FALAHA'S JOURNEY Into Pleasure | 18+

8. FALAHA

Baro's release was due tomorrow.

I decided to announce his return to his relatives only after he was already awake and in rehab. The only people who would be the first to greet him were me, my Eaters and Anika.

During these days, preliminary to the huge Gathering, we had many people from other kennar in our region. Official representatives of multiple nations and regions were seen in formal attire, as was customary in the mixed space. Their relatives, who came here for the fun during the main event, appeared less formal yet still wore colors of their kennar.

The BIOME meeting was abruptly over before I could learn more and Eyuran went to one of their Headquarters' guest lounges to get us something to eat and drink, while Orewen and I dragged our feet following him. Both of us were worn out from emotional strain, but about different things.

I hadn't been this much stressed even when I had to bargain for Baro's life with the opposing side. I was sure I'd reduce to ashes anyone or anything that got in the way this time.

And there was this anticipation intermixed with worry about meeting the man himself. Surely I had been 'with' Baro all this time, but I hadn't spoken to him in twelve years. We'd changed while he remained somewhat the same. Or, maybe, he had changed as well? His curious mind seemed to finally grasp his reality and his soma's evolution progressed at a high pace. His was a unique existence among all of the somaless people, so I had no idea what he was going to become or what his abilities would be—nobody knew that, not even Shaamta or Somg—but the Medan seemed to have traces of those from early on, which subtly manifested itself throughout his life. So all I could do was quietly observe and allow him his growth. How would our first meeting go? What would become of our relationship? Would it be even possible?

Orewen's arm wrapped around my shoulders in support. He didn't say anything, but I felt better. So I held onto his waist in return.

Yet this big guy was clearly disturbed... Aa, even Eyuran was!

Something was definitely going on behind my back.

We were almost at the place when Orewen suddenly pulled me up and closer and kissed me. Passionately, devotedly... and desperately.

That desperation wasn't the result of not getting something: we'd been ardent lovers for three years already. This desperation revealed itself as a fear of loss; something I could recognize because I'd seen its manifestation in Eyuran long ago. Even adult men were susceptible to this.

Something had happened. There was no peace in this man's heart.

"Ore," I said, when he let my lips go but my feet were still off the ground—he continued to hold me tightly. "Whatever it is, I still want you and Eyu in my life. Why would you think otherwise?"

Instead of an answer he kissed me again, as if to confirm my sincerity. Or, maybe, his reality.

It was a rare sight to see him so stressed, so something serious was going on.

"Ore, tell me what happened," I said when he put me down.

"Nothing. Not a thing for you to bother with, love." His fingers brushed my cheek gently. "Even if you decide to take a direct look into my soma's data."

"I think I have the right to know what gravely torments my spouses."

"Of course you do. But it's not something for you to worry about. So please, please, don't get involved. I've already received a report from Anika. It's over." His shoulders relaxed, but his deep disappointment didn't evade my eye. "It's finally over."

"Tell me everything." I noticed Eyuran standing nearby, waiting for us. His face was tense with worry.

"Very well." Ore looked serious and gave a nod to his son. "Let's find a quiet table to seat at and talk."