Courtship

Dik Dik woke to the feeling of Terry shoving into him - for the fourth time that night. He groaned. Not only was he exhausted, he was now also very, very sore…

Checkmate had pointed out, gently, that a courtship of this type would really only be effective if the buck was back with Terry and Jaeger: accordingly, Dik Dik had joined his partners in a training session the following day and - a little reluctantly - accompanied them back to their room in the evening. Terry had hurriedly shoved the door shut then pulled the gazelle-man into a rough hug.
      "Shoot, Ah'm glad y're back!"
      So is your cock, Dik Dik thought wryly as the Texan's erection rubbed against his groin. Jaeger hugged him from behind, also very obviously aroused, and the buck sighed.
      "I suppose we'd better go to bed, then."
      Terry tweaked his tail.
      "Yeah!" He quailed at the expression on Jaeger's face, and lowered his eyes. "Ah mean, if yew think y're up to it…"
      He had missed them. Although he'd also enjoyed the rest - and Checkmate was an undemanding and gentle lover. But he owed Terry and Jaeger a lot - how could he refuse? He forced a smile.
      "Up to it? Of course I'm up to it!"

Terry had come hard and fast the first time, relinquishing his place to Jaeger, who had adopted a slower pace, caressing the buck's back and tail, nipping gently along his jaw, and kissing Dik Dik as he came.
      By then Terry was hard again, and this time he took longer. Jaeger had slid down to take Dik Dik's cock into his mouth, lavishing attention on the swollen pale shaft and heavy balls, licking and sucking and biting very gently, holding still as the buck whimpered and jetted into his throat. He swallowed and moved back up, smiling into dark golden-brown eyes from under his fringe.
      "Ah, leibchen… is sehr gut to haf you back vith us…"
      Behind him, Terry grunted, rammed home one last time and came, fingers digging into Dik Dik's hips. He sighed and kissed the back of the buck's neck.
      "Yeah, Ah'll second that… Missed yew real bad."
      Me, or my body? Dik Dik shook away the unworthy thought. These were his friends…
      Jaeger was erect again, and the buck rolled over onto his back, thighs spread widely: the German eyed him narrowly.
      "You are sure? I do not vish to cause you pain."
      "I'm fine, Jaeger… please…"
      But by the time Jaeger had finished, he was aware of a ferocious ache, from his thighs all the way up deep inside. It hurt to move, though he tried not to show it as he made his way to the shower, Jaeger beside him. The German had bathed him, soapy hands slick on his skin and pelt, caressing his genitals as he washed away the semen - and becoming aroused again. Dik Dik eyed his erection, then gritted his teeth and turned to face the wall, lifting his tail and resting his hands flat against the tiles. Jaeger frowned.
      "Leibchen? Do you not vant a rest?"
      He shook his head - he'd rest later, when his bedmates had sated themselves…

Terry nuzzled his shoulder, half-asleep but still pounding relentlessly. Dik Dik lay still, trying not to flinch, until Jaeger switched on the light and cupped his face in warm hands, scowling at his expression.
      "Terry!"
      The Texan eyed him blearily over one red-gold shoulder.
      "Whut?"
      "Stop, dumbkopf! Dik Dik is tired and hurting!"
      The buck shook his head.
      "I'm fine, Jaeger."
      "But…"
      The buck silenced him with a kiss, sighing with relief when Terry moaned and came, shoving hard into his aching body then pulling out roughly and cuddling into Dik Dik's back.
      "S'good…"
      And he was asleep again.
      Jaeger was still frowning.
      "Leibchen?"
      Dik Dik forced a smile.
      "It's OK."
      "No it is not leibhaber. You must say if ve are being too… pushy…"
      A sudden surge of guilt filled the buck. He couldn't object, could he? Terry wanted Checkmate - and he'd somehow managed to beat the Texan to his goal.
      He groaned quietly. How could he have been so selfish?!
      Jaeger stroked his neck, eyes wide and concerned.
      "I vant to help."
      Dik Dik shook his head wearily.
      "I'm OK."
      "Vould you like to shower?"
      He considered the question. Yes, he would - Terry's semen was trickling stickily down his thigh - but he was so tired… He shook his head.
      "I'd just like to sleep…"
      Frowning, Jaeger switched off the light and cuddled into the buck's front, ignoring his own erection, and kissed Dik Dik's neck. His voice was low and gentle.
      "I am very glad you are here, leibchen."
      The buck listened as Jaeger's breathing slowed: the German was asleep in front of him, Terry dead to the world behind him. Not so long ago he'd have found the situation a source of contentment: now, however…
      Perhaps he should speak to Checkmate tomorrow, tell him the arrangement was off. Yes, that would be the best thing. That way no-one would get hurt…

