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

[grdybiwife]

"Those are lovely Luc, and you say you did them all yourself. Your Ma should be pleased to have them," Averey said with a wide smile as he roughed his hair. "I had hoped you went to the Goodwyne's. That Hector is a hoot. I bet the missus was none to pleased having you about," Averey added with a nudge of his elbow to Luc's thin side. It wasn't enough though, he wanted more. With a devilish smirk, he lean down and in conspiritory tones said to him, "I had actually hoped you might be willing to help me improve my quarters. If you're the big man you claim, perhaps you might be interesting in spending a night away from home."

Averey reached down to take the parcel from Lucan lap, allowing his fingers to graze along his crotch. He unwrapped the pastries delicately and marveled at the work Luc had done all day. He had choosen well, as Averey knew he would. "These are almost too beautiful to eat," he said of the tiny cakes in his lap before he took one up and deposited it into his mouth. "Almost," he added with his mouth full. It came out in a moan as he enjoyed the delicate sweetness. Just like his songbird. "Why don't you take those home and come back? There's some old wood out back from when me and Papa patched the roof. Ma said I could use it for a door...that way we can be comfortably alone," he said, the last in barely a whisper. Averey gave Luc a little shove and told him, "Hurry and return 'round back so Ma doesn't bother you with her questions."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan had been enthused to tell Averey all about his day from start to finish, but the invitation to spend the night in Averey's room set all intention toward anything else careening far away. He shivered as Averey's fingers brushed against his groin, and watched him, mouth open as he tasted one of the baked goods. The experience of making something to feed this young man brought him a deep, blissful sense of satisfaction, and he could have almost melted into a puddle right there on the steps.

"Uh... uh-huh!" he grunted pathetically at Averey's instructions. He quickly re-wrapped the pies he'd intended for mother, and pushed the other parcel toward his friend. "Keep these--they were intended for you. I'll bring the pies to ma and be back as quick as I can!"

He resisted the urge to kiss Averey, out here where anyone might see, and hightailed it away. He wasn't sure even touched the ground all the way home, but he made it back to the smithy, and without tripping even once. He thundered up the stairs and found both his parents at the supper table, enjoying a bland pottage. They looked up at his arrival, expectantly.

"Mama, papa," he said politely, though his voice shook a little. "I've decided to be a pastrycook."

He set his bundle down and unwrapped the pies. "See? The pastry's all my own work. This is what I'm good at."

Ardith reached for the quince pie cautiously and turned it round and round, examining the dainty decorative pastry shapes all across the top crust. "Well... that is certainly something," she said softly.

Ivor leaned over the mutton pie, noticing the little pastry sheep with a look of gentle amusement. "Sure looks better'n anything I seen in Goodwyne's window before, I'll say that, boy!"

Lucan grinned widely. He had a bit more conversation with his parents about his potential apprenticeship, and while he was pleasantly surprised by his father's reaction, his mother was somewhat distant and unenthusiastic. He supposed he wasn't entirely surprised, but he always hoped for better. When she invited him to sit down and eat, he shook his head.

"I'm going out, ma," he said in a quiet, but firm voice.

"Out? What do you mean, out?" Ardith challenged.

"I mean I'm spending the night away," he replied, looking between both of his parents and feeling reasonably confident even if his stomach trembled a little. "I don't know when you might expect me back."

Ivor furrowed his brow at his son. "Your mother deserves an explanation, boy. Why would you want to worry her like this?"

"She's no cause to be worried," Lucan replied quickly, and shifted his attention to his wide-eyed mother. "It's all right, mama. I'm a man now. I'm going to be making my own decisions."

Ardith drew in a deep breath. "So. You'll wander off on mysterious shenanigans, tell us nothing, and only come home to your ma and pa when it suits? Is that what a man does, Luc?"

He shifted uncomfortably. "Well... no, I... I mean I'm going to be getting into a proper trade now, and... I feel like it's time for me to start being more independent."

Ivor and Ardith exchanged a complex series of looks. After a few moments, Ardith pushed her supper aside, stood up from the table, and retreated to the bedroom, clapping the door shut soundly behind her.

"Look now, you've upset your mother!" Ivor growled.

Lucan swallowed. "That wasn't my intent."

Ivor sighed and shook his head. "Lucan... I was eighteen once too. I know what this is. You want to cut the cord and get free of your ma and pa, to be a full man and earn your own way in life, but it's all new and a lot at once, and you ain't quite ready to move on without that safety net. Well, your ma and I ain't a safety net. We're your parents. If you're under our roof, you follow our rules. If you can't handle our rules, you get your own roof. I think that's a pretty simple decision. You're gonna have to decide what you want. But don't think you can just be off sleeping wherever you please and then come home and expect ma to put out a spread for you. Be a boy, or be a man, and be aware a man doesn't expect someone else to catch him every time he falls and clean up his messes. So--stay or leave, Luc. What'll it be?"

Lucan's feet shuffled. He felt a burning lump in his throat, and swallowed it back painfully. He figured it would have to come to this at some point, but he had no idea it would be so soon. The ultimatum seemed terribly unfair to him... but he already knew what he was going to choose.

"Well... goodbye then, pa," he said softly, raising his chin with as much dignity as he could muster. He hoped he wouldn't have to come back here with his tail between his legs. He wasn't sure he could count on Averey's hospitality over the long term. Perhaps he could at least lay out a bedroll at the Goodwynes' bakery, if it came to that. It wasn't so unusual for apprentices to be housed so.

"Tell mama I love her," he added as he quietly gathered up whatever might be considered his own. It amounted to very little--he had the boots he wore, the clothes on his back, a few spare items of clothing, and a small bundle of sundries he'd received as gifts over the years. He looked down at his bedroll and decided he had no right to take it with him--they were ma and pa's blankets. He gave Ivor one last look and turned toward the door.

"Luc," Ivor spoke up, standing up from the table.

"Yes, pa?"

Ivor stepped up to him, looking down at the boy who was still so small next to him, even at eighteen years old. He opened his mouth as if to say something several times, and gave up. Ivor Breck had never been good at this sort of thing. He gave a resigned sigh and unbuckled his belt, which had strapped onto it the great big knife he always wore, which had always simultaneously intimidated and impressed young Lucan. Ivor handed the belt to his son, sheathed knife and all. "It was always intended to be yours someday. Every man should have one."

Lucan gingerly took it with his free hand, looking a bit misty-eyed. He'd have to add a few holes to the belt to get it to fit him, he wagered, but he was more than glad to have it. "Thank you, father," he breathed.

