Contact
Radittsu was in a huff. There was just no other word for it.
"How the hell am I supposed to look after the King if he's... lending me out to some visiting dignitary?"
I grinned. "Ah, you're just pissed off because it's an alien."
He growled at me. "D'you blame me? Remember what happened last time?"
I fought to suppress my laughter. Oh yes, I remembered. It had been hysterically funny, though I'd never say that to Radittsu. He'd been mortified...
The old King had followed something of an isolationist policy, communicating with other worlds, 'borrowing' their technology, but not allowing aliens on Vejiitasei. Oh, he'd had plausible excuses, of course - our heavier gravity was a good one, since our possession of Dolorosa-jin gravity control technology was a big secret outside our own people - but it had become obvious, towards the end of his reign, that other worlds were becoming just a little tired of offering unrequited hospitality to Saiya-jin.
My King was quite different. For one thing, after the initial shakedown he'd decreed that those closest to him should be better acquainted with Saiya-jin history and politics - hence my being forced to spend far more time than I'd wanted with that shadowy underclass of academics known as the Thinkers. He'd also decided to allow limited access to Vejiitasei to some of the species we'd been in touch with over the last hundred years or so...
One of the first had been a group from Kink'l'hrl, a miserable swamp of a place (or so I'd heard) with nothing to recommend it except the skill of its scientists, experts in genetic manipulation. Three of its top geneticists had arrived, accompanied by a couple of diplomatic attachés - one of whom had developed an instant and intense attraction to Radittsu. Which probably wouldn't have mattered too much, except that Kinks are slimy, disgustingly smelly creatures resembling large green blobs of mucus with extensible protoplasmic manipulatory tentacles more than anything even recognisably sentient.
The creature had insisted on staying close to Radittsu - had even requested him as a bedmate, much to Vejiita's (private) amusement. He'd been tempted to accede to the request - he has a really warped sense of humour at times - but I couldn't bear to see my favourite trainer suffer such a horrible fate, and managed to talk (well, there hadn't been that much actual talking involved) the King out of it. Making sure that Radittsu knew who had rescued him from a fate worse than death, of course. It was a measure of his respect (and a certain affection) for me that he wasn't affronted - just ruffled my hair in a way I loathe and said he owed me one...
I patted his rump consolingly. "I'm sure this one will be better. But let me know if not. I might be able to help."
He growled something obscene under his breath and stalked off to get himself ready.
"Sire, must I really go through with this?"
Vejiita fixed him with an autocratic stare, and Radittsu bowed his head with a resigned sigh.
"Thought so."
Vejiita, his honour guard, two members of the recently-instituted diplomatic corps, and Radittsu and I were assembled at the spaceport awaiting the arrival of what I had finally discovered was a prince of a powerful race with a tongue-mangling name I simply couldn't pronounce. He was late, too. Vejiita was not impressed. He turned to Manzano, the taller of the diplomats.
"I trust this is not standard behaviour for foreign ambassadors?"
Manzano bowed. "One has to make a few allowances, sire."
Vejiita grimaced slightly, his tail twitching in annoyance, and struggled to remain patient.
The shuttle that finally dropped from the sky was a strange looking thing, unnecessarily decorative and oddly delicate. It remained on the pad while the usual environmental checks were run, then the portal irised open...
Manzano had muttered something to Vejiita at that moment, and I'd turned to listen in, so I missed the prince's first step out onto our world. And then my attention had been caught by Radittsu's expression...
He was gaping. There's no other word for it. His mouth hung open, his eyes were impossibly wide, his pupils dilated. I frowned at him.
*I think I'm in love...*
Vejiita had caught his thought as well, and scowled furiously at the captain. Confused, I turned to look in the direction of Radittsu's fixed stare - and caught my breath.
The creature that stood on the ramp was... exquisite. Beautiful. Tall, sleek, graceful, it almost wore a sleeveless form-fitting bodysuit in what looked like supple black leather, the lacing up the sides of the legs and body and up the chest in bold contrast to the smooth pale blue skin it entirely failed to cover. One forearm and the back of the hand was covered by a leather sheath held in place by a sparkling loop around the middle finger: the other wrist bore a wide and massive bracelet in some silver metal, sparkling with gems. A fine, translucent black cloak cascaded from the broad shoulders, matching silvery brooches pinning it to the bodysuit. The high forehead sported a bejewelled silver headband, and matching pendant earrings sparkled in the sunslight. Huge golden eyes regarded us coolly from under fine arched brows; one elegant hand reached to a high cheekbone and flicked at a wayward lock of the waist-long, heavy, lustrous green hair that spilled across the shoulders and down the back.
