Drowning in laughter [J'ash]

[Kisha-Ra]

If there was one piece of good all the horribly cold weather recently was doing it would be keeping J’on a great deal cleaner than he would otherwise be. Mostly because the young greenrider had taken to spending a great deal of his spare time lounging around in the bathing rooms, half submerged in hot water. After a day of drilling that included a river swim J’on felt he more than deserved a long bath so he could thaw out.

The only trouble with that theory was that as soon as he was warm again the greenrider had lost all interest in washing and was instead just sprawled out on the stone bench that was conveniently built into the edge of the pool under the water level, with his head tilted back to rest on the edge of the pool.

You are going to slide under the water and drown[/color]

At least I’ll die warm and moderately happy. J’on responded calmly to his dragon’s half serious warning and felt Rinagth huff in disgust. Now don’t be like that Rina. I’m not old enough to fall asleep in the baths. J’on’s mouth curved up into a wry smile, much as he did enjoy teasing Rinagth he wasn’t at all sure he hadn’t lied to her, he did have his eyes half closed and there was a warm sort of lassitude slipping over him. Alright maybe I should move, but I don’t want to. He admitted

You are useless J’on. I don’t know why I keep you around.[/color] Rinagth’s tone was so very incensed that J’on burst out helplessly laughing and had to wriggle around so could hold onto the edge of the pool lest his green’s predictions become reality.

[Shiny]

Brrr.

The licks of winter grew fainter against J'ash's back as he walked away from the main entrance, skin raised with goosebumps. He smiled lightly as he rubbed his arms; the steam clouds from the baths began to envelop him loosely.

Finally. He was due for a soak, especially after forcing himself to be outside for hours on end training with Craivaruth. The pair were still working on flying, as that was - and always will be - a difficulty. Craivaruth's especially long wings proved to be a disadvantage in the skies, however malevolent (and therefore cool) it made him look. They were getting a good grasp of it, though; with more training, Craivaruth would be more useful for things like protecting Pern from Threadfall or invaders from other Weyrs.

Ice-gray eyes took in the large room, trying to find a suitable bath. More people came here in the winter than in the summer, but that was to be expected; the baths were the best way to escape the bitter cold of winter. Despite that day being especially cold, the baths weren't overflowing with occupants.

So, there were lots of baths to choose from. And the big bathing pool - where to sit? It was huge! Going with an area containing a lot of people made him feel more social, but he probably wouldn't get any talking done. If he went with an area that had less people in it, he might actually get a chance to know others.

Being a social person, J'ash would have to go with the situation where he might be able to make a friend.

He made his way around the main pool, casually inspecting for people he might want to bathe in the vicinity of. He didn't really recognize anyone, so he might as well just plop himself in the water here, close to this guy.

Upon second inspection, a sly grin graced J'ash's lips. Not a bad decision, indeed.

The male already in the water suddenly burst out laughing at what appeared to be nothing and seemed to have to hold on to the rocky ledge. J'ash tilted his head ever so slightly; it was hard to tell if he was insane or just talking to a dragon. But what was life without risk?

He shrugged lightly with a droll smirk. "Careful you don't slip in. I'm not a good enough swimmer to rescue you." Enough talking - it was time to get in already! His skin was still a little bumpy, and he was tired of being cold. He quickly stripped - almost looking expert there for a second - and slid into the steamy water gracefully, careful to watch his footing. The last thing he needed was to slip and fall and crack his head open in front of a complete stranger. How utterly embarrassing.

"Aaah," he sigh-moaned through parted lips as his eyelids drooped. His form almost seemed to melt as the warm water started to work at his tense muscles. Delicious, delicious warmth. Like a perfect hug. Bliss. "Wonderful, isn't it?" the pretty male said, some of his dirty-blonde locks sticking to the back of his neck as he tilted his head slightly. "My name's J'ash. And yours?"

