The Blacksmith's Apprentice [M/M] - CLOSED

[tamgreen]

Lucan was simultaneously elated and afraid. Averey's hand on his neck, playing with his hair... it was pure bliss, and it was equally agonizing to be physically separated from him. All day he felt a heart-pounding excitement whenever Averey looked his way. The many stolen glances, and occasional long, lingering looks made him feel like fainting, and he was even clumsier than usual, though he somehow managed to avoid injuring himself today.

The conversation over lunch was surprising, and Lucan had to carefully keep back the enormous grins that wanted to break out. He was still terribly impressed with Averey's ability to win over his father, and realizing that pa had now basically given him complete freedom to spend his evenings at the inn, he wanted to leap up and crow with pleasure. Still, he took seriously the warning not to disgrace his family. He knew Ivor was probably thinking of drunkenness when he spoke of gossip, but Lucan's mind immediately turned to what he'd done with Averey. This still confused him a great deal. He didn't entirely understand why the prospect of him kissing another boy would be the sort of thing to inspire outrage in his family and throughout the village, but he knew instinctively it would, and Averey had spoken of being "strung up".

Was kissing such an offence? Didn't many youngsters practice these things in private? Or was there more to it than that? Had he and Averey begun to love one another as a man was supposed to love a woman? The idea of two men in such a relationship was something he'd never even heard spoken about, but he knew without having to ask anyone that it was the sort of thing that would send his mother into paroxysms of outrage and endless lectures about decency. It was the sort of thing about which people said, It just isn't done! Lucan genuinely wondered if he were headed for ultimate damnation. He was pretty sure that what he did out behind the woodpile on a regular basis also wasn't done, but he nonetheless did it, and didn't intend to stop.

To his credit, Lucan betrayed hardly any of the intense excitement he felt inside when Averey invited him for supper. He merely showed a calm smile and replied, "I guess that could be fun. Your ma's a great cook." He turned to his father. "I won't drink much, I think. It wasn't worth it."

And he meant that. Beneath the table his leg bumped deliberately against Averey's, and he knew that his friend's closeness would be intoxicating enough as it was. He wondered if Averey had a nice private room they could go. If Averey would hold him tightly, and not pull away. Whether they would lie in Averey's bed, and maybe kiss. His cheeks burned, and so did his nethers.

The afternoon may have been the longest of Lucan's life. His eyes seemed to grow brighter with each passing hour. Once it was finally time to close up operations for the day, Lucan's hands were shaking with the desire to grab hold of Averey. He wasn't sure he could wait much longer. He tried to think of private places they might hide, places to which they could slip away for few moments alone, even on the way to the inn. Once they had both bid Ivor good night, Lucan licked his lips and gazed up at Averey meaningfully as they left the smithy side by side. He gazed at the bigger boy as if he might devour him.

"I thought the day would never end," he said softly, clenching his fists hard against the instinct to grab at his friend.

 

[grdybiwife]

Averey felt himself blushing at the way Lucan looked at him. There was a hunger in his eyes that Averey understood all too well and he hoped they could satisfy it together. He threw his arm around Luc's slender shoulders and jostled him a little, knowing those clenched fist were his way of keeping his hands to himself. There was nothing untoward about the way he held him. Passersby would see nothing but two boys at the height of comradeship. In actuality no one gave them a second look given their reputations as the son of a whore and a condescending layabout. They made their way to the inn without rising any suspicion.

"I'd thought I might show you my secret spot," Averey said quietly as he led the boy around the back of the inn. There were horses tied up out front so he knew there were travelers about and he didn't want to be social. "I could pack us a light meal, perhaps some ale..."

"Well if it isn't the two working men," Papa shouted as he came into the kitchen from the tavern out front, startling the two boys. "Sneaking in through the backdoor eh Lucan? No shame in having too much," he said with a hearty laugh and clapped his large hand heavily on the boy's shoulder. "How else will you learn when enough's enough."

"Don't tease him Papa," Averey said coming to his friend's aid, though he couldn't help the smile that came to his lips as he watched the color rise on Lucan's face. "Mind him none, if he teases that means he likes you," he added with a nudge with his elbow.

"Is true boy," Papa agreed and roughed both the boys hair. "Your Ma's out to the market. Better get out of here fast before she puts you to work...that means you too little one. Two times in the back makes you family and Cecily won't bat an eye at giving you a job."

With that in mind Averey quickened his pace, grabbing a half loaf of bread, a few links of cold sausage, a hunk of cheese, and wrapped it all in a bit of cloth. He filled a skin with ale, chugged down half and refilled. "That's my boy," Papa said with a chuckle before he left them.

With his hand on Lucan's shirt front, he pulled him into his room and planted a long wet kiss on his lips. His tongue pressed firmly against the smaller boy's mouth, forcing its way in, as he wrapped his free arm around his waist, lifting Lucan off the ground a little. He couldn't wait until they left. Those lips had been on his mind all day. It was enough that he had to watch them move when he talked, he couldn't help himself. Averey muttered an apology bashfully as he pulled away. "I want to be alone with you. If that's alright?"

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan was thrilled to have Averey's arm around him, as if they had been boyhood pals. There was a little spring in his step and a butterfly deep in his belly all the way to the inn.

A huge grin broke out across the smaller boy's face when Averey spoke of his "secret spot". He bumped shoulders with his friend, giggling. "I'll go anywhere with you," he whispered just before they entered, and then grew very quickly serious as they came across Averey's grandfather. He was quiet and bashful throughout the exchange, not knowing quite how to behave around Averey's family, though it warmed him a little to be considered one of them.

When Averey pulled him aside and kissed him, Lucan thought nothing was better in the world. His lips were so warm and soft, but firm at the same time. Then, when Averey's tongue pressed its way into his mouth, he was certain nothing was better than that. He yielded to the invasion, whimpering softly and pushing his tongue gently back against his friend's. Then Averey clutched him by the waist so firmly that his feet left the floor, and Lucan was sure nothing was better than that either. This, all of this, was the finest thing he could have ever hoped to experience. He loved Averey's strength, and the aggressiveness of his kiss. He loved being held, squeezed, kissed. He loved Averey's warm breath on his face, and his tongue in his mouth, an exquisite intimacy with a titillating spark of the forbidden.

