Rooftop

AN: Sorry for the delays guys. I was finishing up my college. Got my Associate's Degree! Start work on the Bachelor's next semester. Lol, more school. BOO. Also, my lease ended on my apartment, so I had to concentrate on moving back to my parent's house. Oh well, I'll be fine here. My parents are cool.

Enjoy!



Ethan rolled away from the too-hot warmth of his lover's body, stretching his legs out and groaning softly. It must be really late in the morning, cause his stomach felt empty and rumbly. As soon as he woke enough to open his eyes, he'd get up and make breakfast, or lunch, or brunch, or whatever was appropriate for the time of day.

Crap. He'd never washed the dishes yesterday after lunch. A soft sigh had him sitting up, eyes still seamed with sleep, and wearily wiping at them. Whatever. He'd just use what was clean. Doing dishes was not the first thing he wanted right after waking up. His feet dangled off his and Fen's king-sized bed, and he groped downward with his toes, searching for his slippers. Damn those furry bunnies, where were they?

His stomach clenched painfully, coupled with an ache from his bladder, and he gave up searching for them. They'd probably been pushed under the bed, and he'd search for them after he used the bathroom. Today, he'd brave the cold wood floors!

Snickering to himself, Ethan hopped off the bed, trying to blink open his eyes, but they were still full of sand, and the room was oddly dark too. Had he closed the curtains yesterday? Fen liked to wake to sunshine, so Ethan didn't know why he'd close them. It's not like anyone would walk by their window and see them sleeping or having sex out here in the middle of the woods.

Alright, after bathroom, he'd open the shades and then make breakfast, then if Fen hadn't woken by then, he'd pounce on him.

He chuckled again, finally fully opening his eyes and groping forward in the dark. When his fingers hit a foreign wall, he knew something was wrong.

Turning and feeling against that wall for the door that should be there, he had a moment of panic. What happened to the door? Their door, that should have been here, and it wasn't here, and instead there was this weird wood.

And when he whipped around to head back to his bed, which should have been to his right, he walked into an odd table or something, and went careening over it.

“Fen!” He squeaked, falling and landing on his hands. “Ow!”

There was frantic movement from the bed and then a pained grunt from the other male, followed swiftly by a curse and a thud.

Then Fen was saying strange words, and light flooded the room, illuminating a different scene than Ethan expected. The memory of where they were hit Ethan like a punch to the gut. In Fen's world, in his father's home, in the place Fen was born and raised.

Lufty land.

And Fen was standing in the middle of the room, looking rumpled in his clothing from yesterday and the bedsheets still tangled around one of his legs, one wing sticking out in an odd manner, feathers all rustled.

“What's wrong?” He demanded, concern in his eyes. “Are you okay?”

“Uhh...” Ethan blushed, carefully standing and brushing his palms off. “Sorry, I just...I forgot where we were, and got scared. Then I tripped over this table.” He bit his lip, looking up through his bangs. “I didn't mean to wake you up like that. I'm sorry.”

Fen immediately relaxed, sagging and rubbing at his face. His wings ruffled behind him and he stretched. “Alright, it's fine. I just, I thought someone had gotten into our room and you were in trouble. I'm going to lay down for a bit more, okay? I'm still tired.” And he moved to do just that, yawning and shuffling back to the bed.

Ethan watched him take off his clothing before crawling back into bed, now fully nude. The urge to whistle was swift, but he quelled it. Fen didn't need him eye-raping his body. Especially when he had that damn...

The collar. Ethan felt another urge rise up, this time of pity.

Frowning, he approached the bed, gazing down at his mate. Poor Fen. With gentle fingers, he reached down and carded them through Fen's hair, lovingly caressing the other's scalp and neck.

One of Fen's hands reached up and snagged his wrist, silver eyes slitting open and staring at him. “Want me to heal your palms?” He murmured, pulling Ethan closer and pressing his lips to the faint cuts.

Ethan smiled, shaking his head and kneeling on the mattress. “No, they're fine. Don't waste your energy on such tiny scratches.”

Fen persisted, nuzzling against his palm, his eyes closing. “It won't take much.”

Ethan lifted a brow and pulled his hand away, leaning down to kiss Fen's forehead. “No.” He pressed his nose against his mate's warm skin, nuzzling. “I won't let you.”

Replying with a chuckle, Fen leaned into the touch. “I could do it right now, with you touching me, if I wanted.”

Ethan smirked, tilting to rub his cheek over where his nose just was. “No, you couldn't.” He whispered knowingly. “You wouldn't.”

With a sigh, Fen shook his head, rolling back onto his side. “No. I wouldn't.”

“Good boy.” Ethan teased, kissing Fen's shoulder, then rolling off the bed to search for the bathroom again. Now that the lights were on, Ethan could actually see he'd walked to the wrong side of the room, thinking this was their bedroom back home. It saddened him that it was not.

On one side of the room, was the door they'd come into the room by, and then another door on the opposite side. Ethan assumed that was the bathroom, and he crossed to it, the fullness of his bladder making itself more noticeable. As he stopped in front of it, he didn't see a knob or any sort of indentation to pull it open. Everyone else who'd used a door had just walked through it, except for the king's room, where Asterac had used a key.

So, how did it work? Fen had spoken of the tree talking to him, so did that mean the tree could hear him back?

“Open please?” He asked hopefully, crinkling his brow when nothing happened.

{Just step forward, the tree will pull it open when you get close enough.} Fen informed wordlessly from the bed. Even his thoughts sounded sleepy.

Thankfully, when Ethan did as instructed, the wood slid to the side, into a little niche in the wall, like it'd been made to hold the door until it came out and closed again. Tentative in case the door decided to shut without warning on his face, Ethan peered into the thin opening in the wall, not seeing anything but the edge of the door. It was amazing how snugly it fitted into its niche.

Another pulse reminded him he needed to pee very badly, and he stepped through completely, jumping as it snapped shut behind him. The podlings were alight in here too, so Ethan wasn't in the dark, and he saw that this bathroom was a little different than Asterac's. There was a sink, but there was also a much larger basin, obviously a bathtub, in one corner. Ethan stared at it longingly. To be able to have a bath would be heaven. To wash off the remains of yesterday, the bits he hadn't been able to wash with just a sink and washcloth.

That was it though. He couldn't see a toilet anywhere. Was he supposed to just...pee in the sink? Oh, but wait. Over in the last portion of the room, there was a wall protruding out from the corner, and behind it, a tiny room. Upon further investigation, Ethan discovered what he assumed to be the toilet. Or...toilets.

A low-level bench, curving out from the wall, with two separate seats side by side on it. They resembled toilets, with lids on hinges of a sort, to lift and expose the bowl underneath. Though, when Ethan did just that, he discovered that the two lids each exposed curved seats with a different sized hole beneath. One small, with a swiftly curving visible bowl, and the other was a larger hole, leading down to a pitch-black tunnel. Ethan closed the lid on that one immediately. The darkness of that 'toilet' he didn't trust, so, hoping he was doing this correctly, he relieved his bladder in the smaller chute.

