"You okay?" Adam asked in amusement, a sly grin on his face. Kolyat frowned and shook his head as he moved his gaze from a darkened alleyway towards the street they walked down.
"Why did I agree to see that movie with you?" Kolyat sighed, eyeing another dark area across the street. "Now I'm going to look at every dark crevice and corner in anxiety."
Adam laughed and pulled ahead of him, releasing his hand and placing it on Kolyat's lower stomach when he spun to move in front of him. Kolyat stopped walking. His breath caught in his lungs. Muscles tightening as Adam slipped his body close. Hand trailing up his chest, meeting Kolyat's gaze. The cedarwood smell of Adam's cologne, teasing his senses.
Adam smiled seductively. Sultry brown eyes dancing in mischief. "Because you're trying to impress me, so you put on a brave face."
Kolyat shook his head. "I think my bravado is going to cost me a week of restful sleep."
Adam laughed again and pulled back, grabbing Kolyat's hand and guided him forward. "Come on, let's get something to eat. I promise it'll be well lit and no dark corners."
Kolyat chuckled and let Adam lead him on. The day so far nothing but perfect. Calm and enjoyable. Adam, playful and kind. Unlike their first date, Kolyat wasn't a nervous wreck when they met up. He felt more at ease with the human. Adam's face lighting up the moment their eyes caught the others in the vestibule.
The movie theater was crowded, surprising Kolyat since he didn't think horror movies were so popular. Adam explained that it was a new physiological horror that was a spinoff from another series of movies that were cult classics. The one they were seeing was the origin story of how the events in the other movies were possible.
They found seats towards the back, mostly reserved for couples because of the love seat design of the chairs. Adam held no hesitation and automatically leaned against Kolyat after placing their popcorn and drinks down, asking Kolyat if he wanted to put his arm around his shoulders. Adam was reassuring and polite in the way he asked, making sure Kolyat didn't feel pressured or felt uncomfortable in any way. Something about Adam made him unable to say no.
Adam was direct, but not demanding. Considerate, but not a pushover. He knew exactly what he wanted and wasn't afraid to express it.
Kolyat really liked that about him.
He was even kind and subtle in his comfort. Never calling him out or making him feel awkward whenever Kolyat tensed or turned his head away through intense moments. Even when his anxiety spiked during one particular scene. Adam's hand rested on his knee, stroking it soothingly. Halfway through the film, Kolyat was brave enough to offer his hand, their fingers adjusting as they intertwined and accommodated the other.
"Are you in the mood for anything in particular?" Kolyat asked, intertwining their fingers together again as they started to walk down the street.
"Pancakes. I'm always in the mood for pancakes."
"A favorite food I take it?" Kolyat smiled, their pace slowing to more of a leisurely stroll when Adam looked in one of the shop windows they passed.
"I'm a breakfast guy. Not hard to please. Mind if we go in here?" Adam paused outside of a clothing shop.
Kolyat glanced over at the store. An upscale boutique with leather jackets, shoes and cologne in the window. "Versace? Did I say it right?"
"There's a 'chi' sound at the end." Adam grinned. "Just for a moment. If you don't mind."
Kolyat smiled and dipped his head. "I don't mind." He moved to open the door for Adam, releasing his hand, waiting as his date gave him a look of approval and walked through the threshold. A soft chime going off the moment they entered.
"Look. It's well lit." Adam stated playfully, earning him a slight shake of his head from Kolyat. Adam chuckled and moved to one of the clothing racks, smiling at a human man who greeted them and offered assistance, if needed, before moving back to the main counter.
Kolyat let him browse, looking over some of the dress shirts as they passed. A really nice teal colored garment catching his eye. Sifting through the shirts to find his size, Kolyat unhooked the hangar from the bar and examined it more closely. A lean cut, button-up shirt, that felt incredibly soft to the touch. The price tag making him freeze on the spot.
One hundred and fifty credits? What the hell kind of store is this?
"I think you would look really hot in that." Kolyat heard Adam say as the human approached him.
Kolyat snorted and placed the shirt back on the rack. "Me paying my rent would look really hot, too."
Adam chuckled and picked the shirt Kolyat just placed back up. "You should get it."
