Chapter Fourteen: The Open Palm of Desire
Gareas stopped the car at 2217 Malmsey Street, with a quick "Last call for those not going home with Rio and me," while Zero scrambled to open his door. He stepped out, followed by Hiead.
"See you tomorrow evening?" Zero said.
"Tomorrow evening," Rio replied. "If anything happens, call us."
"Will do. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, gentlemen," Rio sang out, as Garu started the car, which rolled away.
The two walked to the front door, and then into the house.
Hiead turned to Zero, a dark look on his face.
"When they come for me---the Shadowcatchers---don't get involved."
Zero placed a hand on his shoulder. "I am involved, Hiead."
"They'll want me, Rei. And I've handled this sort of trouble before."
"I'll be damned if I let you go a second time."
"It's not your call."
"Like hell it isn't." Tears welled in Zero's eyes. "I lost you once already. Once, being one time too many."
"Do you have any idea what you stand to lose if you get involved in this bounty?"
"Let me deal with that when the time comes." Zero grasped Hiead's other shoulder, lowering his gaze. "Please. Please let me help you. I want to."
The two stood, in a silent battle of wills, for several minutes. Finally, Hiead broke the silence.
"Very well." I would rather you stayed away, but if you will---be ready.
Hiead raised a hand, stroking Zero's cheek. He ran his fingers up, into the tangles of dark hair. "Isn't it about time the little love ambushed us?"
"Habibi is probably dreaming of how to do that." Zero reached up, twirling silvery locks in his hand, as he leaned in for a kiss. {May I?}
Hiead lowered his head, meeting Zero's lips with his own. {Come here, itooshii.}
Tentative at first, the kiss deepened, turning ardent, as tongues came into play, warring and weaving. Hiead drew Zero closer, moaning into his mouth. He rocked against the dark-haired man, fire in his veins. He felt his groin tighten, and a hardness pressing into his thigh.
Zero's free hand moved across his back, trailing across the spine, and brushing across Hiead's bottom; Hiead purred, planting kisses along his companion's neck and collarbone.
Blue eyes, dilated and glassy, stared up into ruby-red ones. {I want you, love, want you with me, tonight, please, sleep with me.}
{Nothing else, Rei?}
{Nothing that neither of us is willing to do.}
Hiead scooped Zero up, carrying him up the stairs. "You sure about this?"
Zero leaned in, kissing his throat. "Stay with me."
He leaned against Hiead's shoulder, as the door to his room opened. He hit a switch near the entry, turning on the lights in his bedroom.
Hiead placed Zero on the bed, sitting next to him. Slender hands caressed the face, tracing the lines and angles from forehead to jawline, before moving to the shirt, which he began unbuttoning.
Zero smiled up at Hiead, trailing his hands along the other's shirt. He arched up, a low moan escaping his throat, as the hands began tracing spirals along his chest, and fingers tweaked at the left nipple.
Hiead smirked, chucking Zero under the chin, nipping at his throat and shoulders. He eased the shirt off his love, planting kisses on the exposed skin.
"Truth or dare, Hiead?" Zero asked. Remember our game?
"Truth." Wasn't that the game we played the first time we kissed?
"Tell me one thing that brings you pleasure."
"The look you're giving me now. So devout, and so wanton." Hiead paused. "Truth or dare, Zero?"
"Dare."
"Strip for me. I want to see you, sacred and naked."
Zero crawled off the bed, dropping to the floor. He removed his shoes, then his socks. He sauntered up to Hiead, who was now sitting on the bed, and leaned in to kiss him, undoing buttons on his dark shirt. They broke for air; Zero then undid his own trousers, pushing them down, little by little, hips swaying to a slow, private rhythm. When they pooled at the ankles, he stepped out, kicking them aside.
Zero flashed a wicked smile at Hiead, whose hands had wandered down to the front of his trousers, and were stroking at throbbing, still-covered flesh. I'm not quite done here, dear. A pair of blue boxers fell to the floor; Zero stepped out, picked them up, and flung them into Hiead's lap. He then strode over to Hiead, straddling his lap, as he sat down.
