Secret Meetings

A Vision of the Future

Warmth surrounding him and another body pressed against his own, this being the first thing the young prince was aware of as he opened his eyes. Ash lay beside him with his head on his chest, tracing random patterns in his fur with a finger. Blue Eyes sighed pleasantly at the contact and took time to enjoy the view. Moments like these were always the best. Something about lying together after a round of mating, breathing heavy and hearts pounding as they relaxed in the aftermath, brought a sense of peace Blue Eyes had never experienced before he and Ash came together. It was the kind that had him cursing the sun as it lowered, wishing it would simply freeze in place so he could remain forever with his lover's warmth against him.

As though he felt eyes on him, Ash rotated his head and stared up at Blue Eyes', smiling when the icy blue of the prince's orbs entered his field of vision. Blue Eyes smiled back and lifted one hand to stroke the back of Ash's head, the other shifting to press himself deeper into the prince's palm. Instinctively he gently squeezed Ash's hand which, though he hadn't realized until now, was lying between them and wrapped around his own.

Strange, Blue Eyes thought. He hadn't recalled linking hands. And try as he might, he couldn't remember anything before he opened his eyes. Had they mated and Blue Eyes had fallen asleep afterwards? No, that wasn't right. He would've remembered what they did. And where were they anyway? Did they leave the colony? He didn't think they were in their tree hut, but everything around them was blurry and unclear so maybe he just couldn't tell. In fact, everything was blurred. The only thing he could clearly see was Ash.

Surprisingly none of this bothered Blue Eyes, though he recognized how bizarre this was. He felt that he should be concerned until the weight on his chest lifted and a firm pressure landed on his mouth, the action causing any thoughts on the matter to disappear. Now he could only feel Ash's rough lips moving against his own, the warmth of his furry body, and his rich forest scent thick in Blue Eyes' nose. And even when they parted those feelings remained, making him almost high on the passion and ecstasy. Ash never moved, including lifting his hands to sign. But his eyes seemed to speak for him, and Blue Eyes somehow knew and felt what he was saying even though the words were never spoken. It felt like their minds were connected, their shared consciousness allowing for communication.

I had fun, Blue Eyes, Ash sent through that strange bond. I hope we can do this again soon.

The prince smiled at his mate and nodded. I hope so, too. It was better than good this time.

But what did they do? Some deep and inner part of Blue Eyes asked this question over and over again, but it was like he was only aware of it and couldn't do anything about it. Especially not when he was staring deep into Ash's leafy eyes, those pretty orbs capturing his attention and making him unable to do anything to ease his distant worries.

Something was definitely off here.

You'll always be there for me, right? Ash suddenly asked. You'll never let me fall?

Of course, Ash. We'll be together forever. I promise.

But why would Ash question him like that? Blue Eyes thought he'd made his devotion clear from the start, so why would he-

You'll keep me safe? Protect me when I need it? Always be there when I need you?

Another nod. I swear. I won't let anyone hurt you.

But who was going to-

I'm sorry, Ash apologized with a shake of his head. He seemed worried all of a sudden. I feel like something's going to happen, and I just want to know I can trust you.