Emotional Hangover [B'jin]

R'nd rolled over and, wait, no he didn't. Something was wrong with that and the bluerider had a brief moment of panic as to why he couldn't roll over when he wanted to until he realized he could still wiggle his toes and knew nothing was wrong with him. What was wrong was the warm body snuggled up to him and keeping him from changing position to avoid the morning sun that had managed to find its way into his bedroom. Grey eyes cautiously opened against the light until he could make out the window that never had the curtain drawn the night before even though it was part of a set routine. A quick glance to the man beside him showed it was B'jin and that made sense. Not a lot happened outside of pleasuring each other when they were caught up in the moment. But shards! Who ordered the sun to be extra bright that day? Oh, that's right, the two -- or was that three? -- bottles of wine he had consumed yesterday giving him a headache now had.

With a low groan, R'nd did his best to roll over, this time into B'jin's hold to bury his face into pillow or hair, and fell back asleep.

Unsure of, nor did he care, how much time had passed since last waking whether it had been twenty minutes or three hours, R'nd found himself awake again and still not in all that great of shape. B'jin having rolled away to leave the bluerider eating mattress. Not in the mood to try sleeping again and risk B'jin sleeping directly atop him or smothering him in the pillow, R'nd crawled his way out of bed, far more literally than he normally would have. Thanks to that creative way out of the sheets, he landed in a mess of limbs on the floor and was very tempted to stay there. At least it was darker!

Some more crawling was done, now with Ayyonth's soft chuckling as he stirred awake from where R'nd imagined Larrikith was curled up with him, until he came across a pair of pants. It took some wriggling but the pants finally started to slide up long legs until the waistline was about midway up the thighs and realization hit. These were B’jin’s pants. Life was not going so well that morning. Sighing, the pants were wriggled out of and R’nd shuffled to his closet where he found a pair of pants he knew without a doubt belonged to him. Figuring that was close enough to being clothed, R’nd glanced back at B’jin before making his way to the kitchen. Klah. He needed klah and a lot of it. Maybe fellis so he could sleep through the hangover, but he’d try the klah first.

As he went about preparing the drink, making an extra large pot in case B’jin woke in the same condition, R’nd tried to recall all the details of the previous day. There had been dancing and flirting, both normal activities, but there was something else that had led to him going home earlier than planned. He hadn’t minded B’jin and I’shan dancing rather close, too distracted as he was with Erisi, but even if he hadn’t been with the green weyrling, R’nd didn’t mind seeing his friends dance. But apparently N’gelt had. R’nd had moved as quickly as he could to get over to his friends before N’gelt attacked either of them but the brownrider left without causing a scene which sent I’shan fleeing. He could only imagine what shape his fellow bluerider was in today.

That left him with B’jin, only it hadn’t. R’nd winced as all the memory recalling started to aggravate the headache and he sat down at the kitchen table, arms moving to pillow his head that came to rest on them. The greenrider had smiled as if all was well, something R’nd would have done in the same situation so not to worry anyone, and turned in the opposite direction to dance with someone else. That had startled him and R’nd still didn’t know why he didn’t chase after B’jin and steal him away for a dance together but instead fled the scene as quickly as I’shan had. Then again, perhaps his choice had been for the best since it wasn’t all that long before B’jin had appeared in the hut and easily guided them to the bedroom.

Yes, that way of thinking was the better way, R’nd decided as he glanced up at the pot that still wasn’t steaming with hot enough water. If he thought of it in any other way, too many strange questions popped up. Why did it hurt to have B’jin turn away instead of come to him immediately? Why had he left instead of finding someone else to spend time with while at the feast? The mental sigh Ayyonth gave when the questions were shoved away and ignored confused R’nd but he chalked it up to a tired dragon being bothered by loud thoughts. The thoughts were pretty loud to him as well.

The cold woke B'jin; the niggling, shivering feeling of something warm being removed and leaving one exposed. Twisting over and curling toward where the warmth had been coming from, B'jin found nothing more than a cooling warm spot and brown eyes fluttered open lazily, a squint forming as sunlight abused the tender sense. The familiar setting of R'nd's room made itself apparent as eyes adjusted, and B'jin lifted a hand to shelter his gaze, groaning under his breath as he did so.

Good morning, Larrikith's voice was a soft purr in the back of his mind, and B'jin groaned again, hand abandoning his eyes in order for it to clamp over his visible ear, sending a disgusted feeling to the dragon. Hangover + Larrikith = Miserable. The green dragon chuckled softly, but refrained from making his life immediately more painful as she withdrew. Startled, but hardly unhappy about that particular change in routine, B'jin returned his focus to R'nd's room, and his hand to shielding his eyes.

The sound of klah being prepared was greeted with an affirmative mellowing of his squint, and B'jin decided that was reason enough to haul himself out of bed. A motion that was only slightly more graceful than R'nd's own, as B'jin managed to land on his feet and slink across the room with little difficulty. He found his pants by tripping on them, and tugged them on thoughtlessly. Still doing them up, B'jin left the bedroom with a jaw creaking yawn to see R'nd slumped over the table with his head pillowed on his arms.

Smiling slightly, the greenrider slipped up behind his friend and gentle fingers found purchase on R'nd's shoulders, massaging lazily. He was quiet for a moment, enjoying the easy companionship and the excuse to touch, before leaning down, a soft chuckle whispering past lips placed near R'nd's ear, or, where his ear appeared when B'jin moved blonde hair out of the way.

"Go back to bed," his voice was light, a teasing sound barely above a whisper, "and I'll get the drinks." Standing straight once more, B'jin let the other's blonde hair fall back into place and fingers trailed over R'nd's shoulders lightly before he moved away, beelining lazily for the pot that was beginning to heat, and digging around the bluerider's kitchen with a casual familiarity he wasn't even aware of as he collected mugs and poked at the pot of water, watching as it slowly began to bubble.

---

[sup]Wow, short :| and he is purposefully not remembering jack about the night before -__-[/sup]

R'nd moaned in pleasure when B'jin began his gentle massage. It was a welcomed and needed gesture that didn't last nearly as long as the bluerider would have liked. Given his current physical and mental shape, that relaxing touch probably wouldn't be long enough even if B'jin continued until his fingers went numb so R'nd simply enjoyed it while it was given, fighting off the urge to fall asleep as he did so. It would be rude to do so since he was likely the reason B'jin was now awake and wandering around. It was hard to keep that resolve with the whisper of a voice causing a shiver to work up his spine urged him to go back to bed. It was tempting, very tempting but R'nd stayed where he was though he did manage to sit up straight once more so he could watch his friend set about finishing the drinks. "I'll," R'nd cringed at the unflattering attempt at speaking, cleared his throat, and tried once more but this time speaking just above a whisper which only ended up adding an extra seductive note to his words, "I'll only go back to bed if you're coming with me."

He felt like there was more to say now that they were awake but the groggy mind of freshly waking and a headache from too much wine had the more compelling argument. He had already spoken plenty with that one sentence and what else was there to say? Obviously his gratitude for the drink B'jin moved with carefree steps around his kitchen to make but certainly there wasn't anything else to mention, was there?

Ayyonth was close to shouting in R'nd's mind for being an idiot. He was barely awake and had barely given the night before a decent replay in his mind and he was already shoving away anything remotely close to being proper feelings and shutting his mind down against their attempts to return. Why had he chosen such a dense and stubborn human? Perhaps the comments about Impressing R'nd to get to Kerrin were true. The younger brat was sometimes far more emotionally mature than R'nd was. Easily side-tracked so early in the morning, Ayyonth's mind wandered towards thoughts of Kerrin. He hadn't seen the boy for a while, perhaps later he'd go track him down and visit while R'nd napped, as he was so clearly in need of doing. It wouldn't surprise the blue at all to see his idiot human try to sleep the day away in an effort to avoid the hangover as well as the feelings that lingered with persistence on the fringe of his mind.

With B'jin awake and Larrikith always so keen to follow what the two humans got themselves into, Ayyonth suspected the green to be awake already and nuzzled his cheek to hers before giving it a lick. Morning, sleeping beauty. I hope you're feeling well this morning because R'nd's mess of a determined stubborn mind may cause headaches if they try to talk about anything more than beds and klah.

B'jin turned from where he was setting the mugs down, and about to poke at the heating pot of water, chuckling softy at R'nd's first attempt to speak. His amusement didn't diminish when the bluerider managed to get his voice to work, and brown eyes widened innocently as he blinked at R'nd, the beginning of a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Well," B'jin purred softly, licking his bottom lip and looking mildly thoughtful, "I certainly had no intention of going outside." The smile won out, and tossing a wink at R'nd the amused Harper returned his attention to the pot of water, holding his hand out over the top to gage the steam before deciding it was hot enough.

"Mmm, klah," B'jin's voice was deep with amusement as he lifted the full mugs, one in each hand, and turned back toward R'nd. He didn't walk over to his friend, as he paused half way between the three destinations and raised a mug. Blowing the billowing steam toward the bluerider and laughing softly at his own antics, B'jin's expression was mischievous as he turned and went into the bedroom. Setting the mugs down carefully on the bedside table and kicking their various articles of clothing off to one side, he swiftly returned to where his friend was still slumped at the table. Finding the whole situation far more humorous than he probably should so early in the morning, B'jin held his hands out with a quirky smile, waiting for R'nd to take them before hauling his friend to his feet.

Dropping one hand, and threading their fingers of the other, the greenrider led his sleepy host back to the bedroom. The scent of klah was strong in the room, the two mugs still steaming happily where B'jin had left them moments before. Stopping two paces from the bed, B'jin spun around and in front of R'nd, grunting with amusement when the bluerider stepped into him. His free arm twined around his friend's waist, while their twined fingers broke free to join B'jin's other, twining both his hands to lock R'nd in place. "Hrmm," B'jin purred, eyeing R'nd thoughtfully from under his lashes. The bluerider was near asleep on his feet, and judging by the state of his pretty grey eyes, didn't have much going on the brain waves. B'jin bit back a giggle, and kissed R'nd with smiling lips. "You look like shit," he teased, the giggles finally escaping.

Morning Ayyonth, Larrikith said warmly as she returned his nuzzle, before laughing softly. I do not think they will, she said cheerfully, sharing the upbeat emotions her rider was drunk on. B'jin is in a good mood. She added, apparently pleased.

"I know what will make you feel better," B'jin said gently, amusement lingering in his expression as he unlinked his fingers and released R'nd, stepping around his friend and pushing him gently at the bed until he got the hint and climbed in. B'jin paused as he peered down at R'nd, and sighed dramatically before indicating the younger man should roll onto his stomach. Climbing onto the bed, and across R'nd,  B'jin sat low on his friend's lower back, legs folded back alongside R'nds hips as his fingers once more finding purchase on the bluerider's shoulders, and across his back.

Shall we place bets on how long he remains conscious? he asked the dragons, enjoying himself far too much.

B’jin was quite possibly a horrible human being. R’nd wasn’t quite functioning well enough to decide one way or the other but when the man wafted the scent of the delicious life-rejuvenating drink his way and then proceeded to walk away, he was inclined to believe he was being punished for something. He wanted to chase after the man and drinks but hadn’t quite made it from his chair before B’jin returned, offering his support in the endeavour. Entirely too pleased with the gesture and thankful for it when they started to move for his bed, R’nd nearly pounced the greenrider for a hug and thought of ways to steal him back into bed, this time being the one doing the clinging to.

Unfortunately B’jin had to go and throw him off kilter with the kiss, which was very much appreciated, and a comment that left R’nd giving a comical startled expression. He wasn’t sure if the reaction was caused from B’jin uttering such horrible words to a man who knew he was good-looking or if it was caused by his own lack of expecting such a thing from a man that wasn’t really subtle when it came to lending his voice to observations. In the end, the bluerider had to smile at the words, knowing they had to be true. “I feel like it as well. I haven’t properly slept in ...four days and haven’t been entirely sober in that time either.” Oh, there was an idea! Maybe if he cracked open another bottle of wine or ale it would help with his current state.

Instead, he found himself willingly following B’jin’s continued guiding hands that had him crawling onto the bed. The klah was spotted and R’nd started to move for the cup of relief it was sure to be but felt the other man getting onto the bed with him. He stayed where he was and was glad for it when B’jin straddled him and hands were soon back on his shoulders for another round of the delightful massage. He wanted to tease B’jin about finally returning the favour of all the sponge baths and gentle caressing he had given after the lashing but his mouth and brain weren’t working together any longer. He had to say something though. There wasn’t any way of knowing if B’jin would still be there when he woke up despite the man saying he had no intentions of going outside and R’nd knew he had to mention the night before.

It seemed so important that he did even though his fading grasp on consciousness was making it hard to remember why he had to say it.  “Thank you for la…” The words sounded mumbled and so far away to him before they vanished all together and he passed out.

I think the bet has been called off since he passed out before any guesses could be made. Ayyonth was both amused, as he usually was when it came to R’nd’s antics, and a bit embarrassed for his rider’s lack of ability to stay awake while playing host to someone, though he supposed it said a lot that R’nd even allowed someone to see him in such poor shape. I’m sorry, B’jin. The last few days have been rough on him with so much stress and confusion.

B'jin leaned forward across his friend's back when he heard mumbled words, tilting his head to better pick them up before chuckling softly as they fell off completely, position tilting so he could peer down at R'nd's face. A wicked smile claimed B'jin's lips, teeth sinking into his bottom lip as he leaned down and placed a kiss just under R'nd's ear, whispering in a husky purr, "it was my pleasure." He was pretty sure the younger rider was asleep, a conviction Ayyonth proved a moment later, but that was okay. He chuckled softly, content that his words would help R'nd find peaceful dreams as he smoothed down the man's back with gentle hands, though his mind was lingering around the dragons.

"I can tell.. Wait. What is he confused about?" B'jin asked, puzzled himself but not really expecting an answer. The stress was easy enough to place and explain away in at least six different areas. But confusion? The greenrider couldn't think of anything immediately that would cause confusion in his friend's life. Leaning forward again, B'jin placed a tender kiss between R'nd's shoulder blades, at the base of his neck before sliding off his friend and settling comfortably beside the unconscious man. Brown eyes flickered around the room with mild interest before spotting the still steaming mugs of klah and B'jin leaned across R'nd carefully, one hand resting gently on R'nd's back and the other picking up a mug. He shifted his seat carefully, making sure not to spill the drink on his friend, and leaned up against the headboard of the bed.

After a moment's consideration, B'jin tugged the furs up and over his lap, tucking them around R'nd's shoulders to protect them both against the morning chill. Wrapping both hands around the warm mug, B'jin took a cautious sip of the drink, pausing for a moment as he delighted in making one of those drinks, where the combination of ingredients was apparently perfect. Humming softly to himself, B'jin's gaze dropped to watch R'nd's sleeping face with warm amusement. The bluerider was far too adorable for his own good, B'jin decided, leaning back across him to place the half drunk mug back on the bedside table.