The contact between Zero's erection and Hiead's left the two men gasping, pleasure reverberating. Zero took Hiead's left hand, kissing and sucking each finger with a delicate abandon. He did the same with the other hand, getting drunk on Hiead's cries and mewls. I haven't felt this alive in a long time. If this is the part where I wake up to Habibi licking my face, and a fresh load of linens, then I'll just as soon stay asleep, thank you.
Zero gasped, when Hiead lowered his head and began to kiss and suck the same nipple he had tweaked earlier. He tipped his head back, groaning, as his koishii began pinching and teasing the other one to a rosy peak. Oh, god, Hiead, a little harder, yes, there! Don't stop.
Hiead laughed as he felt his itooshii writhe, little cries vibrating through his chest. He removed his hand and mouth, cupping Zero's face.
"I believe it's your turn now, no?"
"Yes, it is my turn---so, Hiead, truth or dare?"
"Dare."
"Strip to your underwear."
"Why my underwear?"
"I'd like the privilege of removing that for you---if, that is, you want me to."
Hiead set Zero on the bed, giving him a ravenous kiss, and removed his shoes. The socks came next.
He watched, as the dark-haired man began to stroke his throat, a hand moving over his chest, and down to his groin, hips weaving and rising. Suppose I kick this up?
He pulled Zero up from the bed, and purred, "Care to give me a hand with this shirt?"
Zero groaned, as he finished unbuttoning the other's shirt, pushing it up, and back, so that it fell down Hiead's arms. He then stripped away a black tank top, but not before teasing the already sensitive nipples.
Hiead began kissing Zero's neck again, sucking and biting at the skin on his throat. He guided Zero's hands to his belt, which the naked man undid, with a flourish. One hand remained on Zero's, as he undid the trousers. The other went to the warm, pulsing erection, stroking it at a gentle, determined pace. He heard the man's breath catch and felt the shudder as his hands worked to lower the trousers.
"So, truth or dare, Zero?" Hiead asked, as he removed his hand and lowered the trousers to the floor. His boxer briefs swelled in the front.
Zero spoke, his voice shaky, and hazed with desire. "Truth."
"What drives you to delirium?"
"When you kiss my neck, and stroke me---oh! There! Good god, Hiead!" Zero pressed his body closer to Hiead, as the silver-haired man proceeded to ravish his neck again, all the while stroking his erection and fondling the testicles, before pressing into the skin behind there. The last traces of rational thought deserted him, as he fell into ecstasy.
Hiead walked his lover back to the bed, letting him sit down. Zero's hands grasped the band of his underwear, peeling it away, revealing an engorged member, already beaded. He shifted, pulling Hiead onto the bed, legs parting a little.
"Truth or dare, Hiead?"
"Truth."
"What do you want to do now?"
Hiead positioned himself above Zero, so that his head was between the other's legs. He leaned in, kissing and tickling the bellybutton, then took the head of Zero's erection into his mouth. Zero leaned up, doing the same. Moans and whimpers filled the room, as each devoured the other, fondling and caressing.
Their breathing got shorter, as hips bucked. Finally, Zero climaxed, followed by Hiead. After swallowing, Hiead turned around, pressing his body on top of Zero's, kissing him.
The momentary calm dissipated, as Hiead felt his lover's arousal, and hardened in turn. Zero's hands roamed the pale body covering his, sighing. "Do you---because I---I want---I need---"
Hiead kissed Zero's forehead. "Yes. What do you keep in the way of lubricant?" he asked, feathering kisses over the reddened, tender skin of his throat.
"In the guest room," Zero gasped, "There's a box in the closet, from a party that Roose and Yamagi threw two months ago. It's a purple box."
"What do you say we go there?" his koishii said, nibbling Zero's ear, and helping him to his feet.
The two walked, hand in hand, to the guest room.
Hiead found the box, opening it. Inside, he found tubes of Astroglide, condoms, and finger cots. He also came up with a bottle of spiced massage oil, a small tin of sugar dust, and a feathered applicator.
Zero, meanwhile, had set three pillar candles on a table, and used a wand lighter to light them. The flames flickered, casting shadows in the room. He pulled down the bed covers and the sheets, lying on his side, as he beckoned for Hiead.