The chessmaster made his appearance while they were taking a break: Terry watched, face reddening as he strode in their direction. The Texan's eyes widened, his jaw dropping, as the chessmaster came to a halt before Dik Dik and proffered - was that a sprig of lavender? (Where the heck had he found lavender?) Checkmate's voice was just loud enough for Terry and Jaeger to hear.
      "Master Van Dik, it would please me greatly if thou wouldst join me for luncheon."
      Dik Dik glanced nervously back at his partners.
      "I don't think…"
      "Splendid." Checkmate had obviously expected him to dither, and equally obviously wasn't going to allow him to change his mind. "I shall come for thee at twelve of the clock."
      Smiling fondly, he tucked the lavender into the waistband of the buck's costume, bowed his head, turned and strode away, leaving a stunned silence behind him.
      "Was…?"
      "Whut…?"
      "… uhhh…"
      Terry glared at Dik Dik.
      "Whut the hell is goin' on?!"
      Play it cool, Dik Dik, the buck thought to himself. Just - act as if it's nothing unusual…
      Jaeger looked bewildered.
      "Checkmate has invited you to eat vith him?"
      "Uh… yes…"
      "Vhy?"
      "… umm…."
      "Why yew?" Terry was pouting. A short distance away Kid stared, then pointed, bouncing from foot to foot.
      "Dik Dik's got a date!"
      The buck blushed furiously.
      "It's not a date! It's just lunch…"
      "He gave you flowers! Sounds like a date to me!"
      At which point - luckily for Dik Dik's composure - Meat bellowed from the sidelines, letting them all know in no uncertain terms that break time was over and they'd better get back to it…

Checkmate arrived exactly on time, ushering Dik Dik from the training ring with a bow and leaving Terry gazing mournfully after them. Jaeger laid a hand on his shoulder.
      "Ve vill find out vhat is happening vhen he comes back."
      "If he comes back…"

