Reunion Cloudie had had a miserable week since turning James out of her quarters. The tinkerer missed her old friend, she still missed Devon, she even missed Stephan though she wasn't game to go near the Frenchman after his outburst. He was right though, how dare she expect sympathy when he was suffering so much more than she? But now, days later, the tinkerer felt like she was coming adrift from her life: she buried herself in the familiarity of work and the only person she talked to outside of the workshop was Rowan.
Her brother for his part was thoroughly pissed off with the situation until Cloudie gently pointed out that just because she wasn't having anything to do with James didn't mean that he had to keep his distance. The traveller boy was grateful for that, he'd known James all his life, thought of him as part of his extended family, loved and looked up to him, it was unsettling not having him around, so to speak. But more unsettling for the child was his sister's unnatural solitude. Cloudie wasn't one of life's natural loners, she needed people and he was sure this hiding away wasn't doing her any good. Rowan had an idea though, how to drag the tinkerer out of seclusion.A down-hearted Cloudie came back to her quarters that evening to find her little brother stuffing a bizarre assortment of things into his backpack.
*Hi, Cloudie!* he grinned at her.
*Hi, Row,* the tinkerer ruffled the boy's shaggy blonde hair. *What are you doing?*
*I'm going to sleep over with Jem tonight.*
*You are?* Cloudie frowned. *When was this arranged?*
*At school today,* Rowan was cheerful, *Erin says it's okay.*
His sister sighed, shoving a grease-smudged hand through her hair.
*I suppose it's all right but you should have asked me first.* She half-smiled at her brother. *Not that I'm suspicious or anything but I might just check with Erin now.*
*'course.* Rowan's big blue eyes were wide and ingenuous, and Cloudie chuckled as she contacted the Nursery coordinator through the switchboard.Erin had happily confirmed the sleep-over, adding she thought it would be a great opportunity for the boys to consolidate their friendship.
*Well, Erin says it's legit, so I guess you can go.*
*Thanks, Cloudie!* Rowan wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, then gazed up with concern at her. *Will you be okay on your own?*
*Yeah, sure,* the tinkerer forced a smile, *there's a packet of chocolate biscuits with my name on it.*
*Oh,* Rowan looked sheepish, *do you mean the strawberry mallow ones at the back of the cupboard?*
*Rowan!*
The boy smirked.
*Just kidding – I only had two.* He slung his bag over his shoulder. *I'll see you tomorrow!* And with Gorey galloping along beside him he bounded out of the apartment, leaving Cloudie feeling abandoned.
The tinkerer sighed heavily and contemplated ringing out for some food but decided even that was too much effort at the moment. Thank heavens her brother had left her some biscuits...Cloudie had settled in front of the flat-screen with the vague idea of vegging out on some mindless entertainment until she was tired enough to sleep. A gentle tap on the door and Ernst's polite enquiry sounding in her mind shook her out of the crap-induced torpor she'd slid into.
The stocky man eyed her baggy old trackpants and t-shirt.
"You're not ready?"
"Pardon?" Cloudie blinked.
"We're going out tonight." Ernst frowned at her blank look, then rolled his eyes. "The little bugger!"
"What?"
"Rowan!" Ernst seemed to be caught between amusement and annoyance. "He told me you'd asked him to ask me if I could come out with you tonight."
Cloudie's jaw dropped.
"He did what?" she growled. "I'll bloody kill him!"
Ernst chuckled.
"You gotta admit it's funny."
"No it's not!"
"Yes it is," Ernst grinned, helping himself to the last biscuit in the packet. "He's obviously worried about you." He quirked an eyebrow. "So what about it? I'm ready to go out – may I have the pleasure of your company?"
"Thanks, Ernst, but no, I don't think so." Cloudie's smile was wistful.
"Oh, come on, it'll be fun." Ernst enthused. "The Wyverns are playing at Neurons."