Silver hair glistened, as he moved over, setting the box within reach. He kissed Zero, tugging at his lower lip, then moved on to the neck, shoulders, and torso. He coated three fingers with lubricant, then proceeded to kiss Zero again, slipping a finger into the ring of muscle.
"Uhh! There!" Zero breathed. Hiead smirked, adding a second finger, and stretching him. He brushed against the man's prostate, which caused him to writhe and twist.
"Ah! Hiead! More!"
Hiead added the third finger, stroking the prostate, stretching him a bit further. He handed the lubricant to Zero, who coated his erection with a cool, slick layer.
"I'm ready, Hiead. Make love to me---let me feel you inside, every bit of you, koishii, I love you, so much, such a long time." Hiead removed his fingers, positioning his erection near Zero's opening. He pushed in, pausing to catch his breath, and waited for Zero to adjust.
He leaned in, staring at the deep blue eyes, now dilated to indigo, and kissed his lover's forehead, then his lips, murmuring, "Rei-chan, itooshii-- -"
"I know," Zero replied, smiling. "You don't need to say it." {I feel it. I know.}
{Thank you Rei-chan.}
Hiead felt Zero's hips rock beneath his, and began to move.
Soon they established a rhythm, slow at first, and increasing in tempo. Hiead leaned in, kissing Zero, as he stroked his erection, ruby-red eyes never once straying from his lover's face. Tears began falling down Zero's face, and he sobbed, a soft, musical sound.
Hiead leaned in, kissing tears away. {Why are you crying, itooshii?}
"You---need you! Hiead! Ah! Faster! Yes!" {How can I not cry, over a wonderful gift?}
"Oh! Rei!"
"I'm yours, Hiead, yours, always, always." {Never doubt that. I am yours.}
"Yours too, Rei---yours and yours alone----oh, god!" {My Rei---do you realize what you've given me?}
Light wreathed around their bodies, growing brighter as the pace increased.
"Rei, let me see you come, show me how beautifully you climax, now."
The words penetrated Zero's mind, as he felt his vision go white. Golden light spiked and shivered, as he sobbed, shaking, as he climaxed.
"Ah! Hiead! Hie---Ahhhh!"
Hiead felt Zero's inner walls contract, watched his face flush with bliss, and felt himself fall over the edge, as he shuddered, filling his lover. The light from his frame burst, fireworks born of passion and a longing that had gone unmet until now.
"Oh! Rei!"
Silver light entwined with gold, as Hiead and Zero kissed each other, their breathing evening out. They lay together for several minutes, before Hiead slipped out of Zero, gathering him to his chest. The light faded, leaving only the candles.
Zero kissed Hiead's throat, chin, and cheeks, as his breath returned. "Hiead---thank you."
"I don't understand," Hiead whispered, planting a kiss on Zero's nose.
"Do you know how long it's been since I've cried from sheer joy?" Zero chuckled, his eyes dark and starry. "I've missed that."
"Rei-chan." {My beautiful itooshii.} A tear ran down Hiead's face; Zero caught it on a finger, tasting it. He reached over, tousling and twirling silvery hair.
"Let me get the lights." He got up, turning off the lights in his bedroom, and then returned to the guest room, where he blew out the candles.
"Come here," Hiead said, motioning to Zero.
Once the two were in bed, Hiead pulled the covers up, kissing Zero's face.
"Are we getting sleepy, love?" he teased, as he watched blue eyes slip shut.
"A little," Zero replied. "Sleep with the angels, Hiead."
"I have, I do, and I hope to, for the rest of my life." He nuzzled his lover's hair, and closed his eyes, drifting to the feel of soft skin and a gentle heartbeat.
Author's Notes
Oh dear! This is a little passionate. Hope it's not vulgar or clichéd, though. I think writing citrus has to be a challenge.
I reread this and decided it needed a reworking. Tell me what you think.
