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Valentine Drabbles
Happy Valentine's Day! You get Drabbles. ^___^
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alice_montrose
One of these days, Arycian swore, he was going to glue Selan's butt to a chair and not let him up for a week. Well, not his butt. Arycian needed that. Hands maybe? No, those were useful too. As were his feet. Selan squirmed beautifully when Arycian licked them. Maybe an elbow...
There was absolutely no reason for his lover and ruler to have gone missing, again. Council wasn't being held for the duration of Lovers' Week, all of Selan's duties and obligations had already been fulfilled, the envoys from Ilysia had settled into the festivities remarkably well, and Selan finally had a few hours all to himself.
Which, of course, meant he was nowhere to be found.
At least he hadn't been trying particularly hard to hide his trail this time. Arycian had encountered no difficulties following the familiar scent of his lover through the city, though when he reached the spaceport he drew up short and whined aloud. Now where had Selan run off to?
Though... that was odd. One of the ships was sitting open, as though awaiting passengers. And, yes, Selan's scent led right to it. Did he want to know what his beloved was up to?
Heaving a sigh, the large white feline padded up the steps and into the belly of the ship, looking around cautiously. Deserted?
Arycian yelped as the hatch suddenly closed behind him and the ship shivered as it lifted off. He shifted back into his natural form and stalked toward the pilot's seat, more bewildered than ever to find that there was no one present. The ship appeared to be flying on its own.
He snorted. No, not on its own. There was only one person alive capable of such a stunt. With a loving, if exasperated sigh, he dropped down into the useless pilot's seat and leaned back, deciding to take a nap while Selan hauled him off to wherever he had in mind.
Some hours later he was awoken by a faint tickling under his nose and he fought a sneeze even as he blinked open his eyes. A familiar smile greeted his eyes, Selan's long pale hair cascading down his - very bare - shoulders in a way that had Arycian sitting up swiftly even as the slender man slid into his lap.
"Right on time," Selan murmured, just before pressing his lips to Arycian's.
And that really wasn't fair because how could Arycian stay angry with him when he kissed like that and was straddling his lap and his hands encountered absolutely no sign of clothing as they traced their way down the smooth planes of Selan's lower back to cup an equally bare ass.
"Couldn't you just tell me you want me to go somewhere, rather than making me track you down?" Arycian muttered, though all of his annoyance had vanished and was swiftly being replaced with something else.
Selan smiled. "Where would be the fun in that?" he asked. "Besides, no one dares interrupt you when you're on a 'track down errant ruler' mission. Something about that delicious scowl you wear..." His fingers reached up to lightly trace Arycian's cheek, just next to the edge of his mouth.
"Why did I need to avoid interruptions?" Arycian asked, pulling Selan's bare form closer to him and dipping his head to taste some of that exquisite skin.
"Ah-" Selan shivered, hands tightly clasping Arycian's shoulders. "You... mm... they were planning... event... something grand and extravagant..."
Arycian lifted his head to blink in puzzlement. "Yes, I'd heard. What does that have to do with why you and I are-" he glanced at the monitor panels "Halfway across the solar system?"
Selan's deft fingers made short work of Arycian's shirt. "Because they wanted you to play the role of the Star King."
"No." Arycian made a face.
Selan smiled. "So, I put you out of reach of everyone but me."
Arycian laughed softly. "So, did you remember to bring a bed, oh devious one?" he asked.
Selan grinned. "It's in the back."
"Err, your Highness..."
Herb looked up from his book and blinked at the nervous footman hovering in the doorway. "Yes?"
The man fidgeted. "Err, we were wondering if, ah, you might be willing to speak with the ArchMage? Please?"
Blinking again, Herb placed a red velvet marker in his book and set it aside before rising. "What's Beldon doing now?" he asked, fighting to hide a smile.
The footman sighed in exasperation. "Every time he gets upset and calls down lightning, all the horses spook and it takes hours to calm them after."
"Oh." Herb blinked, again. "Wonder why he's zapping so many people..."
Grimacing, the footman sighed again. "There are a lot of new hands that were just recently hired on..." At Herb's puzzled glance, he clarified. "Those of us who have been around know to avoid him at all costs. The new ones... ah... don't realize who - or what - he is."
Blinking a few more times, Herb's eyes suddenly widened as he caught on. "Oh." He winced, thanking the man and hurrying out to hunt down his volatile lover. Beldon's biggest issue with being anywhere there were a lot of people was the number of them that took it into their heads to hit on him - usually mistaking him for a woman.
Which inevitably led to Beldon's temper snapping, which was never a good thing.
He found Beldon in his workroom, seething and growling obscenities at a bowl of muddy liquid. Carefully closing the door behind him and feeling much like an unarmed hunter walking into a dragon's den, he called, "Beldon...?"
The Enchanter looked up, and Herb was rather relieved to see the anger taking immediate second place to an entirely different emotion. "Herb. I see word of my behavior travels quickly." He scowled.
Smiling, Herb crossed the room and pulled the slender man into his arms. "Gives me a good excuse to see you?" he offered, stealing a brief kiss. "You really need to quit zapping people."
"I like zapping people," Beldon muttered, all but melting into his arms as much as he tried to pretend indifference. "Besides, they deserved it."
Herb frowned lightly. "Probably, but still..." He considered. "Do you think they'd leave you alone if I kissed you in public?"
"No." Beldon sighed, reaching up to undo the laces on Herb's shirt. "I've had four now offer to 'rescue' me from you." He scowled and yanked sharply on one lace. "Like I need rescuing."
Herb laughed. "If anything, it's me that needs rescuing from you," he observed.
Beldon paused in what he was doing to glare up at him. "Behave, or I'll make you sleep alone."
Herb put on his most innocent, 'I am cute, please don't hurt me' expression. "Would you really?" he asked.
Scowling, Beldon resumed undoing all his laces. "No. But I will get even. Later."
"Later's good," Herb agreed cheerfully, ducking his head for another kiss.
Torhle watched as the ship slid gracefully into a berth in the Sherivi harbor, thinking of all that had passed since the last time he'd set foot on the island. Two years, now, since that fateful afternoon when he'd unexpectedly met Naefindan and been granted a position on the ship he'd been dreaming about for half his life.
He'd never have expected then the turn his life would take. From the world of the sane and the rational to a world of magic, pirates, and mystical creatures. Not to mention very, very short skirts.
"Nae... are you seriously going ashore dressed like that?" He arched a brow pointedly.
Naefindan grinned, azure eyes sparkling as he turned around once in place, showing off the brightly patterned but extremely short sarong he was wearing, accented by a few ornamented clips in his golden hair, a handful of bracelets, and a single pendant on a chain around his neck. "Something wrong with it?" he asked cheerfully, coming up to fit his body against Torhle's, pinning the taller man to the railing.
"Only that you're either going to get lynched or jumped," Torhle observed mildly, sliding his arms around his captain's waist and sliding one hand between the thin fabric and the sleek skin. "And I'd prefer the latter be done only by me."
Nae laughed, bracelets chiming as he brought his hands up to twine around Torhle's neck. "I am capable of fending off those I am not interested in," he murmured. "And when I risk my life daily by taunting Lan, what is there left to fear?"
Torhle considered. "You do have a point there." He leaned forward to steal a slow, sweet kiss, then asked cautiously, "Is there a reason we're docked at Sherivi? Our cargo would be better suited to a more eastern island..."
In response, Nae ducked his head slightly and disentangled himself just enough to run a hand through the long golden waves of his hair. "Ah... you haven't been home in two years, and I thought... well..." It was always disconcerting to see Naefindan of all people looking uncertain. "I thought maybe you'd like to see your mother instead of just writing to her?"
Torhle blinked. "My hometown is several days ride inland, Nae," he pointed out.
Naefindan sighed and blew strands of gold out of his eyes. "Okay, I'd like to meet her. If that's all right..."
Just when he thought Nae couldn't do anything more to surprise him. "Oh." Torhle blinked again. "Why?" Another thought occurred to him. "You haven't done something to royally piss off Lan that you're trying to hide from him for a couple of days, are you?" he asked suspiciously.
"Oh, hey." Nae perked up considerably. "That's a good idea. Remind me to do that before we go."
Torhle winced. "Nae..."
Naefindan grinned. "What? It's fun."
Sighing, Torhle pulled the man close again. "Well, there is one good thing... from all my letters, mother will have plenty of warning regarding your behavior."
Naefindan smirked, one hand sliding down the back of Torhle's pants as he leaned in for another kiss.
Fornikerymksherea
Arycian hummed contentedly to himself as he worked, ignoring the squirming and muffled sounds coming from his captive with the ease of practice. One day he was going to have to remember to thank Selan for shielding him from the Indigo Knight's precognitive abilities, as it made plotting his bits of mischief considerably easier when no one was expecting it.
Double-checking that the restraints were secure, he patted Ziern's bare bottom reassuringly as he pulled out the rest of the required items. So many to choose from. It made him lick his lips and consider saving a few to ambush Selan with later.
Later. Right. For now, he had to work swiftly before Zantier returned to his rooms.
It was the final day of Lovers' Week, and Selan had absently dropped a bit of information that had made Arycian sit up and take notice. Apparently the Rainbow Knights had been so busy making certain everything went smoothly that they'd barely gotten any time at all to themselves. What little time they did get, Zantier had been covering for the (as usual) awol Selan.
Meaning Zantier and Ziern had not gotten a single chance to properly celebrate Lovers' Week. And Arycian was quite determined to correct that oversight.
No one had batted an eye when he'd politely requested Ziern's presence upstairs. Ziern himself hadn't had a clue what was about to happen until Arycian had gagged him and bound his arms, hauling him into Zantier's room before stripping him naked and tying him, face down, spread-eagled, onto Zantier's bed.