Cloudie hesitated, tempted. The Wyverns were a Celtic band, a favourite of hers, who had a regular gig at the psi-friendly pub. She hadn't seen them for ages though, they'd been out touring for the past few months.
"A drink – a dance." Ernst coaxed.
Cloudie wavered; it'd be good to see the band play again, and Ernst was an even better dancer than James, or Tiger.
"Yeah, okay, you've convinced me." The stocky man beamed at her. "Give me a few minutes to get ready..."Neurons was crowded tonight – word had obviously got around that the Wyverns were back – and it was a happy, enthusiastic vibe Cloudie and Ernst walked into. The seeker grinned at his companion; Cloudie's blue-grey eyes were sparkling and she was radiating that familiar happy vitality again. You had to hand it to Rowan, the kid may be a little monster but he knew what his sister needed. The stocky man touched Cloudie's elbow.
"Drink?"
"Ta, cider." The tinkerer smiled at him then turned her attention to the small, raised platform where the Wyverns were just making their appearance now. She clapped and cheered along with the rest of the audience as the seven piece band took their places and launched straight into a fast-paced reel, one of their standards and a favourite with everyone judging by the holler that went up. Without waiting for Ernst Cloudie plunged into the eager throng..."Oh, that's better," a sweaty and much happier Cloudie slid down the wall to sit cross-legged next to Ernst.
"Good," the 'path handed her another drink. Cloudie smiled and gently clinked her bottle against his.
"Thanks, Ernst,"
He grinned.
"My pleasure."
The Wyverns had played for an hour straight though lost in the music as she'd been it hadn't felt nearly that long to the tinkerer. The band was taking a short break now, which was just as well as it gave them, and their audience, time to catch their collective breaths. Cloudie gratefully swigged the cold, slightly effervescent liquid and sighed happily. Why worry about life's petty problems when you could dance like this? The tinkerer tipped her head back against the cool wall and took another swig of her drink. Yep, dancing and sex were gifts of joy... Beneath her bright, silver-threaded cotton skirt Cloudie wriggled surreptitiously. Sex? It'd been days...
"Ernst! Good to see you, cyfaill!" A rich, musical voice called Cloudie away from her introspection and she watched with interest as Ernst scrambled upright to envelop a much taller man in a fierce hug.
"Ewan!" the seeker thumped the younger man's back, "You little bugger! How was the tour?"
"Had its moments, that's for sure." Ewan laughed, a light and happy sound that had Cloudie smiling in unconscious empathy. "But it's good to be back." He glanced down at the blonde woman and grinned. "Your pardon, I didn't mean to intrude."
"No, that's okay," Cloudie said, a little breathlessly. She'd just realised it was one of the Wyverns – one of the tambour players, she thought – who'd greeted Ernst so familiarly, and damn but wasn't he cute up close! The tinkerer held out her hand.
"Cloudie."
"Ewan," he smiled and took her hand briefly, leaving her with an impression of warmth and strength. "Mind if I join you?"
"Be our guest," Ernst cut in before Cloudie could reply, "I'll get some drinks. The usual for you, Ewan?"
"Thanks," the musician sat down cross-legged on the floor, folding long – and leanly muscled, the tinkerer couldn't help notice – legs beneath him. He smiled warmly at Cloudie. "I hope you don't mind me saying but I've noticed you in the audience before."
"Have you?" Cloudie was suffused with a rush of shy pleasure. "I'm something of a fan."
"I'm glad to hear it," Ewan said then grimaced, "Sorry, that sounded terrible. What I meant was our fans are important, I'm glad to meet one."
The tinkerer smiled again.
"You know Ernst?"
"For years, yes," Ewan chuckled. "He found me when I was about fifteen – dragged me kicking and screaming to the Agency. I've never been able to thank him properly."
Cloudie stared, suddenly registering the subtle thrumming of her of psi awareness.
"You're a talent?"
"Uhuh," He grinned. "Bit of telepathy and empathy. What's your speciality?"
