Bonds

--------------------------------------Chapter 7------------------------------------------

The next week was going to be long and full of brain cramming studying. The week after was going to be just as long, for that week was exam week. After that was the graduation dance/ball and then graduation itself, for those that passed their exams anyway. Concerning Michael it was rather quiet. They found out later when they went to school that he had called in sick and has yet to come back. Both Tayon and Astraya wondered if he was ever going to come back. Astraya was afraid that he might have gone too far and traumatized the poor guy. Tayon just laughed and told not to worry too much about it that everything will be fine, and that if you wanted his opinion the brat needed a life altering scare like that. When Michael finally did come back to school Astraya was mildly happy. He didn't bother him nor Tayon, he was just very quiet and did not talk to anyone. He just studied and when the time came took his exams. But Astraya knew that he had not given up on having Tayon back, he was just biding his time.

When the exams were over everyone was looking forward to the dance/ball, even Tayon and Astraya. Not very many of the students knew of Tayon and Astraya's relationship so they could not be a couple at the dance. They could go together, just not voice that they were a couple. Same sex relationship were frowned upon on this planet. Astraya didn't understand this. Neither did Tayon.

At the dance they did their best to please the ladies that did not have dance partners. They even danced with all their lady friends and when Tayon and the ladies found out that this was the first time Astraya had been to a dance like this they made sure it was going to be one that he was not going to soon forget. All the time they were at the dance they were together and all the ladies told them that they made quite a sight, even the guys agreed. Both Tayon and Astraya had to agree. Although Tayon said that Astraya looked the best. His suit was tan with white gray, Astraya's was entirely black with silver only along the collar. Everyone agreed, even the guys that the black really brought out Astraya's hair and eye colour.

To their great delight all the ladies said that they looked striking together and many of them wanted to see them dance together. Tayon and Astraya were only too happy to comply. Anything to please the ladies, right?

When the evening was over and they were back at home they snuggled in front of a nice warm fire and talked about what they were going to do after they graduated. Tayon told him that he was still going to go to the Space Corp. and that it was going to take three years to complete the training that was necessary to become an officer.

“You going to come with me?” he asked whispering into Astraya's ear, his arms wrapped around Astraya's waist his hands underneath the silk white night shirt.

“Mmm, I think I will.” Astraya murmured, his still wet head resting against Tayon's bare chest. “What do you think the training will be like?” Astraya asked, his eyes closed.

“I don't know. Probably nothing compared to what your sensei made you go through.” Tayon said breathing in Astraya's clean fresh scent. The scent was very arousing. Tayon wanted to just sit here with Astraya in his lap but his libido had other ideas. But he wasn't going to give in, he was going to have his way. It was getting harder though as the minutes passed by and he began to perspire with the effort of holding back. Astraya must have felt or sensed this or just had the same idea in mind because he got up and facing Tayon held out his hand, a sensual look in his violet eyes.

“Shall we?” he asked holding out his hand a small smile on his perfect lips.

There was no doubt in Tayon's mind what Astraya meant and with a smile took the offered hand and together they headed hand in hand to their room.

~

Graduation came quick enough. The ceremony was rather boring and the students couldn't wait for it to get over with. They all were eager for the great smelling food that was waiting for them. After the ceremony they all enjoyed the celebration that the teachers prepared for them. There everyone ate and drank and just conversed. There were people from various companies that wanted to pick up potential employees. Even the Space Corp. had some representatives there. They were there to recruit those that wanted to join. Tayon saw them and told Astraya that this was his chance to give them the letter that Sensei Seri had given to him.

Astraya's features did not change. He was still small and looked younger then her was, and he was still on the shy side no matter how hard Tayon tried to get him out of that. All this made him seem like a child of twelve. It was only when he was using his power that one could see just how old he really was. And the only ones to see this was his sensei, Tulen, and Tayon. The only reason why Tayon was because he walked in on Astraya when he was practicing. Astraya didn't even know he was there and when he did he was very surprised. Not only had Tayon somehow gotten past his mental sensors and he was not horrified by the display of his powers but actually fascinated by them. Now there was a chance that more people might find out about what he could do. The apprehension he was feeling grew with each step that he took towards the men from the Space Corp. He was nearly petrified when suddenly he felt a familiar presence by his side.

“Thought you might need some reassurance.” Tayon said gently squeezing Astraya's hand.

“Thanks.” Astraya said feeling relieved.

With Tayon at his side Astraya felt more confident and made the last few steps toward the Space Corp. officers and his future. With a bow of his head he handed the nearest officer the letter.