Wriggling to lie back down beside his friend, B'jin coiled against the bluerider delicately. Light fingers brushed blonde hair off R'nd's face, and B'jin's eyebrows drew together in an unhappy expression as he thought back over R'nd's words. Too little sleep, too much alcohol, a combination that very rarely led to a brighter tomorrow. B'jin sighed softly. "What has you so worked up, love?" A rhetorical question not meant to be heard, his voice was a murmured whisper, thick with worried puzzlement.

Larrikith was still and silent, her eyes swirling with soft amusement and affection as she watched what was going on inside through her human's eyes, not bothering to filter through his thought as she instead read his emotions. She shifted, once, to give Ayyonth's cheek an affectionate lick. She didn't speak, however, as she returned her attention to B'jin and his emotions. The confusion and worry were weighing down on his early morning high. She didn't think it would drag him down, and it would be easy enough to dismiss them if he clung to it for too long. She enjoyed it when B'jin was emotionally upbeat and cheerful. He was fun.

---

[sup]... But more than welcome to be XD[/sup]

Ayyonth loved picking on R’nd and if his rider managed to get himself into an embarrassing or awkward situation, then the blue was there to laugh hysterically or help him out depending on the severity. He would later remind R’nd and possibly even one of their friends about what had happened for more laughs. However, Ayyonth wasn’t sure he could do that now. R’nd’s emotions weren’t something he dealt with properly that often, as his current state showed, so was it fair to spill everything in his head in the hopes of B’jin finding it endearing and not something to laugh at? Ayyonth was fairly good at knowing R’nd’s limits with the mocking and knew he’d always be forgiven since it was just them goofing around, but sharing his motivations, while possibly entertaining, might be too much, especially if it scared the greenrider off when R’nd wasn’t ready to consider that option. The thought of R’nd, the master of chasing people off and breaking hearts now being worried of losing B’jin so soon was amusing enough for the blue to remain silent when B’jin asked about why R’nd was confused.

Instead he held his thoughts to himself, even shutting them away from R’nd as his bonded stole a little more time in dreamland, and watched B’jin. It was sweet the way the men behaved when the other was unconscious and Ayyonth approved of this side of the greenrider as well. His cheerful energy was clearly the best side since he was so much fun and even made R’nd loosen up enough to ignore his clothes being covered in paint. But the current side that was calm and mindful of R’nd was also very much appreciated. When B’jin curled back up with R’nd a little while later, Ayyonth couldn’t help the soft croon from escaping as he voiced his pleasure over someone showing such interest and care for R’nd without seeing him as the playboy he normally was.

The Hatching was hard for him. So much happiness but then Kerrin didn’t Impress and Indivara… Ayyonth lowered his head to rest on his forepaws at the thought of the two weyrbrats. He was just as worried as R’nd was but Ayyonth didn’t know how to help either of them and decided time was needed before seeing a blue dragon that neither was bonded to. But that wasn’t really something B’jin could help with either, or so he figured, so something funny to lighten the mood he accidentally brought on them was needed! It would also serve well for the need to see R’nd being teased without betraying his trust by confessing all of his deep secrets that he was still working out.

His lack of sleep and the starting point to the drinking binge was caused by a nightmare and a fear to go back to sleep. He dreamed of Kerrin Impressing bronze and becoming Weyrleader. Personally, I think that would be rather fun and interesting!

As Ayyonth chuckled at the image of his spunky little friend becoming leader, R’nd groaned softly, and shifted just the slightest bit to move closer to B’jin as a hand sought out the other man. Still asleep, he didn’t care where his touch landed, only seeking that brief moment of contact and reassurance he wasn’t alone. Ayyonth rolled his eyes and wondered if they should wake R’nd just to pour water and klah down his throat to help his recovery.

"Ahh," B'jin murmured softly as Ayyonth's voice reached out to him. "Of course." While the greenrider had little enough to do with the two weyrbrats beyond the Harper lessons that were forced onto them, he did know both of them mildly out of class, namely through Par'a. The girl was opinionated and obnoxious, and B'jin spent most of his time in the Harper Hall growling at the young weyrbrat for voicing smart comments during his class and disrupting her classmates. Outside of class, usually when she was painting Grith with her fellows, he found the girl's quick tongue amusing, and her dislike of Larrikith entertaining. Kerrin was no different, though he had found the boy to become increasingly cold over the past month or two, enough so that even B'jin could tell the young man didn't like him. B'jin had no idea what he'd done to upset the boy, but he'd even noticed that the weyrbrat would excuse himself from R'nd's company if B'jin joined them, even if his intention was just to speak in passing. It was all very odd and the greenrider was at a complete loss.

Curled up with Ayyonth, Larrikith considered headbutting the floor. She dismissed the idea after mild consideration - she was rather fond of her face shaped as it was. That didn't make her bonded's oblivion any less painful, it just meant she wasn't going to ruin her appearance over it. I don't know how he ever functioned without me, Larrikith said dryly to Ayyonth, though her emotions were mildly amused as she made a playful dig at her human's inability to see what was right under his nose, while it was practically doing cartwheels. Humans were such odd creatures! She didn't know how any of them functioned without a dragon, yet they had the gall to suggest a dragon could not survive without their human! (Larrikith had no intention of trying that out, but she would deny it. She was perfectly capable of functioning without B'jin. It was he who was lost without her!)

B'jin's features contorted into a frown as Ayyonth spoke of R'nd's drinking binge being brought on by a nightmare, and he wondered what his friend had haunting him to cause such a reaction. The blue's explanation of what, exactly, R'nd had dreamed to cause that response was not at all what B'jin had expected - in the slightest! - and his response was comical as he stopped, blinking, expression blank. It only lasted about five seconds at most before B'jin slapped a hand over his mouth and bit down on his bottom lip, intent on not waking R'nd with the wicked bout of laughter that had him shaking silently. Larrikith's own thrum of laughter was deep and vibrated through her small body with force, eyes swirling deep green-blue as she laughed.

While the greenrider was unable to make his brain function enough to reply to Ayyonth's cheerful admittance, his response to R'nd's soft groan was instantaneous as he froze, brown eyes wide as he held his breath, waiting to see if he'd woken the other rider with his silent laughter. R'nd's wandering hand was met with a further widening of eyes as B'jin peered under the blanket with a droll look, before throwing it at his friend's sleeping face. His own hand, dipping between their bodies, grabbed R'nd's and he linked their fingers as he raised R'nd's and kissed the palm in what had become a trademark move. Wriggling his way as far into the blueriders personal space as he could, without actually being on top of him, B'jin brought their faces close together and stared at R'nd for a moment with a smirk trying valiantly to find a home on his lips.

Time to wake up! Tilting his head slightly, B'jin drew a soft breath and blew gently across R'nd's eyes. He waited for a moment, pausing dramatically as he watched for a reaction, before repeating the process. His face was alive with cheeky mirth, brown eyes bright and the smirk still fighting for life.

B'jin is in an amazing mood, Larrikith said dryly to Ayyonth, watching her human's actions with amusement. He is not normally so spunky after a night of drinking. Of course, after a night of drinking, Larrikith usually spent the next eight or more hours fighting off nightmares and bad memories so the human she had claimed could get a little sleep, and hten battling his desire to sink into a black pit of despair. Seeing him so cheerful (even if he was ignoring the headache clouding his temples) was delightful! Your human is very good for mine! She said emphatically, and almost as if she'd just realised it. In a way, she had. Seeing them bring out better aspects of one another was good. Having hers be able to drink the night before, and wake up practically exploding with genuine joy was not something Larrikith was quite able to comprehend, and it was in her tone. R'nd was officially doomed.

Ayyonth felt the same way about R’nd some days though it was usually about getting up on time and continuing to show he was a hard worker despite the desire to sleep all morning and play all night. But it was a feeling that was really starting to show itself when around key people in his life. R’nd was oblivious to a lot when it came to Kerrin but the blue was willing to accept that since the two humans still had fun together and they kept him entertained, but his bonded was also an idiot when it came to B’jin. Without a guiding paw and a well-placed chiding, Ayyonth was certain R’nd would have screwed up back at the painting adventure and continued to treat B’jin as a casual friend he wouldn’t even flirt with. Now he just had to get the man to realize there was a very receptive greenrider lying next to him for a reason beyond great sex and fun times out of bed.

There was a slight moment of worry when B’jin started to frown at the reason for R’nd’s drinking of late but Ayyonth gave snort of relief when the greenrider heard the full story and also saw the humour in it. He was convinced it was a premonition and if he continued dreaming it, it would come true! The amusement was strong in Ayyonth’s voice as he continued his gentle touch against B’jin’s mind. Even with Larrikith’s blessing, he had been hesitant in bespeaking her rider. She was possessive, rightly so, but B’jin was also at the bottom of the list when it came to being receptive and Ayyonth didn’t know if he would breach the thick walls and if he did, would he scare the man and earn the retraction of the honour? He had always spoken to Kerrin and was cautious when it came to others that were bonded but the greenrider in bed with R’nd was high-risk given all that Larrikith and he had worked on to achieve for the humans.

Ayyonth considered Larrikith’s words, watching for a moment the way B’jin curled in closer to R’nd and recalled the greenrider’s antics before then. He had been rather bubbly and surprisingly energetic, almost as if he was still drunk since he couldn’t see much of a difference between pre- and post-drinking. Satisfied that what Larrikith said seemed to be true, and liking the approval R’nd was given, Ayyonth crooned softly and spoke solely to the petite green, R’nd is not usually in such bad shape after drinking but he normally doesn’t drink for days either. B’jin arriving last night was needed and it had a very positive effect on him.

B’jin also had the power to wake R’nd as the hung over blonde wrinkled his nose and tried shaking his head to escape the first cool breeze against his eyes. When the second round hit, grey eyes fluttered open, annoyance shining bright for only the briefest of moments before they went wide with his shock. “B’jin?” It took a moment to place once more where he was and why B’jin was with him, or still with him when the klah and massage attempt were recalled. There was a niggling sensation of a memory in the back of his mind about trying to speak before, though R’nd was unsure if he dreamed it or not or what he even said. He had a feeling that it was something he didn’t want given a voice as it would scare B’jin away and found himself extremely relieved, though confused as to how he was woken. “You’re still here. I’m glad.” Realizing their hands were once more locked together with intertwining fingers, R’nd gave a light squeeze as he smiled at the older rider.

“You know, I’m torn between staying right here or following my nose to the klah I can smell nearby,” as divine as the aroma was, R’nd made no move to go after the drink, deciding it would wait and he could be greedy and stay in bed with B’jin a while longer. Of course he ran the risk of falling asleep again but he felt he had a better chance of staying awake then last time. At least that was the theory without B’jin giving a massage again.

B'jin didn't need any prompting from either of the dragons to decide that keeping what Ayyonth had just told him for a later use would prove more than worth it, and he filed that small piece of information away. It was an innocent enough piece of information, but the greenrider was pretty sure that if handled delicately could be used for maximum efficiency. He had no idea what he'd use it to obtain, but that was why he would save it for later! Something would pop up eventually, and having a bit of leverage when needed - especially something so funny - would be useful. Smiling happily to himself, B'jin watched R'nd's face scrunch up after his first gentle breath, and grey eyes appear after a fluttering of lashes following the second.

R'nd's obvious surprise at seeing him caused B'jin's eyes to shadow with confusion, even as an eyebrow arched and his teasing voice was heard; "the one and only." He murmured in response, voice heavy with amusement and he gave a quirky smile. When the bluerider spoke again, and the fingers linked through B'jin's were squeezed, the Harper's eyebrows arched up and under his dark blonde hair, eyes widening in surprise. "Leave? And face the sunshine? My dear, you give me far too much credit." A teasing smile lit up B'jin's face, and he winked teasingly at R'nd not at all unaware that his comment made little sense in the scheme of things. That was okay, because B'jin simply didn't care. Besides, "this bed is very comfortable," he said lightly, sitting up carefully and leaning over R'nd to grab a mug of klah with his free hand. Adjusting his posture slightly, he settled the mug carefully on R'nd's back, between his shoulder blades. The mug, while warm, was hardly of a temperature to be uncomfortable. Content that R'nd wasn't about to fling it across the room, B'jin reached for the second and then settled back against the headboard of the bed.

Setting his own mug, which was closer to empty than it was full, in his lap B'jin collected R'nd's from his friend's back and gave their joined hands a gentle squeeze, inviting the bluerider to sit up and drink his drink, before delicately untangling their fingers. B'jin smirked playfully at R'nd, tossing him a cheeky wink as he offered the younger man the much fuller, warmer mug of klah when he was sitting. B'jin's own mug was beginning to fade toward cool rather than warm though he was pretty sure R'nd's wouldn't yet be cooling too much. Taking a sip, and grimacing at the less pleasant taste of cool klah, B'jin leaned around R'nd to put his mug back on the beside table. "The company has a lot going for it, too," B'jin murmured, shifting so he was leaning into R'nd instead of around him, his expression resting somewhere between an invitation and a question as brown eyes met grey.

B'jin was confused, Larrikith said in response to Ayyonth's comment, her gaze shifting to take in the blue before she stood up lazily and stepped away from him carefully so she could extend her wings to their full width and stretch in a particularly feline manner. Settling her wings back, and giving herself a shake, Larrikith sat down delicately and tilted her head at the blue. I think the only time he has chased something he wanted, was before he and I bonded, she said thoughtfully, tone quiet and just for the younger dragon. When he was to be a Master. But even then, he was too used to being pursued. She seemed pleased as she paused and her head turned toward the direction in which their humans were located. Perhaps he will learn to chose, even if he isn't willing to chase. Her rainbow gaze shifted back to Ayyonth and she stood up to step closer to him, pressing the tip of her muzzle to his for a moment before pulling back and tilting her head questioningly. Would you like to go flying? I do not think today will be very busy. Besides the fact that B'jin had quickly made it apparent that he didn't intend to let R'nd out of bed any time soon, the Weyr at large was likely home to large hangovers and a desire to never get up. They would hardly be missed, an were quite capable of babysitting their hopeless humans from a distance.

Despite how tired he was, R’nd managed a bright smile at B’jin’s response that stated he was one of a kind which he couldn’t let go unanswered though he spoke far more softly than he had been thus far and only after he lightly laughed at the rest of the comment for staying in bed, “which makes you a rare treasure to cherish.” He had a way with words and R’nd not only knew it but used it to his advantage quite a bit but even with all of his fancy ways of saying things that most likely believed were ways to get into someone’s pants, he always meant it. Well, mostly, as sometimes a particularly odd quirk someone had was coated in words spun to make it sound like a compliment. Now, however, was not one of those moments as he lightly eluded to the fact that he viewed the older rider in high esteem and enjoyed every time they met up.