I glanced at Vejiita, whose eyes had widened too, although at least he wasn't gaping. *Ye gods... if that's a prince, what must the females look like?*
He laid his hand surreptitiously against my back, amused, as we began to walk to the shuttle. *Jealous, little warrior?*
I shook my head. *Just stunned. Remind me why we're entertaining them?*
*They have expressed a wish to train here - our gravity is a little higher than theirs. And their elite may be more powerful than ours. I wish to gauge their strengths.*
I frowned dubiously at the prince. How could anything that... gorgeous... be stronger than the Saiya-jin elite? Then I looked a little closer. There was a lot of muscle in that slim body. High ki, too, from what I could feel.
The prince was alone apart from a silent and inconspicuous aide (who looked nothing at all like his master: I assumed, wrongly as it turned out, that - he? it? - was of a different species). As we reached him Vejiita stepped forwards: the rest of us dropped to one knee - all except Radittsu, who was still staring with a dopey expression on his face. I grabbed a handful of his mane and dragged him down beside me, hissing, "Behave yourself!"
"Umm." He smiled lop-sidedly at me and went back to gazing at the prince from under lowered lashes. I sighed. I had a bad feeling about this...
Vejiita paused before the prince, his arms at his sides. For a second or so the two stared at each other appraisingly, then the King placed his right hand over his heart.
"Vejiita. You are welcomed here."
The prince copied the gesture, lowering his head slightly.
"Zha'haabron. I thank you."
The voice was deeper than I'd expected, low and sensual, somehow caressing. Beside me I could *feel* Radittsu shiver at the sound, and I groaned silently.
It wasn't until we were in the formal audience chamber in the palace that Vejiita introduced the rest of us to the prince. I was first: as I bowed, the prince cupped my chin and gently raised my head, tilting my face up to his. His hand was very cool, almost cold, the skin silky, the long, sharp nails coloured to match his hair. He inclined his head, beautiful eyes holding mine; there were paler, brighter golden glints in their depths. He smiled slightly, gazing down at me.
"And what does a 'King's Companion' do, little warrior?"
I pulled myself upright and regarded him coolly. "Anything my King requires, my lord."
"Anything?"
Vejiita interrupted before I could answer. "Within reason."
Zha'haabron's eyes glittered, and the King smiled fractionally. "I determine what is reasonable."
The prince's hand caressed gently up the nape of my neck, my hair tangling though his fingers, and onward to the top of my head, and then back down my face, stroking my cheek and brushing cool fingers across my mouth. I gazed at him impassively, tightening every muscle and refusing to respond.
*Ah, Leteetza! My little warrior. I chose well...*
Momentarily startled, I flicked my gaze very briefly to Vejiita's, sensing the fondness in his look.
*I have always been yours, my lord...*
Zha'haabron allowed his hand to fall from my face, bowing slightly, his eyes sardonic. He glanced at the King, one eyebrow quirked.
"You inspire loyalty, your highness."
Vejiita smiled and beckoned to Radittsu. Who sank to one knee before the prince, then took both his hands, brushing a kiss across them and pressing their backs against his forehead. There was a startled silence, then Radittsu said, without looking up, "Yours to command, my lord."
Zha'haabron glanced at Vejiita, one eyebrow raised enquiringly.
"Radittsu. Captain of my elite guard, in your service for the duration of your visit."
The alien nodded slowly, regarding Radittsu consideringly, then gently pulled his hands free. Radittsu remained on one knee, head lowered. I could see the flush across his cheeks, and feel the heat of his body from where I stood; the musky scent of his arousal was heavy in the air. I hoped that the prince's senses weren't as acute as ours...
"You may rise."
Radittsu slowly stood, still keeping his eyes on the ground, and the prince reached out, placing his fingertips under the big male's chin and forcing his head up. Zha'haabron smiled up at him, scrutinising his face, making Radittsu redden even further, and I bit my lip to stop myself grinning. I'd never seen him blush before. He's cute when he's flustered.
"I am certain that my safety is assured." The prince lowered his hand and turned to speak to Vejiita, Radittsu hovering at his back, and I quietly excused myself and returned to our suite.