"Oh," the tinkerer flushed; of course, Ewan'd be equally aware of her. "Machine empath, TK."
"Interesting combination." He tilted his head to one side and looked closely at her face. "You're a traveller?"
"Yes!" Cloudie was surprised and oddly pleased. "how'd you guess?"
"This." Ewan gently rubbed his thumb over the faint spiral tattoo on her cheek and Cloudie was hard pressed not to lean into the touch. Gods but the musician was attractive. Large, clear, deep-green eyes, shoulder-length shaggy strawberry blonde hair that was escaping tendril by tendril from a neat pony-tail, and freckles! And then there was his voice, velvet easy on the ear with a soft, musical lilt of an accent. Welsh, she thought....
"Do you see much of your clan?" Ewan was speaking again.
"I visit a few times a year, when I can."
"Do you miss the life?"
"Sometimes," Cloudie smiled, "but I love what I have here..."Ernst pushed away from the bar and back through the buzzing crowd to where he'd left Cloudie and Ewan. The seeker paused, unobserved for the moment, to watch the young psis. They were leaning towards each other with lots of eye-contact, obviously attracted. Ernst half-smiled to himself, this looked... promising, though what James would make of it...? The seeker sighed; his boss loved Cloudie deeply and while she was great for him Ernst had to concede that maybe they weren't such a good match. James was protective of the tinkerer, but also indulgent in the manner of an adult with a child. True, James hadn't objected to any of Cloudie's other liaisons, but he'd revealed a darkly jealous side of himself over Devon and that had driven a huge wedge between them. A shame, really, there'd been a lot of potential in their relationship. Ernst shook his head - but then again, they'd known each other for how long and neither of them had made that first move? The seeker shrugged philosophically – could be it was time for them both to move on...
"Here you go," Ernst squeezed himself down beside the psis, handing each of them a bottle of cider. "Cheers!"
"Cheers!" was echoed back and the trio all drank deeply.
"Ah," Ewan glanced at his watch, "almost time for the second set. Are you staying?" He asked both Cloudie and Ernst but his attention was primarily on the tinkerer.
"Wouldn't miss it!" Cloudie grinned.
"Great," the musician beamed. "Will you join me for dinner afterwards?"
"I'd like that," Cloudie smiled shyly.
"I can't stay, unfortunately," Ernst chimed in, tongue in cheek, knowing full well Ewan hadn't been asking him. "Early morning, an' all that."
"Oh, such a shame," Ewan quirked an insincere eyebrow. "Maybe next time?"
Ernst laughed and clapped the musician on the shoulder.
"Whoops, better go!" Ewan scrambled to his feet at the sound of the other musicians coming back on stage. "I'll see you later?" he asked Cloudie, who nodded, smiling broadly. The musician grabbed Ernst in another tight, quick hug. "Good to see you, cyfaill!" He released the seeker, grinned at Cloudie and sprinted for the stage as the band started up again.Cloudie stirred awake, smiling muzzily at the soft, nipping kisses working their way along her shoulder.
"Mmmm.. morning."
"Morning," warm lips nuzzled the back of her neck as an equally warm hand stroked over her hip and down between her thighs to lightly flick the clit ring. Cloudie grinned and wriggled against the fingers; Ewan had been delighted to discover her body jewellery and had taken the time last night to show her just how much he appreciated it.
"Breakfast?"
"In a minute," the tinkerer laughed, rolling over on to her stomach and spreading her thighs. She peeked back at the musician as he knelt between her legs. If she'd thought he'd looked good last night, he was even better this morning; naked, aroused, his hair tumbling loose about his shoulders. She held her breath as Ewan pulled her hips up a little, exhaling with a sigh of pure pleasure as he slid into her. Breakfast could wait, this was so much better than toast...The Wyverns had played for another hour with another half-hour of encores on top of that. It'd been a great night, a very successful homecoming and Ewan was euphoric and sweat-drenched when he came off-stage. Ernst had said his goodbyes pretty much immediately and disappeared, leaving Cloudie alone with the musician. Well... as alone as they could be amongst the small, lively party that found its way into Neuron's bistro for an after-show meal. Sitting next to Ewan, surrounded and welcomed by the other band members and their family and friends, Cloudie rediscovered her appetite and ate heartily for the first time in days.
