The next morning, Izdahl rested casually by Armando, his head propped up on his left hand. He smiled, as Armando awakened and his lover’s vibrant hazel eyes adjusted to the light.
“Seriously?” Armando asked. “You watch me sleep?”
“Yes. It’s the first time you’ve caught me doing it.”
“I don’t know how I feel about that.”
Izdahl tousled his lover’s hair. “Be honored by my stealth admiration.”
“Of course. It’s the right reaction.” Armando tenderly brushed a thumb across Izdahl’s lips. “Thank you for being thrilled by me.”
Izdahl was leaning in for a kiss, when Armando’s stomach rumbled. Izdahl chuckled and pointed to the round wooden table near the kitchen, where several platters of food kept warm in a self-heating silver dome.
“I ordered breakfast,” Izdahl said. “Come on.”
Armando swung his legs over the edge of the bed, stood and then stretched.
“I’ll be there in a minute,” he said, heading to the bathroom.
Izdahl washed his hands and set the table, while he waited for Armando. A few minutes later, Armando sat down across from him and uncovered the large silver platter of eggs, thick smoked bacon and fluffly slices of freshly-made bread.
“How early did you get up?” Armando asked.
“Only about an hour ago.” Izdahl poured a glass of orange juice and handed it to Armando. “I went outside to see the sunrise.”
“I didn’t even feel you leave our bed or hear anyone bring out food.” Armando took a sip of his juice. “Normally, I’m not such a heavy sleeper.”
“You needed to recharge. That’s why I brought you here.”
Izdahl filled his plate. He watched Armando choose what to eat, as he thought about what he wanted to discuss. His mind was heavy with concern, as several serious topics pressed for attention.
“Today, we should stay in for a while and focus on each other,” Izdahl said. “Things will become more hectic, now that we’re closer to the Gathering. I want us to have this time together, as a reminder of what’s good.”
“What is it?” Armando put down his utensils and leaned back in his seat. “There’s something in your tone. Should I be worried?”
“No. Why would you think that?”
“You didn’t want to have sex last night. And now you sound like you believe something bad will happen.”
“Not wanting to have sex doesn’t mean—”
“But this time it could be a sign.”
“I was actually going to share some good news. I want you to come to the practices with Metienne and me. There are only a few left.”
Armando shook his head. “I’m getting mixed messages from you. Before, you were excited about me seeing you spar with Metienne. Then, you changed your mind. Now, you’re inviting me again.”
“I know.” Izdahl’s mouth twisted with uncertainty. “I didn’t want to trigger any tough memories for you.”
“You mean from when I saw all of those Nitelge fighting?”
“Yes.” Izdahl spoke softly. “I know you’re remembering more.”
“We’ve talked about you trying to manage my feelings.”
Izdahl sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. “That’s not what I’m doing, ‘Mando. I…Maybe you’re right. I just want to take care of you. Is that so bad?”
“It is when you treat me like I’m fragile. That was the reason for our first argument.”
“I’ll give you the last piece of bacon, if you stop being angry with me.”
“I’m not angry with you.”
“Then why aren’t you looking at me?”
Armando didn’t say anything. He continued to eat his breakfast. After a few minutes, he sighed and glanced at Izdahl.
“I guess I am upset,” Armando said. “You should be focused on your upcoming matches, not thinking of my memories.”
“You’re worried about me worrying about you?” Izdahl’s lips twitched in amusement, when Armando gave him an exasperated look.
“Just for that…” Armando reached for the last piece of bacon. He slid the whole strip into his mouth, furrowing his brow and moaning. “Mhhm, so good.”
“Well, now you have me thinking about sex. I want to take you back to bed.”
“For what I was expecting last night?”
Izdahl stood. “And more.”
Armando chuckled. “You sound like you’re bragging.”
“It’s not bragging, when I can deliver.”
~~49.1~~
Armando lay on the bed, basking in Izdahl’s attention. He lifted his chin and Izdahl trailed kisses across his jawbone and down his neck.
“You’re spoiling me,” Armando said.