Ivor grunted vaguely and jostled his shoulder a little. "Go on with you then."

With all of his worldly possessions, old and new, easily under one arm, Lucan set off back to the inn on slightly shaky legs. He hurried as fast as he could without being prone to an accident and slipped in the back door as Averey had instructed him.

With Averey's mother and her father out front running the inn, Averey was the only one back here, and Lucan found him quickly. He hurried up to him, giving him an inscrutable, wide-eyed look.

"I... I ain't going home no more," he mumbled, forgetting his grammar for the moment.

 

[grdybiwife]

Averey looked at Lucan, with all his possession in tow, eyes wide and on shaky legs. He heard what he said and frowned as he took his things and set them down on his desk. The mallet and nails were there, his makeshift door propped up on the wall just outside his room but that would wait. With his strong arms around him, Averey moved Lucan to sit on his bed and held him still, one hand stroking him low on his back while the other played at the hair on the back of his neck. He kissed his forehead softly.

"Then you will stay here with me," he said quietly and took Luc's narrow chin in his hand to raise his head. A gentle kiss, and then, "It isn't ideal but I'll not have you on the floor at the Goodwyne's or in the street. Ma won't mind and Papa does whatever she says so worry not my little songbird. Rest now while I get the door situated and make room for your things. It will all be alright, you'll see," he promised as he moved to lay his friend down on the bed.

Averey moved around quickly after that, making short work of the door. It wasn't exactly level and he had to lift it to get it closed all the way. There wasn't even a knob, just a length of rope threaded through a hole and knotted on both ends. It wasn't pretty but it was a door. His door and he was proud of himself for it. He stood back and smiled as he looked at it, then shift his eyes at Luc, curled up tight on his bed. Their bed. In their room. He set about unpacking the few belongings Lucan brought. His books he lined up with his against the wall on his desktop. His clothes he put in the trunk at the foot of the bed. The little trinkets he added to his own collection in the window sill. The last thing he did was pull off Lucan's boots and put them beside the door next to his own.

"I'll go get us some supper and see if I can sneak us a bottle of that fancy wine Ma hides for herself. I know you're sad Luc but you had to know this time would come eventually. Don't think of it as you getting the boot from your Ma and Da, think of it as us starting our life together. What better way to get ready to live together than to actually live together."

Averey left it at that and went out to the kitchen to find his Ma standing by the cook fire working a big wooden spoon in the pot of stew that was supper. One look at her son, Cecily knew all was not well. The spark that was in his eye when he came home was gone, replaced by the surly look that used to be his usual facial expression.

"What ails you boy," she asked quietly as Averey gathered up a couple bowls, loudly slamming them on the tabletop. She noted the number and gathered on her own what was afoot. "Is it the Brecker boy? Has something happen to him?"

"All Ivor ever talks about is wanting him to grow up and be a man and soon as he starts acting like one they give him the boot..."

"What do you mean acting like one," she asked him with a hand on his, stilling him from the rage she knew was brewing.

"He won himself an apprenticeship today with the Goodwyne's. You should have seen the pies Ma they were beautiful...delicate flowers and such...and tasty too. He even brought some to his Ma and what'd they do? They kicked him out that's what they did? After he worked so hard finding something that he was good at. All he wanted to do was show his Da he could be useful and that he wasn't a little boy anymore..."

"You're sure that's all that happened...You two weren't seen..."

"No Ma we weren't seen!" He shouted and Cecily drew back her hand.

"Don't get beside yourself boy. Just because you're twice my size don't mean I won't give you a wollop. You'll keep you're voice down when you talk to me, hear?" She did not strike him, hardly ever had. Her words had always been enough to keep him in line.

"Sorry Ma I'm just...how could they..."There were hot tears on his face, reddened with rage so deep he could not make a sentence. They hand that was poised to slap him moved to cup his face and Cecily drew him into her.

"That's not for you to fuss over Averey," she said as she hugged him tight. "They are different people from us. We can not judge them of their ways the way they may judge us on ours. It's not as if you two will be sticking around here much after you learn your trade," she said and Averey pulled back from her enough to see the sad smile on her face. "I know that look in your eye boy. Just like your father. So certain and sure. Wanting to do right by the one you love and damn the world if they get in your way. Is why I fell so madly in love with him. He can stay, as long as it takes you two to finish your apprenticeships but you have to promise that when it's done you go far far away from here. Do what your poor Da and I could not. Live your life the way you want it and damn the world if they get in your way."

"I promise Ma, with all my heart I promise," Averey said with more conviction than he ever felt in his life. He gave his mother a big wet kiss on the cheek and she giggled. "I love you Ma...so much I love you."

"Sure boy tell me anything," she said with a playful cuff to the back of his head. "Go now feed the boy. We can discuss duties for the two of you to earn a wage in the morning."

Averey wasted no time filling the bowls but waited for his mother to leave before he fished the wine out from behind the bread box. He didn't bother with glasses, simply tucked the bottle under his arm and grabbed the bowls. There was a new pep in his step as he backed in through his new bedroom door, kicking it closed behind him. He set Lucan's bowl down on the night table and sat down in his chair to eat his own. "Eat birdie, a working man needs his strength," he told Luc between bites.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan tried very hard not to cry in front of Averey. He hadn't been exactly sure how he felt about the whole incident with his parents, too overwhelmed to really form coherent thoughts on the matter, but when his dear friend laid him down in his own bed, looked after his things, took off his boots, and comforted him, he felt near to bursting with emotion.

Left alone with his thoughts for a little while, Lucan pressed his face into Averey's bedding and inhaled the smell of him. So soothing and satisfying, it finally pushed him past the point of holding back, and he sobbed into Averey's pillow, wept in mingled joy and despair, fully realizing the bittersweet, maddening paradox of blissful freedom and harrowing bondage that was the discovery of adulthood, and likewise of falling irrepressibly in love, but with someone he couldn't ever marry.

He cried out the hurt he had carried all his life, a hurt that lived like a cloud of bubbles within him, kept gingerly contained until it rose up occasionally to burst in either anger or despair. It was a hurt he'd never successfully been able to explain so that his mother and father understood. He felt that Averey, his sweet Averey, had made such strides toward helping his father to see things in a different way, and he was certain he wouldn't have been able to reach that final moment of peace he had with his father if not for Averey. Though Ivor had been uncompromising with his boy, in the end Lucan felt that they had reached a level of understanding and mutual respect. The knife and belt that had been bequeathed to him would always be a symbol of that, even if he no longer had dealings with his father.

