Past and Present [D'ren]

That was not an answer the little green dragon wanted to hear, and if the brown had been trying to brush the topic aside, he got the opposite as Larrikith gave a deep hiss of outrage, her wings extending again as she glared at Tyrrisath with furiously lit eyes. Stay out of B'jin's mind! Her shriek was loud enough for all three humans and both dragons to hear, filled with boiling rage. No one bespoke B'jin like that! Upsetting B'jin was not the place of some other dragon! He was her human, and if she wanted him upset she was quite capable of doing that herself! Her lips drew back, displaying her maw full of teeth, before she gave a trumpet of applaud to Ronarth, completely ignoring D'ren when he started berating his dragon for slapping Tyrrisath around the face.

B'jin, despite feeling all but cornered by S'kef, did make a visible attempt to calm his dragon as she responded to the brown, her screech causing him to flinch before he frowned irritably. However, with brown eyes still glued to the Weyrsecond, with cautious distrust, B'jin found his attempt to control the little dragon practically useless. She was ignoring him in favour of supporting Ronarth and the slap he'd given the brown (B'jin snorted with laughter when she shared the image) while D'ren could be heard as he fussed over his dragon. B'jin shrank back from S'kef's expression, a reaction completely in the norm, and though he made no effort to escape, he pointedly kept the heavy piece of furniture between himself and the brownrider he so deeply feared. He watched the brownrider's composure falter for a moment and the greenrider's stance straightened as he, too, was reminded that D'ren was right there!

It didn't stop the deep seated terror the man could bring out in him, but D'ren's protection was something B'jin was coming to take for granted and he enjoyed it, the same way he had enjoyed the security his Wingleader had offered when he'd realised the brownrider was sniffing after the young wingrider he'd been assigned. B'jin had no idea what his 'leader had - or hadn't - known about S'kef, but if the brownrider had found the young man to be smug before he'd had his way with him, it was nothing to how B'jin had blossomed under the protection of the bronzerider he'd been assigned to. Even now, reminded that solid protection was not even the length of his tiny dragon away, B'jin's attitude was adjusting substantially as he eyed S'kef with less fear and more curiosity. D'ren wouldn't let his lapdog hurt him. It didn't occur to B'jin that S'kef could do substantial damage before D'ren returned; he simply didn't believe the man would risk himself in such a manner.

"One does one's best," B'jin quipped cheerfully, as if his dragon wasn't throwing a tantrum on the roof that everyone was privy to, as if the man before him didn't still have B'jin's blood feeling like ice in his veins - but as if he were just another 'rider. He did, however, eye S'kef cautiously as the brownrider leaned against the desk, but when he made no move to try and join B'jin on his side of it, the greenrider allowed himself to relax. Arching his eyebrows and rocking back on his heels as his features converted into the look of mocking innocence that had gotten him in so much trouble with the other man in the beginning (not that B'jin was aware of that; all he knew was that it pissed S'kef off, and that it amused him to watch the man fume) the greenrider tilted his head curiously. "Me?" B'jin asked, eyes widening to complete the look of innocence as he continued to relax cautiously, reassured by S'kef's apparent concern about what D'ren was up to as he, too, kept an ear out for  D'ren's movements. The last thing he needed was the Weyrleader to nip off on a nice quiet flight to relax Ronarth! "S'keffy," B'jin purred softly, low enough that if D'ren walked  back in he wouldn't hear, "I'm insulted!"

He was baiting a poisonous snake, a creature he knew all too well would enjoy torturing him slowly before actually killing him. Too many turns under D'ren's, and even Nemall's (questionable) protection did little to help the situation, and in fact only encouraged his taunting. Even if he was near pissing himself in fear the entire time, he enjoyed watching S'kef chew at the bit and foam at the mouth. Of course, it could only be a matter of time before he finally stepped over the line, or was thrown in a situation that would retract the protection B'jin flaunted without even realising it. But as he flittered just out of S'kef's reach like his dragon so often did with the brown in Flight, B'jin was completely oblivious to the points stacking up against him.

---

[sup]Ugh. It's crappy. Sorry.[/sup]

Tyrrisath chose not to respond to Larrikith; in his mind, she was being remarkably petty over a small thing. Tyrrisath endured all sorts of hatred and ill will directed towards his own bonded, why should she be so sharding defensive of hers? Of course, the brown was also reeling in the indignity of being slapped by his Weyrleader bronze. In an attempt to save face, the brown fell back on his haunches and lifted his head high, staring daggers at Ronarth as he suffered the humiliation of a drunken scolding from his rider.

