"I was wondering when you would show."
Kolyat blinked in uncertainty and hesitated at the threshold of Feron's room. Glancing in warily, he looked at the colorful man laid out on the bed in the middle of the room. His gaze zeroed in on Feron's wrists - which remained restraint free - and then to the drells multi-hued face. A peaceful, tired look, staring back at him.
"I'm bored. Play a game with me." Feron smiled.
Kolyat stepped in slowly. The pleasant, soft purr of urging - not to mention the serene smile on Feron's face - made Kolyat more suspicious and cautious than ever before. Kolyat reached for the chair near the entryway and brought it over to Feron's bedside, before shifting out of his C-Sec jacket. "What kind of game do you have in mind?"
'How fast can you strip? How long can you shut the fuck up for?' Wait for it.
"Ba'ket. Do you have any cards on you?"
Kolyat narrowed his eyes in confusion as he threw his jacket over the arm of the chair and took a seat, not expecting anything less than a snide remark. He ran his eyes over Feron with scrutiny. His playful, kind expression, something Kolyat never witnessed before.
It made his stomach hurt and his ass itch.
"You play ba'ket?" Kolyat asked in peaked curiosity. His whole body felt on guard just waiting for Feron to change his attitude and verbally attack him.
"I used to make a lot of enemies as a kid. No one wanted to play me after I kept stealing their money." Feron tilted his head up and closed his eyes, leaning his head against his pillow.
Kolyat snickered and grinned. "Yeah, that sounds about right for you."
"What about human poker?" Feron asked. "Do you know how to play that?"
"Poker? No." Relaxing in his chair, Kolyat could practically feel his muscles easing under the dissipating tension. Maybe today was a good day with the other man?
Feron hummed and smiled before opening his eyes and turned to stare at Kolyat. His head nestled upon the pillow. "Come on. Let's play a game."
Kolyat swallowed roughly, his lungs seizing for a moment, unnerved by the, pure, enjoyable look, on Feron's face, making his stomach bubble uncomfortably.
His irises are hazel….
Kolyat caught himself from staring and sucked his teeth, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "You sure you're not a child after all?"
Feron wrinkled his nose in mirth, a smile raging over his voluptuous lips. "Even in my dreams you're an asshole like, Thane."
"Dreams?" Kolyat looked around the room, his eyes falling on the monitor at Feron's bedside. The whole situation finally making sense. Cursing, he rose and went over to the consoles, clicking on the drug administration log. "What the hell did they give you this time?" No wonder Feron was so pleasant. He was high.
"The giant gra'lak said she liked my fingers. Should I be worried?"
Now he's talking to fish?
Kolyat sighed and frowned, looking back over to Feron who was glancing over the side of his bed warily, after Kolyat checked the long list of side effects on his omnitool. "Do you feel sick at all?"
Feron blinked up at him, a generous smile and brightening eyes. There was no pain or turmoil, just a boyish, impish delight.
Arashu, please be merciful. He has golden speckles in his eyes.
"A little dizzy, but I think it's from too much sun. Can you pass me my water?"
Kolyat took a shaky breath to bring his thoughts back to the moment at hand and reached for the water pitcher, pouring Feron a glass and handed him the cup. In curiosity, he watched the other drell take a deep drink before handing it back to Kolyat, his gaze falling back over the edge of his bed.
What exactly was Feron seeing right now? The extremely long list of side effects stated that the drugs could cause hallucinations, erratic behavior, nervousness, nausea, dizziness or sleep. At least Feron wasn't getting violent, but he stated he was dizzy. Hopefully he wouldn't throw up. At least not on Kolyat since he was due to see Adam for breakfast and then go to work.
Circling back around, Kolyat took a seat in the chair and studied Feron. "Where are we right now?"
Feron looked up at him and narrowed his eyes in clear confusion before glancing around. "What is your problem? Can't you just enjoy yourself? I just don't like that you can barely smell the sea."
"Feron," Kolyat called his name sternly. "Try to focus. You're not at the beach."
Blinking slowly, Feron looked around, a slight sway in the way he moved before he leaned back against his pillows and stared at the ceiling. His gaze was thoughtful before it slipped into solemn contemplation. A long silence before he finally spoke. "I really don't like you."