Kolyat hummed thoughtfully, lips thinning out. He did really like the shirt, but in the end, he shook his head in denial. "It's a little out of my price range. I wouldn't spend a hundred and fifty credits on a dress shirt."
"You're buying the brand name."
"Well, the brand name must not be that popular if I've never heard of it." Kolyat shrugged looking at a pair of leather shoes.
Wait … does that say twenty-five hundred?
Adam took a step towards him, a thoughtful look on his face, cheeks tightened as if he was trying to fight a smile. "Kolyat … I know we haven't known each other long, but please. Let me buy it for you. I really think you would look good in it."
"I know I'd look good in it, but that's not necessary. It's really expensive."
"You think this is expensive?" Adam quirked an eyebrow, glancing down at the price tag in his hand.
"Isn't it?"
"Actually. No. Not for me."
Kolyat tilted his head perplexed by Adam's lackluster in regards to the number of credits he was eager to spend on him. Taking a step forward, Kolyat lowered his voice in confusion, "How … how much do you make in a year?"
The inquiry was more out of curiosity on how Adam was able to blink away one hundred and fifty credits, and he watched as Adam's eyebrows shot up in blatant surprise. His direct question making the human's eyes widen in shock. Mumbling an apology, Kolyat realized his folly. The rudeness of the question way out of line. Shaking his head he moved to turn away. "I didn't mean … that was rude. I - I'll tell you how much I make. I mean … if you …" Kolyat groaned and shook his head again in self-aggravation. "It's only fair."
What is the matter with me? This man makes me second guess everything I say or do.
"We're having the salary conversation? This is getting serious between us."
"No - no. I shouldn't have asked. We - we don't have to have that conversation," Kolyat short of stuttered, his frills heating in embarrassment. Shoving his hands in his pockets, Kolyat glanced away hoping the man didn't get upset by his accidental inquisitiveness.
Adam slipped in close again, catching him off guard, his ease with touching Kolyat alarming, but not unwelcome. His hand was warm as he touched Kolyat's stomach, fingers spread, trailing up almost teasingly until Adam brushed over his left pectoral. A sultry, playful look in his eyes. "How much did your father leave me that night?"
Kolyat swallowed roughly and tried to focus on the memory of Thane paying the restaurant bill. The closeness of Adam hard to concentrate past. His cologne, intoxicating. The warmth of his body, so incredibly tempting. Kolyat rose one of his hands in hesitation, his fingers brushing over Adam's hip, heartbeat slamming against his ribs painfully. "Two hundred and fifty credits."
Adam's stare darkened, glancing down at Kolyat's hand and then back up to his eyes in approval. The shirt still grasped in his free hand at his side. "You were only one table. I had another in a separate room. I just stayed in your room most of the time because I wanted to get your attention. I serve between six to ten a night, and that restaurant is not exactly cheap."
Crunching the numbers in his head, Kolyat let out a harsh breath as Adam pulled away. "How many days a week do you work?"
"Three. Sometimes four. Once in awhile five, but that's only if I'm doing someone a favor."
"Holy shit." If Kolyat was calculating the numbers correctly - give or take five hundred credits a week if he had bad tips - Adam could potentially make between two hundred to three hundred and fifty thousand a year.
Adam must have understood the look of shock on his face because his smile fell and he turned to glance at a shelf. Taking his hand off Kolyat's chest, he took a step back and examined the material of another shirt, feeling the sleeve between his fingers. "Do you feel a little bit more confident now in the fact that I wasn't interested in you because you were Commander Shepard's son - son-in-law - soon to be -" Adam chuckled and released the sleeve, letting the shirt fall back, before meeting his gaze with a grin. "Whatever you want to call it. I meet a lot of rich and powerful people, but I don't like to get mixed up with them. Besides, they view me as the 'help'."
"Why did you show interest?" Kolyat blurted the question before thinking better of it. "I'm just an entry level C-Sec officer. I barely make sixty thousand."
"I'm not interested in money." Adam stood up straight, his tall, chiseled grace, enticing. Kolyat prayed he wasn't fucking this up again. "You weren't one of them," he stated plainly. "You might've been there, but you didn't belong there … there was this humbleness about you, an innocence. All I could think about … was how much I wanted to corrupt you."
