A Healthy Rivalry: The Lion vs The Warrior

XXII

Everything

A.K.

Mmm... something smells good.

I pressed my nose further into whatever I'm smelling, only to be met with soft purrs. I cracked my eyes and realized my face is in the back of Karter's neck. I nuzzled and inhaled his scent a bit more, then pulled him closer to my chest.

He felt so right in my arms, but I guess that makes sense since we're made for each other. He didn't even flinch when I hugged him, he just cuddled up to me more. I never thought I would miss touching someone, or that I would crave someone's touch like I crave Karter's.

I looked across from him to spot my clock. "F 8:24am". Friday, club day. I looked around my room and decided I've seen these walls too much recently, we should stay at his place this weekend.

I slowly slid my arm off of Karter's torso and actually managed to sneak out of bed. Score! I quickly made my way to the bathroom and relieved myself. When I returned, Karter was sitting up rubbing his face. "Why must you move so early? It's not even nine."

I chuckled. "Good, you're up. You can join me on my run." I grabbed a duffle bag and started packing it, when I heard him groan and flop back on the bed. "Karter."

He grunted, but I heard no movement. I got up and ripped the covers off him, making him curl up with the cutest frustrated face I've seen so far. "If I'm up, we exercise. You knew this would happen eventually, it's in the contract. It's gonna happen at least once a week, so move your ass." I smacked his exposed cheek, since we fell asleep naked, and snickered when he let out a "M'row!"

My laughter was short-lived however, because he tackled me to the floor and growled in my face. I smiled at him and chuckled again, making his irritated, orange eyes light up. He tucked his head in my neck and rubbed his face against my sensitive spot. He hasn't shaved in a few days, enough time to give him a sexy five o'clock shadow, while I was sporting a near-full beard.

I held back a shiver from the feeling, but I guess my heartbeat gave me away, because Lion smirked. He started purring and adding kisses to his seductive rubbing. "AK."

"Hmm?" I purposely moved my head away from his, and held his chin so I could look at him.

He looked between my eyes and lips then asked with alarming innocence, "My turn?" He even bit his lip and made his pupils dilate like Puss In Boots.

I scoffed at his attempts, but I was moreso baffled that I nearly caved. "Fuck you're cute, aren't you?" I rubbed my fingers over his back to make him purr, then quickly flipped us when his guard was down.

He gave me a challenging smirk, and held his own arms above his head. "Cute as sin, and all yours to boot."

I let my eyes freely travel over his body, prompting my groin to respond. Lion, noticing this, tried to wrap his legs around my waist. I let my Unique surge and I quickly stood on my hands, just managing to escape his quick legs. I kissed his nose and walked to the side, where I could flip back onto my feet. "Not yet."

I went back to my packing and thought to ask before I continued, "Would you mind us spending the weekend at your place? I could use a change of scenery."

He grunted his agreement from the floor, then got up to use the bathroom. I couldn't help but smile at his antics, he's such a baby. Almost an hour later we stood in my foyer dressed in shorts, wife beaters, and tennis. I adjusted my duffle so it hung diagonally over my shoulder like a long book bag.

When we left I made sure the doors were locked, since Hayton was still asleep. We started off with a light jog. Peaceful conversation flowed between us, and Karter waved to every citizen we passed. After about a mile, we made it to PortStop. Karter looked at me confused. "Why are we here?"