Each Moment a New Experience

Smooches! (not accepting)

He had been dreaming. It was a peaceful dream rather than the nightmares or vague upsetting dreams he was used to having. The company helped. He must have slept in because the sun was shining down on his face. That explained why he woke up.

Darius blinked against the blinding sun and groaned. He tried to roll over in the bed rather than get up right away, his brain not yet caught up to reality. He was startled to see the pale haired boy next to him, still fast asleep. Darius was frozen for a moment, captured by the young man. Calix was smiling. Even in his sleep, the kid still smiled. Darius’ expression softened and he reached out to brush his thumb along the smooth skin of Calix’s cheek.

The young man sighed and stirred just to grab Darius’ hand before it pulled away. Clear blue eyes opened and Darius was again struck by Calix’s beauty. It wasn’t the superficial beauty that struck him. It was the deep well of kindness and compassion he could see in those cool, liquid pools. As if the boy offered to soothe anyone and everyone with just a glance.

Calix smiled, his giggles breaking Darius out of his reverie. Calix pulled Darius’ hand and kissed the calloused finger tips. Darius’ smile was gentle as he shifted to lean over Calix, covering him in morning kisses.

Smooches! (not accepting)

The sky was turning pale blue into the yellow, pinks and oranges of a beautiful sunrise. Illaoi turned from the sight over the glittering ocean and smiled when she saw Calix curled up in a ball under numerous blankets. He had been determined to see the sunrises Illaoi had spoke of and she obliged, taking him to her favorite little island to see the full splendor without the interruptions at Bilgewater.

His health was delicate, but the fresh sea air seemed to do him some good. The rank of Bilgewater was difficult for most, but harsh on the young man. She remembered the first time she saw him have a fit. She was lucky to find a healer as quick as she did. While they didn’t have the advanced medicine from the places Calix had come from, old fashioned techniques still had their merit. And he was able to revive enough to take care of the rest himself. 

From then on, she felt even more protective of him. She worried over him, and while he seemed to appreciate her concern, she realized he might not want all the fuss. Illaoi was even more fond of him after that. Such a strong spirit he had!

“Its time to wake, bu’shai.” Her warm deep voice called to him in his sleep. She leaned over him and brushed the pale hair out of his eyes. “You wanted me to wake you, silly.” She chuckled when he protested. “Let me give you some incentive then,” His lips were claimed in a kiss while she held his face. It was gentle at first and she heard his breathing change, slow and steady, then swift and surprised. He wrapped a slender arm around her shoulders and she smiled.

“Come, the sun is rising now.” She pulled away and he leaned up, still half in a dream, following the warmth of her body automatically. Illaoi chuckled and wrapped him in a blanket while he woke to the colors of the sea and sky illuminated by a golden sun.

They were doing some repairs on the barracks. Part of the wall was crumbling in the living quarters and while it was nice to have a breeze during summer, the draft during winter chilled the trainees in their cots at night. Garen had offered to help rebuild the old parts of the walls and Keagan was roped into assisting his overeager friend. 

Garen was determined to do a good job so he and his fellows had a warm place to sleep again during the winter. It was easy enough to follow the instructions of the old head mason. Keagan was telling a joke and, captured by his story, Garen wasn’t looking where he was going. They weren’t very high up, but high enough to be dangerous. Garen lost his footing and Keagan tried to catch him. Instead, both men toppled over and fell to the ground below. 

After the initial impact, the dust settled, Garen dared to open his eyes. He saw Keagan’s eyes up close, warm and brown, flecked with darker and lighter hues and hints of yellow and green. They were beautiful, how had he not noticed before? Soon, Garen’s brain caught up and he realized their faces were pressed together, along with their lips. Garen pushed himself up, red faced and flustered as he started to shake the stone dust from his hair and clothes. “A-are you- are you alright, Keagan?” He asked and offered his friend a hand up, unable to meet his gaze.