Kolyat snorted, unable to hold in his grin. "Corrupt me? How do you plan on corrupting me?"
Adam flashed him a smile and glanced around. "That's a discussion for another place, without an audience." He motioned his chin towards the man at the counter who pretended he wasn't listening to their conversation but clearly was. "So, are you going to let me buy you the shirt now?"
Kolyat bit his lip as if thinking and nodded. "Only if you agree to let me take you out again in a few days."
"Is that a bribe?"
"My trained negotiation skills," Kolyat joked back. "I'm confident you're going to say, yes."
Adam licked his lips and raised an eyebrow as if in challenge. "No," he replied sternly.
Kolyat's jaw dropped in surprise. A pain spiking through his chest from Adam's straightforward rejection. Kolyat felt sadness creep through his stomach, spreading out as his lungs grew heavy. His gaze fell to the ground. "Oh … I … I understand."
Adam reached his hand out for Kolyat's, slipping their palms together, his voice low and sensual, as he laced their fingers. "I want tomorrow night."
Kolyat rose his gaze, letting out a slight gasp of relief, a half smile. "I - I can't tomorrow. I have a double. The day after?"
"I can switch my shift," Adam agreed, giving him a reassuring squeeze of his hand before he smirked with care. "You looked worried."
"I was," Kolyat agreed, keeping his voice low, intimate. "I thought … maybe …"
Adam moved a little closer, gaze dropping to Kolyat's lips and then up to his eyes. Adam's woodsy smell filling his lungs. "At least I'm convinced nothing about this is one-sided."
Kolyat couldn't breathe, his chest ready to explode. "It's not." He inched in, taking the silent urging, Adam's eyes slipping closed.
"Gentlemen, you're wrinkling the merchandise." A stern voice pulled them from the moment.
Adam took a step away, an exasperated sound releasing from his nose as he glanced over Kolyat's shoulder towards the cashier. "You just ruined our first kiss, thanks for that!" he shouted in annoyance.
The sales representative mumbled an incoherent apology, actually looking regretful as Adam moved past Kolyat and placed the shirt down by the register. The moment obviously over.
Taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart, Kolyat licked his lips and grinned, pushing down the giddiness he felt inside and walked over to Adam. "What did you need to come in here for anyway?"
"My cologne. I was running low." Adam glared at the salesman pointing to the bottle behind a display cabinet. "I need one of the Eros."
"The one you're wearing?"
Adam smirked and leaned against the counter, a smile slipping to his lips as he turned to Kolyat and gave him a flirty look. "Why? Do you like it?"
"I think you already know the answer to that." Kolyat shrugged looking at the cufflinks showcased in the glass beneath his hands, trying his best not to seem affected by Adam's simple presence or his sexy cologne. He knew he was failing miserably.
"Now I do," Adam answered coyly, turning back to the cashier and handing them a credit chit.
"I can't believe you've never eaten a pancake before."
"That's a human dish, we have something similar but much thinner, usually served with fruit or jam." Kolyat smiled, enjoying the slow stroll Adam and he were having. Their hands once more joined as they walked.
"Like a crepe?"
"I don't know what that is."
Adam stopped and opened his omnitool, balancing the small Versace bag on his wrist, showing Kolyat a picture of what he was referring to.
"That looks similar, but not so much cream or sugar."
"So boring and bland," Adam joked, taking Kolyat's hand and giving him a slight bump of his arm playfully.
"Like your pancakes," Kolyat quipped.
"Hey! No one told you to eat them without butter or syrup. That was your loss. Mine were perfectly covered in bananas, strawberries and fatty deliciousness."
Kolyat chuckled and nodded his head, his whole body feeling light and comfortable. "I don't really like sweet foods."
"That's fine. I don't find you boring and bland," Adam replied cheekily.
Kolyat grinned and nudged his arm back gently, giving his hand a light squeeze in return as they continued walking, falling into a comfortable silence for several blocks.
"This is me," Adam eventually said, stopping in front of an older model apartment complex, pulling Kolyat slightly back to a stop.