I'd dozed off by the time the King returned - I'd learned to grab any opportunity to catch some sleep as and when I could, since Vejiita generally wanted to spend as much time as possible making love when we were alone together. I swear he somehow draws energy from it. I felt the bed dip slightly as he sat on the edge, and rolled to gaze sleepily up at him. He looked thoughtful, and I took his hand.
"Problem?"
He shook his head, then stood. "I believe not." He paused momentarily, then "Zha'haabron is an interesting creature."
I propped myself up on a couple of pillows and watched as he undressed, relishing as always the sight of his powerful body, feeling the heat growing low in my belly. He slid onto the bed and pulled me close, trailing kisses down my throat, then flipped onto his back, pulling me with him. I squirmed forwards and slid back onto him, my hands flat on his chest as his hands grasped my hips, and for half an hour all I knew was Vejiita within and around me...
"So what do you have planned for the prince?"
I was cuddled against Vejiita's chest, one hand stroking through the dark flame of his hair, the other tracing slow circles across his collarbone as his tail coiled in lazy slow curls over my back and twined around my own. He was still inside me, tilting his hips against me in a gentle slow rhythm, stroking me inside, keeping me simmering.
He ran his thumb along my jaw. "Tomorrow we talk. The day after we will spar. It appears that Zha'haabron is as interested in discovering our combat abilities as we are in exploring his."
I caught the mound of flesh at the base of his thumb between my teeth and bit down, not quite breaking the skin. "You want me to be there?"
He groaned quietly, thrusting into me a little harder, then bit my jaw gently.
"I would appreciate your opinion."
"As you wish, my lord." I reached behind me and buried my fingers in the thick soft fur of his tail: he gasped and arched into the bed, gripping my shoulders and rolling over on top of me, mouth fastening on mine as he began to thrust in earnest...
Radittsu stood to attention in the antechamber that would be his home while the prince was onworld, watching silently as the aide carried in two small luggage containers and deposited them on the low bed in the inner chamber, swiftly tidying away a selection of clothing unlike anything the big male had ever seen. Zha'haabron was leaning against a table, arms crossed over his chest, frowning slightly, regarding the Saiyan curiously. Radittsu forced himself not to react.
"May I ask what, exactly, are your duties?"
The big male gritted his teeth, refusing to give in to the wave of arousal that the low voice caused, and managed to answer calmly.
"I am to stay near you at all times, to ensure no harm comes to you while you are on Vejiitasei."
"And that requires you to sleep here?"
"Only in the antechamber, my lord."
Zha'haabron sighed silently. "I see. In that case, I will bid you good night."
Radittsu watched from the corner of his eye as the prince swept into the inner chambers, closing the door firmly behind him, and breathed a sigh of relief, slumping slightly. He moved to sit on the sleeping platform, sinking his head into his hands and trying to sort out what the hell was happening to him.
Vejiita woke me early the next morning in his usual, inimitable fashion, leaving me quivering and breathless, sprawled across the bed. He smiled as he pulled on a black bodysuit and dropped the royal insignia over his head to lie on his chest.
"No armour?"
"Unnecessary. I do not wish to give Zha'haabron the impression we think him dangerous."
I frowned to myself, trying to work out whether that was a subtle slight or just diplomatic, then shook my head, giving up.
"Your plans for today?"
I stretched. "I thought I'd go and find someone to fight. I need a thorough workout."
He nodded approvingly. "I will expect you to join us for dinner."
"Yes, my lord." He swivelled to leave, then turned back and hauled me into his arms, teeth nipping lightly at my neck. I wrapped myself around him.
*I hope your day's interesting.*
He kissed me. *And I trust you will acquit yourself well...*
I was late for dinner: I'd lost track of time and only left myself minutes to bathe and change. I grinned to myself as I hurried to the smaller dining chamber - it had been a stimulating and challenging day...
I lost the smile almost immediately on entering the room: Vejiita was in a foul mood, and for a moment I thought it was my fault. Then I realised his anger was directed towards Radittsu, who was practically fawning over Zha'haabron. The alien either didn't realise what was going on or was studiously pretending not to notice - it was difficult to tell since he seemed to treat everyone in the same cool, laconic manner.
I seated myself beside Vejiita at the low table, crossing my legs and accepting a goblet of wine, very aware of the uneasy atmosphere around me. Vejiita was becoming more and more annoyed with Radittsu, but the big male was completely oblivious to his King's anger. The crunch came when an unguarded gesture on Radittsu's part knocked over a large flagon of wine, splashing the liquid plentifully over the piled platters on the table, Zha'haabron, Vejiita, and himself. He froze, and for the first time I saw a flicker of real emotion in the prince's face. Quite what emotion, though, I couldn't be sure.