Lucan's relationship with his mother, though, seemed a tragedy to him now. There was a time when Ardith Breck had doted on her little boy, but somewhere along the way their relationship had been poisoned, and he could not identify how or why. Lucan loved his mother, but it seemed to him as if his very existence somehow wounded her, and he was helpless to understand or navigate the problem. Perhaps Ardith would go to her grave resenting him, and Lucan would go to his not knowing why. It was a terrible feeling to leave a problem unsolved, to abandon a broken relationship instead of repairing it, but what could young Lucan do other than cut his losses and look to the future?

Averey Inman had to be his future--he could see no other happy outcome. Averey, who was gallant enough to go to the wall for him, even against Lucan's own father and his master in trade, and even after Lucan had been so unkind to him in the past. And what made him even more lovable was knowing that Averey was probably too humble to even acknowledge having any knightly qualities. Lucan wrapped himself around Averey's pillow and blanket and squeezed them tightly. As many times as he had felt like the unluckiest boy in the world, there was a thread of him that was now beginning to feel like the luckiest man.

By the time Averey returned to his room with supper, he'd calmed a great deal, but as he rolled over and halfway rose, looking upon his dear blacksmith boy, his eyes were once again glassy and near to spilling over. He watched Averey eat for a few extended moments before crawling out of bed and approaching the chair.

"In a moment," he said softly, and tenderly extracted Averey's bowl and spoon from his hands, setting them on the little table next to his own supper. He crawled into Averey's lap, legs on either side of him, and wrapped his thin body around the broad strong, warm one. He inhaled Averey's manly scents and shivered.

"You are the best, most wonderful man there ever was," he whispered. "There's nothing I wouldn't do for you, Averey Inman. Nothing in the world."

 

[grdybiwife]

Averey found himself blushing at the way Lucan described him. He never thought he was anything special but it was nice to hear it from someone other than his Ma. He wrapped Luc up in strong arms and held him close, looked up into those bright eyes. "And I you Lucan Brecker. Don't you ever forget it. We are in this together and I will always protect you. You are mine and I am yours," he said with a soft kiss to his neck. "Whatever this life shall bring, we will meet it together. You have my word." With that he pulled him in again, his lips leading the way, and kissed him forcefully. Hungrily, his tongue invading that delicate mouth as if his life depended on it.

Before long Averey's groping hands found their way into Luc's loose shirt to rub greedily at his bare skin. Gods he feels so good...tastes so sweet he thought over and over again as his rough hands explored the soft skin of his back. With a grunt, and without breaking their kiss, Averey lifted the boy bodily and took two steps to lower him gently to the bed.

"I want to feel your skin on mine," he said, his voice trembling so much it cracked as he pulled his shirt off. "Please birdie let me feel you..your heart beat against mine..."

 

[tamgreen]

You are mine and I am yours.

Lucan's insides melted--these were the most perfect words anyone had ever spoken, and it bowled him over that Averey was saying them to him. He couldn't possibly want anything more than belonging to Averey. His jaw went slack as the bigger boy's tongue invaded, warm mouth sealing tightly over his and tasting him deeply. His arms clung around Averey's neck. He loved how aggressively Averey kissed him--he never knew a kiss could be this way.

He made a little whimpering noise as Averey's strong hands, still young but large, thick, and a bit roughened now from his recent labours, dipped beneath his shirt. His heart thrummed like the wings of a hummingbird. He wriggled a little in Averey's lap, not knowing whether he wanted to press forward against the strong body or back against the exploring hands. Averey was all around him, and he couldn't get enough.

It was a giddy pleasure to be scooped up and carried to bed. Lucan's eyes were very wide and shining as Averey arched over him and removed his shirt. He gasped in several breaths in a row, which came out in shivers as his eyes combed over the broad masculine torso, the fascinating hills and valleys of Averey's muscled form. His gaze finally swept up to lock onto Averey's eyes, and he was elated at the sheer desire he saw there. Could anyone really be thirsty for his scrawny little body?

But Averey had said please, and of course Lucan had already promised him the world. In a flash he tore his shirt off and presented himself to his sweetheart--soft, thin, pale, freckled in places, scarred in others, and utterly imperfect. The broad chest and the thin one clapped together, thundering heartbeats finding one another in the breathy wordless silence.

Lucan groaned with a desperation he couldn't articulate as he wrapped arms and legs around Averey's torso, his slender fingers digging into the skin of Averey's muscled back. He pressed his face into Averey's neck, emitting muffled moans and drinking in the musky scent of his manly body with each new breath. His mouth sealed over the skin of Averey's neck, kissing, licking, sucking, needing to taste him.

 

[grdybiwife]

Averey chuckled deep in his chest as Luc sucked hungrily at his neck. "Easy birdie or you'll give me a bruise," he said quietly as he pulled him away with a gentle hand on the back of his neck. But before he could protest Averey had his mouth back on Luc's as he rolled them over so they lay face to face. He pulled him close, their legs intertwined almost at their own accord making their hard cocks bump together. But this time Averey did not ignore his urge to thrust. In fact he slipped his hand inside Luc's worn trousers and put a firm hold on that soft arse. He had all but expected him to pull away but when Luc pressed forward Averey could do nothing but grunt.

"I don't know what I've to deserve someone so soft...so sweet...I promise you Lucan, my little songbird, there is nothing I wouldn't do to make you happy...to make you smile." All this he said between nibbles at the then skin that covered those delicate collarbones. He was sure his stubble tickled a little but he doubted Luc would mind but if he asked him to stop Averey would do just that.

Overcome with passion, and lust, Averey threw his young friend down on his back and position himself between his thin legs, all the while his hips rocking. The friction between their hips sending pleasant tingles all through his body as he rained soft kisses down over Lucan's chest. He paused every so often to pay close attention to those tiny pink nipples, his tongue swirling gently around each in turn. He felt his body trembling with need but he held on tight, unsure of how his little birdie feel about being soiled. But he knew it wouldn't be long before he lost his grip. "Oh Birdie...I don't know how much more I can take..."Averey grunted with his face buried in the crock of Lucan's neck. "Please...I need...I can't..."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan blissfully absorbed the sweet attentions from his blacksmith boy, loving even the chafe of stubble against his tenderer skin. Gods, Averey was so manly!

He had to bite down hard on his bottom lip to keep quiet when Averey began rocking deliberately against him, their hard pricks pressing together, but he could scarcely hold back the squeal that erupted at the sensation of Averey's big, strong hands covering his little round bottom. He wriggled against the bigger boy every which way, needing to be closer to him, ever closer, as if they could meld together like two water droplets.