Kolyat glanced up at the architecture of the complex. A human design with an almost rustic feel of the building. There were wood panels and iron rails that gave the entryway a menacing appeal but added character to the structure. Glancing back down, Kolyat was about to tell Adam goodnight, but the human turned suddenly and dropped his bag. His hand pulled from Kolyat's roughly.
The thud of the cologne bottle hit the sidewalk and Kolyat was alarmed, uncertain whether the glass shattered, but Adam paid it no mind. Gasping in shock, Kolyat was about to question the human only to be silenced as Adam sealed their mouths together.
The kiss was a surprise, so the initial angle was bad, but Adam wrapped his arms around Kolyat's shoulders to quickly accommodate and slipped perfectly against him. Kolyat was more than willing to embrace the moment. Dropping his own bag, he leaned into the human man and placed his hands on Adam's hips, sliding them over his sculpted back and pulled him closer.
That was the moment he was waiting for. An opportunity to get a chance to taste Adam's mouth. Taste his passion. Feel his strength and chiseled body against his own.
He didn't disappoint.
Pulling back, Adam adjusted his position before planting him with another series of heated caresses, his lips skilled and soft, sounds gentle but full of heat. One hand slid down Kolyat's shoulder. His arm. His waist. Beneath his jacket. Over his hip. The touch like fire, urging him closer.
Turning his face away, Kolyat took a steady breath to ease the passion that threatened to spill over and consume him. "Easy. We should go slow. My venom-"
Adam chuckled and pushed against him harder, forcing Kolyat to stumble through his resolve, giving the human an opportunity to explore. Another moan of delight rumbled from his chest as Adam stroked the ribbing on his cheek. Kolyat's head falling back on instinct, only to be rewarded with Adam's soft kiss over the frills on his neck.
"I took a drell anti-venom supplement before I saw you." Adam smiled against his scales before planting another soft kiss over his ribbing.
"You were expecting this? We should still be careful until you get acclimated to me. To be safe."
Adam hummed thoughtfully and ran his tongue over Kolyat's bottom lip. Moving back to give some space, a lascivious look flowed over his features. "So you're saying I shouldn't lick you, kiss you … suck you off?" Adam made a mournful sound before adding, "that's too bad, I'm really good with my tongue."
Kolyat squeezed his eyes shut and growled in frustration before he smirked and made a regretful wheeze through his nose. "You're making this really hard."
"Am I?" Adam pushed against him, brushing a hand over Kolyat's semi-erect member. Adam hummed in approval and brought both hands up to rest on his chest. "Not nearly hard enough yet, but it has really good potential."
"Not what I meant." Kolyat smiled and shook his head, his hands slipping over Adam's hips, planting a gentle kiss on his lips. Adam was playing on a completely different level then what he was used to. "Why do I have a feeling I'm going to have trouble keeping up with you?"
"Don't worry," Adam started. "I promise I'll be easy for you."
One more kiss and Adam pulled away, desire easily recognizable. He smiled and picked up the bag's, handing Kolyat his shirt and glancing within the smaller to check the box of cologne.
"Did it break?"
Adam shook his head and gave Kolyat another smile. "Worth it either way." A deep breath and small round of silence before Adam licked his lips, eyes dark and seductive. "Good night, Kolyat. Unless of course … you want to come up?"
I think I might've really upset him.
Feron stared at the wall for what seemed like hours. His sour mood drowning him into an abyss of ambiguity, thoughts clashing - no - fighting each other to the death as they raged in his head.
On one hand, he was still so angry at the world for his predicament. So angry at himself for lacking the strength to end it all. He had a perfect opportunity last night to kill himself. The new nurse who administered his pain medication walked away to check his monitors, leaving several syringes within arms reach. He could've easily swiped one of the needles. Easily slit his wrists as soon as the nurse left. Instead, he stared at them with hesitation. Some unknown force freezing his motions … and then he thought of Kolyat.
It was a brief flicker. The turquoise drell who kept showing his stupid face. A man - who Feron hated to admit - smelled like a perfect fuck on a hot summer night.
It was only a moment, but he didn't want to see Kolyat sad or have any regret if Feron followed through. The damn man was starting to grow on him. Saw right through his bullshit.