Doing up his trousers again, Ethan turned his attentions back to the enormous bathtub. It had the same tube system as the sink he'd used before, and Ethan reached down into it to plug the drain. It was deep and smooth, and he almost slid inside trying to get that cork secure. On the wall above it, there were two ornately decorated panels, and a lever by each. One quick pump of both had the panels sliding open and different temperatures of water shooting out, filling the tub to less than a quarter of the way. So, he pumped the hot water twice more, and the cold once. That had it filling all the way and Ethan stripped excitedly, wanting nothing more than to sink in it and relax.

Just as he was lifting his leg to climb into the behemoth, he paused, remembering that he should find some soap or something before he got wet, and he stepped back, examining the room for any sort of cabinetry. On the wall adjacent to the tub were more shelves, with those soft towels. He grabbed one and placed it on the edge of the tub.

The platform the tub sat in had little rectangular doors on the sides of it, and Ethan knelt to hesitantly push at one of them, grinning when it opened for him. “I knew I could figure this stuff out on my own.” He smirked, proud of himself.

Inside the small recess were several oblong containers, with spouts on the top. Curiously picking one up and giving it a sniff, Ethan was reminded of apples, but...much much richer. Almost like an apple mixed with some sort of liquor or something. Tipping the bottle towards his palm, a thick, viscous liquid dribbled out, and he swirled it between his fingertips, pretty confidant that he'd found shampoo or some kind of soap.

The other containers contained more sweet-smelling concoctions but Ethan liked the one he'd chosen first, so he kept it, standing and stepping back. The heated water awaited him, and he shivered in anticipation, grabbing a washcloth from the shelves and slowly climbing in, each inch of skin erupting in goosebumps at he lowered himself into the tub. Oh christ, it felt good. It felt so good.

With a sigh, he settled himself on the bottom of the tub, happily murmuring and shutting his eyes. It was so deep that the water hit the bottom of his chin when he slumped back onto the sloping side. After a moment to appreciate the depth, he grabbed the bottle of mystery soap and the washcloth and began washing himself, paying special attention to his chest, where it felt particularly grimy. The memory of the blood was still there, and he knew no amount of washing would erase it. It was a mental stain.

But he'd overcome worse things in his life, so he knew he'd be able to get over the memory of this. But, even just thinking that made him feel guilty. What if that soldier had been married? Uh, Bonded. What if he'd had kids and a family and a life? What would that guard's Bonded say when they heard about his death? What would their reaction be to losing a loved one?

Ethan wanted to be the one who told them. Even if he had to take the brunt of someone's aggression and grief, he wanted to confess to what he did. Fen wasn't a part of this anymore. Because Ethan himself had felt the man's neck snap. Therefore, he would take responsibility and contact his family to apologize for what had happened.

Besides, what did Fen know of losing a loved one? Ethan knew the pain of it intimately, and who better to console someone than him?

With the decision made, Ethan felt a little better, knowing he'd be able to personally talk to whoever had lost their family. Now he could focus on other things. Like washing.

The shampoo was thick as he poured it into his cupped palm, much thicker than normal shampoo. Rubbing it into the washcloth in his other hand, Ethan was pleased to see it lathering nicely and also that the smell was much more pungent after it was all bubbly.

He washed leisurely, smoothing the cloth over his arms and neck, his face and chest, and then he stood to cleanse his hips and downward. There was dirt on his calves that he hadn't noticed before, and he wiped it away, pleased to see his skin pink and clean again.

His face and hair he did last, scrubbing away leaves and small bits of ground matter that he hadn't known were there. Must have been from the day before yesterday, when him and Fen had been caught by their house.

The memory made Ethan angry, and he scrubbed harder, sneering. If there was one person on the planet who he ever wanted to wish harm to, it would be Gevi. Firstly, Gevi had hurt Fen. Physically hurt him. If not with his own two hands, than by direct verbal order to his troops.

Ethan wished the Plague upon him. Gritting his teeth, he dunked himself under the water, shuffling his fingers through his hair to get all the soap out, then he surfaced, taking in deep gulping breaths. Heaving a rough sigh, he rested against the side again, staring up at the ceiling and seething.

Had it been Gevi there, that first day he'd been with Fen? After coming down from the high of several orgasms and rapidly heading towards more, had it been Gevi and his men outside Ethan's apartment? The ones who'd broken down the door?

But Fen had said that they'd just been people to take him back home. It wasn't until later, at the motel, that Fen had called them bounty hunters. Different people than the ones before. So...Maybe it hadn't been Gevi and his men until the second time. Or maybe not even until the third time.

Ethan was intelligent enough to realize that it was his fault for them being found. All because he'd had to go and use his debit card, which had his name and information, at that sex shop in the town by their house. Instead of going to random ATM's to withdraw cash, he'd used his card right there.

Gevi had probably gotten a feel of their approximate location because all the ATM's he'd used were within a few hours of each other. And then, to come to their town, all he'd had to do was ask for someone of Ethan's appearance, and almost everyone knew him. He went in to get groceries every other week, and most of the townsfolk knew his name. Well, his pseudonym.

Though...one thing Ethan couldn't figure out was, how did Gevi know what he looked like? He'd ask if Fen knew later. Right now, he basked in regret.

“Shit.” He grunted, smacking himself on the forehead. “Stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid!” For good measure, he smacked himself again, closing his eyes and shaking his head. It was because of him that they were even here. God, he was an idiot.

Why did he even need that stupid sex toy anyway? He didn't! They didn't! Their sex life had been perfectly fine without any extra doodads!

...Though the sex that day had been particularly amazing. It made Ethan's cheeks heat, along with other parts of his anatomy, just remembering it.

“No.” He chastised his burgeoning erection. “Bad. Go down.” He couldn't do anything about a stiffy right now. Fen couldn't have sex, so Ethan really didn't want his hormones to get the better of him.

Then again...Ethan spared a covert glance to the door, then reached down into the cooling water and brushed his knuckles against his manhood, shivering at the feel. Who said Fen had to be involved? It'd been ages since Ethan had needed to masturbate, but now was a perfect time to pick up old habits. Even before Fen, his self-pleasuring tactics had been unfulfilling and only served as a means of distraction.

Back before his brother's and parent's murder, he'd been perfectly normal teenage boy with elevated sexual needs, but it was so long ago that Ethan could barely remember touching himself like that. Alone at night and in his room, with his brother's on just the other side of the wall. He could faintly recall stuffing his shirt into his mouth to keep quiet, frantic to keep anyone from hearing. If Kevin had heard him, Ethan knew he'd get teased about it endlessly, and at that age, he was still a little ashamed of doing it. And just thinking of his parents hearing him always made him go soft. All that had been so long ago.

But now he was genuinely horny and his mate was out of commission for who knew how long. So...what could it hurt to just...

Ethan bit at his lips, eyes darting between the door and the shadowy juncture of his thighs under the water. It wouldn't be bad, would it? Fen wouldn't...feel him finding release, would he? It wouldn't hurt his mate, right? He'd just take it slow, to make sure he didn't suddenly hear Fen in any kind of discomfort.