“What is this?” the officer asked looking at the letter.

“It is a letter his sensei gave to his to give to the Space Corp.” Tayon said knowing it was taking all Astraya had just to stay where he was. Astraya wouldn't even look at the man.

The officer opened the letter that was addressed to the Space Corporation and began to read it. His eyes grew wide with every word he read and when he was done he silently handed the letter over to his partner. She took it and began to read. As she read he took out his phone and dialed a number and walked out of Tayon's hearing range, but not Astraya's. Astraya listened intently to what the man was saying, but he also watched the lady. He remembered what his sensei had told him about the privacy of peoples minds and that it was not morally correct to intrude on it without the person's willing permission. It was only when there was a life in danger or at someone else's command that you could. And even then it was not right.

After the lady was done she folded the letter back up and placed it back in the envelop. “So, you're psychic and a powerful one from what Lady Seiairra says. And she don't exaggerate.” the lady said looking at Astraya. “You're pretty young looking. How old are you?”

“I'm over seventeen years ma'am.” Astraya said. “I know I look young, but I'm not.”

“I thought you were seventeen.” Tayon said looking at Astraya, a little surprised.

“I don't know when my real birthday is.” Astraya said with a sad far off look in his eyes.

“Oh.” Tayon said putting a comforting hand on Astraya's shoulder.

“How come is that?” the lady asked curious.

“Astraya's not from here.” Tayon said, his attention drawn to the other.

“Oh, which country is he from?”

This question brought Tayon's attention back. “He's not from any country.” he said and finished when the lady's expression became confused. “He's not from earth.”

“Oh.” she said, understanding now.

“He's not?” the man said joining in the conversation.

“No.” both Tayon and Astraya said.

“What about your parents? Are they here?” the man asked.

A strange look came over Astraya's face at the mention of his deceased parents and he looked away.

“Young man?”

Tayon looked from Astraya to the man and back again. “I don't think they're here.” Tayon said looking at Astraya who, from the looks of things completely closed himself off.

“Really? Where are they?”

“I don't know. He doesn't talk about his past, and I don't ask.” Tayon said looking back at the two officers.

“Does he have any one watching over him?” the man asked.

“If he's over seventeen then he is no longer a minor.” the lady officer said looking at her partner. “We don't need to ask anyones permission but his.” she said nodding to Astraya.

“True.” the man said.

“Do you have everything you need or do you need to go back home to get your things?” the lady asked looking at Astraya. Astraya remained silent.

“Astraya?” Tayon asked looking at Astraya. When he didn't answer Tayon turned to face him and with a hand cupped each cheek, looking into his beautiful violet eyes. “Astraya,” he whispered and opened up his mind to him. He whispered his name with his mind. He wasn't a telepath but he knew Astraya could head the thought. It took him a couple of tries but soon he received a response.

“Astraya?” Tayon asked concerned.

“Sorry.” Astraya said avoiding Tayon's worried eyes.

“Is there anything you need back home?” the lady asked again making a mental note to write down in his file 'Not to ask about past!'

“Yes, there is.” Astraya said in a detached sounding voice, still avoiding their gazes.

Back at the house they both grabbed a few things they would need while they were away. While Astraya waited by the door with his bag in hand Tayon said good-bie to his uncle. “I'll visit as often as I can, alright Uncle.”

“You take care of Astraya, alright. He's going to need all the help and support he can get.” Tayon's uncle said placing a firm hand on his nephew's shoulder.

“Yes Uncle, I will.” Tayon said and gave his uncle a farewell pat on the should which turned into an embrace.

Tayon may have missed the look the two space officers gave each other at that comment but Astraya didn't. “We aren't going to the same place, are we?” Astraya asked them telepathically, looking at them out the corner of his eye. He was able to bypass their shields quite easily and just ignored their looks of shock and alarm.

It was the lady that was the first to recover and with deep hesitation said, “That is correct. You will be going to another place then you friend.”

“I thought so.” Astraya said. His voice still sounding detached.

“I'm sorry Astraya but your training will be entirely different then his.” she said resisting the urge to touch the young man. He is like most psychics in that he does not like physical contact.

“Will I ever see his again?” Astraya asked looking at Tayon. He was coming back to him, a smile on his handsome face. Tayon's not going to like what he is going to have to say, Astraya thought, a detached look on his face.

“I will put a note in your file saying to assign you two together after your training is complete.” the lady said, an encouraging smile on her pretty face.