“Always.” Izdahl kissed him sweetly on the mouth. He brushed a finger against Armando’s left cheek and smiled. “You know what. You should take the lead.”
“You mean?”
“Yes.”
“Are you sure? We’ve never—”
“I know we haven’t switched before. And it would have been all right if you’d wanted that.”
“I actually never thought about asking.” Armando pulled Izdahl down to him and nipped his ear. “I just love you pounding me, but I’m up for a change.”
Izdahl chuckled and gripped Armando. Casually using his strength, Izdahl flipped their bodies over until he was on the bottom.
“What made you want to switch?” Armando asked.
“I was in the mood.”
Armando nodded and kissed Izdahl playfully. Then, he reached for the bottle of lube capsules off the nightstand. He took out a capsule and slid lower, moving to rest between Izdahl’s groin. Izdahl propped himself up on his elbows. Armando stared intently at him, seeing his eyes gleam with anticipation. He slipped the capsule inside Izdahl. Still watching Izdahl, Armando licked the tip of his cock, as he ran his fingers through his lover’s thick, dark curls.
“I really should spend more time down here,” Armando said.
He gave Izdahl a mischievous smile, before taking Izdahl all the way to the back of his throat. Izdahl groaned loudly and pulled at the sheets. Armando sucked on him, varying his speed and the strength of his sucking, to keep Izdahl on the edge. When he felt Izdahl twitch in his mouth, he knew what it meant. He pulled away, not wanting Izdahl to come yet. He rose up above Izdahl, bracing himself on his hands.
“Ready for me?” he asked.
When Izdahl nodded, Armando gripped his cock with one hand and put it to Izdahl’s entrance. He slowly pushed forward. Izdahl squeezed his eyes shut and flinched. Armando waited, until he felt Izdahl relax under him.
“I’m sorry,” Armando said. “Has it been a while?”
“I never have.”
“Oh, I see.” Armando gave him a gentle smile.
“Don’t make me feel weird about it,” Izdahl said.
“I’m not trying to do that.” Armando kissed him softly. “I like having this ‘first’ with you.”
Izdahl grinned and wrapped his arms around Armando. Armando thrust again, moving his hips in a powerful rhythm. Izdahl raised his hips, meeting Armando’s thrusts. Soon, Armando felt Izdahl tremble and a ragged cry escaped his throat. He came hard, his essence landing on his stomach, blending with sweat. Armando rested his face against Izdahl’s neck as he came too, holding Izdahl tightly and cherishing his sounds of pleasure.
~~49.2~~
“I feel lazy for still being in bed,” Armando said.
“I wanted you to relax.”
“I know.”
Izdahl sat up and crossed his legs. “Do like this.”
Armando followed his example. Izdahl stared into Armando’s eyes, until a furrow appeared on Armando’s brow.
“What are you doing?” Armando asked.
“Looking at you. Truly.”
“It’s weird. Stop it.”
Izdahl laughed. Armando began to get up off the bed but Izdahl put a hand on his arm.
“We’ve been together for a while,” Izdahl said. “I’m surprised this is uncomfortable at all.”
“We’ve looked at each and done much more. But this examination…”
“It’s not an examination.” Izdahl laughed. “I’m memorizing you, in ways I never have.”
“I don’t understand what you want.” Armando looked down and traced the geometric pattern on the sheets. “Can we stop? Your gaze is piercing, like when you’re upset with me. I hate that.”
“Don’t run away. This is just the beginning.” Izdahl touched Armando’s left knee. “To Nitelge, these kinds of moments are so important. With you, I don’t do everything that happens between Nitelge.”
“What do you mean?”
“Humans generally find certain things threatening. This kind of intense observation is one of them. But I have the tournament coming up. And having this time with you settles me.”
Armando nodded. “Then, I’ll do it now that I understand.”
“Thank you, love.”
Izdahl slowly took in all of Armando’s features, starting at his thick brown hair. Izdahl’s gaze traveled downward. He made eye contact with Armando and smiled, thinking of the first time they’d had sex. He’d learned long ago that flecks of green became more apparent, when his lover was lost in emotions.
“Be still.” Izdahl said, holding Armando’s gaze. “You’re still nervous.”