That mouth on him drove him to happy madness, and he wanted to reciprocate in kind, to kiss and lick and nibble Averey all over, but he felt practically crippled by the pleasure Averey was spurring in him, and all he seemed to be able to do was just lie back and take it, to let Averey wash over him like the ocean.

Rolled onto his back, Lucan naturally splayed his legs wide, every part of him accepting Averey. He could feel a warm slippery sensation beneath his trousers, his stiff prick oozing with anticipatory fluids. He had never been so possessed by this level of need before. He practically sobbed as Averey's tongue swirled deftly around his tender nipples. His little cock throbbed desperately, feeling Averey's much larger bulge pressing over and over, harder, so hard, mercilessly, so aggressive as to be painful, but so lost in the lustful pleasure was Lucan that even the pain was sweet and enticing, and he welcomed it, needing Averey to lose control.

"Oh, don't stop, don't stop!" he gasped, bucking his hips and feeling perilously close to defiling his own trousers.

 

[grdybiwife]

It was like music to his ears, the sound of Lucan begging. His little bird singing out in pleasure. Pleasure that he gave. He was completely open to him and Averey wasn't so dull not to understand what a privilege that was for him. He doubted that the smithy's boy had ever been so close, so intimate, with anyone before. Averey's own experience was limited to the playful touches he shared with Isabelle but those times were coerced by her and drink. But now with Lucan beneath him he knew what it felt like to desired and he wanted to ensure that Lucan felt the same.

With one last kiss, Averey took a tentative look at his Lucan, skin flushed and glistening with a thin sheen of sweat. "You are beautiful," he whispered, not meaning to out loud but did not feel the need to take it back. Their eyes locked, Averey ran one meaty paw up his arm to take his hand and brought it down to his own crotch. His trousers tented, stretched over his erection. "What you have done to me, my beautiful bird," he moaned softly as he thrust against that slender hand. "Touch me Luc...touch me as I touch you," he said, though even he heard the demand in his husky tone. But again he did not correct it, simply slid his hand into the waist of those thin trousers and gave then a good yank to release that adorable little prick.

After a moment of adoration Averey brought his eyes back up to Luc's as he slowly engulfed his hardness in his palm. Slowly he began, moving his hand gently up and down his tender shaft. Loving it with his fist.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan's youthful, blushing face betrayed exactly how smitten he was, especially at being called "beautiful". Another man may have felt emasculated at being called beautiful rather than handsome--certainly papa would have been mortified--but Luc was simply thrilled to be called anything other than hopeless. Of course, he would have been called any old thing if it would make Averey happy. If it pleased Averey for his little birdie to be beautiful, he would be the prettiest boy in all the land for the rest of his life. To be precious to someone, especially this particular someone, was a pleasure he never could have anticipated.

"Oh--!" he cried out as Averey moved his hand to press against that fearsome, hard bulge. Gods, it was big! Lucan's eyes grew even wider, darkening as his pupils dilated. He explored the length and shape of Averey beneath his trousers, fascinated and deeply gratified in the knowledge that he, even he, the scrawny smithy's boy, had inspired this magnificent cockstand.

"Ah!" he exclaimed as Averey pulled out Lucan's smaller prick--smaller, yes, but no less hard, and glistening at the reddened tip with excitement, his ballocks beneath like a pair of plump pink berries, excitedly firming and squeezing up against his body as Averey closed his fist around his slender shaft.

Lucan's eyes locked onto Averey's in astonished ecstasy. Averey, stroking him, petting him, just as he had so many times frigged himself in his own private place--no, better. This was much better than doing it himself. Gods! This was something that most certainly wasn't done, but they were doing it nonetheless, and it was the finest thing Lucan had ever experienced. He did not hesitate long in granting Averey's wish. His small hands fumbled with the bigger boy's trousers, and found with a gasp the soft, scorching hot flesh encasing an unyielding, thick, muscular rod. He shoved the fabric out of the way and hefted out Averey's goods, ballocks and all, and nearly squealed at the sight of him. He wrapped his hand around that impressive shaft, a soft hand, especially so from being in flour and butter all day, a hand that couldn't even wrap all the way around.

He tried to pull at Averey's cock just the way Averey was doing to him, but he was lost in the sensation of what Averey was doing, driven to distraction by his suddenly very imminent climax.

"Averey!" he squealed, pulling in a tremendous breath and locking his hand around the other boy's cock as his body tensed up and his eyes and mouth flew open. The whole world seemed to combust. He was aware of Averey's hand pressing firmly over his mouth to keep his noises down, and he liked even the muffled sound of his own cries as he felt his loins give way and a long hot burst of ecstasy surge forth, followed by several more.

 

[grdybiwife]

Averey got his hand over Lucan's mouth just in time. The last thing he wanted were for their love sounds to drift into the tavern. Though the sun was well past down and he was certain the tap room was full of men commiserating over a hard days work, but Averey knew the walls weren't so thick. His own climax came with a grunt, with his face pressed firmly into Luc's neck. Those slender fingers gripped him tightly, sending his own seed to splatter on the pale softness of Lucan's belly as stars danced in his vision. His body shuddered, his hips drove forward with such force that the bed rocked against the wall.

"Gods," Averey gasped as he fell over to lay beside Lucan. It was just a moment, until he got his breath and planted a few more soft kisses along his ear. "That was...I've never..." He couldn't form the words for what he felt, his mind swimming in the pleasure of having his birdie so close. Averey fumbled blindly at the floor, in search of his shirt to clean up the mess they'd made before he settled down beside him. He pulled him close, strong arms encircled around that slender body. The body that he loved. But it was more than that, more than just the flesh. He loved the whimsy of him, the way his mind wondered with infinite possibilities with very little regard for reality. He loved the way his eyes sparkled when he sang. He loved his quiet strength, strength he didn't even know he possessed. He loved him, all of him. The clumsiness, the whining, the sudden bouts of unchecked emotion, all of it.

A small contented smile came to Averey's lips as his eyes fluttered shut. His nose brushed tenderly against his ear, lips rubbed gently along his jaw. "I love you Lucan Brecker...with all my heart I love you," he whispered as he drifted off to sleep.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan lay utterly stunned after they had streaked and dribbled their mingled mess across his smooth belly. He was elated at the knowledge that it was both of them, all mixed together, splattered across his front, but he also felt a twinge of panic. It was evidence. Now that they had committed this illicit act, part of him expected a mob to come bursting into the room, torches and pitchforks and all, or for one of the gods to instantly strike him dead. Neither of these things, of course, happened. What did happen was Averey hastily cleaning up the mess and snuggling in behind him, spooning him so cozily.