D-chan: golly gee, oh gosh, you are too good to me. I promise more Yamagi and lil'cutey Roo-chan soon, dear. Of all the people who could make the jump to civilian life, I think they would probably have the easiest time. As for the knowledge of the Shadowcatchers---I think I'll let Yamagi tell the story. Considering that everyone has to eat, I shouldn't be at all surprised if a few of this deadly elite went in for chow. And yes, there is more on the Quark trade forthcoming. As for the recipes, I'd be happy to e-mail you a few. You can also look up other recipes at foodtv.com.
UE: well, after the sturm und drang of the previous chapters, I thought a chapter with something more sedate was in order. (Of course, I had to go and kick it up a notch here.) And I think Roose is kawaii---majorly so! Thanks for the encouragement, and the feedback.
Tkawaii: Hey there! Thank you for the props and the prompt. Here's the next one.
This chapter's title comes from the Paul Simon song, "Further to Fly."
Coming soon: Zero gets a visit from an unfriendly guest. Hiead and Clay meet, and secrets spill. The dinner party gets interesting. And how deep does the Quark trade reach in Red River City? Stay tuned.
As always, I welcome all comments, critique, feedback, praise, and flames. If you haven't posted, drop a line. If you have, drop a line.
And to those who have read this, thank you so much.
Antoinette (poetisa)
P.S. (Free space #2)
This evening, my mum and I went to a friend's house, to mark the beginning of the Jewish New Year. I had never been to a dinner for the High Holy Days (I was raised Roman Catholic), and was amazed at the attention to detail. It was a fairly intimate event, with a good deal of food, and more than a little good conversation.
This was a contrast to the start of my day. I'd gone to a high school for orientation (part of my class requirements involves observing teachers at work), only to find out that that had been postponed. Let's just say I was not pleased to be in the back of beyond for no good reason. On the way back, I went to a local bodega, called Pan de Queso (cheese bread), and got a café con leche.
The bus trip was an adventure: from West Dade, to South Miami, to the Gables. Talk about some interesting scenery. I didn't get home till 3:20, by which time I'd hit two comic stores, a Sally Army store, a vintage clothing shop, eaten a veggie crepe for lunch, and picked up a couple of comics.
All in all, today was a pretty good day.
Gareas stopped the car at 2217 Malmsey Street, with a quick "Last call for those not going home with Rio and me," while Zero scrambled to open his door. He stepped out, followed by Hiead.
"See you tomorrow evening?" Zero said.
"Tomorrow evening," Rio replied. "If anything happens, call us."
"Will do. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, gentlemen," Rio sang out, as Garu started the car, which rolled away.
The two walked to the front door, and then into the house.
Hiead turned to Zero, a dark look on his face.
"When they come for me---the Shadowcatchers---don't get involved."
Zero placed a hand on his shoulder. "I am involved, Hiead."
"They'll want me, Rei. And I've handled this sort of trouble before."
"I'll be damned if I let you go a second time."
"It's not your call."
"Like hell it isn't." Tears welled in Zero's eyes. "I lost you once already. Once, being one time too many."
"Do you have any idea what you stand to lose if you get involved in this bounty?"
"Let me deal with that when the time comes." Zero grasped Hiead's other shoulder, lowering his gaze. "Please. Please let me help you. I want to."
The two stood, in a silent battle of wills, for several minutes. Finally, Hiead broke the silence.
"Very well." I would rather you stayed away, but if you will---be ready.
Hiead raised a hand, stroking Zero's cheek. He ran his fingers up, into the tangles of dark hair. "Isn't it about time the little love ambushed us?"
"Habibi is probably dreaming of how to do that." Zero reached up, twirling silvery locks in his hand, as he leaned in for a kiss. {May I?}
Hiead lowered his head, meeting Zero's lips with his own. {Come here, itooshii.}
Tentative at first, the kiss deepened, turning ardent, as tongues came into play, warring and weaving. Hiead drew Zero closer, moaning into his mouth. He rocked against the dark-haired man, fire in his veins. He felt his groin tighten, and a hardness pressing into his thigh.
Zero's free hand moved across his back, trailing across the spine, and brushing across Hiead's bottom; Hiead purred, planting kisses along his companion's neck and collarbone.