[Kisha-Ra]

The comment unfortunately came just as J’on was getting control of himself again sending him into fresh gales of laughter that probably made everyone around wonder if there was something strange about him. However when clothes started hitting the floor J’on managed to calm himself a little, regain control of his breathing, and, naturally, look up a little from the ankles that he was currently facing. On the pretext of looking up to reply of course. ‘My dragon was just complaining to me about how I’m going to slip under the water and drown if I stay here much longer. She’ll be very upset that I haven’t met someone who can rescue me from my current love of hot water.’ Oh-ho, someone clearly had practice at taking his clothes off, J’on thought with a twist of appreciation, and no wonder.

As the other young man slid into the water beside him J’on refocused his gaze to a more proper area, temporarily at least. J’on developed a slight indulgent smile at the sounds the other male made on entering the pool. He knew that feeling very well indeed. ‘Oh yes, I think this rapidly becoming my favourite spot in the whole Weyr, well here and my bed anyway, they seem to be the only places I get warm at all.’ J’on chattered amiably, totally sympathising if it was drills that had taken J’ash outside, of course if he’d been out of his own accord, well J’on couldn’t see a good reason for that at all.

‘Good to meet you, I’m Jon.’ The greenrider introduced himself, lifting a rather water wrinkled hand from under the surface where most of his body had retreated once he no longer needed to hold on to the side of the pool. He’d probably be hiding in the baths until he was hungry, or someone dragged him out, or until he really did fall asleep there and drown, that might also be possible.’ My dragon’s Rinagth, if yours is a male tell him to watch out, she might decide to claim him just on the basis that we’re talking.’ It had happened before, apparently Pettahth was one of Rinagth’s growing harem, and so far as J’on knew she’d knew really socialised with the brown. ‘What happened to you anyway? Drills was it, they’re no fun in this cold.’ On this issue J’on spoke with bitter experience.

[Shiny]

J'ash smiled kindly, his expression rather serene. The guy was known for his adorable smiles, but probably more famous for his flirtatiousness. "Well, I had a swimming lesson from T'san and Kalina once, if that's any consolation to your dragon," he laughed warmly. "I'll try to make sure you don't slip in and drown, although I can't do anything about your love of hot water. I think I'm developing my own love for it, as well." He left out the part about making Jon's love of hot water worse. Who wouldn't love whatever situation presented them with a very attractive naked guy? That was, assuming J'on even found men attractive at all. It was too early to tell that about him, really. And some people were really good at hiding it.

"The baths are my favourite part of the Weyr; at least, during the wintertime." He let his head fall back to stare dreamily at the ceiling. "Oh, and beds... Their furs... So warm!" He grinned, turning his head to look at the man next to him. A wrinkly hand was extended to him in greeting. He extended his own firm one to clasp it, and shook it gently. Who ever thought that they would shake hands in a pool? Amused, J'ash beamed, his smile rivaling the shine of a Gold in flight. "J'on, hmm?" He dropped his hand back down to rest on the stone ledge he sat on, once again fully submerged below mid-chest level.

Ah, so J'on was a Greenrider. "I'll tell him to watch out, but Rinagth better be careful when it comes to my dragon. Craivaruth is extremely anal and antisocial. He doesn't Chase for some reason..." J'ash's expression briefly showed a twinge of disappointment, perhaps at the lack of flightlust. "And she probably wouldn't be interested in him - he's half green, half blue."

Thanks, J'ashmine.

J'ash ignored the sarcastic remark from his Blue and replied back heartily. Craivaruth love, J'on says to watch out for Rinagth. She may adopt you.

Over my dead body.

J'ash's luminous gray eyes rolled in response to his dragon. It was strange how such an upbeat, flirty person could be Impressed to a dragon who was so antisocial and violent. But it worked, and the two were simply inseparable.

Oh, right. He had come here to warm up and scrub some built-up grime off. Cupping some water in his hands, he splashed his face and rubbed it, waiting momentarily for most of the liquid to drip from his features. Then, he brought water up over his neck and shoulders, running his fingers over his sun-kissed skin. The various and numerous scars that decorated him felt like ridges under his fingertips. He wasn't fond of people seeing his scars - they were very personal, after all - but he didn't much mind in this scenario. There wasn't too much he could do about it anyway, unless he wanted to go swimming with his clothes on.