From the general conversation, the tinkerer discovered the band were booked to play at Neurons for the next couple of weeks then they had a fortnight off before going into the studio to record another album. The mood of the meal was very upbeat but it'd been a lengthy few months on the road and the party didn't go for much longer than it took for everyone to clear their plates. Ewan had seemed happy though to sit there with Cloudie until he'd seen the last of the group off with a friendly wave – then he'd turned to the tinkerer with an endearingly diffident smile.
"Would you like to go home? I'd like you to stay."
It'd come out in a bit of a rush and Cloudie couldn't help but giggle. She also couldn't deny the delicious surge of heat in her groin at Ewan's suggestion, nor the twinge of guilt that accompanied it. What the hell was that about? Cloudie resolutely ignored the peculiar feeling; she'd lost Devon and pushed James away but she wasn't dead yet and Ewan was very, very attractive.
"You would?" She lightly stroked the back of his hand as she smiled at him, "I'd like that too."
Ewan breathed out an almost comical sigh of relief and Cloudie found herself wondering how often he asked people to stay with him. He didn't seem to be very... practised. The musician stood up and took her hand, twining his long fingers with her own.
"I'll just pick up my drum then we'll go home..."Home was a comfortable bedsit flat within the hostel part of Neurons. Half of the band lived in the building, Ewan told Cloudie as he pressed his palm to the security pad – it was a very convenient arrangement. Cloudie gazed around the well-organised space as her host closed blinds and switched on soft lamps. Ewan, apparently, had a thing about dragons. Several pictures and figurines of dragons in varying colours and sizes dotted the place and hung on the wall behind the bed was a large, butter-yellow cloth banner with the band's symbol emblazoned in bold colours. Cloudie had always liked the Wyverns' motif – a stylised dragon viewed from behind, looking back at the onlooker over its inwardly curved wings, the graceful arc of its ridged spine continuing through to its barbed tail wound about a double-headed tambour drumstick. It was a simple, elegant and evocative design that looked great wherever it was placed, on instruments, clothes or skin, as Cloudie found out when Ewan removed his shirt.
They were both feeling gritty and sweaty from an energetic evening in the pub, and Cloudie had happily agreed that a shower before anything else was a great idea. Under the warm spray, she gently traced the outline of the Wyvern's symbol on Ewan's upper right arm before turning the amused musician around to have another, closer look at the magnificently detailed European dragon covering his back.
"This is amazing," the tinkerer breathed, "must've taken hours."
"Days…" Ewan amended cheerfully, "and yes it hurt like the dickens."
"That's real dedication," Cloudie's fingertip followed the dragon's curling tail down Ewan's back to the cleft of his buttocks. He shivered, dropping his forehead against the tiles as she stroked between his thighs, just brushing his scrotum. "I don't think I could stomach that amount of pain no matter how beautiful the result."
Ewan twisted around in the small space to face the tinkerer, his erection rubbing deliciously across her stomach. He grinned and cupped Cloudie's full breasts, rubbing thumbtips over large, taut nipples.
"These didn't hurt?" he asked, tugging gently on a tit-ring.
"Well yes," it was Cloudie's turn to shiver, "but it's not the same."
*Still beautiful.* Ewan's voice whispered in her mind.
*Are we clean enough, do you think?* the tinkerer's eyes were shining.
