Sweet Music [Valerian]

Sometimes, in the middle of a massive mayhem, the best thing one could do was to distance themselves from everything. B’jin, being someone that put far too much weight on something as simple as personal space and privacy, felt that doing that was exactly what was called for as the Weyr was being turned upside down by S’kef, searching for whomever it was that had poisoned D’ren.

The greenrider was unsure what to make of the situation, and if he were honest with himself, he wasn’t particularly keen on delving too deeply into it. The situation and explanation that the Weyrleader had been poisoned with Tansy had sent B’jin’s blood running cold, and the greenrider had fought to dismiss fearful memories of blood and fear and Larrikith with her blood rendering keening as Talian fought to breathe before him. Imagining D’ren – so serious and dignified and professional – with that gut wrenching pain, of puking up his own blood and choking on the simple action of breathing… B’jin shuddered and shook his head, fingers running over the body of his guitar in a motion both old and soothing.

Before him, Larrikith splashed in the river like a Hatchling, chittering to herself as she made waves and played with a stray firelizard (B’jin couldn’t even make out what colour the little creature was, let alone whom it belonged to). The dragon would bore herself and set about actually cleaning herself later, for now B’jin watched her play with a distracted amusement as his thoughts shifted away from D’ren and the chaos in the Weyr, and back again, making the greenrider frown. He wanted to visit the Weyrleader, but with S’kef jumping down everyone’s throats (never mind all his little lackeys running around digging up ‘clues’ from under people’s noses and tossing around blame like a hot potato) B’jin was wary of trying to get in to see the man that he had once considered his shield against monsters like S’kef. Now, the greenrider figured the bronzerider was closer to friend than shield, but that title also didn’t fit right.

B’jin liked titles, and he liked them to fit properly. Talian was his son, R’nd was his lover, Valerian was… another irritating person that wouldn’t fit into B’jin’s nice process of labels. Why did people have to be difficult and make his head hurt? He supposed Valerian fit in the same odd shaped box labelled ‘friend’ as D’ren did, but he fit just as unhappily in there. There was something about the young harper that made that label ill-fitting. B’jin didn’t like things that didn’t fit in his nice and orderly set up. They irked him and his irritation was sung out on a string of unhappy notes as B’jin trailed his fingers across the belly of his guitar and the strings twitched under them.

Titles are over rated. Larrikith put in cheerfully, bouncing up the side of the lake and prancing toward her human. Her hide glittered with water droplets, glowing under the warm springtime sun. B’jin frowned at her critically for a moment, eyes narrowing suspiciously as she shook herself out (spraying water in every direction; B’jin scrabbled to protect his precious guitar) and then fanned her wings out, letting both the light breeze and the warm sunshine warm her.

“Larrikith?” His voice was riddled with suspicion.

Valerian rode atop Veeth as the dragon splashed and pranced his way down the river. They hadn’t been doing that the entire length from weyr to lake, having smartly opted to fly for most and walk the rest, but it seemed like a fun idea that even Valerian gave into it. It was a nice day out and they were headed to the lake for some time off to just relax, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company without the stressful times of the weyr weighing them down and dealing with everyone jumping at their own shadows. Some people felt they could be next on the list of people to try and kill while others were simply worried about S’kef now being the one fully in charge. It didn’t make much sense to him to let the former Weyrsecond rule but what did he know? Weyr life was still new to him and politics never made much sense no matter where it took place. He supposed S’kef did have the experience of being in a position of power, and in Katila at that, so in the end he made the most sense.

But that was something he wasn’t thinking about that day!

This was a day of fun and splashing through the water like the energetic weyrlings they were – well, Veeth was energetic anyway. Valerian was enjoying himself though and the smile on his face and occasional laugh proved it. Veeth pranced and frolicked, water coming up to about mid-leg, but it was enough to cause water to splash at the human that normally tried to stay drier. Today, Valerian didn’t mind. Sometimes even he had to let loose and simply enjoy the craziness around him. Craziness; that was a good word to describe things since Quill and Vex hatched. They weren’t too much trouble compared to a lot of the other firelizards around the weyr now but they could become rather active and today was no exception. Both blue firelizards circled and dove around them as they chased after Veeth. The three blues were chirping and carrying on without a care and Valerian was content to let it happen though he still occasionally looked around to make sure felines and wherries weren’t taking a particular interest in them.