"Yes, gods, yes!" Lucan breathed, pressing forward to get close to Averey again after he'd pulled away. He didn't want his friend to apologize, to be ashamed. Lucan wanted him to know just how much he enjoyed it. His arms wound around Averey's neck, and he pressed several kisses across his neck and jaw, and a final one against his warm, wet mouth. "Mmm. Yes. I do want to be alone with you, Averey. Let's indeed! Show me your secret place. Let's have a secret together!"

 

[grdybiwife]

"I don't think we need a place to have a secret together friend," Averey said with a blushing smile. He felt like a boy with a new puppy the way Lucan pounced on him and he loved every bit. Every kiss made his heart flutter and stomach flip flop. It was exactly how Isabelle said it would be. His palms were sweaty against Lucan's back, so much so that he swore the boy could feel it through his shirt. Reluctantly, Averey pushed away from Luc to grab the blanket from his bed before he ushered him out the backdoor.

They moved quickly and to Averey's surprise Lucan did well keeping up. It helped that as soon as they were safely away from their little village, Averey took him by the hand to ensure he remain upright for the rest of the journey to the little spring his father brought him to when he was just a boy. It was his parent's secret place as well. If the story was true he had been conceived under one of the low hanging willow trees that lined the little watering hole. Though his mother never confirmed it. Now it was his place. Not even Isabelle knew of it but he was more than happy to share it with his new friend.

Averey laid out the blanket and toed off his boots before he sat the food pack and ale down. Their hands still clasped together, he pulled Lucan down to sit beside him, smiled down at him. "I love it here, so quiet. I come here to hide, to think, to read. When I'm happy. When I'm sad. It's my favorite place in the world. I was headed here earlier but I thought I might enjoy it better if you were here."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan was thrilled to be able to hold Averey's hand as they hurried to the 'secret place'. He loved the way the bigger boy's hand felt as it enfolded his--broad and strong, warm, a bit callused from the hard work he did but still retaining some of the softness of youth. He even loved it when it was a little sweaty. It made him think of the sheen of sweat that glistened on Averey when he was labouring at the forge, which made Lucan's heart speed up and his breath to shorten in a way he had barely even begun to understand.

Still hanging onto his friend, Lucan settled contentedly beside him, smiling sweetly up at him. "It's really nice here," he said softly, soothed and cheered by the trickle of water, the gentle swishing noises of the willow branches in the breeze, the hum of crickets and the twittering of birds. "It's perfect, actually. I could be in a place like this... just forever. Especially with you."

He cuddled close to Averey, pressing his cheek against the bigger boy's strong shoulder. His eyes were distracted from Averey's sweet face for a few moments as a little robin landed a few feet from their blanket, hopping about and picking at the ground between the grasses. He grinned widely and drew up his mouth to whistle softly at the bird. He picked a few small crumbs and tossed them in the direction of the robin, holding his breath as he watched the bird hop forth curiously and then devour the crumbs.

"If I could lure my singing bird... from his own cozy nest...," Lucan breathed almost inaudibly, and then pulled in a deep breath to sing softly, with a slight tremble: "If I could catch my singing bird... I would warm him on my breast. For there's none of them can sing so sweet... My singing bird as you. Ohh-oh, o-o-ohh... my singing bird as you...."

His pale blue eyes slid back up to Averey's grey ones, and he gave a slightly bashful, but adoring smile as he scrunched himself even closer to his friend, his curled up legs almost in Averey's lap.

 

[grdybiwife]

"Why did you stop," Averey said with a small frown. He had hoped Lucan would be comfortable enough to sing but Averey didn't want to ask knowing how shy he was about it. "That was beautiful Luc. Competition for any bird I'd say," He added with a soft kiss to the side of his face before he lay back on the blanket, stretching out his full length. He wanted very much for Luc to lay beside him but Isabelle had always told him never to be presumptuous about such things. Instead he watched the bird that feast on the crumbs, bringing to mind his own hunger.

On his back, Averey stretched his long arm behind Lucan to grab a link of sausage and took a substantial bite. His mother's secret recipe, sweet and savory with just a hint of spice and he loved it. Before he knew it, he was already moving to his second helping without so much as offering poor Lucan a taste. He grabbed another, the last one and offered it up. "Here, eat. We don't want a repeat of last night," he said with a smirk as he sat up to take a chug of ale. "I promised your Da I'd see you home upright."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan divided his attention between the little bird, and the big boy lying down next to him. He wanted to lie with him, but wasn't sure if it would be... weird. He was lost in reverie for a few minutes as Averey devoured the sausages, and then came back to reality once he was offered one.

"Oh... thanks," he giggled. He hadn't realized how hungry he was until he took a bite, and then he was suddenly wolfing it down. He partook in some bread and cheese as well, and even some ale, though not as much as Averey was drinking--only enough for the camaraderie.

Once he'd filled his belly, he finally sank down onto his back next to Averey. He turned his head aside, smiled at his friend, and wondered if it would be okay if he moved closer. A lot closer. He supposed, after all, that it wouldn't be any weirder than Averey sticking his tongue into his mouth. They'd done that, and it had felt great.

Lucan shifted over, nudging at Averey's arm a little until it settled around him. He tucked himself into Averey's embrace, even rolling toward him and settling one leg on top of his. His arm rested across Averey's broad chest. He felt so content here, so safe. His small hand stroked that strong chest, and slid up his neck, feeling his warm skin, traveled up his face, caressing his cheek, and finally combed through his golden curls. Everything about Averey was lovely and wonderful, and gave him such a hungry feeling.

"Is this okay?" he whispered. "I really like you, Averey... a lot."

 

[grdybiwife]

'It's more than okay,' Averey thought to say but he could only manage a nod as he to Lucan's wandering hand in his, kissed the palm before he put it to his chest with their fingers laced together. He felt strangely content with the light body half on top of his. Part of him wondered if they were making a mistake, journeying down a path that would surely be frowned upon if anyone found out. A small part, the rest of him tingled with the thought of what might be.

"Sometimes when I come here I lie here and imagine what my life might be," he said quietly, almost a whisper as he shift over to his side so they lay face to face. "I used to think I wanted to take over then Inn, as much as my Ma hates the idea I always liked it there but now...I don't know...There has to more to life than that little village...I'm starting to wonder what lays down the Great Road..."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan gazed at his friend as they lay facing each other, using his arm as a pillow. "Wow... you think about that too?" he marveled in a soft voice. He touched Averey's cheek, smiling distantly at the thought of running away with him. "I always thought... the smithy would be mine someday. Like it had to be! But I know now that... no matter how hard I try... it's not going to happen."