“But I’m glad you find my bed as comfortable as I do since I,” R’nd was hit with a sudden yawn that he tried to stifle as B’jin started moving around but gave in, believing it’d help shake off more of the urge to drift back asleep, “like having you in it and don’t like the idea of either of us leaving yet.” There had been a brief moment of considering the idea to sit up as B’jin had but then there was a warm mug resting on his back which killed that idea and made R’nd moan in pleasure. The warmth seeped through him and was soon thinking about warm hands on him instead and the massage that would relax muscles and send the last bit of stress from his body. Too bad he already knew how well he could handle that idea put into practice in his current state.

When the mug was removed and B’jin was done moving all about with grey eyes tracking what they could from R’nd’s comfortable position, the bluerider finally deemed it a good time to sit up when B’jin held both mugs and silently issued the invitation to join him. Once he was settled and the first long and slow sip of the warm klah was taken and appreciated, R’nd gave a content sigh. That was pretty close to a perfect moment with the way the liquid warmed him from the inside, the aroma worked at waking him, and the taste quenched his thirst. The greenrider leaning into him as he worked on his own mug of klah certainly didn’t ruin the moment either. “Is that right? What are the details involved for making up good company?” He glanced down at the smaller blonde, eyes alight with curiosity. The headache he had originally awoken with was still present but R’nd was doing his best to ignore it long enough to have a fun conversation with B’jin before he gave in and dragged the man back down to curl up under the sheets with him for another round of nap time.

Ayyonth was once again amused at the humans, especially his. R’nd’s hangover would be something worth teasing him about for quite some time to come and if he saw Kerrin soon, he’d pass the information along to the weyrbrat so he could join in on the teasing. His bonded was so much fun when he was being picked on and ganged up on by dragon and best friend. But his attention was quickly and easily drawn to Larrikith as she spoke and left her position beside him. I’m glad he decided to chase this time. R’nd is so used to going after who he wants that the shock of B’jin not going to him was a bit much for him. But he also found out how nice it is to have someone come after him when he wasn’t expecting it. Of course R’nd had had people after him before when it came to someone wanting more than he was willing to give in a relationship but Ayyonth saw the difference in that form of chasing from what B’jin had done. Since he had taken examples from R’nd’s mind, the blue knew his bonded understood the difference as well and it was why he was so relieved both the night before and upon waking the second time.

Following Larrikith’s lead, the younger dragon stood and stretched himself out from a nice night’s rest.
I would love to go flying with you. And it will be good to see how well they get along without our guidance. That was something Ayyonth was looking forward to since the men deserved a chance alone together and to show they were capable of functioning near each other without their better and wiser halves nearby. And he deserved a nice morning flight with Larrikith since that sounded just about as perfect as R’nd found klah in bed with B’jin.

B'jin blinked in surprise at R'nd's words, once more startled by a compliment that wasn't slathered in sarcasm or designed to cut with a double edged blade. He was used to being insulted, delicately like Larrikith did - harsh words spoken with love, such as when she called him an idiot - or viciously, like many of the cutting remarks Nemall had dished onto him in the near two decades they'd been involved - always uttered in private, for he was picture perfect in public. B'jin knew his blueriding lover had a silver tongue, and wasn't surprised that R'nd threw little things his way when the mood struck him. But it was just his being unused to receiving positive notions that caused B'jin's muted surprise; the greenrider was confused by the sincerity that seemed to come with the odd statements. So, when R'nd said B'jin was a rare treasure worth cherishing, B'jin didn't doubt that the younger man meant it. He was, however, still completely bewildered as to why R'nd would think it, especially about him. With B'jin's self-esteem being about as strong as a pile of dry autumn leaves in a gale, the man resorted to his usual response when R'nd complemented him - a flustered flush as he ducked his head away, focusing on retrieving the klah and finding a comfortable way to sit.

His uncomfortable air faded rapidly as B'jin chuckled softly, partly at R'nd's yawn, and partly at the man's delighted moan at the mug sitting on his shoulders. "I'm glad," B'jin murmured in reply, softly amused and his tone was gentle and without the fluster he'd been home to moment before. He didn't think R'nd would be quite capable of stumbling his way to the bathroom at the moment, never mind functioning in a manner that would reflect the time of day it currently was, which the greenrider assumed was angling toward lunchtime and as such not getting up seemed by far the most desirable option all around. He gave a breathy snort of laughter as R'nd slumped up against the headboard with him, and drank his drink. B'jin's own mug, abandoned to go from cooling to stone cold, was left where he'd dumped it on the bedside table; cold klah was not to his taste, and he rarely drank much of the drink when it was hot at any rate. Curled up against the bluerider, the fingers of B'jin's left hand drew lazy circles on R'nd's thigh as he considered the question he'd been posed. Answering the question wasn't that difficult, he supposed. Phrasing the answer for another's ears was.

"It is," B'jin answered, tipping his head back to rest on R'nd's shoulder so he could kiss the man affectionately on the jaw line, brown eyes lazy. "Let's see," when R'nd raised his mug to take a drink, B'jin redirected it, stealing a mouthful for himself with a teasing smile that flashed across his lips before fading away to allow a mildly thoughtful expression to claim his features. The easy answer to the bluerider's question was, of course, the opposite of what bode ill company, which was far easier to list. But that was cheating, and B'jin felt he owed his friend more than that. B'jin didn't feel he was very good at weaving pretty words, for, Harper or not, words had never been his strong point. He had a terrible tendency to say things bluntly and with little thought as to how they often came out. It was why he could laugh and kiss R'nd and tell his lover with amused affection he looked like shit after a night of drinking, but was near incapable of telling him he'd looked amazing prior. It was probably something he should work on, B'jin decided, as he struggled to find some way to articulate his desire to be in R'nd's company that wouldn't insinuate the right - or wrong! - things.

He didn't want to say something that would lead R'nd to think he was only in his company for the delightful things they got up to between (or not, as the case might be) the sheets. But he was also wary of saying anything that would indicate something more, in case R'nd read words between lines that B'jin didn't think were there, and kicked him out of bed. That would definitely not be good! He smiled lazily, despite his internal unrest, and eyed R'nd thoughtfully from the corner of his eyes. Worried he'd be giving the wrong impression with his extended silence, but still unable to find anything to say, B'jin settled on his own gentle question. It wouldn't answer the one R'nd had asked, but maybe he could deflect into another topic without the bluerider questioning it too much. The answers B'jin was pulling for the question were things he was as yet unprepared to share; he didn't know his friend well enough to gage how he would react, and his reaction was very, very important.

"Larri said I hurt you." It came out less a question, and more of a statement. That was alright, though. B'jin wasn't questioning what it was Larri had said, he was seeking to know if it held any truth. B'jin was a terrible liar, and was completely incapable of telling if someone were lying by what was spoken. But he could read emotions, and shifting slightly against R'nd - in part to avoid being thrown across the bed if the bluerider struggled out of it and away from him, and in part to better see his face - B'jin peered up with quiet concern, brown eyes bright with worried sincerity. Hurting friends was completely and utterly unacceptable and the greenrider could already feel the guilt over his unknown action riddling in his stomach.

The little green dragon gave a trill of delight when Ayyonth agreed to go flying with her, and she touched her nose to his, eyes swirling brightly with joy before she backed away. Standing up on her hind quarters, Larrikith pushed off into the air strongly, wings beating downward once before she winked between and appeared several lengths higher, her little body adjusting to the change and she flew in a lazy circle while she waited for Ayyonth to join her. Where would you like to go? The little dragon was practically giddy with delight. There were a few things that resorted the spunky dragon into a mess of stereotypical green, and flying with her fellows without a human was one of them. She adored such times, though her usual partner was Grith, and occasionally Ronarth. Flying with Ayyonth would be exquisite fun, she just knew it!

When his klah was stolen so soon after B’jin discarded his own mug, which was decidedly not empty, R’nd laughed and poked the older man on the nose when the teasing grin followed. While he had no complaints about their usual activities in bed, R’nd found he liked their playful innocent moments as well. Of course they often lead to interesting places like the time in the Square with the paints but even if they didn’t, there was something nice about being silly and at ease with someone. He didn’t allow himself to do that with too many so R’nd found he noticed and cherished the times when they happened with someone new. But that thoughtful expression started to make him a tad nervous. Did B’jin really have to put that much effort into thinking about his stellar qualities? Perhaps it was just another way to tease him as the greenrider continued their playfulness they had settled into since successfully getting him to stay awake again.

Or maybe not when the silence stretched out. Maybe he should just laugh and say he was joking and didn’t need to know the qualifications? As he thought about doing just that with a smile slipping into place, his friend finally spoke though it certainly wasn’t anything he had been expecting.

R’nd’s smile faltered and grey eyes suddenly took a keen interest in the mug he held. “Larrikith talks too much,” it wasn’t a true criticism and the softly spoken words held only a hint of the uncertainty that had returned from the night before. Did he really have to respond further? B’jin didn’t answer his own question which was far more playful in nature and didn’t require a lot of deep thought while hungover. Giving compliments and listing reasons why he liked spending time with the greenrider was easy but talking about what went on in his head when he didn’t even know most of the time was something else entirely. He glanced up at B’jin just long enough to give a small pout but even he knew that wouldn’t get him out of this conversation. He wouldn’t let it go if B’jin or Kerrin responded with a pout when he asked if he hurt them so it wasn’t fair to expect anything else now. Still, he prolonged the moment by taking a large swig of klah before setting the mug back on the table. It wouldn’t do to accidentally drop it while he figured things out. He was lucky he hadn’t ended up wearing the warm drink when B’jin finally did speak.

Still… why weren’t they still talking about how amazing he was? R’nd decided he much preferred that topic over discussing his feelings. It wasn’t fair to B’jin to avoid the subject and the bluerider knew it. In fact, that niggling feeling of before that he had said something important or there was something important to say started to buzz louder and R’nd had a sinking suspicion that even his subconscious wanted him to confess to what went on last night to make him leave the celebrations so suddenly when he was known to enjoy a gathering to its fullest and never leave solo. So the next big question was, how did he put into words something he had only just realized was true? He had been hurt by B’jin’s actions last night but the why of it all still confused the young blonde and he wasn’t sure his mouth knew how to form the appropriate words needed in the appropriate order.

“I suppose I was hurt,” R’nd started slowly, his voice still barely above a whisper as he tested out the idea of sharing such thoughts that could leave him vulnerable. He gave off the appearance of being completely carefree and for the most part, he was. It took a lot to upset him unless it came to hurting his friends or Ayyonth and he simply enjoyed life for what it was because he knew firsthand that it could be a lot worse. But he never fully showed himself to most people, knowing his smile and fun-loving attitude was what anyone would want to spend time around. He shielded himself from emotions whether aimed at him or coming from him in order to keep a slight distance from people so he couldn’t be hurt in the end. Some days even he could see how funny it was that he broke hearts in order to protect his own.  But he had friends like this and that meant he’d never be alone which R’nd never wanted to happen.

He supposed why he rushed over to begin with was a good place to attempt an explanation and gave up on sitting in silence to give a proper answer. “N’gelt makes me a bit nervous and when I saw him approach you dancing with I’shan I tried to make it to you both in case he tried to swing at either of you and I could try to stop him or take the hit myself,” R’nd stopped suddenly, teeth worrying over his lower lip as he realized that came dangerously close to ratting out the brownrider as the one who gave him the apparently charming black eye. He trusted B’jin and I’shan never asked him to never tell a soul but it wasn’t partial to the events of the night before so he skipped over the reason as to why he was nervous, leaving it off as N’gelt simply being a larger man than any of them, “anyway, I could see you were left a bit shaken by it but I didn’t know if I should go to you and then you smiled and went to dance with someone else.” R’nd sighed as he realized he was talking far too much and revealing too much about himself. He felt exposed which was almost enough to make him laugh given how comfortable he was in the nude and had no qualms about being seeing in such a state.

“I was drunk and confused, I guess. I didn’t want to bother you or ruin your fun so I left.” It was then that R’nd remembered what he had been trying to say before passing out under the start of a nice massage and that it hadn’t been a dream. He supposed since he was already rambling and likely scared B’jin off for good – R’nd knew he’s scare himself off if he was in the greenrider’s place and the hot playboy suddenly started talking about emotions that weren’t related to lust – he might as well finish that attempt of earlier. “I was being selfish but thank you for coming to find me last night. I…” He couldn’t say anymore just like he couldn’t do more than lift his hand to reach for B’jin’s and drop it back into his lap in uncertainty. He did appreciate B’jin coming after him and in fact loved that the reclusive searchrider had chased him, the silly young rider with the silly crush R’nd still tried not to think about too much because when he did, it brought up even more questions.

Ayyonth responded to Larrikith’s delight with his own trill though all the conflicted emotions R’nd was going through tried to flood the blue and ruin his good mood. He was actually quite proud of his bonded for saying as much as he had. R’nd was growing so much this turn with the conversation he had with Kerrin and how he was opening up to B’jin. He wanted to stay and be a nearby support for when R’nd began to falter or shut himself off once more like he could possibly do if he felt too vulnerable, but Ayyonth knew the man had to handle some things on his own and now would be good practice. He sent his silent encouragement and love to help bolster R’nd all the same and gave a quick word of explanation that he was going flying with Larrikith before turning his attention back onto the petite green.

With a jump and several strong wing beats later, Ayyonth was aloft and gliding slowly in a circle around Larrikith, already enjoying the stretch of wings and the light breeze over his body. Where’s your favourite place to go? I’d like to go there first and then if there’s time later, we can go to mine. It was probably the diplomatic answer but Ayyonth wasn’t in any hurry to go to any place in particular and he was curious about where the green liked to go when she got away from her bonded for a while. He imagined it was some place exciting and with a great view as Larrikith didn’t seem the sort to settle for anything less.

"Yes," B'jin agreed softly, "she does." He fell back into silence as he watched R'nd, the way his smile had vanished and the absence of eye contact. It made him uncomfortable, and B'jin shifted his position so that he was sitting facing R'nd rather than curled up against him. He was still close, their legs still touching, but he wanted to watch the younger man's face, which he couldn't do before with any particular ease. A ghost of a smile flashed across B'jin's lips at R'nd's pout, then faded away as the bluerider returned to staring at nothing, leaving in its place a subtly unhappy expression on B'jin's own features. R'nd's softly whispered words, when he finally did speak, extracted an instantaneous reaction from the greenrider, who stiffened in horror.

Sometimes, when she wanted her way, Larrikith would lie to him. She knew his weak points, the things to say to manipulate her rider into doing what she wanted, when and how she wanted them. B'jin never knew when she was lying to him, only in hindsight. It was irritating, when he would come to realise she'd manipulated him again. But it was worse, sitting there and realising she was right and that he'd been too tangled up in himself and the past to even notice. That wasn't good, at all, and B'jin felt his shoulders slump under the heavy cloak of guilt that fell down around him. What kind of person hurts a friend, and doesn't have the wits to realise they've done so? What if R'nd thought he'd done it on purpose, or that he didn't care? Horror radiated out from his stomach, and in the aftermath, he realised R'nd was speaking once more. A small shudder travelled B'jin's spine before he pulled himself together enough to hear what more his friend was saying. He didn't say anything until the very end of R'nd's rambling little speech, unwilling to interrupt the man.