A slight pain went through Kolyat's chest from Feron's words. The feeling unexpected as his gaze dropped to his lap momentarily and he sighed. Was he starting to care about what Feron thought of him? "Yeah … I get that feeling," he said, feeling like there was a distance forming between them further.
"I can't stand that you're so good looking. I hate your face."
Kolyat quirked an eyeridge at Feron in interest. "That was … very contradictory." Feron either thought he was attractive or he wasn't, but everything with the colorful man just ended up confusing him or setting his dial to twelve.
Why did he even care if Feron thought he was attractive or not?
Feron purred in laughter and turned his head to look at Kolyat. His features suddenly looked tired and a quiet yawn escaped his mouth, giving evidence to the sleepiness that took Feron over. "Why did you have to be Thane's son? I might've actually liked you."
Kolyat snorted as Feron gave him a soft smile, a slow blink, another little yawn, more of a deep sigh as he shifted himself deeper against the blankets.
"Funny ... you don't seem like such a jerk when you smile, even if you're saying shitty things," Kolyat murmured, barely audible.
Feron chuckled as his eyes fluttered closed, his voice coming out in a whisper as he dwindled on the precipice of sleep. "Build a sand castle with me again?"
Kolyat tilted his head thoughtfully, purring in question, but Feron's breathing had already evened out, his chest rising and falling in peaceful sleep. Did Feron insinuate he dreamed about Kolyat before? That he thought Kolyat was good looking, but hated him for being Thane's son? Propping an elbow up on the arm of the chair, Kolyat turned his head and dropped his forehead into the palm of his hand, massaging his eyes and the budding migraine that was starting to flourish.
He sat with Feron for a long time, making sure he slept soundly. Watching a human nurse smile at him with friendly warmth when she came in to check Feron's IV drips and vitals. He didn't return the sentiment, and Kolyat's whole body was on guard until she left. An involuntary response to protect the sleeping man. His bodies own reaction confusing him further.
'Now you want to watch me sleep? What else gets you off?'
Kolyat chuckled, despite himself, thinking about Feron's antic's. Under normal circumstances, perhaps if they met differently - if Feron was a little more pleasant - maybe Feron was right. Maybe they would've liked each other.
That could still be a possibility … if I can get Feron to trust me. If my patience doesn't wear out.
Kolyat checked his omnitool for the time and rose from his seat. Moving the chair back near the entryway, he grabbed his C-Sec jacket and threw it over his arms, closing the buttons at his waist. He turned to leave, but a nagging feeling tugged at the pit of his stomach, everything Feron said turning over in his head and he made his way back toward the sleeping man.
His colors were beautiful - different - than most drells. Where the majority of his species consisted of one color with different shades on the face, chest and stomach, Feron had a wide range of gold and yellow on his face, pink and red upon his lips, his crest covered in burgundy, cobalt, and the green of the deep seas on Kahje. Kolyat studied his cerulean frills, his throat and the green of his neck, more pink and gold disappearing beneath his hospital garb. He looked at Feron's hands, the gold and yellow tone's mixed with green created a swirling pattern and perfect blends. The scars around his wrists disrupting the scales but not the colors.
And his eyes …
Simply beautiful.
Kolyat swallowed roughly, feeling his frills engorge as he chastised himself for leering down at the man asleep. Especially since Feron was a victim of sexual assault. But there was just something about Feron that pulled at him from the moment they met. Even if all he did was piss Kolyat off and test his patience.
He knew he was about to be the biggest creep ever, but Kolyat leaned his hand on the railing, and stared at Feron's scales, giving him another once over and sniffed the air around him. The smell of antiseptics and medicine were overwhelming, but something unseen bade him to bend further. Kolyat was careful, watching Feron's expression for any change or hint that he would awaken, and inch by inch he leaned into him, his nose a breath away from the juncture of his throat, where his frills ended on his neck. Kolyat closed his eyes and inhaled deeply.
The scent hit him like a slap across his face.
Kolyat jerked back, almost stumbling as he lost his footing, forcing himself to twist and not ass plant on the floor while he tried to scramble away. Feron's scent was spicy and strong, erotic and heady. Kolyat could almost taste the full-bodied aroma on his tongue like a decadent wine. Pure and flavorful.
Simply perfect.
Feron smelt like a compatible mate ... and Kolyat felt panic well in his chest as he raced out of the room without looking back.