He sighed and shuffled closer until they were almost forehead-to-forehead. "I think a lot about... what I'm supposed to do with my life," he whispered. "It seemed so easy for my sister... to just be married off, and keep a house for her husband. I'm supposed to have a trade, and I don't even know what I can do. No one's going to want to marry me... and I don't even want a wife. My parents get so upset if I try to talk about these things. Everything that's expected of every man... it's all the same, and it just cycles over and over again, endlessly. It seems so pointless. I don't want it. I want to go far away somewhere... where people can just... be. And not be told how to be. Does that make any sense?"

He stroked Averey's curly hair, unable to resist the tactile pleasure of it.

 

[grdybiwife]

It made perfect sense and Averey told him so. "Of course it does. There has to be somewhere like you say albeit far away from here. Where people are more concerned about real life and what makes them happy in it. Where people aren't so consumed with what is "proper". At least you're smart, you could go be a scholar in court if you wanted or join a traveling minstrel with that songbird voice of yours. All I know is the Inn. I'm not sure how good I'd be on the open road or how I could live without a skill or trade. What would I do?"

The thought of running away had always been on his mind but Averey could never bring himself to leave his Ma and Papa. Or so he told himself. His biggest fear was being alone. He may not have had many friends but Averey he could always count on his mother and Papa and Isabelle to help him get along. If he were away from them, who would have but himself? That was a very scary thought to have as a young man who was expected to do something with his life.

 

[tamgreen]

"But... Averey!" Lucan exclaimed, baffled by his friend's self-doubt. "You're smart, too--and you're strong, which seems to matter a lot more for a common man. You're so naturally good at smithery--and I bet there are a hundred other trades you could be great at! I'm really the useless one. I like to read and write, but they don't just let lowborn nobodies be scholars. No one would pay a blacksmith's boy to think about important things, or to write poetry."

Lucan wrapped himself around his friend and placed his mouth next to the bigger boy's ear, whispering: "And I can only sing if I'm by myself... or with someone really, really special."

He kissed Averey's cheek and then pressed his face against it. "I just want to be like a bird," he mumbled, his voice muffled. "Fly away... just exist... make the whole outdoors my home."

 

[grdybiwife]

"Ehhh, I'm sure bird life has it's shortcomings," Averey said in jest, if only to distract from the good feelings he got from Lucan's praise. No one he was related to had ever called him smart, but perhaps that was his own fault for being so quiet. So willing to take the abuse of the small minded villagers without so much as a stern look. He had often thought of clever comebacks but was never brave enough to voice them, not like Lucan, who could take a beating from the best of them and still keep talking.

"And you are strong," he told him as his hand wandered aimlessly up and down Lucan's slender back. Averey kissed his forehead softly and allowed his thick fingers to play at the back of the smaller boy's neck as he went on. "You're no brute that's for sure but that doesn't make you weak. So smithing isn't for you, no matter. You wouldn't be the first boy around here who didn't follow his Da. None of my uncles stuck around to help keep the Inn. Granted one's a drunk and the other ran off to chase the sea but still makes Papa no less proud to call them his. Your father loves you Luc, in his own way, and I'm sure whatever you choose to do in life he would be no less proud to call you his boy...So long as you don't become a drunkard," he added with a smirk and gave Luc a playful rap on the chin with his mawl of a fist.

They fell silent for a while, simply enjoying the sounds of the breeze blowing through the trees. And the closeness. Averey loved the feeling of having of Lucan's heartbeat against his chest, the weight of his head on his shoulder, how Lucan's body seemed to fit so neatly against his own. In his wildest dreams, he never imagined he'd experience such a thing.

"Thank you...for being so nice to me...for coming here with me," Averey whispered, his eyes on the setting sun. He cursed it in his mind, knowing that it signaled the end of their quiet evening together. Though he hoped it not be the last. "We best be getting you home now Luc...my little songbird," he added with another long, deep kiss as he slipped his hand under the thin cotton of his shirt in such of the pale skin hidden beneath. He felt excitement rise in his loins but Averey did nothing to hide it. Why be ashamed of enjoying something that made him feel better than he ever had in his short life?

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan's chin trembled a little. To be called strong in any sense made him feel both elated and ashamed at once. He didn't know what to say, so he he said nothing, let the quiet breezes drift over them, and the heat from Averey's body soak into his. He regulated his breathing to match the big boy's, making it seem as if they were one organism. It was a sweet feeling, one he was reluctant to let go of. He felt his heart beating rapidly, and he could not be ashamed or concerned about it, because he could feel Averey's heartbeat too, and it was also speeding. Were they feeling the same thing?

Lucan thought he might die of happiness when Averey called him his little songbird. He'd gone through his life thus far not knowing exactly where he was supposed to fit, but as soon as those words passed Averey's lips, he knew that was everything he ever wanted to be--Averey's "little songbird". His breath caught in his throat, and he felt he should say something special, something profound, but he could find no words, and instead Averey kissed him. The kiss touched him all the way down to his fingertips and toes, and stiffened his prick rapidly. He made a little mewling noise when Averey's hand slipped beneath his shirt. He didn't know what to do about the embarrassing situation in his breeches, but gradually he registered a slight, almost imperceptible pressing against his thigh. Averey... was he also....?

Lucan made another pathetic squeaking noise and abruptly pressed his hips closer against Averey's. There was now no mistaking both of the boys' arousal. He gasped deeply. Never had he thought anything could feel so good. As many times as he'd frigged himself out behind the woodpile, he had never fantasized about anything quite this blissful.

"Don't make me go!" he burst out, the last word breaking into sob. He squeezed himself as tightly against Averey as he could, clumsily thrusting against him and grabbing Averey's bottom lip between his teeth briefly. "Please, please... please... Averey. Just a little longer. Or maybe forever. I don't have to go home, ever, Averey... I could go somewhere else, right now, anywhere in the world, with just the clothes on my back as long as I could be with you!"

 

[grdybiwife]

Averey frowned deeply at the sound of Lucan's sadness. He felt almost the same but he was a little more practical than the fanciful Lucan. But now that he knew there was possibility for companionship on his escape, Averey thought it was high time he started some serious planning. Without thinking too much about it, Averey pulled Lucan's body upon his, cradling him in both arms. He tried to ignore the tingle that came to his nether region when their manhoods bumped together, fought off the urge to thrust against him.