Clumsy and unsure, Ethan dipped his hand under the water's surface, lightly grazing himself again and eyes blurring from the feel. He grunted softly and wrapped his hand around himself, a sharp intake of breath at the steady touch. Then he shivered, but not from arousal. The water really was quite chilly after his soak. Too cold to ignore.

Regretfully separating fingers from stiffening flesh, Ethan stood in the bath, pulling the plug from the drain as he went. It emptied about halfway before he popped the cork back in place, blushing at how his cock stuck out from his body as he waited. It might not look like much, but goddamn did it feel fucking fantastic when Fen touched him there. After pumping the hot water lever twice, the tub was once again full, steaming again and making Ethan feel sticky from humidity.

He lowered himself back down, whimpering roughly when the heat lapped over his length. It made him pulse, and he circled his fingers around himself again, cooing in satisfaction. Sometimes it was nice to just do it yourself, and he was going to take full advantage.

Giving himself a firm squeeze, he let his head fall back to the wall of the bath, sighing as his hand sped up. Up and down, a bit more pressure at the base, his index finger digging underneath the swollen head. Yeah, just like that. A ragged moan slipped out of him and he cracked his eyes open to check the door.

Half of him expected Fen to suddenly run up to it and pound upon the other side, crying out for Ethan to stop, that he could feel his arousal and that it was hurting him.

But the other male was quiet from the bedroom, and Ethan let himself relax again, raising his free hand to his chest and dragging his fingertips across a nipple. The spark it elicited had him holding back a moan and shuddering. Memories of Fen's teeth and tongue on his chest made his cock twitch, and he stroked again, wishing it were his mate's touches. One more pinch, then his lowered his hand into the water to join the other, gently cupping his testicles and rolling them in his palm.

“Unh...F...Fen...” He whispered, trying to stay quiet.

In his mind, Fen's devilish smirk as the larger male's tongue ghosted over his balls was front and center. Sometimes, Fen would pull one of them into that scorching mouth and suck. It always bordered on pain, but coupled with a warm hand jerking him off and two teasing fingers sunk in his ass made it addictingly enjoyable.

Now, Ethan's light exploratory clutching made him tingle, his breath coming quickly. Spreading his legs wider on the bottom of the tub, he dipped a little lower, pressing into the smooth path of skin under his testicles. Fen would often rub him there, delaying penetration as long as Ethan could stand. Of course, this was only on days when Fen was in the mood for foreplay. More often other times, he'd forgo it for a quick, gratifying fuck.

In all honesty, Ethan wasn't sure what he preferred. Both were equally mind-blowing in completely different ways. Sometimes he wanted playing and teasing and delayed orgasms.

But usually he just wanted something stuffed up his ass.

Right now, that's what Ethan wanted. He wanted Fen crammed balls-deep inside him, touching places no other person had ever touched before. Coarse pubic hair tickling his inner thighs or his ass. His legs spread wide enough to pop his joints. His muscles stretched to a bewildering mix of pain and pleasure. Then just pleasure. Nothing but body-numbing, mind-blanking, bed-shaking pleasure.

“Mmh...Yeah...” He moaned, fingers questing down further to his hole, circling the puckered portal lightly.

His eyes rolled in his head as he lightly pressed against his sphincter, hamstrings tightening as he tested its resistance. An idea popped into his head at how he'd ease the way and he took his hands off himself, shifting onto his knees and reaching for the shampoo again. The thick, slippery goop slithered over his fingers, and he coated them thoroughly, dropping it back to the side in his haste.

Changing his position so that he was bent forward against the edge of the tub, Ethan brought the slimy substance to his ass, dipping a few inches into himself and feeling the protest of his body. But it wasn't the first time he'd stretched himself, and he easily slid inside himself on the second push.

The shampoo was different from the lube he had at home, and it was much different from Fen's saliva. It was cold and thick, and possibly made from fruit or something, so it was a little lumpy. He hadn't noticed while scrubbing himself, because it'd been sudsy, but now it was just slick and creamy, and he wiggled his hips, momentarily debating on stopping.

But then his other hand found his cock again, and the duel sensation of a palm on his dick and fingers up his ass had him forgetting the oddness of his makeshift lube.

Not nearly as fulfilling as Fen's cock, but it was good enough to get Ethan's toes curling across the smooth tub bottom. “Mmmhhnn...” Biting his lips to stifle his escalating cries, Ethan trembled at the sharp surge of heat through his gut.

Gentle flicking of his prostate soon had him panting, his other hand yanking faster on his cock, in time with the slight strokes over the spot inside him.

A tremor of pre-orgasmic waves rolled through him, and he dropped open his mouth, all but gasping for air now. He was close, too close. He almost wanted to stop and delay it, make this pleasure prolonged, but it was too late at this point. Already he was bucking his hips forward, the beginnings of a surprising orgasm shooting up and overtaking him.

The power of it had him curling against the edge he was laying on, the hand on his cock tightened to a fist, and his fingers digging into his spot as he came, thick spurts of cum jetting out into the water. Every muscle clenched and he bit back a drawn-out groan, trying to be as quiet as possible. Afterglow practically dripped off of him, and he purred a bit as he relaxed, sinking back into the water with a relieved grin on his face.

Oh yeah, he'd needed that.

After rinsing the soap out of his ass and using a bit more to scrub off his spent length, Ethan stood on wobbly legs and drained the tub. He dried himself lingeringly, trying to ignore the remaining twinges of pleasure from his release as the soft towel touched his sensitive skin.

Once dry, he begrudgingly put on the clothing from earlier. There was nothing worse than dirty clothes after a good scrub, but he didn't have anything else to wear. Immediately the itching started, and Ethan grimaced at the feel. They weren't even that dirty, he'd only worn them a few hours the day before and then slept in them, but he could nearly feel the oily residue of a day's skin seeping back onto his freshly scrubbed flesh.

Not pleasant. Entirely imagined, but still not pleasant. The scowl stayed etched on his face as he tidied up his mess, putting the shampoo away and wiping up any spilled water. He wasn't sure what to do with his towel, so he brought it with him back to the bedroom.

Confidently, yet quietly, stepping through the door and managing not to jump as it shut behind him, Ethan was relieved to find Fen sound asleep. His mate was sprawled on his back, one wing folded up near his head, and the other hanging limply off the bed. The white brace wrapping stood out against his black feathers, and Ethan remembered how the other had spoken of Ethan being able to heal him better than the doctor had. He'd give it a shot. Before Fen woke up, of course, so he wouldn't get reprimanded.

But first he had to take his clothes off again. It was too much, and he couldn't deal with it anymore. The itching may have just been caused by mental stress, but he knew he'd feel better once he got them off, and he stripped back to his skin.

He didn't know where that weird supply closet was that Asterac had taken him too yesterday, and there was no way in hell he was going to go out into the halls and wander around by himself looking for it. His only option was to wrap his damp towel around his waist as a makeshift sarong. It was large enough that he had to loop it more than a normal towel to tuck in the corner.

Chilly and wet, yes. Dirty, no. Better than the clothing, though he could still feel a slight itch on his arms and legs. Ignoring it would make it go away in a few minutes.