Vejiita's enraged gaze flickered to me. *Get Radittsu out of here. See if you can talk some sense into him. Before I'm forced to beat it into him.*
As I hustled the big male from the room, Vejiita turned to apologise to the prince.
"You're going to get yourself in real trouble, you do know that, don't you?"
Radittsu sighed and nodded.
"So what are you going to do about it?"
He grinned. "I'll behave. Well, I'll try to."
I scowled. "Baka. Perhaps you ought to come off guard duty."
He shook his head decisively.
"But Vejiita might order it anyway after that little display..."
His expression suddenly mutinous, Radittsu began to pace, but halted and sank to one knee as Vejiita entered, his face thunderous.
"I do not know why, but the prince does not wish a different guard. And that is the only reason you are not currently in the brig. Any further infraction will be dealt with severely. Do I make myself clear?"
Radittsu nodded from his kneeling position, not daring to raise his eyes. Vejiita crossed his arms over his chest and glared.
"You are dismissed. Get back to your post: the prince wishes to return to his rooms."
Radittsu slunk quickly from the room, and Vejiita turned to me.
*What the hell is wrong with him?*
I shrugged. *He's in love?*
*Don't be ridiculous! Radittsu? Impossible!*
*Stranger things have happened...*
*Not in my kingdom.*
I wasn't about to argue. I changed the subject, slipping my arms around his waist and nuzzling at his neck. He sighed and relaxed a little.
"Hungry?"
"Mmm." I'd had to drag Radittsu away from dinner before I'd had a chance to eat anything. And Vejiita was always hungry...
He swept me into his arms and flew us back to our rooms at record speed.
Zha'haabron had changed into a velvet bodysuit that fitted like a second skin and was the same green as his hair, inset with small golden gemstones, and was perched on the table in the antechamber, one leg swinging, the other curled under him, hands flat and fingers curled over the edge of the table. Radittsu was concentrating very hard on the swinging foot, keeping his eyes lowered, trying to keep himself under control. The prince's foot was slim and elegant, his toenails matching his fingernails. Radittsu itched to caress it.
"...why don't you try it?"
The Saiyan froze, then shook his head: he'd missed the start of the question. Oh, very intelligent, Radi - really good way to impress him...
"Your pardon, my lord?"
Zha'haabron regarded him coolly. "I said, why don't you try saying my name?"
Radittsu stared. "Uh, my lord...?"
The prince inclined his head. "Try it."
Radittsu swallowed nervously, trying to twist his tongue around the alien syllables. "Saah... Zhr... Zaa... Zaabon?"
The prince smiled fractionally. "Close enough. I wish for you to call me by name when we are alone."
The Saiyan's eyes widened. "Uh, very well, my l... Zaabon."
"Good. Now, I wish to take a walk in the palace grounds." He slid from the table and prowled through to the inner chamber for a cloak. Radittsu stared after him, unable to take his eyes from the prince's lithe, powerful body.
"As you wish, my... Zaabon."
It was going to be a long night...
Radittsu was heavy-eyed and slow next morning: he'd obviously not slept at all. As Vejiita and the prince entered the arena I caught his arm, frowning up into his face.
"What's wrong?"
He shook his head, unwilling to talk, but his eyes flickered to the prince. Zha'haabron and Vejiita were dressed identically, black bodysuits and boots, but no gloves or armour: Vejiita wanted as much freedom of movement as possible, and it seemed that the prince simply never used them. Zha'haabron's hair was in a loose plait down his back, shining in the sunslight. I had to admit he was stunning, taut, powerful, supple... Had a lot in common with the King, in fact.
The match started simply enough, with the pair of them gauging each other's styles and strength, but it soon picked up until they were seriously sparring. They were fairly evenly matched: the prince's reach was longer, but he lacked Vejiita's vicious edge. As the contest continued I could feel Radittsu tense at my side, but dismissed it as the thrill of the fight. As they shifted from straightforward physical attacks to using ki, however, I slowly became aware that the captain's reaction was something more than excitement. I turned to him, alarmed, and at that moment one of Vejiita's attacks broke through the prince's guard, slamming him backwards with a cry.