"I know, I know...I don't want to go either but I won't have you getting into trouble on account of me. What kind of friend would I be? I won't risk not being able to be here like this with you again," he said softly as he sat them both up, holding Lucan firmly in his lap. Averey planted soft kisses all along the back of Lucan's slender neck, his nose tickling his hairline. He breathed in deeply, taking in the sweet musky smell of him and took a moment to measure his next words.

"I would go with you anywhere, my little songbird but we can't be so impulsive. We must plan. We need coin, a proper sword, a horse, a map, things like that. We can not go blindly into this. I need to learn more of smithery and you need to figure something you can do for a living so that when we go we can live a proper life together. I'll not have you in squalor Lucan so we do this we must do it right, else we would return licking our wounds. This will take time Luc. You have to be patient. Can you do that for me little bird?" Averey asked, turning the boy to face him, his arms still wrapped tightly around Lucan.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan groaned deeply as he squeezed Averey tightly, not wanting to give up this perfect feeling of their bodies being pressed closely together, sharing such excitement and want but still holding back so much. He groaned with pleasure, desire, excitement, impatience and disappointment all at once. How could he possibly wait for anything now that he was Averey's little bird?

As he gazed into Averey's earnest eyes, though, he knew he would do whatever it took. He would do anything in the world not to mess this up... because they both wanted to be together. A proper life together.

As agonizing as it was, Lucan knew Averey was right. They couldn't act rashly and expect everything to fall into place. Averey had a practical mind, and just the right personality to balance out his own capricious nature. He realized he needed Averey as much as he wanted him, and that was a deliciously sweet discovery despite his impatience.

"You really are awfully smart," Lucan sighed helplessly, raining little kisses across his face. "I'd probably end up destitute in a ditch without you. You're right... we need to plan. And I will, Averey--I'll find a trade. I'll do whatever you want me to. Only it might mean I can't see you at the smithy anymore, if I'm off doing some other work...." He pouted and squeezed Averey tighter about the neck.

 

[grdybiwife]

"That might be for the best," Averey said with a chuckle. "It will be awfully difficult to concentrate with you so near. Perhaps it's best we have time apart during the day...would that not make this time much sweeter. We lay here and tell each other of our day between the chirping of the birds...then perhaps do some other things." The last he added with a smirk as he gently pushing Luc off him to pull his boots on.

By then the sun was nearly set and the boys made quick work packing up their picnic. They hadn't eaten much, to preoccupied with touching each other, but Averey handled the leftovers on the trek back to the village. The walk home was not as rushed, and they took a less direct route, circling the village to come up behind the smithy. Just before they stepped out of the trees, Averey grabbed his little bird up much like he had in his room and kissed him softly.

"Good night Lucan Brecker...I will dream of these lips tonight," he said as he lowered him gently to the ground. He didn't want to let him go but Averey knew that it was for the best. If they stayed out any longer he didn't think he could stop himself from bringing his fantasies to life. With that thought in mind Averey gave that shocking red hair a little tussle before he gave his shoulder a playful shove. "Until tomorrow little bird."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan melted into Averey as the big, strong boy grabbed hold of him one last time. Those great big hefty embraces and tender kisses were magic to him, and he felt as if he'd die if he had to go a day without this treatment from now on.

"I'll dream of you too," he breathed, shifting his breeches a little. He was picturing dreaming of Averey in his secret place behind the woodpile, and he was already feeling half primed for it. He giggled at the playful manhandling and lunged forward to kiss Averey one last time, briefly darting his tongue into Averey's mouth before turning to scamper back home, turning back once to wave.

He was reeling with a wide spectrum of emotions as he reached the top of the stairs. Ma had already gone to bed, but Pa was still up, sitting near the warm light of the hearth to repair a chair that had gone wobbly.

"So you made it home in one piece," Ivor remarked, glancing over his boy.

"Yes, Pa," Lucan replied softly, sitting near him. "Averey was real good to me, and I didn't have much ale."

"What did you two get up to?"

"Oh... you know... supper and such. We hung about and talked about work and things." He paused, swallowing and fidgeting. "Pa... will you help me figure out a trade? I'm growing up, and... I need to make a man's wages. I'm used to helping out around the shop but I can't make a trade out of it. I need to think of something I could be good at."

Ivor gave a brief nod, and set down his hammer to pat Lucan's shoulder approvingly. "I'm glad you're thinking about things a man should. That Inman boy's been a good influence on you."

Lucan nodded, smiling a little. "Yeah... I think so too. So, would you help me?"

"Well, let's see. I suppose we'll give up hope that you'll be growing any bigger, or put on some muscle." He sighed distantly. "You're not much use with those clumsy legs n' skinny arms... but I suppose you've got a careful pair of hands, and that's worth something for say... a tailor, or a pastrycook maybe...?" Ivor grimaced slightly at these possibilities, but he had already made significant strides toward coming to terms with the fact that his son would never take after any of the manlier crafts. "A fletcher needs precise hands. A shoemaker or cobbler. Weaver, roper, glover? There are plenty of options. You'll have to do some leg work, boy. Go on out and talk to some folk, learn a little, decide what fits, and who's able to take on an apprentice."

Lucan let all these options and more drift through his head. He supposed it wouldn't be the worst thing to be a pastrycook or a glover.

"I'll let you sleep on that, boy," Ivor concluded, setting aside the repaired chair and his tools, and then tousling his son's hair. "I'm turning in."

Lucan smiled widely. Ivor was never one to show physical affection to his boy, and the hair ruffle was a big deal to him. "Good night, papa."

He watched his father disappear into the bedroom and then set up his bedroll. He had a lot to think about... but now that he was alone, Averey, his Averey, was at the forefront of his mind. He idly stroked himself through his breeches for a while, taking his time and enjoying his own arousal until he couldn't stand it anymore. He got up and tiptoed down the stairs, escaping into the backyard and into his little alcove behind the woodpile where he'd indulged in many a nocturnal fantasy. This time he had real-life things to think about, and his prick was hard as iron as he pushed his breeches down below his aching balls. He spat on his hand and slicked up his cock as he shut his eyes, leaned back against the stacked wood, and replayed the evening's events in his head.

"Ohh....," he sighed, remembering just how glorious it had felt for Averey to seize him in his strong arms, lifting him right up off the ground, and kissing him with a warm, wet, hungry mouth, tongue and everything. "Oh!!"