"You seem a little distracted," Adam chided gently, a soft smile on his lips as he tilted his head to the side and leaned forward as if he were searching Kolyat's expression.
Kolyat lifted his head up, tearing his gaze away from the cup of tea he stared at unseeing. His mind was an utter mess from what happened earlier. Thoughts and understandings thrown off balance. He should have never moved close to Feron the way he did. Kolyat just couldn't wrap his head around and fathom that that man was attractive to him. There was no way. No possible. Fucking. Way.
Biology be damned. Feron could never be what he wanted in a compatible mate.
"Sorry," Kolyat dipped his head in apology. "I have a lot on my mind. Work, but …" Kolyat let the lie slip out easily and forced a smile to his lips to ease the human man. "Let's start over. Good morning."
Adam's soft display flourished into a full smile, dimples appearing on his cheeks as he picked up the tiny milk carafe and poured a little into his coffee cup. "Good morning, Kolyat. I take it you have to go to work after breakfast?"
Kolyat glanced down at his uniform shirt and silently chastised himself. Maybe he should've changed when he went to work? Maybe showing up in his uniform would make Adam think he wasn't interested and only in a rush? Maybe he felt uncomfortable that he was having breakfast with a cop? Maybe….
"I can see your panic forming. I was only making an observation."
"I …" Kolyat tried to think of something to say, failing miserably. "I should've worn something else."
Adam laughed joyously, putting a spoon of sugar into his coffee cup, stirring the dark liquid to a soft brown. "You don't go on many dates, do you?"
Kolyat smiled in embarrassment and ran a hand over the ridges on the top of his head. "Am I that obvious?"
"You have a great smile, you know that?" Adam said softly, but the comment only made Kolyat's smile fall away, his frills heat, before Adam continued, "And now I've embarrassed you."
"No … it's just … sorry." Kolyat shook his head, letting the smile slowly return. "It's been a long morning. You have a really great smile, too."
"I think you're cheating now. Compliments will get you everything."
Kolyat chuckled at Adam's flirtatious joke, his attention falling to the oncoming waiter, breaking the awkward bubble that appeared and popped by the time they placed their orders.
"Let's start simple, ok?" I'll spare you an interrogation." Adam started as soon as the waiter turned to leave.
"That will be a change," Kolyat purred in jocularity. "Usually I'm the one asking the questions."
"You drilling people?" Adam rose an eyebrow shamelessly, picking up his coffee he smirked behind the cup before he took a sip.
Kolyat doubted the human was trying to hide his lewd expression as Kolyat retorted, 'Every once in awhile."
Adam rewarded him with a pleased hum as he placed his coffee cup down on the saucer before his expression turned serious. "So, Kolyat … tell me about yourself. All I know about you is that you recently graduated from C-Sec Academy, you don't drink much liquor, and like most drells, prefer tea over coffee." Adam motioned towards his soryu tea.
Kolyat hesitated, not exactly sure what to say. Not sure where to even begin. "What exactly do you want to know?"
Adam blinked and gave him a soft sigh. "How about your childhood?"
No. Definitely not my childhood. Kolyat could literally feel the walls building around himself. All joy leaving his system.
"Where were you born?" Adam continued, oblivious to the inner battle raging inside Kolyat's mind.
"Kahje. The hanar homeworld." He hoped his voice didn't come out as guarded as he felt.
"And what brought you to the Citadel?"
Kolyat glanced down and grabbed his teacup, running all the different scenarios in his head on how to answer. Should he tell the truth? What are you crazy? A version of the truth? Maybe. Or a lie? Probably better. He liked the human so far and knew any hopes of seeing Adam again would eventually lead him with opportunities to open up more, but ... why chase him away so soon? "Opportunity. Mostly work," he stated simply. "I needed a change, so I came to the Citadel and ... my future mother helped me get into C-Sec."
Not a complete lie.
"I still think it's amazing you're about to be the son of Commander Shepard. Your dad seemed really nice. Calm ... compared to the Commander."
"Holly can be ... vocal." Kolyat nodded solemnly. His thoughts automatically thinking about the punch to the face he received at first meeting.
"I bet. I've heard the stories." Adam laughed before raising his hand and waving it as if he was trying to dismiss something. "I'm more interested in you though, not Commander Shepard."