Even called him out on it…
'You're a fighter, Feron. You're stronger than this bullshit web you try to surround yourself with.'
It was the first time since he was rescued that someone had the actual balls to speak to him like another person. Not someone to be pitied, belittled, ignored, or whispered about.
Actually … Thane did, too.
Shit … fucking Krios'.
Feron laid there for a long while in silence. Ignoring his breakfast, lunch and dinner - except for the water cups. He never neglected the water cups. They had exactly what he needed. He ignored the orderlies though - always questioning if he was hungry. Like a fucking pet. If he didn't touch his food, shouldn't that give some kind of indication he wasn't hungry?
It wasn't until his dinner turned cold that Kolyat surprisingly showed up.
Feron heard murmurers in the hallway. Kolyat's distinct, liquid voice, barely audible, but fully identifiable flowed towards him like those imaginary human-fish things. The ones that had the enchanting voices. Siren's, he remembered they were called. Beautiful creatures you wanted to fuck and please, only to be dragged down into Kalahira's oceans as they ate your heart - and maybe a leg. Possibly an eye.
That's what Kolyat is! He's going to try and seduce me with his smell and eat my intestines!
Kolyat was hesitant as he came around the corner. His body hovering in the doorway for a brief moment before entering. Feron tilted his head to stare at the turquoise man, remaining on his side while Kolyat purred in greeting.
Always trying to be polite … right before he turns into an asshole.
He looked good. A little too good. The color of his frills were vibrant, indicating health and alertness. His tall, lean stature seemed well defined and strong, and Feron wondered how much taller Kolyat was then him.
He'd probably never be able to stand again to know the answer.
Turning on his back, Feron reached for the banister, his grip faltering. A hushed gasp escaping when a lash of pain shot through his lower back in retaliation from the movement. Kolyat was at his side in a span of a second. His hand hovering on the verge of assisting but pulled back harshly a second later to prevent himself from touching.
They stared at one another for several heartbeats and Feron pondered silently as he realized his body didn't tense automatically from the man's impending touch.
"Do you … do you want some help?" Kolyat asked, his voice low. A purr of inquiry.
Feron swallowed thickly when the fresh and clean scent of soap hit his nostrils. Shit, he actually showered before he came to see me. I really did upset him.
Feron waited a moment, still wondering why his muscles didn't spasm with Kolyat's close proximity before he - with extreme hesitancy - reached out his hand for Kolyat to take. The man probably had no idea how much trust Feron was putting in him at that moment. Honestly, he was trying to ponder why he even reached his hand out in the first place.
He's going to eat it!
"Go slow. If I tense, just let me go."
Kolyat nodded rapidly, eyes widening slightly, taking a slow step closer. "I'm going to give you my hand. You touch me at your own pace. I won't move until you tell me to."
Feron nodded. The world drowned out by the pounding of his heartbeat as Kolyat reached his right hand forward, palm facing out for Feron's. He swallowed thickly, lungs tightening in dread when he tentatively reached his right hand further.
"It's ok, Feron. It's just me. Breathe." Kolyat must have seen the budding terror on his face.
Sucking in a deep gulp of air, Feron held it and pushed his hand forward those last few inches grasping Kolyat's open gesture. Doing his best to focus on feel of his long, elegant fingers. Clenching his eyes closed, Feron waited. He waited for the sharp pains. The phantom lashes. He waited for the tremors to run up his spine. He waited for the clash between mind and body to throw him into terror and shove Kolyat away.
Nothing.
Nothing but the scent of Kolyat easing his mind.
He opened his eyes and stared up at Kolyat in unconcealed shock. Feron's fingers curling around his hand almost naturally. A perfect hold.
I did it.
I did it!
Kolyat purred soothingly, a gentle expression taking hold of him. The blue of his irises shining through in soft happiness. A compassionate smile curling his lips. And then Kolyat's scent grew stronger. His real scent. Not soap. Not water. Hot sex on the beach.
Feron felt the first wave of terror unfurl in his chest like an unraveling ball of yarn. He gasped. The sound snapping Kolyat's expression into severity laced with determination, and Feron's grip faltered.
"It's me, Feron. Breathe," Kolyat insisted, not letting go.