It took very little time for him to spurt forth several copious jets of milky seed across the sawdust littering the floor, and when he was done, he found he wasn't even softening all the way. He kept up stroking himself, whispering Averey's name, recalling the feeling of the hardness beneath Averey's trousers as they snuggled close together on the blanket. He would never get tired of being Averey's little bird, his little songbird.

"Ahh--!" he whimpered, pumping his shaft harder and faster, and before long he'd climaxed a second time.

Panting, flushed and happy, Lucan kicked a little extra sawdust and dirt over his latest deposit and staggered sleepily back upstairs. He pulled off his boots and collapsed into his bedroll, curling up into a tight ball, ready to dream of his beautiful blacksmith boy

******

Lucan was up early and devoured a plentiful breakfast, pleasing his mother. Ivor asked him if he was ready to go out and discover his new craft, but he made some vague excuse about wanting to make sure there was plenty of coal for the forge before he set out. In truth he couldn't bring himself to leave the house without seeing Averey, at least briefly.

 

[grdybiwife]

Averey watched from the trees as Lucan made his way inside, marveling at the slight sway of that lithe body. Tentatively he slipped his hand into his trousers and cupped his tight balls, sore from the strain of his hardness. He had half a mind to give himself some relief right where he stood but he knew better. And he much rather do it in his bed where he could comfortably muse of the feeling of that soft skin on his palm, those lips upon his, the little cooing sounds the boy omitted. His boy. His little bird.

It was official Averey Inman was in love. What else could it be? He had lusted before and was very familiar with the feeling. Once the object of his fascination left his eye sight the feeling of want went with him. This was something altogether different. It wasn't just the sway of his hips or the set of his mouth that got Averey going for Lucan but the sound of his voice when he sang, the way his eyes looked off dreamily when he sang. It was a lovely thing, the way his heart raced and palms sweat at the thought of him. The way all his thoughts revolved around him.

And how fitting was it that when he came into the inn that his Ma was singing about just those feelings. Accompanied by a traveling lutenist and fife player, she moved around the tavern floor with grace. Her voice loud and open, she played upon the wanton glances from the men. Her dark hair often falling into her eyes as she twirled about. She was happiest when she sang and Averey often wondered that if not for him would his mother have joined a traveling minstrel to share her song with the masses. The idea often saddened him but not tonight. He made his way to the bar, making sure to keep out of her line of sight so that his presence wouldn't distract from the reverie she brought. His Papa was there and greeted him with a full tankard just as she was finishing and Averey drank deeply the frothy brew. It was watered of course but still he drank and enjoyed the crowds appreciate for his mother. Smiled at the tink of coins being thrown. She took several bows and thanked the musicians before she saw her son and father, offered them a bashful smile as she made her way to them. Judging by the ruddiness in her cheeks Cecily Inman had enjoyed a swallow or two of the good wine her father kept for special guests.

"You sang beautifully mother," Averey said and she gave him a playful swat to the shoulder before she slung her arm around his neck and kissed his forehead.

"Words from a loving son and nothing more," she replied, never able to take an open compliment.

"Oh stop it girl, you think its the ale that keeps the coffers full. I think not," Papa said and again she swatted it a way with a open hand.

"You stop it Da. It's your lovely company that keeps the boys coming back, not my idle screeching," she said as she left them to clear tables of empty bowls and tankards. It was getting late in the evening and the family men were off to kiss the foreheads of their babes and lay with their wives. The few men left were the usual bachelors and temporary occupants of the rooms upstairs.

Averey grabbed the bin to help his mother, all the while humming along the tune she just finished. Out of tune of course but the sound wasn't lost on her. Her eyes were drawn to him as he moved about the room with a lightness that she had never seen. A lightness that could only come from one thing. She remember the feeling well, his father had brought such a reaction from her once. And if she were being honest, still did even so often. As often as he visited really. Her son was not the only one who took pleasure in his presence. And though she no longer held onto the flighty dreams of happily ever after with her knight, the feelings the sight of him brought could not be so easily put away. Hidden, yes, but never forgotten.

"A nice change from your usual brooding I'd say," she said to him quietly as she joined him the kitchen with an arm load of bowls for scraping. He took them up without being told and went about it like the good boy he'd always been. "I know its not Isabelle Millner that's got you so light of spirit. Spent an evening with the Brecker boy have you?" She asked in conspiratory tones, her eyebrow raised. A look Averey knew to mean that she didn't need him to confirm the truth she already knew. "A mother knows," she said with a smirk and patted his back. "But I'll spare you the speech my Ma gave me when she found out about my dalliances with your Da, instead I'll tell you what my Da told me. 'The heart wants what the heart wants and who are we mere mortals to question such things as fate. It is a complicated thing, love is, and one must never run from it but meet it head on with square shoulders else all meaning of life is lost.'"

"But you loved Da and look where that got you," Averey said without thinking and immediately wished he could take it back but his mother laughed it off.

"Got me you didn't it and I've had know greater gift. Your Da would say the same if you asked him."

"But when I'm gone...what will you have," he asked quietly, not wanting the conversation to be overheard, and again his mother laughed.

"The adoration of my loving audience," she said in jest and Averey rolled his eyes. They were silent for a time. Averey mulling over his Papa's words relayed to him by his mother while she mulled over his. When I'm gone, he'd said. Big words from a boy who swore he would never leave her just this morning. Part of her was saddened by the revelation. A small part, for the whimsical young girl that dwelled inside her, who still believed deeply in the power of love, was elated. "Get to bed boy, Papa and I will take care of the rest. You've got a big day of smithing and such ahead of you. It's high time me and your Papa get used to life around here with out you," she said with a warm smile and a gentle shove. Averey kissed her cheek and went off to his room, not before one last question.

"Ma, I was wondering...if its not too much trouble..."

"Out with it boy!"

"Could I have a door now?"

"Sure son, a man needs his privacy," she said with a smirk before she turned his back to him.

That he did. It took forever for his mother to leave the kitchen. With her in earshot Averey could not satisfy his manly urges and ended up drifting off before he could relieve himself. It was a restless sleep with his manhood digging uncomfortably into the mattress and he awoke groggily to the sounds of his mother already in the kitchen. But his mood was not that of one who hadn't slept well. Averey whistled as he grabbed a quick breakfast and made his way quickly to the smithy. He didn't bother knocking, Ivor told him to do away with that formality as well, so he simply walk inside.