"That's good to hear. Reassuring that you're not using me to get to my future mother." Kolyat quipped without thinking. Mentally groaning when he realized he actually said that outloud. Kolyat's shoulders fell and he shook his head trying not to grimace from his own remark.
Why did I say that?
"Whoa, that got dark fast." Adam raised his eyebrows, leaning back in his chair.
"I..."
Am fucking this up, big time.
Kolyat despaired, trying to find something to save himself. At this rate, he wouldn't be surprised if Adam turned around and stated he was no longer interested. "Sorry. It's just that …" Be honest! "People treat me differently when they find out I know her. Like the only reason they're tolerating me is because they don't want to piss her off." Swallowing down the rocks forming in his throat, Kolyat shook his head and took a sip of his tea. He sighed deeply knowing their breakfast was probably at an end.
Yep, I fucked it up.
"Well …" Adam paused as if he was trying to think of what to say. Running a hand through his dark blond waves as he glanced around.
Looking for the escape route.
Adam finally smiled serenely and stared at Kolyat as if making a decision. "It probably doesn't look good that I'm registered with the Alliance, then." Adam said unexpectedly. "But let me assure you, Commander Shepard wasn't on my mind when I was trying to get your attention the other night."
Kolyat placed his cup down again and met the human's soft, brown eyes. Adam's calm, collected expression, caused a fluttering feeling to spark in Kolyat's gut with hope. Adam wasn't making a break for it. "You're Alliance?"
Adam nodded and gave Kolyat a coy grin. "That's why I said you being in C-Sec was pleasantly surprising. I'm Alliance Reserve. You're not the only one that looks hot in a uniform."
Kolyat smiled, suddenly feeling shy, a lighter feeling taking up the space between them. He did everything in his power to push his thoughts of Feron and work away, his insecurities and fears, and focused solely on the - extremely attractive - man before him. "You look exquisite in a suit, too."
"Thank you," Adam replied, the slight ball in his throat bobbing as he glanced away and licked his lips. His mannerisms and grace, captivating. "Tell me what you like to do for fun."
"Fun?"
"Fun," Adam repeated. "You know, a thing you do when you're not working. You do have interests don't you?"
Kolyat paused to think about what he usually did. Most of the time he just stayed by himself, went home, relaxed, spent time with his father - if he was around - sometimes went to a museum or something. He didn't have much free time because of studies, and now that he was a full fledged officer, he started studying again to prepare himself for a promotion … and now the responsibilities over Feron….
Do NOT. Think. About. Him.
"I read. Sometimes I'll watch a movie. I've only been on the Citadel a little over a year. I don't really know a lot of people. I don't get to go out much. Plus my studies took up all my free time."
Adam nodded in understanding. "Tell me about it. I've been a victim of multiple all nighters while having to go to work the next day. Have you been to the movies on the Citadel yet?"
"No, and Kahje didn't really have any." Kolyat shook his head watching as a bright smile took over Adam's features.
"Really? Please tell me you like horror. There's a new movie I just have to see, but no one wants to go with me. No one likes scary movies apparently."
Kolyat chuckled, feeling himself completely relax as their conversation took off. "I guess I didn't mess this up as bad as I thought I did. You want to see me again?"
Adam quirked an eyebrow and leaned forward, resting his cheek on the palm of his hand. The look he gave Kolyat was anything but innocent. "I'll forgive you for your awkward starting point this morning … but no, I didn't think this was going to be a one time thing. That's not what I was looking for." A reassuring smile, and Adam had him right then and there. "Just don't get shy on me. I liked your confidence when we first met, like you knew what you were looking for, too. That turned me on the most."
Kolyat returned his smile, liking how suave and smooth Adam was being. Leaning forward, Kolyat placed his hands on the table, sliding himself to the edge of his seat in interest. "Tell me more about yourself, Adam. I want to plan where we can go next. I have a full day off coming up."
"Don't you have a woman to fuck?"
Feron watched Kolyat heistate in the doorway, his normal frown blanketing those full thick lips before he decided to come through the door and pick up the chair by the entryway.
Shit, he's planning on staying.
"I see you're back to your normal self," Kolyat remarked, pulling his jacket off as soon as he placed the chair down by Feron's bedside.