Which would be no fun at all. No, he had to be without clothes. Not that he couldn't be a tease with clothes on, but it just helped being naked. To set the mood, and all. Made everything easier. Although, sometimes the extra work was all the fun!

The bitterness in J'on's voice indicated that he had suffered a similar fate. "Yeah, training can be a pain in the butt. But I have to keep the both of us fit. It's hard work keeping this figure, you know!" he half-joked. Maintaining a thin, feminine frame such as his did require hard work, but that was not hard to come by in dragonriding. "Craivaruth's wings are abnormally long, so we have to work extra hard to get him to fly well. And flying in the cold gives me an excuse to come in here and flaunt myself," he said lightly, a hand emerging from the water to gently play with a lock of his hair. Was that a partial wink? His eyes stayed trained on J'on's face, warm with playfulness.

"What about you? You seem to have... ah..." he glanced down at where J'on's wrinkly hand would be, "...been in here a while. You must've been very cold."

[Kisha-Ra]

J’on shrugged casually, he didn’t really know who those people were, so how good one swimming lesson from them would be he couldn’t say. He was unlikely to nee a rescue anyway, not only could he swim well, as one born in Selenitas, but he was unlikely to fulfil Rinagth’s predictions and fall asleep while he had someone like J’ash beside him to talk to (and flirt with…). ‘Oh doubt I’m in as much danger as she thinks, especially now I have someone to talk to.’ J’on smiled slightly with just a slight gleam in his eye that suggested he had more in mind than talking, eventually. Sometimes it seemed most of the flirting he did was with the sole aim of finding out whether the person he was flirting with actually liked men.

J’on laughed outright. ‘Oh I know it; my bed looks like a big pile of furs right now. I never even realised I owned so much bedding until it got cold.’ The smile demanded an answering grin from J’on and the greenrider held onto the hand that took his for a few moments longer the necessary.

His dragon didn’t chase? Oh Rina was going to be so disappointed. ‘You sound slightly upset by that.’ The greenrider remarked curiously. Blue and green? Ah yes, he recalled a young dragon with those colours, rather stunning he felt but J’ash was right, he felt Rinagth’s disinterest in Craivaruth, if he wasn’t chasing she wasn’t interested.

Pretty but useless. Be careful J’on, the rider may be like the dragon.[/color]

J’on shook his head slightly over Rinagth, she was hopeless, not only a terrible flirt but one who wanted blues and browns to fall at her feet. J’on blamed Kaaoloth, that brown had given her too many ideas of what was ideal behaviour for her males. Ironically even as he thought this J’on watched his companion with more than a purely aesthetic appreciation, letting his eyes roam over the wet skin on display while there seemed little chance of being caught at it. Very nice, even the lacework of scars didn’t detract from J’ash’s appearance, although J’on shared a liking for scarred males with Rinagth, there was just something so heroic looking about a well placed scar. Unlike his dragon though J’on didn’t often feel the need to place new scars on the objects of his affections.

‘Oh I thought you just didn’t eat anything at all.’ J’on teased, lifting a hand as if to reach out and touch the other male, then thinking the better of it. J’on nodded absently, Craivaruth must have very long wing indeed, he judged, Rina’s were somewhat longer than average but didn’t significantly effect her flying, so the blue’s wings must be even longer than that. ‘And you flaunt yourself so well.’ J’on responded playfully, taking the comment as an invitation to give J’ash an open look over. ‘I’m envious.’

A serious nod. ‘My wingleader is evil incarnate. I got sent on a river swim today, it was alright while I was in the water and moving but once I escaped that fate…’ J’on shuddered violently as if all the cold he’d felt had returned. ‘I was starting to think I’d never be warm again.’