Why isn't he letting go? Feron began to despair.
"Take deep, steady, breaths," Kolyat continued. "Focus on the sound of my voice. I will never hurt you. Just breathe. Please, Feron. Focus."
Feron forced himself to swallow several times in an attempt to push down the spiraling fear blanketing his mind like a thick, impeding fog. He focused on Kolyat's eyes. Beautiful blue. Cerulean waves. Perfect.
He's going to drown me! He's going to eat my hand!
Feron's panic intensified.
Kolyat let his hand go and Feron gasped. A violent tremor wracked through his body as he hugged his arms around his chest to gain back some control. It took him several moments to bring himself back, pulling in deep gulps of air to force his oxygen intake back to normal.
"You did really well," Kolyat stated, as he turned and walked toward the chair by the entryway.
Feron growled, ready to lash out with a vicious comeback … until he realized he was sitting up. He was actually able to hold Kolyat's hand long enough to get himself up! Feron smiled in relief, feeling proud in his tiny accomplishment. His gaze moved towards Kolyat's lean form, watching as he picked the chair up and brought it over to his bedside.
Removing his C-Sec jacket, Kolyat threw the material over the arm of the chair before he sat down and gave Feron a reassuring smile. "How are you feeling?"
Feron took one last deep breath and righted himself, pushing away his remaining agitation, adjusting the sheets around his legs while he pressed the button for the back of the bed to rise. "I'm surprised you didn't come by yesterday to harass me. Was it work? Or were you getting laid?" Feron asked, ignoring his question. Doing his best to pretend his asshole remark the other day couldn't possibly be the reason for the disruption of Kolyat's daily appearance.
Not like I was expecting him or anything….
Kolyat turned his head away, frills darkening. His expression turning almost ... shy? "I … no. I didn't get laid. I had some stuff to take care of."
Feron could see Kolyat's discomfort with the question and a smile immediately quirked his lips into a coy grin ready to push the subject. "No? What kind of stuff then? A blow job?"
"I don't like that term." Kolyat wrinkled his nose in clear disgust.
"What term? Stuff?" Feron raised an eyeridge perplexed, wondering what wording Kolyat preferred when conducting his extracurricular activities. Or getting laid.
Kolyat averted his eyes momentarily before looking back with purposeful intent. "Blow job. It's derogatory."
Feron wasn't able to contain his surprise, both eyeridges shooting up. "Alright … so what do you call it, then?"
"It's a gift. Something is being freely given, so, 'giving head'."
Feron pursed his lips and snorted, unable to contain the laughter that erupted through his chest like a freighter. His howl was loud and he didn't give a shit if anyone out in the hall heard him. What made the joviality of what Kolyat said even better was the ridiculously serious expression on his face.
"You've got to be kidding." Feron wiped a tear from his eye from laughing so hard. "I didn't think you would be such a romantic. I took you for a prude honestly."
Kolyat shook his head. "I'm sorry I gave you that impression, but I assure you that is not the case." Adjusting himself in his chair, Kolyat crossed one leg over the other and smiled.
He noticed with Kolyat he didn't always get the responses he expected, like other individuals. Almost as if Kolyat was on another wave length sometimes. "Why are you smiling?" Feron asked suspiciously
"Your laugh. It sounded genuine."
"You bet your ass it was," Feron retorted. "That's the funniest bullshit I've heard in a while."
"It's not bullshit. That just means you've been with too many meaningless hookups."
Feron knew Kolyat was teasing, but given the circumstances, he'd just been through, shame ripped through his chest and his smile fell immediately. Cause there's so much meaning in rape. His gaze dropped and Feron heard the apologetic trill from the other man a second later as he forced his eyes back up to Kolyat's.
"I'm sorry, Feron. I didn't mean-"
"I know what you meant," Feron snapped back harshly.
"I was trying to lighten the mood. For a moment I actually felt really comfortable with you. I forgot myself. I do apologize," Kolyat insisted, purring in reassurance. "You weren't always a prisoner. Did you never experience-"
"I've had good blow jobs. Some incredible fucks, too," Feron cut him off bitterly.
"Just fucks?" Kolyat quirked an eyeridge in interest.