Still being quiet, Ethan finally approached the bed, smiling at the sight of Fen spread out limply. He was relieved to see the other having such a nice rest. Ethan could wager a guess that he'd been in the bath for over an hour, what with the soaking, the washing, and the jerk-off finale. Maybe two hours.

Another relief was that Fen hadn't been bothered by erotic activities or thoughts, though that was most likely due to being asleep. It wasn't something he wanted to test, so he'd just go on assumption.

He gazed down at his mate, smile widening. Fen's mouth was slightly open, and the softest of snores was tumbling out from behind those lips in faint puffs. It took all his willpower to resist climbing up on the bed and curling himself into the heat and security of the larger male's body. As tempting as that idea was, he had an important task to do.

Thankfully, Ethan had slept fantastically, and he felt as good as if none of this nonsense had ever happened. With such newfound strength, he felt it safe to come closer to the bed and reach out his hands, checking Fen's face for any signs of waking. The other was out cold, and Ethan slowly lowered both outstretched palms to where the wrappings were. Beneath it's tight cloth were no bumps or bruises he could feel, and that made him feel a little bit better.

Closing his eyes and letting the strands in his brain unravel down his arms into his fingers, Ethan tried to feel Fen's wing. Unlike the other times he'd done this, Ethan didn't have the matching counterpart on his own body. There was a tingle in his left shoulder, as if someone were shooting air at him or something. Not painful or substantial, but still a sensation.

Healing without feeling the hurt himself was a bit more difficult. Ethan used to read in his room before bed when he was a kid, with just a little dying flashlight, and he could barely see the words. He'd get a headache from struggling to see the words, and he would only ever understand half of the story. That's what it was like now.

Fen mumbled suddenly, halting Ethan's ministrations, but the larger male was still asleep, rubbing his cheek against his pillow. With a sigh, Ethan knelt down to the floor, scooting closer to Fen's stuck-out wing. He focused on the bindings again, his palms as gentle as they could be. The last thing he wanted was to wake up his mate.

Ethan closed his eyes, and felt the heat shiver down to his fingers and palms. That soft tingle began again on his shoulder and he followed it this time, not trying to send heat, or make it go away. Instead, he tried to make it more intense. He tried to make that tingle have more strength. Wasn't that what Fen had wanted him to do? Strengthen the bone? Without a bone of his own to connect to, he could only do what he thought best, and that little tingle that was in his shoulder but at the same time, not in his shoulder, was what he assumed to be the bone that had broken.

So, he made it grow. Or, he did something. But the tingle gradually got more palpable. Then it stopped. The heat in his fingers abruptly ceasing and he glanced down at them in surprise. Why had it just stopped? Did he break himself?

Or maybe...Maybe he'd finished? Maybe there was nothing left to heal? With all his might, Ethan hoped that was the case. With nothing left to do, he carefully crawled onto the bed, settling himself by his mate's side.

There was rustling from the larger male, and then two silver eyes blinked open to peer at him, followed quickly by a soft smile.

Ethan smiled back. “Oh, you're awake?”

“Mmmh, I am now.” Fen murmured, smiling and turning to throw and arm over Ethan's hips, nuzzling his face against Ethan's bare, still wet, stomach. There was a confused, very pleased grunt from the larger male, and then the sound of sniffing.

Ethan squawked when Fen suddenly stuffed his face down to the towel-clad juncture of his thighs, sniffing like a dog and nuzzling his crotch. No sex! No sex Fen, he thought frantically, hand automatically coming up to swat him away. “What are you doing?!”

Fen allowed himself to be shifted back, grinning. He slid his gaze up to Ethan's face. “Your ass reeks of aged funthaberries.” Fen reflected, eyes amused. “So, I assume you found some soap. And used it quite thoroughly.”

Blushing, Ethan pushed the invading face further away. “Uh...is that a bad thing?”

“No...it smells nice.” Fen smirked. “It makes me want to eat you out.”

A spark of embarrassment zipped through him. If Ethan hadn't come just minutes before on his own, he'd probably have gotten hard at the implicit words of the other male. But, thankfully, he remained soft, and he held his lust in check. Fighting the heat on his cheeks, he averted his eyes. “Don't say stuff like that.”

“Why not?” Fen's lips were still quirked playfully and he lowered his nose back to the juncture of Ethan's thighs.

“Be...Because...” Floundering for an excuse, Ethan remembered his earlier musings. “Because we've got important things to talk about.” Before his mate could object, Ethan plowed ahead. “Like I've been thinking how Gevi and his men found us. I mean...” He explained how he'd used his card to buy that sex toy, and how it must have lead to their discovery, with Fen's people coming to their town and asking about them. “But I don't understand how they knew to look for me. I understand they got my name and everything, but how did they know what I look like? How'd they know I was...me?”

“I've been thinking of that too.” Fen mused, absently tracing his claws over Ethan's bellybutton, making him shiver. “I think it's possible they received that information from the news, since your information must have been in newspapers and on television, but I think it's even more possible that it was from something they did to me before. When they jumped me at the motel, the day we bought the car and clothing, they grabbed me and held me down, and I think they scanned me and saw you.”

Ethan blinked, lifting a hand to rest on Fen's head, playing with his hair. “What's that mean? Did they like...brainwash you?”

With a chuckle, Fen shook his head. “No, they just forcibly read my memories. Remember after you tried to kill yourself-”

Ouch. Ethan winced just hearing his past mistake.

“-How I went into a healing sleep? And after that, when I woke up, I came over to you and held my hands to your head.”

He did remember that. “Yeah...It hurt.”

At the admission, Fen was lifting himself up on one arm, frowning. “It did? It shouldn't have. I was only scanning you, and looking over your memories.”

Ethan just nodded. “Yeah, it felt like my head was in a vice.”

“Oh, love, I'm sorry.” Regretful hands were then smoothing over his cheeks, apologetic in every way. “It shouldn't have hurt you. And, I think...that was my fault.”

Glancing up in surprise, Ethan lifted one brow. How was it Fen's fault? Ethan was no expert on mind-reading, but he didn't think it'd be entirely pleasant to have someone peeping through your brain.

“Because I didn't tell you what I was doing, and you were scared and nervous and fragile. All that made you resist when I entered your mind. If I'd explained to you what I was doing, you wouldn't have tensed and it wouldn't have hurt. Not at all.”

“Well...” He wasn't quite sure, but Ethan was willing to believe his mate. “Okay, I guess that makes sense. But I probably would have tensed even if you'd explained anyway. Cause...I was very...skittish back then.” A self-deprecating blush heated his face.

“Maybe. Maybe not.” The larger male yawned, rolling back to his side and nudging his head back to silently plead for more petting.

Ethan complied, running his finger through the gossamer strands and fighting a soft giggle at the thought of braiding it.

“No.” Came Fen's warning whisper.

Ethan smiled and just pet his mate. The silence was comfortable, and Ethan felt it safe to ask his mate what he'd been thinking earlier.

“Umm...Hey, Fen?” He tentatively whispered, tapping his forefinger on the larger male's shoulder.

“Hmm?” Came the contented rumble from the other male.