As Zha'haabron plummeted heavily to the ground Radittsu howled and leapt to his side, snarling and surging towards Vejiita as the King dived towards the prince. My heart in my throat, I lunged for Radittsu, wrapping my legs around his chest and my arms up under his shoulders and around his neck, holding him back from making the biggest mistake of his life as I bit into his ear, trying to shock some sense into him. He snarled and snaked one arm free, punching me hard in the face and nearly making me lose my grip, then Vejiita was in front of him, strong hands gripping his wrists, eyes wide, intense and furious as he stared into the big male's face. Radittsu glowered for just a moment, then went slack, choking back a sob.
"Sire..."
Vejiita was shaking with fury. He glared at me.
"Get him out of my sight."
I nodded hastily, pulling Radittsu's face to my shoulder and flying us both away from the arena as Vejiita reached a hand to help the prince to his feet.
"Just what the bloody hell did you think you were doing?!"
I was pacing furiously, licking the blood from my split lips as I snarled. Radittsu was slumped on the floor against the wall of the atrium, head in his hands, shaking. He refused to look at me: I grabbed a fistful of his mane and dragged his face up to mine. He stared at me, his eyes blank and almost frightened, and I sighed and crouched down before him, my hands on his shoulders.
"C'mon. Why don't you tell me about it?"
His eyes focussed, and I flinched. I'd never seen such unhappiness in anyone's face before. Though I knew how it felt, thinking back to that endless uncertain time after I'd first spent the night in Vejiita's bed. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around him and hugged, relieved when he tentatively hugged back. I slid down to sit beside him, my arm around his waist, and looked up into his face.
He glanced at me, and sighed.
"Sorry I hit you."
I grabbed his hand and squeezed it hard. "Doesn't matter. You've done worse when we've been sparring."
"Still..."
I nudged him in the ribs. "Spill."
He rubbed a weary hand across his eyes and leaned back against the wall. "The prince."
"I'd kind of gathered that."
"I... I'm...." He faltered, unable to express what he felt.
"Radittsu, you met him for the first time yesterday."
"So?"
"So how can he have this effect on you already?"
He slumped. "I don't know. I just know it hurts."
His eyes were distant, his scent - strange. I couldn't place it. He was pale, and cooler than he should be - though that could just be exhaustion. I frowned, but didn't have a lot of time to worry about it: I could feel Vejiita approaching, and he was furious.
"I don't think I'm going to be able to help you with this one..."
The King stormed into the room, grabbing my arm and flinging me aside, then backhanding Radittsu into and almost through the opposite wall. As the captain looked up at him, dazed, Vejiita took the time to snarl, "You dare behave so? Dishonour your position? Threaten your sovereign?" before laying into him savagely...
Radittsu didn't fight back, which was the only sensible option. And there was nothing I could do, at least until Vejiita had spent a little of his fury. I stayed back against the wall, my eyes closed, trying to shut out the sounds of fists on flesh.
As the King's anger abated a little, I risked interfering.
*Sire, please...Don't you think he's had enough? It might upset the prince if you make him look too ugly...*
He paused and glared at me over his shoulder, one hand grasping the edge of what was left of Radittsu's shattered breastplate, the other fist poised ready to smash into his face again. The big male was unconscious, slumped in the King's grip.
"I do not recall asking your opinion." His voice was cold. I fell to my knees, head bowed.
"Forgive me, sire."
He dropped Radittsu unceremoniously to the ground and turned to face me, hands on hips.
"And stop calling me sire!"
I risked a glance. He was still annoyed, but no longer furious, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Can I stand up now?"
His eyes lit up in a sudden, brief grin. "Tch.... No, I think I rather like you on your knees."
Yup - warped sense of humour...
"Uh, my lord? It is a bit public here..."
He nodded, suddenly serious again, and beckoned me to rise as he turned back to Radittsu, frowning. I stood beside him, looking down. The big male was a bloody mess. Vejiita scowled and glanced at me.
"Deal with it."
"Yes, my lord."
"Then come to me."
"Yes, my lord."
He turned and stalked from the atrium, and I dragged Radittsu over one shoulder and back to his quarters.
I'd finished bathing his ribs and had started on his neck and shoulders when Radittsu finally regained consciousness, groaning. He blinked up at me. Well, winked actually; one eye was swollen shut, the other badly bruised. I scowled.
"Be grateful we heal quickly. You might even be looking almost normal again by tonight. If you're lucky."
He tried to laugh, wincing as his cracked ribs complained, and flopped a hand against my thigh where I sat on the bed beside him. I drenched his face with hot water from the bowl and shook my head.
"Baka. Why didn't you listen to me? I told you you'd get into trouble."
