Page 118 of Alien Haven

“You aren’t twenty-five either,” Detodev reminded him.

“I will be in a few months. And I don’t live with my parents.” Mitag winced and quickly added, “I’m not saying anything is lacking about you doing so, Dramok. Please don’t take my statement wrong. Based on tonight, I think you’re wonderful. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t invite you home.”

“Thanks. I took no offense. Iwason my own less than a year ago. On this trip, it made sense to rent a place as a family while we evaluate owning a bakery on Haven.”

It wasn’t quite a lie. Ilid felt ashamed to hide the entire truth, however. It was clear he had no business encouraging Mitag for anything beyond a casual fuck.

“If you have parents who want you close, you should take every advantage of it,” Detodev said, his gaze distant.

It was on the tip of Ilid’s tongue to ask if the Nobek’s past troubles, which had led him to be put in Clan Amgar’s care during his youth, had estranged him from his parent clan.

Detodev spoke before he had the chance to pose the question. “You can drop me off at Mitag’s, Ilid. Thanks.”

Mitag beamed, as if the Nobek had granted his every wish. “Glorious! Meanwhile, give me your com frequency, Ilid. We’ll figure out when we can get together, at which time you can make your excuses to those loving elders of yours.”

Ilid thought he heard a slight catch in Mitag’s voice. When he glanced at him, the Imdiko was smiling at him, his com at the ready to record his contact information.

“I don’t know how much time I’ll have to spare for recreation,” Ilid said. “We’re meeting the sellers tomorrow. I’ll be contacting suppliers and computing cost analyses—”

“Ugh, don’t tell me you’re as unsociable as Detodev,” Mitag groaned. “Why are you hot guys so reluctant to enjoy life? To enjoy me? Do I smell bad or what?”

“I told him to drop me off at your place,” Detodev scowled. “Am I being unsociable?”

“Trust me, you’ll be well rewarded for emerging from behind your impenetrable wall. Frequency, Ilid? Please?”

Since Ilid couldn’t conjure a reason not to give it to him and avoid being insulting, he caved.I’ll think of a reason to put him off when he coms. He’ll eventually understand he can do better.

Chapter Six

“What a night,” Mitag enthused. Detodev followed him into his apartment after Ilid had dropped them off. “Can you believe we were so lucky to meet a pair like them? Beautiful woman, handsome Dramok?”

“Planning your clanning ceremony, Mitag? You should find yourself the right Nobek too, if that’s the case.”

Maybe I have.The problem was, Detodev didn’t agree.

Mitag looked the big Nobek over as Detodev conscientiously pulled his boots off and left them by the front door next to Mitag’s. There wasn’t a speck of dirt on those boots. Experience had taught Mitag they were the pair the Nobek saved for going out after work. Fieldworkers were used to taking their shoes off so as not to track in dirt. Habit or not, Mitag was convinced that deep down, Detodev was thoughtful.

His companion was a tough nut to crack, however…impossible, thus far. Another Imdiko probably would have given up on the stolid Nobek who usually kept his distance. Mitag would have too, under normal circumstances.

He knew Detodev had no contact with his family. He didn’t know why. His friend…damn it, Detodevwashis friend despite the Nobek’s attempts to prove otherwise…had formed an attachment to Clan Amgar. Thanks to being remanded to their care when he’d gotten in whatever trouble had landed him on Haven, he had their support. Nonetheless, they couldn’t properly be called his family.

Like Mitag, he was alone. Mitag was convinced Detodev was as despondent about his isolation as he was.

Both of us are orphans, in some fashion. He needs a confidante. I need a confidante. Why doesn’t he see it?

Detodev was already looking at his boots in the entryway, no doubt reconsidering whether he should stay the night. Mitag wouldn’t give him the chance to change his mind.

He pulled off his jacket meant more for fashion than warmth and tossed it to a nearby chair. He approached his target. The Nobek ceased considering his footwear to watch Mitag slink toward him, his feet making no sound on the hardwood floor.

He spoke no words. Detodev wasn’t chatty on his most sociable days, so Mitag quelled the flood of niceties his nature tended to. He simply wrapped his arms around the Nobek’s thick neck and pulled him close for a kiss.

Detodev came willingly.

Mitag was convinced he was his companion’s first real lover. By his own admission, Detodev had only been intimate with fellow Nobeks prior to his and Mitag’s initial sexual encounter. He’d been damned near terrified the first time the Imdiko had seduced him, afraid he’d somehow hurt the smaller man. It should have been funny to see such an intimidating Nobek shaking as Detodev had. Mitag had found it pitiful…and also sweet. His crush had been so worried for his welfare. Maybe it had been that moment when he’d become determined to convince Detodev they could be a couple.

Nearly a year in, he was still trying to persuade the stubborn lug they should be more than an occasional fuck.

He poured his lust for sex and an emotional connection in the kiss, as he always did. Detodev responded, his arms tight around Mitag’s waist, pulling him in, letting him feel his growing desire against his belly. Their lips performed a sinuous dance, matched by the twining choreography of their tongues. Mitag moaned and moved to excite the Nobek the way he’d learned the man responded to. He was rewarded by his lover lifting him off his feet. Detodev carried him down the polished floor of the hallway to the bedroom.

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