Now came the fun part. Decorating.
Arycian considered himself an artist, of sorts. He could make the most splendid designs in honey across bare skin, intertwining with liquid trails of melted chocolate. Selan was rather fond of chocolate, so he'd taken a little time to perfect that skill. A dab of fluffed cream here and there, a few sweet cherries brought up from Ilysia... perfect.
Now. Candles, flowers, mild incense, and plenty of oil. Scented oil, no less. From his very brief sojourn as Zantier's lover, he'd figured out exactly which fragrances the dark Sendrian liked best. Utilizing that knowledge, he'd had a variety of very special oils prepared to take advantage of that liking.
Finished at last, Arycian stepped back to admire his handiwork. Ziern twisted his head this way and that trying to get a good look at him, but fortunately managed to avoid messing up the lickable designs on his back, legs, and butt.
"Now be a good boy and wait right there until Zantier comes back," Arycian purred cheerfully, ruffling Ziern's hair and winking. "Given the hour, he should be along in ten to fifteen minutes, but if he starts taking too long I'll ask Selan to give him a little push, okay?"
Letting himself out, Arycian shifted into his smallest feline form and went darting down the halls to the throne room where the two persons he wanted should be finishing up the last business of the day. Then Zantier would be off to discover his 'present' and Arycian could pour what was left of his honey and chocolate all over Selan before licking it back off again.
Amongst other things.
Fordameange
Ruari was not watching the way Kian's muscles rippled as he knelt before Ruari's father, nor the way his snug breeches looked positively indecent in that position. He most certainly was not calculating the best way to remove them to the point where he entirely missed the first few words exchanged between his father and lover while Quinlan (still playing King of Laidir) waited at a respectful distance.
Just because it took King Niall calling his name twice didn't mean he hadn't been paying attention. He'd been paying plenty of attention. Just not to his father.
"Hmm, wha?"
King Niall smiled and shook his head. "Off in the clouds again, Ruari?"
Ruari flushed. "Er, maybe..." He rather admirably restrained himself from kicking Kian when the knight-king-whatever snickered quietly. "If I was, what would I have missed?" he asked as nonchalantly as he could.
"This gentleman," Niall nodded at Kian, "Is indicating you would like to return with him to Laidir, as his... consort?"
Smiling a bit, Ruari nodded back. "I've looked it up and it seems to be a genuine thing, and I don't think Kian is the sort to toy with me." Much, he added silently, making note to glare at the brothers later. "Plus, I'd get to keep an eye on Brigid."
The lady in question snorted in a most unladylike manner and rolled her eyes. King Niall chuckled a bit, his gaze shifting to Quinlan. "And you vouch for this man, your majesty?"
Ruari only barely managed to keep a straight face at the misnomer as Quin nodded and spouted off some sort of polite, flowery drivel. Funny how Quin was so much better about being polite than his brother, but then Laidir was the strongest kingdom on this side of the Argath Mountains so there really wasn't much need for Kian to learned how to be polite. Other than so that he could impersonate his brother.
"And you wish to go, Ruari?" his father pressed, drawing Ruari's attention back from his musings.
"Yes, father," Ruari murmured, fighting down a blush and, as usual, failing miserably. Stupid pale skin. Stupid freckles. "It's an opportunity for something new, and..." He shot a brief glance at Kian, coloring further. "And... well... yes."
Niall nodded slowly, considering, then he smiled just a bit. "You will always have a place here in my court if you ever wish to return home, Ruari," he said gently.
"I..." Ruari swallowed and nodded slowly. "Thank you, father."
There was a collective murmur from the assembled nobles and King Niall sighed. "Perhaps Laidir will be better for you after all," he muttered, just loud enough for his words to carry. "I am told that their views on some things are rather... different."
"That is correct, majesty," Kian spoke up, doing that strange thing with his voice where he managed to sound all authoritative while still in that subservient kneeling pose. "Laidir will cherish your son, as I cherish him."
There were those murmurs all around again and Ruari wondered if he was the only one who saw how Kian tensed, how his hand twitched ever so slightly toward the short sword he wore at his side.
King Niall sighed again and shook his head. "If things had been different..." He rose from his throne and beckoned Ruari closer, enfolding Ruari in a warm embrace for just a moment. His last act as the father he'd never been allowed to be. "Take care of your sister," he murmured softly, then lifted his voice to carry. "I give my permission, Kian of Laidir. Take care of my son."
Ruari watched in a daze as Niall returned to his throne, starting briefly as a hand - Kian's, he realized a moment later - landed on his shoulder. "I will, majesty," Kian responded regally, and Ruari decided that it was really a good thing they were leaving tomorrow, or Kian was sure to blow his cover behaving like that. Bastard second sons, even in Laidir, did not glance over an assembly of nobles with anything remotely resembling Kian's smug superiority and mild disdain.
Not to say that the bastards didn't deserve it, and more, but still. He wanted to be far away from Cadhain before anyone figured out the duplicity and threw a fuss over King Niall's useless eldest son being consort to the most powerful King in their small world.
Even if that king was insufferably arrogant, far too smug, and had zero concept of personal space. As it was, Ruari was starting to enjoy that last of Kian's character flaws. Just a bit.
Foreurynome_on_ice
"Quit sulking."
"I'm not sulking."
"You are sulking, and if you don't quit pacing I'm going to sedate you."
Q'inn paused where he'd just finished one lap of the room to gawk at Xalin. "You wouldn't."
The medic raised one purple brow. "Wouldn't I?"
Q'inn huffed and dropped heavily onto Xalin's bed, sprawling out and glaring up at the ceiling. "I hate this. He used to be barely allowed off the ship, and now he's part of practically every mission! Why didn't I get to go? At least I could have kept an eye on him..."
Xalin moved to join him, sitting on the edge of the bed and massaging Q'inn's shoulders and arms at the same time. Useful, having four hands. "Meiki goes because Jei goes, they're both more than capable of taking care of themselves, and you're not so good at... decorum... thus why you didn't get taken this time."
Opening one slitted eye, Q'inn glared at him. "I can be subtle when I want."
"Mmm hmm." Xalin did not sound remotely convinced. With good reason. "Kitten, you have all the subtlety of a-" He broke off as the door to his quarters swished open to admit an entirely too cheerful sunset-hued Draconis who promptly flung himself onto the bed atop Q'inn.
"I'm back!" Meiki announced, ignoring Q'inn's oof as he wriggled halfway into Xalin's lap to be petted. "Did you miss me?"
Xalin smiled and freed two hands to give the required caresses. "Of course. Q'inn was just moping about how terribly disappointing it was that he didn't get to go with you."
Meiki twisted around to peer at the Hellcat. "Really?" he asked, grinning and squirmed backwards until he was sprawled out atop Q'inn.
"No," Q'inn grumbled, promptly yanking Meiki down for a hot, hard kiss.
"Apparently 'no' means 'yes, very much, I expect to see you undressed in under five seconds' in Hellcat-speak," Xalin observed, prodding them over a bit to make room for him to curl up next to them.
"Mmm-hmm..." Meiki agreed, somewhat muffled by the fact that he hadn't bothered to break lip-lock to reply.
Xalin chuckled and stroked Meiki's back and Q'inn's ribs. "So, did you bring us any souvenirs?" he asked.
Q'inn oofed again as Meiki abruptly shot up and did a mad scramble to crawl back off the bed. "Yes!" he exclaimed. "But I left them in my bag. I'll go get them!" He tumbled off the edge, miraculously landing on his feet, then scampering back out the door.
Bemused, Xalin turned to regard an equally bemused and rubbing his ribs Q'inn. "Do you think he'll ever actually grow up?" Q'inn asked.
Xalin arched a brow. "Meiki? I think Tau Ceti would learn to garden before that happened."
Laughing, Q'inn yanked him down onto his chest. "I think you're right. Oh well. I wouldn't want to change him anyway."
If Xalin had a response to that, it was lost in a kiss.
Forsuspendisbelief
"Hey. Whatcha upto?" Ishlaen asked, peering over Wintri's shoulder out the frosted window. "It's raining."
"Yes..." Wintri nodded slightly. "The winds are coming out of the south."
Ishlaen absently wrapped his arms around the fragile-seeming man, chin resting on Wintri's shoulder. "Not like you not to play with it," he observed.
Wintri shifted slightly, pale head turning to regard him with mild amusement. "You have a race. Kevin told me."
Rolling his eyes, Ishlaen straightened and ruffled Wintri's hair. "Like I can't melt it all before we start," he teased.
"Public track," Wintri pointed out. "The humans might get a little bit confused if one day there is snow and ice, and the next it is gone."
"That's their problem," Ishlaen groused, snuggling back up to the pale man again, bemused as ever at the vivid contrasts of their skin and hair. "I'm sure some scientist will chalk it up to a freak weather pattern or something."
Wintri giggled softly. "Or I could just behave and let it stay rain."
"You like the snow," Ishlaen mumbled, admittedly far more interested in the way Wintri smelled than in the falling rain.
"I like keeping you safe and in one piece better," Wintri retorted, turning away from the window finally and snuggling into his arms. "I'll call a big blizzard after the race is over, so Kevin can complain and you can make me chocolate." He smiled. "I like chocolate."
"You like marshmallows," Ishlaen corrected fondly. "The chocolate is a convenient container."
Wintri grinned. "I like marshmallows melted in chocolate and poured all over you?"
Ishlaen grinned back. "That I can accept." His grin widened. "Feel like chocolate right now?"
Wintri's pale eyes gleamed. "Yes."
Foralani_an
This bounty hunting thing was seriously getting old. Dee rechecked his weapons, both the hidden and the blatant, and carefully slipped around the large steel crates he'd taken cover behind. His leg burned where a stray bullet had grazed it, though at present it wasn't slowing him down any.