When the river was about to open up at the lake, Valerian smiled brightly. He was looking forward to watching his gang play while he lazed on the beach for a bit. He’d join them soon enough for a swim but he was still borderline lazy and thought a little nap sounded like a fine idea after their exciting adventure down. Naturally, that plan was instantly killed when they saw a green step onto the beach and spread out her wings. Veeth and Valerian recognized her at the same time as Larrikith and Valerian wondered how it was possible that crossing paths at the beach was becoming a normal thing. Unless Veeth knew beforehand which was possible. He tried to recall who thought of the idea to go to the lake today but was distracted by Veeth cheerfully greeting dragon and rider alike. Valerian had to admit, he loved watching B’jin for reactions when Veeth’s chipper and melodic voice reached him.

Larrikith! B’jin! Veeth cheerfully greeted the pair and trotted over to them, fanning his wings to flick off some of the water before he reached them. How are you both today? You’re as pretty as ever, love. Valerian smirked at Veeth flattering Larrikith, thinking nothing out of the ordinary since he was starting to do that to all the greens he came across. It was a bit disconcerting since it meant there would be far too many flights entered in the future with all the interest Veeth had in every female but he’d find a way to deal with it.

Hello Veeth! Larrikith crooned happily, turning to greet the young blue dragon as he and Valerian came to join them, her eyes swirling with delighted joy. Such a good time for the little blue to find them, too! A rumble of pleasure was given as Larrikith nuzzled Veeth's cheek, the tiny green already out-sized by several feet. Veeth wasn't as big as Ayyonth, but he was turning out to be a very nice looking dragon and Larrikith was quite pleased.

You are looking as stunning as ever, Larrikith returned to the little blue, nudging his nose with her own muzzle as her eyes swirled lazily, the colours deepening to something resembling far more lust than the easy contentment from moments ago. She'd barely finished her sultry comment before B'jin was springing to his feet and shoving against his dragon's chest, stubborn insistence forcing her to back up a few steps far more than any physical prowess over the large creature.

"Don't you dare, miss!" B'jin scowled, slapping her around the end of her muzzle as he crossed his arms grumpily over his chest. "Get over there!" Pointing, B'jin indicated a sunny spot well away from Veeth and glared after the green as she gave Veeth a knowing look before slinking over to where she was told with a sultry sway.

"Now you two fuck off!" B'jin spun around to glare accusingly at Valerian and Veeth, poking the dragon pointedly in the centre of his muzzle.

Valerian slid slowly from Veeth’s back as he watched Larrikith get shooed away which left him just as confused as his dragon that had liked her attention and wanted to talk and nuzzle more. It was slightly odd behaviour for the greenrider but Valerian chalked it up to the man realising his feelings for R’nd and wanting to keep his dragon’s interests aligned to his own. It wasn’t exactly needed given the dragons in play and how Veeth adored Larrikith but also respected both of the older dragons but if it made the man feel better, than he could shove around dragons all day.

That had been Valerian’s stance on the situation for all of twenty seconds before he suddenly had a greenrider wheeling around on him. Veeth chirped in surprise at the poke to his nose and jumped back several feet, startled from the action and tone of voice used at him. No one yelled at him! Everyone loved him and he thought B’jin did as well! Valerian narrowed his eyes at B’jin, not in anger but to study him carefully as he patted Veeth on the side to soothe the sensitive blue. Why does B’jin hate me? Veeth asked of Valerian as he took a few more steps away from the greenrider that was ruining all the fun and turning into a big meanie.

“He doesn’t hate you, Veeth, he’s just protective of what he has with R’nd,” Valerian purposely spoke aloud so B’jin knew what his foul mood was doing to the sweet dragon and Vex hissed at the greenrider while Quill crooned at Veeth. It was only when he pointed out to himself that B’jin was in said mood and how he had seen it twice before, the first time being a shock since B’jin always seemed so much more chipper, that Valerian pieced the puzzle together and took a step back as well. “Or he’s proddy.” Well this was a good way to ruin yet another lake trip! At this rate he was going to ban them from ever stepping foot on the beach ever again.

Valerian shooed his firelizards off, encouraging them to go back to the hut and wait for their return since he didn’t want their presence to either distract him from a clean escape or to further set off B’jin’s mood. He could handle a proddy B’jin but Valerian decided he just wasn’t in the mood to do so or to even provoke the man which was usually fun to do in his current state. “C’mon, Veeth. We’re going to, how did B’jin phrase it? Oh right, we’re going to fuck off now.” He tried to keep his cool by slightly poking at the greenrider in his usual manner though green eyes were a tad larger than usual with the fear of the impending doom if they didn’t get away and fast.