He fit perfectly, curled up against Averey's big, strong, warm body. Lucan was floating in a sea of bliss. Averey filled all of his senses. The handsomeness of his masculine features and sweet golden curls lingered in Lucan's vision. He felt the warmth and heaviness of Averey's body all around him, and it put him at perfect ease. His scent in the wake of this little tryst was a perfect combination of sweat, metal, fire and sex, and Lucan could still taste Averey's sweet kisses on his lips. And then, between soft, soothing breaths, Lucan heard him whisper the most perfect, the most sought-after words of all. He didn't realize how hugely he was grinning until he felt his cheeks begin to ache. Tears slid from his eyes, tracing hot trails down his face and soaking into Averey's sheets.

"I love you, Averey," he gasped out. "Just so achingly much!"

His breath came in short little huffs, hampered by the overwhelming force of his emotion. He suspected Averey was already asleep, but that didn't matter. He could spend the rest of his life telling Averey Inman how much he loved him.

The worries returned to Lucan as he attempted to fall asleep. What did all this mean--to love each other? What would life look like for them? Was it really bad, to touch each other the way they just had? What could happen if people found out? Would they have to live in careful secrecy for the rest of their lives, simply in order to love each other?

And would Averey change his mind? What if he grew up a little more and decided he did want a wife after all, and that this dalliance was only a phase?

Lucan shivered and pressed back tighter against his paramour. He knew it wasn't helping anything to fret. With the exception of the rift with his parents, this had been the most beautiful day of his life, and he didn't want to spoil all the good parts by thinking about the bad, or what might be. Right now, there was this--him and Averey, together. A little birdie, tucked into the cozy next of his beloved.

 

[grdybiwife]

Averey awoke with a start with the sound of voices coming from the kitchen. His mother's voice mostly. Her laughter, however stifled, it still carried easily in the quiet of the early morning. He smiled at the sound of it, Averey loved his mother's laugh. And he knew for sure it wasn't his Papa bringing her to such mirth. Only one man had ever made her giggle that way.

"Must you be so crass Dylan," she said and Averey heard the distinct sound of Cecily's open palm on the back of his father's neck. It was a common enough occurrence that the sound alone told him it had happened. "What might the Lady Gregory say of you poking around my cupboards?"

"Well she assumes I'm poking more than your cupboards," he heard his father say, followed by another smack. "What of it Ceci? I deny it always..."

"I'd say would even if it were true," was her sharp reply and she wasn't laughing anymore. She hated to think that this woman, whom she had never met, would think her some sort of whore. What the villagers thought was one thing, even they knew the truth of the love between the young Inman girl and the equally young Knight's Squire. It didn't make the act they shared any more proper but still it was understood how one could find themselves in her position. "If not for the boy, I would not see you..."

"Well it's a good thing we have the boy then," he heard his father say. It was as much a profession of love that could be said between a married man and his first love. Perhaps his only love and it made Averey grin widely.

He had other reasons to grin this beautiful morning. The shock of red hair that tickled his chest. The slender legs that wrapped tightly around his. The sound of the slow steady breathe of his little birdie in slumber. Averey ran a hand tenderly down Lucan's back. Not to wake him, just to feel him. His heartbeat. To insure that he was not dreaming the night before. A soft kiss to the top of his head and Averey slid easily from beneath his birdie to grab a new shirt from his trunk. He reached to run a hand over that hair before he made his way out to the kitchen.

"And here's the working man now," Dylan Gregory, the First Knight of the King's rural garrison, said as he rose to greet his son. Two stride brought him before his boy, who looked more like the young man he himself had once been when he met his mother, and grabbed him up in a bear hug so intense he lifted him off his feet.

"Da you're early," Averey said as he wiggled his way out of his father's grasp only to be put in a snug headlock by the only slightly larger man. A playful tussle ensued as Averey tried his best to reverse the hold. His father may have been softer about the chest and rounder around the middle, but Dylan Gregory was still a very powerful man.

"Alright, alright," Cecily shouted as the two barreled into her work table where she worked on a loaf of date bread. A treat for her son's father. "Enough of the rough housing or I'll clot the both of you!"

"Sorry Ma," Averey said.

"My apologies Ceci," said Dylan at nearly the same time making both the men laugh. "So my boy, how goes the smithing," he asked once they settled down, both taking a seat in one of the kitchen chairs.

Averey told his father of what he had learned from Ivor, though he conveniently left out the part about falling in love with his son. His father listen intently and smiled with pride as he watched his boy light up with this new knowledge he possessed. Dylan marveled at how easily he answered a well placed question about the trade and was thoroughly impressed by the new confidence with which he spoke. Not once did he avert his eyes or drop his shoulders. This was a man who sat before him now and Dylan Gregory could not be more pleased.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan could sleep through a lot, and usually needed a kick from his father to get up in the morning. Averey's shifting and rising did not wake him. The boisterous voices from the nearby kitchen did not wake him. What woke him was the ravenous force of his cockstand digging into the mattress as he slowly rose from a particularly tantalizing dream about Averey.

He moaned hazily as he gradually gained consciousness. So comfortable. Rarely had he ever slept in a real bed, and Averey's delicious body next to his all night was the most soothing thing in the world. But he realized quickly that that body had departed. Lucan pressed his face into the pillow and found Averey's scent, drinking it in and shuddering with pleasure. He hugged the rumpled blankets and grinned foolishly.

He loves me, and I love him!

It was a great day--the best day. It didn't take him long to become fully awake enough to get out of bed without stumbling. He pulled on a shirt, combed back his hair with his fingers (which really only served to muss it further), laced up his boots, and waited breathlessly for his prick to calm down so that he could go on with his day without embarrassing himself.

He wasn't sure what was expected, now that he was staying at Averey's for the foreseeable future. He didn't want to expect Cecily Inman to feed him, to be his substitute mother. He was supposed to be a man now.

And what was that strange voice outside? Lucan listened at the door for a minute or two, unsure how to proceed. He knew he couldn't stay trapped in this room, but he was suddenly struck with shyness. He didn't want to go out there if there were people other than Averey. He didn't know how to react to them, or how they would react to him. Did anyone know? Did anyone else know about him and Averey?

He delayed as long as he reasonably could--he would have to get to Goodwyne's soon--and then finally tugged the door open, hoping to do so quietly, but it made an unholy scraping sound as it moved and Lucan blushed deeply, especially when he peeked out and saw who was at the table with Averey. He shied back a little, bashfully hiding himself halfway behind the door.

