A Drink Before Battle [M/M] ✅

4: Are We Really Still Strangers? (NSFW)

The best entertaining room in the Aviary looked like a nobleman's bedroom. Besides the giant curtained bed, there was also a seating area where high-backed benches, softly cushioned in tapestry pillows surrounded a low table already set with wine and silver cups. The room was lit and warmed with a large fireplace, and also boasted its own adjoining washroom.

By the time Sevei led him in, Kahan seemed to have lost his nerve again, and even Sevei was beginning to think this was a mistake. The man was just too nervous – too obviously unseasoned in this venue. Sevei was not one to take advantage. He motioned Kahan over to the bench and sat next to him, pouring out the wine. Waving the cup under his nose, he smiled.

"More of what we had downstairs," he told him.

"Is there anything stronger?" Kahan asked.

Sevei chuckled. "Best stick with the wine for now. Relax, there's nothing to fear here. Let's just... get to know one another."

Kahan drained his cup, dropped it onto the table, then leaned toward him in a sudden burst of assertion, backing Sevei into the bench cushions until their faces were inches apart.

"Did you really bring me up here for more talking?" he whispered.

Sevei gasped as he was drawn into the depths of those eyes, their bright green darkened now with dilated pupils, suddenly so close to him, thinking that the man was such a bundle of contradictions. Kahan's shoulder-length hair was a dull, light brown and hung around his striking features like strands of dried straw. It did not go with that face.

Sevei thought that if he really did come to work here, the birds would have a field day making him over. They would probably urge him to grow his hair longer, and they would have rich, sweet-smelling salves to make it as soft and lustrous as theirs. He imagined the scene of all those pretty young men bathing him, and dressing him in silks, maybe teaching him a few techniques...

A pang shot through his chest at the thought of anyone but himself ever touching this man. His surprise at Kahan's sudden advance turned to surprise at his own reaction, but both quickly gave way to desire. He leaned forward until their lips met gently.

Kahan drew a shuddering breath as Sevei's hands slid up his chest and now slowly pressed him back onto the bench. He didn't return the kiss, but opened his lips with a sigh, allowing Sevei's tongue inside to explore. Sevei kissed him tentatively, testing his responses. Kahan was tense, and seemed a bit conflicted. Sevei drew back and gazed at him sympathetically.

"Why do I get the feeling that was your first kiss?"

Kahan lowered his eyes, his face reddening, and he began a whispered stammer.

"Have you ever been with anyone like this before?" Sevei asked suspiciously.

Kahan's eyes flicked up momentarily. "Is that... a problem?"

Sevei moved away, his brow furrowing. "Wouldn't you rather have your first time with someone you know well? With someone who cares for you... who loves you?"

Kahan blew a short breath of frustration. "Where would I ever find such a person?" he said flatly. Before Sevei could voice a response to this dismal bit of pessimism, Kahan leaned into him again. "I'd like to have my first time now," he said lowly. "If you're willing?"

Kahan stared into his eyes, ensnaring him again as his hands slid down to Sevei's belt and began to work it open. Feeling somewhat entranced, Sevei's hands drifted to Kahan's belt as well. In a dead heat of intense eye-contact, they slowly unfastened each other's buckles. When Kahan's belt hit the floor with a thud, Sevei insinuated his hands under his tunic and sucked in a breath as he felt all of the rock-hard, compact muscles of his torso. He pushed him up to stand and pulled Kahan's tunic off over his head before discarding his own as well.