his rider was in good spirits and he couldn't help but be so himself.

E'rra usually isn't either, mostly my fault I think as he gets little free time, but then if he asked me I wouldn't mind postponing training from time to time. I believe this is a good thing, but Mine is scared... and he usually isn't.

"I shudder to think of just how you went about that, but be that as it may, just being here talking to me could influence the flight. Of course it still depends largely on the lovely Iroth, but I have seen and been in countless flights where the best did not always catch the female, or when the female detested the dragon who clearly was the best simply because of her rider."

E'rra smiled, he was fairly certain that S'ran had never held a paternal bone in his body, so he doubted things would have been different had he in fact raised him. Still, his mother had done well enough, even if she hadn't ever forgiven S'ran for ignoring what probably wasn't his only child. No amount of telling his mother that he didn't care seemed able to change that.

The blackrider found himself held in place, unable to pull away any further than he already had. He wanted badly to kiss him again to test the truth of what Garrett said about the noises. He heard the hesitation in the grayrider's voice, his hand gripping the wood of the chair tightly to hold himself in check when he mentioned what the Weyr would think. At the moment he didn't give a shard what the Weyr thought, and he probably wouldn't ever care for his own sake.

He couldn't pull away, which gave him the perfect excuse to lean forward instead. He moved his head past Garrett's until they were cheek to cheek. He spoke softly, with his lips so near the other rider's ear he had no need for volume, "Whatever rumors there are going to be are already flying I'm sure. My only reason for wishing for privacy in what I can gain it in is simply out of respect for the things I hold dear. What I am concerned about right now has nothing to do with the Weyr, I am concerned that I- we... are rushing things. I want this very much... but not so much that I will rush you into something you aren't ready for yet."

[lyonza]

Iroth fixed Novath with a look. If she could have raised an eyebrow, she would have. She ignored his impertinent reply and focused on the rest of what he said. Mine is just as scared. I think they both want this, but are too afraid of messing it up that they would rather be unhappy apart than happy together.

Garrett gave him a wicked grin. “Being beaten up a lot as a kid taught me some dirty fighting. A man finds it hard to fight back when he’s on the ground, curling with pain and holding his crotch. Even the threat of getting hit below the belt is enough to make most men docile. And I’m stronger than I look,” he added. He nodded. “I can’t say I’ve seen it since it’s only been Orlaith and Iroth that I’ve paid any attention to the outcome, but then again Talaria made sure that there was some competition that wasn’t our former weyrleader. So I guess it can be manipulated to an extent. I can’t say how much I’ll influence Iroth and I’m sure there will be cries of protest from the losers. I just don’t see why they would protest too much. Flying Iroth does not make the rider Weyrleader. It doesn’t make them weyrsecond or even a wingleader. It doesn’t bring the rider any power or prestige in the weyr at all!” He sounded exasperated. “The only prestige would be in the fact that their dragon had caught a grey dragon, and surely that’s not such an honor, is it?” All his frustration with the politics of a weyr decided to air itself in that question, he didn't hear Iroth's protest in his mind that it was indeed an honor. “It’s not like they are after me, is it?” He startled himself with the tone and volume and the tears prickling his eyes that he had to look away from E’rra.

Garrett took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have taken it out on you,” he said as he got up and walked out onto the ledge, turning his face into the breeze that was blowing. Iroth raised her head, her eyes whirling yellow and a rumble sounded in her chest. Don’t worry, dearest. I’m just frustrated with everything at the moment, you can rest a while longer, he said to Iroth as he placed a hand on her neck. He stood there for a moment before turning back into the weyr and sitting down, draining his glass. He looked at the bottle of wine for a moment, contemplating another glass but he decided against it. “Do you have klah or water or anything that’s not wine?” he asked.

Garrett could feel E’rra tensing under his hand as he spoke and he felt terrible for voicing what neither of them was saying. He shivered as E’rra leaned closer, closing his eyes as the man all but whispered in his ear. He enjoyed the scent in his nostrils and almost didn’t understand what he was saying. “I don’t know if we’re rushing things, I’ve never been in a situation where I had to wonder if I was rushing,” he replied in a soft voice. “I’ve never been in love, only thought I was; I don’t feel rushed.” Garrett pulled back to look E’rra in the eyes. “Do you feel we’re rushing?” He was babbling. He knew he was babbling but he couldn’t stop. “As for ready; how can one ever know if one is ready or not? Is there a manual for this? Oh stop me now or I’m going to babble myself into a panic.”