"Oh," B'jin said softly, frowning delicately as he considered the events of the night before. "Normally..." he faded off as he spoke the word, still frowning. Normally was not his norm now, he realised, and the greenrider struggled for a moment to comprehend the change in circumstances. He simply had no idea how to handle the situation he was in. He'd never been given the chance to offer an explanation before. Confusion paramount on his face, B'jin let his flutter closed, and he took a deep breath, the air filling his lungs and he expelled it slowly. When he opened his eyes again, his expression was calmer, but the confusion was still there, and it was in his voice when he spoke. "Your eyes," B'jin whispered, not looking at R'nd as he stared at his knee, aligned alongside R'nd's hip. His fingers were uncomfortably twisted together, fidgeting unhappily as he attempted to explain why he'd run away, which he was well aware was exactly what he had done. His voice was meek when he continued, "they were full of questions, and I didn't want to answer them."

It took him a little while to gather the courage to look up, and when he did, his gaze both surprised and sad as he tilted his head, a slight frown pulling eyebrows together, thoughts lingering now on the additional information he'd been given. His fingers twined around the bluerider's own where they had landed in his lap moments before, and he spoke in a soft murmur, "where else would I go?" Even as he asked the question, the answer R'nd must have been seeing came to him, and B'jin's eyes widened dramatically, completely obliterating his previous discomfort. "You thought I..? R'nd!" The greenrider was scandalised, and he drew back from R'nd with a jerk, though he made no move to untangle their woven fingers or leave the bed. He just needed space to stare at the bluerider with an expression of horrified bewilderment, completely shell shocked. Every rule had an exception, and for B'jin, that exception was R'nd. It didn't mean he was going to become some promiscuous greenrider! It simply meant R'nd was different. Special. Interesting. Delightful. Fun.

All the words B'jin hadn't been able to find before crashed down around him like a hail storm. But his face was a whirlwind of emotions as he tried to figure out why R'nd would think that, and, as a result, how he should act. There was flash of anger, and B'jin's jaw tightened for a moment as a memory past hissed accusations - he was not some green slut! - but it faded quickly, because R'nd wouldn't call him that, he knew that. Then there was sad amusement, as the anger was washed away and B'jin frowned slightly at R'nd with his head almost tilting, for surely the bluerider knew him better than that! Yes, surely he did! Then there was a flash of sudden understanding, as B'jin realised that perhaps R'nd was simply seeing what would have happened if the situation were reversed. B'jin's free arm rose to wrap around the back of R'nd's neck, and he shifted so he was kneeling, knees on either side of R'nd's thighs as he claimed the man's lap, eyes intense as they searched R'nd's. "You're not a bother," B'jin said gently, though his words were empathic. "And my fun is less without you."

Larrikith, for her part, wasn't paying much attention at all to their of their humans. She didn't want to interfere, and being particularly nosy, she found the best way to avoid that was to ignore them. She wasn't blocking, though, so she would be kept up to date on what was going on in the bedroom, but she was ignoring it with determination. They had to learn to fend for themselves, and if they wanted something, they had to stop dancing around it and make a grab! It really couldn't be that difficult! The forest! Larrikith replied instantly, but her eyes were thoughtful as she sized up Ayyonth. You may be too big, though. Her voice was amused and she flew lazily without any particular direction around the circling blue. And I would hate to get you caught between two trees. She was teasing him, eyes a rainbow of amusement as she swept under his stomach, brushing her wingtips against his soft underbelly.

It was almost fascinating how two men that loved to laugh and were pretty laidback could clam up so quickly and suddenly become awkward around each other when the right subject matter exploded around them. Unfortunately for R’nd, he was one of those two men and couldn’t find the humour in the situation right then. All he could do was steal small glances of B’jin, concern riding high that he had said too much and his friend was about to pull his stunt by running for the door without looking back. That thought wasn’t quite so amusing now that it was becoming a very real possibility. The man that played the field with a cool detachment but showed enough attention to make his partners feel like the centre of his world had finally said too much and frightened off someone he genuinely liked spending time with and looked forward to seeing again. He had stepped over a line, freaked B’jin out, and quite possibly even hurt the older rider by being insensitive in his babbling.

R’nd wasn’t sure which emotion he should reach for when B’jin’s explanation for the previous night finally worked its way through his hazy mind that was quickly sobering up with all of the serious talk. His concern had sent B’jin running in the opposite direction. Most people would have appreciated having someone coming to see if they were all right but B’jin definitely wasn’t like most people, a fact young Orwind had realized soon after meeting the greenrider. His eyes had held questions and some wanted answers R’nd didn’t think he was ready to hear or had earned the right to be told but they hadn’t been the prime focus. No, he had only wanted to know if B’jin was okay and if N’gelt had said or done anything. Nothing was said in explanation, however. His concern had been seen and it hadn’t been received positively. Now that was something else to think on. Why had B’jin been so quick to pretend he was fine and runaway from questions? Again, R’nd didn’t think he could ask since that in itself would be a question B’jin would avoid.

B’jin reaching for his hand after R’nd couldn’t find the confidence to attempt the same gesture earned startled grey eyes darting between eyes of brown and the fingers entwining with an ease of familiarity. Perhaps he hadn’t spoken too much after all. He had yet to master the art of discussing his feelings and R’nd found he had a habit of just rambling and ended up saying odd things that he hadn’t even known had been on his mind. So far, he didn’t think he had done that with the searchrider but given his current hungover state, it was hard to judge. Then again, the scandalised indignation that B’jin poured into his short, vowel-less name was an impressive display of how wrong he had just been. R’nd stared at B’jin in horror as the greenrider scooted back but their hands stayed locked together though he barely registered that promising fact as his mind was reeling over how he had insulted and offended his friend on such a horrible level. R’nd had no problems with people calling him easy, loose, or a slut since he did bed-hop and enjoyed it but calling someone else, especially a friend, such things near him didn’t sit well with the bluerider. Now he had gone and implied that B’jin, the man that had been single for turns and only slept with people during Larrikith’s flights, would find comfort in another person’s arms.

He needed to explain but what if talking only increased the hole he had started to dig with trying to share what was on his mind already? R’nd was sure the idea of B’jin leaving with another had crossed his mind briefly at the celebration but in that point in time, it was more about the greenrider preferring to dance with someone else instead of talking to him. It had been an oddly innocent thought for the flirtatious blonde but would he be believed now? It was unfair to think that B’jin wouldn’t believe him and even as he debated speaking, R’nd watched the array of emotions flitter over B’jin’s expressive features until a slightly more positive look was settled on. Still, R’nd held his breath with his gaze lowering again as he struggled to find the words to say to undo all of his stupidity. In a way, he missed having the dragons eavesdropping so they could help out with their interpretations but at the same time, R’nd was glad Ayyonth wasn’t nearby. The stupid dragon would have a field day at telling B’jin every thought that had been flittering around in his mind.

His silence was rewarded in the end when he suddenly had an arm around his neck and B’jin sat in his lap. This was leading into familiar territory that the bluerider knew how to navigate, or so he hoped. When B’jin found and held his gaze, R’nd didn’t dare look away and gave a small smile when B’jin spoke. Still unsure of where his words went, R’nd lifted their hands still twined together and placed a soft kiss to the back of B’jin’s hand in his own take on the greenrider’s move of kissing his palm. “You’ve introduced me to new ways of having fun and…” he hesitated, worried he’d say the wrong thing yet again but after quickly debating whether it would help or hinder his cause, R’nd threw caution to the wind, “I don’t want to stop discovering more with you.” Before he could say anything else that might later be used against him for an embarrassing moment, R’nd sealed his lips with B’jin’s.

Ayyonth gave a chirp of excitement, feeling R’nd’s emotions through their bond go from confused to horrified to relief. His human seemed to finally be finding his stride with B’jin and that was cause for celebration. I would hate to be caught between two trees but let’s go to your forest. He was in the mood to explore and have fun with the little green now that R’nd was relaxing once more. Relaxing seemed like a good idea for the clever dragons as well which gave Ayyonth an idea as he crooned at the light brushing Larrikith gave him before he dipped away from her in a playful game of chase, My favourite place is the lake which I think will serve perfectly for a nap together in the sun later on. What do you say, my fair lady?

It wasn't simply that B'jin didn't want to answer the questions he'd seen floating around in the grey eyes he was so fond of; mostly, it was that he didn't know how he would answer them. He didn't know how to phrase those words, or how he would repsond to the question, never mind what they would dredge up. He had some idea that such a conversation was in his future, somewhere, but B'jin was avoiding it with as much dedication as he posessed. He didn't want to know what that knowledge would do to his dragon - he had no doubt it would not be fun, and with his skills at blocking and lying to himself (perhaps the only situation in which he possessed any skill at lying) B'jin was pretty sure the little green didn't even recally clearly why she hated Nemall, except that she did.

The people who did know the inner workings of his relationship with his fellow Harper were few and far between. There were far more that had various ideas, and the amount of truth they contained again varied. He knew Par'a knew more than she let on, or had pieced more together than he would have liked. Several of his fellow greenriders were not far behind, though (and the man had no idea why) they seemed to respect his privacy for some odd reason and his ex-weyrmate wasn't spoken about at any great length - or, not when he was present at any rate. He had no idea what the blue- and brownriders had to say about him, mostly because he didn't care to know. B'jin wasn't overly fond of gossip or the things that it sung about one. So rarely was anything nice insinuated. Obviously it was much more fun to spread cutting things about others!

B'jin's thoughts focused, watching the flood of horrified expressions flashing over R'nd's face. Each expression, and what it was related to, had an interesting effect on B'jin, casuing the older rider to relax subtly. It wasn't because he enjoyed causing R'nd distress - a fact that was obvious in the sad expression in his eyes and the slight downturn of his lips - but because for each negative reaction R'nd gave to something B'jin said or did or even the bluerider's own reaction to something he himself had said or done, B'jin realised quite clearly that no offence had been meant by his friend's words or actions.

As his body relaxed subtly, he leaned gently into R'nd, a small smile changing the angle of his lips while brown eyes lit up as he watched the bluerider with a soft expression, waiting for a reaction that would signal the end of his freakout. For all that he was looking terrified, B'jin was relived beyond expression that he had yet to be tossed across the bed so his fellow rider could flee, though he was still waiting for it to happen. R'nd was well known for fleeing, and while B'jin hadn't personally had the displeasure of seeing the young man's retreating back, he figured this day would probably be the one-

The slightly anxious greenrider's expression brightened noticibly when R'nd returned his subtle smile. He could feel the muscles across R'nd's shoulder's tensing as the young man fought his way through whatever was going on in his mind, and B'jin resisted the urge to run his fingers across them in a play at massaging - he didn't really want to put R'nd back to sleep just yet! - Brown eyes lit up to sparkle with pleasure at the kiss his partner bestowed upon his hand, and his lips twitched, though whether to speak or not was lost as R'nd's voice claimed the air space and B'jin pursed his lips gently. He blinked, and a teasing smirk twisted his lips upwards while an eyebrow arched coyly. Then his breath froze in his chest as R'nd hesitated, and B'jin wondered if he were about to recieve his sweetly sung goodbyes.

Brown eyes flooded with fear, while his face attempted to remain neutral in expression. B'jin didn't know what he'd do if R'nd ordered him out. Obey, of course, but..! The greenrider's fingers twitched where they were interwoven with R'nd's own, his grip tightening as he fought off the horrible reality that he was about to be told to go away from someone he genuinely enjoyed being with for the first time since... Well... B'jin wasn't sure since when. His attempt to recall such a time was an effort entierly wasted as R'nd spoke once more and B'jin found himself staring stupidly at the bluerider, too startled to respond immediately to the kiss that was initiated as he tried to process what had been said. The bluerider wasn't tired of him, he hadn't said or done the wrong thing... He still wanted to spend time with him! B'jin's eyes widened for a moment in surprised delight, before his arm tightened around R'nd's neck and he responded enthusiastically to the kiss, eyes fluttering shut as he gave a hum of delighted pleasure.

At least no one would miss you, Larrikith teased, before she paused and the impression of a frown was given. Wait. That was badly phrased! There was laughter on her voice, and her swirling eyes sparkled with amusement as she was fed the emotions from her human without intention. They were pleasing, however, and she was glad B'jin felt so much joy. Deciding to keep the river flowing, Larrikith welcomed the emotions into herself, before filtering them back again in a circle of warmth and happiness. I meant you would be well spotted! There was definite laughter in her voice, and the bubbling warmth she was being fed by B'jin.

Larrikith, because of her own muted hide, tended to blend right in with the dappled greenery of her favourite areas of the forests. Perhaps that was why she liked them so much. The play of sunlight and shade was pleasing, and the fact that she was one of few who could fit, and fewer still who were interested in playing amongst the trunks only enticed her further. I think that sounds wonderful! Larrikith added happily, trilling as she dipped after Ayyonth's weaving form, extending one paw to bat playfully at his tail tip. A nice nap in the sunshine did sound wonderful. But first!  This way! She half demanded, half teased, her little body dipping ahead of Ayyonth with a trill.

Relief. He hadn’t said the wrong thing or kissed when he should have simply smiled and waited for a response from B’jin, getting a signal that he hadn’t overstepped a boundary that was there during serious talks. Considering B’jin had crawled into his lap first, R’nd didn’t think he would land in trouble for his gentle kiss to the hand or a kiss of sincerity. He was hungover, though, and it was hard to say if he was making the right choices. His ego reminded him that he had been doing an excellent job over the turns of reading people and now would be no different but R’nd couldn’t help but worry a little whenever it came to the greenrider he had harboured a crush on since meeting the man. That alone should have been warning signs to stay away from B’jin but R’nd had tasted the forbidden fruit and found he was currently addicted while left intrigued by the man and looking forward to what else lay in store when they crossed paths.

There was just one thing that was bothering the bluerider in that moment, not that it tainted the kiss that was doing a lot more than the klah had in waking him up. Would he be able to ask B’jin about it, though? That was the question and R’nd didn’t know if he could. What if that was what set the greenrider off and saw him bolting for the door? B’jin was a very private man and guarded his secrets and nearly everything about himself closely, which R’nd could respect. He did it to a degree himself and would steer conversations away from a topic he didn’t want to touch on unless he could tell it was something the questioning friend really needed, and deserved, to know. Maybe he could shelf that question with the others and focus on more enjoyable things; like teasing his far too sober and awake friend.