But I want to stay with Larrikith. Veeth pouted at both men and gave a longing look toward Larrikith who had been banned so far away from him! In a move of defiance, the little blue took a few side steps away from the humans with the intention of walking around them both so he could spend more time with the pretty female.

“There won’t be anything with R’nd,” B’jin hissed, glaring at Valerian like it was all his fault as he stalked up to the bluerider, brown eyes narrowed angrily when he stopped a pace or two away, throwing his arms wide in anger at Valerian’s next statement. “Well aren’t you insightful?” Sarcasm and dark venom dripped from the words, the greenrider’s lip curling distastefully. “Figure that out all by yourself?” Mocking, and condescending, B’jin strode forward several more paces to get into Valerian’s personal space; within moments his expression was softening as he reacted unintentionally to the bluerider’s presence. It was definitely not the right bluerider, but it was not an awful bluerider, either.

No. That was distinctly Larrikith’s input! B’jin’s expression altered as walls and masks shooting into place as he spun around to glare at the green dragon. “Don’t you dare you green slut!” His voice went up an octave or two, ending in a strangled whine as Larrikith blatantly ignored him, the little green dragon having slunk closer to Veeth, her nose extending to nuzzle at his cheek even as she crooned a soft, don’t go to the young blue, her eyes deepening with the swirling highlights of lust and – in B’jin’s opinion – impending doom. Where was R’nd? Where was that fucking blue dragon that was meant to be mooning over his green? Ayyonth! It was as much a desperate whimper as it was a furious calling.

He won’t come, Larrikith crooned softly, her gaze flickering to B’jin for a moment. Her attention then focused on the younger dragon, though her mind reached to include Valerian in the soft, sultry words she spoke. Come, Veeth; fly with me. Her wings flared wide and the little dragon bounced backwards, then upward, wings extended and pumping to push her small, round body into the air, and then she shot off. B’jin stumbled backwards, spinning around and staring at Valerian in horror.

It wasn’t his fault, he was not to blame! It was Ayyonth – that traitorous blue! – And it was Valerian, yes! It was the sly brat’s fault for staking them out!  Brown eyes narrowed suddenly. The little bastard wanted him! Of course he wanted him! They were amazing! They were the best, they were the most desirable! He had no right, of course, but he couldn’t help himself!  Blueriders were like that, the bastards. Self-righteous and arrogant (but not as bad as those cunt brown riders) always wanting what they couldn’t have. What wasn’t theirs; Him.

Larrikith crooned as she cut through the sky, sliding between the fluffy clouds and shooting up over the top, the warmth of the sun on her wings, and she peered over her shoulder, chirping encouragingly at Veeth. The sky was still free of competitors, but the little green didn’t mind; it was better this way! Singing a sultry ‘catch me if you can’, Larrikith climbed higher into the sky. The longer the fall, the better!

Valerian was left unfazed by B’jin’s attitude and attacks on him and in fact found it amusing. The greenrider was usually as friendly as he needed to be and fairly relaxed and quiet so anytime he was seen proddy – from a far away safe distance – was quite the show. “I’m pretty sure even Benden could figure out what state you’re in right now. I’m surprised you aren’t already surrounded by every blue- and brownrider in Katila with how much of a shining beacon of proddiness you currently are.” As amused as he was, Valerian held onto his usual tone that often sounded like he was bored or uninterested in everything around him.

The sudden change in B’jin’s expression as he looked at him admittedly freaked Valerian out. That was creepy and just uncalled for! Neither of them wanted to be any closer than they already were and giving him such a look told Valerian he was walking on very thin ice and was about to get the shock of his life if he lingered too long. Naturally, his window of escape was narrowing with every second as Valerian watched the dragons interact and Larrikith’s sultry voice brushed against his mind. “Veeth, no! We discussed this. You will not chase Larrikith!” B’jin’s look of horror sent his way immediately after pleading with a lust-crazed blue dragon sent Valerian stumbling back several steps. This was never supposed to happen! It was something he feared, even from the moment he met B’jin and there hadn’t even been a clutch on the Sands yet.

Too late, though, was Valerian to jump on Veeth and keep him grounded or demand they go to the weyr as the little blue crooned at Larrikith as she took off and a moment later he was calling his interest to her with his own wings beating to send him airborne. Veeth was a beautiful flyer but right then Valerian thought it was the most horrifying sight and sign of doom that he had ever seen. As it always happened, the dragon’s lust was quickly affecting Valerian and his stumbling steps backwards reversed and began to close the distance between him and B’jin – the man that was currently both the object of his desires and the object most feared and his expression warred between both emotions.