“Can I...? Uh...” Ethan paused to think how best to phrase his request. “The...that guard that you, I...that got killed.” Fen tensed beside him,breath stilling. “I was wondering if maybe today we could go see if he had a...a Bonded or a family, and if I could explain to them what happened?”

Fen was quiet for longer than Ethan was comfortable with, and just when he started to fidget, Fen shifted, sighing and sitting up on the bed to face Ethan. His face was troubled and he rested his forearms on his updrawn knees.

“Ethan...” He started, taking a deep breath and then resuming again. “He doesn't have a family, nor any mate or loved one. While I was bartering with the king for your freedom, I had inquired to that same topic.”

Ethan felt a little relieved, yet the other's tone was troubling in itself. “Why do you sound so sad then?”

Fen took another deep, lung-stretching breath, and propped his head up on one hand, his elbow bent and still on his knee. “Because I am troubled that you think you have to explain to anyone about what happened. I can hear your thoughts, love, and I keep catching snippets of guilt and remorse.”

“Only snippets?” Ethan asked, being evasive and looking away. He didn't want to explain his feelings.

“Yeah, only bits here and there. Even putting up my shields at full-strength, your still managing to get some through to me. I don't know why, but I'm not particularly bothered by it. It's usually only the stronger thoughts.” A gentle palm landed on the nape of Ethan's neck, fingers rubbing soft circles. “You're still not bothered by that though, right?”

He shook his head. “No.”

“Good. But to be honest, there's something that's bothering me.”

Ethan remained silent. He knew what was coming. And he didn't want to hear it.

“Well, you're going to hear it anyway.” Fen chided. “I don't know how you got it into your head that it was your fault that guard was killed.” His tone was harsh, disapproving.

Ethan refused to look at his mate, and he stubbornly kept his eyes averted. But that didn't work, because Fen suddenly took hold of his face, holding his cheeks in two warm palms and forcing Ethan to turn to him. Ethan didn't, couldn't, resist the other's brute strength.

“Don't refer to me as a brute.” Fen glowered, dipping his head down closer to Ethan's, to better try and meet his eyes. “Now listen. I made you kill that guard. I made you. You had no say in what happened, and in no way are you responsible for what happened. Therefore,” A forceful shake had Ethan finally looking up, meeting silver orbs filled with conviction.

He didn't...want to hear this. He just wanted to...

Fen continued with another shake of his jaw. “You need to stop thinking you have to go talk to anyone's family to explain what happened. Why would you want that? Why are you so willing to take on this burden even though it's not your fault?”

Ethan felt the burning in his eyes. Felt the tremble building in his lower lip and the tightening of his mouth. But he didn't want to...

“Why?” Fen asked again, voice quiet and soft, not demanding, and oh so open.

Closing his eyes against the pain, Ethan tried to speak the tumultuous nonsense in his head. “I just...I've lost people I love...so I know what it's like, and I can maybe help others understand. Cause there's nothing worse than...” His brow crinkled. “There's nothing worse than not knowing...why.” His voice cracked. “Why someone could do something like that. Why someone could come into your life and just...shatter it.” Giving up, Ethan fell forward into Fen's opening arms, resting his forehead on his mate's chest. “I don't think it's fair that someone can do that, Fen. It's not fair. No one wants to be left wondering.” A soothing palm stroked down his spine. “If I could have explained to someone, if I could just go and tell them why. Let them know there was a reason for their loved ones to die, then maybe...Maybe it would help them get over it. Maybe it wouldn't haunt their every waking moment, to just know why those people died...”

The topic had shifted abruptly from that guard to something else.

Thank god for Fen, because he understood. Ethan didn't even understand himself. But Fen did, and that understanding came in the form of sweet, comforting whispers and his mate lifting him to place on a sheet covered lap.

“You want to know why your family was killed.” The other whispered, circling his hand on Ethan's back.

No reply was needed, and Ethan was grateful he didn't have to speak.

{Ethan, my love, my precious, kind-hearted, beautiful love.} Fen nuzzled into his neck, lending silent strength. {Sometimes there are things in life that have no answers. Some things, that no matter how much we desire the answer, we can never know it. What happened to your parents was a tragic accident. The product of a man hopped up on substances he could not handle.}

Ethan shivered. “How did you...?”

“I was there, remember. I was watching you. I saw that man. I saw what he did...I saw your face, and it broke my heart.”

“And Ethan...” Fen mumbled, his eyes going dark. {Do not think you are the only one who has lost a loved one in their lifetime.}

That had him popping open his eyes in guilt. “Oh, I didn't mean-”

“It's alright.” The other sighed. “I didn't tell you, so how would you know?”

“I'm still sorry, though. I never even thought about that. All I could think about was how I used to feel, how I used to...yearn for a reason. I thought that if I'd been told why that man had done that, why he'd stolen the gun from a police officer, and why he'd been so messed up, then it would have helped me. That it would have somehow...I don't know...made it all better.” He half-heartedly chuckled to himself. “But that's kinda silly, isn't it? Knowing why wouldn't have brought them back. Though...it would cease my endless wondering. That would be something, at least.”

It took him several seconds to realize that Fen was sitting stock-still beside him, the larger male's breathing strained. He glanced up, concerned. “Fen? You okay?”

Silver eyes were blank and empty. And Fen didn't immediately respond. Ethan had to push at his mate's chest in question to get him to blink down at him, brow crinkling in obvious worry.

{Ethan...I...} He shook himself. “There's something I need to tell you.”

“Hmm?” Fen's tone was a little scary. Tremulous and soft, as if terrified about what he had to say. So Ethan waited, patient as he ever was, as Fen struggled to find the right words.

But after all that, Fen only sighed heavily. “Nevermind, I'm hungry.”

Knowing it wouldn't do any good to try and push his mate to tell him what he'd been thinking about, Ethan just sighed in return, sliding off of Fen's lap and scooting to the edge of the bed. As much as he wanted to know what it'd been, if he persisted and prodded the other, Fen would shut down completely. Seriously, Ethan thought he was emotionally retarded, but Fen was a giant baby sometimes. Pouting and sulking, hiding things and refusing to talk about his past, and getting into odd moods where all he wanted was to tackle Ethan to the ground and fuck the breath out of him.

Usually, Ethan didn't really have a problem with that last issue. But sometimes, if Fen was having a bad day, he'd get sore.

The thought had Ethan torn between laughing and grimacing, so he settled of a snort, scooting back up the bed to give Fen a quick kiss, then finally making his way to the floor.

“I'm hungry too.” Absently, he scratched at his stomach. “And itchy. I took a bath and got all clean, and then put on the same dirty clothes from yesterday.” He hadn't meant to whine, but it came out that way.

Fen, seemingly relieved that Ethan had let his secret-keeping drop, laughed softly. “Well, let's go get some clean clothes. Hm.” The larger male hummed in his throat, peering over to the large double-doors on wall by the bed. “Actually, knowing the king...” Standing, he crossed to it and tapped on the panels, stepping back and smirking. “Of course. They've put clothes in here already. I'm not sure if there's clothing for you though...” He rifled through the racks. “They didn't know you'd be coming with me.”