As with most kisses, R’nd pulled away almost reluctantly and admired the older man for a moment. “You know, if we bottled your energy, we’d be rolling in the marks, though I’ll keep the secret of your rejuvenating kisses to myself.” R’nd teased, smiling brightly for the first time since literally rolling out of bed. He still felt the torturous after effects of the alcohol consumption but it wasn’t bothering him nearly as much now that he was pleasantly distracted. Still, the question was on his mind and it was going to eat away at him no matter how hard he tried to ignore it. He could bat down all the others that sprang up while spending time with B’jin, for now anyway, but this one needed immediate attention, as risky as it was.

R’nd reached up slowly and gently cupped B’jin’s cheek, his thumb tracing along the upper curve once before resting. “But, please tell me… why do I sometimes see fear clouding your beautiful eyes? Do I do something that frightens you?” R’nd thought himself to be fairly harmless and certainly not intimidating, unless the person he was talking with was V’zire or someone equally as shy or reserved. He supposed he did come off strong to some people when he was flirting or even simply talking to someone if they knew of his reputation. The idea that B’jin could fear being shoved out of his life never occurred to R’nd.

Larrikith’s laughter was contagious, just as their riders’ good moods were and Ayyonth’s spirits soared high and his own amusement over the little green’s poor word choice was clear as he spoke, I hope I’ll be well spotted and missed by more than R’nd. I don’t think he’ll be up for a trek to the forest and I think he might be a bit busy today with more interesting things than seeing what we get up to.

Pleased with the progress the day had already seen, Ayyonth accepted Larrikith as the leader of their adventure and fell in behind her, leisurely following in the path she set. He imagined neither of them were in any hurry as they had the whole day to play and it was clear the humans wouldn’t need baby-sitters for the time being. It would be nice if that would be the case all of the time as he wanted to enjoy the company of the sassy little green without either of them worrying if their rider would freeze up, shut the other out, or flee over some silly idea they created.

B'jin, who had been momentarily worried R'nd would find fault with his delayed response, was pleased when that was not the case. There was too much serious happening, too much worry floating around them. It was nice to find an easy release in simple and most enjoyable parts of life. Like kissing one delightfully delicious bluerider! B'jin didn't know what he'd done to earn the good luck of R'nd's extended attentions, but he had no desire to argue about it. The younger man had an agreeable personality that B'jin found enjoyable to be in the presence of; he enjoyed their conversations (the ones that lead to a bedroom were awarded bonus points) and the gentle teasing they exchanged. And, while he couldn't help waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under his feet, B'jin found he thoroughly enjoyed the much more placid bedroom manner R'nd displayed, compared to what the greenrider had come to expect from his lovers.

A frown-y pout claimed B'jin's features when R'nd pulled away from him, and the greenrider sulked comically for effect before R'nd spoke. His response was a quirky smile and a soft chuckle, amused by the idea of bottling his emotions. R'nd was probably right though, B'jin decided, and he smiled playfully. "I appreciate that," B'jin returned cheerfully, not feeling he needed to explain his lack of wanting to run around kissing people awake. Instead, he leaned forward to kiss the bright smile that had lit up R'nd, eyes bright with amusement as he sat back a little in his lap thereafter, enjoying the easy companionship that was filling the air around them. He tilted his head slightly into R'nd's touch, curious by the change in expression on R'nd's face. The other man's words, forming quiet questions, caused the quiet companionship to explode around him.

The greenrider's immediate response to R'nd's gentle questions were, perhaps ironically, fear. His face blanched noticeably and brown eyes widened before he managed to reef them away from R'nd's anxious gaze, focusing without seeing on the younger man's chest. He made no motion to remove himself from where he sat, and he could feel R'nd's fingers on his cheek; anchoring him and quietly demanding an answer. B'jin had never been very good at avoiding a direct question, though he'd once been much more like Larrikith - tossing a teasing answer forward, blatantly lying, and dancing off before the other could fully appreciate the fact that he had done so shamelessly. His turns with Nemall had all but killed that response, and as he heard the other Harper's liquid voice whisper don't lie to me! in the back of his mind, B'jin flinched viciously away from R'nd's touch, eyes full of ghosts.

They didn't linger for long, and a moment later B'jin lifted his empty hand slowly, placing it over R'nd's as he returned his friend's warm fingers to his cheek, leaning into the touch with an apologetic expression, obviously worried. "No," B'jin whispered softly, his eyes flickering over R'nd's face before he met the grey eyed gaze of his friend. "You're very good to me," he murmured quietly, eyes widening emphatically for a moment before he ducked his head, tearing his gaze away from R'nd's and shifting uncomfortably in his friend's lap. He'd promised Larri he wouldn't talk about this! Well... He'd promised he wouldn't talk about it last night, but he was pretty sure her opinion had encompassed the morning, too, and he could still smell the alcohol on R'nd's breath; he expected he was no different. He was going to ruin everything because he couldn't keep his stupid emotions to himself and off his face! He'd made R'nd think he was afraid of him; it took barely a moment before B'jin realised with a sudden horror he wasn't sure that was entirely untrue. A shiver whispered down his spine, and B'jin reclaimed both his hands - so he could twist them unhappily in his lap - and he peered up at R'nd through his lashes and his slowly lengthening hair.

Brown eyes were wide, slightly wild and glittering behind a thin sheen of unshed tears. His face was still pale, the blood too busy pooling in his stomach and making him feel sick to return to colouring his features. His shoulders slumped suddenly, and B'jin allowed his weight to rock forward, burying his face in R'nd's right shoulder while his arms slipped easily around his friend's waist, clinging to him desperately. What had happened? Why were they talking about this? Weren't they, a moment ago, laughing about his boundless energy? Why didn't he laugh off R'nd's question, pretend like it was nothing and tease his friend for being concerned about him? He could have - should have - but... don't lie to me!. He shuddered, breath hitching as he fought off the voice of his ex-lover trying to once more claim space that wasn't his to have, he could feel the ghost of the physical emphasis that so often came with the statement..! Hush, love Larrikith said gently, brushing it away before withdrawing delicately. Refusing to get involved unless things escalated further, Larrikith said no more to B'jin, and steered clear of R'nd after she had sent him a gentle string of reassurance. They were big boys; they couldn't wear their training wheels forever.

B'jin relaxed slowly, Larrikith's momentary presence in his mind allowing him to clear and clean it. Now was when he was in trouble; two questions he should have brushed off with a teasing laugh had undoubtedly become more and B'jin had no idea how to answer the one's he'd been asked; surely there would shortly be a flood following, and they would be even more difficult, he was sure. Shifting his head slightly, B'jin adjusted his position so his voice would not be too muffled by R'nd's shoulder, but also so he wouldn't need to meet the other man's eye. He had no idea what would be happening in his lover's mind, and he was afraid to see what would be at home on his face. "You don't," B'jin murmured softly, barely above a whisper. Those two words, however, were not very reassuring as they started with clear insistence before he faltered as he realised he was lying. Hadn't he just avoided the bluerider's gaze out of fear? Wasn't he avoiding explanations out of fear? B'jin groaned unhappily.

A new track was needed, something to lead away - "IworryI'mgoingtospookyou," B'jin gushed suddenly, smashing his words together and shifting so he could peer up at R'nd timidly. Better, he decided, to risk sharing that piece of information, and whatever it's repercussions might be... than to risk Nemall finding out he'd tattled on him. He still had to work with the Harper on occasions, and he had no allusions as to how he would take B'jin's betrayal; but it was what he'd manage to do to R'nd that bothered the greenrider, especially if his blueriding partner decided to seek out the Harper. Considering his opinion on S'kef, B'jin didn't doubt he'd go after Nemall if he worked out some way to justify it, and he was pretty sure he'd manage that if he wanted to. B'jin's expression was distressed as he worried at his bottom lip with his teeth; his concern over how R'nd would take his admittance was over shadowed, however, by his fear that he hadn't been successful in changing the subject.

Larrikith's flight faltered slightly as she felt B'jin's emotions spike in all the wrong directions, and she stopped her forward motion in order to hover for a moment, eyes taking on hues of concern as she gently brushed into her bonded's mind, tutting to herself at what she found. She waited until it was obvious B'jin was failing before she stepped in and brushed away echoes of the past. For good measure, she sent R'nd a gentle touch of reassurance. That done, she gave Ayyonth a flat look and shook her head. Humans, was her only explanation.

I'm sure you would be! Larrikith said in amusement, mood brightening as she felt B'jin floudner around and try to fix up whatever mess he'd managed to make. Focusing on Ayyonth, she returned to gliding absently in the direction of the Forest. I'm sure I'd help you out, she added, tone mischevious, ... after a good laugh. Tossing the blue a teasing wink, she rolled through the air playfully, winking between to reappear above him, perhaps a little closer than would have ever been advised by a senior, and she brushed her wingtip against his.

Have you been on the forest floor before? She asked suddenly, twisting her wings and tail so she dropped down beside Ayyonth, a polite flying distance from him. I think I know somewhere you will like, she explained seriously, turning to look at him as they passed over the edge of the treeline. But the forest is very closed in, and I would not like to spook you, she was unaware of how her words echoed that of her bonded, but she was speaking seriously to the blue, and in no way attempting to insult him. She didn't want to risk Ayyonth going between from the ground and getting lost in the transition or hurting himself when he reappeared. Not having seen him ever copy her own trick, she didn't know his ability. He was far too much fun to risk losing, and she was echoing too much of B'jin's emotions, Larrikith decided, unwilling to even consider they might be her own.

He should have kept his mouth shut! Why did he have to ask questions that were better off filed away with all the others that sprang up the more he spent time alone with B’jin? Sure it was a little worrisome that the greenrider might be afraid of him and kept agreeing to see him because saying no wasn’t an option – though R’nd couldn’t quite believe that since Larrikith wouldn’t stand for that if nothing else. But there was still genuine joy in the smiles B’jin gave him and it took trust to curl up against someone while you slept. So why did he ask anything that wasn’t about if there was more klah or not and risk upsetting B’jin like he so clearly did? Seeing brown eyes look anywhere but at his face and having B’jin pull from his touch stole R’nd’s breath in his own moment of fear. He had hurt his friend and now B’jin was going to leave and that would be that.

Thankfully, as he started to lower his hand left hanging empty in the air and to piece together something to retract his questions, B’jin’s hand was on his initiating the touch once more. He also saved R’nd from speaking for a moment as an answer finally came. He listened, his gaze trying to stay on his antsy friend as best as it could until B’jin buried his face against his chest. Still, R’nd said nothing, waiting to see if there would be anything else to explain the fear that wasn’t caused by a bluerider but obviously something else. When Larrikith’s gentle wave of reassurance came, R’nd managed a small smile the little green nor her rider would see. It was needed as he was still upset at himself for upsetting B’jin to such a degree that he now had his friend clinging to him.

R’nd knew there was something more behind the statement that he was good to B’jin and he didn’t scare the man. In R’nd’s opinion that meant there were others that hadn’t been good to B’jin which left him afraid when with someone. From the little he had heard about Nemall and just the pleasure S’kef took in dishing out the lashings which then led his mind to thinking about flights, particularly with their violent prone browns, and how those went for the greenrider, he couldn’t help but believe that B’jin had never truly known a gentle touch. It was no wonder why he sometimes looked nervous or afraid when he said something. Of course he had no proof and R’nd didn’t want to push the topic since he had already clearly overstepped a line with B’jin. R’nd wanted to help friends whenever he could but right then, he wasn’t sure how to erase memories and chose to go with leaving the topic alone and waiting for the day his friend wanted to tell him more. Was that the right choice? R’nd wasn’t sure but it would be the quick fix to his stupid mistake and he hated knowing he caused friends any level of pain. He trusted B’jin and believed he was trusted in return – as, if nothing else, be allowed to help B’jin after the lashing clearly showed – so there would be a day somewhere down the line where they could freely discuss their pasts, insecurities, and answer questions that had been left unspoken.

Satisfied that being his normal charming self hadn’t been the problem and neither had his odd reaction at the celebrations the night before, R’nd relaxed somewhat and carefully set his hands low on B’jin’s waist to slowly circle them around the greenrider. It was probably a bit too late to practice caution with the man’s back after their passionate night together but R’nd didn’t want to take chances and further inflict pain on B’jin; he was clearly doing enough of that on a mental level.

“How would you spook me? Oh,” R’nd realized the very obvious fact behind that fear. His reputation, while extremely accurate and usually helpful, was going to now work against him when it came to B’jin. Flirtatious, friendly, fun, and great in bed but don’t get too attached or he’ll disappear faster than a dragon blinking between. He wasn’t good with commitments and when someone started to fall for him, R’nd would break their heart and call an end to their encounters. But B’jin was a friend and had quickly earned a spot amongst I’shan, Kerrin, and only a couple of others as close friends he would do anything for. Carefully, R’nd removed his hold he had only just initiated and went to brush back wisps of B’jin’s hair falling across his face before placing a gentle kiss on the now exposed forehead. A small, soft smile was given as hands moved back to the hold that he tightened as much as he dared for a proper embrace as R’nd finally found the words to playfully chastise his friend for thinking he could misstep and ruin everything they had. “Didn’t I just admit to having fun when I’m with you? I like being with you. Why would I end something so amazing?”

It wasn’t entirely needed since it didn’t change their positions all that much but R’nd ducked his head just the slightest bit as he tilted his head to regard his friend from the new angle. “Now, going back to those kisses we don’t want to share…” Again one of his hands shifted from waist to face and R’nd would have laughed at his hands being so antsy if he wasn’t solely focused on B’jin and tilting his head up so another tender kiss could be placed, this time on lips.

And mine is just as clueless as ever! Ayyonth’s laughter was clear on his voice as he replied to Larrikith’s simple remark to what their humans were getting up to. R’nd was being adorable with how he still hadn’t figured out that maybe B’jin was more than just one of the close friends he occasionally slept with. He’d figure it out eventually, with a helping blue or green paw naturally, and the journey to that moment might cause a lot of headaches but Ayyonth was content to leave him be for the time being since he was doing well enough on his own with making progress that morning. Perhaps R’nd should always be hungover for such important talks!

That thought only made the blue laugh more as he continued to glide along beside Larrikith, her teasing words only adding to his good mood. I’m sure I would expect nothing less from the devious minx I call friend. He fell silent when Larrikith vanished and rumbled his amusement at her appearing above him and brushing his wing with hers. She was a little daredevil and a tease, and while Ayyonth wouldn’t want any of the weyrlings to mimic those moves, he fully appreciated them and found they only added to the fun he had when with her. Now that she was in sight again, he continued his own teasing, though his brand was more in tune with R’nd’s flirting, Besides which, laughing before is better than during as then your concentration will be on freeing me and the rewards I may give my saviour.

Ayyonth thought about the question posed to him and since he couldn’t remember any trips to the forest in recent times, he peeked through R’nd’s memories, his rider uncaring about what he was up to since he was too caught up in B’jin and making everything right between them. Soon after hatching, R’nd and I took trips to the forest a lot. He likes going for walks amongst the trees. I haven’t been since reaching my full size since R’nd didn’t want to risk me getting stuck so I linger nearby or fly above the trees when he goes now. Still, that didn’t mean he would get caught anywhere and Larrikith seemed excited to show him a certain location. She also seemed to be genuinely worried about him getting stuck and causing him to panic.