"Good morning Breckers," he shouted up the stairs.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan heard Averey calling, and his heart lifted right up into his throat. He hastily swallowed his last bite of breakfast and looked across at his father, who still had half a plate left.

"Take your time, pa--I'll help Averey get the forge going before I leave!"

He made sure his boots were tied and then dashed out the door, thundering down the stairs at top speed. Top speed was never a good idea for the clumsy boy, especially on stairs, but he managed to keep upright until the final few when he tripped over his own feet and careened forward, falling headlong into Averey's arms. The burst of adrenaline that accompanied the near-disaster turned into a burst of affection and joy as the strong young man caught him, and he erupted into giggles, relieved that no one had witnessed this.

"G'morning," he whispered loudly, glancing back up the stairs before turning back to Averey and pressing a hard kiss against his lips. "Mmmm... I missed you... all night long. Don't worry--my papa's still finishing breakfast."

He squeezed Averey tightly around his neck and grabbed those sweet golden curls in both fists. Finally they both grew nervous and separated. Lucan continued to beam up at his friend.

"I'm off to find a trade today," he reported, "but I'll... help you a little first." He raised his voice so that his parents were likely to hear. "Let's bring up some coal from the cellar--it'll be twice as fast if we both go!"

He grabbed a pair of buckets, handed one to Averey, and seized hold of his free hand, pulling his friend enthusiastically toward the coal cellar stairs. Their boots thumped on the steps as they descended down into the dark cellar, the only light a faint beam from the door above. By the time they reached the bottom, it was almost completely pitch black. Lucan had done this so many times he didn't need a lamp, but this time the darkness was a boon to him. He dropped his empty bucket and grabbed hold of Averey again, kissing him excitedly, pushing his tongue past Averey's lips and grinding their hips together.

 

[grdybiwife]

"My little birdy... is eager... this morning," Averey mumbled between Lucan's forceful kisses. It was nice to know that he wasn't the only one so affected by the recent blossoming of their relationship. With their hips bumping together, it wasn't long before Averey had his strong hands placed securely on Lucan's narrow rump. He resisted the urge to force his meaty hands inside those trouser knowing they didn't have enough time for that sort of exploration. Reluctantly though he extracted himself from Lucan's hungry grip with a grin on his face. "G'morning to you too," he said as he thumbed away a bit of spittle from the other boy's bottom lip.

He took both buckets and began filling them with coal as he congratulated Luc on his dilligence. "That's good to hear and I wish you luck. Have you thought at all on what you might want to try?" he asked genuinely interested. Anytime Lucan opened his mouth Averey was interested.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan gasped with delight when Averey's big hands slid over his bottom. Gods, that felt nice! He hoped Averey would squeeze him a little tighter, but instead he let go, and Lucan made a little whiny puppy noise.

Averey... always so practical.

"Wellll... my father gave me some ideas. I could make precise things like pastries or clothes or ropes n' tackle. I'm not much good at hammering heavy things, but with delicate work, it's different. If there were more rich folk about, I bet I could make jewelry, but there's no one around here would spend enough on such things to make a business. One time I helped pa make a rose from scrap copper--it was really pretty. Even if I'm not strong... I'm pretty good with my hands."

He giggled and took advantage of Averey's bent-over posture, placing both hands on his bottom and squeezing gently.

 

[grdybiwife]

"And now who's the brute," he said with a playful swat at Lucan's hands on his bottom, though he gave a little wiggle before he stood. Averey was enjoying their lusty horseplay, shame it could not always be this way. Soon enough he thought to himself before he turned around and hefted the full buckets. He bent a little, offering his lips to Lucan's once more before the made their way back up the stairs.

"I like the idea of pastry cook, so long as he make me your taste tester," Averey said with a wink as he brought the coal over to the forge. Together the boys set about lighting it and as Lucan stoked the fire Averey said, "But I bet you'd be good at anything you choose. Long as it ain't smithing," He added the last with a light roughing of that red hair he loved so much.

"You teasing my boy lad," Ivor said from the stairs but the smirk on his face defused the harshness of his tone and Averey smiled at him.

"Just a statement of facts sir, nothing more," was Averey's smirking reply though he gave Luc another wink. "The fires all set. What shall I make today?"

"Sharpening today," Ivor grunted as he slipped on his apron before he turned to Lucan. "You best be off boy. Good luck to you son," he said with a smile at his son, and a prideful one at that.

 

[tamgreen]

"Thanks papa!" Lucan piped up, smiling happily at his father's well-wishes, which he was pleased to hear coming with no put-downs or qualifications. His eyes, and his smile, shifted to Averey. "See you later, then."

He bit his lip briefly, wishing he could give Averey one last kiss and promise to be back in time for supper, but he couldn't kiss a boy with papa around, and he couldn't promise when he might be back. He took a deep breath and turned to leave, though he looked back once and, taking advantage of a moment when his father's back was turned, kissed the tips of his fingers and blew in Averey's direction. Stifling a giggle, he scampered off.

Lucan felt very small out in the wide world, even if the wide world was, for now, only a small village in which he knew pretty much everybody. Where should he begin? Well, there was one obvious choice--since Averey had made a comment about him being a pastrycook, he'd fallen in love with the idea of making things he could feed to his blacksmith boy. Was this what a wife felt like, he wondered, feeding her husband? He could look at a trade that would have him making arrows or buttons or textiles or boots or gloves, but he could only bring so much delight to his Averey with such things.

He was smiling as he hurried along, feeling terribly romantic now about how he might spend the rest of his days. There were two bakeries in town--there was Blackbourne's, which made all the breads, and to which Ivor often delivered his hot coals at day's end to help with the evening baking, and then there was Goodwyne's, which made pastries, cakes, and confections. Lucan had so often lingered past the front window of the Goodwyne bakery, admiring the display of meat pies, pasties, jam tarts, puddings, and gingerbreads. It was here that he not only lingered today, but went straight inside, inhaling the mingled sweet, savoury, and spicy fragrances. When he saw the waddling Mella Goodwyne, with her swollen belly pushing out her apron, he knew Goodwyne's was a shrewd choice for him to have sought an apprenticeship.

"Good morning, ma'am," Lucan said politely, treating her like a respected elder though she looked like she wasn't any older than he was. If she'd been from in town, they might have gone to school together as children, but Mella was from "away".