[missing]

As I said, I do think Mine could do with taking a few more risks here and there. I think he is unwilling to risk Yours though.

E'rra frowned when Garrett mentioned being beat up when he was younger, "I don't doubt that." He watched quietly as Garrett continued on, torn by what he should do and what he wanted to do, "Well, if you ask Novath a mating flight should never be influenced based on rider's personal preference, it should always be about the better dragon. That said there are some riders of very good dragons that I wouldn't wish on anyone, fortunately I have yet to meet one here. I'm not sure about other dragon's, but for Novath the honor is more in what kind of dragon the female is, not the color or her rider's rank. I've already given you my personal take on 'winning' flights, so I won't bore you with it again."

He flinched a bit at the way Garrett's voice sounded, and was confused when he looked away. Instinctively, he reached out a hand, but Garrett was already walking towards the ledge and so the hand fell back down on the table. He wanted to follow, but there were some things a man needed his dragon for. When Garrett returned, asking for something else to drink he nodded and walked over to where the water pitcher sat on the table next to the cabinet. He poured a glass and walked over to hand it to Garrett, "I can go and get some klah from the kitchens if you need it, I usually don't drink it myself so I'm sorry I don't have any available..." He'd have to remember to get some in the future.


E'rra blinked at the never been in love comment, had he ever... He didn't think so, but was he now? Oh E'rra could think of a million different ways to stop the babbling. Unfortunately he also found it kind of cute, still... the man had asked... Against his better judgeship E'rra planted a kiss against Garrett's neck, "If there is a manual I have yet to see it, but usually... I just go with what feels right. It is different with you, and I don't wish to push you further than you want me to. Although I'm sure it must be very obvious at the moment exactly what I want to do to you, the less obvious fact is that I want you to want it... for you."

He sighed, "I know I'm going to regret this, but... Perhaps you should take some time to think this over. You're very emotionally vulnerable right now and this is very quickly leading into something physical. I don't want you to feel pressured or confused about this, and I certainly don't want you to feel like the only thing I see in you is satisfaction of my own physical desire... I'm afraid my desires are a bit more selfish than that," he definitely wanted more from Garrett than a quick tumble, how much more he was scared to ask. He pulled back to look into Garrett's eyes, "I'm not going anywhere, we have time, and I'd like you to stay... even without anything more happening than what already has. I think you could use the company at the moment in any event, and my self control is good enough to keep me from 'catching' you against your wishes."

[lyonza]

Like he definitely should, Iroth snapped but then she relented. Mine is as reluctant to risk Yours.

Garrett just nodded as E’rra explained. “I believe it and I don’t want to influence Iroth even unintentionally and in the past I might have, or not. I’m not sure anymore.” He looked so lost and confused at that moment. “I’ve never considered these things before. Iroth liked Sabath, I liked M’kal and it all worked out.” He sighed. “I will let her choose and I will be fine with whichever dragon won.”

Garrett felt embarrassed when he caught a glimpse of E’rra’s confusion when he returned to the table. He watched with some trepidation as the other man went to get him some water and he took it gratefully. “I feel like I should apologize some more. I didn’t mean to sound off at you like that.” He took a large mouthful of water and smiled. “I’m sad to admit I am mildly… ok maybe a bit more than mildly addicted to klah, but please don’t go out of your way to get any. Water is what I need.” He put a hand on E’rra’s arm. “Thank you,” he said softly, still a little embarrassed at his outburst.

Garrett’s babbling came to an abrupt end and he made another little sound of pleasure. “That worked,” he managed to say. He blushed at E’rra’s words. “Oh, I know what I want to do to and with you, and I want it for me. I’ve never felt surer about anything.” He took a steadying breath. “And you cannot know how much dearer you made yourself to me for saying it.”