What the hell is he getting at? What else is there? Why does he even care?
"Big breasted asari's." Feron grinned lewdly.
Kolyat fell into silence, something unknown crossing his expression. "I see," he said plainly, looking around as if he was thinking before he continued, "I went to see a movie. Did some shopping. Got some food."
"What kind of movie?"
He smiled softly again, an ease settling back into his persona. "Why so many questions about my day off?"
"I'm bored," Feron purred indifferently. "And you're here. Being stuck leaves me no choice but to live precariously through others." Not like he would really know what the hell was going on for the last two and a half years. No omnitool and no television really kept him in the dark. He didn't even know the fucking day of the week or current date.
"I saw The Autopsy Of Jane Doe, Origins." Kolyat finally answered after a long silence.
"That sounds really boring," Feron sighed. It figured Kolyat would be into boring shit. "What kind of movie was it? A documentary?"
"Horror suspense."
Feron purred in piqued curiosity. "Really? You don't seem like the type to enjoy that kind of thing."
A romantic and a horror fan?
"I'm not." Kolyat admitted with a sigh, shaking his head in denial. "It was … awful actually."
"How so?" Feron did his best to school his expression and not notice the look of distress on Kolyat's face.
Cute … actually ….
Running a hand over the ridges on the top of his head, Kolyat sighed again as if trying to gather his thoughts. "Ok. So … police, on some planet, find a body and bring it to the nearest morgue for autopsy. The body was somehow cursed. Wherever her body turned up, people were violently killed by her entity."
"That's … creepy."
"It really was. I don't like movies like that." Adjusting himself in his chair again, Kolyat blinked several times in rapid succession, his expressions becoming more animated the more he spoke. "There was this part in the movie … the entity got a little boy. The mother was locked behind a glass security door and had to watch as …" Kolyat's throat expanded as if he was having trouble swallowing. Leaning forward he rubbed the palms of his hands over his cargo pants. "I felt like I was about to have a panic attack while sitting there."
"Join the club." Feron smiled, somehow feeling more at ease with the other man than he ever did before. "I get them all the time."
Kolyat made a sound of disbelief mixed with skepticism as he looked up at the ceiling. "At least you're here. Not in a crowded movie theater."
"So, why didn't you leave?" Feron shrugged.
Looking back down at him, Kolyat thinned his lips as if searching himself for an answer. "I … I didn't want to bother anyone or…." Kolyat fell into silence, his expression battling that rawness that occurred when you've seen or experienced something horrible.
Maybe one of his cases?
"You shouldn't put yourself through unnecessary stress. Especially with your job. It could be dangerous. Trust me with that. I know first hand."
"I can imagine. Your job was …" Kolyat stared at him for a long moment, his gaze roaming over his face and then slowly over his body. "What was your job exactly?" Voice now dripping with suspicion.
"I was a sex toy tester," Feron deadpanned.
Kolyat just blinked stoically. "Uh, huh. Now, what did you actually do?"
"I told you. I was an exotic dancer for my human daddy."
"Feron," Kolyat sighed. "I want to know you."
Something about the way he said that made Feron hesitate. He wasn't sure if it was Kolyat's face. So earnest and kind. Or his vocals. Gentle and smooth. Feron couldn't pinpoint the source. He did know … that it scared him. Made him feel something he never felt before. Maybe trust. Maybe hope.
Maybe temporary insanity.
Releasing a deep breath, Feron leaned his head back against his pillow and focused on an air vent near the ceiling. His voice feeling distant. "You already know who I worked for. I was an information trader, but my specialty was disrupting transmissions and conducting data breaches. Breaking firewalls and security protocols. Taking over security cameras. Changing numbers on bank accounts and decrypting information people really didn't want discovered."
"You're a hacker."
"I like the term cyber-infiltrator," Feron grinned, meeting Kolyat's eyes.
"A criminal."
"Only if the price was right," Feron trilled playfully.
One side of Kolyat's mouth quirked and he licked his lips in an attempt to hide a budding smile. "I'm not going to pretend my hands are clean."
"Yeah?" Feron returned with a hint of seduction. "You want to share what kind of dirty things your hands can do?"
