Of White and Brown Wings
Story 1: Things Change Part 1
Littlefreeze
Rated: M
Author's Note: This story is rated for the mention of two men involved in a sexual relationship. No actual lemon here.. sorry ladies.
I actually have a whole pile of these little one shots I've written about Tibarn and Reyson at various times of their relationship. Most of them are not even from the same idea I've had of their relationship. Different variations on how they confessed to each other… variations on their first kiss. That is what this is going to be… a collection of my love for the love that Reyson and Tibarn have for each other.. be it friendship, admiration, familial love, or romantic love.
Reyson nestled deeper into Tibarn's arms. The young heron could feel the hard muscles of the older man against his pale wings. It was one of the only things that gave him comfort during moments like this. They had been doing this for years now: sleeping with each other. And he hated himself for it.
This had all started innocently enough. Reyson was unable to sleep alone, so he began sharing Tibarn's bed. At first they slept on opposite sides of the bed. The maids knew of this sleeping arrangement. Three or four of them were upset since they normally shared the king's bed occasionally. They spread rumors that the king had taken to exclusively sleeping with another man. Ulki and Janaff teased them often because they enjoyed the thought of two heterosexual men sharing a bed.
They shared long in-depth talks about many things. The dreams that kept Reyson awake, the thoughts going through their heads or Lorazeih's current status. As these talks became more emotionally involved, Reyson would sometimes cry and Tibarn would hold him. Eventually, Tibarn began to hold him as they slept. As this continued, the heron began to wonder what their current situation meant. When he tried to talk to Tibarn about it, the older man ignored the probing question, always changing the subject.
Reyson had begun to develop romantic feelings for his friend. It was new for him. During his younger years, he had experimented with a close friend, but he never considered himself interested in men.
Tibarn, very obviously, preferred the company of women as well. And while occasionally bird tribes were known for sleeping with same-sex partners in their youth, it was almost unheard of at their ages. Marriage would be expected of both of them as soon as the world around them settled down.
It was one fateful night years ago, that their innocent bed sharing turned sexual. He couldn't remember what had happened for the life of him but something had aroused Reyson. Embarrassed, Reyson tried to leave but Tibarn insisted that he help his friend.
"Helping" each other gradually became sleeping with each other.
Reyson let it continue because he always wanted to feel something again, to feel close to someone again. But now, five years after it had begun - three since it became exclusive - Reyson wondered what they were doing.
The magical three word sentence was banned. Both men had uttered it in throes of passion but Reyson had always thought that was normal. A passionate moment when you're not thinking straight was bound to cause some confused confessions of love. Whenever Reyson tried to talk to Tibarn about their situation, the older man would change the subject. But two heterosexual men, sleeping with each other for a prolonged period of time had to mean something. They were too old for experimentation after all.
The scariest part for Reyson was that, this was not typical behavior for a heron. In adulthood, they chose a partner for life. Had he chosen Tibarn unconsciously? What would happen if Tibarn refused him?
Reyson turned to face Tibarn and pressed a soft kiss against his friend's lips. Surprisingly, his kiss was returned. The darker skinned man opened up his eyes.
"We need to talk, Tibarn." Reyson said softly of the king.