Would R’nd and Ayyonth swoop in and save him like they had the last time? Would anyone else realise Larrikith was flying and beat his poor little dragon that had yet to win a chase despite the far too many he entered? Valerian already knew no one would come and he couldn’t figure out if he was happy or not. As always, his vision blurred as he took in the view of B’jin and Larrikith and while it didn’t make him nearly as nauseated after flights as it first had, he still didn’t have much control over it or distinguishing which emotion belonged to him. Then again, he wasn’t sure it was ever possible to tell dragon and rider apart in such moments and with another step closer to B’jin, Valerian decided it didn’t matter anyway when they both ended up rewarded.

“Oh… no…” Valerian sighed as that impending doom came closer as Veeth climbed to the highest heights with Larrikith, keeping close track of the little green. Veeth for his part was having fun like he always did even with the amount of determination that drove him after the first several losses and while Valerian was beginning to see only that fun and not the horror, he still almost apologised for ever coming to the beach and would have promised to never go again if he hadn’t suddenly lost his tongue and ended up staring wide-eyed at B’jin.

This was not good, this was not good, this was not good! B’jin backed away from Valerian slowly, his steps teasing and his expression far more coy than he would have actively liked it to be. There was the inner vein of terror still pumping heavily, filling him with the horror of what this encounter was going to end up in. But louder was the thrill of the chase, and while Valerian was most certainly not someone B’jin would like to be chased by, he was far better than many; the short list being – he wasn’t a brown rider!

B’jin smiled, his expression lost under the lusty influence of his dragon, eyes dark and dancing as they flew ever upwards, occasionally crooning softly to Veeth; come! It was only worth it if you got high, high enough to make the drop last forever, but not so high as to lose all strength – and not so high as to lose the young blue chasing her! But Veeth was better than that, surely, and even as they twisted through the clouds, Larrikith knew he wouldn’t leave her wanting! He wasn’t her Ayyonth, but he was sweet, and charming, and he deserved at least a taste of her! He would never fly a green as amazing as she!

Larrikith turned, spinning and then dropped, crooning with delighted pleasure as the young blue responded, grasping hold of her as necks and tails twined. Her head twisted, nuzzling affectionately at the young dragon as they plummeted back to earth. On the ground, B’jin gave a soft purr of satisfaction as their little chase came to an end in a small thicket, the greenrider well and truly wrapped up in Larrikith’s lust, as he ended up wrapped up in Valerian.

Valerian came back into his own mind exhausted, sated, and most of all, confused. Veeth was smug and extremely happy which only added to the confusion. There was a flight, right? It was short and Veeth seemed to be close but they never won so surely it was the same today. That smugness, however, left the weyrling slowly being convinced they had finally snatched their first victory but why wasn’t he happy about it? Who did they win? Better yet, why was he staring up at a bush?

Slowly, Valerian pieced together what had happened leading up to the current point in time and he blanched when the image came to him clearly. Larrikith and Veeth had conspired against them and flew together despite the protests of their riders. That only meant one thing and Valerian wasn’t sure he wanted to turn his head to verify it. He did anyway, green eyes wide from the shock he hadn’t even confirmed yet as he laid perfectly still and turned his head from skyward to the side where his partner was.

Yep, that was B’jin.

Valerian looked back up at the bush and was momentarily thankful for their outdoor location. If they had been in a bed, he may have been tempted to smother one of them with a pillow. He was also thankful for their ability to find a thicket since it was far less sandy and Valerian wouldn’t have to spend extra time getting the grains out of various crevices. No, he’d just be spending extra time in the bathhouse to scrub off the sex with B’jin. He didn’t even have the energy to shudder.

“Well… that happened.” He wasn’t quite sure what else to say. It did, indeed, happen but Valerian wasn’t about to comment on it one way or the other, especially since the snippets he could recall had been nice. No! That was a bad mind and it didn’t need to dwell on those thoughts ever again! Larrikith and Veeth would latch onto that like they still latched onto the fact that he hated imagining B’jin naked. Now he didn’t even have to imagine it – he had it burned perfectly into his mind despite his best efforts not to look at the greenrider again.

Perhaps he should cover up before B’jin accused him of flaunting his goods or some such nonsense. Valerian reached out with the hand furthest from B’jin to see if he could make contact with some sort of material but failed. Not in the mood to move just yet thanks to the satisfaction from the flight, Valerian continued to lay there staring up at nothing in particular. Maybe B’jin would grab the chance to find his own clothes and run before they had some awkward conversation. Though, Valerian amended, knowing them, B’jin would freak out and blame him for planning it somehow and then pretend it never happened. That was fine with him.