 

[grdybiwife]

"Who's this now," Dylan said, rising up from his chair, hand on his short sword. He never took it off, even when he was dressed as a commoner in plain burlap trousers and dingy linen tunic.

"Stop it or you'll scare the poor boy," Cecily said with a giggle as she waved Lucan into the kitchen. "Come along now little one. Pay no mind to Averey's Da. Always at the ready even if he hasn't seen battle in more than a decade."

"One must always be at the ready," he said as he settled back down and shook his fist at Averey who mimicked his words from across the table.

"This is my...uhh...my friend Lucan," Averey stammered, for the first time dropped his eyes to the table. His mother noticed his change in demeanor and quickly took up where he left off.

"You remember the Breckers don't you Dyl. This here is their youngest. Kicked him from the nest just last night and Averey was nice enough to invite him to stay," she explained, all the while moving around the kitchen finishing breakfast preparations. There was a platter of hot sausage, boiled eggs, fresh bread, and a few extra dates leftover from the bread she'd prepared for Averey's Da. "Come on boys eat up. You've got a long day ahead of you."

It was the day before Respite. The market and all the shops would be closed, all except the Inn of course. All the tradesmen would be working double to provide the village with enough wares to last until the next market day. Averey had almost forgotten. He looked across the table to where Lucan sat and tried to hide his smirk. Regardless of his father's visit he would make plenty of time to spend alone with his birdie.

"How long will you stay Da," Averey asked, trying to be nonchalant. He fooled all but his mother, who found good reason to look away.

"Two Respites from tomorrow I'll have to be getting back to business...If that's alright with the man of the house," he added with a smirk and Averey laughed outright.

"Papa will have your hide he hear you say that."

"You let me worry about your ole Papa..."

"Alright stop it now before you talk him up," Cecily said as she finally sat. "It's getting late you two. Both those fires are going full blast by now I'm sure."

"You're right Ma," Averey said to his mother. "We best be off then Luc. We'll walk together just let me get my boots on...oh and you should probably come get your blade before we go," he said to the last with a pointed shift of his eyes to his room before he bid his Ma and Da good day. One last kiss was all he needed to make it through the day and he would have it.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan gasped despite himself, paling slightly at the man reaching for his sword, then blushed once Averey tried, haltingly, to introduce him and his mother spoke of him being "kicked from the nest". It was sort of embarrassing, and he hoped it wouldn't become the next big piece of gossip in town.

He looked over Averey's father curiously, sort of fascinated to see what his paramour might look like some years down the road. He was quite handsome, even if he was, at least to Lucan, a bit intimidating.

He took in a quick breakfast with plenty of thanks to Cecily, and was grateful when Averey found some excuse to take him back to his room. His breath quickened as the slipped inside and Averey pushed the door shut. Lucan wasted no time in leaping into his arms, wrapping his legs around Averey's middle and sucking at his mouth with great fervour.

 

[grdybiwife]

"Shhh my love...we must not...make a...ruckus," Averey mumbled between kisses and he wrapped strong arms around Luc. He squeezed him tight, his hands on that soft bottom then moved them slowly to his thighs to push his legs down to the floor. "And if we keep at it we'll both be later than our master's would approve." Averey gave his bottom lip a nibble as he pushed him gently away. "We will have all day tomorrow to do whatever we like...however we like...for as long as we like. The faster we get to work the faster we can be back here, repeating the events of last night. Perhaps more. One can not be sure with idle hands," Averey said with a devilish grin.

I reached for Luc's knife belt and wrapped it around his waist. Sized to fit his father it was much too big on the slender man's narrow waist but Averey made it fit snuggly with a deftly tied knot. Even gave it a tug to test the security of it. He stepped back and gave his birdie a once over. "You look dashing," he said with a grin, hoping that Lucan didn't take his comment as teasing. Just to be sure he pulled his birdie to him with a firm grip on his belt and gave him one last kiss. "Come on, I'll walk you."

They slipped quietly out the back door amid more playful bickering from his parents. It was a scene he wished for on a daily basis but to have them together every so often still soothed his soul and warmed his heart. He was silent as they strolled to the Goodwyne's with so many thoughts in his head. So many pleasant thoughts. It was nearly unheard of in his short life and he planned to revel in it for as long as it would last. He gave Lucan's hair a rough at they came to the patisserie and smiled down at him. "I would pass a message to your Da if you wish me Birdie," he said quietly, though he knew none who passed would think much of the new nickname bestowed his diminutive friend. "If not I would understand that too."

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan was so thrilled at the thought of spending all of Respite with Averey, alone, that he could hardly be sad about parting. When they paused outside Goodwyne's Lucan smiled widely, imagining a world in which he could just embrace his lover, and kiss him, and no one would be angry.

"Nay, I haven't anything to say to my father right now," he replied, resisting the urge to touch his Averey. "Maybe some other day. We've got... lots of time, I suppose." He twisted his mouth in a slight grimace at remembering what length of time must lay before them before they could leave this village and be properly together, properly alone.

He took a breath and smiled warmly. "Good day then... my friend. Meet you back at the inn."

With one last meaningful glance the boys parted ways, and Lucan hurried in to get started with a long day of baking.

He had scarcely finished washing up when Hector Goodwyne threw an apron at him. "Now's the time to prove yourself, lad!" he announced boisterously. "Mella's laid up with baby aches, and tomorrow's Respite--let's see you do the work of two, twice over!"

Lucan took a deep breath and replied, "Yes, sir!" There was no other response--he still wasn't entirely certain that Hector Goodwyne would keep him as an apprentice for the foreseeable future, so he had to take on even the impossible.

Hector's knives moved as rapidly and delicately as the wings of a bird as he sectioned up meat, vegetables, herbs, fruits, and other components of fillings for assorted pasties and pies. Glorious smells wafted through the shop as things cooked in huge pots over cheerful flames.

Lucan himself was elbow-deep in flour, mixing up huge quantities of pastry and pushing his muscles to the maximum to roll, and roll, and roll. He was scarcely aware of even breathing that day and, lost in the flurry of activity of preparing massive quantities of delicious goods, there was little of the previous day's levity between the two men. Hector barked orders at him, and Lucan hopped to it. He worked himself to exhaustion, but found that he was still smiling nonetheless. Being pushed to his limits with work that he was actually suited for proved to be quite satisfying, and made him truly begin to feel like a man.

Of course, he was aware that a lot of his good spirits had to do with being Averey's sweet birdie.

It was a long day, longer than the last, and with Respite ahead of them, there were few leftovers after the end-of-day rush had subsided. Lucan at least had a few sweets he could take to Averey, and he packed them up with great care after they had finished their daily cleanup.