His heart stopped for a moment when E’rra said regret before the rest of the sentence caught up with him. “What are you asking?” he said softly. “I don’t know about you, but I want this to be more than just a fleeting thing. I don’t know why I feel like this, I don’t want it to be just a once-off, tumble and on your way you go out the door.” He returned the look. “I’m not going anywhere either and I want to stay. I just want you to hold me, please? Let tomorrow take care of itself.” He couldn’t understand why he was being so emotional about things and shard the entire weyr for what they thought if he spent the night up here or not. Why would they care who he spent his time with – it was about time he had a lover.

Garrett gently pushed E’rra upright, letting the other man pull him to his feet in the same movement and stepped in to wrap his arms around him. This feels so right, he thought, even as he felt Iroth’s love wrapping around him. “I can get used to this,” he murmured into E’rra’s neck.

At last, Iroth murmured in his mind. I am so happy for you.

[missing]

Novath watched the two humans intently, this was progressing rather nicely he thought... Good for E'rra.

"From what I hear there wasn't too much in the way of Bronzes and Blacks here until recently, so if anything I'm sure it wasn't entirely your influence. Although it's possible a Brown, Burgundy, Blue could have caught her if you'd shown preference I suppose..." he shrugged, "Don't worry about it too much, what happens happens."

E'rra waved a hand and smiled reassuringly, "You don't have to apologize for anything. I told you you could talk to me and that includes venting. And you're welcome," he enjoyed the feeling of Garrett's hand on his arm as he made a mental note to make absolutely sure to stock klah in the future, despite Garrett's protests to the contrary. He did enjoy the smell of klah brewing, he just didn't like how jumpy drinking it made him.

He chuckled at the sound, his mind wandering to what other sounds he could get out of the man. E'rra flushed as his thoughts went down the wrong road for keeping a handle on his urges, Garrett's words were not helping the matter either... He should say something, "Does that mean I was dear to you before I said that then?" He couldn't help but smile at that, the thought made him very happy.

"I don't want that either," he leaned his forehead against Garrett's as he voiced exactly what E'rra had been thinking to himself moments ago. At the moment there was nothing he would like more than to hold Garrett and make him forget that he had ever been alone and would gladly do so forever if he wanted him to.

E'rra stood with the slight push from Garrett, taking a step back to allow the other man to stand as well before pulling him close. His arms wrapping tightly around Garrett's waist, "Well I certainly won't stop you. I can only think of a few more things I'd find more enjoyable than staying right here like this, with you."

[lyonza]

Garrett shuddered. “You’re right and of the lot of them Sabath was the best. Of course M’kal would have been much happier if Sabath had shown a preference for Orlaith and not Iroth. Then he would have had what he wanted – Talaria and the weyrleadership.” He tried not to sound too bitter about it, but it still seeped through. “Frankly, I don’t gives a tunnelsnake’s bellyscrapings which dragon flies Iroth – its her choice. I’ve made up my mind about that. I’m not going to emotionally invest in mating flight passion anymore, unless it is with someone I actually want to be with regardless of dragon induced desires.” He smiled slightly. “But enough about the flight, I’ll deal with it when it arrives.”

He felt something blossoming in his chest, call it gratitude or even genuine fondness on its way to love even, but E’rra kept on surprising him the more time he spent with the man. He kept his hand on the blackrider’s arm. “Well, I feel like a right idiot now and I’m going to extend the same invitation to you. If you need to vent, whatever the reason, my weyr is always there for you,”

Garrett blushed again as he heard E’rra chuckle after his little sound. “I’m so glad I can amuse you,” he said with a laugh. “You were already dear to me, yes. I can’t say what exact moment, but it happened today,” he teased. He really didn’t know, but he would have to figure it out – it was going to bug him until he got that answer for himself.

Garrett closed his eyes as they leaned with their foreheads together and he lifted a hand to gently run a finger down E’rra’s cheek. “Well, then we both know what we don’t want to happen, which leads me to think we both want things to go the same way.” He ran his fingers through E’rra’s hair and gave a soft sigh. “I’m guessing the best idea would be to take this slowly?” he asked.

