Page 43 of No Potions Needed

“Of course,” Teddy turned around and sat on the floor. He patted the spot next to him and I left the lube behind on the bed to join him. “I don’t want to do anything you’re not certain of.”

“It’s so stupid,” I said.

“You’re going to have to explain the thought process behind that sentence, mate,” Teddy said, taking my hand in his.

“That now is the time all this comes to mind.”

“Brains are assholes. What’s yours up to?”

“You’re not going to get bored of me, right? The historical sex life thing doesn’t bother me on a purity or chastity level but what if I’m boring in the bedroom or in life? What if we disagree on something fundamental like my parents did and end up apart?”

“I think we have an advantage over a lot of the people your parents’ age,” he said.

“What’s that?”

“We can talk it out. Look at us. Moving our mouths and making sounds about our emotions and worries.”

I laughed and leaned my head on his shoulder.

“I didn’t hook up with people because I was bored. I hooked up because I wanted to feel something or liked how I felt when I was around them. Sometimes because it felt good. And I can safely say you make me feel a lot of things. Maybe more good things in the last few days than I’ve felt in a long time. I also enjoy being around you and what we’ve done. Not just in the bedroom, though. I know a lot of people think this sort of communication and great sex doesn’t go hand-in-hand but it does. Communication is key in kink. I think it should be key in a lot of other things too but I think kink when done properly teaches communication skills. Also, I’m the sort of guy who is always going to over feel everything. So, knowing what’s going on inside your head helps me too.”

“Even when it’s irrational?” I asked, not looking up at him.

“Especially then. I can’t soothe out all the rough edges if you don’t show them to me, mate,” he grinned and stole a kiss. “Though, I don’t think needing to be reassured I’m in this for the long haul is irrational before exchanging the claiming vows. It’s not just yourself you’re thinking of. It’s future kids and the future of your pard. It’s the little jaguar cubs running around right now back home. I get it and I want to be a part of that. I want to be in your life and let you into all the corners of mine too.”

“I’d go to space for you,” I whispered.

“Space isn’t that far away now that the Starscales are connected via the Other World gateways and if we find a reason to be on a shuttle, I’ll hold you the whole time we’re on it.”

“Shuttle? Between the worlds?” I asked.

“Yeah,” he nodded. “It’s pretty cool the first few times and then you get used to it.”

“The purple district, right? The hookup place?”

“It’s more of a party place. Not just sex but drinking, dancing, and socializing too.”

“If we visit, would you take me there? Would that be too weird? Like your old boyfriends seeing me?”

“I think some of my old playdates would love to meet you. I’m still decent friends with a few of them,” Teddy said. “If our being together makes them uncomfortable, that’s on them. What about you? Are we going to cross paths with your exes?”

“Unlikely. I never hooked up close to home or with any of the bears,” I shook my head. “I did it mostly to make sure I knew what I was doing but I guess I was half-assed about it.”

“Eh, virginity is an overrated concept. It was just used to apply value to some groups of people and as a means of measuring ownership. I don’t want to own you. I don’t think your parents did either and tough shit if they did. It’s okay to be nervous your first time but don’t get all wrapped up about being a virgin this way or that way. Sex isn’t about conquering.”

“I don’t know,” I teased him. “After you ‘distracted’ me I felt pretty damn conquered but in a good way.”

“Nah, I didn’t strip away your freewill. Turning you into a puddle of goo doesn’t mean you were conquered. It means you just lost a few brain cells to pleasure. I mean you’re mine but not in the way I’m going to brand your ass.”

“I think I may be the one who is more violently territorial,” I chuckled, and my cat licked his toe beans as if he didn’t know what we were talking about.

“Well, if I thought my dad wanted to chase you off, I might knock someone over too. I don’t think that’s territorial.”

“Well, what if I said I’d disembowel anyone who tried to touch you now?” I looked up at him.

“I’d say that could get messy,” Teddy shrugged. “I mean, I don’t mind messy.” He fell quiet for a second. “Is this why you asked if I’d get bored of only being with you?”

“Sort of. Maybe. I don’t know,” I sighed. “Maybe it is. I don’t want to feel crazy all the time.”

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