"Never have done anything I was told..." He gasped as I dabbed a sweet-smelling green balm over the bruises and lacerations on his face. "What the hell's that?"
I smirked. "Healing salve of my own devising. Stings, but it works, so shut up and put up with it."
He fell silent, his eyes watering. I knew from experience the salve did more than just sting - it hurt - but not for long and it does work wonders. He'd be fine in the morning.
In the meantime...
"I have to get back to the King. D'you need anything else before I leave?"
He rolled his head from side to side wearily. I laid a hand on his bruised cheek.
"Get some sleep."
"I will. And thanks."
I tracked the King's ki to a balcony overlooking the palace grounds' main pool. It looked like it had been a good fight: they were both battered, but Vejiita was talking companionably to Zha'haabron, and the prince was actually smiling. They looked up as I approached, and Zha'haabron twisted to face me, his face suddenly sombre.
"How is he?"
I stared for a moment, until I realised he was asking about Radittsu. Hmm. Interesting...
"He'll be fine, my lord."
"I am pleased to hear it."
He meant it, too. Very interesting. I smiled, and Zha'haabron smiled back, his eyes gleaming. Then I nearly collapsed as Vejiita took my hand and kissed the tips of my fingers. Affection in public?! Or was he just pointing out that I was off-limits? Actually, I didn't care. It was nice. I wondered if I could persuade him to do it more often.
Vejiita dropped my hand and turned back to the prince, and I sighed silently. Ah well...
"Shall we continue?"
"Hai."
The King glanced back at me. "This will take some time." *So far we are evenly matched. I wish to test his endurance.*
I lowered my head slightly. "Very well, my lord." *How long?*
*Until he collapses.*
I sighed. That could be days... *I'll see you when you're done.*
I really don't like sleeping alone any more. I don't sleep well, and I wake up irritable. And hungry. And with a burning ache between my legs and in my belly. I usually have to pleasure myself before I can even think about getting up. And while I have a wealth of memories to spin fantasies from, they're nothing like the real thing.
Probably just as well I don't have to sleep by myself much any more...
I masturbated, rose, dressed, stuffed my face and stomped off to make someone's day miserable.
In the evening, satisfyingly aching and bruised from a day's hard training, I remembered Radittsu and went in search of the captain. I found him in his quarters, naked on the bed with his arm over his eyes. I sat on the bed beside him, resting a hand on his chest.
"How're you feeling?"
He let the arm slide back to rest above him, sighing, and rolled his head to look at me. I was pleased to see the cuts had completely healed, and the bruising practically disappeared. He also looked rested: he'd obviously managed some sleep.
"Well enough. I suppose."
"Talk to me?"
He growled. "If I knew what to say I would!"
I smiled. "He asked after you, you know."
The big male sat up so quickly he nearly knocked me off the bed. "He did?"
"Uhuh. Though whether that should cheer you up or not I'm not prepared to guess."
He was beaming. A slightly dopey grin, admittedly, but it was nice to see.
"Where is he?"
"With Vejiita."
He winced. "Oh."
I chuckled. "It's fine. Last I saw they were getting on really well."
Radittsu was silent for a moment, deep in thought. About the prince, going by his rapidly growing erection. Ye gods he - it - was big! I shook my head, grinning.
"You'd better at least let him know how you feel, find out where you stand. You're not going to be much use for anything, otherwise."
He smiled sheepishly and glanced down at his groin. "Right."
I patted his shoulder. "I'm sure it'll work out."
He gazed at me, then shocked me rigid by grabbing my hand and kissing my palm tenderly. All right, it was a little awkward, but I tell you, if having Zha'haabron onworld somehow impelled the males he came into contact with to treat females with this kind of consideration, I think we should import a few more of his race. Few thousand more, that is...
Vejiita and the prince returned around noon the following day, exhausted, battered and hurting. Also exultant and thoroughly satisfied. It had been a long time since Vejiita had found someone of anywhere near his own level with whom to fight, and I got the impression it was the same for the prince. I was happy for them. I also couldn't wait to drag Vejiita into bed. He seemed content to let me do so. I could only hope Radittsu and Zha'haabron were in the same state...
Zha'haabron lowered himself into the deep bath, hissing as the tepid water washed over his aching body. That had been the most satisfying contest he'd had in a very long time. This association looked like it could be extremely beneficial - in more ways than had originally been considered...