Lucan was surprised suddenly by a strong clap on the back from Hector.

"You did good work today, lad!" the man exclaimed. "I was worried, I'll admit, sickly-looking thing as you are, but you've got stamina, and even in the rush your quality don't suffer like I expected it might."

"Thank you... thank you, sir!" Lucan gushed. "I like it here, very much."

"You've been a big help, Luc, and you came along at just the right time. Mella's come to accept that she'll be spending less time here in the kitchen in the near future, and having that extra pair of hands--and a skilful pair, for certain--has been indispensable. I'll keep you on, all official-like, that's for certain. I plan to teach you everything I know, and wish you well, Lucan Breck. See you after Respite!"

Lucan rambled out another series of gracious thanks before rushing off with his parcel, back to the inn, flying like a bird on the wings of the wind.

 

[grdybiwife]

Avery tried not to be too surly as he made his way to the smithy. Luc had no messages to pass and his mother had told him it wasn’t his place to judge but something in him told him he could not be quiet about what the Brecker’s had done to their only son. But then it occurred to him that too much defending of Lucan might give folks the wrong idea of their relationship. Well it was the right idea, just not the right time to make it so plain. He decided to say nothing and try his best not to be too sharp with the smithy if Ivor did come to the subject of his son.

It was a different kind of atmosphere without Lucan around. Averey, and Ivor for that matter, took for granted the mundane tasks Lucan did every day. Averey himself had taken a tumble on one of his trips to the well and cursed loudly as the bucket spilled, filling his boots. And going up and down the cellar stairs for coal was an exercise in futility. It was a wonder the boy hadn’t killed himself with the way Ivor barked at him. He found himself having murderous thoughts as he sharpened tool after tool. It seemed that all the village waited until this day to have things sharpened or mended. There was not a moment when someone wasn’t in the shop for some service or another. They didn’t even sit down to eat, simply munched on cold sausage and stale bread will Ivor explained the finer points of hilt construction for the sword he started the day before.

“Despite what the King’s army would lead you to believe the hilt don’t have to be pretty, but it damn well better function else someone’ll lose a finger or two,” Ivor said as he laid the rough pieces of metal for the hilt on the table. He started to name them all but Averey stopped him.

“My Da’s a Knight in case you’ve forgotten, I know well what these are called and what their for so you can spare me the novice instructions...sir.” The last he added as an afterthought, in an attempt to soften his tone. It was unsuccessful, judging by the way Ivor’s jaw tightened and his eyebrow lifted. Averey straightened before him, expecting something hurtful to follow. Ivor opened his mouth once or twice, his eyes hard on his apprentice before he clamped his mouth shut.

There was very little conversation between them after that, the only words that passed between them were purely instruction and for the first time Averey didn’t care the smithy thought of him. Even if it meant the end of his apprenticeship. Sure his Papa might be angry and his Ma disappointed but he would find another trade, even if he had to leave his backward village to do it. He could learn and when he was done he could send for Lucan. It might well delay their plans but he would do what he had to make good his word to his Birdie. By the end of the day, Averey had all but expect Ivor to tell him never to return again. He said nothing at all as Averey hung up his apron and made to leave for the evening.

“Perhaps you would understand when you have a family of your own,” he said quietly, just before Averey made it outside. “I’m sure he thinks I wished him gone. He doesn’t understand that it is for his own good. His mother would just as soon keep him here sleeping near the stove before she lets him out into the world. That’s not the life for a man, condemned to be a companion for his mother. I know your family Averey, your Ma is a good woman. Even if you two hadn’t become friends she would have demanded you invite him to stay. And what better place for a boy to learn the ways of the world than an inn. A good mother she is and I imagine she might be by tomorrow to pay me her two cents on the matter,” Ivor said, with almost a smile on his lips. He still didn’t look at Averey, for shame of not being able to express these things to the one who needed to hear it most.

“I would pass a message to him if you wished sir,” Averey said from the door. “Or perhaps you might come share an ale with us tomorrow.”

“Perhaps I might boy,” was his reply after a moments hesistation. Ivor gave Averey a heavy clap to his back and smiled outright. “Tell him that would you? That we shall have an ale like the rest of the menfolk on Respite. It’s only right since he isn’t a boy anymore.”

“I will gladly pass the message to him,” Averey promised with a smile. “Tomorrow then.”

“Tomorrow,” Ivor confirmed with a nod as he gave Averey a little push out of the door.

Averey nearly ran home with this exciting news. He hoped that Lucan had a good day, but even if he hadn’t he figured that his father’s impending visit would lift his spirits. He made his way quickly to the back of the Inn to check if he was about. Not finding him he went back through the taproom to wait for him on the front steps as he had the day before. This time he brought an ale out for them to enjoy to celebrate the end of their first week as working men.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan dragged himself as efficiently as he could back to the inn, despite the heaviness of his feet. They ached, as did his back, but he wouldn't for a moment complain about it after how much he'd seen Mella Goodwyne suffer with her pregnancy--he had things rather easy himself, all things considered.

He saw Averey from a distance and quickened his steps, grinning widely. "Evening!" he called out, just as any working man might call to another, showing no outward evidence that he might have shared this young man's bed last night. He collapsed on the steps next to Averey with a groan.

"Gods! This is the first moment I've sat down all day." His smile was tired but satisfied. He unrolled a strip of sackcloth in which he'd bundled his leftover treats, and offered Averey a partially-crushed but still very edible cherry-and-custard tart. "Sorry they don't look quite so pretty after the journey here...."

 

[grdybiwife]

"I appreciate it none the less," Averey said with a smile as he gave Luc's shoulder a squeeze. He handed him the ale he'd brought out to him and took hold of the pastry. "I'll be fat before you're finished your apprenticeship." That fact didn't stop him from partaking and he moaned softly as the delicate crush melted in his mouth. "You my friend have found your calling I hope you realize it now."

Averey gave Luc another pat on the back before, he nodded for them to go inside. His father was at the bar with his pipe having a lively conversation with his Papa. He made it a point to avoid their line of sight, not wanting to be dragged into whatever topic they argued. Besides he wanted to be alone with his Birdie so he led the way through the back and into the kitchen where he ran into his mother. Literally, barreled right into her.

"Avoiding the village idiots I see," she said with a smirk as she gave both boys a pat on the cheek. "I don't blame you. I can tell by the look of you that you've done your share of laboring today. Especially you little one, cover from head to two in flour walking like you've got the irons on you. I'll spare you two the wage talk until after Respite. Give you some time to...enjoy your time off," she said, the last with a smirk as she shift her eyes from one to the other. "Alright be off with you then. I'll keep them busy for a bit."