The target was in sight, but so were the assortment of hired goons the man had paid to protect him from people like Dee. Just one clean shot was all he needed, and unfortunately they didn't seem particularly inclined to give it to him. Typical.
He crept slowly closer, keeping as out of sight as possible, wondering why the man had chosen to go to ground in a place as cluttered as the old refinery. A moment later he got his answer as something snapped around his leg - fortunately the cybernetic one - and yanked him roughly into the air. Booby traps!
Snarling silently, Dee struggled to keep himself from spinning around, struggled to keep the target in sight. He heard an unpleasant barking laughter, then his target's oily voice came floating up.
"Well, well... look what I caught in my little trap..."
Bounty or no bounty, as soon as the world stopped spinning Dee swore he was going to blow the man's head off. Men that obnoxious should not be allowed to live.
"Nothing to say, little assassin?" the man pressed.
Dee grit his teeth. "If I'd wanted you dead," he hissed, "You'd be dead already." He swore whatever had a hold of him must be spinning on its own. Otherwise air friction should have slowed him down before now.
"Oh ho?" There was a slight pause from the moving blur beneath him. "Then someone wants me alive. Tell me, little mercenary. Who is it? Who hired you?"
"Does it matter?" Dee asked, swallowing as he realized he was starting to get motion sick on top of all the blood rushing to his head. Not good.
"Mmm, not really," came the reply, then a roar sounded sharply nearby and Dee's arm stung as a bullet nicked it. "Damn..." someone muttered. There was a soft click as the shooter reloaded, then...
Muffled sounds. Several shuffling footsteps. Something that sounded like a voice had started to cry out before being abruptly silenced. General sounds of unease. Dee struggled to get a clear look. Surely it couldn't be.
"What's going on here?" the oily voice demanded, a hint of panic in his tone. "Who-"
"No one of any consequence," a smooth voice purred and Dee sagged in relief for a moment before scowling in annoyance. What was he doing here anyway? He'd been told not to follow! Though, even Dee had to admit that his timing was good.
"I thought I told you to stay home," Dee announced to the spinning room.
A low chuckle answered him. "I got bored."
Dee rolled his eyes. "You're always bored. Are you going to get me down yet?"
"I thought you didn't want my help," came the bemused reply.
"I don't," Dee retorted. "But as long as you're here, you may as well make yourself useful."
Silence, several muffled thuds, then whatever was holding onto his ankle let go abruptly. Before he had time to do more than yelp there were strong arms holding him close while a silken tail stroked him along the few places his skin showed through his clothes.
Dee looked up to find Tygati in his 'normal' guise. That of a cream and brown vaguely siamese-patterned felinoid. "You're still in trouble for coming when I told you not to," he stated calmly.
"I'm always in trouble," Tygati pointed out, nuzzling his neck, tongue darting out to taste Dee's skin.
Dee let him continue the soft caresses for a moment before squirming his way out of Tygati's arms to inspect the bodies lying on the floor. His target was all tied up in a plethora of duct tape, as were, oddly enough, all the would-be bodyguards. He raised a brow as he met Tygati's sapphire eyes again. "You didn't kill them."
Tygati shrugged. "You told me not to."
"Yeah, but I didn't think you'd actually listen." Dee knelt next to his target's prone body and slapped a tracer on him. "And you are way too fond of duct tape."
Grinning wide enough to expose slightly-sharper-than-human canines, Tygati laughed. "I like my duct tape." He leaned closer, purring, as his silken tail wrapped around Dee's waist. "Though I prefer to use it on you..."
Dee flushed and shoved him away. "You are not tying me up in duct tape again."
"No?" Tygati's eyes gleamed and quite suddenly Dee found himself caught up in the circle of strong arms as he was pressed against a very firm chest beneath a black mesh shirt. "Are you sure?" he purred.
Dee's scathing reply was lost in the heat of Tygati's mouth, the words transmuting into helpless moans as skilled lips and tongue drew out every tingling sensation. By the time Tygati finally let him go, he couldn't for the life of him figure out what they'd been discussing. And he didn't really care.
Formaderr
At first, Sigma thought Kavalerov might have actually gotten it right this time. Despite the fact that the man was 3/4 human he was polite, well-spoken, and genuinely extended an effort to get along with everyone in general and Tau Ceti in particular. Tau hadn't been particularly impressed with the effort, but then he'd already run three captains off the ship at that point.
The trouble started four days after they'd set out in route to their next mission. He'd finished going over all the files and briefs that had been sent over in preparation and was just in the process of letting himself into Tau Ceti's workroom when something glommed onto him from behind and just about knocked him over.
"Wha...?"
"Give me a reason to hit him, please?" Tau Ceti grumbled, his words partially muffled by the way he had his face pressed to the back of Sigma's neck.
Sigma blinked. "Hit who?" Though he had a sinking suspicion...
"Captain Dorkus or Dungheap or whatever his name is," Tau muttered, arms tight around Sigma's waist.
Sigma twisted around to face him, seeing both anger and something else in his lover's expression. "Dargon. And what did he do to rile you up?"
Tau Ceti sighed and let his grip slacken. "Nothing. Everything. Nothing specific, but he just... just..." The gremlin made an exasperated sound and scowled. "I don't like him."
Running his hands through Tau's hair and down his back, Sigma smiled. "You don't like anyone, Tau. But he seems to get along well enough with the crew, and I think Kavalerov is starting to get a little bit ruffled by how many captains you've gotten rid of so far, so..."
Sighing again, Tau Ceti hid his face in the crook of Sigma's neck. "Fine," he muttered sullenly. "I'll... ignore him. Or something. At least until he does something specific." He lifted his head then, a ghost of a smile appearing. "Are you off-duty now?"
Sigma laughed quietly. "I just finished."
"Good." Tau disentangled himself, grabbed Sigma's wrist, and promptly dragged him off to their quarters.
Strike two came nearly a week later, after the mission had been successfully concluded. Sigma had just finalized his report for the High Chancellor and sent it off when he suddenly had a lap full of very wet, very angry Gremlin.
"Tau?"
"He touched me!" Tau Ceti hissed, oblivious to the fact that he was dripping water all over Sigma, the chair, the floor, and part of the console. "I was swimming, and then he showed up and wouldn't leave me alone, and when I got out to change he touched me!"
Sigma blinked. "Who touched you?" He frowned. "Touched you how?"
"Captain Dingaling," Tau clarified for him. "Ran his hand down my arm." The gremlin held it up for inspection. "I need a shower now."
Absently Sigma kissed the proffered arm, brow furrowed slightly. "That's... odd. I didn't see any notes in his file about requiring excessive physical contact..."
"Can I zap him?" Tau asked, coming about as close to plaintive as possible for the irritable gremlin.
"I told you after the first one you had to be less violent about how you dealt with problems," Sigma chided gently. "I'll speak with the man. I'm sure he has some reason for his behavior."
Tau Ceti grumbled, but didn't argue. Sigma smiled, then gently prodded him. "You do realize you're dripping all over console, right?"
The gremlin tensed, then cursed fluently in more languages than even Sigma recognized. He wiped at the wet console, profanity getting even more creative as that didn't help in the least, given that he himself was still dripping.
Sigma chuckled. "Come on, lets go get you dry, then you can see what kind of damage you've done to it."
"No," Tau Ceti corrected, "Shower first, then dry." He considered. "Help me get clean?"
Sigma laughed, getting to his feet and lifting Tau up off his lap at the same time. "You're incorrigible."
Tau Ceti smirked and yanked him down for a kiss. "I know."
No one was expecting the final blow, least of all Sigma. He'd spoken with Captain Dargon, the man had explained it was just something he was prone to and he'd try to tone it down, and he'd thought the matter settled. Until, that is, the day he walked into the galley and found the man all but pinning Tau Ceti between himself and the wall, far too close for anything resembling friendly touching.
If that alone hadn't been enough to make him see red, the fact that he could detect an undercurrent of something akin to panic beneath his lover's snappish words more than did it. Sigma stalked across the galley, heedless of the wide-eyed stares from the scattered crew present, and roughly yanked his soon-to-be former captain away from Tau Ceti.
The man yelped quietly and spun to face him, dark eyes going wide as he realized just who had interfered. "Sigma-"
It was as far as he got before Sigma's fist impacted with his face. The second strike cracked ribs - four if Sigma's aim had been true - and was sharply followed by a swift knee to the groin area. As the man doubled over in pain Sigma took the opportunity to break a shoulder bone, then back up a step and shatter one kneecap with a single meticulous kick.
Ex-Captain Dargon crumpled to the floor with a whimper. Sigma calmly stepped over him, bringing his arms up just in time for them to be filled with furious, shaking gremlin.
"If the next one tries to touch me, can I zap him?" Tau Ceti growled.
"Yes." Sigma picked him up and stepped over the moaning body on the floor, barely aware of the way the rest of the crew took a slight step back as they passed. "Someone get him to Xalin," he ordered calmly, "While I figure out where the nearest medical facility is. We're taking a slight detour." His in-specs flashed as he accessed the information and send the command up to the bridge, then he and Tau were out of the galley with the doors sliding shut behind them.
They both moved at once, mouths meshing seamlessly in an intense kiss that both of them needed. When lack of air forced them apart, neither could get very far away from the arms that had wrapped around one another.
"Tau..." Sigma began, contrite. Tau Ceti held a finger up to his lips.
"I'm allowed to zap now. It won't happen again."
Sigma scowled. "It had better not."
Tau Ceti considered, then a positively devious smirk slid across his face. "Though, I don't know... would it be entirely inappropriate for me to confess that the sight of you reducing an idiotic sentient to a quivering ball of pain makes me hard?" To prove his point, he rubbed up against Sigma in such a way that his arousal was unmistakable.