Blue eyes, dilated and glassy, stared up into ruby-red ones. {I want you, love, want you with me, tonight, please, sleep with me.}
{Nothing else, Rei?}
{Nothing that neither of us is willing to do.}
Hiead scooped Zero up, carrying him up the stairs. "You sure about this?"
Zero leaned in, kissing his throat. "Stay with me."
He leaned against Hiead's shoulder, as the door to his room opened. He hit a switch near the entry, turning on the lights in his bedroom.
Hiead placed Zero on the bed, sitting next to him. Slender hands caressed the face, tracing the lines and angles from forehead to jawline, before moving to the shirt, which he began unbuttoning.
Zero smiled up at Hiead, trailing his hands along the other's shirt. He arched up, a low moan escaping his throat, as the hands began tracing spirals along his chest, and fingers tweaked at the left nipple.
Hiead smirked, chucking Zero under the chin, nipping at his throat and shoulders. He eased the shirt off his love, planting kisses on the exposed skin.
"Truth or dare, Hiead?" Zero asked. Remember our game?
"Truth." Wasn't that the game we played the first time we kissed?
"Tell me one thing that brings you pleasure."
"The look you're giving me now. So devout, and so wanton." Hiead paused. "Truth or dare, Zero?"
"Dare."
"Strip for me. I want to see you, sacred and naked."
Zero crawled off the bed, dropping to the floor. He removed his shoes, then his socks. He sauntered up to Hiead, who was now sitting on the bed, and leaned in to kiss him, undoing buttons on his dark shirt. They broke for air; Zero then undid his own trousers, pushing them down, little by little, hips swaying to a slow, private rhythm. When they pooled at the ankles, he stepped out, kicking them aside.
Zero flashed a wicked smile at Hiead, whose hands had wandered down to the front of his trousers, and were stroking at throbbing, still-covered flesh. I'm not quite done here, dear. A pair of blue boxers fell to the floor; Zero stepped out, picked them up, and flung them into Hiead's lap. He then strode over to Hiead, straddling his lap, as he sat down.
The contact between Zero's erection and Hiead's left the two men gasping, pleasure reverberating. Zero took Hiead's left hand, kissing and sucking each finger with a delicate abandon. He did the same with the other hand, getting drunk on Hiead's cries and mewls. I haven't felt this alive in a long time. If this is the part where I wake up to Habibi licking my face, and a fresh load of linens, then I'll just as soon stay asleep, thank you.
Zero gasped, when Hiead lowered his head and began to kiss and suck the same nipple he had tweaked earlier. He tipped his head back, groaning, as his koishii began pinching and teasing the other one to a rosy peak. Oh, god, Hiead, a little harder, yes, there! Don't stop.
Hiead laughed as he felt his itooshii writhe, little cries vibrating through his chest. He removed his hand and mouth, cupping Zero's face.
"I believe it's your turn now, no?"
"Yes, it is my turn---so, Hiead, truth or dare?"
"Dare."
"Strip to your underwear."
"Why my underwear?"
"I'd like the privilege of removing that for you---if, that is, you want me to."
Hiead set Zero on the bed, giving him a ravenous kiss, and removed his shoes. The socks came next.
He watched, as the dark-haired man began to stroke his throat, a hand moving over his chest, and down to his groin, hips weaving and rising. Suppose I kick this up?
He pulled Zero up from the bed, and purred, "Care to give me a hand with this shirt?"
Zero groaned, as he finished unbuttoning the other's shirt, pushing it up, and back, so that it fell down Hiead's arms. He then stripped away a black tank top, but not before teasing the already sensitive nipples.
Hiead began kissing Zero's neck again, sucking and biting at the skin on his throat. He guided Zero's hands to his belt, which the naked man undid, with a flourish. One hand remained on Zero's, as he undid the trousers. The other went to the warm, pulsing erection, stroking it at a gentle, determined pace. He heard the man's breath catch and felt the shudder as his hands worked to lower the trousers.
"So, truth or dare, Zero?" Hiead asked, as he removed his hand and lowered the trousers to the floor. His boxer briefs swelled in the front.
Zero spoke, his voice shaky, and hazed with desire. "Truth."