He lay back in the water as his aide combed out his hair, then reached to carefully massage his cool, hairless body. And he wondered, idly, what Radittsu's warm hands would feel like on his skin...
He shook himself, frowning, alarming the aide who backed to the side of the bath, cowering. Sh'ti'ia! He could not allow himself to be attracted to the male. To any of the creatures on this world. To do so would be madness.
He crossed his legs and allowed himself to sink below the water, closing his eyes as he set himself to meditate on the folly of feeling for warmbloods.
Radittsu had bathed. Checked himself in a mirror. Even struggled for an hour to drag a wide toothed comb through his mane, wincing as he pulled the occasional chunk from his scalp, but finally reasonably happy with the result. He hadn't known his hair could actually shine like that...
Swallowing his nervousness, he made his way to the prince's suite.
Zha'haabron slid into a bodysuit that matched his golden eyes, allowing his aide to brush his rapidly drying hair into a silken fall down his back. Golden earrings. Heavy gold bracelets. Golden headband. He'd even painted his nails gold. He stared at himself in the mirrorwall. Gold, pale blue and rich green. Sun, sky and forest.
He shook his head impatiently. Fanciful does not become you...
Even as he thought it he knew his fate was fixed.
Didn't stop him fighting it, though.
Radittsu paused before the door to the prince's suite, forcing down his agitation and breathing deeply. Consoling himself with the fact that he was supposed to be guarding the prince - he had a right to be here. He straightened his shoulders and quietly pushed open the door.
He halted in the antechamber, dazzled, unable to breathe. The prince stood in the inner chamber, a shimmering vision beyond anything Radittsu had ever imagined. The big Saiyan moved very slowly, very carefully towards his future.
They stared at each other, neither moving. Radittsu's heart in his throat. Zha'haabron's eyes huge, his body quivering very, very slightly.
Still fighting.
Radittsu reached a trembling hand to the prince's face, daring to touch the silky skin. Zha'haabron's eyes flickered closed momentarily, then his hand came up to slap the big Saiyan's face. Radittsu hit the wall hard and slumped forward onto his knees, staring up at the alien.
"You are so beautiful!" The big male folded his arms tightly across his chest to try to keep himself from reaching again for the prince, rocking back and forth on his knees as he fought against his arousal. Desperate. Unable to find the right words. His teeth were clenched, and his eyes glistened with unshed tears. "I... want you so..."
Zha'haabron hissed, baring his teeth. "And you think I might reciprocate? You... animal...! Get out. Now."
Devastated, no longer caring, Radittsu let the tears roll down his face. He pulled himself unsteadily upright, bowed deeply, and backed out of the room into the antechamber, leaving the prince glaring after him.
Hri'vken'na!
Zha'haabron felt himself shaking, skin tingling and throat dry. Aroused...
His mouth tightening, he moved to the bathroom and stood before the mirrorwall, scowling at himself as his hands reached to unfasten his headband. Bracelets and earrings followed, discarded negligently as the alien slithered out of his bodysuit. Finally, naked, Zha'haabron regarded himself in the mirror, running his hands across his chest and frowning.
He was beautiful. And years of training had paid off handsomely. His fingers trailed across his chest, nails scratching lightly over his sensitised skin, and he gasped silently, hips thrusting forwards. One hand stroked his throat, while the other snaked downwards to his groin, fondling himself as he grew fully erect. Then Zha'haabron reached behind his erection and sank his fingers into the female part of himself, arching forwards as his thumb rubbed over that infinitely sensitive little organ tucked away behind his shaft...
He must have cried out without realising it. The outer door slammed open.
"My prince?"
He shook his head, still unwilling to risk the big Saiyan. Primates weren't equipped to deal with his kind.
He grimaced. Then again, neither were most of his kind... And in any case, he was too aroused to back down now. And the Saiyan wanted him...
"In here, Radittsu."
The big male barrelled into the bathroom, clenched hands gathering ki as he glared around looking for enemies. Tears still on his cheeks... Seeing no threat, he glanced at Zha'haabron. Then did a double take and swallowed, hard.
"Uh, my lord?"
The prince was sprawled back against the shelf before the mirrorwall, lips parted, eyes half-closed, lean and elegant legs spread wide. Erection large, hard and pulsing. And behind that...
Fascinated despite himself, Radittsu moved closer, dropping to one knee to investigate further. Hand shaking, he dared to reach forward, touching the folds of darker blue flesh he glimpsed in the shadow of the alien's arousal.
Zha'haabron flung his head back, whimpered, and slid to the floor.