Mella placed her hands on her lower back and exhaled deeply as she examined the scrawny young man. "And who's this little waif? You're the smithy's boy, ain't you?"

"Yes'm!" he replied. He wasn't at all surprised she was unsure of his identity--his mother always said pastries were an unnecessary extravagance, and only ever purchased good solid practical barley or rye loaves from Blackbourne's. If there was to be pie or pudding in the Breck household, Ardith Breck would make it herself. Lucan had never said it out loud, but his mother was not the greatest cook, at least when it came to such things as pastries, though as a boy, before he'd been big enough to be of help in the smithy, he'd always enjoyed helping her make things. He liked to make food look pretty. It was impractical in his household, and had gone unappreciated, but here, he realized, he might get some recognition.

"I wonder if I could beg an audience with yourself and Mr. Goodwyne," he went on, showing his best manners.

Hector and Mella Goodwyne invited him back into the kitchen while they worked, and he explained his situation. He told them he was seeking a trade and was good with his hands, which his pa could attest to if needed. He pointed out as tactfully as possible that, with a baby imminently expected, it might be a good time for them to consider an extra pair of hands, and that if Hector was willing to take him on as an apprentice, he'd prove himself worthwhile.

"Well, do you hear that, Mella?" Hector laughed, giving his wife a little nudge. "The boy thinks we could use extra help. Imagine!"

Lucan was stricken for a moment, but Mella squeezed his shoulder affectionately, leaving a dusting of flour upon his shirt, and told him not to mind Hector. "He's teasing me because I've been fixin' to do a full workload, baby or no baby, and not lettin' him argue."

"And do you still feel that way, dearest wife?" Hector pressed, grinning widely. "'Fie, my aching back!' ye've been groaning all week long. 'My feet are swoll up like bread loaves!' Maybe time to let up, eh?"

"Aye, aye," Mella sighed, pressing her hands against her back and stretching a little. "You win, Hec. Take your apprentice, and I'll be shuffled off to nursemaid duty."

Hector kissed his wife's cheek. "It ain't forever, chickie. Come now, let's see what the boy can do."

"You'll not be loafin' about, or makin' any trouble," Mella warned Lucan, fixing her eyes on his. "Long as you're here, you'll be puttin' in an honest day's work. And to work hard ain't enough, neither--if you haven't got a knack, we won't be botherin' with you a day longer!"

"I understand, ma'am!" Lucan replied quickly.

Hector laughed heartily. "Good lad, my missus loves when menfolk fall in line to her caterwaulin'." He clapped the boy on the back, leaving yet more white flour on him, a sharp contrast from his usual coating of coal dust. "Go on and wash up, and I'll get ye started."

Lucan obeyed quickly, and washed like he'd never washed before. Hector gave him an apron set him to assembling some assorted meat pasties, inviting him to make them as elegant as he wished. It was quite transparently a "test", and he was only too gleeful to rise to the challenge.

It was more of a physical effort than he expected, rolling out a great deal of pastry dough, but after carrying so many water and coal buckets over the years, his muscles, though thin as ropes, had learned stamina if not strength, and while he was frequently prone to dropping buckets or tripping over his own feet, it was hard to be as clumsy with a rolling pin. He used a plate as a template to cut circles of dough, and began to spoon out uniform portions of chicken, pork, and venison fillings that had been pre-cooked. He'd noticed that the Goodwyne tradition was to mark the assembled pasties with patterns of small slits, each filling of a slightly different pattern, but Lucan was far more creative. Using a small, sharp knife, he cut out little animal shapes from a thinly rolled circle of pastry and stuck them onto each of the pockets after he'd closed them and crimped the edges with meticulous care. The venison gave him some difficulty at first, but he soon resigned himself that he wasn't going to have the time or patience to cut out the shapes of dozens of majestic stags, antlers and all. Instead he carved out the silhouette of a doe's head and distinctive ears, and found this to be a shape he could cut out repeatedly, with satisfying efficiency.

While Mella seemed to look upon his work with a critically skeptical eye, Hector Goodwyne was more than impressed and straightaway put him on assembling the top crusts of assorted pies, praising his artistic flair all the while. Lucan was happy enough to soak up Mr. Goodwyne's praise, and didn't give the missus' lack of enthusiasm much mind. He figured she must think him pretentious, the way many of the townsfolk tended to, though Hector whispered to him once that she was probably jealous. There wasn't anything he could do about it either way, and moreover, he was smart enough to know not to put too much stock in the moods of a woman as heavily pregnant as Mella Goodwyne was. As disagreeable as she seemed most of the time, there were plenty of moments when she treated him with distinctively maternal affection, despite the fact that they were around the same age. A mother is a mother, he supposed. He was also taking cues from her husband, who reacted to her occasional emotional outbursts with good humour even while being sympathetic to her aches, discomfort, and mood swings. Her mood was much more down than up as the day rolled onwards.

"Gods get this baby out of me before I lose my mind!" she exclaimed, shoving Lucan mercilessly out of her way whenever he happened to be underfoot, which made him constantly mumble apologies, making Hector laugh.

"Mella, for the sake of all that's holy, go upstairs and lie down!" the man insisted. "The boy can help me out, and he's not here to usurp you, so leave off with your wailing! Go on, before I break my back carrying you and junior both up those stairs!"

Mella grumbled a while longer and then finally tossed a pile of pie pans across the floor and stomped away up the stairs, weeping noisily. Lucan scrambled to clean up the mess she'd made, slightly troubled by the outburst.

"Is she all right?" he stammered to Hector.

"Ahh, she'll be fine," the man chuckled. "Trust me, we've danced this dance a thousand times. She'll be less embarrassed later on if I don't coddle her. Get on with those pies then, boy--I need to see yer up to the task if ye want to stay on here!"

It was much quieter and calmer around the kitchen upon Mella's departure, and Lucan and Hector settled into an easy rhythm. Lucan assembled pies of all kinds that day, learned how to use saffron and rosewater and assorted spices to their finest effect, and beautified a number of sweet pies with fresh violets or pretty shapes cut from fine pastry.

His favourite thing to make was little pastry birds, which he cut out in great quantity, practicing the shape of them over and over. He encircled patridge and pigeon pies in halos of tiny birds, with elegant wings deftly feathered with the sharp tip of a knife. Hector exclaimed over them and put them straight on display at the front of the store, and later he told Lucan that the lovely bird pies had brought in crowds, and he made more sales than usual. Lucan was bursting with pride, and by the time Hector Goodwyne was ready to close up, he felt exhausted but more satisfied than he had in a long time. He wanted to run home to see Averey and tell him all about his day--surely Averey would be just about ready to head back to the inn by now--but Hector had him stay around to help with cleanup, which he knew was fair and expected. He cleaned dishes and tables and floors as fast as he could while still doing a decent job.