He reveled in the feeling of being held. “I can think of a few things myself, but they all involve being naked and sweaty on your bed.” He gave a wicked chuckle. “But right now, can we just cuddle?”

[missing]

E'rra nodded, he really didn't want to talk about the flight either. As nice as it would be if Novath did catch Iroth, he had a feeling if that happened he might feel guilty about spending so much time with Garrett tonight and he didn't want that at all.

"I will be sure to keep that in mind," he looked down at the table, hesitant about something, then placed his hand on top of Garrett's, "And you're not an idiot, you're entitled to be emotional every once in a while, it's only human."

"Oh I wouldn't call it amusement, I prefer enjoyment," he brushed a a bit of hair behind Garrett's ear, "I enjoy hearing you make those sounds, I enjoy knowing I'm the reason why you made those sounds, and... I enjoy..." he hesitated again, not really knowing how to say the next part without sounding horribly corny, "I enjoy hearing you say... that I'm dear to you. I..." he sighed, he really wasn't good at this sort of thing, he'd never really done so before though, "I care about you."

E'rra shivered as he felt Garrett's finger running along his cheek, and was utterly lost at the feeling of his fingers running through his hair. His eyes closed with the pleasure of it, and his voice shook as he answered, "That... would be best. I swear though you are testing every ounce of my self-control."

His hands tightened slightly around Garrett at the mention of naked and sweaty, and he was rather proud that he managed to nod instead of groan, "We can do whatever you would like," in his opinion Garrett was in desperate need of something being about him and probably would have agreed to bathing in the public cavern if that's what he'd wanted to do, though cuddling seemed like a much more pleasant option. He ran a hand up along Garrett's spine and back down again, enjoying the feel of him through the fabric.

[lyonza]

Garrett was glad that E’rra was dropping the subject of the flight – he’d had his say about it, had a little freak-out and it was over and done with. May the best dragon win and all that stuff.

He looked down as E’rra put his hand over his and his face softened into a dopey smile. “I guess it’s been bottling up since Iroth’s first flight – I just never knew I felt like that.” He looked back up into the other man’s eyes. “But isn’t it a rider thing to try and be more than human?” he asked.

Garrett pretended to consider the statement. “I can live with enjoyment,” he grinned, and then blushed a bit when E’rra continued. “I care about you too,” he said, “and I want you to be the one that causes me to make those sounds.” He was now blushing furiously, the heat rising in his face.

He knew exactly how E’rra felt. “That would be best, yes,” he answered distractedly. “I’m trying my own self-control here,” he said with a shaky laugh.

Garrett made another sound of contentment as E’rra’s arms tightened around him. “I’d like to…” he started and got himself under control. “I’d like to cuddle,” he said. “For now.” And his resolve almost crumbled as E’rra ran a hand up and down his spine, causing goose bumps to jump up form his arms. “Sofa or bed?” he asked as he disengaged himself and took E’rra’s hand to lead him to where they would just enjoy each other’s nearness. For now.

[missing]

"Not more than human," he said thoughtfully, "Just... a better one. But better doesn't mean ignoring who you are or what you need in life."

E'rra seemed bolstered by his ability to actually get his feelings out, and his next words were far more confident, "Good because I hope to be enjoying you.." he ran his fingers lightly along Garrett's jawline, tilting his head for another quick kiss when his fingertips reached his chin, "... And the sounds you make for as long as you'll allow me."

"Actually... This will sound like an excuse but... I don't have a sofa. I don't have social guests often enough to really warrant one," he should probably fix that problem too, having Garrett in his bed was going to be a true test of his willpower. He plead silently for strength as he lead Garrett towards the sleeping area, he stopped outside, moving Garrett to stand around the corner where he couldn't see in, "Ah, wait here... please?"

He kissed Garrett on the cheek, not trusting his resolve for more than that, and darted inside before lowering a cloth over the door. There wasn't really any rummaging, and he was only gone for a few moments when he called Garrett inside.