But D'ren! Ronarth whined publicly.

"But nothing!"

But nothing Tyrrisath grumbled to himself and his partner. The brown stood proud, much to Ronarth's frustration. Ronarth wanted to see Tyrrisath cringe again, but the other dragon wouldn't allow him the luxury.

Inside, S'kef narrowed his eyes and took a step around the table, making a calculated approach towards B'jin. "Does that mean I get to call you ''Jinny'?" he replied, a false smile slithering its way across his lips. It really burnt him up when B'jin acted this way..so smug and innocent, in spite of being such a damndable devil! B'jin was the classic greenrider, constantly out of line unless someone drilled him into the ground where he belonged. It was a shame he'd escaped from Nemall's care; Nemall kept him on a nice short leash, but now?

"I hope you're telling me the truth," he said. He reached out with one strong arm, moving as if to stroke B'jin's face. His eyes widened and his lip coiled into a sneer, but he diverted it at the last moment, opting instead to give B'jin a 'playful' slap on the shoulder. Just a bit too hard.

"After all, we can't have the Weyrleader..." One big step closer, far too close. "...Distracted by silly things. He's a busy man you know...he has a lot of important things to attend to."

B'jin gave S'kef an amused look, one eyebrow arching arrogantly up his forehead while his eyes narrowed condescendingly. He took a step backwards unconsciously as S'kef approached him, angling for the kitchen, as opposed to D'ren's bedroom doorway. "Don't be ridiculous," B'jin replied, his tone resting somewhere between amused and irritated. Those that called him by nickname - any nickname - were few and far between. The greenrider had no intention of S'kef being the one to initiate a re-establishment of his being called Jinny; the name his baby sister had called him, before she was claimed by between was precious to him and the way it was uttered by S'kef made B'jin's skin crawl. Of course, just about everything regarding S'kef made B'jin's skin crawl.

B'jin's eyebrows arched mockingly as S'kef spoke, though the expression vanished rapidly to be replaced by fear fed suspicion as one hand extended toward his face. B'jin missed the expression on the brownrider's face as he flinched away from a touch that didn't come, and instead squeaked with surprise at the heavy blow to his shoulder. Unexpected as it was, it caused him to topple backwards several steps, brown eyes wide with surprise and a sudden flurry of fear. The emotion vanished behind rigid control as the Weyrsecond stepped into his space, and B'jin blinked up at the taller man with wide eyes.

It was the familiar comfort of D'ren's house, and the reminder S'kef gave him that it was their Weyrleaders home they were in, that gave B'jin the confidence to act. He waited silently for S'kef to finish speaking, never taking wide brown eyes from the other man's face. When he was sure the other had finished speaking, B'jin rose onto his tiptoes, ignoring the subtle trembling that was rippling through his body, and leaned into S'kef's face. Not breaking eye contact, his own widened innocently and he paused, posed delicately.

"BOO!" It was designed to be uttered softly, with a maximum amount of gentle breath expelled into S'kef's eyes, and as such was little above a whisper. Face a twisted mixture of fear and amusement, B'jin dropped back to a more natural height, and made to duck around the brownrider, intent of getting into a position where he had his back to the entrance of the hut for an increase in safty. Adrenaline had him trembling from head to toe.

---

[sup]xD You can have S'kef snag him, or he can let B'jin scamper around to have his back to the door. S'up to you! :D
I couldn't resist the image of him saying boo! in S'kef's face though haha. It's such an awesome picture xD[/sup]

S'kef smiled, beyond pleased with the glimpses of fear he could see. Of course, it was also frustrating. How much more was there, hidden just below the surface? How much was B'jin managing to hide? It was like waving a wrapped Christmas gift in front of a terran 5-year old. The brownrider smirked, so distracted by his own amusement that he didn't quite notice when B'jin bucked up to him.

Suddenly, B'jin was looking right in his eyes. S'kef blinked in surprise before "BOO!". The brownrider let out a hidding gasp of surprise and rocked back onto his heels. He tried to grab B'jin, but the slippery little greenrider escaped! It was probably for the best, for in his momentary fury, S'kef couldn't guarantee he wouldn't lost his tempter and actually hurt the object of his interest.