There was one point he stopped, getting so lost in his thoughts that Hector had to jab him with the handle of a wooden spoon before he was able to come back to reality and keep working. While putting away pans, he had discovered a decorative mold that was used to make fancy puddings or jellies for special holidays. It occurred to him very suddenly and powerfully that Averey, being in the midst of learning metalcrafting, may one day be able to make him custom pans or moulds or stamps that he could use to make the prettiest foods anyone had ever seen. He felt a surge of adoration and excitement, suddenly certain that this was destiny. He had a clear picture now of having his own bakery far away, of filling the front window with the most exquisite pastries and confections, and Averey would help him, making special tools and bakeware that no one else would have. Even noble folk would come from miles around to buy from his bakery!

While Hector wouldn't allow him to daydream for long, he was at least amused more than he was annoyed by it. When he was finally released, he went home with a pat on the back, an assurance that he could come back tomorrow, and armfuls of unsold baked goods. He had pies to deliver to mama (which he hoped she would not take as some kind of slight) and a special parcel of delicacies that he hoped he could share with Averey, if it wasn't too late. He hurried all the way home, hoping that he could still catch his friend, that they could have another beautiful, private picnic, this time with Lucan providing the repast.

 

[grdybiwife]

"I never thought I'd see this day...my boy...out looking for work," Ivor said once, Lucan had gone. A small smile played at his lips as he continued. "Always thought I'd have the kingdom's oldest smithy's assistant living under my roof but now, I'm not so sure."

"Perhaps he just needs help finding his way," Averey said quietly. He didn't want to offend the master smith but he was tired of hearing of his his friend's shortcomings. He'd made a silent vow to always protect and defend Luc from now on, even if it was his father he had to have words with. Averey took a deep breath and stood tall before the forge. "Perhaps if some talked with him of what he was good at instead of reminding him constantly of what he wasn't you may have celebrated this triumph sooner than today."

For the first time in Averey's life he did not look away when he spoke. His father had always told him real men look another man in the eye when they speak. He stood tall with his head high, prepared for any consequence his thoughts might bring. He expected to be struck, at best told he was no longer welcomed in the shop. What he got was a grunt, then a shrug as Ivor looked off seeming to contemplate his words.

"Never thought of it that way boy," Ivor told him matter-of-factly and even Averey could see the sincerity in the man. He probably knew of no other way to raise his son who was so different from him. "His got a good friend in you," he said before he handed him a blunted bastard sword and nodded towards the sharpening wheel. "Didn't think I'd let you work on any of my weapons did you," Ivor said with a chuckle. "No boy. Give me a good edge on that one and we'll see about letting you at one I might sell when the garrison comes through at the end of harvest."

Averey took it with a smile and immediately went to work. As his foot worked the peddle, he recalled how his father spoke of a good sword and how important it was that the edge be true. Even if Ivor didn't plan to put it in the window, Averey wanted very much for the man to be impressed with his work. He appreciated how he didn't hover, allowing him work on it alone but when he had a question, Ivor answered it readily and didn't seem the least bit perturbed when he had to leave his task to help Averey with such a simple one. It took him most of the day to get a proper edge out of the forged steel, he was drenched in sweat and his leg crapped as he made his way to the whetstone. This he had done with his father's own sword and we worked the blade deftly, adding just enough oil at the right moment to minimize the sparks. Even Ivor stopped what he was doing to observe the young man work, his back bent and eyes trained on the blade. By the time he was done, Ivor was already sweeping up, a job he hadn't done since Lucan was 6. Averey hadn't noticed so much time had passed and apologized for his lack of aptitude.

"Save it boy, took me two days to do what you did in one. What's say we give it a whirl?" Ivor took the blade and swung it overhead a few times before his struck the wooden post in the center of the shop. The post itself was covered in various nicks of all size and finally Averey knew it's purpose. "Tomorrow we'll put a hilt on it. Good work today boy," Ivor said with a heavy clap to his shoulder but Averey stood rooted in his spot. How could he tell the man that he didn't want to leave without seeing Luc?

"Well I guess I'll be off then,"he said trying to hide his frown, even glancing around for a task that could keep him a few moments longer. But of course there was none and Averey pulled off his apron and hung it on the hook before he bid Ivor good night.

It was a long walk home with him looking for Lucan at every turn but Averey made it to the inn without a sight of him. But he knew that wherever he might have gone that day, he would have to pass the inn on his way home so Averey took a seat on the worn stairs to wait.

It wasn't long before he saw the boy, his face and clothes speckled with flour dust as he strolled along the center of the road. His head was high and there was a new bit of confidence in the steps he took. That alone made Averey smile and watch him a moment before he called out to him.

"Well if it Lucan Brecker the baker. Come boy, show me what delicacies you have to share."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan had it in his head that he'd have to go straight home, but when he saw Averey on the front steps of the inn on his way by, he broke out in an enormous grin that made his cheeks ache, and it took all his self-control to keep from flying straight over and tackling the young man. Instead he ambled up amiably like any other man would approach a trusted friend and clapped him on the shoulder. Up close, Averey smelled of sweat and metal, and Lucan loved that smell. He wanted to press his face into Averey's shirt and just inhale him.

"Good evening, Averey Inman," he laughed. He sat down on the step below Averey and placed his parcels next to the boy's feet. "You know, I was thinking I'd have to go right on home to ma and pa, but I'm not gonna. I'm a grown man now, a working man, getting my own employment, and I'll go home when I please."

He unwrapped the parcel he'd intended for his mother, just to show Averey the work he'd done. There was a mutton pie, encircled with a halo of dancing sheep, and a pie of quinces, adorned all over with rounded pear shapes and an explosion of elegant leaves.

"Look, aren't they pretty?" he exclaimed proudly. "I did all the pastry work! I'm gonna give 'em to my ma when I get home, or I guess in the morning as she'll probably be asleep when I get home."

He placed his hands on the other bundle and grinned up at Averey. "This can be a picnic... if you wanted to go to that lovely spot with me again." His voice quieted gradually down until it was a mere whisper by the final word.