Dik Dik was painfully aware of the eyes that followed them as they entered the restaurant, and kept his head lowered. Checkmate chuckled as they were led to the table for two he had reserved.
      "Thou need'st not be shy, Dik Dik. For what are we but two friends enjoying each others… company over a meal?"
      The buck winced as he carefully sat down, and the chessmaster frowned.
      "Thou art hurt?"
      "It's nothing…"
      The chessmaster eyed him narrowly.
      "Thy partners - were too harsh with thee?"
      "They were… enthusiastic. Eager."
      "And hath left thee hurting." Checkmate's lips narrowed in anger.
      "Well, they'd missed me…"
      "I shall speak to them."
      Dik Dik caught hold of his companion's wrist.
      "No, please don't. It doesn't matter, and it was my fault. For not being there the night before."
      Checkmate stared, then inclined his head.
      "Tell me, didst thou brand "welcome" upon thine hindquarters thyself?"
      Dik Dik blinked, bewildered, and the chessmaster took his hand.
      "Thou art not a servant, nor a whore. Thou dost not have to submit thyself to the lusts of others."
      "I know, but…" He lowered his head. He knew it was true, but somehow… He felt that he should. After all, he did enjoy it too. Most of the time. Well, almost most of the time. And Terry and Jaeger had been so good to him…
      As their meal arrived Checkmate caught his chin in gentle fingers and forced his face up, smiling into golden-brown eyes.
      "Methinks thou hast low self-esteem, despite thine outward act. This we must change."
      Dik Dik blushed - then remembered his earlier decision and took a deep breath.
      "Checkmate - I don't think this is a good idea. I mean, it's very kind of you to try to help me, but it's going to make Terry and Jaeger unhappy - especially Terry. You know how he feels about you."
      "I know what thou hast told me, certainly."
      "It's true."
      "I believe it."
      "Then shouldn't you be having this meal with him?"
      Checkmate stroked his face.
      "Why should I do such a thing when I prefer thee?"
      Dik Dik gaped, dismayed.
      "You… what…?"
      "I prefer thee. I cannot put it any plainer."
      "But I thought this little show was to make Terry and Jaeger jealous…"
      "If it hath also that effect, all well and good. Thou deservest to be cherished."
      The buck was speechless - and suddenly very nervous. Checkmate regarded him sombrely.
      "Tell me truly, are mine attentions unwelcome? I would not wish to offend or distress thee."
      "You don't…"
      Checkmate laid a finger across the buck's lips.
      "Answer not hastily, my friend. I would prefer that thou consider the question most carefully while we eat."
      The meal was delicious, but Dik Dik hardly tasted it.
      Was he happy to have Checkmate - court him, as the chessmaster so quaintly put it? Wasn't the goal of such a thing marriage - well, some sort of permanent relationship, anyway? And what about Terry and Jaeger? Would Checkmate expect him to be faithful?
      The chessmaster let him think in peace, saying nothing that might influence his decision. And yet - he was tense, Dik Dik could tell, and a little anxious. The buck didn't want to hurt him either.
      How had he got himself into this situation?
      Over the coffee he regarded his companion and sighed. It was difficult to think rationally with those big turquoise eyes gazing at him.
      "May I have more time to decide?"
      Hiding his disappointment, Checkmate nodded.
      "Thou must take as much time as thou need'st. I wish thee to be happy with thy decision. And of course thou must return to thy partners tonight."
      Dik Dik shuddered slightly: Checkmate patted his shoulder.
      "Thou must say 'no' should they wish to… roger thee. Thou need'st time to recover."
      Which reminded the buck of the pain in his backside. He winced and nodded, and Checkmate stroked his face.
      "Do not feel that thou hast to say yes, but might I again have the pleasure of thy company, for dinner?"
      Well, thought Dik Dik to himself, there's no harm in that, is there? He smiled.
      "I'd like that…"

The rest of the day passed without incident, although Terry maintained a wounded silence that had Dik Dik almost changing his mind… But the evening meal with Checkmate had been wonderful, and he'd almost asked to go back to the chessmaster's rooms with him. Almost but not quite.
      Checkmate had kissed him gently as they parted.
      "May I take thee to luncheon again on the morrow?"
      "… I'd like that…"

"So did yew like yer dinner?"
      It was said somewhat petulantly, and Dik Dik tried hard not to apologise for having enjoyed it. Instead, he nodded.
      "It was very pleasant."
      "S'alright fer some…"
      Jaeger slapped the back of Terry's head, glowering at him when the Texan swung round, then grinned at Dik Dik.
      "Ve are glad you haf come back, leibchen. Can ve get anything for you? Vould you like a shower?"
      He smiled gratefully and shook his head.
      "I'm just tired."
      "Then you should go to bed."
      Terry brightened.
      "Yeah - bed."
      Jaeger growled at him.
      "To sleep, cowboy. Dik Dik is tired after last night."
      "Yeah, sure, OK…"

Dik Dik was just falling asleep when he felt Terry fondling his tail. He groaned and rolled over to face the Texan - who kissed him.
      "Yew sure, Dik Dik?" He rubbed his erection against the buck's groin. "Ah mean, Ah've missed you…"
      Dik Dik swallowed nervously.
      "Terry…" But the Texan's hand had already slid under his tail, fingers searching for the entrance to his body and pushing in, making the buck flinch and yelp quietly. Jaeger awoke at the sound and sat up - scowling down at Terry.
      "Ve agreed!"
      "Aw, Ah know, but if Dik Dik here says so, surely it's OK?"
      "He has not agreed."
      "But he was goin' to, weren't yew?"
      The buck whimpered.
      "I'm sore…"
      "We kin use more lube…"
      Jaeger growled angrily.
      "Terry, if you must fuck somevone, fuck me. Dik Dik is hurting. I do not vant him to hurt any more."
      "But yew ain't as much fun!"
      The German hit him.