He was so alarmed that outside, Tyrrisath's eyes lit up and his wings twitched a bit. It was the first time he'd moved at all since recoiling from Ronarth.

What has happened?

Sharding idiot wherry! I'll wring his neck! Bastard!

Ah. I see.

Tyrrisath decided to help. It sounded like his rider was in need of a good old-fashioned pincer maneuver! The brown silently lowered his head right outside the window to the left of the door, crossing his neck in front of the door in the process...giving B'jin no way out while also providing an excellent visual through the glass. Tyrrisath's eyes flashed blue in amusement as he peered in sideways at B'jin.

They worked well together. S'kef composed himself and walked self-importantly to the greenrider, who'd by now made his way to the door. Good job, Tyr. Don't let him out unless the Weyrleader says something

The Weyrleader is still busy settling Ronarth the brown replied lazily. Indeed, Ronarth was often a difficult dragon to control. D'ren prided himself on being able to shut down Ronarth's antics with a bit of concentration, but with Ronarth this riled and D'ren this tipsy, it wasn't coming easy.

In fact Tyrrisath purred, I think my refusal to look at him is making it worse Of course, all Ronarth had to do was order the brown to look at him, but Ronarth wasn't likely to think of that. Stupid bronze.

S'kef approached B'jin and snatched the front of his shirt, "Cute," the brownrider said. He gripped B'jin for a moment, and realized he felt a lot like a canine that had finally caught a wagon wheel. What was he going to do with it now?

He knew what he wanted to do, but he'd never get away with it. B'jin was just so cute though, and so delightfully spirited...he needed to be put in his place so very badly. He was so delicate, so soft...Shards, it made the brownrider breathe heavy just thinking about it.

Still, he restrained himself. After a few long moments of looking down at his victim, he settled. S'kef leaned close and whispered into B'jin's ear. "Good one. I'll have to keep it in mind so I can get you back later," he said. He lingered close, threatening to kiss the greenrider's cheek, but he didn't actually move to do it.

B'jin expelled a breathy giggle at S'kef's reaction to his simple word, before squealing softly when the brownrider made a grab at him, the smaller man twisted away fearfully and barely believing his luck when he did manage to escape. He caught a glimpse of the rage in S'kef's eyes and he felt his blood turn to ice in his veins. Oh, he was in so much trouble now! B'jin collapsed against the door, fingers trembling too much to get the handle to work. A gasp of fear escaped, when suddenly the Weyrsecond had a handful of his shirt front and B'jin stared up at him with huge eyes, fingers still scrabbling at the door handle for a moment, before he fell still, trembling subtly.

The expression burning on S'kef's face and in his eyes did little to reassure B'jin, who was suddenly convinced he had gone too far and he realised while D'ren was, indeed, barely the length of his dragon away, he was also on the other side of a door now blocked by a big brown dragon. B'jin's trembling increased, face paling noticeably but he didn't fight. Fighting was never the right reaction; B'jin wondered if it would have helped if he hadn't fought then... He smashed that thought before Larrikith could take it from his grasp.

The green dragon, perched on the roof, was peering down at Tyrrisath curiously. She could feel B'jin's very real fear, and while she was concerned about it, she wasn't overly anxious just yet, either. He often felt the riveting fear when around S'kef and it usually deepened when they were alone. There was no reason to get antsy about it, however, as nothing had ever really encourage his fear that she could find in his memories - S'kef made threats, promises and odd insinuations she didn't understand, but Larrikith hadn't ever seen him actually bring any of them to life. The little dragon figured it was all part of some weird game they played and as such, she rarely got overly worked up when they played cat and mouse. She was also ignoring the bickering between Ronarth and D'ren, far more curious about what was going on below her now that Tyrrisath had stopped talking to B'jin.

"You have to catch me first," B'jin said huskily, his tone unintentional as he fought viciously to keep his fear out of his voice. He didn't have time to ponder on if he was making things better or worse, however. The greenrider smiled sweetly, practically oozing innocence despite his continued terror. The only time S'kef got close enough to touch him was when they were in public, or in D'ren's hut. It was rare moments like this, when D'ren stepped out, that their little spats showed what was hiding beyond their professional facades. As a result, B'jin more than went out of his way to avoid being anywhere that S'kef might come across him alone. He really didn't have a death wish, he just liked to watch the cobra flare its hood and sway with fury.