[Shiny]

When J'on declared his presence a safeguard, J'ash blinked. 'Someone to talk to', J'ash thought, smirking, that last part might change to something else. His smirk grew all the wider as he caught a little sparkle in the honey-coloured eyes of his new acquaintance. Hmm-hmm! Interesting. Maybe J'on was trying to match J'ash in body language. A flirt-off... Huh. Now that's a competition I'd be interested in. J'ash noticed the extra time J'on took to release his hand, but pretended like he didn't notice. Didn't want to make the man feel awkward, or ruin the mood, or something.

The just-turned-twenty male's metallic eyes drifted off to the side a bit, the grin dying slightly. He hardly ever lost eye contact when flirting with someone, but Craivaruth's deep voice had distracted him.

Be careful, J'ashmine. You don't even know him. His Green is a psycho; he might be like her. They are bonded, after all.

J'ash sighed and mentally flailed at the blue-green. How can you assume such a thing about Rinagth based on just that one little thing? I haven't gotten some in a long time, Craivaruth. Abstinent since a year or so before I came to Selenitas Weyr, up until now! Can't I just have my fun, pleaaase? He whined as if he was a child asking an adult for an expensive gift. I promise I'll be careful. If I don't at least flirt I'm going to explode hormones out my ears. And besides, you and I are different in a lot of ways, and we're bonded, too.

Fine. Craivaruth said nothing about his rider's abstinence. He knew that period was difficult in J'ash's life, with the depression that the death of his closest friend and relative had brought upon him. J'ashmine was just starting to return back to some state of normal, and the Blue wasn't about to stop the kid from doing his "therapeutic actions".

J'ash's eyes snapped back to the smooth face of the man next to him. His grin quickly grew back at the mention of Jon's bed. "Huh. Your bed sounds... comfortable," he chirped with his head tilted slightly down, eyes tilted ever so slightly up to meet the brown-haired male's eyes. Apparently, that was a pretty good flirting trick. He'd used it before - it really drew attention to the eyes, and he was good at using his eyes to convey messages. And they were downright gorgeous too, so that definitely helped.

J'ash paused momentarily, a subtle look of shock crossing his features, before he tilted his head backwards to let out a little embarrassed laugh, eyes closing to enhance the expression. So J'on caught his earlier disappointment, although J'ash was sure he had only shown it for a split second. The guy was observant. "Oh! Haha. I just..." His eyes cracked open slowly again, eyes half-lidded seductively. One corner of his mouth was slightly upturned, a remnant of his previous grin; his lips were slightly parted, his face still. Perfection. "I just feel like I'm missing out on..." A brief pause, "...the action."

Then, as if he hadn't actually done that, he rolled his head forward and smiled innocently, eyes bright, angelic, happy. Don't you think you're being a bit too much? He might think you're desperate.

I am desperate.

I suggest you play with your food before you eat it.

Hmm. Craivaruth was right - he needed to tease J'on more. No complaints there - being a tease was just downright fun.

J'ash's smile grew wider as the other complimented his form. J'on's hand seemed to hesitate between residing with its owner or reaching out to touch J'ash; it finally decided to stay put, leaving J'ash a little disappointed but more determined to make it choose the other option in the future. A faint haze of light pink appeared on the upper parts of J'ash's cheeks as J'on fully checked him out.

Okay, J'on was definitely interested in men.

The blush only evolved into a deeper one as J'on continued the flattering. J'ash wasn't used to receiving very many compliments despite his pretty face, and thus was not entirely as composed as he had been all this time. He was simply being adorable now with this new, unpracticed, slightly shy behaviour.

"Ha, ha," he scratched the back of his head, desperately willing his face to return back to normal (although it didn't listen). He hated embarrassing himself like this. J'on was probably losing interest. He tilted his head away from J'on, eyes drifting off elsewhere, suddenly rather shy to be meeting those gold-brown eyes of his. "Ha, ha... You... You shouldn't be so envious. I'm sure you could flaunt quite well," and with that, he quickly brought up a huge scoop of water and splashed his face with it, rather loudly.