*I think so.*
*Good.* Cloudie chuckled, tilting her head upwards to nibble the musician's throat as she used her TK to flick off the flow of water..."You've got a great view here," Cloudie, wearing one of her host's large, comfortably shapeless t-shirts, stood looking-out from the single window in Ewan's bedsit while she crunched into a well-buttered slice of toast – her delayed breakfast. Ewan cast an eye at the sleeting rain that was effectively obscuring any vista and grinned.
"You're an optimist, aren't you? I can tell." He handed her a mug of hot, sweet tea. "But yes, I'm high enough up here to get a good view of the river."
Cloudie carefully took the drink, smiling thanks and Ewan slid into position close behind her, wrapping his arms loosely about her waist. The tinkerer leant backwards into him with a happy sigh, enjoying the warmth and simple affection. It was nice, comforting.
"I'd like to see you again," Ewan hesitantly nuzzled bright-gold ringlets. Cloudie twisted to look at him and smiled shyly.
"That'd be great."
"Would you like to have dinner with me? Before the show tonight?"
"Yes," she kissed his jaw, "though first I need to make sure my little brother's going to be all right."
"Sure," Ewan's arms tightened a little around her – Cloudie had told him about Rowan, "Call me when you know?"
"I will," she kissed his jaw again, then glanced at the bedside clock, squeaking in dismay when she saw the time.
"I'm sorry, Ewan, I've got to go or I'll be late!" She gulped her tea, or tried to as the musician chose that moment to nibble ticklishly at her neck. Cloudie yipped in surprise, managing to not laugh the sweet liquid up through her nose. "You're not helping!"
Smirking unrepentantly, Ewan released her, stepping quickly to one side so she could dart about finding her clothes.
"Do you need a taxi?"
Cloudie paused in pulling her skirt up and frowned.
"Didn't even think of that. Could you order one for me, please?"
"Sure," Ewan smiled and reached for his phone.The musician dressed quickly and accompanied Cloudie down to the foyer to wait with her. They stood cuddled into each other and Cloudie was vaguely surprised at how natural it felt even although she'd known Ewan for less than a day.
There wasn't much time to talk - the taxi arrived in a miraculously short time – but then there didn't seem to be much that needed saying.
"I'll see you soon," Ewan cupped the tinkerer's face in his hands, brushing a soft kiss over her lips.
"Looking forward to it," Cloudie grinned and then rather reluctantly stepped away from him and out of the building.Stephan sighed happily and nestled closer to the warm back in front of him, arms holding the TK close, nose buried in thick, silky copper hair. He'd been afraid to admit, even to himself, how much he'd missed this closeness…
Devon reached back, long thin fingers wrapping the Frenchman's stirring cock.
"… feels good…"
Stephan kissed the nape of his neck, brushing aside the heavy mane and nuzzling the pale skin underneath.
"Oui, mon petit… I am 'appy you 'ave come back…"
Devon peered over his shoulder, smouldering smile in his eyes.
"Want to show me how happy?"
"Mais oui…"
The TK grinned, wriggling his arse.
"Come on then."
Sighing with mock exasperation, Stephan reached over his lover's body for the tube of lubricant - moving a little stiffly, Devon had been extremely - enthusiastic over the last three hours, apparently trying to make up for lost time. It would be a day or two before Stephan could sit without discomfort…Devon cried out as he came, pulsing into Stephan's hands as the Frenchman thrust several more times, finally shoving in and holding tight, climaxing hard, whimpering quietly. It felt… so wonderful. Like coming home.
They lay quietly, Devon panting, nestling back against his lover as Stephan fondled him, semen slick against his cock and balls.
"We could 'ave a shower…"
Devon wriggled as Stephan's penis slid from his body, accompanied by a thick trickle of come. He squirmed over to face his lover.
"'d like that…"
"And then, per'aps you ought to go and see Nuage."
Devon nodded thoughtfully. Yes, he should. He had an apology to make. He slid his hands down to cup the Frenchman's buttocks, pulling their groins together and rubbing stickily.
"And then I want to take you to dinner."
Stephan raised an eyebrow.