Larrikith was radiating her own version of self-satisfied smugness that B’jin did not like. Nothing good would come from that feeling, that he knew for sure, and eyebrows furrowed above closed eyes. He ached with the tingling sensation of a flight, and B’jin groaned softly under his breath, a sound mixed between pleasure and distress. Lifting up on his elbows, B’jin scrubbed at his face, knowing without looking that he wasn’t with R’nd. How much time did that give him, before the other rider was conscious enough to want more? B’jin gave a breathy huff and peered sideways the same moment Valerian spoke.

B’jin yelped, huge brown eyes focusing on Valerian’s face with horror, even as B’jin curled in on himself and snatched up an item of clothing – someone’s shirt – and planted it across his lap as he sat up. His face a spectacular shade of crimson, brown eyes popping with horror, all B’jin could hear was Larrikith giggling in the back of his mind; the cursed green dragon more than a little proud of herself. B’jin couldn’t even find the energy required to scold the dragon as he continued to stare at Valerian in horror. Of all the-!

“…” B’jin’s expression altered into a sulky pout, the greenrider’s features pathetic as he poked sadly at the shirt still covering him. “I hate dragons,” distinctly sulky and barely above a whisper, B’jin set pathetically upset brown eyes on Valerian and he held out a hand. “Can you pass my pants, please?” Oh, don’t be so pathetic, Larrikith snapped, grumbling irritably as B’jin sulked. Honestly! It was as if she’d done something terrible!

Ignoring their riders, Larrikith turned to Veeth and nuzzled his cheek, crooning happily under her breath as she cuddled close to him. If their riders wanted to be silly and act like wherries, well, that was their issue. Perfectly content to curl up forever with Veeth (or at least until it was time to curl up with Ayyonth. Veeth was many amazing things, but he wasn’t Ayyonth), Larrikith licked the young dragon’s cheek and cuddled up beside him. Silly humans!

Valerian snorted at the sulky comment about dragons though right then he somewhat agreed. Dragons were good at getting their riders into interesting situations that weren’t always desired. As traumatised as he was over having slept with B’jin – and boy was he glad the details were fuzzy at best – Valerian was willing to let this one slide through as being among the harmless things that could happen. Even though B’jin had put himself on the list of greenriders Valerian should avoid, the weyrling had picked up on some gossip to support some of the others on the list were far less desirable thanks to their swinging fists and biting.

Sitting up, Valerian scanned the area for the pants in question and wondered why he was being nice enough to find B’jin’s clothing when the man was just as capable of doing so. He supposed it had something to do with the fact that it was Veeth’s fault for chasing and getting them in such a cozy place but Valerian liked the other option better – B’jin was too busy pouting and sulking like a girl to be of much use. “Here,” he passed the pants over and looked at B’jin long enough to recognise the shirt being used for modesty. “And give me back my shirt,” Valerian grabbed for it and played tug of war briefly before giving up. It wasn’t like he really wanted the thing back given where it was resting. Unlike R’nd, however, he didn’t have more clothes than was necessary and gave a mini pout at his poor shirt’s fate.

The search for his own pants was done as an effort to distract himself from what had transpired but it wasn’t much use. It was hard to ignore the fact you had just slept with a man you saw as a good friend and even a mentor but weren’t overly attracted to partially due to the age gap but mostly due to there being a lack of sexual chemistry. He had to scramble a bit on his knees to find and reach his own pants and as Valerian sat back down to start sliding them on, an old memory hit him which halted him in his tracks.

”I guess B’jin is a decent enough pick though.”

Had he really said that to Talian early on in his time at Katila? He had been teasing the strung-out Healer about his choice in older men given the way the two interacted though he had known it was a different sort of friendship that was developing between Talian and B’jin. But why had he said B’jin was a decent pick? He supposed the man was and a quick glance back at the greenrider verified that he could still be considered appealing to most people and he did have a good sense of humour and was kind. So yes, he was decent, but that didn’t mean Valerian wanted to sleep with him!

With a frustrated groan, Valerian flopped on his back and finished sliding his pants on. He lazily did up the fly while staring at a leaf hanging above him. He was seriously going to start banning all trips to the lake. All interactions with B’jin were close to being banned as well given the way their dragons conspired against them. Valerian didn’t even need to see the beasts to know Veeth was curled up with Larrikith and nuzzling happily with the older green that had opened a door into a new world of torture for Valerian. Losing had sucked a lot but it was better than the current victory!