All the same, however, B'jin sought out his dragon's mind, his single question exasperated. What is D'ren doing!?

Settling Ronarth. You really do like pressing his buttons, don't you? Larrikith was amused, and she walked across the hut roof quietly to reach the edge above the door, claws digging in as she curled over the edge to peer in the top of the window and at the two humans. She could feel B'jin's trembling fear across their link, but it was veined with amusement and confidence that D'ren was so close. The usual, then, she decided and as a result, Larrikith's gaze was deeply amused and only occasionally spiked with a flash of silvery white fear. Are you two done playing? I want a bath.

Reassured by his dragon's demand to be babied, B'jin straightened up cautiously. Leaning away from S'kef's face, B'jin raised one hand and pat him mockingly on the cheek, and he smiled sweetly as the other hand finally got a good grip on the door handle and he shoved it out, opening the door wide. "Duty calls! If you would be so kind, I have a dragon to see to." His voice was somewhat louder than needed, hoping D'ren wouldn't miss it and he'd remind the 'Second that their 'Leader was so close, and possibly able to see. He wasn't sure how much Tyrrisath was blocking, but he could hope!

Larrikith fluttered down to land beside Tyrrisath, poking her head under his neck so she could see the two humans through the now open door. She tilted her head, peering up at S'kef with a slight expression of irritation. B'jin chose odd people to play games with, and she took in the emotions that washed off S'kef in waves. She didn't touch on him mentally, but he reeked of something she didn't like the feel of and the little green shuddered. It was time for their silly game to end so she could be bathed and oiled and find somewhere sunny to roast out the rest of the day. Come! She demanded, giving S'kef a hard look, demanding he release her rider. She was unaware that her position completely blocked both the doorway and any view D'ren may have had.

"I've already caught you once," S'kef breathed. He smiled and closed the gap, brushing his lips lightly over B'jin's cheek in so delicate a manner that he could have called it an accident. Not that it mattered, of course. S'kef's wonderful dragon kindly informed him that thanks to Larrikith's curious positioning, D'ren couldn't see inside the hut.

"Or twice...if you count the flight," he said deviously. "So..perhaps this is the third time? I wonder if there will be a fourth."

S'kef smiled and brushed a finger across B'jin's cheek. In spite of his violent nature, the brownrider could be very controlled and tender when he felt the occasion called for it. Now certainly did! Eyes gleaming with barely-restrained gratification, S'kef peeled away.

He felt like he could feed on that fear forever. Today, however, he wouldn't get the chance. A spark of warning from Tyrrisath came just in time, allowing S'kef to take a stategic step back and release B'jin's shirt. Tyrrisath moved, delicately maneuvering himself away from the door in such a way to avoid tangling himself with the smaller green.

D'ren came back inside, looking a little bit tired but mostly relieved that Ronarth's temper had finally settled. The Weyrleader arched a brow at the two, standing so civilly in his living room. They were so civil looking that he was almost suspicious. D'ren looked at them both with a curiously arched brow before his misgivings visibly melted away.

After all, his Second and his favorite greenrider would never keep anything from him, now would they?

B'jin gave up any pretence of of being calm and collected when S'kef whispered against his ear, the man's warm breath causing the greenrider's blood to turn to ice in his veins and he jerked away, eyes wild as he barely managed to restrain from fighting his way out of the Weyrsecond's grip. D'ren might question a torn shirt if he walked in, and B'jin didn't want to share why his shirt might be torn, or how it happened, or why it happened. Brown eyes wild with terror, B'jin stared at S'kef as he spoke again, trembling visibly.

"Th-third t-time's the charm," B'jin stuttered, before getting himself under control and the last word came out smooth, almost purring as he stared up at S'kef. "So we're done." As if to confirm his softly, but clearly spoken words, S'kef dropped his shirt and B'jin brushed his hands over his chest and adjusted the hem, frowning slightly before looking up with slight surprise as D'ren slipped inside, Larrikith tilting her head out of the way so the Weyrleader could get in without issue. The greenrider adjusted his weight, welcoming the calming influence Larrikth fed him to help him control the adrenaline fed trembling that was still gripping his limbs. He was glad he didn't have a glass in hand any longer, as he had no desire to be questioned by D'ren as to a fit of trembling.