"You do not think you might stay with Nuage?"
"Dunno if she'll want me to."
"But if she does?"
Devon kissed his lover, tongue gently exploring his mouth, rediscovering him. Playing for time - he wasn't sure how to answer. He'd treated them both very badly - but Stephan more so. After all, Cloud had James. Stephan had had no-one.
"I still want to take you to dinner."
Stephan chuckled and held the TK tighter.
"I would very much like that."
Devon rolled, sitting up and grabbing Stephan's hand.
"Let's get clean. Want to wash my back?"
"It would be mon plaisir…"Halfway to Cloud's apartment, Devon realised he hadn't brought anything for her. Not that he thought it was necessary - but she'd brought him that plant, to say sorry when she thought she'd upset him. And it was too late to go out to buy anything. Well, she'd probably understand. He could maybe find something tomorrow…
He paused at her door - then took a deep breath and knocked.
"Come in!" Cloudie sang out from her bedroom, hastily buttoning up the bright fuchsia shirt she'd just shrugged into. "I'll be there in a moment!"
Devon pushed open the door - wincing slightly at the colours, he'd almost managed to forget that part of Cloud's… ambience - and stepped inside, taking a deep breath. He smiled. It smelt of her.
The tinkerer quickly surveyed herself in the mirror – yes she looked fine – then absently finger combing her ringlets she hurried out to the small loungeroom, to stop dead at the sight of Devon standing beside the door.
"Devon?" she flushed and bit her lip. "Uh, hi."
"Hello Cloud…"
The tinkerer said the first thing that came to her suddenly blank mind.
"W-would you like a coffee?"
He shook his head, licking his lips.
"Um… Are you busy? I wanted… I mean… Oh fuck. Cloud, I'm sorry."
"Oh, Dev," Cloudie stepped forward, urged by an almost maternal need to comfort the young TK, "you've nothing to be sorry for."
He shook his head.
"I was a complete fucking moron."
"No you weren't," the tinkerer murmured softly, a second, distinctly unmaternal urge, prompting her to take another, tentative step closer. Gods she'd missed him...
"I was… rude. And selfish. And I hurt you. I never want to hurt you." He lowered his head. "I'm sorry."
"It's okay, it's done now, don't be sorry," Cloudie quickly covered the small distance remaining between them and wrapped the TK in a tight hug. He was so tense! "Shh, it's all right, Dev."
But it wasn't done, was it? James was still an issue…
"Cloud…" He wasn't sure what to say. "Cloud… James…"
"I'm sorry, Dev, I didn't realise what he was doing. If I'd known I would've – I don't know..." the tinkerer squeezed her eyes shut against tears and buried her face in his hair. "I'm sorry..."
She clung to him for a moment longer then pulled away a little so she could gaze earnestly into his face.
"So, are we friends again?" Please say yes.
He gazed into beautiful blue grey eyes, shivering.
"Oh… please, Cloud. Fuck but I've missed you."
It was, he realised, perfectly true. He'd deal with the James crap later.
Cloudie's breath caught in her throat.
"I've missed you too, so much..." she hugged the TK close and kissed him with a passionate fierceness, twining her hands in his silky hair. Cloudie felt him respond against her and her heart sang – until she remembered what it was she was supposed to be doing.
"Oh Dev, I'm sorry, sweetie," she pulled away, reluctantly, "I have to leave in a minute."
"What?" he blinked, caught in preliminary lust.
"I have a date." The tinkerer's smile was soft and warm.
"Oh, right, sorry." Devon stepped away quickly, shoving his hand through his hair, unable to prevent his grimace. Cloudie recognised his expression for what it was and stood close again, cupping his cheek.
"It's not James." She smiled, "His name's Ewan, he's a musician and I think you'd like him." Blue-grey eyes grew distant. "I like him."
A musician? He suddenly felt lighter. A musician would be good for Cloud. Would understand her need for colour and movement in her life… He smiled and hugged her.