“Thank you.” he said looking up at her.

“You can say your good-bies before we get into the cars.” the male officer said, not liking to baby anybody especially this kid. He didn't care if he was a powerful psychic.

“Kayson!” the lady scolded shooting him an angry look. The man just ignored the look and when Tayon reached them walked out the door leaving them to follow. The lady was still annoyed at Kayson's rudeness that she refused to talk to him. When they reached the cars Tayon and Astraya said their farewells and got into the separate cars. Astraya left with the lay, Mika, and Tayon left with Kayson. They didn't know when they would see each other again, but if Mika kept her promise they would be together again after the completed their training.

But that was going to be three years.

“I wonder how much Tayon is going to change after that long of time. What will he look like?” Astraya wondered as he looked out the window. He watched the scenery go by for a moment. “I guess I will just have to wait and find out.”

--------------------------------------Chapter 8------------------------------------------

There are many different types of bonds that a person finds throughout life. There are the bonds that are formed between lovers. The bonds of siblings, the bonds of parents to their children, the bonds of friendship, and the bonds of twins. Tulen thought about all of this as he made his way to the rendezvous point. His brethren are already there waiting for him. After that they will be making the long trip home. It has been nearly two weeks now and he was wondering how Astraya was doing and if he had taken his suggestion to take Tayon to his bed or vise versa. He sighed, “If only I could be there to watch.” he thought leaning back in the pilot chair.

“PERVERT!” a voice yelled in his mind causing him to sit bolt upright. He knew Astraya could not send this far out. His imagination was so good though that it caused him a moments wonder.

“Damn.” he said rubbing the back of his neck. He knew Astraya so well. He knew what he would say if he ever caught a glimpse of that though. He could even imagine the look he would have on his beautiful face when he said it. Tulen chuckled. The bond must be getting stronger.

Another day and he would be at the rendezvous spot, another month and he'll be home. “Joy.” he thought, none to pleased with the idea. When his brethren sent him a message via telepathy he delayed for a whole week saying that Astraya was not yet ready. They told him they would wait a week but no longer. Astraya, though, took the news better then he thought he would. He was happy, but also a little saddened as well.

Yawning widely Tulen decided it was time to take a nap until he arrived at his destination. He was so bore and so tired that he was starting to fall asleep in the chair. He knew Astraya would be waiting there for him in his dreams. Setting the shuttle on autopilot he went to and laid down on the small bed he shared with Astraya on the way to earth. It still smell a little like him. Laying down Tulen breathed in the wonderful intoxicating scent, closed his eyes and was asleep in moments, dreaming blissfully of his wonderful Astraya. He was in such a deep sleep that he missed the alarm that told him he had arrived at his destination. He only awoke to a gentle yet persistent shaking. Opening his sleep filled eyes he stared into the golden eyes of his older brother. “Veyan.” he whispered, still somewhat asleep.

“Tulen.” Veyan said with a small smile. “How have you been, little brother?” he asked stepping back so Tulen could get up.

“Good.” Tulen said yawning and stretching. When he was more awake he got up and both of them walked to the opening and stepped out. Tulen looked around. “So, how have things been?” he asked.

“A little rocky at first but things have settled.” Veyan said looking at his brother.

“And father?” Tulen asked avoiding his brother's intense penetrating gaze.

“You'll have to talk to him when we get home.” Veyan said and placed a gentle hand on his younger brother's shoulder. “But don't worry. Now, to change the subject. What was it that you were dreaming about?” Veyan asked, saw the expression on Tulen's face change and smiled. “Or should I ask who?”

Tulen blushed deeply. “Astraya.”

“Oh, who's Astraya?” Veyan asked totally curious now. He had a feeling he knew where this was leading.

“He's my bond mate.”

“Really?” Veyan asked his smile growing. Those that they passed turned when they heard Tulen's words but wisely kept out of it. “I thought you renounced bonding?”

“I had but circumstances happened that change that.” Tulen said. “To prevent a boy I had grown fond of from dying of soul sickness a Naemoen strengthened the potential bond we shared. We didn't even perform the bonding ritual.” Tulen said.

“Whether or not you performed the ritual is irrelevant. The only thing that matters is that you two are bonded. He is you bond mate.” Veyan said. “You two can do the bonding ritual at a later date. With your family.” he said looking at Tulen with a smile.

