Paradise Of The Mad (a Manxman Mpreg Story)

Chapter 6

"You're awake?" Grey murmured sleepily. Was he awakened by Ralsch's disquiet?

Ralsch rolled and sat up in answer. The aches and bruises of his body flared up dully here and there, but he ignored them. There would be enough time later to resurrect the memories.

"I've got to leave," he said as he sorted the bunched clothes at their feet and put his on one by one, meticulously paying attention to it so he did not have to think of other things. Like feelings and stuff.

"Still early." Grey grumbled sleepily as he slowly sat up and reached out.

"More like late." Ralsch reached for his jacket hung up on the far hook - effectively avoiding Grey's outstretched hand.

They had finally went to sleep when the sky were turning pink. That had to be hours ago. Now it must be nearly noon outside, but the interior of the jetcar was still comfortingly dark thanks to its opaque windows.

"Right. Then let me send you home. Maybe I can treat you to some breakfast before that?" Grey looked hopeful as he start with getting clothed up too.

"I have a car around the corner. And as good as that sounds, it's... not a good idea. Really." A swooping jetcar dropping him off midday was not a good idea.

"Why not?"

Because I am not dating you. Because I don't want to be a small-town gossip story. Because you don't need to know where I live. He said none of that. "I don't do breakfast."

"I see."

They stared at each other quietly, none of them mentioning the fact that it was nearly late enough for lunch.

"Lights," Grey commanded, and the jetcar's interior lighting flooded them with soft illumination. "Clean up, please."

Instantly the inside of the jetcar was filled up with warm fog that smelled of soft woodsy fragrance that engulfed everything. Ralsch stopped his breathing automatically despite knowing that it was harmless. The thick fog was sucked out by the vents swiftly after two seconds, leaving everything clean and dry, even Ralsch's body and clothes. "There. The least I could do."

"Neat. Thanks." Ralsch was impressed. He did not know jetcars can be installed with clean-up mist. It was very convenient but also very costly. One of the few biochemical technologies that Ralsch appreciated and wished he could install at his apartment.

Then the door slid open to reveal a brilliantly lit day which blinded him for a moment. Jumping out, Ralsch shoved his feet into his boots without preamble, stamping them hard for good measure. He did not know why he suddenly felt irritated about leaving and frowned at himself. It felt like he had left something unfinished.

They left together in silence from the roof all the way down the lift and outside the building's entrance. Ralsch figured it was a security measure that Grey had to accompany him throughout the building. Understandable, but made for an awkward as hell parting. It also did nothing to alleviate his irritation. Good thing Grey did not compel him to make small talk, so Ralsch could keep stewing quietly.

At the door Ralsch leaned forward and kissed Grey chastely on his lips. A sign that they were done. "Alright. Thanks again."

"Yeah, me too. Thank you." Grey kissed him back, his hands sliding down Ralsch's neck and chest. He really likes to touch.

"Bye." Still feeling discontented, Ralsch turned around and stalked away.

"Wait. Will I see you again at the bar?" Grey called to his back.

"If you're lucky, maybe." Ralsch answered him distractedly with a wave over his shoulder, and walked away without a backward glance. His hands balled tightly in his pockets the whole way.