Touched by her concern, Ayyonth angled in closer to brush his wingtip against Larrikith’s, using her playful moves as one of his own, There’s nothing for you to worry about, my lady. I would like very much to explore with you and see your favourite places. If I misstep along the way, it’ll be of my own doing. Still, he hoped he didn’t end up wedged between trees or caught up in a tight dead end. What a way to ruin a beautiful day!

B'jin's gaze flickered worriedly over R'nd's face when the younger man fell silent after asking what was obviously a rhetorical question and trying to figure out what reaction he was going to get vastly outweighed the greenrider's fleeting relief at managing to change the subject successfully. It didn't occur to the man that R'nd had just as strategically dropped it. B'jin froze when he felt R'nd's light touch lift from his waist, so preoccupied with the hand that was releasing him, he didn't notice the one that remained. His eyes narrowed slightly, the expression cautious as he waited to see how R'nd was going to react, unable to read the look in his eyes. When the hand came at his face, B'jin twitched slightly, but his faith was rewarded with a gentle touch and a soft kiss. Returning the bluerider's small smile with a tiny twist of his own lips, B'jin's fingers trailed across R'nd's waist before the greenrider's expression changed to one of startled surprise, eyes wide as he flushed mildly with both pleasure and embarrassment, ducking his head. He decided not to answer the question, figuring it to be, once more, a rhetorical thing as opposed to R'nd actually seeking a list of reasons why he would rather not hang around him. B'jin was pretty sure he could fill several books with reasons why R'nd would, should or could toss him aside. Not wanting to do that at all, B'jin remained quietly seated, fingers playing across the smooth curve of R'nd's side, unaware of his actions.

The sudden appearance of grey eyes peering up at him had B'jin responding in a breathy snort of amusement as he realised R'nd was twisting his position to meet his ducked gaze. He wasn't given the chance to lift his head of his own design, as the bluerider's fingers were gently encouraging the action; he didn't mind, and brown eyes were bright as they sought and met grey. B'jin smiled softly at his friend, the emotions fighting to win a place on his face so entangled that differentiating between them would have been impossible, even if B'jin had wanted to figure out what he was feeling as lips parted to speak. Whatever he may have been about to say, however, was washed away entirely at the gentleness of the kiss R'nd initiated. The greenrider was floored by the lightness of an action that was usually weighed downed with much heavier emotions, not the least of which was R'nd's unapologetic lust. B'jin had never minded, likely never would - he was comfortable with and enjoyed the fact that his friend wanted him -  but the tenderness was new, not just from R'nd, and B'jin's response as a result was almost timid.

Larrikith's amusement was high as she felt her bonded's emotions spike in all directions, and she withdrew gently, carefully blocking their connection to be a low trickle. She would be kept up to date without being constantly bombarded by his random nose dive off the emotional roller-coaster he was currently riding. The day R'nd didn't say or do something that caused B'jin's emotions to spike in all directions would be an interesting one, Larrikith decided, wondering as she did so if it would be a good day or a bad day. Well, it would be interesting. That was all she needed to know for the time being.

I should hope not, Larrikith teased good naturedly, taking the blue's words as a compliment. She didn't think Ayyonth would be the type to tip-toe about insulting her if that was what he wished to do, at any rate. She laughed brightly at his insinuation of rewards for his rescue and her eyes sparkled with amused fondness as she gave him a coy look. Rewards, you say? There was subtle echo of laughter in her words, teasing the blue but also genuinely curious as to what he considered a reward for rescuing his pretty hide from the trees.

The little dragon considered carefully the words Ayyonth spoke to her, weighing up the risk of taking him into the forest against not doing so. She did enjoy being amongst the trees, however, and some of the groves had large spaces between the huge trunks that seemed to go up forever when one stood under them. Swirling colours lighting up her eyes, Larrikith gave Ayyonth a last considering look before humming her agreement and she dipped under him, rolling so she could reach up with both her front paws and touch them briefly to Ayyonth's, chirping cheekily as she rolled away again.

Follow me, dear one, and we will see if we can find you some trees to get stuck between! Her clearly teasing tone indicated she had no desire to get him stuck between any such things, and she zipped along over the tree tops, looking back occasionally to make sure he was on her tail before she found one of the groves that would work. Hovering above it, Larrikith gave a warble of amusement, wings folding so she dropped down into the clearing to land delicately, though she was not quite silent. Ruffling her wings to her side and folding them neatly, Larrikith trotted to the edge of the small clearing to make room for Ayyonth. It was more than big enough for them both, and the trunks of the trees surrounding it stood at a healthy enough distance apart to allow the two dragons to walk side by side easily.

B’jin’s timid response to the gentle kiss that was meant to soothe and reassure didn’t go unnoticed by R’nd though he did mentally frown and wonder about it. It could almost be counted as evidence in favour of his theory that B’jin had hardly, if ever, known kindness from a lover before repeatedly tumbling into bed with an elusive bluerider but R’nd just didn’t want to head down that line of thinking and certainly wasn’t about to bring it up again for proper answers. Instead, he acted as if he didn’t catch the change and enjoyed the kiss that was given him just as he did every other one.

As the kiss ended, R’nd made no other move to put distance between him, continuing his light hold on the greenrider that confused as much as he enticed. There were still so many emotions swirling around inside him but R’nd decided enough had been touched upon that day and any others still remaining were probably better left shoved aside anyway. They had the important ones covered – they both desired each other physically, fun was had on multiple levels when together, and any fears between them had been silenced. What more was needed? Going by the dull throbbing in his head that increased in strength enough for R’nd to temporarily close his eyes, there seemed to be one more thing that was needed after all. “I might be in need of more klah or one of the helpful herbs the Healers have,” R’nd admitted quietly, eyes opening once more with his gaze soft though slightly pained from the headache, “but since both of those require far too much moving, I’m much more inclined to lie in bed a little longer. Will you join me?”

R’nd arrogantly assumed his friend would given the words of earlier stating there wasn’t a desire to go outside, though that did leave room for B’jin to say he didn’t want to stay in bed any longer but to roam around the hut. He’d be okay with that answer but R’nd much preferred his idea of staying wrapped up together for another nap, casual chatting, or casual playing that their current states could handle. B’jin’s delicate touch along his side moments before didn’t tickle or annoy him but it had reminded his body about how nice the greenrider’s touch was and how well it was at invoking positive reactions. It certainly didn’t hurt having B’jin in his lap either! But R’nd didn’t make any flirtatious advancements just yet, unsure of what his own limits were that morning. He did, however, wriggle a couple of inches down to showcase the intent of lying down but didn’t let go of B’jin, more than willing to figure out lying down while so nicely wrapped up and entangled with another man.

Ayyonth didn’t answer Larrikith’s inquiry right away, enjoying the idea of making her squirm while she wondered and had to deal with the silence. Finally, after deciding it had been long enough, he swung wide to take up large lazy circles around the green to give his answer, his tone playful, Keeping it a secret will act as further motivation. Be sure to play hero for me and you’ll find out and not be disappointed as it will be well worth it. After that, he circled back in to fly beside his companion and held his tongue, only giving a rumble of laughter to her teasing, until Larrikith had found a place that seemed worthy of suiting her needs.

He waited for her to land and move aside before following, wings delicately folding into his sides once he touched the ground and gave his wings a final stretch and shake after a good flight. Ayyonth could be very much like R’nd most of the time but there were days that morning flights were absolutely perfect and far more desirable than afternoon or evening ones. A moment was taken to look around and take in the beauty of the area before once more going to Larrikith’s side. A very beautiful location. Is this one of your favourite places or chosen more for my size?

---

A small and pretty bad tag. Sorry ;;

B'jin smiled gently, a soft chuckle whispering past his lips at R'nd's quiet announcement. He was pretty sure he could find the energy to refill their cups, and was even gathering it up slowly when the bluerider finished his line of thought, and B'jin blinked once, before a small, somewhat impish smile formed on his lips. It grew visibly when R'nd shuffled toward a less vertical position, and B'jin altered his own weight, balancing himself on his knees and shuffling back himself without breaking the blurider's lightly encircled grip around his waist.

B'jin continued his careful shuffling without comment until R'nd was lying down, looking mostly comfortable. The greenrider's small smile was still in place, obviously amused by their silent antics, though he didn't make any move to break the quiet that surrounded them. When he was sure R'nd was content where he was lying, B'jin altered his own position, flopping down delicately so he was half sprawled beside, and half atop, the taller rider. Folding his arms placidly across R'nd's chest and resting his chin on top of his wrists, B'jin peered up at his friend from under his lashes, purring a soft, "Always," with the same quirky little smile.

B'jin eyed R'nd casually for a moment, eyes taking on a hazy thoughtful look. He could still see the questions burning on the edge of the man's grey eyes, just as he could see the desire to hold them at bay. B'jin's face brightened for a moment with warm gratitude, the greenrider leaning forward to give his friend a soft, fleeting kiss before leaning back, and his smile widened. Too much serious needed to be blown away with some silly, and since both their heads were pounding, it needed to be the quiet, playful kind of silly that didn't require thinking. That was something B'jin specialised in, and resulted in some of his favourite games with the classes of children he was told to educate. They had also been some of his favourite classes when he was a child. Harper craft wasn't just about songs and memorising boring crap and stupid lyrics.

It was about expanding the imagination and increasing the ability to think fast. "Red, yellow or orange?" he asked lightly, brown eyes sparkling and voice barely above a murmured whisper. The colours were chosen at random, and without link to the hide of either of their dragons. It was usually a pretty solid bet the first colour to come to mind would be that of the beast one rode. He curled closer to R'nd, pillowing his head on the blurider's chest and staring blankly at the wall across the room. The question was just a filler of space, and he didn't mind what direction R'nd took it in - answering, asking, ignoring.

A bit of both, the little green rplied, touching her nose lightly to Ayyonth's shoulder as he joined her, before indicating the direction in which she intended to lead him. Mostly the latter. I do not wish to tarnish a happy place with you spazzing out. Not that she'd remember after a week, at any rate, but that was irrelevant, as far as the little dragon was concerned. She didn't want to risk Ayyonth being uncomfortable in one of her more favoured places, any more than she wished to be reminded of it should she return there. Or for him to fear the trees she so loved, or fear her because she'd caused some situation in which he became frightened.

It is very pretty, though. Larrikith agreed, belatedly, as she lead the way down a path between the trees. Not that far out from the Weyr, it was travelled well enough by the humans to keep a path defined, though there was little in the way of undergrowth between the huge trunks of the trees.

R’nd shifted into a comfortable position and adjusted once more when B’jin joined him, one hand finally coming to rest lightly on the waist once more while the other teased fingers gently through B’jin’s bed-head of hair. It was always a little odd to curl up like this with someone as it was a rather intimate and trusting gesture but over the turns R’nd had slowly started to get used to the idea. He could even say he enjoyed the snuggling some people managed to get out of him and right then with B’jin half draped on him counted as one of those times. There was a chance that it was due to being tired with a hangover that made him so compliant and perhaps even craving the way they were lying together, but after the conversation they had, R’nd was far more inclined they were both in need of the tender and quiet moment and there wasn’t anything wrong with giving in to such desires. He was pretty sure someone somewhere would say it was normal to cuddle with the man in your bed and, again, right then, R’nd agreed.

He let his eyes flutter shut when the silence fell over them, a soothing silence and not one that demanded talking to remove the awkwardness, and enjoyed the smaller things he never fully appreciated, or likely never really noticed. Until his friend spoke, earning a puzzled gaze falling on him. Why was B’jin listing off colours? It confused R’nd and left him wondering if he missed something being said that would indicate they were discussing shirts or a new painting the greenrider wanted to do. He didn’t think he had passed out for any length of time and concluded the question was just B’jin being his usual quirky self which left R’nd smiling. He had always liked his friend’s whimsies and lately had started to really enjoy getting caught up in them.

“Orange,” R’nd answered softly after a moment of recalling the colours listed, “it’s the most prominent colour in a sunset.” He was simply giving an honest answer with no ulterior motives but even as he gave his reasoning, he could catch how someone could see it as romantic and an attempt to seduce someone. He didn’t always catch when he sounded like he was flirting when he really wasn’t, but it was nice to see he was starting to pick it up more regularly. That didn’t mean he was going to change how he spoke, though. It was simply who he was and he’d just live with the curse of being gorgeous with a silver tongue.

I wouldn’t spaz, Ayyonth replied, feigning indignation but the blue whirl of his eyes and the light laugh as he continued, gave everything away, In truth, I imagine I’d find it all hilarious given how much we’ve discussed avoiding it or doling out rewards for my rescue. Still, he didn’t want it to happen! R’nd could be vindictive when he wanted to be and given all the times the dragon had harassed the rider by digging up memories better left forgotten, payback would come in the form of making sure Ayyonth never forgot the day he was stuck between trees.

So he stepped with careful confidence, enjoying the walk already but his gaze continued to sweep over the ground and from one side to the other. It was done in part to look for obstacles but Ayyonth was also taking in the sights so he could share the location with R’nd later. He knew his bonded wouldn’t use it for his own nefarious purposes so there was no harm in showing off what he got up to that day when R’nd could barely make it out of bed – something the bluerider normally wouldn’t consider a problem but he normally wasn’t suffering from a horrible headache either.

B'jin was well aware of R'nd's general aversion to the snuggly nature of some of their fellow riders. After the bluerider had caught them, B'jin had been hounded by the usual gang of green riders to find out details (some of them more nosy than others) and through it confirmed that the bluerider rarely asked someone to stay. B'jin hadn't made anything of it, for he knew he rarely stayed, but rules were made to be broken, comfort zones put in place to step outside of, and it was rarely fun when one became too predictable. Any further comments by his fellows had been ignored or answered in his usual quirky style, until they had gotten bored and moved on to the next piece of juicy news. After all, green flights happened every day.

He didn't know what it was about R'nd that enticed him, and had no idea what he'd been thinking that day in the Gather Square, though he had no intention of ever letting R'nd know that. Everything that had happened, had happened, and while B'jin could have done without the lashing that was still causing him some discomfort when he let it, the greenrider was not completely unhappy with the turn of events. It could have been better - but it could have ended up a lot worse, too! Humming a contented half-sigh, B'jin's fingers trailed delicately across R'nd's stomach, his touch feather light. He enjoyed these moments, where R'nd was content to lay with him, to hold or be held, to enjoy a simple companionship that the greenrider hadn't realised he'd craved until it had been offered. Now he couldn't get enough, and while he knew that was something else he wouldn't let R'nd know from his own lips, B'jin made the most of every time they occured. It made him feel special, wanted, treasured. Wasn't that what R'nd had called him before? A treasure?