"You are not getting yourself into compromising situations just so you can watch me fight." Sigma rolled his eyes. "Why don't I start training the crew? Then you can watch me regularly."
The gremlin considered, then yanked him down for another kiss. "Sounds good to me. Though for right now..."
"Bed," Sigma agreed.
Forrappleart3
There was something to be said for being Fleet. He got a very nice salary, extremely cushy quarters, and carte blanche to break anything belonging to the bad guys. That last one was particularly fun, Spark mused, as he scrambled his latest target's propulsion system. Who wouldn't want to get paid to cause chaos and mass destruction?
Then there were the fringe benefits, such as access to all the latest in top model technology, free rides to some of the most luxuriant vacation spots in the quadrant, and, most importantly, constant proximity to his partner. Lieutenant-Commander Drachen Panthera, the man Spark still thought of as 'Dahgen,' and just about the hottest man in space. Particularly out of uniform.
Finishing up scrambling the security systems, Spark pulled out his personal datapad and keyed it on, wondering if his aforementioned partner had finished subduing the pirates yet. A moment later he yelped and dropped the thing as strong arms wrapped around him from behind and a deep voice murmuring in his ear made him shiver.
"All crew accounted for and dealt with. Ship inoperational?"
"You get some sort of sadistic pleasure in sneaking up on me, don't you?" Spark asked, twisting in Dahgen's arms and meeting his lover's lips in a hot, hard kiss.
"Possibly. Mission accomplished?"
Spark rolled his eyes. "Yes, mission accomplished. Did you get hurt?"
Dahgen shook his head. "One bruise and it's already fading. This lot weren't very intelligent." He pulled Spark tighter against himself, idly running caresses down Spark's back. "Their captain, however, had very expensive taste in personal furnishings. Quality material."
Laughing, Spark twined his tail around Dahgen's waist. "And we have, what, a good two hours before backup arrives to pick us up?"
"At least," Dahgen confirmed.
Spark grinned and twined his arms around his dark lover's neck. "Then by all means, let's go inspect this quality stuff."
Forkiyoshi_chan
From the pale light streaming past the balcony and creating a hazy glow on the cool stone floor, Xol judged that sunrise was not far off. For a moment he frowned, trying to remember if they had any sunrise ceremonies to attend, then decided today all that was scheduled was the one at noon. Fair enough.
Letting himself relax, Xol absently ran his hands through Quetz's hair, bemused as always that his twin had somehow managed to wind up lying atop him again. It happened nearly every time they shared a bed - if Quetz didn't end up sleeping on Xol, he was sleeping on Tezca. Quetz needed people like mortals needed water. He'd never been able to understand why Xol kept so much to himself.
How could he ever explain to his bright, happy, laughing twin just how different they really were? All Quetz knew was life and light. He was never aware of the deaths all around them unless he accidentally stumbled across one, and when that happened he was distraught for days. Long ago, Xol had taken to doing his best to shield his brother from such things. His things. His domain. Death and destruction. Lightning. Fire. Bad Luck.
Tlaloc had made the offhanded comment once that it was remarkable Xol was still sane after so many years of bearing such a heavy burden. It wasn't so heavy to Xol, but he still understood the point. Possibly, without Quetz, he would have gone insane. But all he had to do was look to his brighter twin and everything eased. Quetz was more than merely light and life. He was hope. For Xol, and for their people.
Tezca understood that too. That's why Tezca was so very protective of Quetz. Between the two of them, they'd never let any harm come to the one who inspired so much joy in those around him.
Tilting his head a bit, Xol smiled to find Tezca right where expected, curled up alongside the both of them with one arm draped over Quetz's back and the other coiling up around Xol's head. Those eerie silver eyes were hidden in sleep, and Xol took the opportunity to contemplate the war god's features without the nervous, unsettled feeling that always accompanied being in Tezca's mirrored gaze.
Even in sleep he seemed powerful. Fearless. Though Xol knew that wasn't always true. He'd been there the one and only time Tezca had ever shown weakness. It wasn't something he was soon to forget, as it was the one thing that lessened Tezca's ever-present intimidation. Handsome, regal, aloof, and self-assured. That was Tezca. Even Quetz hadn't managed to break down that regal wall for more than that single moment, though he was trying. If anyone could get Tezcatlipoca to behave in an undignified manner, it was Quetz.
"Nmm..." Quetz's warm breath tickled his throat as his twin stirred, fingers grasping blindly until latching on to a handful of Xol's hair. A barely-there smile touched Quetz's lips at the feel and he settled, falling back into a deep slumber.
Xol matched the smile, smiling fondly, and closed his eyes. In a few hours the others would wake and he would be harassing Quetz into doing his duties and attempting to avoid Tezca's wandering hands, but in the meantime he could simply lie where he was and enjoy a moment of happiness, wrapped tightly in the arms of those who loved him.
Forsporkess
Lurizal dropped his glass, sending shards of glass and pale pink wine shattering in all directions. "What are you wearing?" he demanded.
Quite pleased with himself, Azragael sauntered into the room, making certain to turn around completely so that Lurizal got a decent view of his silver spandex-clad ass. "Isn't it pretty?" he asked, preening.
Lurizal stared for a long moment, then his pretty blue eyes narrowed dangerously. "You've been mucking around with the timestream again, haven't you?" It wasn't really a question.
Not with Azragael clad in clinging, shimmery clothing that simply didn't exist in the current era, or bedecked in a sheen of glittering sparkle from his hair to his wildly-painted face to the flamelike colors on his fingernails. Everything he wore was obscenely tight, leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. Especially the way the bulge in his pants increased the longer Lurizal stared at him.
"Well?" Azragael asked, smirking. "What do you think?"
Lurizal swallowed with effort. "I think you look completely ridiculous," he sniffed, though his eyes betrayed him as they stayed fixed to that clinging, glittering fabric.
"Aw, I'm crushed, Riz," Azragael murmured, hips swaying as he paced closer, sliding into Lurizal's lap and twining his arms around the ice demon's neck. "I dressed up just for you. Did you know they sing like this? Pretty music." Oddly enough, there was only the faintest hint of alcohol on Azragael's breath so he wasn't drunk again. Just... weird. Just Azragael.
"Music?" Lurizal couldn't help himself. It was so hard to think straight with Azragael in his lap, especially when he could feel that hot, hard length pressing up against him temptingly.
Azragael pressed up closer against him, breath hot and distracting on Lurizal's neck as he murmured, "Mmm hmm... want me to sing for you?"
Lurizal shivered, gripping the edges of his desk tightly, shutting his eyes so he couldn't see the distracting shimmer of Az's hair or the perfect body beneath strange, futuristic clothing. "N-no..." He swallowed again.
A low, rumbling laugh met his protest. "Are you sure?" Azragael purred, tongue darting out to lick Lurizal's neck.
Shivering again, Lurizal drew back far enough to glare. "I hate you," he muttered.
Chuckling, Az's flaming eyes shone with a light all their own as he leaned close again and began to sing, softly, mere breaths from Lurizal's ear. From the very first note, as he'd known he would be, Lurizal was lost.
For
alice_montroseOne of these days, Arycian swore, he was going to glue Selan's butt to a chair and not let him up for a week. Well, not his butt. Arycian needed that. Hands maybe? No, those were useful too. As were his feet. Selan squirmed beautifully when Arycian licked them. Maybe an elbow...
There was absolutely no reason for his lover and ruler to have gone missing, again. Council wasn't being held for the duration of Lovers' Week, all of Selan's duties and obligations had already been fulfilled, the envoys from Ilysia had settled into the festivities remarkably well, and Selan finally had a few hours all to himself.
Which, of course, meant he was nowhere to be found.
At least he hadn't been trying particularly hard to hide his trail this time. Arycian had encountered no difficulties following the familiar scent of his lover through the city, though when he reached the spaceport he drew up short and whined aloud. Now where had Selan run off to?
Though... that was odd. One of the ships was sitting open, as though awaiting passengers. And, yes, Selan's scent led right to it. Did he want to know what his beloved was up to?
Heaving a sigh, the large white feline padded up the steps and into the belly of the ship, looking around cautiously. Deserted?
Arycian yelped as the hatch suddenly closed behind him and the ship shivered as it lifted off. He shifted back into his natural form and stalked toward the pilot's seat, more bewildered than ever to find that there was no one present. The ship appeared to be flying on its own.
He snorted. No, not on its own. There was only one person alive capable of such a stunt. With a loving, if exasperated sigh, he dropped down into the useless pilot's seat and leaned back, deciding to take a nap while Selan hauled him off to wherever he had in mind.
Some hours later he was awoken by a faint tickling under his nose and he fought a sneeze even as he blinked open his eyes. A familiar smile greeted his eyes, Selan's long pale hair cascading down his - very bare - shoulders in a way that had Arycian sitting up swiftly even as the slender man slid into his lap.
"Right on time," Selan murmured, just before pressing his lips to Arycian's.
And that really wasn't fair because how could Arycian stay angry with him when he kissed like that and was straddling his lap and his hands encountered absolutely no sign of clothing as they traced their way down the smooth planes of Selan's lower back to cup an equally bare ass.
"Couldn't you just tell me you want me to go somewhere, rather than making me track you down?" Arycian muttered, though all of his annoyance had vanished and was swiftly being replaced with something else.
Selan smiled. "Where would be the fun in that?" he asked. "Besides, no one dares interrupt you when you're on a 'track down errant ruler' mission. Something about that delicious scowl you wear..." His fingers reached up to lightly trace Arycian's cheek, just next to the edge of his mouth.
"Why did I need to avoid interruptions?" Arycian asked, pulling Selan's bare form closer to him and dipping his head to taste some of that exquisite skin.