Acting on instinct, Radittsu caught and gathered the prince into his arms and carried him hastily through to the sleeping chamber, laying him very gently on the low bed and leaning over him to stroke Zha'haabron's face, his mane tumbling over the hairless blue body below him. Zha'haabron gazed up at him, panting...
There was an extraordinary raw beauty to the big Saiyan. No refinement, of course, but... Did that really matter? He was here, he was wanting - as much as Zha'haabron was wanting, and - he was attractive. And, however it had happened, Zha'haabron was somehow caught out on an alien world, in the first stages of bonding, aroused to the point of no return, with the rest of his species several hundred light years away...
"Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu..."
The big Saiyan trailed his hand down the smooth blue skin, trembling, somehow understanding the translation of his name into Zha'haabron's own tongue. He groaned as he buried his face in the prince's neck - then licked slowly down and across the alien's cool skin...
He frowned for a second, vaguely aware of something missing... Oh. No nipples. He shook his head mentally - he'd think about that later - and breathed deeply of the prince's strange, cool scent.
Zha'haabron's arms wrapped around him as he moved back up to the flawless face, nipping at the strong throat, the jaw, cheekbones, eyebrows, licking at the corners of the lips, gently biting at his earlobe...
Zha'haabron hissed and arced backwards, grinding his hips into Radittsu's. The big Saiyan pulled back momentarily, gazing down at the alien, eyes wide.
"Zaabon?" It was part whisper, part whimper, and had he not been in such a painful state of arousal Zha'haabron would have found the situation amusing. As it was...
The prince was writhing frantically, close to weeping. His male organ quivered helplessly, desperate for something to plunder. The female part of him wept slow tears of sweet scented lubricant, desperate to be ravaged. Radittsu gazed down at the squirming alien, throbbing, aching, and completely at a loss as to what to do!
"Rhoi'i'dat'hzziu!!" The exquisite body beneath him was frantic. He had to do something!
He wriggled out of his bodysuit, distantly grateful he'd foregone armour, then, taking a deep breath, he slid into the cool, pulsing entrance behind the shaft, relieved when the prince wrapped long legs around his waist, moaning as his head fell back. Radittsu wrapped his tail tightly around the alien's thigh, pressed a fervent kiss to his throat, then pulled backwards in preparation for his next thrust...
Or rather, he tried to.
"Aarghhh!" He couldn't move. The inner surface of Zha'haabron's passage was covered with barbs. Sharp, upward pointing barbs. Barbs that kept him erect even as they prevented him from pulling out.
...Oh shit...
The alien prince was gazing up at him, his eyes glazed, his chest heaving.
...What do I do now...? Ohhh, this hurts...
Radittsu snaked a hand downwards, intending to force his fingers into the prince to see if he could ease the pain at all, but as he brushed against Zha'haabron's erection he felt the barbs relax a little. Desperation being the mother of inspiration, he slid his hand down the prince's shaft. He was rewarded by a further slackening of the spines. And then his fingers found the small firm - lump behind Zha'haabron's erection...
The prince screamed as he pressed against it, bucking up against the Saiyan's muscular body, the barbs suddenly becoming smoother, undulating upwards along his shaft in powerful waves that stroked and stimulated and... oh ye gods! Lie here for ever in rapture.... He gasped and stared down into the prince's face, his eyes wide - then brought his other hand to the trembling organ, cupping over it with one hand while the other stroked and rubbed and manipulated that tiny sensitive mound of flesh...
Zha'haabron's nails tore strips from his back as the prince climaxed, carrying Radittsu with him as their bodies tensed and pulsed in unison, their minds linked and screaming into the void. Sated. Joined. Bonded.
He awoke slowly, groggily, wincing at the lacerations on his back, the burning, prickling ache lower down... He cupped a hand over his groin, gritting his teeth and carefully checking the damage.
"It becomes less painful, in time, with practise."
His eyes shot open to look directly into Zha'haabron's calm golden gaze. The prince was lying on his side, his head propped on one hand, gazing down at the Saiyan, expression shuttered, expecting nothing. Radittsu stared up at him for a moment - then grinned broadly, wrapped strong arms and tail around him and pulled the startled alien down into a bearhug.
"Fine by me. Can we start now?"
I grinned and pulled away from the door. I really shouldn't eavesdrop, but I'd been worried about him. Looks like I needn't have bothered.
I made my way back to our suite. Vejiita should be waking sometime soon...
© 2001 Joules Taylor
