Harem

Seven

Scott was on the very edge of consciousness, that sweet, gray in-between where dreams and realities touch and become one. He knew without opening his eyes where he was; the gentle hand roaming over his hip could only belong to Avi. It was instinctive to press back into that hand, to fight against wakefulness here in this sanctuary. A pair of full lips kissed the top of his spine and he drifted.

There was no real agenda behind Avi's touch, Scott didn't think. He let his mind and body separate as he felt the warm, strong hand move back and forth over his hip and thigh. It was several minutes later that he realized the glow behind his eyes was daylight, and not lamplight or the remnants of last night's fire. Daylight...

Sleep shattered around him and his eyes snapped open. He winced against the daggers of sunlight streaming in through the windows, and blinked to bring the room into focus. It was morning. Thursday morning. The clock told him he was only ten minutes away from the end of his time with Avi. And the beginning of his first day with Mitch.

Avi chuckled behind him, his forehead resting in the space between Scott's shoulder blades. "If only the sudden racing of your heart was my doing," he mumbled. It sounded good-natured, but Scott covered Avi's hand with his own and drew it up so that he could kiss the callused fingertips.

"Good morning. You know the effect you have on my heart."

"I do," Avi said, nuzzling against him. "I'm only teasing you. You have been nervous for this all week. It's kind of cute."

"He makes me feel...well, it's so different. That night with him in Rhodalia was like a dream. Everything was so perfect. How on earth do I live up to that? What if it's too awkward for words? Why did I bring him up here without even knowing him?! I didn't even know his last name until I looked at the paperwork he signed!"

"Hey, it's okay," Avi murmured calmly, his hand roaming again, stroking over Scott's arm in a gentle pattern. "It's all going to be okay. He's a great kid. And he's anxious for you, too. He practically glows when you're in the same room--you do too, by the way. I expect nothing less than fireworks."

Scott felt himself begin to relax, soaking up Avi's naturally peaceful nature. "He gave up his whole life to be here. I just want to make him happy."

"Judging by how many times I've seen that killer smile of his, I'd say he's pretty happy."

Scott felt a weird flutter in his stomach then. He rolled to face his old friend, trying to define the odd feeling. "I don't know why, but I didn't like it when you said that."

"About Mitch being happy?" Avi asked, his brow furrowing.

"No, about him smiling at you. About you liking his smile? I don't know. I feel weird."

Avi laughed loudly, a beautiful rumbling sound that vibrated the whole bed. "That, your Grace, is called jealousy. I'm pleased to know you can experience the emotion."

"Nonsense. I'm never jealous," Scott countered, and Avi responded by smiling blandly back at him. It was his look of false tolerance, one he gave when he felt the Prince was being ridiculous. Scott did his best to ignore this. "I must just be hungry," he said, rubbing his belly absently.

The mattress vibrated with Avi's laughter again, but this time the other man kept it silent. His eyes, such a gorgeous shade of green, shot through with gold and turquoise in this early light, were sparkling with glee. Scott shut him up by kissing him fiercely, and then he slipped out of bed and into his clothes. He made it all the way to the door before pausing, his skin suddenly icy with fear.

"It's going to be perfect," Avi said, reading the Prince's body language and meeting him at the door, the sheet draped around his hips. "And the parts that aren't perfect will still be amazing. You know this. You can feel it."