At this point, Ethan was ready to drape a sheet around himself. The towel was only getting colder and he felt very vulnerable in just the large cloth.

“There's clothes in here small enough for you too.” Fen announced, sounding surprised. Then he chuckled. “I'm sure this is Asterac's doing. He's a very thorough individual.”

Clothing was suddenly thrown at him, and Ethan yelped as he reached up to grab it and his towel fell from his hips. “Oh no!” He wailed, trying his best to cover himself. “Don't look! Don't look, I'm naked, and you can't see!” He didn't want Fen to get aroused, and he watched the other as he struggled.

But Fen snickered, raising one brow at him. “Doesn't matter. I can see you naked in my mind anytime I want.” Then the expression soured, and Fen was wincing, turning to rub at his forehead. “Damn...Go...put some clothes on. Ouch.”

Fleeing to the bathroom again to do just that, Ethan dressed quickly, impressed to see the shirt he'd gotten had sleeves on it. It was the same basic shape of the one he'd worn before, but with two arm-length columns for his arms to fit through. They fit wonderfully, though a little tight on his biceps. And that made Ethan proud, preening and holding up and arm to flex said muscle. Giggling, he was glad that his arms were too muscled to fit in the shirt properly.

Though, he did realize this was a child's shirt, it didn't make him any less proud. Two months of outdoor living and vigorous, imaginative sex had done his body good. Extremely good.

His sneakers were once again put on his feet, but his socks were beyond filthy, so he decided against ever touching them ever again. Ever. Though, he knew that in this land, the chances of finding a pair of socks was pretty darn slim. He had yet to see a single Luftleutian with normal feet.

But, wait a minute. Technically, since Ethan was in the minority here, he was the one who wasn't normal. So...that meant...that he would be more accurate in saying that he had yet to see a single Luftleutian with abnormal feet.

Here, Ethan was the odd one. Or...he could switch it around and say that he was the special one. Yes, he thought with a smile, that sounded much better to his ego.

“Ethan!” Came Fen's sudden knocking on the door. “Are you done? My stomach is eating itself!”

Snickering, Ethan approached the door and smiled as it opened to reveal an impatient Fen with one hand raised to bang on the door again. “Calm down, I'm coming.” He chided, still smirking.

“You look...nice.” Approving silver eyes swept up and down Ethan's body, only to come to a stop on his own blue. “Very nice.”

“Glad you approve.” Ethan blushed, glancing down at himself. “I like these clothes. Though...they're a little plain. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't really this. I thought your people would all be running around in loincloths, to tell you the truth.”

That had the larger male laughing. “No, I'm sorry to disappoint you. I was only dressed like that when we met because human clothing didn't fit me. Shirts would have crushed my wings, and pants didn't fit over my feet.”

“Why didn't you just become human then, for clothing?” Ethan wanted to know. In fact, he'd always wondered that.

There was a long pause. “...Because...I didn't have the right to...” Ethan watched as Fen seemed to blush, a darkness making those black cheeks look purplish. “I mean...I didn't have a reason to be human. Not until you. Or...not again until you.”

“Oh.” Ethan murmured, as if that had made any sense at all. It didn't, but he wasn't going to press. His evasive mate would tell him when he was ready. “Well, anyway, it's nice to see you guys wear more clothes than Tarzan. I don't think I'd be comfortable in just underwear in front of so many people.”

Showing instant relief at Ethan's change of topic, Fen smiled. “Our climate is very cold. Even with our layered skin, and thick hair, we would still freeze. We need clothing just like your kind. Though, in other kingdoms, like the southern ones, they're styles are very different. They don't need nearly as much cover as we do.”

Ethan eyes widened to the point of pain. “There's other kingdoms?” He hadn't even thought of that possibility.

His mate chuckled at the question. “Of course. The king here doesn't rule the whole world. Surely that's not what you thought.”

But that's exactly what Ethan had thought. He'd sorta thought this city just went on forever and ever. And that Fen's father was the ruler of them all.

{This city?} Fen's brow creased. “What do you mean 'this city'?”

Ethan blinked. Was Fen being dumb on purpose? “Where we are. Right now. Don't you call this a city? Or...you have a different name or something?” And if he did, then why was he making a fuss? Words were just words.

“This isn't a city, Ethan.” The larger male's voice was even and slow, and Ethan felt like he was being lectured. “This is just the royal residence.”

“Huh?” Ethan didn't quite understand. Did he mean that the part of the forest they were in was just the castle? Ethan knew that. What Ethan was talking about was the numerous surrounding structures he'd seen in the trees last night. The city.

“No, that's not a city. Ethan,” Fen came close to grasp his shoulders. “This whole thing, all the buildings you've seen, the walkways, everything, is just the royal residence. It's all the same building.”

“Shut up!” Ethan gasped, shoving at Fen in disbelief. “But it's huge!” Was that really necessary?! For one family?! What the hell?!

Fen continued, pointedly ignoring the riot going on in Ethan's mind. “The nearest city is a good thirty minutes journey away. By transport animal, that is.”

“But why is it so far away?” Ethan sputtered, blown away. He'd thought he was in the heart of a metropolis.

Sure, it'd been dark last night, and not many people around, but he'd just assumed that was because it had been late. But, then again, the sun had only just set a little bit after they'd gotten out of the turtle-bug.

{Schildkever.} Came the correction.

Ethan shrugged and mulled over what Fen had told him. “Can we...go to the city then?” He hesitantly asked, cautious.

Fen didn't smile at him though, instead looking quite grim. “I can't go with you, no. I have meetings to attend with the king. More...deliberations.” He didn't sound happy at all. “But you can go. I can arrange for an escort to accompany you.”

“Oh...whoopie...” That wouldn't be nearly as fun. It probably wouldn't be fun at all. In fact, Ethan didn't even want to go anymore.

“Ethan...”

There was that tone again. That warning tone that meant Fen was about to tell him to do something.

“Oh for goodness sake, I'm not going to tell you to do anything. But I think it'd be good for you to go out without me. Either that, or I'm gonna stick you in this room all day. I don't want you wandering the castle. Even with an escort, I'd be worrying about you all day. I don't trust anyone in this place.”

“What about-”

“No, not even Asterac. I don't know what his deal is, but he's hiding something. He remembers me. I know he does. He wouldn't forget something like that.”

“That? What's-”

Fen knelt in front of him. “We were kids. It doesn't matter. Regardless, I don't trust him. I don't think he'd bad, but I don't like people who lie.”

Ethan was getting frustrated. “Let me speak.” He muttered, pouting.

With a sigh, Fen stood. “I'm sorry. You're not the only one who gets impatient.” He teased. Then he started picking up the clothing that had been dropped earlier, while he'd been choosing an outfit, and put them back in the closet.

Ethan watched half-interested, more concerned with making sure his clothes were on right and all securely tied. Now Ethan was ready. Fully clothed and prepared to...run or something, if he had to. Because...who ever really knew when it was time to just...up and go?