“No!” Half snap, half sulk, and completely scandalised, B’jin clung to the shirt when Valerian made a grab for it, squeaking at how close the young man’s hands came to goods he wasn’t prepared to share with him on his own terms. A slap was given to the weyrling’s hand before he finally withdrew and B’jin scowled at him grumpily. There was an air of wariness under the irritation now, as B’jin eyed Valerian sceptically; he hadn’t really heard that many whispers about Valerian being blue and the kid didn’t really strike him as one of those blues either, despite rumours that he’d ended up with both Z’ia and D’hys more than once. Then there was that time – Ugh!

B’jin’s face crumpled into a look of disgust and slight pain. Eww, eww, ew, ew, ew, eww. Eww! B’jin tended to not think about the fact that he’d slept with half the weyr because of Larrikith’s fickle desires, and as a result could probably have said he’d slept with the entire weyr, even if most of it were second hand… Which meant he’d – eww! So, so many eww. B’jin’s nose scrunched up, eyes watering slightly from the disgusting icky feeling. Good Faranth he was going to puke. He needed to puke. He would have to spend all turn in the fucking bathing houses to scrub second hand Talian off his skin. Eww!

Grumbling under his breath, B’jin used the opportunity Valerian presented to pull his pants on, eyeing the young man warily to make sure he didn’t try to peek and flushed crimson when he did catch Valerian shooting a glance at him. The shirt was thrown at the young bluerider, aiming at his face before B’jin reached over to pick his own shirt up and tugged in on. He was still grumbling under his breath. He would need to drown himself to wash all the Valerian off him. Ugh. Another dirty look was given to the Weyrling. He’d be lucky if R’nd ever touched him again. He reeked of Valerian.

“Flying S’kef was less traumatising.” The grumble was dry and humourless, the greenrider shaking his head. Flying S’kef had been far more physically harmful, of course; it had taken far too long to regain proper brain function again, never mind the ability to move without causing pain. B’jin had never bothered to get the final score off Talian about how much damage had been done to him. He’d had worse bones broken than his ribs and what was a little concussion? Sighing softly, B’jin gave Valerian an apologetic smile, marginally more comfortable now he was fully clothed once more. “You’re a good flight partner, Val.” The words were genuine, even as B’jin followed it up with a determined scowl. “But please don’t let your dragon catch mine ever again.”

As his shirt hit him in the face unexpectedly, Valerian nearly dry heaved. Did B’jin not think about where that thing had just been? It was quickly removed and left to rest on his stomach where both hands took to playing with the material anyway. He really had no idea how he was supposed to feel, act, or what to say. He was usually quiet with his fellow losers, taking their ribbing as background noise while dressing but that was only when he came to and they were still there. He had been left alone as often as not as well. In a way, he would have liked that now, wishing B’jin had woken first and left silently. It was awkward and traumatising and as much as he tried to act normally, it was something he wasn’t going to shake off for a while.

Especially when compared to S’kef.

He gave a horrified look to B’jin and his stomach churned at the realisation that he was worse than the hated violent brownrider. The quick inspection he gave B’jin before showed nothing serious and while neither of them wanted it, it was still considered consensual because of their dragons being in control and wanting it. But he was still more traumatising than S’kef. The apologetic smile and genuine words that followed didn’t do much to help the weyrling that was tumbling down memory lane and what he did to Talian after a flight. He wasn’t a good flight partner. He wasn’t! Yet, regardless of their current situation Valerian didn’t want to unload on B’jin; the greenrider didn’t need that baggage.

“I won’t,” he settled on saying in a flat and soft tone, fully committed to the idea of never letting Veeth chase Larrikith again. He never wanted to let it happen in the first place! Veeth was still the stronger-willed between them but Valerian decided he was going to dedicate a lot of free time to mind exercises and learning to ground Veeth during Larrikith’s flights. R’nd might even be willing to tutor him though Valerian questioned the bluerider’s abilities to control Ayyonth. Still, that was better than nothing and could be used as something to build on.

With shirt in hand, Valerian shakily got to his feet and stumbled back out to the beach. Upon seeing the dragons, he glared but it didn’t last long. He only wanted to go to the bathhouse and soak in a tub with the door to the room barred and barricaded for hours. Partially to scrub B’jin off of him but more to just reflect on things and try to banish the memory of waking up naked beside an equally naked B’jin. That really was something he didn’t want to live with!

It was almost funny how B’jin was his first win. The green pair was the first genuine interaction he had had and while Larrikith did think playing with him meant she could playfully drown him, it had been fun. Even the evil green dragon playing with the images of B’jin on a fur rug by a fire that still made him cringe had been fun in its own way. That was why he almost smiled then. B’jin was his first dragonrider friend, the first man he really thought about sexually before blanching and wishing he hadn’t, and now he was the first flight win.