Tulen just looked at his older brother with a strange look on his face. The last time he had spoken with his fathers harsh words had been said and he said things that he later regretted. But now with his brother's words ringing in his head and his earlier words there was hope for reconciliation. He had changed a lot since he had left home, and he wondered if Astraya was going to change as well.

“So, brother,” Veyan said as they walked down the hall to the room they would share. “Tell me about this Astraya.”

All through the trip home Tulen and Veyan talked. They talked of many things. They talked of Astraya, they talked of the going ons at home and what Tulen should expect when he got there. They even talked of their fathers and brothers and how they missed him so much. When they arrived at their planet everyone disembarked at the space port and went their separate ways. Veyan took his brother back home. The greeting was a happy, if a somewhat stressful, one. After the greetings were over Veyan and Tulen's twin brother Teirlen took their younger brothers out so that Tulen and their fathers could talk without distractions.

They talked for a couple hours, going over everything. After their talk Leashan, Tulen's Kerin father went to go make dinner. Kevan, Tulen's other father, was Kelvan. He was tall with long glossy black hair that brushed the backs of his knees, and he had deep penetrating navy blue eyes, almost a purple in colour. They reminded Tulen of Astraya's violet ones. Kevan's skin was silky and golden in colour. His ears were slightly pointed wore three earrings on one ear. The earrings all connected by small thins gold chains and looked rather expensive. His wings went down to his waist and were a velvety black and soft to the touch. All in all he was very beautiful to look upon.

Before he met Leashan he had many, many lover that ranged from peasant to royalty. Sometimes he would talk endlessly of his former conquest, enough so that it would make Leashan's tail bristle and he would give his bond mate a deadly glare then walk out of the room with tail swishing angrily from side to side. Kevan would get up with a smile on his face and a mischievous twinkle in his deep eyes, and follow behind his bond mate. This made his children wonder if he had done that on purpose. They wouldn't put it past him if it were so.

While Leashan was preparing dinner and his brothers were still out Tulen went outside and sat down on the porch. His cool satin pants felt nice against his skin. He wore no shirt. It was summer and the weather was nice enough not to need one. Tulen was out there long enough for his brothers to get back. He was watching his younger brothers play while Veyan and Teirlen talk when Kevan came up from behind and sat down next to him.

“So, tell me about Astraya? How did you meet him? And how you two came to be bonded?” Kevan asked watching his youngest play. They reached their tenth year only a couple weeks ago and he was very proud of them. He was proud of all his sons. He and his bond mate were not graced with any daughters but that was okay. He was happy with sons.

Tulen sat there and told him how he came to meet Astraya and what led up to it. He had just finished telling him about Rhyan and the crew of the Star Raven when Leashan came out and asked them all to set the dinner table. With a smile Tulen and Kevan got up and was followed by Veyan, Teirlen, and the youngest twins. Setting the table was a noisy affair, with everyone talking and laughing. When the table was set and they finished the first course Tulen asked the question he had been wanting to ask since he first arrived, but had been dreading to.

“Where's Raiken?”

Veyan looked up, saw the look on Tulen's face and smiled. “Raiken and his bond mate found a place in the next province over. You know, they are even expecting their first set.” Veyan said with a grin.

“Really? So soon?” Tulen asked surprised.

“It's been over a hundred years.” Veyan stated not understanding the surprise.

“It was over three when papa and father had you and Raiken.” Tulen said trying to make his point. “Has something happened that I should know about?”

“No,” Veyan said his grin back and even wider. “They just couldn't keep off one another.”

Tulen's eyebrow raised then he couldn't hold it back, the picture his twin gave to him caused him to burst out laughing. He was followed by the rest of the family. Only the youngest remained sane. They looked at the older members of the family as if they had gone mad.

That was how things went. Every night before dinner Tulen and Kevan would sit on the porch and he would talk about Astraya and all that went on while he was away. Soon nearly two years passed and Tulen retrieved some very pleasing news. One day after his father got back from a visit to the traders' market he came up to Tulen and they sat down in their favorite spot outside. Staring out from the shaded spot under the huge tree he gazed out at the small lake.

“It would seem you bond mate has made quite a name for himself.” Kevan said to Tulen. “I heard from one of the traders at the market that young Astraya has become employed by the Earth's Space Corporation, and that he has done a very good job in defending Earth from invading forces.”

“Really?” Tulen said somewhat surprised.

“Yes.” Kevan said with a smile.

“So, he has changed.”

“It would seem that your bond mate has finally blossomed.” Kevan said

“Yes,” Tulen said with a smile as he watched the sun reflect off the clear blue water. “I'm proud.”