Within the room were various metal circular stands on the floor and surfaces made to hold glow baskets with rings above them to hold a variety of glass sculptures. Most of them were just the twisting bits of glass or different colors, but the one closest to the bed held a black dragon diving that was obviously Novath. The effect of the stands reflected light of all colors around the room. Shelves held sculptures of other mediums, as well as some more glass ones along with books and scrolls. The tapestries seemed to depict a variety of locations around Pern, though the one that stood out the most was one of the Red Star as if in close-up. The bed itself was carved wood, four posts with a heavy woven blue canopy patterned with twists and spirals to keep the in the warmth on days like today. A large carpet was spread over the floor which also helped take away from the cold of living in a weyr.

E'rra himself stood by the closest post of the bed, leaning against it and watching Garrett to see what he thought.

[lyonza]

Garrett snorted. “Altruism runs rife among riders, that’s all I’m going to say.” He knew it wasn’t that riders didn’t think of themselves, but the very nature of their profession called to their inherent selflessness that caused them to ignore themselves in favor of others. When the Pass started, he just knew that a lot of riders are going to be impossible to convince that they could miss a Fall because of injury or sickness. He also knew that he would be one of them.

He shivered as E’rra ran a finger along his jawline and smiled into the kiss before answering. “Well, I hope you don’t mind me seeing you with grey hair then, ‘cuz that’s how long you have to stop.” He had an image in his head, the two of them sitting in the sun, both grey with age and their dragons as creaky as they are, still as mushy as they are now.

Garrett smiled. “I threw in the sofa option in case you had one hidden somewhere in your room, but I’m more than fine with the bed.” He let himself be led to the entrance to the chamber and was completely mystified when E’rra made him wait around the corner. The noises that came from within was curious and he was really looking forward to seeing the surprise by the time E’rra called him.

He pushed the hanging aside, took one step in and stopped, his mouth hanging open in amazement. “It’s like stepping into a rainbow!” he said as he slowly walked forward, taking in all the things around him. “How do you sleep with such beauty around you?” he asked, turning another full circle before stopping in front of the sculpture of Novath. “Your glass girl made this?” Garrett asked in a hushed tone, almost expecting the figurine to come alive and fly off. He went over to the shelves to look at the art there and ran a finger along the spines of the books, glancing over his shoulder. “A bit of a scholar I see.”

The tapestries were breathtaking and he took a moment to inspect them. “I’m glad I got to see them today, I’ve been dying of curiosity. I’m going to demand a list of all your suppliers, sing their virtues to all that will listen and overload these artists with commissions until they beg for mercy. That one,” and he pointed to the Red Star, “gives me the chills, but it’s beautiful at the same time.”

When he finally stopped next to the bedpost where E’rra was watching him, he got shy and almost didn’t know what to do next.

[missing]

"Me? Grey hair? I'm going to be this dashing forever," he had no idea where the humor came from, but he enjoyed it all the same. On a normal day he might be worried at such a sudden attachment to someone he'd only recently met, but at the moment he didn't seem to care at all.

E'rra smiled as Garrett looked around the room and commented on the things inside. He nodded when asked about the glass Novath, but shook his head at the scholar comment, "They're mainly just records, teaching ballads, things to prepare for threadfall... There are even some maps in there of old threadfall patterns."

"I honestly don't remember where all of them came from. Except that one," he nodded to the Red Star tapestry, "A Weaver at the main craft hall said he used one of those smithcraft farseeing glasses to make it, it's a more recent addition. With the Red Star looming so close I find it's a good reminder that we can't go soft just because of a lack of threadfall."

E'rra shuffled a bit, he knew what he wanted to do, but all of those things would lead to something else. So, he moved to sit on the bed, kicking off his boots before reaching out to tug Garrett over to sit next to him. He moved to lay down, watching the other rider, but occasionally looking away nervously. Why was he so sharding nervous? It was laying in bed, not sex. He sighed in frustration with himself, sitting up and reaching towards Garrett to pull him down onto the bed with him not caring he had his shoes off or not anymore, "Sorry, I've never done something quite so simple with someone. I find myself at a loss and it's rather silly." He wrapped his arms around Garrett from behind, nuzzling into his hair with a smile.