“This makes me feel like we’re running out of time.”
“What?”
“I don’t know.”
Armando shivered and rubbed his shoulders.
“What aren’t you telling me?” Izdahl asked.
“Can we talk about the Nakra Hein?”
“If you’d like.”
“I’ve come to terms with it. I only want to support you, in the way you need. Are you really ready?”
“Yes. Please don’t let horrible things go through your mind. I know how you are.” Izdahl took Armando’s hands and gave them a squeeze. “I don’t want you to worry about anything. But I also need to update you on what Uldar found.”
Izdahl explained the details about the archives. Armando nodded, chewing on his bottom lip as he listened.
“You’re worried,” Izdahl said. “I knew you would be and it makes sense you’d feel this way. I didn’t want to tell you but it wouldn’t be fair to keep you in the dark.”
“Maybe I’ll finally get some answers,” Armando said. “I’d heard the rumors about Volpe Terada killing my parents. I wonder if understanding why he did would make me feel at peace.”
“What do you need? How I can help?”
“Being here makes it easier. Thank you for thinking of this.”
“Come here.” Izdahl leaned forward and Armando met him halfway. Izdahl gave him a gentle kiss and smiled. “You have such an enjoyable face.”
“Iz, you’re trying to distract me.”
“Guilty.”
~~49.3~~
“I hope we didn’t disturb you,” Kjersti said.
“No.” Armando sat down next to her on the blanket. “We’ve been hiding out in our cabin all day. It’s good to have dinner on the beach.”
He looked off a short distance away, where Rolf, Izdahl and several other guests surrounded the large firepit. Rolf pointed to the fire pit and then glanced at Izdahl. Armando chuckled, guessing what would happen next. He watched as Izdahl casually sent a graceful arc of fire from his hand. Armando, used to seeing his lover’s talent, grinned at the mystified expressions of everyone else.
“He also heats water for my tea,” Armando called out.
Izdahl gave him a rogue’s grin. “Tonight, I’ll heat you up again.”
The others laughed loudly, when Armando buried his face in his hands.
“You found someone as naughty as you are,” Kjersti said, smiling. “And I’m so happy you’re doing well too.”
“Thank you. It’s good to have a place where we can relax like this.”
Kjersti stood and tilted her head in the direction of the others. “Let’s go help them cook.”
Armando followed her, the scent of seasonings greeting him the closer he got to the table where the food was. He felt the warmth from the fire, thinking of the meat and vegetables that would soon be cooked.
Soon, Rolf was grilling several types of fish, meat and poultry. Kjersti handled the vegetables. Maya had started making rice flavored with various spices, in a cast iron pot in a smaller fire pit. When the food was all cooked, everyone relaxed, ate and chatted.
~~49.4~~
After eating and talking with everyone for a few hours, Izdahl and Armando said goodnight and walked around the lake. Birds gracefully landed for one last swim. Even the vivid colors of their plumes couldn’t compete with the rich purples, blues, and oranges palette of the setting sun.
“I wish it wasn’t too cold to swim,” Armando said. “I’d race you.”
“Oh yeah.” Izdahl pretended to take off his shirt, lifting it half way up his chest. “We can still…”
“No!” Armando pressed his hands against Izdahl’s bare skin, feeling the warmth. He pulled Izdahl’s shirt back down. “You’ll get sick…Hey, how about we go to the gazebo on the other side of the lake?”
“Yes.”
They headed to a small hill and sat in the gazebo surrounded by trees, with leaves the color of the rainbow. A few leaves lazily made their way to the ground.
“I really like this inn,” Izdahl said, as he sat on one of the gazebo’s benches. “Maybe we can bring more people here.”
Armando stretched out and rested his head in his lover’s lap. Izdahl drummed a light, teasing rhythm against Armando’s stomach, as the sounds of the early evening filtered through the air. When Armando closed his eyes, Izdahl leaned down and lightly kissed Armando’s forehead and then his lips.
“Thank you, Iz,” Armando said. “This is the most peaceful I’ve felt in a long time.”
Read The Architect’s Guardian, Chapter 50