{Oh Ethan, I know...} Fen thought sadly, catching Ethan's confused attention. {We had been so comfortable in our cabin, and now I feel like we are back to feeling like eyes are always on us. That we need to constantly be on our toes.} An angry scoff from the larger male. “It's frustrating.” He growled, turning to Ethan and shaking his head. “I'm sorry I've brought this back to us. I'm sorry...I've always had us running.” With a sigh, the other's head drooped, both hands still sunk in the closet, still for the moment.

The picture of true dejection, Ethan thought with a lopsided smile. He crossed the room to place his palms on the broad expanse of Fen's back. His cheek followed to press lightly and he closed his eyes at the feel of comforting heat pouring off the other. “I think we spend entirely too much time saying 'I'm sorry' to each other. Let's not say it anymore. I know you love me, and I know you would only do what's best for me, so I don't need anymore apologies.” Nudging the larger male's side with his fingers, he prompted Fen to turn so he could look up into his eyes. “Deal?”

But Fen's expression was bittersweet, with a deep, unreadable sadness in those silver orbs. “I wish I could agree to that. But...” Ethan was pulled into a hug, the other sighing heavily. “But I think there will always be something to apologize to you about.”

Fighting the urge to roll his eyes at Fen's insufferable trial of pity, Ethan hugged him back. “I don't know what you mean, or what you're trying to imply, but I don't want to hear it. I don't want to hear you say 'sorry' one more time, or I'm going to punish you.”

Fen shivered in his grip.

“No no, not that kind of punishment.” He pulled back and pursed his lips out, mentally cheering when Fen immediately bent down to give him a soft kiss.

As those plump lips reluctantly pulled away, Ethan glared. “The kind of punishment that involves no kisses for an hour after you say the words you're not supposed to.”

Fen looked like he'd just been told no dessert after dinner. “You can't mean that.”

“Oh, I mean it.” Ethan crossed his arms. “And I expect you to do the same to me.”

“But...” Fen faltered, looking lost. “What if I've done something truly bad. What if I have to apologize.”

But Ethan just clicked his tongue, giving into his frustration and rolling his eyes. “Oh please. You've done nothing bad, I already know. So knock off the nonsense.” He held out his hand, beckoning. “Now enough. You said you were hungry, so let's go get some food.”

The other male complied, coming forward to grasp Ethan's hand and lead him to the door and out into the hallway, but Ethan caught sight of his face. Why did Fen look so stricken? He couldn't really understand what would make the other look like that, but he didn't dwell on it. Fen was most likely just pouting because Ethan had been forceful for once.

He didn't know where they were going, but he hoped there would be food there.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After a short stop somewhere, where Fen had requested a guide for Ethan, their destination was a vast empty hall, a long narrow table surrounded by dozens of chairs running down the center of the room. Ethan entered behind Fen and saw at least four servants cleaning up the remains of a recently finished meal.

He tugged on Fen's hand, prompting his mate to look back at him. “Is it lunchtime?” He queried, motioning to the table. If it was afternoon, then logically, this should be lunch that they were cleaning up after.

“No, it's a little later than that. Whoever just ate here, had afternoon tea. The king most likely takes all his meals in his bedchambers, so I don't know who they're cleaning for. Probably some of his counselors. Come,” He ushered Ethan to a chair. “Let's have a seat.”

Ethan sat, and Fen joined him, and one of the servants immediately approached them, timid and eyes large as she stared at Ethan. Uncomfortable under her intensely curious gaze, Ethan glanced around the room.

But that only showed him that the other servants were also staring wide-eyed at him. He sunk lower in his chair, bringing up a hand to cover his face. “What are they looking at?” He whispered fiercely to the larger male beside him.

{You are a human. They are Luftleutians. Do you not remember your first time seeing me?}

Oh, right. Ethan had stared at Fen that night, thinking him to be some mystical beast. Now he just felt like an ass.

{Do not worry about it. I knew you would be shocked. At least these people here know about humans. You did not know about me.}

Ethan blinked at that, and Fen turned to the woman beside them to order some food. So, Luftleutians did know about humans. He seemed to remember Fen mentioning that before, a while ago, but he couldn't quite remember. Though, Fen had spoken of that old myth of an inter-mixed couple eloping. A human and a Luftleutian. Just how well did these people know of his people?

Then food was being piled onto the table, drawing him out of his reverie.

“Jeez, that was quick! How did they make it so fast?” It'd only been a few minutes since Fen had asked for food.

{I think they have been waiting for us to come down. Everyone knows we are here, and are probably all on watch. When we left our room, the tree would have alerted someone.}

“Heh, I guess that would make it hard to sneak out as a teenager.” Ethan joked weakly, but Fen only gave him a half-smile.

Without waiting, Fen dug in to the heaping plates and started eating. Ethan glanced down in surprise to see a plate and utensils in front of him, though he didn't even remember seeing someone put them there. A glass was placed in front of him and he jumped, looking up to see one of the servants right beside him and setting his place. Water was poured from a pitcher into his cup, and then the woman backed away.

{Do you want some fresh air?} Fen asked suddenly from his side.

Ethan glanced over to see a teasing smirk on his mate's face, his mouth full of food. “What? Uh, yeah sure.”

Fen gestured to the servant who'd just stepped back, and she came forward once more. After he swallowed, he asked, “Can you open the windows, please?”

“Yes, your highness.” She bowed and then opened her wings, flapping them and lifting off the floor.

Ethan had totally forgotten these people could fly. Mouth hanging open, he watched as the woman flew up closer to the ceiling and then started tapping on the walls. Wherever she tapped, square panels slid open to reveal the leafy exterior of the tree they were in, and sunshine too. Up here, light flooded in, making leaf-shaped patterns on the walls. An immediate breeze blew in, a little chilly, but Ethan felt plenty warm in his new clothes.

“Did we have windows in our room too?” He asked wonderingly, still watching the woman flying.

{Yes. We can open them tonight, if you like. I was too tired to remember it last night.}

Ethan just nodded, suddenly assaulted with the smell of the food. It smelled delicious, and his mouth watered. He had to swallow before he drooled. Some of the food was familiar. There were slices of roasted meat, though he didn't recognize what animal it might be from. Large, colorful vegetables were in great big wooden bowls in some sort of salad, and others held steamed veggies.

Knowing it was probably safest, Ethan started with a large piece of meat. It was pinkish, which made him feel slightly better, because it looked like pork, but the first bite completely surprised him. It was sweet. Sweet and tender, and a little bit like beef. It had the consistency of really tough meat, and Ethan had to chew more than he normally would, but its taste was exquisite.

“Mm! Thisch isch guud!” He slurred, cheeks filled to bursting.

Fen chuckled at him, reaching up to scoop some of the steamed veggies onto his plate for him. {Growing boys need their vegetables.}

Ethan used his wooden fork to spear some and stuff them into his mouth. They were soft and slightly bitter, but reminded him of beets, without the tartness. They were chopped up, so he didn't really know what they looked like, though they were orange and made him think of carrots.