"Ah-" Selan shivered, hands tightly clasping Arycian's shoulders. "You... mm... they were planning... event... something grand and extravagant..."
Arycian lifted his head to blink in puzzlement. "Yes, I'd heard. What does that have to do with why you and I are-" he glanced at the monitor panels "Halfway across the solar system?"
Selan's deft fingers made short work of Arycian's shirt. "Because they wanted you to play the role of the Star King."
"No." Arycian made a face.
Selan smiled. "So, I put you out of reach of everyone but me."
Arycian laughed softly. "So, did you remember to bring a bed, oh devious one?" he asked.
Selan grinned. "It's in the back."
"Err, your Highness..."
Herb looked up from his book and blinked at the nervous footman hovering in the doorway. "Yes?"
The man fidgeted. "Err, we were wondering if, ah, you might be willing to speak with the ArchMage? Please?"
Blinking again, Herb placed a red velvet marker in his book and set it aside before rising. "What's Beldon doing now?" he asked, fighting to hide a smile.
The footman sighed in exasperation. "Every time he gets upset and calls down lightning, all the horses spook and it takes hours to calm them after."
"Oh." Herb blinked, again. "Wonder why he's zapping so many people..."
Grimacing, the footman sighed again. "There are a lot of new hands that were just recently hired on..." At Herb's puzzled glance, he clarified. "Those of us who have been around know to avoid him at all costs. The new ones... ah... don't realize who - or what - he is."
Blinking a few more times, Herb's eyes suddenly widened as he caught on. "Oh." He winced, thanking the man and hurrying out to hunt down his volatile lover. Beldon's biggest issue with being anywhere there were a lot of people was the number of them that took it into their heads to hit on him - usually mistaking him for a woman.
Which inevitably led to Beldon's temper snapping, which was never a good thing.
He found Beldon in his workroom, seething and growling obscenities at a bowl of muddy liquid. Carefully closing the door behind him and feeling much like an unarmed hunter walking into a dragon's den, he called, "Beldon...?"
The Enchanter looked up, and Herb was rather relieved to see the anger taking immediate second place to an entirely different emotion. "Herb. I see word of my behavior travels quickly." He scowled.
Smiling, Herb crossed the room and pulled the slender man into his arms. "Gives me a good excuse to see you?" he offered, stealing a brief kiss. "You really need to quit zapping people."
"I like zapping people," Beldon muttered, all but melting into his arms as much as he tried to pretend indifference. "Besides, they deserved it."
Herb frowned lightly. "Probably, but still..." He considered. "Do you think they'd leave you alone if I kissed you in public?"
"No." Beldon sighed, reaching up to undo the laces on Herb's shirt. "I've had four now offer to 'rescue' me from you." He scowled and yanked sharply on one lace. "Like I need rescuing."
Herb laughed. "If anything, it's me that needs rescuing from you," he observed.
Beldon paused in what he was doing to glare up at him. "Behave, or I'll make you sleep alone."
Herb put on his most innocent, 'I am cute, please don't hurt me' expression. "Would you really?" he asked.
Scowling, Beldon resumed undoing all his laces. "No. But I will get even. Later."
"Later's good," Herb agreed cheerfully, ducking his head for another kiss.
Torhle watched as the ship slid gracefully into a berth in the Sherivi harbor, thinking of all that had passed since the last time he'd set foot on the island. Two years, now, since that fateful afternoon when he'd unexpectedly met Naefindan and been granted a position on the ship he'd been dreaming about for half his life.
He'd never have expected then the turn his life would take. From the world of the sane and the rational to a world of magic, pirates, and mystical creatures. Not to mention very, very short skirts.
"Nae... are you seriously going ashore dressed like that?" He arched a brow pointedly.
Naefindan grinned, azure eyes sparkling as he turned around once in place, showing off the brightly patterned but extremely short sarong he was wearing, accented by a few ornamented clips in his golden hair, a handful of bracelets, and a single pendant on a chain around his neck. "Something wrong with it?" he asked cheerfully, coming up to fit his body against Torhle's, pinning the taller man to the railing.
"Only that you're either going to get lynched or jumped," Torhle observed mildly, sliding his arms around his captain's waist and sliding one hand between the thin fabric and the sleek skin. "And I'd prefer the latter be done only by me."
Nae laughed, bracelets chiming as he brought his hands up to twine around Torhle's neck. "I am capable of fending off those I am not interested in," he murmured. "And when I risk my life daily by taunting Lan, what is there left to fear?"
Torhle considered. "You do have a point there." He leaned forward to steal a slow, sweet kiss, then asked cautiously, "Is there a reason we're docked at Sherivi? Our cargo would be better suited to a more eastern island..."
In response, Nae ducked his head slightly and disentangled himself just enough to run a hand through the long golden waves of his hair. "Ah... you haven't been home in two years, and I thought... well..." It was always disconcerting to see Naefindan of all people looking uncertain. "I thought maybe you'd like to see your mother instead of just writing to her?"
Torhle blinked. "My hometown is several days ride inland, Nae," he pointed out.
Naefindan sighed and blew strands of gold out of his eyes. "Okay, I'd like to meet her. If that's all right..."
Just when he thought Nae couldn't do anything more to surprise him. "Oh." Torhle blinked again. "Why?" Another thought occurred to him. "You haven't done something to royally piss off Lan that you're trying to hide from him for a couple of days, are you?" he asked suspiciously.
"Oh, hey." Nae perked up considerably. "That's a good idea. Remind me to do that before we go."
Torhle winced. "Nae..."
Naefindan grinned. "What? It's fun."
Sighing, Torhle pulled the man close again. "Well, there is one good thing... from all my letters, mother will have plenty of warning regarding your behavior."
Naefindan smirked, one hand sliding down the back of Torhle's pants as he leaned in for another kiss.
For
nikerymkshereaArycian hummed contentedly to himself as he worked, ignoring the squirming and muffled sounds coming from his captive with the ease of practice. One day he was going to have to remember to thank Selan for shielding him from the Indigo Knight's precognitive abilities, as it made plotting his bits of mischief considerably easier when no one was expecting it.
Double-checking that the restraints were secure, he patted Ziern's bare bottom reassuringly as he pulled out the rest of the required items. So many to choose from. It made him lick his lips and consider saving a few to ambush Selan with later.
Later. Right. For now, he had to work swiftly before Zantier returned to his rooms.
It was the final day of Lovers' Week, and Selan had absently dropped a bit of information that had made Arycian sit up and take notice. Apparently the Rainbow Knights had been so busy making certain everything went smoothly that they'd barely gotten any time at all to themselves. What little time they did get, Zantier had been covering for the (as usual) awol Selan.
Meaning Zantier and Ziern had not gotten a single chance to properly celebrate Lovers' Week. And Arycian was quite determined to correct that oversight.
No one had batted an eye when he'd politely requested Ziern's presence upstairs. Ziern himself hadn't had a clue what was about to happen until Arycian had gagged him and bound his arms, hauling him into Zantier's room before stripping him naked and tying him, face down, spread-eagled, onto Zantier's bed.
Now came the fun part. Decorating.
Arycian considered himself an artist, of sorts. He could make the most splendid designs in honey across bare skin, intertwining with liquid trails of melted chocolate. Selan was rather fond of chocolate, so he'd taken a little time to perfect that skill. A dab of fluffed cream here and there, a few sweet cherries brought up from Ilysia... perfect.
Now. Candles, flowers, mild incense, and plenty of oil. Scented oil, no less. From his very brief sojourn as Zantier's lover, he'd figured out exactly which fragrances the dark Sendrian liked best. Utilizing that knowledge, he'd had a variety of very special oils prepared to take advantage of that liking.
Finished at last, Arycian stepped back to admire his handiwork. Ziern twisted his head this way and that trying to get a good look at him, but fortunately managed to avoid messing up the lickable designs on his back, legs, and butt.
"Now be a good boy and wait right there until Zantier comes back," Arycian purred cheerfully, ruffling Ziern's hair and winking. "Given the hour, he should be along in ten to fifteen minutes, but if he starts taking too long I'll ask Selan to give him a little push, okay?"
Letting himself out, Arycian shifted into his smallest feline form and went darting down the halls to the throne room where the two persons he wanted should be finishing up the last business of the day. Then Zantier would be off to discover his 'present' and Arycian could pour what was left of his honey and chocolate all over Selan before licking it back off again.
Amongst other things.
For
dameangeRuari was not watching the way Kian's muscles rippled as he knelt before Ruari's father, nor the way his snug breeches looked positively indecent in that position. He most certainly was not calculating the best way to remove them to the point where he entirely missed the first few words exchanged between his father and lover while Quinlan (still playing King of Laidir) waited at a respectful distance.
Just because it took King Niall calling his name twice didn't mean he hadn't been paying attention. He'd been paying plenty of attention. Just not to his father.
"Hmm, wha?"
King Niall smiled and shook his head. "Off in the clouds again, Ruari?"
Ruari flushed. "Er, maybe..." He rather admirably restrained himself from kicking Kian when the knight-king-whatever snickered quietly. "If I was, what would I have missed?" he asked as nonchalantly as he could.
"This gentleman," Niall nodded at Kian, "Is indicating you would like to return with him to Laidir, as his... consort?"
Smiling a bit, Ruari nodded back. "I've looked it up and it seems to be a genuine thing, and I don't think Kian is the sort to toy with me." Much, he added silently, making note to glare at the brothers later. "Plus, I'd get to keep an eye on Brigid."
The lady in question snorted in a most unladylike manner and rolled her eyes. King Niall chuckled a bit, his gaze shifting to Quinlan. "And you vouch for this man, your majesty?"