A delicate shiver whispered down B'jin's spine and he pressed closer to the bluerider, even as the other man spoke the one word answer to a question B'jin had forgotten he'd even asked. Blinking slightly, he was still trying to remember what he had asked when his friend expanded upon his answer, and B'jin laughed softly, the sound escaping him with a surprised and breathy exhale. "Well, you wouldn't know what a sunrise looks like!" B'jin teased, tilting his head so he could look up at R'nd, a coy smirk on his lips and brown eyes bright with amusement. Any romanticism was lost on the greenrider, who had been so long without such gestures, he would have stared at a rose in utter confusion, wondering what the other wanted him to do with it.

Are you sure? Larrikith asked sweetly, imitating B'jin's air of innocence with an obvious flair of turns of practice. Like her rider, the little green dragon was anything but innocent. However, where her rider was naive and oblivious, Larrikith tended to simply be obnoxious and opinionated. It probably would be cause for amusement, she agreed lightly, eyes swirling with cheerful shades as she bounced along lightly beside the larger dragon, her wings unfurled just enough to help her keep her balance with practiced ease. Walking wasn't a dragon's best mode of travel, but Larrikith had a turn or two of practice up her sleeve.

It won't gobble you up, Larrikith giggled, watching as Ayyonth's head swayed back and forth as he took in the surroundings with such a thoughtful expression. Bubbling with amusement and giddy with a sudden surge of emotions that didn't seem to be coming off B'jin, Larrikith head butted Ayyonth's shoulder, and then bound off into the trees, practically bouncing as she slipped off the path and between some of the trunks in a land-based game of tag, chirping her teasing challenge to the blue as she went. Surely the pretty blue wasn't only capable of catching her in the skies!

Despite how terrible he felt, R’nd was still in relative good spirits, no doubt thanks in part to their discussion, and softly chuckled at the teasing that for the most part was a statement of truth. “I think I’ve seen one or two thanks to you keeping me up all night,” he continued down the path B’jin had set them on with having light-hearted fun, though while B’jin was innocent, R’nd, of course, was anything but. He didn’t think the greenrider would mind given how enthusiastic he always was when they were left alone long enough for anything far more intimate to happen. Besides, it was just who he was and it clearly didn’t bother B’jin and R’nd found himself far more relieved than he normally would have been at discovering someone liked his personality and behaviour.

Since he had answered one of B’jin’s quirky questions, R’nd felt it fair to ask one of the greenrider, though his wasn’t nearly as random, “what’s a fun fact about yourself that not many know?” He slid his hand from B’jin’s waist to his own chest where fingers twined with fingers once more. R’nd had never found it necessary before to hold hands but there was something sweet and innocent in the gesture which seemed to draw him in more. It was almost comforting, even calming, just having that slight connection and R’nd found his eyelids growing heavy once more as he relaxed further under B’jin’s touch. Was it okay to sleep again? He had just asked a question, hadn’t he? Now that they weren’t having a serious conversation, the grogginess was returning and R’nd wanted nothing more than to grab another nap then and there. He didn’t see the harm in it and knew B’jin would wake him again when nap time was over. Relaxed and content, R’nd gave in and let his eyes shut to give in to the desire to sleep.

Ayyonth rumbled with his amusement, not at all concerned at feeling his human pass out again. R’nd deserved the punishment his antics of late brought him but he was also in capable hands with B’jin still curled up beside him. That left Ayyonth to focus on his own fun which was currently in the form of a petite, rounded, green dragon bouncing away from him. The challenge was issued and received! He took several steps after her before stopping just long enough to consider the merits of this chase. If he won, there would be some hefty bragging rights to hold over Larrikith for the day but if he lost, it would likely come in the shape of getting stuck or lost; both options he was trying to avoid. Either way, he wouldn’t find out the outcome until he got there and that wouldn’t happen if he simply stood in one place all day!

With a bugle signalling he was accepting her playful challenge, Ayyonth took off in the direction Larrikith had jetted off in, hoping his smaller size – in comparison to his blue brothers – would help him navigate amongst the trees as well as it did in the open sky while chasing one of the pretty greens the weyr boasted. Just as Larrikith had wondered about his skills, Ayyonth wanted to prove his worth to the sassy green and show he was the best blue around and unafraid to try anything.

B'jin smirked, a tiny little twist of his lips with eyes brightly lit with amusement as he raised an eyebrow at R'nd. "I recall no complaints," he teased, eyes widening innocently as his smirk smoothed out into a genuine smile that held the barest hint of coy. Rising up slightly, B'jin peered down at R'nd in amusement, before leaning in to give him a lingering kiss. The question that filled the air as the greenrider settled back down caused B'jin to hum softly under his breath, considering. He knew there were plenty of fun facts about him that pretty much everyone was aware of, it was the unfun ones that B'jin kept to himself, and between R'nd's lightly phrased question and the way their conversation had blown up not all that long ago, B'jin was pretty sure it wasn't a carefully phrased question for something less positive.

Peeking up at R'nd as he considered thoughtfully, B'jin's assumption that it was simple curiosity was confirmed as he took in the way the bluerider's features were relaxing, his eyes fighting to close, and he could feel the way R'nd's body relaxed against his own. Smiling gently, B'jin decided he'd think of something worth sharing, for when R'nd awoke. There was no point waking him back up  when he was so obviously tired, and besides, B'jin couldn't think of something fun that wasn't common knowledge right then. A convenient time for R'nd to take a nap! Smiling happily, highly amused, B'jin placed a gentle kiss on R'nd's jaw line and shifted their hands slightly, making himself more comfortable as he snuggled against R'nd.

Unfortunately, B'jin was not the slightest bit sleepy, and his hangover not nearly as bad as his lover's by all appearances, and so while he was content to remain curled up with the bluerider, B'jin was not content to be bored shitless until he awoke... And R'nd had a really boring bedroom. Not one piece of art! Frowning thoughtfully, B'jin peered around the room absently, drumming his fingers softly against the back of R'nd's hand without thought before he realised he was fidgeting and that was liable to wake the other man up. Bored and wide awake as he was, B'jin didn't want to do that, since he was more than sure R'nd needed all the time in Dream Land he could get. Stilling his fingers, B'jin considered quietly for a moment, before gently untangling himself from his sleeping friend, and slipping out of the bed. Padding on silent feet across the room, B'jin tripped on a shirt as he slipped out into the main living area, catching himself on the doorway and combing a hand through his hair as he glanced quickly back at R'nd to make sure he hadn't woken him. Seeing him still asleep, B'jin brushed his hands over his pants smugly and slipped out of the room.

Reaching out gently for his dragon, B'jin tilted his head slightly at her exuberant emotions, smiling slightly. Hey, where are you? Playing in the forest. Why? Do you need me? Her voice was a combination of surprised, confused and irritated. B'jin snorted in amusement as he reassured the beast he didn't require her nearly urgently enough to interrupt her game... or whatever it was she was doing. Larrikith's idea of 'playing' being somewhat warped. Leaving the dragon to her entertainment, B'jin stood in the centre of R'nd's hut and looked around curiously. Well, there had to be something he could do while he waited for the other to wake up. B'jin wasn't really much of a sticky beak, and while he was perfectly happy to make himself at home in someone else's hut, he wasn't one for actually poking around. B'jin appreciated his privacy, and in return, he could respect that of others.

But desperate times called for desperate measures, and B'jin was pretty sure R'nd's body had plans to keep the man sleeping for at least the whole day. Maybe the next six. Snorting in amusement again, B'jin padded over to a desk, and eyed it for a moment, before opening a draw quietly, resisting the urge to glance back at the bedroom as he did so. He wasn't snooping! He was just looking for - oooh! Jackpot! Tugging out several sheets of parchment, B'jin forgot his timidity as he poked around for something to draw with, and came up with several charcoal sticks. Practically purring with delight, he dumped his haul on the table carefully and quietly, and bounced into the kitchen on silent feet. Poking around again, B'jin dug up some nibbles and skittered back to the table, making himself at home on one of the chairs, he folded one leg under himself, while the heel of the other rested on the corner and B'jin set one piece of parchment before him, and began attacking it with the charcoal stick.

If he was going to end up in R'nd's room without entertainment, he would make sure that next time, at least he'd have something good on the walls to look at! Of course, said work needed to be carefully created, so R'nd would actually put it up in the room. The first was a shades-of-grey sunset, but the severe lack of colour annoyed the greenrider, and he tossed it aside half done, his intent to add the colours later though it would probably not happen.  Pulling forward another sheet, he tapped his nose twice with the charcoal stick (leaving dusty marks) before starting carefully, the thoughtful lines swiftly turning into the form of Ayyonth, the small blue sitting regally and peering down his nose in amusement at something not shown in the image.

Larrikith vanished swiftly into the trees, not pausing when Ayyonth stopped, and not quitting when he seemed to be considering something. Instead, she took advantage of his lack of action, slipping between trunks and whispering through the shrubs. The little green tripped, staggaring, when Ayyonth's acceptance of her challenge sounded, and she snorted at herself before continuing on, her steps swift and light as she cut around to comeback up from behind Ayyonth, her eyes bright with playful amusement as she saw him bounding along the same path she had taken not so long ago. Filled with mirth, Larrikith leapt out, batting one paw at his tail with a high pitched chirp before she turned tail and pelted in the other direction, her gait awkward but swift and she trilled happily, flicking a glance over her shoulder to see if Ayyonth was following her.

R’nd stirred back into consciousness yet again, slowly and with a moan of protest. He shifted slightly, remembering B’jin was curled up with him and pondered going back to sleep though he was feeling considerably better compared to the last time he was awake. It was only when the drowsy bluerider realized his hand wasn’t holding another and grey eyes cautiously opened that R’nd gave up on the idea and sat up. He was lacking in a greenrider beside him and given the change in the light coming through his window, R’nd concluded he had been asleep for a few hours. No wonder B’jin was long gone! The man seemed to be in perfect health earlier and wouldn’t need to spend the day sleeping so it made sense for B’jin to have packed up and headed home. Yet, when his mind reached out for Ayyonth, he found his blue was still in the company of Larrikith without a rider in sight.

Confused, R’nd made his way out of bed, much more gracefully than he had that morning, and padded barefoot across his room, stumbling unknowingly on the same shirt that tripped up B’jin earlier. He caught himself on the doorframe and quickly righted himself as he glared at the culprit. Was that B’jin’s? As he wondered if his friend had stolen a shirt to walk home in or if it meant B’jin was still around, R’nd found his answer curled up on a chair at a table in his living room. A smile appeared but before he could call out a greeting, grey eyes took in the parchment strewn about the floor and the table with B’jin hunched over another, the soft sounds of charcoal moving with precision strokes softly filling the air. Two things came to his mind right then with the first being excitement that B’jin truly had meant he had no desire to go outside that day and would stay inside with him. The other, though, was the more pressing issue; he had parchment? He didn’t use it that much but R’nd was glad he had some in stock.

He made no attempt to move silently, figuring it was probably best not to scare an artist lost in his work, and that was how R’nd was currently viewing B’jin. The man hadn’t flinched or greeted him yet so it was likely his stumbling about hadn’t been heard. Perhaps all those turns of sneaking out on lovers that were getting too clingy had made him a bit too stealthy! As he neared his target, R’nd announced his presence with some random babble, hoping to catch B’jin’s attention and make him smile over his own bout of quirkiness. “And so the handsome lord woke once more, feeling infinitely better but also rather curious about what his friend is up to.”

Coming up to stand beside B’jin, R’nd took in the drawings at the parchment scattered around, still amazed at the man’s talent and wondering if they were rejected pieces or that was how a genius stored his work. Either way, R’nd was careful about where he stepped and moved to slip behind B’jin and hands went to the man’s bare shoulders to knead in a light massage. “I’m sorry for falling asleep again but I’m happy to see you weren’t bored into leaving.”

Ayyonth squawked, startled, every time Larrikith managed to sneak up on him and catch him instead of the other way around. She had the obvious advantage with her smaller size but her pretty mossy hide blended in nicely with their surroundings while his own cerulean hide stood out quite awkwardly. The sunlight that filtered through the canopy of leaves was warm and beckoned to Ayyonth to go sunning but it, too, was a hindrance to their game as he felt like he was a glowing beacon amongst the dull bark and ground. Still, he made the best of it, too focused on the challenge and attempting to track Larrikith’s moves to be to put out by the obstacles.

Unless the obstacles were the trees themselves that suddenly appeared in front of him. Several times Ayyonth had to skid to a stop to avoid getting caught up in low branches or tight spaces that the little green slipped through easily. He was learning her tricky ways though, and started to stand still to listen in silence for her movements instead of simply following her path like so often worked in the sky. When he heard her off to his left, Ayyonth turned and headed in the same direction, hoping to cut her off before she skittered on by him again.

Pleased that it was his friend and not a feline he had come up on, Ayyonth leapt out and batted at her tail, trilling his delight as he did so and bugling in triumph upon making the connection. He saw no need to pin her as if they were in an actual flight, content enough to simply show he could keep up with her; or at least find his own clever way of catching her.

Despite his friends stumbling around, B'jin was completely oblivious to the real world, as he focused almost entirely upon his current drawing. He was so out of reality, that he was completely unaware of the amount of mess he had made, the smudges of dusty coal on his face and hands, and the fact that he had powered through the small supply of parchment he had managed to dig up from R'nd's desk. He'd been surprised the bluerider had any parchment, especially what appeared to be nicely sized sheets of unused stuff - not that he'd actively checked every sheet. The first charcoal stick had been used up to a small stub, and flicked across the table with a great lack of care for where it went or whether or not R'nd might be some kind of bizarre horder who liked stubs of charcoal.

The bluerider's mild words fell on deaf ears, the greenrider not consciously hearing a thing until he felt R'nd's light touch on his shoulders, and a particularly emasculate squeak left B'jin's lips as his head jerked around to stare up at the other man, eyes wide and breath coming in a quick, harsh intake. "Faranth!" He gushed, flopping in the seat so his legs kicked out and he slumped back against the chair, tipping his head back against R'nd's stomach to peer up at him. "You frightened me!" He stated, amused, as if it hadn't been obvious, before blinking slowly. "It's okay." B'jin sighed lightly, rolling his shoulders lightly under R'nd's touch. He had definitely been scrunched up for too long. Stealing one of the bluerider's hands from his shoulder, he kissed the palm lightly before replacing it.

"Oh. I was bored." Ever blunt and oh so eloquent, B'jin leaned his head back against R'nd again to peer up at him with raised eyebrows. "It's why I'm here, and not there." He jerked a thumb in the direction of R'nd's bedroom, and presumably, the bed he was obviously no longer occupying. "And Larrikith was playing and I didn't want to disturb her so I couldn't go home to get some parchment so I kind of dug some up. I'll replace it." He indicated the draw he had plucked from on the desk. "And some charcoal," He held up a stick, "I'll replace that too." He dropped his gaze to frown around at the very large mess of parchments that he had moved to indicate, posture taking on a timid air, worrying as he realised how terribly messy the area must look. "... I'm sorry."

