A Drink Before Battle [MxM] ✅

4: Are We Really Still Strangers? (NSFW)

4. Are We Really Still Strangers?

NSFW 🔞

The best entertaining room in the Aviary looked like a nobleman's bedroom. Along with the giant curtained bed, there was also a seating area where high-backed benches softly cushioned in tapestry pillows surrounded a low table already set with wine and silver cups. The room was lit and warmed with a large fireplace, and also boasted its own adjoining washroom.

By the time Sevei led him in, Kahan seemed to have lost his nerve again, and even Sevei was beginning to think this was a mistake. The man was just too nervous – too obviously unseasoned in this venue. Sevei was not one to take advantage. He motioned Kahan over to the bench and sat next to him, pouring out the wine. Waving the cup under his nose, he smiled.

"More of what we had downstairs," he told him.

"Is there anything stronger?" Kahan asked.

Sevei chuckled. "Best stick with the wine for now. Relax, there's nothing to fear here. Let's just... get to know one another."

Kahan drained his cup, dropped it onto the table, then leaned toward him in a sudden burst of assertion, backing Sevei into the bench cushions until their faces were inches apart.

Sevei's heel instinctively raised to the edge of the bench, bringing his boot with its hidden dagger closer to his hand and wedging his knee between them, but the man seemed frozen in place now, making no further advance.

"Did you really bring me up here for more talking?" Kahan whispered.

Sevei gasped as he was drawn into the depths of those eyes, their bright green darkened now with dilated pupils, suddenly so close to him. His own eyes narrowed as he studied that coolly beautiful face in the warm, flickering light.

Kahan's shoulder-length hair was a dull, light brown and hung around his striking features like strands of dried straw. It did not go with that face. Sevei thought that if he really did come to work here, the birds would have a field day making him over. They would probably urge him to grow his hair longer, and they would have rich, sweet-smelling salves to make it as soft and lustrous as theirs. He imagined all those pretty young men bathing him, and dressing him in silks, maybe teaching him a few techniques...

That licentious scene from the lounge flashed through Sevei's mind, and an uncomfortable pang shot through his chest at the thought of such a person ever touching this man.

His surprise at the sudden overture turned to surprise at his own reaction, but as Kahan slowly drew nearer, his heat and the scent of incense on his skin fanned the flames of Sevei's desire. Lost in those eyes, he leaned forward until their lips met gently.

Kahan drew a shuddering breath as Sevei's hands slid up his chest and carefully pressed him back onto the bench. He didn't return the kiss, but opened his lips with a sigh, allowing Sevei's tongue inside to explore. Sevei kissed him tentatively, testing his responses. Kahan was tense, and seemed a bit conflicted. Sevei drew back and gazed at him with consideration.

"Why do I get the feeling that was your first kiss?"

Kahan lowered his eyes, his face reddening, and he began a whispered stammer.

"Have you ever been with anyone like this before?" Sevei asked suspiciously.

Kahan's eyes flicked up momentarily. "Is that... a problem?"

Sevei moved away, his brow furrowing. "Wouldn't you rather have your first time with someone you know well? With someone who cares for you... who loves you?"