Ruari only barely managed to keep a straight face at the misnomer as Quin nodded and spouted off some sort of polite, flowery drivel. Funny how Quin was so much better about being polite than his brother, but then Laidir was the strongest kingdom on this side of the Argath Mountains so there really wasn't much need for Kian to learned how to be polite. Other than so that he could impersonate his brother.
"And you wish to go, Ruari?" his father pressed, drawing Ruari's attention back from his musings.
"Yes, father," Ruari murmured, fighting down a blush and, as usual, failing miserably. Stupid pale skin. Stupid freckles. "It's an opportunity for something new, and..." He shot a brief glance at Kian, coloring further. "And... well... yes."
Niall nodded slowly, considering, then he smiled just a bit. "You will always have a place here in my court if you ever wish to return home, Ruari," he said gently.
"I..." Ruari swallowed and nodded slowly. "Thank you, father."
There was a collective murmur from the assembled nobles and King Niall sighed. "Perhaps Laidir will be better for you after all," he muttered, just loud enough for his words to carry. "I am told that their views on some things are rather... different."
"That is correct, majesty," Kian spoke up, doing that strange thing with his voice where he managed to sound all authoritative while still in that subservient kneeling pose. "Laidir will cherish your son, as I cherish him."
There were those murmurs all around again and Ruari wondered if he was the only one who saw how Kian tensed, how his hand twitched ever so slightly toward the short sword he wore at his side.
King Niall sighed again and shook his head. "If things had been different..." He rose from his throne and beckoned Ruari closer, enfolding Ruari in a warm embrace for just a moment. His last act as the father he'd never been allowed to be. "Take care of your sister," he murmured softly, then lifted his voice to carry. "I give my permission, Kian of Laidir. Take care of my son."
Ruari watched in a daze as Niall returned to his throne, starting briefly as a hand - Kian's, he realized a moment later - landed on his shoulder. "I will, majesty," Kian responded regally, and Ruari decided that it was really a good thing they were leaving tomorrow, or Kian was sure to blow his cover behaving like that. Bastard second sons, even in Laidir, did not glance over an assembly of nobles with anything remotely resembling Kian's smug superiority and mild disdain.
Not to say that the bastards didn't deserve it, and more, but still. He wanted to be far away from Cadhain before anyone figured out the duplicity and threw a fuss over King Niall's useless eldest son being consort to the most powerful King in their small world.
Even if that king was insufferably arrogant, far too smug, and had zero concept of personal space. As it was, Ruari was starting to enjoy that last of Kian's character flaws. Just a bit.
For
eurynome_on_ice"Quit sulking."
"I'm not sulking."
"You are sulking, and if you don't quit pacing I'm going to sedate you."
Q'inn paused where he'd just finished one lap of the room to gawk at Xalin. "You wouldn't."
The medic raised one purple brow. "Wouldn't I?"
Q'inn huffed and dropped heavily onto Xalin's bed, sprawling out and glaring up at the ceiling. "I hate this. He used to be barely allowed off the ship, and now he's part of practically every mission! Why didn't I get to go? At least I could have kept an eye on him..."
Xalin moved to join him, sitting on the edge of the bed and massaging Q'inn's shoulders and arms at the same time. Useful, having four hands. "Meiki goes because Jei goes, they're both more than capable of taking care of themselves, and you're not so good at... decorum... thus why you didn't get taken this time."
Opening one slitted eye, Q'inn glared at him. "I can be subtle when I want."
"Mmm hmm." Xalin did not sound remotely convinced. With good reason. "Kitten, you have all the subtlety of a-" He broke off as the door to his quarters swished open to admit an entirely too cheerful sunset-hued Draconis who promptly flung himself onto the bed atop Q'inn.
"I'm back!" Meiki announced, ignoring Q'inn's oof as he wriggled halfway into Xalin's lap to be petted. "Did you miss me?"
Xalin smiled and freed two hands to give the required caresses. "Of course. Q'inn was just moping about how terribly disappointing it was that he didn't get to go with you."
Meiki twisted around to peer at the Hellcat. "Really?" he asked, grinning and squirmed backwards until he was sprawled out atop Q'inn.
"No," Q'inn grumbled, promptly yanking Meiki down for a hot, hard kiss.
"Apparently 'no' means 'yes, very much, I expect to see you undressed in under five seconds' in Hellcat-speak," Xalin observed, prodding them over a bit to make room for him to curl up next to them.
"Mmm-hmm..." Meiki agreed, somewhat muffled by the fact that he hadn't bothered to break lip-lock to reply.
Xalin chuckled and stroked Meiki's back and Q'inn's ribs. "So, did you bring us any souvenirs?" he asked.
Q'inn oofed again as Meiki abruptly shot up and did a mad scramble to crawl back off the bed. "Yes!" he exclaimed. "But I left them in my bag. I'll go get them!" He tumbled off the edge, miraculously landing on his feet, then scampering back out the door.
Bemused, Xalin turned to regard an equally bemused and rubbing his ribs Q'inn. "Do you think he'll ever actually grow up?" Q'inn asked.
Xalin arched a brow. "Meiki? I think Tau Ceti would learn to garden before that happened."
Laughing, Q'inn yanked him down onto his chest. "I think you're right. Oh well. I wouldn't want to change him anyway."
If Xalin had a response to that, it was lost in a kiss.
For
suspendisbelief"Hey. Whatcha upto?" Ishlaen asked, peering over Wintri's shoulder out the frosted window. "It's raining."
"Yes..." Wintri nodded slightly. "The winds are coming out of the south."
Ishlaen absently wrapped his arms around the fragile-seeming man, chin resting on Wintri's shoulder. "Not like you not to play with it," he observed.
Wintri shifted slightly, pale head turning to regard him with mild amusement. "You have a race. Kevin told me."
Rolling his eyes, Ishlaen straightened and ruffled Wintri's hair. "Like I can't melt it all before we start," he teased.
"Public track," Wintri pointed out. "The humans might get a little bit confused if one day there is snow and ice, and the next it is gone."
"That's their problem," Ishlaen groused, snuggling back up to the pale man again, bemused as ever at the vivid contrasts of their skin and hair. "I'm sure some scientist will chalk it up to a freak weather pattern or something."
Wintri giggled softly. "Or I could just behave and let it stay rain."
"You like the snow," Ishlaen mumbled, admittedly far more interested in the way Wintri smelled than in the falling rain.
"I like keeping you safe and in one piece better," Wintri retorted, turning away from the window finally and snuggling into his arms. "I'll call a big blizzard after the race is over, so Kevin can complain and you can make me chocolate." He smiled. "I like chocolate."
"You like marshmallows," Ishlaen corrected fondly. "The chocolate is a convenient container."
Wintri grinned. "I like marshmallows melted in chocolate and poured all over you?"
Ishlaen grinned back. "That I can accept." His grin widened. "Feel like chocolate right now?"
Wintri's pale eyes gleamed. "Yes."
For
alani_anThis bounty hunting thing was seriously getting old. Dee rechecked his weapons, both the hidden and the blatant, and carefully slipped around the large steel crates he'd taken cover behind. His leg burned where a stray bullet had grazed it, though at present it wasn't slowing him down any.
The target was in sight, but so were the assortment of hired goons the man had paid to protect him from people like Dee. Just one clean shot was all he needed, and unfortunately they didn't seem particularly inclined to give it to him. Typical.
He crept slowly closer, keeping as out of sight as possible, wondering why the man had chosen to go to ground in a place as cluttered as the old refinery. A moment later he got his answer as something snapped around his leg - fortunately the cybernetic one - and yanked him roughly into the air. Booby traps!
Snarling silently, Dee struggled to keep himself from spinning around, struggled to keep the target in sight. He heard an unpleasant barking laughter, then his target's oily voice came floating up.
"Well, well... look what I caught in my little trap..."
Bounty or no bounty, as soon as the world stopped spinning Dee swore he was going to blow the man's head off. Men that obnoxious should not be allowed to live.
"Nothing to say, little assassin?" the man pressed.
Dee grit his teeth. "If I'd wanted you dead," he hissed, "You'd be dead already." He swore whatever had a hold of him must be spinning on its own. Otherwise air friction should have slowed him down before now.
"Oh ho?" There was a slight pause from the moving blur beneath him. "Then someone wants me alive. Tell me, little mercenary. Who is it? Who hired you?"
"Does it matter?" Dee asked, swallowing as he realized he was starting to get motion sick on top of all the blood rushing to his head. Not good.
"Mmm, not really," came the reply, then a roar sounded sharply nearby and Dee's arm stung as a bullet nicked it. "Damn..." someone muttered. There was a soft click as the shooter reloaded, then...
Muffled sounds. Several shuffling footsteps. Something that sounded like a voice had started to cry out before being abruptly silenced. General sounds of unease. Dee struggled to get a clear look. Surely it couldn't be.
"What's going on here?" the oily voice demanded, a hint of panic in his tone. "Who-"
"No one of any consequence," a smooth voice purred and Dee sagged in relief for a moment before scowling in annoyance. What was he doing here anyway? He'd been told not to follow! Though, even Dee had to admit that his timing was good.
"I thought I told you to stay home," Dee announced to the spinning room.
A low chuckle answered him. "I got bored."
Dee rolled his eyes. "You're always bored. Are you going to get me down yet?"
"I thought you didn't want my help," came the bemused reply.
"I don't," Dee retorted. "But as long as you're here, you may as well make yourself useful."
Silence, several muffled thuds, then whatever was holding onto his ankle let go abruptly. Before he had time to do more than yelp there were strong arms holding him close while a silken tail stroked him along the few places his skin showed through his clothes.
Dee looked up to find Tygati in his 'normal' guise. That of a cream and brown vaguely siamese-patterned felinoid. "You're still in trouble for coming when I told you not to," he stated calmly.