Slipping fluidly out from under R'nd's hands and onto the floor, B'jin scuttled around swiftly, plucking up the sheets of parchment, turning them all image-side up and staking them neatly. He was completely unaware of his reaction to R'nd's appearance, of his explaining his actions as if he were an errant child expecting a scolding. Or someone far too used to being backhanded for some reason he would realise he should have known, even if it were ridiculous to have known any such thing. Grabbing the last one with a quick flick from under the table, B'jin's gaze flashed over R'nd and the chair, and a mental battle was won when he slipped back onto the seat, though his spine was stiff. Sitting on the edge of the chair, the greenrider began sorting the images into three piles. With two piles of what appeared to be half done images, and the third fully created. When the images had been sorted, B'jin brushed charcoal coated fingers across his thighs (glad he was wearing his pants, and not R'nd's. He really didn't want to ruin any more of the man's clothes) and then tilted his head to meet R'nd's eyes. Whatever ghosts had been haunting him vanished, and he relaxed visibly, a small smile flickering into life on his lips.

"These are for you." He tapped the table before one pile, the one with finished work on it. While not the biggest pile (that was the one on the opposite side) it was made up of a handful of sheets. "You can keep them, or give them away. Or sell them. They should be worth something," Dropping his gaze from R'nd and leaning forward, he picked up the top one. B'jin frowned at it critically, holding it up and leaning back against R'nd once more, chewing on his bottom lip thoughtfully for a moment. "Well, a little bit maybe. I smudged it. Katila is full of people with about as much artistic flare as a wet twig, though. I mean, you wouldn't get anything for it up North, unless you knew who to sell it to. But you could probably get a couple marks or a decent exchange for it from someone with really boring walls." He suddenly smirked, gaze bright as he eyed R'nd deviously. "I should do some portraits of you. Hawk them to some of your fawning lovers. I'll be rich!" B'jin's thought process had never been particularly linear.

As if he could ever finish one he's happy with, Larrikith inserted wickedly, before making a squeaking trill as Ayyonth batted at her tail and she spun on him, unaware of the fact that B'jin had gone scarlet and was frozen in shock; even if she had been, she wouldn't have understand his worry. B'jin drew everyone he cared for, and R'nd was his friend. Of course he'd draw him. She didn't consider the fact that R'nd might take it the wrong way, or make more of it than it was. Or make more of her rider's reaction. All her attention was on the happily triumphant blue as she spun around to charge with rough playfulness into his shoulder, warbling her mock indignation at being caught though her eyes were bright with content amusement.

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[sup]Since they're for him, you can decide what B'jin drew for him xD Probably mostly Ayyonth and anything he felt would spark R'nd's interest. But whatever you want haha[/sup]

Even with his efforts to make his presence known, he had still startled B’jin. R’nd smiled at the reaction which showed just how absorbed in his art the greenrider could become which, to him anyway, showed how much B’jin cared for and enjoyed what he did. If there wasn’t such passion for what he did and loving dedication in each stroke of the charcoal, R’nd suspected B’jin would be far easier to steal the attention of with simply walking into the room. Instead his touch had won brown eyes falling on him when even his voice failed. “I don’t mind. It’s a little weird to have someone that’s not Kerrin or Shel go through my things with a comfort and familiarity but I’m glad you felt comfortable enough to look around for something to occupy your time while I was a terrible host and neglected you.”As R’nd dismissed the notion that he’d be bothered by parchment he forgot he even had being used, he made a mental note – which he hoped he’d remember the following day when feeling better and not intent on staying in his hut forever – to ask for more sheets of parchment to have on hand in case his friend ever felt struck with inspiration again while visiting him.

The smile that had appeared as he spoke his reassurances and thought about the implications of B’jin drawing and being so relaxed in his hut, quickly vanished as soon as the man slipped out from under massaging fingers to drop to the floor and clean. R’nd was baffled and started to bend down to help in the task but stopped himself when the determination and worry were spotted. What sort of demons were hiding in B’jin’s past to make him so quick to clean up and even apologise for his fun? It was something R’nd couldn’t quite comprehend since drawing brought no harm to anyone or anything and while he had been raised to know when the time was to play and to work, R’nd still couldn’t fault someone for having a little fun during work. So why was B’jin so quick to clean and promise he’d replace everything that had been used? There was a chance he was over-thinking everything and B’jin simply didn’t want to be seen as a rude guest that used everything without permission and left a huge mess for others to clean. R’nd could appreciate that but he couldn’t fully commit to that scenario either, deeming it highly unlikely, especially given their odd and relaxed friendship.

When B’jin slipped back into the chair and set to work sorting the papers and looking every bit the stuck up Harper that was setting an example with good posture to the brats he had to teach, R’nd continued to stand there like the idiot he was, not saying anything nor did he return to the massage. The small pile of art that was pointed out to him was received with a small smile though it didn’t fully reach grey eyes as they were still clouded with confusion. He so desperately wanted to ask questions but again, R’nd felt that would only scare B’jin off, leaving him shutting down and avoiding answering, even if he had to run away to do so. That was something R’nd really didn’t want to happen. So he quietly reached around B’jin as the greenrider examined the top piece, taking the remainder of the pile and looked over each drawing, eyes taking in every spec of detail and boggling over how a man could create such pieces of work with one stick of charcoal. There were several pieces of Ayyonth, done so well that R’nd would have believed his blue had posed for each drawing had he received them at a later date and not known Ayyonth was off elsewhere. His dragon would even admire and appreciate the likeness. R’nd was flattered on Ayyonth’s behalf and wondered how good a memory B’jin possessed or how often he took in the dragon’s detailing to get such a drawing to come to life.

There was also a drawing of the lake and one of a river cutting through a forest. They were all well-done and R’nd saw the beauty in them all but the one with the forest intrigued R’nd the most. He was a water baby, always had been and always would be but R’nd also found walking through a forest to be tranquil and still enjoyed that habit while living in Katila. He wasn’t sure how many people knew he went for those walks or why he did them but R’nd would have put marks down on B’jin not knowing he did so. Maybe it was nothing more than coincidence that B’jin drew such a thing for him, or maybe Ayyonth had simply been extra chatty at some point. It really wasn’t a secret so anyone could have mentioned it in passing. Whatever the reason, R’nd liked them all and smiled before leaning back in to set the parchment back on the table and then lightly wrap his arms around B’jin. “I would never sell these or give them away as I’m greedy and inclined to keep them all, thank you very much.” R’nd was shocked that B’jin could even suggest such ideas. They were gifts and done especially for him, so why would he do anything other than show his appreciation?

“And I haven’t been North since we left it so I wouldn’t know a thing about selling a drawing or anything for that matter,” like most Katilans, he had left people behind during the migration South but it didn’t bother R’nd too much anymore. He had been curious to know about his family and the friends left behind but he had made the choice to go with a dragonrider. There had never been a risk for him since he hadn’t Impressed before the plague and could have easily gone back to their minor hold and taken up fishing in his father’s footsteps. But he had tasted weyr life and would never have been satisfied to go back to the mundane life of a hold. Still, he was curious about the world left behind and one day wanted to be a searchrider, but Ayyonth was still young and R’nd knew the waiting was a necessary, and smart, caution and that he wasn’t being punished nor was he not trusted with the freedom of roaming around the North. That, however, was a conversation that would probably bore B’jin and R’nd quickly skipped over it.

“Anyway," R'nd slipped around the chair to kneel at the side and rest his hand on one of B'jin's thighs, "thank you, B’jin. I think I’ll put some in my bedroom and the rest out here,” he had no idea where anything would go just yet though he did have a lot of empty space to work with. His walls were rather empty as R’nd often focused more on his wardrobe than decorating his hut since his hut was rather new still and while he spent a lot of time in it, it was often used for sleeping or sex. There simply hadn’t been a need to decorate. Now, however, that would change and R’nd was more than okay with that. Just like he was okay with his image making them rich. R’nd laughed at the idea, seeing nothing wrong with it or catching on to how having someone draw him could be seen as intimate or romantic. “And I’d like a cut of the profits if you do selling drawings of me.” He really wouldn’t be surprised if there was a good market for such an item and in fact believed there would be few who would turn down such a chance to have a keepsake of him. His ego was rather mighty.

"By the way, the smudged charcoal look isn't normally my thing but you pull it off rather well. You're quite adorable like that," R'nd chuckled softly as he reached up to brush a finger over B'jin's nose. The gesture did nothing to clean the mark away but it made R'nd's smile grow as he recalled doing a similar move in the Square not too long ago with green paint.

Ayyonth rumbled with laughter at Larrikith’s reaction to being caught and let her retaliate with the bump to his shoulder. She was so adorable when she lost! Though it was hard to call it a victory with how long it took and the amount of times Larrikith had swiped at him. Still, Ayyonth took it as a win, especially since he hadn’t ended up stuck anywhere. He waited until the little green had finished her playful revenge before unfurling his wings as best as he could with the space provided to stretch out. I might be in need of a nap soon. You’ve always been good at wearing out even the best of blues. Would you like to nap in the sun at the lake now or try to get me stuck in a tree some more first?

The greenrider was very careful to feign ignorance to the questions lurking behind R'nd's eyes, and in the air around him. He wasn't entirely sure why he was being so careful to keep himself hidden away from the blurider. He was quickly coming to learn that the younger man had no intention to hurt him, and B'jin had yet to see any indication of R'nd losing his temper, so it couldn't be that. Settling back against the chair as the rider in question leaned around him to pick up the art work B'jin had created for him, B'jin pondered. It was, he decided as he peered up at R'nd's face with a small smile at the reaction he'd created, probably the other man's protective streak. He was known to stand up for those he cared about, and while B'jin was still hesitant to put himself in such a group comfortably, he did know that R'nd cared for him. The ghosts of B'jin's past were nasty, though, and he had no desire to cause any situation where R'nd might get himself into trouble, on some knightly mission to help B'jin.

Noticing R'nd's attention had been particularly captivated by one of the images, B'jin's brown gaze flicked over it, and he smiled gently as he felt R'nd's arms slide around him. He had no idea of the bluerider's wandering habits in the forest, and would likely have found such a thing slightly surprising. It was simply not something he immediately thought of as 'being R'nd'. The picture in question was one he was particularly happy with, however, as he had never seen the area himself. It was drawn from a shared thought Larrikith had once sent; she spent a great deal of her free time playing in the forest, while B'jin did anything from sleep to teach, and of late, spend time with R'nd or Talian, or occasionally Par'a or Valerian. B'jin snorted to himself, amused. He was becoming quite the little socialite!

"You're welcome," B'jin laughed, amused and slightly surprised at R'nd's declaration to keep them all. Delighted none-the-less, he leaned up to place a light kiss on R'nd's cheek. "I'm glad you like them." Flattered, the greenrider practically glowed as he listened to his friend speak, a frown morphing his face as he eyed the other rider sideways curiously. Many of the other's hadn't been North since they travelled the ocean crossing, but it still surprised B'jin when he heard such things. He was particularly so by R'nd's easy acceptance of the fact that he hadn't. Everyone should go North again! Of course, B'jin was one of those that had been deeply put out by the declaration to remain South. Not that anyone but Nemall knew that, which was probably one of the few good things the Harper in question had done for B'jin. He was pretty sure his standing with D'ren wouldn't be nearly as sweet if the Weyrleader knew he'd wanted to help toast Tsuen's hut. B'jin quickly decided that was not a fun fact to share and pushed it aside. He wasn't worried R'nd would tattle on him, but things such as that had a tendency to be over heard.

"Oh. Well, that sucks." The only reason B'jin had given in to picking up his Searchrider mantle had been because it would allow him to go North on regular expeditions. His dragon's picky nature and his own reluctance non-with-standing, the pair had proved their worth with Jada and Allendris Impressing so well. It would help blind the fact that the pair spent a lot of time up North with very few Candidates to show for it. Well, they had, until D'ren had locked down such opportunities for escape. "You should come with Larri and I, when D'ren stops being so cautious and lets us go North again. I left my guitar behind when I picked up Allendris." Which, he wouldn't have done if he hadn't been drunk off his face. Another thing to keep to himself, lest it be overheard, though he had the impression R'nd would find the humour in it. "I can't go near Harper Hall though; several of my classmates hold Rank there now and I'm pretty sure they'd recognise me." He wasn't above snooping around the outskirts, though. B'jin was pretty sure there would be a few who would recognise him, even if they didn't truly believe what they were seeing.

B'jin smiled as R'nd dropped to his knees beside him, and the greenrider placed a light hand over the one resting on his thigh, brightening noticeably when R'nd promised to put the images up and around his hut. His worry about Larrikith's comment (which R'nd had either not heard or had brushed off) was relieved when R'nd made nothing of it, and the greenrider laughed along with his friend. "Deal," he teased, tossing the other rider a cheerful wink. B'jin didn't consider that R'nd might be being egotistical about his agreement, but rather felt that it was a simple fact. R'nd had a trail of scorned lovers, and some less unhappy, floating around the Weyr, and B'jin was pretty sure the majority of them would part with a pretty penny, for a pretty picture. Amused and side tracked, B'jin blinked himself back to reality as R'nd pointed out he was covered in charcoal, and B'jin flushed lightly, more amused than embarrassed.

B'jin's eyes crossed comically, as R'nd brushed a finger over his nose, and an eyebrow arched delicately as his gaze shifted to meet grey eyes. The same memory recalled, B'jin's hand rose to link his fingers with R'nd's, a sly little smile featured on his lips as he leaned forward. "Charcoal is so much kinder to one's clothing," he purred softly in response, eyes bright.

Larrikith gave a huff of mock indignation at Ayyonth's laughter, tossing her head with a mightier-than-thou expression though her eyes were sparkling warm happy colours. She stepped back a little as the blue stretched, watching with mild curiosity to see what he was up to before she sat down and tilted her head. Lazy blue, she teased, though the warmth of sunshine and the peace of the lake edge did indeed sound like a wonderful idea. She snorted in amusement at the prospect of getting him stuck in a tree, but shook her head. Perhaps another day, a sly sideways glance and she stood up, looking around for a moment.

Can you between from the ground? Curiosity was paramount on her voice as she glanced at Ayyonth once more, before stretching out her own wings and giving her little body a shake. If he was able to, it would be easier to do so and arrive above the lake; if not, she was going to have to back track to find a clearing large enough for him to take off. Larrikith gave a disgruntled snort as she realised that probably should have been considered before she lead him into the trees. Without actually waiting to hear his answer, she posed another question; Was the clearing we entered through big enough for you to take off in? B'jin would kill her if she had gotten Ayyonth stuck in the trees, even if he wasn't actually stuck in a pair of trees.