Fen seemed content to eat in silence, and Ethan let him, just as intent on filling his stomach as Fen was. Of course, he was full before Fen, so he had some time to sit back and digest, patting his stomach happily. “That was great.” He sighed, wiping his mouth off. The water they'd given him was clear and cool, and impossibly fresh. No trace of mineral or chemical and quite refreshing. “Where does the water come from? It's really clean.” Too clean for some lake or river.

{Underground reservoirs.} Fen informed, still concentrating on his plate.

“But what about hot water? Is there some giant furnace somewhere?”

{No. Hot water comes from underground hot springs. It naturally heats. Cold water comes from normal rivers. But drinking water is from the reservoirs.}

Finally Fen finished his food, he also sat back with a sigh, a small smile making him look completely satisfied. “Thank goodness.” He breathed. “I was about to pass out.”

A commotion out in the hallway drew both their attentions, and Ethan tensed.

The door flew open and a dull-green colored female Luftleutian entered the room. Slender and trim, she stormed into the room in a flurry of excited chatter and off-pitch humming. At the sight of him and Fen, she stopped abruptly, eyes going wide.

“Oh my...” She murmured, bowing suddenly. “I have been sent as a guide for a...a...” Her yellow eyes raked over Ethan, interest shining bright. “A human.”

Feeling silly even for standing, since there were no other humans around, Ethan nervously cleared his throat. “Uh...that's...uh, me. Hi.” A glance to Fen showed him staring at the newcomer with a small smile.

The female hurried towards him, bowing quickly. “Greetings human, my name is Pazu.” One slim hand extended outward, glittering nails a vivid red in contrast to her mossy green skin.

Just the sight of his painted nails put Ethan at ease. He wasn't so nervous about going with her now. Reaching out to grasp her hand, Ethan bowed his head. “It's nice to meet you. I'm Ethan.”

Her smile was warm and contagious, and Ethan found himself helplessly grinning back. Slyly, he nodded to Fen, lacing their fingers together. She was okay, he tried to convey. He liked her and he felt safe knowing he'd be with her.

His mate nodded back. {I am relieved you like her. I would not let you go with someone you did not like.}

Pazu turned to Fen and bowed slightly, the picture of respect. “Your highness, if we may, I've asked the next transport into the city to wait for us, so we really must be going. Is that alright?”

Fen looked as if he was about to say no, but then he sighed and squeezed Ethan's hand once. “Yes, that's fine. Lead the way.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Down on the forest floor, after a dizzying journey through those damn curving halls, Ethan felt a sudden flash of nausea. He wasn't ready. He didn't want to go. He felt sick.

They were walking on a well-worn path, with pretty stones making a small street to tred upon. Pazu was in front, chattering about something that Ethan couldn't focus on. He didn't want to be rude, but every step they took make him that much more nervous.

And then, in a clearing, there was a group of other Luftleutians, and Ethan forgot to be sick. Not soldiers. Just normal people. Normal...Luftleutians. Some younger, with their parents, some older, some elderly.

Ethan didn't quite get it. Why were they here at the castle if this was only a castle? Did they also live here?

Fen answered his thoughts. {Some of these people are family members of workers at the castle. They do live here with them. And the others are people passing through. Most likely from a few smaller villages or towns, and they all came here to ride the transport.}

True enough, when Ethan looked around, he saw by the other side of the clearing, there was a shadowy stable-type building. And though he couldn't really make out what was inside, he could see the reflections of animal eyes and large shapes. The size of horses, almost. Which made sense.

Then, there were some shouts off the the side, and all the Luftleutians stepped back, behind a line of posts in the ground. The posts were connected by a thick, green rope.

A low, thunderous bellow sounded off in the distance, and Ethan gasped at the strength of it, jumping back and clinging to Fen's arm. Whatever the hell it was, it'd sounded familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.

There was the sound of many feet crashing to the ground rhythmically, and Ethan clutched tighter, pressing as close to Fen as he could. “What is it?” He whispered fervently, eyes darting to the trees to try and see what was coming.

“It's just a schildkever. You rode in one yesterday.” Fen soothed, untangling Ethan from his arm and then reaching around to grasp at his shoulders.

“Oh, great.” Ethan snorted. That had been a horrible experience. One he wasn't looking forward to repeating.

And even though he knew what was coming, he still wasn't prepared for it.

His heart literally skipped a beat when the creature came into view. Holy...fucking...shit.

The schildkever stomped into the clearing, much larger than the one he'd been in yesterday, and much more impressive. This time he could accurately see the thing in motion, and he was shocked to see it had six legs. That was something he didn't remember seeing before, but when the animal came to a halt in front of the crowd, it lowered down to the ground, folding its legs beneath it. Huh, well, that was why Ethan hadn't been able to tell before.

Up close, he tried to figure out what it looked like. Six multi-jointed legs, a large, hard body, and a long neck to a pointed head with feelers on top of it. The body was like that of a beetle, or a turtle. More like a turtle, though as Ethan gaped at it, the side of it opened upward. They were wings. Turtles totally didn't have wings. Underneath those wings were hollowed out rooms. Like him and Fen had been held captive in. Where was the animal in that, then?

{Their shell is mostly for mating purposes. The larger it is, the more desirable a female they will attract. They are much more slender than they look and most of its body is in the bottom of the shell.}

So, it was like a peacock, kinda.

One top the the shell, there was a little stand, obviously put on the animal. The Luftleutian who'd been seated there was flying down to the ground, and he was joined by another male from inside the animal. They both brought out a ramp and leveled it into the schildkever from the ground. Then people started filing in. Some went around to the other side, and Ethan realized there were two separate compartments.

Pazu was obviously waiting til the other people got in first, and Ethan appreciated the extra moments he had with his mate.

The animal's head was the most turtle-like part of the whole thing, but when it twisted to look over at him, which shocked the shit out of him, Ethan caught sight of it's numerous, insect-like eyes. He also couldn't see a normal mouth, but there were pincers on the sides of his pointed muzzle.

It was an interesting and alarming mix, and Ethan turned away, not wanting to see that odd face anymore.

Then Pazu was moving and giving him a smile. “Are you ready? We've got to get on now. Don't be afraid.”

Her hand was offered to Ethan, and he reluctantly let go of Fen to take hold of it. Swallowing, he turned back to his mate, the nausea returning full force. “...Fen?”

{It will be all right, little love, do not worry. You will have fun, and I will see you when you get back. Okay?}

“...Okay.” He begrudgingly gave in, staring at Fen with sad eyes. “You'll be waiting for me?”

“Yes.” And he sealed his reassurance with a kiss, bending down briefly.

It was soft and sweet, and Ethan wasn't at all prepared to pull away when he did, but then Fen was stepping back, and Ethan felt his hand grasped tighter by slender fingers, and Pazu was urging him up the ramp, and then he was lead to a bench, where Pazu sat and he sat beside her.

Ethan swallowed the nervous lump in his throat and waved once more to his mate. Then he watched as the wing of the giant beetle-thing-

{Schildkever}Fen smirked at him, winking.

Whatever. It was closing, and he felt something tremble in his chest. For some reason, he felt like something horrible was going to happen while he was away from Fen.

TO BE CONTINUED


AN: Reviews are appreciated! To let me know if this story is still liked. ^__^;