Feron growled in warning, although he was confused by what Kolyat was talking about. He watched him carefully, eyes drifting over his tall, lean stature, blue scales, captivating and beautiful, muscles flexing as he pulled the article of clothing off and draped it over the back of the chair. Feron hated to admit it, but for some reason he liked Kolyat's hands. Long and slender fingers that looked elegant and strong.
"I brought some cards," Kolyat stated, reaching into his back pocket, pulling out a small deck, showing it to him. "I thought we could play some ba'ket. Or you could teach me to play poker."
Feron narrowed his eyes in suspicion when Kolyat held out the pack to him. Did Kolyat like ba'ket? He eyed him warily, slowly reaching out his hand to take the offered pack, making sure his fingers grasped the edges and not brush against Kolyat's fingers accidentally. Even the slightest form of contact making him uncomfortable.
Kokyat purred in urging when Feron had a good grip on the offered gift and let go, moving to the side table, rolling it between them. "Start up the set, and go easy on me. I haven't played in a really long time."
Feron opened the cards and stared down at them. "How did you know I played ba'ket?"
Is this a dream?
Feron glanced around trying to see if something would trigger his mind and force him awake. How did Kolyat know he liked ba'ket and poker?
"You told me yesterday you played."
"No, I didn't." Feron snapped. "You never came yesterday."
Kolyat narrowed his eyes in confusion and looked towards the monitors on the opposite side of Feron's bed. "You don't remember?"
Feron growled in irritation catching Kolyat in his lie. They were drell, they remembered everything at a breaths touch, unless - Kolyat's pupils dilated, his words coming out low and fast. A memory spilling forth in perfect recollection.
And Feron could feel his frills blanch in horror.
He listened in sick suspension. Frozen. As if in a trance. He thought he was at a beach? Fish were talking to him? His eyes widened as he listened to Kolyat's memory, the turquoise drell cutting it off when he tried to to get Feron to focus and snap out of his drug induced haze. Gritting his teeth in aggravation Feron let out a huff of annoyance and rubbed his eyes in rising tension. "What the fuck did they give me that time?"
"They mixed a few drugs. Other than dizziness and apparent memory loss, you were actually quite pleasant. I see why they gave it to you." The edges of Kolyat's lips quirked as he apparently tried to fight a smile.
Feron huffed and looked away, heaviness seizing his chest, turmoil squeezing his throat. Kolyat thought it was funny? He didn't understand the truth of it. Feron tried to control his breathing, tears welling in his eyes. He hated this feeling the most. Being helpless, unable to fight back.
He was never rescued from the base. Still a prisoner. Different jailers.
They did it because I told that fat fuck, Bennett to 'suck a dick and go fuck himself' after he ridiculed me and told me you were going to admit me into Huerta Asylum.
"After I leave I will speak to your doctors. I will make sure they don't give you the drugs again."
Feron glanced back at Kolyat, his hard features solemn but calm, his eyes dark and seemingly fathomless, as he assessed, Feron. He looked serious, but Feron didn't trust him for a second. He was just another pretty face that spewed nothing but false promises and perfect lies.
And what is that smell?
Feron inhaled sharply, a deep heady scent - faint - but noticeable enough to cause him pause, permeated the air around them. Like something just out of reach. He looked around the room trying to pinpoint the source, or where it could be coming from, but couldn't locate anything substantial. Food? Cologne? Bennet's lifeless corpse?
Fuck, I hate that man.
"Are you, okay?" Kolyat asked, noticing Feron scan the room.
"I'm fine," he bit out, taking the cards and dealing them out just to distract Kolyat enough for him to shut the fuck up.
They stayed in silence for several long moments, Feron's eyes staying fixed on Kolyat in anger. He watched him carefully, waiting for more deceit to spew from his mouth like poison. He waited as Kolyat studied his cards, trying to decide what to place first, throwing down a three of coins.
"Do you even know how to play?" Feron frowned, placing a two of swords, taking Kolyat's card.
"I remember. It's just been a very long time." He placed the king of swords.
Feron shook his head and drew from the deck, Kolyat was throwing out his highest card right in the beginning. "You're supposed to save the highest cards for the end."
"There's no rule for that in ba'ket, everyone has their own playing style."
"And yours is clearly to lose," Feron quipped, capturing two more of Kolyat's cards.