[lyonza]

“Oh, dashing is it?” Garrett asked, arching an eyebrow. “I can see you’re not vain at all,” he said with a grin forming. “But it’s just as well I prefer you all dashing and self-assured,” he teased. Shards, it’s been so long since he’s bantered with anybody and with E’rra it had a special feel to it.

He fixed E’rra with a stare. “I don’t know what you call it, but maps, teaching ballads, ancient threadfall patterns and such sounds all scholarly to me.” Garrett softened his look. “And I expect to hear everything about it at some point before Thread falls,” he said. As much as he was glad to be in the Queens wing and would be flying the sweep and catch on the lowest level of the formations, he was genuinely interested in the theory behind a Fall and had made his own studies. “It will be nice to have someone to compare theories with although I can honestly say I haven’t made such an in-depth study of it.”

Garrett went closer to look for a crafter’s mark of some sort. “I guess half the fun is to trawl through the Gathers to find something one likes? Or a visit to one of the Crafthalls will definitely offer some results.” He was looking forward to hunting for things to get for his weyr. He turned back to the Red Star. “That thing really gives me the shivers, but I can’t help but look at it the whole time. The man who made this is a master that is for sure.” He ran a soft touch over the hanging.

He was still looking at the tapestry when E’rra tugged him down on the bed and he gave a little squawk of surprise before laughing at himself. He copied E’rra and took off his boots, missing the other man’s darting glances. He went willingly when E’rra pulled him into his arms, and he murmured happily as they settled on the bed. “I can’t say I’ve had the simple pleasure of lying like this myself. “ He put his hands over E’rra’s, rubbing over his fingers with his thumbs. “It isn’t silly,” he muttered more to himself, before pulling one of E’rra’s hands closer to his mouth to plant a kiss on the back of his hand. “This is what I needed right now. Thank you for indulging me.”

[missing]

He sighed, "I call it making yourself a better rider, and I'd be more than happy to discuss patterns with you... Some other time, right now you're not allowed to work," he smiled, right now, Garrett was his and he was not about to go discussing things like theories and studies with him, at least not about threadfall.

The tapestry was marked by a Master, "I brought him the glass so he did it for me as a way of thanks. I'd probably never have been able to afford it otherwise." it was woven in a very fine wool that seemed to change color with the lighting, E'rra chuckled, "I will almost certainly have to bring you with me next time I go looking for new things."

"I didn't mean this is silly, I meant I'm acting silly. I want to hold you, and you've already told me that you want that as well, and yet I still hesitate... As if the moment I actually have you in my arms you'll disappear," he gently tightened his arms around Garrett. As much as he would like to kiss him again he thought it might be tempting fate. For now he was happy to enjoy this wonderful moment.

He captured the hand that was rubbing along his fingers, twisting their fingers together as he smiled against Garrett's hair. This was probably moving far too fast, even with them both behaving. It couldn't be normal to fall for someone quite this fast, and yet... he really didn't have a choice in the matter, and could only manage to be happy that Garrett at least cared for him in return. Now he just had to hope that he never woke up from this. He placed a kiss against the back of Garrett's head, "If you vanish into thin air I will be very cross with you..."

[lyonza]

Garrett grinned and leaned over to poke E’rra in the side. “I do find scholarly men particularly hot,” he whispered before moving off to check out something else. “You’re right, now is not for working,” he said a little nervously, looking at E’rra over his shoulder.

He almost clapped his hands like a little kid. “I will hold you to that,” he said with a delighted smile on his face. “I was serious when I said I want to redecorate my weyr, it’s almost dreary at the moment.” And it was – his bed was utilitarian, nothing like this beacon of comfort. The furniture was nothing to write home about and his art was non-existent. He spent most of his marks on his clothes. Drat Syrani and her excellent taste in cut and fabric. Which gave him a great idea to discuss with her when he saw her next.

Garrett nodded with understanding. “I know what you mean,” he said, sighing as he revelled in the feeling of being held. He studied their entwined fingers, wondering why its taken this long for him to have found someone like E’rra. “I won’t disappear, promise,” he said and twisted around a little to put a light kiss on the corner of E’rra’s mouth before snuggling back into his arms. He gave a sigh of contentment.

“Where have you been all my life?”