"You have a good time. Um… can we meet up for lunch? Maybe tomorrow?"
Cloudie grinned with relief.
"I'd love to!" she snuggled into the TK again, nibbling a kiss to the corner of his mouth, "And maybe, sometime soon, we could spend some time...?"
He hesitated, a little uncertain - then wondered why.
"I'd… like that… but…"
"But what?" Cloudie frowned slightly.
"I… don't want to be a nuisance - or get in the way…"
She blinked, then smiled softly, stroking his cheek.
"Thank you. Let's see how we go, eh?"
He kissed her palm, suddenly wanting to touch her… but not sure if he should.
What the fuck was the matter with him?
Things had changed. He'd changed.
He sighed. He needed to think about this.
"Picnic with the ducks, then? Tomorrow?"
"Great!" Cloudie landed a smacking kiss on his lips, "You've no idea how glad I am we're friends again." She grinned and stepped away. "I'm sorry, Dev, I've really got to go..."Stephan smiled up at Devon from his seat before the monitor.
"Allo… you were very quick. All is well?"
Devon nodded a little absently, flopping down on the sofa and shoving a hand through his hair.
"Yeah… She was on her way out for a date."
Stephan's lips thinned.
"James?"
"No. Someone called Ewan. A musician."
Stephan blinked, then frowned. Ewan who was a musician… this was very familiar, but he couldn't quite remember…
"She seems happy. Likes him. Thinks I'd like him too…"
Stephan joined the distracted TK on the sofa, sitting carefully and resting an elegant hand on a thin shoulder.
"Something is bothering you, mon cher."
Devon sighed.
"Yeah… something's - changed."
"In you? Or in Nuage?"
"Me… I think. It's like…" he growled, frustratedly. "Like I have to ask permission before I touch her."
Stephan blinked. That was definitely unlike his petit amour.
"She has said this?"
"No. She suggested we maybe get together - like we used to I s'pose… I want to. But I feel like I shouldn't."
The Frenchman stroked his hair.
"Why is that?"
Devon shrugged.
"Dunno."
Stephan watched the TK for a moment. The whole affaire with Athena, the situation with James, had been sparked - completely unknowingly and unwittingly - by Nuage. By her response to Devon. The marksman smiled faintly - Devon seemed to bring out either the best or the worst in everyone he met! In himself, and in Nuage, it had been the best; in James, the worst. But he'd felt - betrayed; no matter how much he told himself it wasn't the tinkerer's fault, she had been with James, she could have been expected to know what was going on. And then to have Athena use him so… casually… Stephan could feel himself growing tense and made a determined effort to calm down.
It wasn't really surprising Devon felt unsure of himself. Stephan was sure it would pass - but made a mental note to speak to Greg anyway, in case a little outside help was required.
"Per'aps we can talk about it - over dinner?"
Devon gazed blankly into amused dark eyes, then blinked, blushing faintly.
"Oh! Yeah - dinner… D'you want to dress up?"
Stephan was tempted to tease, to say yes, knowing full well that Devon hated formality… He shook his head.
"I believe that smart casual will 'do'."
Devon grinned with relief.
"OK. I'll go get changed and pick you up in… half an hour?"
Stephan nodded.
"I assume we are eating at the restaurant?"
"Yes - unless you'd like to go somewhere else?"
He shook his head.
"I am 'appy to eat there."
Devon nodded - then sprang forwards, pushing the Frenchman onto his back and kissing him ardently. Stephan chuckled around a mouthful of tongues and held his lover tightly, happier than he dared admit to have the TK back. Pulling back a little, he stroked the pale face.
"Shall we 'ave dessert after dinner?"
Devon laughed and slid off his lover, pulling himself to his feet and nodding.
"My place?"
"It would be nice."
"OK. I'll be back in half an hour…"
© 2003 November 13th Lutra with a bit of Joules
Darkside