Valerian really did want to smile or to congratulate Veeth but he found he couldn’t. It was still a bit too much to take in all at once.

B’jin completely missed the look of horror that so effectively contorted Valerian’s face. Had he seen it, he might possibly have stopped to think about what he had just said, and maybe, realised just how bad it sounded. B’jin wasn’t good at considering what he was saying, before he said it. He had a tendency to just… blurt out whatever it was that hit his mind first, and often it came out badly, wrong or in a completely unintended manner. Such was the manner with his comment about S’kef; B’jin, however, ever oblivious and stuck in his own little world as he mentally bemoaned his need to bathe for an eternity, was completely unaware of the turmoil he’d just put his young friend through.

B’jin’s smile was slightly brighter at Valerian’s affirmation that he’d keep Veeth away from Larrikith. An action unfairly dumped on the young man, since if he took the time to think on it, B’jin would have realised Larrikith had played the star role in setting up the situation – somehow. Ayyonth was not near, nor had he come and brought R’nd in order to chase; while she couldn’t have set up the situation (or perhaps she could have, she was, after all, Larrikith) it was highly unlikely she’d manage to get all the pieces in place. Then again, B’jin was actually aware of how proddy he’d been the previous day or two. It was one of the few times he was actively aware of the swirl of emotions and hormones. Oh, to be a greenrider!

“Thank you,” B’jin’s voice was light, and much more chipper as he settled on what he was going to do – bathe – and the fact that, disturbing at the event had been, Valerian was a good flight partner and both B’jin and Larrikith felt good. It was certainly a nice change to his last flight, which had been remarkably not – though S’kef was hardly the only flight partner in the Weyr that was as bad as being left in Threadfall without dragons. Or maybe a field of numbweed, B’jin amended mildly; he knew what that would do to him. Threadfall, well, not so much, and he was more likely to be dumped into a pile of the horrible plant than he was to be stranded in Threadfall. After all, eh had the damned dragon that had put him in those uncomfortable situations. He hoped to the clouds above that she was more thoughtful of his well-being during Threadfall!

B’jin followed placidly behind Valerian as he lead the way down to their dragons, the greenrider slipping up to his dragon quietly and petting her nose when she extended her head to snuffle at B’jin’s face.  He laughed softly, kissing her lightly on the nose and causing Larrikith to snort inelegantly. For all his bullshitting, Larrikith knew he wasn’t all that upset and he’d probably be as mentally happy as he was otherwise once he’d had a good bath. “C’mon love, I need a bath. I hate outdoor flights. They’re so gritty!” B’jin scrambled upon his dragon while she turned back to Veeth, crooning happily to him and giving his cheek a lick, before shoving her face into Valerian's and nuzzling his face.

Don’t look so dour! Larrikith commanded, her voice amused. He can be a real trouble maker if he really doesn’t like his partner! He’s not even really sulking anymore! Her eyes sparkled with sudden mischief. I enjoyed flying with Veeth. We should do it again sometime…

“Larri?” Obviously B’jin was being excluded from the conversation.

Valerian’s frown deepened as B’jin pointed out their location and how much he hated it as well. Another failure. It didn’t matter that the greenrider already seemed a bit more chipper than he had been upon seeing who was beside him, all Valerian heard was the flaw in their flight. It wasn’t like him to grab onto such a little fact and focus onto it instead of seeing the entire picture but he had been compared to S’kef, had made B’jin get sand in places sand should never be, and wondered if he was being mocked when he was called a good flight partner.

Larrikith’s nuzzling startled Valerian just enough to bring him out of the downward spiral he was travelling on and he automatically patted her nose. He was still fond of the green and counted her as one of his friends at Katila, even if it was odd to consider a dragon he wasn’t bonded to as a friend. Then again, Larrikith had likely planned everything and Ayyonth was likely in on it given the dragons seemed to know they were mated even if their riders didn’t fully realise it. But they were both tricksters and this seemed like the perfect prank to play while also being kind to their young friend Veeth. That was the problem; Valerian was happy Veeth had a win to his name and it was with the green he adored so much but he hadn’t wanted to end up in bed with B’jin. Ever. “I don’t think even you could stand R’nd’s pout after a certain point, Larrikith. Behave yourself,” like the dragon would ever do such a thing.