"If you don't have any immediate need of me," B'jin's words were directed solely to D'ren, his gaze intense but cheerfully innocent; he wasn't insane enough to even tempt S'kef with such an invitation to torture him. The man had already gone out of his way to remind B'jin exactly how much he would enjoy tracking him down in the dark; he didn't want to encourage him. "I have a dragon to bathe." To back up this particular point, Larrikith gave a happy chirp, her eyes sparkling blue as she stuck her head in the doorway once more, breathing warm  breath against the back of B'jin's neck as he backed up a little to be closer to the exit. He didn't want to leave without being excused by the Weyrleader, but his desire to bolt was quite clear, though dressed neatly in Dragonrider Duties.

---

[sup]-__-; sorry.[/sup]

D'ren frowned and wiped some sweat from his forehead. Today was proving unpredictable if anything. He watched with calculated silence as B'jin asked to be dismissed. S'kef had managed to disappear, sliding lightly past D'ren just as he entered the room and flickering from sight all too subtly for such a large and powerful man. Had Tyrrisath taken them between already? It seemed as if S'kef had done nothing more than brush his fingers across the dragon's nose.

D'ren decided to let it go. S'kef did have a way of coming and going, always with his head down and his horns thrust forward, like a charging herdbeast. Either way, he was gone now. D'ren just shook his head.

"Are you all right, B'jin?" he inquired. Poor B'jin must have been so nervous about S'kef after the lashing! D'ren's eyes suddenly lightened with sympathy, though not nearly as much as they would have if he'd known the truth. He knew S'kef had enjoyed the lashing a bit too much (and continued to with each additional encounter, though never quite like he had for B'jin), but he saw no reason to suspect any other kinds of motives.

The bronzerider seated himself. "I'm sorry I wasn't good company just then. Ronarth was awfully upset," he said, though he didn't think it really excused being such a poor host. "You're free to go, if you like," he added. He didn't particularly want B'jin to go. He was enjoying the company. But the poor man looked so rattled! Perhaps it was best to let him be.

"Thank you for taking the time. It's always a pleasure, B'jin." With that, D'ren looked back to his work.

B'jin stepped lightly out of the way when S'kef passed him, though his gaze was stuck firmly on the Weyrleader, unwilling to even so much as look at the Second. When D'ren's quiet question found a purchase within his mind, B'jin's eyebrows drew together in mild confusion and he tilted his head questioningly, blinking at D'ren.

"Fine, thank you." The barest hint of amusement fed into the three simple words, B'jin's brown eyes lighting up with soft amusement, though the sympathy he could see in D'ren's eyes was further confusing him. The greenrider was unwilling to believe D'ren knew anything of his history with his right hand man, but wasn't thinking clearly enough to realise that the sympathy might stem from the lashing he had under gone. Like B'jin was want to do, he tended to shove away the painful things in his past. As far as his lashing went, and it's association with S'kef, it was barely on the radar.

"It's fine," B'jin said gently. It wasn't really uncommon for a dragon to go slightly haywire and a rider to duck off in the middle of a conversation. Or laugh at nothing, smile randomly, or look blank. Like any other Rider, B'jin was used to and understood the demands of a dragon, especially one that is known to be difficult. Larrikith being an outstanding example. Obnoxious tart. I resent that!

D'ren's additional statement caused the greenrider to sway slightly with indecision, not unaware of the Weyrleader's lack of desire for him to go, but a quick glance outside showed that the day was progressing, and B'jin really did have to bathe and oil Larrikith, and classes to teach in the afternoon. A grimace twisted his face for a moment. While he did, actually, enjoy the tasks in question, B'jin wasn't above wanting to continue hanging around D'ren - especially with the threats S'kef had breathed in his ear still making his spine tingle with fear. He didn't want to be caught alone with him, especially outside of D'ren's reach.

"I'll drop by again soon," he promised, meaning it. He was still severely freaked out by S'kef's words and actions, though the reassurance Larrikith was feeding him was helping to steady his hands (which were shoved out of sight under crossed arms) and return his heart rate to something more regulated. "Larri wants a bath, and I have Classes to teach this afternoon." He smiled slightly, feeling Larrikith nudge her nose against his elbow, the little dragon's head snaked in the doorway. As D'ren's attention returned to his work, B'jin gave himself a small shake and slipped out of the door, swinging up onto Larrikith with ease and the little dragon winked between to the Lake shore.