"What drives you to delirium?"
"When you kiss my neck, and stroke me---oh! There! Good god, Hiead!" Zero pressed his body closer to Hiead, as the silver-haired man proceeded to ravish his neck again, all the while stroking his erection and fondling the testicles, before pressing into the skin behind there. The last traces of rational thought deserted him, as he fell into ecstasy.
Hiead walked his lover back to the bed, letting him sit down. Zero's hands grasped the band of his underwear, peeling it away, revealing an engorged member, already beaded. He shifted, pulling Hiead onto the bed, legs parting a little.
"Truth or dare, Hiead?"
"Truth."
"What do you want to do now?"
Hiead positioned himself above Zero, so that his head was between the other's legs. He leaned in, kissing and tickling the bellybutton, then took the head of Zero's erection into his mouth. Zero leaned up, doing the same. Moans and whimpers filled the room, as each devoured the other, fondling and caressing.
Their breathing got shorter, as hips bucked. Finally, Zero climaxed, followed by Hiead. After swallowing, Hiead turned around, pressing his body on top of Zero's, kissing him.
The momentary calm dissipated, as Hiead felt his lover's arousal, and hardened in turn. Zero's hands roamed the pale body covering his, sighing. "Do you---because I---I want---I need---"
Hiead kissed Zero's forehead. "Yes. What do you keep in the way of lubricant?" he asked, feathering kisses over the reddened, tender skin of his throat.
"In the guest room," Zero gasped, "There's a box in the closet, from a party that Roose and Yamagi threw two months ago. It's a purple box."
"What do you say we go there?" his koishii said, nibbling Zero's ear, and helping him to his feet.
The two walked, hand in hand, to the guest room.
Hiead found the box, opening it. Inside, he found tubes of Astroglide, condoms, and finger cots. He also came up with a bottle of spiced massage oil, a small tin of sugar dust, and a feathered applicator.
Zero, meanwhile, had set three pillar candles on a table, and used a wand lighter to light them. The flames flickered, casting shadows in the room. He pulled down the bed covers and the sheets, lying on his side, as he beckoned for Hiead.
Silver hair glistened, as he moved over, setting the box within reach. He kissed Zero, tugging at his lower lip, then moved on to the neck, shoulders, and torso. He coated three fingers with lubricant, then proceeded to kiss Zero again, slipping a finger into the ring of muscle.
"Uhh! There!" Zero breathed. Hiead smirked, adding a second finger, and stretching him. He brushed against the man's prostate, which caused him to writhe and twist.
"Ah! Hiead! More!"
Hiead added the third finger, stroking the prostate, stretching him a bit further. He handed the lubricant to Zero, who coated his erection with a cool, slick layer.
"I'm ready, Hiead. Make love to me---let me feel you inside, every bit of you, koishii, I love you, so much, such a long time." Hiead removed his fingers, positioning his erection near Zero's opening. He pushed in, pausing to catch his breath, and waited for Zero to adjust.
He leaned in, staring at the deep blue eyes, now dilated to indigo, and kissed his lover's forehead, then his lips, murmuring, "Rei-chan, itooshii-- -"
"I know," Zero replied, smiling. "You don't need to say it." {I feel it. I know.}
{Thank you Rei-chan.}
Hiead felt Zero's hips rock beneath his, and began to move.
Soon they established a rhythm, slow at first, and increasing in tempo. Hiead leaned in, kissing Zero, as he stroked his erection, ruby-red eyes never once straying from his lover's face. Tears began falling down Zero's face, and he sobbed, a soft, musical sound.
Hiead leaned in, kissing tears away. {Why are you crying, itooshii?}
"You---need you! Hiead! Ah! Faster! Yes!" {How can I not cry, over a wonderful gift?}
"Oh! Rei!"
"I'm yours, Hiead, yours, always, always." {Never doubt that. I am yours.}
"Yours too, Rei---yours and yours alone----oh, god!" {My Rei---do you realize what you've given me?}
Light wreathed around their bodies, growing brighter as the pace increased.
"Rei, let me see you come, show me how beautifully you climax, now."