Sniffing, he slowly brought his eyes to look at the other's face again from the side. Trying to hide this stupid blush was his best bet. Besides, his blushes - though rare as they were - didn't usually last that long. It would probably go away soon.

"Wow. Swimming outside in this weather? That's some cruel punishment. You must've been... bad... to deserve such a fate," a slight smirk at that comment. Seriously, sometimes he was genius. There, his blush was almost gone now. He turned his head so that he was face-to-face with J'on again, smiling compassionately. "The feeling of cold always seems to go on forever, doesn't it? Too much warmth is hardly ever a bad thing, whether it's in the form of sunlight, a bath... friction..."

Craivaruth facepalmed.

[Kisha-Ra]

J’on felt a slight niggled of irritation as he lost the other man’s gaze for a moment, he recognised that look, dragons, always interfering when they sharding well weren’t wanted.

I was not interfering I was merely trying to warn you that your potential mate by be defective.[/color] Rinagth’s voice interrupted again. If his blue/green dragon is incapable of mating, perhaps he chose a rider like him.[/color]

Rina, love, shut up. I’ll let you know what he’s capable of later, okay? The only way to get Rinagth off a subject sometimes was to tell her to shut up about it. She’d sulk no doubt, but having a sulky dragon was so much easier than trying to score with Rinagth feeding him dire warnings.

Ah, so whatever J’ash’s blue had to say was also done. J’on was pleased to note he had the other rider’s full attention back. With an enigmatic smile the greenrider looked down into those pretty silver eyes. ‘Oh it’s very comfortable, I could spend all day in bed if people would just let me.’ If J’on’s tone didn’t make it very clear he wasn’t talking about sleeping the look in his eye certainly would.

J’on merely raised an eyebrow at that. His last piece of that particular action had involved being mauled by a violent bluerider because Rinagth had twined with a violent blue. ‘Sounds like that’s not the only action you’ve missed of late.’ He commented playfully, being a tease rather than saying anything remotely useful, and only partly because he had nothing useful to say at that point.

Oh he was blushing! How adorable! J’on smiled like a predator while J’ash turned away, delighted to get such a reaction from a simple glance. He was certain now that this wasn’t going to be a wasted bout of flirting. Provided he didn’t totally mess up that was, and that meant not looking like he was going to pounce and devour the other male. ‘Oh, you think?’ J’on inquired, turning further towards J’ash with a slow movement that he knew set the muscles in his chest rippling. Oh yes, he could flaunt, subtly. ‘I’m sure I couldn’t do as well as you can, J’ash.’ J’on drew out the name like a verbal caress, struck by a urge to see if he could get the bluerider blushing again.

‘Oh I’ve never been bad enough to deserve that.’ The greenrider replied with a cocky smirk of his own, holding those silver grey eyes with an intense gaze. ‘Hrrm, yes. A little warmth is always welcome.’ J’on took that final comment about friction as an invitation to move closer and wrap an arm around the slight form beside him, loosely enough that J’ash could escape if he wanted to. ‘I do enjoy having someone around to keep me warm.’

You are as subtle as a flying brick J’on[/color]

and you, of course, are such a subtle green. J’on shot back, irritated, along with an image of Rinagth snuggled up with Kaaoloth.

[Shiny]

There was flutter inside his chest when J'on smiled enigmatically. At that instant, tall, dark, and handsome came to mind. J'ash grinned deviously, the rather evil expression coming forth due to J'on's very, er, subtle hintings. "Yes, beds do call to me." Oh, dear. Very subtle, J'ash. "I'd stay in them for most of the day, as well. But if we were both in bed, we'd never have met! And that would've sucked. I rather like you. A lot." Dusty-rose coloured lips smiled, the friendly expression directed at J'on in a non-shallow, appreciative way. J'ash was not only enjoying J'on's physical beauty (and daaamn there was a lot to enjoy), but his company and personality, as well. He was rather glad he had chosen him to sit by. A corner of his mouth stretched a little, adding a twinge of dark playfulness in response to the suggestiveness in J'on's voice and eyes.