They placed cards back and forth and after ten more sets, Feron won the round. Kolyat grabbed the deck and began shuffling, dealing the next set. That one lasted fifteen sets before Feron won.
"When was the last time you played?" Feron asked, shuffling the deck.
Kolyat paused and closed his eyes as if searching his memories. "I was fourteen. I used to play with my aunts a lot before I ... " Shaking his head he met Feron's gaze. "What about you?"
Feron could see the walls going up but didn't comment. He didn't really give a shit about Kolyat anyway. "Definitely not fourteen. Explains why you're so bad."
"I asked you to go easy on me."
Feron smiled without care, placing the queen of swords to take the round. "Maybe you'll learn not to suck if I keep winning."
Kolyat took the deck to shuffle and Feron expected anger or a frown, but instead, a soft smile enveloped those luscious turquoise lips. For a split moment Feron felt his heart stop mid-beat as he stared.
No, seriously. What the fuck is that smell?
"Tell me something about yourself. Something you like." Kolyat asked.
Feron glanced around the room again, sniffing the air as discreetly as possible while he scanned every crevice. Didn't Kolyat smell it? How did Kolyat not smell that? "A bad, bad man liked to touch me at night as a kid. He kept me locked in a glass cage - liked to watch me dance and do naughty things." Feron looked back down at the cards on the table and did his best to ignore the smell, placing a card to capture Kolyat's suit. "Sometimes he would be nice and let me out. I got to pick a big breasted asari from his personal harem when I was obedient." Feron snickered, tossing down the ace of swords, winning the hand.
Kolyat stared down at the table, his eyeridges scrunched together in uncertainty as he shifted his gaze from the cards on the table to the ones in his hand. "How the fuck did you win so quickly?"
"Again?" Feron grinned, picking up the cards on the table and motioned for Kolyat to drop his hand so he could shuffle once more.
Kolyat nodded and placed the cards down on the table, waiting for Feron to pick them up and start sifting them. "Now that your done with the lie, are you going to tell me something substantial?
"The big, burly, hairy chested human - no, let's make it an elcor - was very fond of my dancing. You're just mocking my pain." Feron wiped away a fake tear. "I loved when he touched me as a kid. It made me feel grown up. Like I was trying to please daddy."
"That's not funny," Kolyat snapped, anger flashing in his eyes.
So child torment is a soft spot? Interesting.
"The point of the story-" Feron sighed dramatically. "-is that I like big breasted asari's. You didn't pay attention to the main aspects."
Cold darkness was still on Kolyat's face and he dropped his cards on the table and rose from his seat. "Please tell me none of that story is even remotely true."
Feron smiled maliciously, knowing he found Kolyat's trigger point. "Which part? The dancing? I really do like big breasted asari's. I like their hips. The way they gyrate them when they sit on my face."
No reaction?
"Oh, "Feron laughed heartlessly. "You must mean the kiddie porn he made me do." Shrugging, he leaned back against his pillows and purred uncaringly. "You know, he had this thing with hanar's, maybe it was all those tentacles that slid over my scales. He always used to tell me how beautiful he thought I was."
Kolyat remained silent for a long while, his eyes roaming over Feron slowly. He wasn't sure if he liked Kolyat's eyes. Shit, he wasn't sure if he even liked Kolyat at all. There was just something about the guy that just didn't seem to sit well with him. Something Feron couldn't place.
"It's my turn to talk now," Kolyat stated, moving around the tray table between them, coming closer.
Wait … why is he coming closer?
"You were held prisoner. Tortured. Beaten. Raped. Why would you joke about that?
Feron narrowed his eyes, rage filling his chest. How much did Kolyat know? And what the hell was he getting at? "Go fuck yourself. What does that have to do with anything? That's none of your business."
"They think you're a lost cause," Kolyat blurted.
"Maybe I am. Maybe they'll get it through their heads to leave me alone, then. Maybe you will."
Kolyat sighed and frowned, but he only moved closer. Taking several steps until he was right at Feron's bedside, angling over him.
He's leaning. He's leaning! Why is he leaning?
Feron shifted in discomfort, not liking how close Kolyat was getting to him. He held his breath in uncertainty, unable to do anything but wait and see what Kolyat was trying to pull. Bending down, the turquoise man placed a hand down on the beds handrail, a dark look passing over his features. Swallowing roughly, Feron forced himself to keep his gaze locked with Kolyat's, unwilling to show any discomfort or hesitation.