A sleep-tousled Checkmate answered the door, eyes widening and brightening as he found the buck standing in the corridor.
      "Dik Dik! I am pleased to see thee. Come in, come in…"
      The gazelle-man's hands twisted together as he entered the suite.
      "I'm sorry I woke you…"
      "Think nothing of it." The chessmaster eyed him narrowly. "But I must ask, why art thou here?"
      Dik Dik sank down onto the bed and covered his face with his hands.
      "Terry and Jaeger are fighting."
      Checkmate frowned.
      "Indeed? Why?"
      "Terry wanted… and Jaeger offered himself, and Terry said he wasn't as much fun…"
      The chessmaster seated himself beside the gazelle-man, comforting hand on a broad red-gold-pelted shoulder.
      "Jaeger - defended thee?"
      The buck nodded. Checkmate kissed his cheek.
      "Thou wishest to stay here tonight?"
      "Would you mind?"
      "I would be honoured."
      Dik Dik sighed and relaxed.
      "Thank you."
      "Th'art welcome. Make thyself comfortable: I will be back momentarily."
      Dik Dik undressed and slid into the big bed, ears twitching at the sounds issuing from the bathroom, the faint gasps of pain. A few minutes later Checkmate returned, medical dressings replacing the chess pieces on his broad shoulders, and joined the buck, lying down and pulling Dik Dik to him.
      The buck hesitated for a moment, then,
      "You didn't need to take them off."
      Checkmate kissed his forehead.
      "But it is more comfortable for you."
      Dik Dik flushed guiltily.
      "But it hurts you!"
      "Thou art worth it."
      "… thank you…" A moment's silence, then, "Do they stop hurting after a while?"
      Checkmate nestled him a little closer.
      "Thou art tired - should'st rest."
      Dik Dik kissed his chest.
      "Please Checkmate - I want to know."
      Very reluctantly, the chessmaster shook his head.
      "The pain groweth worse the longer they are displaced."
      Dik Dik winced. Checkmate stroked his back.
      "But thy presence here… it acteth as an excellent anodyne."
      Dik Dik assumed that was good. The chessmaster sighed.
      "I would not be without them - but I could wish, sometimes, that they were perhaps not quite such a burden…"
      The buck stroked his throat.
      "Please, I don't want you to suffer on my account. You don't have to take them off for me."
      Checkmate chuckled and kissed him.
      "But I would have thee comfortable, the easier to take pleasure in thy pleasure."
      Dik Dik swallowed. Did that mean Checkmate wanted sex? But he'd said earlier not to let Terry or Jaeger fuck him so he could heal… surely that would apply to the chessmaster too?
      Checkmate was already erect, he could feel that. He tentatively laid a hand over the chessmaster's groin: Checkmate groaned and pushed up against his palm. Resignedly, Dik Dik pulled himself to his knees and straddled his bedmate's hips…
      "What dost thou think thou art doing?!"
      Checkmate twisted and pushed him back down, a frown furrowing his forehead.
      "I told thee thou needed to rest, to heal. Thinkest thou I would make of myself a liar?"
      The buck stared up at him, eyes wide and a little fearful - and a lot admiring. Checkmate was impressive no matter what his mood.
      "I'm sorry."
      The chessmaster sighed and kissed him gently.
      "T'was not thy fault…" He winced as he carefully sat back, blood staining the dressings and trickling down his shoulders. "Forgive me - I needs must attend to myself. I will return shortly."
      Dik Dik watched as he loped swiftly to the bathroom, returning a short while later with clean dressings on his shoulders. He smiled as he slid back into the bed.
      "Come now - we will sleep. And if thou wish it, I will return to thy suite on the morrow, to have it out with Master Terry and Master Jaeger."
      The buck sighed.
      "That won't be necessary - but thank you anyway." He snuggled closer, delighting in the strength and warmth of the chessmaster's body.
      It was so good to simply lie here, warm and comfortable and safe…
      His eyes drifted shut…


© 2004 January 14th Joules Taylor


Checkmate's 'brand "welcome"' comment courtesy of Lutra!





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