The raised eyebrow caused the dirty blonde's heart to sink slightly - had he gone too far? - but then quirked back up at the following comment, leaving no time for Craivaruth to chant an "I told you so". An amused huff escaped soft lips. "Yeah, got that right." He picked up on the teasing undertones of J'on's voice, and replied in a semi-teasing voice as well, not entirely hiding the fact that the statement was rather true. He had been missing out on "the action" for quite a while now. He had an inkling that that was going to change though, sooner or later.

Snowy eyes widened slightly at the display J'on put on, muscles in his broad chest rippling underneath smooth skin. Oh, he reaaaally wanted to run his fingers over that torso now... Not that he hadn't wanted to before, but now, he could hardly keep his hands to himself. The thin-framed man would literally have drooled had he not forced himself to keep composed. Er, well, semi composed. Scratch that, hardly composed when J'on practically purred his name.

J'ash's eyes fluttered closed as he tried to get a hold of himself. Don't. Pounce. Him. Don't. Pounce. Him. He chanted mentally, feeling the heat in his cheeks rise again with vengeance. Damn the man for bringing forth such a reaction! Then again, not really damn him - J'ash was having too much fun with him. Plus, he just generally liked J'on, and wanted nothing bad to befall the slightly younger male. "Oh yes, you definitely can," J'ash replied kind of late, the blush speaking for him in terms of just how much he thought J'on could pull off a flaunt.

The golden-brown eyes were so intense, J'ash felt them almost trying to physically pull him in. "Somehow, I think that's a lie," he said, smirking deviously. J'on certainly seemed the type to be... bad, in one sense or another. The furious pink of his blush had dimmed down to a light dusting, but did not lessen any further as J'on moved closer to him.

His pulse sped up as a strong, warm arm draped across his shoulders. He smiled lightly, biting his lip - mostly because of the effect that action had on most people, but also slightly because of the butterflies in his stomach. I shouldn't be nervous. Why am I nervous? J'ash complained internally, receiving a simple response from his Blue.

You're out of practice. This was true, but it was also probably at the close proximity. Don't get him wrong, J'ash loved being close with someone, but one of his small fears was nibbling at the back of his brain. And that fear was someone managing to see the ridge of a relatively deep scar that ran from the right side of his forehead down part of his cheekbone, deciding he was suddenly ugly, then walking away, possibly saying something mean beforehand. He tried to push it out of his mind, not wanting it to ruin his mood now. And he was mostly successful. His hair was almost completely wet now, and his bangs stuck haphazardly to his forehead, somewhat covering the usually-concealed scar.

"Body heat is also good," J'ash replied, head tilting back slightly to expose his slender, tanned neck. (His blush was mostly gone now, once more. He was determined for it to not come back again.) "I find it's addictive." He leaned in slightly, head angled in such a way that if he leaned in an extra two inches, he would have brushed lips with J'on without crashing their noses together. He just stayed in that orientation and distance for a moment, staring into J'on's eyes. They were just so pretty! And loyal-looking. His wintry but warm eyes slowly travelled to certain features of his face, finally landing on the light sprinkle of dots that were most concentrated on his nose.

He smiled playfully, eyes darting up to look heatedly into the Greenrider's. "Your freckles are adorable, J'on," J'ash purred the name with his silky voice, trying to get him back for doing that to him earlier. A getting-wrinkly hand rose from the water, and a finger gently tapped the tip of said cartilage before dropping back to float just below the surface.

Then, he moved back slightly, to where he was originally when the arm wrapped around him, a teasing smile gracing his face.

[Kisha-Ra]

J’on chuckled darkly, amused by that lack of subtlety in the wordplay. ‘Now that’s certainly true. I’d regret never meeting you, although if I hadn’t I’d hardly know what I was missing would I?’ the corner of J’on’s mouth twitched up a little more as his eyes swept over J’ash again, not only pretty but good company too. That was a definite advantage, there was nothing worse than meeting someone drop dead gorgeous and then finding out they were a total idiot.