"I'm always in trouble," Tygati pointed out, nuzzling his neck, tongue darting out to taste Dee's skin.
Dee let him continue the soft caresses for a moment before squirming his way out of Tygati's arms to inspect the bodies lying on the floor. His target was all tied up in a plethora of duct tape, as were, oddly enough, all the would-be bodyguards. He raised a brow as he met Tygati's sapphire eyes again. "You didn't kill them."
Tygati shrugged. "You told me not to."
"Yeah, but I didn't think you'd actually listen." Dee knelt next to his target's prone body and slapped a tracer on him. "And you are way too fond of duct tape."
Grinning wide enough to expose slightly-sharper-than-human canines, Tygati laughed. "I like my duct tape." He leaned closer, purring, as his silken tail wrapped around Dee's waist. "Though I prefer to use it on you..."
Dee flushed and shoved him away. "You are not tying me up in duct tape again."
"No?" Tygati's eyes gleamed and quite suddenly Dee found himself caught up in the circle of strong arms as he was pressed against a very firm chest beneath a black mesh shirt. "Are you sure?" he purred.
Dee's scathing reply was lost in the heat of Tygati's mouth, the words transmuting into helpless moans as skilled lips and tongue drew out every tingling sensation. By the time Tygati finally let him go, he couldn't for the life of him figure out what they'd been discussing. And he didn't really care.
For
maderrAt first, Sigma thought Kavalerov might have actually gotten it right this time. Despite the fact that the man was 3/4 human he was polite, well-spoken, and genuinely extended an effort to get along with everyone in general and Tau Ceti in particular. Tau hadn't been particularly impressed with the effort, but then he'd already run three captains off the ship at that point.
The trouble started four days after they'd set out in route to their next mission. He'd finished going over all the files and briefs that had been sent over in preparation and was just in the process of letting himself into Tau Ceti's workroom when something glommed onto him from behind and just about knocked him over.
"Wha...?"
"Give me a reason to hit him, please?" Tau Ceti grumbled, his words partially muffled by the way he had his face pressed to the back of Sigma's neck.
Sigma blinked. "Hit who?" Though he had a sinking suspicion...
"Captain Dorkus or Dungheap or whatever his name is," Tau muttered, arms tight around Sigma's waist.
Sigma twisted around to face him, seeing both anger and something else in his lover's expression. "Dargon. And what did he do to rile you up?"
Tau Ceti sighed and let his grip slacken. "Nothing. Everything. Nothing specific, but he just... just..." The gremlin made an exasperated sound and scowled. "I don't like him."
Running his hands through Tau's hair and down his back, Sigma smiled. "You don't like anyone, Tau. But he seems to get along well enough with the crew, and I think Kavalerov is starting to get a little bit ruffled by how many captains you've gotten rid of so far, so..."
Sighing again, Tau Ceti hid his face in the crook of Sigma's neck. "Fine," he muttered sullenly. "I'll... ignore him. Or something. At least until he does something specific." He lifted his head then, a ghost of a smile appearing. "Are you off-duty now?"
Sigma laughed quietly. "I just finished."
"Good." Tau disentangled himself, grabbed Sigma's wrist, and promptly dragged him off to their quarters.
Strike two came nearly a week later, after the mission had been successfully concluded. Sigma had just finalized his report for the High Chancellor and sent it off when he suddenly had a lap full of very wet, very angry Gremlin.
"Tau?"
"He touched me!" Tau Ceti hissed, oblivious to the fact that he was dripping water all over Sigma, the chair, the floor, and part of the console. "I was swimming, and then he showed up and wouldn't leave me alone, and when I got out to change he touched me!"
Sigma blinked. "Who touched you?" He frowned. "Touched you how?"
"Captain Dingaling," Tau clarified for him. "Ran his hand down my arm." The gremlin held it up for inspection. "I need a shower now."
Absently Sigma kissed the proffered arm, brow furrowed slightly. "That's... odd. I didn't see any notes in his file about requiring excessive physical contact..."
"Can I zap him?" Tau asked, coming about as close to plaintive as possible for the irritable gremlin.
"I told you after the first one you had to be less violent about how you dealt with problems," Sigma chided gently. "I'll speak with the man. I'm sure he has some reason for his behavior."
Tau Ceti grumbled, but didn't argue. Sigma smiled, then gently prodded him. "You do realize you're dripping all over console, right?"
The gremlin tensed, then cursed fluently in more languages than even Sigma recognized. He wiped at the wet console, profanity getting even more creative as that didn't help in the least, given that he himself was still dripping.
Sigma chuckled. "Come on, lets go get you dry, then you can see what kind of damage you've done to it."
"No," Tau Ceti corrected, "Shower first, then dry." He considered. "Help me get clean?"
Sigma laughed, getting to his feet and lifting Tau up off his lap at the same time. "You're incorrigible."
Tau Ceti smirked and yanked him down for a kiss. "I know."
No one was expecting the final blow, least of all Sigma. He'd spoken with Captain Dargon, the man had explained it was just something he was prone to and he'd try to tone it down, and he'd thought the matter settled. Until, that is, the day he walked into the galley and found the man all but pinning Tau Ceti between himself and the wall, far too close for anything resembling friendly touching.
If that alone hadn't been enough to make him see red, the fact that he could detect an undercurrent of something akin to panic beneath his lover's snappish words more than did it. Sigma stalked across the galley, heedless of the wide-eyed stares from the scattered crew present, and roughly yanked his soon-to-be former captain away from Tau Ceti.
The man yelped quietly and spun to face him, dark eyes going wide as he realized just who had interfered. "Sigma-"
It was as far as he got before Sigma's fist impacted with his face. The second strike cracked ribs - four if Sigma's aim had been true - and was sharply followed by a swift knee to the groin area. As the man doubled over in pain Sigma took the opportunity to break a shoulder bone, then back up a step and shatter one kneecap with a single meticulous kick.
Ex-Captain Dargon crumpled to the floor with a whimper. Sigma calmly stepped over him, bringing his arms up just in time for them to be filled with furious, shaking gremlin.
"If the next one tries to touch me, can I zap him?" Tau Ceti growled.
"Yes." Sigma picked him up and stepped over the moaning body on the floor, barely aware of the way the rest of the crew took a slight step back as they passed. "Someone get him to Xalin," he ordered calmly, "While I figure out where the nearest medical facility is. We're taking a slight detour." His in-specs flashed as he accessed the information and send the command up to the bridge, then he and Tau were out of the galley with the doors sliding shut behind them.
They both moved at once, mouths meshing seamlessly in an intense kiss that both of them needed. When lack of air forced them apart, neither could get very far away from the arms that had wrapped around one another.
"Tau..." Sigma began, contrite. Tau Ceti held a finger up to his lips.
"I'm allowed to zap now. It won't happen again."
Sigma scowled. "It had better not."
Tau Ceti considered, then a positively devious smirk slid across his face. "Though, I don't know... would it be entirely inappropriate for me to confess that the sight of you reducing an idiotic sentient to a quivering ball of pain makes me hard?" To prove his point, he rubbed up against Sigma in such a way that his arousal was unmistakable.
"You are not getting yourself into compromising situations just so you can watch me fight." Sigma rolled his eyes. "Why don't I start training the crew? Then you can watch me regularly."
The gremlin considered, then yanked him down for another kiss. "Sounds good to me. Though for right now..."
"Bed," Sigma agreed.
For
rappleart3There was something to be said for being Fleet. He got a very nice salary, extremely cushy quarters, and carte blanche to break anything belonging to the bad guys. That last one was particularly fun, Spark mused, as he scrambled his latest target's propulsion system. Who wouldn't want to get paid to cause chaos and mass destruction?
Then there were the fringe benefits, such as access to all the latest in top model technology, free rides to some of the most luxuriant vacation spots in the quadrant, and, most importantly, constant proximity to his partner. Lieutenant-Commander Drachen Panthera, the man Spark still thought of as 'Dahgen,' and just about the hottest man in space. Particularly out of uniform.
Finishing up scrambling the security systems, Spark pulled out his personal datapad and keyed it on, wondering if his aforementioned partner had finished subduing the pirates yet. A moment later he yelped and dropped the thing as strong arms wrapped around him from behind and a deep voice murmuring in his ear made him shiver.
"All crew accounted for and dealt with. Ship inoperational?"
"You get some sort of sadistic pleasure in sneaking up on me, don't you?" Spark asked, twisting in Dahgen's arms and meeting his lover's lips in a hot, hard kiss.
"Possibly. Mission accomplished?"
Spark rolled his eyes. "Yes, mission accomplished. Did you get hurt?"
Dahgen shook his head. "One bruise and it's already fading. This lot weren't very intelligent." He pulled Spark tighter against himself, idly running caresses down Spark's back. "Their captain, however, had very expensive taste in personal furnishings. Quality material."
Laughing, Spark twined his tail around Dahgen's waist. "And we have, what, a good two hours before backup arrives to pick us up?"
"At least," Dahgen confirmed.
Spark grinned and twined his arms around his dark lover's neck. "Then by all means, let's go inspect this quality stuff."
For
kiyoshi_chanFrom the pale light streaming past the balcony and creating a hazy glow on the cool stone floor, Xol judged that sunrise was not far off. For a moment he frowned, trying to remember if they had any sunrise ceremonies to attend, then decided today all that was scheduled was the one at noon. Fair enough.
Letting himself relax, Xol absently ran his hands through Quetz's hair, bemused as always that his twin had somehow managed to wind up lying atop him again. It happened nearly every time they shared a bed - if Quetz didn't end up sleeping on Xol, he was sleeping on Tezca. Quetz needed people like mortals needed water. He'd never been able to understand why Xol kept so much to himself.