A rich, musky odor, reached his nostrils, and Feron could practically feel horror swallow up his existence.
Fuuuucccckkkk … the smells are coming from him!
Kolyat peered into his eyes as if searching for something, his gaze roaming over his face and languidly down his throat and chest, nostrils flaring.
What the shit? Is he checking me out or something?
Eventually his eyes snapped back to Feron's and he smiled. Not a good smile, something more sinister and full of himself, and it did nothing but spark defiance in Feron's soul as stared down Kolyat and growled in dissent.
"There we go. There's the real you. Stop your bullshit stories. Stop your lies. Just show them your fire. Your will to survive. You're a fighter Feron. Your stronger than this bullshit web you try to surround yourself with. Don't. Let them. Give up. On you ... I won't."
"You're a liar," Feron hissed. "You don't know me. Stop pretending like you give a shit."
And stop smelling so fucking good!
Goddess ... please … give me some strength back in my legs ... just for a second ... so I can kick him straight in his stupid, conceited, asshole face!
Clear confusion entered Kolyat's gaze, the blue of his irises peeking through as he searched Feron's face. His hand fell off the bannister as he leaned back.
That's right. Back up, bitch.
"When did I lie to you? How did I give you any indication which made you think I don't care?" Kolyat demanded an answer more than asked. Righting himself, he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned on one leg, his hip moving to the side. Kolyat's tall, lean, perfect frame -
Feron growled again in warning, "Huerta Asylum. You're just going to throw me there in the end. Just do it and get it over with. Enough of this 'trying to show me friendship' bullshit."
His hands dropped from his chest. Shock and dismay. "Feron - I never - where did you hear this? Dr. Bennet suggested-"
"That fat fuck," Feron cut him off. "He said you were going to sign off on the papers."
Kolyat growled in denial, the first real anger finally sparking to life on the tall, beautiful man.
Good. Maybe Kolyat will finally stop lying and pretending he-
"I'm not putting you in Huerta Asylum. I don't care how many times, Dr. Bennett asks me. I told him 'no'. I just told him to make sure no one touches you."
The resolve on Kolyat's face caused Feron hesitation. Wait? Kolyat wasn't going to sign off on the papers like Bennett said? Kolyat told everyone not to touch him? Feron did notice that his nurses changed, and all of them stayed away for the most part, but he thought that was because they heard he could get violent. He thought they were just scared of him.
"Feron," Kolyat purred soothingly. "Please. I'm telling you the truth. Yes, Dr. Bennett approached me about transferring you, but I never signed the papers. I'm not going to do that to you. You're not crazy, you're just …"
Worthless. Nothing. A nuisance. You should just do it.
"You're in pain … and you need time to heal. I want to help you," Kolyat finished. His features filled with sincerity.
Feron didn't know how to react. He just sat there and stared at him until a soft smile blanketed Kolyat's lips. Another soft purr released from Kolyat's throat. "Fate brought us together. I really believe that, now. Give me a chance to show you life is worth living."
Feron licked his dry lips, his throat feeling sore and parched. Air caught in his chest. He didn't believe Kolyat. Knew there were a million reasons against it, but suddenly he felt … "And how do you plan on doing that?"
Kolyat smiled. A real. Genuine. Smile. And Feron froze in awe, his heart hammering against his chest. The scent growing stronger. "You'll just have to wait and see."
Feron was silent for several long moments, hating the reactions Kolyat was pulling from him. Hating himself for allowing this attractive - No! Asshole guy, to make him feel something other than despair. And he sucks at ba'ket. "Do me a favor next time you decide to see me?"
Kolyat purred in question, his helpful sound rolling Feron's stomach with waves of nausea.
Fixing a cruel smile into place, Feron trilled in disrespect and snickered, "Take a shower before you see me next time. You smell disgusting."
Kolyat blinked in blatant shock and gasped, clearly taken aback by Feron's comment. Kolyat had the audacity to look genuinely hurt, and although part of Feron felt bad for the look on Kolyat's face, he forced himself to chuckle heartlessly. Although he really wanted to apologize … because it was far from the truth.
He smelt amazing.
Don't show him that you care what he thinks.
If you do …
You will only get hurt in the end….