"Thanks Ma," Averey said with a kiss to her cheek and Cecily gave her son a playful swat before she left the kitchen. A coy smile crept across his lips as he took Lucan's hand in his and dragged him to their room.

"This hands," he said as he raised them, gave his fingers a wiggle. "They good for more delicate tasks. Let me show you.

 

[tamgreen]

Lucan enjoyed sharing an ale with Averey, even finding that the taste of it had grown on him a little. He giggled at the idea of fattening Averey up--in fact, he adored the idea. But he could not imagine Averey becoming fat. He was so muscular and powerful, and such a hard worker. He needed plenty of fuel to keep him going, and nothing would make Lucan happier than providing that fuel.

He wasn't sure if Averey was going to drag him to the bar to revel with the other men, but he was relieved when Averey pulled him straight into the back. He smiled bashfully at Cecily as they encountered one another, still unsure how to act around her but steadily getting to like her more and more. He would love to have known what it was like growing up with her as a mother!

With eager delight, Lucan joined Averey in his bedroom, and they both worked to wedge the awkward door shut.

"Ah, Averey!" Lucan sighed, leaning into him blissfully. "Being alone with you is the best happiness I could wish for. How can I please my smithy boy? Bid me do anything for you, Averey!"

He grinned and stroked Averey's face with his soft baker's hands. Already he could feel a burgeoning in his trousers. Just being behind closed doors with his lover was deeply arousing, and now that the daily work was over, he could think of little other than the delicious and naughty things they had done last night in Averey's bed.

 

[grdybiwife]

Avery raised an eyebrow, a coy smile came to his lips. "Anything you say? That is a very dangerous thing to claim my sweet little Birdie," he said as he grabbed hold of Lucan's oversized knife belt. A few quick tugs loosened it enough so that it drop to the floor and Averey nudged it away with his foot. "The things I could ask of you," he said with a sigh as he let his hands drift slowly up Luc's slender sides, bringing his flour dusted shirt up to pull over his head. He lean down to kiss his lips softly, his rough hands running all along the tender flesh of his midsection. A playful nibble to his bottom lip, and Averey's manhood twitched at the sound of Lucan's quiet whimper. "So soft," he mumbled as he ran his tongue down his neck, tasting the flavors of a hard day's work in the patisserie. Salt. Raw flour. But still the sweetest thing he had ever known. Slowly he made his way down Lucan's torso, kissing and nibbling all the way until at last he kneel down before him.

Averey took a moment to admire his beautiful songbird. His lithe frame covered in unblemished porcelain skin. He ran his fingers over the taut muscles of his abdomen, though not well defined Averey could not mistake the subtle ridges his fingers caressed. Just to prove they existed he kissed each one then let his tongue slip into his belly button. "Whatever I have done to deserve such company, I pray I do enough to keep it," he whispered, not even aware he had done so aloud.

With that he turned his attention Lucan's worn boots and carefully unlaced them. He grabbed his hands and placed them on his shoulders to help steady the young man as he pulled them off. Those too he tossed to the side then raised his eyes to take in the face he dreamed of kissing every night since his apprenticeship began. Their eyes locked, Averey slowly undid those ill fitting trousers and let them drop to the floor. He did not look away as he lift first one, then the other leg out of the heavy burlap.

There he was in all his glory. His little songbird. And oh how he loved him. He told him so, twice with a kiss to both hips. "You are beautiful Lucan Brecker, let no one tell you different."

 

[tamgreen]

While Averey undressed him, piece by piece, Lucan was as quiet and reverent as if he were in a temple. He barely dared to breathe. Averey's hands... Averey's breath... Averey's words. Averey, all of him, every part. Lucan felt practically tipsy just on the joy of this man.

"Oh-h-h-h-h...," Lucan squeaked out gently as Averey's mouth traveled over his neck, and steadily downward, bringing out a brief yelp and an instant case of goosebumps as that warm, exploratory tongue darted into his navel. He held his breath as Averey whispered the sweetest things he had ever heard. A burning lump rose up in his throat.

Don't cry, Lucan, don't you dare cry... he doesn't like it when you cry.

When Averey began to remove his trousers, Lucan stopped breathing again. Was he really about to be naked, totally naked in front of his lovely smithy boy? Was he ready? Would he ever be ready, to show anyone everything? His body had always been a disappointment to hide from all eyes. But he was in Averey's hands now, and he would rather be in Averey's than anyone else's... even his own.

He felt a cool tickle across his bareness, night air creeping in from outside and teasing his naked buttocks. His eyes never moved from Averey's, as if they sustained his life. Naked as the day he was born, he stood as steadily as he could while Averey took in every part of him. And when Averey spoke, a floodgate seemed to burst asunder. The breath he had been holding came out as a keening sob. His legs trembled; he nearly collapsed. Never had he thought anyone could accept him so fully, just as he was. He didn't have to work harder to be a man; he didn't have to make himself bigger or stronger; he didn't have to have any special skills. Averey accepted him, adored him, loved who he was, without wishing for something better.

He felt embarrassed as the deep, shuddering sobs continued, but he couldn't seem to stop the flow. Gripping Averey's shoulders tightly, he gazed down at him through blurred vision.

"Oh Averey I love you!" he wailed, thinking not for a moment about his volume. "I love you so!"

 

[grdybiwife]

"Aww Birdie why do you cry," Averey asked with a little smirk, knowing full well what had brought his sudden burst of emotion. He brought hand up to touch his face, gently rubbing away a tear with his thumb. "If this is how you react when I tell you how lovely you are I'll have to remember to keep it to myself," he said with a playful poke to his side as he stood. Gently he scooped him up to lay him down on the bed before he stripped off his own clothes and lay down beside him. "Better yet, I'll tell you every day 'til you aren't so surprised to hear it. I don't think I could keep it to myself," he said with a laugh as he pulled Lucan to lay on top of him, his brawny arms holding that slender body so tight. He kissed him gently on his head.

It wasn't long before he felt his excitement rise as it pressed against Lucan's belly. Averey reached between them too tuck it away, unsure of how receptive his Birdie would be to such affection. He had the feeling he needed to be held, to know that Averey's feelings for him were not simply out of convenience. That they were not simply for the flesh. Averey to his hand, lacing their fingers together, and kissed his knuckles. "I could lay here with you like this forever," he whispered as his other hand stroked gentle circles at Luc's back. "Forever."