"Maybe another time." Kolyat grinned back, eyes brightening again.
That time like sapphires instead of crashing waves.
Is he … flirting with me?
Feron swallowed thickly in discomfort and glanced away. Trying to adjust himself and the pillow he rested upon. A light tap on the floor bringing his attention to the ground beside him. His heart froze in his chest.
A tiny glass shard tumbled from the tissue, which was presently on the floor, that Feron kept hidden beneath his pillow. Kolyat's attention falling automatically upon it as he leaned forward in his chair to grab it. Feron sighed and clicked his tongue as remorse filled his lungs while he watched Kolyat's expression change. Scrutiny. Anger. Disappointment. Feron wasn't sure. All he did know was that Kolyat was not happy. Opening up the tissue, the turquoise drell sifted through the makeshift pouch of shards. The tiny pieces of glass Feron were able to dislodge on the bottom of the hospital cups that covered the manufacturing logo.
"I read in the reports that a batch of glass shards was confiscated from you previously." Kolyat's voice was empty and matter-of-fact. "I don't know how you're getting them."
Feron didn't answer. Volunteering information to be used against you was never the smart thing to do. Squeezing his eyes shut, he sighed in regret. He didn't know why, but part of him suddenly felt bad for disappointing Kolyat. The stupid … stupid … awful man, who became his legal guardian, was actually fucking trying.
He did notice it.
What the hell could he say in his defense? You know I want to kill myself?
He's going to tell Bennett. They're going to put me back in those gods forsaken straps. He's going to-
Feron felt despair fill his lungs, tears brimming his eyes. He hated the restraints. The pressure on his wrists. They would send him over the top. They would send him spiraling back into hell. He knew eventually his mind would break. He stifled a sob. Panic from the unknown that Kolyat would do, filled up his soul with the fear of losing himself.
I'm broken. Maybe I did go crazy? Maybe that fat fuck is right? Maybe I-
"I'm not going to tell anyone," Kolyat said unexpectedly.
Feron looked at him in blatant shock. Was Kolyat for real? If he was smart he would tell the doctors. What kind of bullshit lie was this? What kind of fucking weird trust exercise…. "You're not?" He didn't want to hold onto any kind of expectation.
Kolyat shook his head. "Despite your attitude. Your attempts to - very vocally - push people away," Kolyat sighed before a sad smile appeared. "I kind of like you. There's-" his eyes averted as his smile grew. "-something about you. You deserve a chance."
"Kolyat, I…." Feron didn't know what to say. His thoughts like a tornado, threatening to crack the years of walls he kept cocooned around himself. His protective shell.
Never trust. Never get involved. Never rely on anyone but yourself.
Don't let it happen again.
"I took on being your legal guardian …" Kolyat started. "So let me protect you. In my own way … but please, Feron. Don't make me regret it. I want to trust you. I ask that you trust me, too."
No.
I can't.
I shouldn't.
But….
"I can't promise you." Feron decided on truth for once. "... but I'll try."
I really will.
Kolyat stared at his expression for a long while and Feron did his best to keep his gaze open and honest. He was trying to be. Even though he couldn't say it. He really hoped Kolyat could see his attempt. See through his bullshit like he said he could.
Eventually, Kolyat nodded. As if he was pleased with whatever he was looking for on Feron's face. Crumpling the tissue into a tight ball, he shoved the batch into his pocket and glanced around before reaching forward and grabbing the set of cards on Feron's bedside table. "How about some ba'ket?" He pulled the tray table between them.
"No … you're terrible."
Kolyat snickered and trilled in mirth. The tense air around them quickly dissipating. "Come on. I'm not that terrible."
"You're awful," Feron deadpanned.
"I have potential." Kolyat finished adjusting the table.
"The potential to suck."
Kolyat laughed and took the cards from the box. His joyous sound leaving Feron to stare at him in uncertainty. What kind of man was this? Someone who smelled incredible. Someone who pissed Feron off because he couldn't figure him out. Someone that caused the atmosphere to shift whenever he laid eyes on him. Invisible but substantial. Just enough….
A crack formed on the surface.
Feron couldn't help himself. He smiled gently and waited for Kolyat to deal the cards.