The words penetrated Zero's mind, as he felt his vision go white. Golden light spiked and shivered, as he sobbed, shaking, as he climaxed.
"Ah! Hiead! Hie---Ahhhh!"
Hiead felt Zero's inner walls contract, watched his face flush with bliss, and felt himself fall over the edge, as he shuddered, filling his lover. The light from his frame burst, fireworks born of passion and a longing that had gone unmet until now.
"Oh! Rei!"
Silver light entwined with gold, as Hiead and Zero kissed each other, their breathing evening out. They lay together for several minutes, before Hiead slipped out of Zero, gathering him to his chest. The light faded, leaving only the candles.
Zero kissed Hiead's throat, chin, and cheeks, as his breath returned. "Hiead---thank you."
"I don't understand," Hiead whispered, planting a kiss on Zero's nose.
"Do you know how long it's been since I've cried from sheer joy?" Zero chuckled, his eyes dark and starry. "I've missed that."
"Rei-chan." {My beautiful itooshii.} A tear ran down Hiead's face; Zero caught it on a finger, tasting it. He reached over, tousling and twirling silvery hair.
"Let me get the lights." He got up, turning off the lights in his bedroom, and then returned to the guest room, where he blew out the candles.
"Come here," Hiead said, motioning to Zero.
Once the two were in bed, Hiead pulled the covers up, kissing Zero's face.
"Are we getting sleepy, love?" he teased, as he watched blue eyes slip shut.
"A little," Zero replied. "Sleep with the angels, Hiead."
"I have, I do, and I hope to, for the rest of my life." He nuzzled his lover's hair, and closed his eyes, drifting to the feel of soft skin and a gentle heartbeat.
Author's Notes
Oh dear! This is a little passionate. Hope it's not vulgar or clichéd, though. I think writing citrus has to be a challenge.
I reread this and decided it needed a reworking. Tell me what you think.
D-chan: golly gee, oh gosh, you are too good to me. I promise more Yamagi and lil'cutey Roo-chan soon, dear. Of all the people who could make the jump to civilian life, I think they would probably have the easiest time. As for the knowledge of the Shadowcatchers---I think I'll let Yamagi tell the story. Considering that everyone has to eat, I shouldn't be at all surprised if a few of this deadly elite went in for chow. And yes, there is more on the Quark trade forthcoming. As for the recipes, I'd be happy to e-mail you a few. You can also look up other recipes at foodtv.com.
UE: well, after the sturm und drang of the previous chapters, I thought a chapter with something more sedate was in order. (Of course, I had to go and kick it up a notch here.) And I think Roose is kawaii---majorly so! Thanks for the encouragement, and the feedback.
Tkawaii: Hey there! Thank you for the props and the prompt. Here's the next one.
This chapter's title comes from the Paul Simon song, "Further to Fly."
Coming soon: Zero gets a visit from an unfriendly guest. Hiead and Clay meet, and secrets spill. The dinner party gets interesting. And how deep does the Quark trade reach in Red River City? Stay tuned.
As always, I welcome all comments, critique, feedback, praise, and flames. If you haven't posted, drop a line. If you have, drop a line.
And to those who have read this, thank you so much.
Antoinette (poetisa)
P.S. (Free space #2)
This evening, my mum and I went to a friend's house, to mark the beginning of the Jewish New Year. I had never been to a dinner for the High Holy Days (I was raised Roman Catholic), and was amazed at the attention to detail. It was a fairly intimate event, with a good deal of food, and more than a little good conversation.
This was a contrast to the start of my day. I'd gone to a high school for orientation (part of my class requirements involves observing teachers at work), only to find out that that had been postponed. Let's just say I was not pleased to be in the back of beyond for no good reason. On the way back, I went to a local bodega, called Pan de Queso (cheese bread), and got a café con leche.
The bus trip was an adventure: from West Dade, to South Miami, to the Gables. Talk about some interesting scenery. I didn't get home till 3:20, by which time I'd hit two comic stores, a Sally Army store, a vintage clothing shop, eaten a veggie crepe for lunch, and picked up a couple of comics.
All in all, today was a pretty good day.