How could he ever explain to his bright, happy, laughing twin just how different they really were? All Quetz knew was life and light. He was never aware of the deaths all around them unless he accidentally stumbled across one, and when that happened he was distraught for days. Long ago, Xol had taken to doing his best to shield his brother from such things. His things. His domain. Death and destruction. Lightning. Fire. Bad Luck.
Tlaloc had made the offhanded comment once that it was remarkable Xol was still sane after so many years of bearing such a heavy burden. It wasn't so heavy to Xol, but he still understood the point. Possibly, without Quetz, he would have gone insane. But all he had to do was look to his brighter twin and everything eased. Quetz was more than merely light and life. He was hope. For Xol, and for their people.
Tezca understood that too. That's why Tezca was so very protective of Quetz. Between the two of them, they'd never let any harm come to the one who inspired so much joy in those around him.
Tilting his head a bit, Xol smiled to find Tezca right where expected, curled up alongside the both of them with one arm draped over Quetz's back and the other coiling up around Xol's head. Those eerie silver eyes were hidden in sleep, and Xol took the opportunity to contemplate the war god's features without the nervous, unsettled feeling that always accompanied being in Tezca's mirrored gaze.
Even in sleep he seemed powerful. Fearless. Though Xol knew that wasn't always true. He'd been there the one and only time Tezca had ever shown weakness. It wasn't something he was soon to forget, as it was the one thing that lessened Tezca's ever-present intimidation. Handsome, regal, aloof, and self-assured. That was Tezca. Even Quetz hadn't managed to break down that regal wall for more than that single moment, though he was trying. If anyone could get Tezcatlipoca to behave in an undignified manner, it was Quetz.
"Nmm..." Quetz's warm breath tickled his throat as his twin stirred, fingers grasping blindly until latching on to a handful of Xol's hair. A barely-there smile touched Quetz's lips at the feel and he settled, falling back into a deep slumber.
Xol matched the smile, smiling fondly, and closed his eyes. In a few hours the others would wake and he would be harassing Quetz into doing his duties and attempting to avoid Tezca's wandering hands, but in the meantime he could simply lie where he was and enjoy a moment of happiness, wrapped tightly in the arms of those who loved him.
For
sporkessLurizal dropped his glass, sending shards of glass and pale pink wine shattering in all directions. "What are you wearing?" he demanded.
Quite pleased with himself, Azragael sauntered into the room, making certain to turn around completely so that Lurizal got a decent view of his silver spandex-clad ass. "Isn't it pretty?" he asked, preening.
Lurizal stared for a long moment, then his pretty blue eyes narrowed dangerously. "You've been mucking around with the timestream again, haven't you?" It wasn't really a question.
Not with Azragael clad in clinging, shimmery clothing that simply didn't exist in the current era, or bedecked in a sheen of glittering sparkle from his hair to his wildly-painted face to the flamelike colors on his fingernails. Everything he wore was obscenely tight, leaving absolutely nothing to the imagination. Especially the way the bulge in his pants increased the longer Lurizal stared at him.
"Well?" Azragael asked, smirking. "What do you think?"
Lurizal swallowed with effort. "I think you look completely ridiculous," he sniffed, though his eyes betrayed him as they stayed fixed to that clinging, glittering fabric.
"Aw, I'm crushed, Riz," Azragael murmured, hips swaying as he paced closer, sliding into Lurizal's lap and twining his arms around the ice demon's neck. "I dressed up just for you. Did you know they sing like this? Pretty music." Oddly enough, there was only the faintest hint of alcohol on Azragael's breath so he wasn't drunk again. Just... weird. Just Azragael.
"Music?" Lurizal couldn't help himself. It was so hard to think straight with Azragael in his lap, especially when he could feel that hot, hard length pressing up against him temptingly.
Azragael pressed up closer against him, breath hot and distracting on Lurizal's neck as he murmured, "Mmm hmm... want me to sing for you?"
Lurizal shivered, gripping the edges of his desk tightly, shutting his eyes so he couldn't see the distracting shimmer of Az's hair or the perfect body beneath strange, futuristic clothing. "N-no..." He swallowed again.
A low, rumbling laugh met his protest. "Are you sure?" Azragael purred, tongue darting out to lick Lurizal's neck.
Shivering again, Lurizal drew back far enough to glare. "I hate you," he muttered.
Chuckling, Az's flaming eyes shone with a light all their own as he leaned close again and began to sing, softly, mere breaths from Lurizal's ear. From the very first note, as he'd known he would be, Lurizal was lost.
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I think I just developed a cavity from all this Valentine's Day chocolate.
I love each and every one of this little candy hearts, but the one about Sigma being possessive!seme makes my day.
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I hope you have a fantastic VDay as well with lots of chocolates, flowers, and gift-fics.
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Hope you had a great day! Much love and hugs!
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BatB: "No. But I will get even. Later."
"Later's good," Herb agreed cheerfully, ducking his head for another kiss. See, this is why I love Herb so much. XD He's so laid back in the face of the fearsome archmage. *snickers* God, they're so cute!
TA: Naefindan is hot. Period, end sentence. XD And he wants to meet Torhle's mother? *pinches his cheeks*
GP: XD!! I think it's a toss up as to whether or not Zeirn and Zantier will thank him or attempt to throttle him.
CaA: *pinches Ruari's cheeks* That was a real bittersweet moment between him and his father. And I love that Kian's not revealing his duplicity until after they leave. XD Gyah, I really, really love that story and this was the perfect drabble for it. *hearts*
CtIP: XD!! I love Meiki. Seriously. *hearts* He's adorable, and I can see why Q'inn worries so much about him. *hearts* Those three are too cute for words.
I'm going to have to come back to the rest tomorrow when I'm more awake. Suffice to say, you rock the world. *tackle hearts* ^_________^
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Beauty and the Beast: Adorable. Although I don't see why anyone would think Beldon needed rescuing from Herb... Ah well.
The Azure: a slight change in tone from the more bouncy and comedic style of the others. I loved it, and it's so sweet of Nae to want to meet Torhle's mother, and be willing to go on a long trek to meet her. Although him riding in a skirt might be... amusing. And painful. Say, being away from the sea for so long won't hurt him, will it? Favourite line from this drabble:
"You haven't done something to royally piss off Lan that you're trying to hide from him for a couple of days, are you?" he asked suspiciously.
"Oh, hey." Nae perked up considerably. "That's a good idea. Remind me to do that before we go."
The Green Planet: Poor, poor Zantier and Ziern. I'm surprised Arycian hasn't given either of them a brain aneurysm yet. A couple of your characters seem to lack a little voice in their heads that tell them when to stop, but in this case it was absolutely hilarious.
Cradle and all: Hey, it's fun to see these guys again! And it's nice to see the King being sentimental - so many royal fathers found in fairy tale fics are complete and utter bastards, so it's good to have the change. I wonder what life in Laidir will be like for Ruari? Quite the culture shock, I imagine.
Courting the Ice Princess: It's so fun to see pretty little Meiki again. And I like his boyfriends, too. Such fun. I take it that the Prince and Westley sharing Buttercup must have gone well. My favourite line:
"Apparently 'no' means 'yes, very much, I expect to see you undressed in under five seconds' in Hellcat-speak,"
Fire and Ice: Was kind of surprised to see this in here, but it's very cute. And I know you write slash, but I feel I must point out that Wintri is the girliest girliest girl ever. Even if he is sweet.
Tygati and Dee: Ooh, is this who you're named for? Are we going to see more of them? They look like fun. And have duct tape! -giggles-
Courting the Ice Princess: Fwee, we get to see how one of the Captains got removed from his position! Poor Tau. No wonder Sigma was still fuming about that when Ekaitz came on board. Although I'm fairly sure that under normal circumstances he would not have gotten away with beating his commanding officer to a pulp. I guess being Kavalerov's pet means he gets out of just about anything.
Space gremlins: Hee! Cute! I guess I can see one difference between the two gremlin races - Spark enjoys breaking things far more than Tau would. It's good to see them again, although I think my allegiance is still with the Kidnapped-verse gremlins.
Seduction of the feathered serpent: Oh, so sweet. The wistful tone, the angsty background of Xol's less than happy life, that beautiful last line... Gorgeous, just gorgeous.
Darkness: Yay! You wrote it! And I adore it utterly. Azragael in silver spandex has just made my entire day, and apparently Lurizal's as well. I'm so glad I requested that one. Thank you so much for writing it! <3
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Oh, rest assured, if Sigma hadn't put him in the hospital, Kavalerov would have found some equally nasty punishment for the man. He's just as protective of Tau Ceti as Tau is of him. ^^;
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PS - may or may not have sent this anonymously also - it went funny.
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Herb's 'I am cute, please don't hurt me' face.
Ziern and Zantier having to deal with the nut's machinations.
Tygati and Dee... But, aren't they fuzzy? They're sorta catboys. Fuzzy plus duct tape is NOT fun.
Yay for Sigma and MINE!Grrr... Poor Tau. Kavalerov, of course, gets no sympathy whatsoever.
Spark. Just in general.
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But where can I find the prequel to the fic here for dameange? That short story sounds loaded and I would love to know how those two ended up together. Same for the fics for Suspendisblief and Alani_an.
Please? *begs*
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Zantier and Ziern's courtship and subsequent meetings have all been written by nikerymis and are arranged more or less in order (alternating with my own) here (http://tygati.darkkingdom.com/fiction.html).
suspendisbelief's drabble comes from an old, rather lame and unfinished story called Fire & Ice (http://tygati.livejournal.com/2005/12/). It's not very good.
As for alani_an's, she requested the two characters in my journal's background picture, whose story I have yet to write. Though the one on top is where I got my handle from. It's quasi-cyberpunk, not a genre I'm overly familiar with, so I haven't gotten the guts to tackle it yet.
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ooooh.
SPARKLY!
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