A final pat was given to Larrikith before Valerian wrapped his arms around Veeth’s neck and buried his face against the soft blue hide. “I don’t want to chase anymore, Veeth,” he mumbled aloud, something the weyrling did when he wasn’t quite put all together. Bespeaking his dragon mentally had come easily for Valerian but when he was upset or even tired, he ended up forgetting the technique and spoke aloud. What he said wasn’t fair though; it was in Veeth’s nature to chase and he needed the release. It wasn’t the dragon’s fault that Valerian had bad experiences when losing and his only win had been to wake up with B’jin. “But I won’t stop you,” he quickly added before Veeth’s flare for the dramatic sparked and it became a huge issue. It may have been one, but it was Valerian’s and he didn’t want to ruin Veeth’s good mood.

“Let’s stay at the lake a bit longer. We came for you to swim and you deserve an extra treat for winning a flight, right?” Valerian gave a smile for his dragon and plunked his butt down where he stood to make himself at home on the beach. As he settled in to watch the water lap lazily at the shore, another thought came to him – everyone would know Veeth won Larrikith’s flight and Valerian wasn’t in the mood to hear the cheers and jeers. He needed a bit more time to find his centre again and let things bounce off of him once more.

Veeth studied Valerian for a moment and decided his human would be okay. All the negative feelings toward himself wasn’t something the Harper normally experienced and while he wanted to question Valerian about it, Veeth stayed quiet. They would talk about it later when Valerian understood it all better and looked back on it objectively or with an eye roll at how he reacted. Still, Veeth felt a bit bad for causing the pain and confusion but the silent reassurance he was given helped ease some of his distress. Valerian will be fine, love, he promised Larrikith, giving her a final nuzzle. And I would like to fly with you again sometime! It was a lot of fun.

Instead of going to play in the water, Veeth curled up around Valerian and the weyrling leaned against the strong body and stroked Veeth’s eye ridges when his head came to rest in his lap. Quill and Vex appeared a few moments later and joined the pair, the firelizards vying for Valerian’s attention and wanting to be petted as well. A boy and his blues. Valerian almost chuckled at that thought and wondered if he could write about it. I would like that. Would you recite it to me when you’re finished? Valerian nodded and set about entertaining the four of them with pleasant memories from his time around dragons.

After all this time? the little dragon snorted in amusement, her eyes swirling happily as she accepted Valerian’s gentle touch. Where would the fun be in that?! It was far more interesting to make her rider squirm, and though Valerian spoke of R’nd pouting, which she figured he would undoubtedly be doing at any rate, Larrikith just gave a shrug. B’jin will make him smile later. there was a devious note to her mental voice then, and an unspoken hint about how her human would make the pouting man feel better.

B’jin watched the back of his dragon’s head, and the young man she was speaking to with a combination of confusion and not a small amount of irritation as he was pointedly excluded from whatever it was that Larrikith was saying. Her eyes were swirling with contented joy and amusement, so he had no doubt that whatever she was saying was likely at his expense. Huffing slightly, B’jin poked her pointedly a few times with light jabs of his pointer finger. “Larrikith? Are we going home or am I just going to sit here and look pretty for the rest of the day?” A teasing smile was flashed towards Valerian, only to see the young man flomp down in the sand dejectedly.

B’jin hesitated, visibly (or, if anyone had been watching) as he struggled against the two warring responses he had to the young man’s actions; he was a bluerider, so surely he was fine and not really looking like he was upset or sulking, right? Valerian had always been someone that struck B’jin as very private about his emotions and so he wasn’t surprised that the young man’s win was celebrated by sitting on the beach with his dragon. But… He was still B’jin’s friend, right, and he was pretty sure Valerian wasn’t too happy. How could he not be happy?! B’jin was a stuck up prude, but he was also a good lay! Why the hell wasn’t Valerian happy?!

A scowly pout contorted B’jin’s face as he watched Valerian coddle his blues as Veeth curled up around the young Harper. Taking a breath, B’jin opened his mouth to call out to Valerian, when Larrikith suddenly shifted and spread her wings. Leave him be, love. You can talk to him after Lessons. B’jin’s fingers splayed on Larrikith’s neck, feeling the warmth from her hide; it was drying out and she would need to be oiled soon. I would like that, she murmured even as B’jin smiled.

“I’ll see you later, Val.” B’jin’s voice was just loud enough to carry, and warmed with the affection he held for the young man, even if he didn’t want to wind up tangled with him again! Larrikith rumbled, amused, and gave a soft chirping sound before blinking between to the bathing house.

There's room for a reply if you want, I think, but otherwise lemme know and I'll lock her up =)