Another chuckle, this one positively wicked, and totally suggesting that he intended to do something about J’ash’s lamentable missing out on the action. And what was this? The greenrider’s eyes narrowed slightly in smug satisfaction when he caught J’ash looking at him. He was more than tempted to move a little more, just so he could see that look on that pretty face again but restrained himself, barely.

Yes, that blush definitely made the bluerider look adorable, and hot, and now J’on had another chance to study it at his leisure. What a test of self control, the greenrider mused as he watched his companion’s eyelids flutter shut for a moment, not to pounce in that moment. Of course being partially submerged and in a public room did have something to do with the apparently remarkable change from normal. ‘Well, maybe just a little.’ He admitted, confessing that he had been flaunting what he had just a little bit.

J’on shrugged casually, using the movement to get a little closer. ‘Well I might be.’ He admitted ruefully. ‘Sometimes it’s good to be bad.’ J’on’s breath caught in throat for a moment as he studied J’ash’s expression. Blue is not your best colour.[/color] Rinagth reminded him snidely. J’on sent a mental self mocking laugh back to her. Either he was getting pretty desperate for some company or this man really was beautiful. Or both, probably both.

The greenrider found himself gazing into pale eyes again, but he certainly didn’t mind. That unusual eye colour was an asset J’ash certainly managed to use to his advantage almost mesmerising the greenrider with a look. ‘Hrrm.’ This time J’on only made a low sound of approval, letting his eyes fall half closed. Yes, this could easily be an addiction.

It was J’on’s turn to blush now, and blush he did, lifting a hand to rub across his nose as if to erase said freckles from existence. ‘They make me look like a kid.’ He whined, just like a child, and avoided J’ash’s eyes. Maybe it was cruel to try and make the bluerider blush, it was hard to keep eye contact with someone when you were blushing.

‘Tease. Come back here.’ J’on pouted as his lovely warm man drifted away from him. The instruction however was redundant as the greenrider moved himself closer to J’ash. ‘I’m trying to leech your heat, you were right it is addictive. But how can I possibly manage that if you’re going to tease like that?’ J’on complained in a playful tone, fitting himself closer to the bluerider, almost sitting in the other male’s lap in fact, and leaning his head against J’ash’s shoulder. ‘I need a pretty blue to keep me warm.’ He murmured, casting what little subtlety he’d had to the wind. As he spoke J’on’s hand came up to trace lightly over J’ash’s ribs, moving up to dance along his collarbone and up to catch the blond gently by the chin. ‘You’ll do that for me?’ he asked, allowing Jash a final chance to escape before he was ravished. Although if the bluerider bolted now J’on was going to end up humiliatingly half drowned.

[Shiny]

Although J'ash laughed along with J'on, he inwardly analyzed that sentence again and again, trying not to let some kind of sadness show on his face. Didn't that mean that all he meant to J'on was just a score? They had just met, didn't really know much of anything about each other, but it was still kind of upsetting - would J'on talk to him ever again? Or would he act like they'd never met? J'ash almost felt like clinging to him, not letting go. Yes, he was desperate, but he couldn't stand losing another person in his life, even if they were only in it for a grand total of fifteen minutes. He liked flirting and scoring because it was a temporary fix for his loneliness, but in the end, it would just make him feel lonelier than he already was...

Didn't I tell you to be careful, J'ashmine? This Greenrider is just using you.

He seems like a nice enough person, though. I don't think he would ignore me after... J'ash replied back, almost trying to convince himself of it as much as Craivaruth. And besides, aren't I kind of using him, too?

J'ashmine, I--

I'll deal with it, Craivaruth, and the consequences.

No, not about-- But J'ash cut him off, already having convinced himself long ago that he was going to go through with this. He was the one that practically started it, after all. He was just going to have his fun now, and worry about the problems that came with it later.

The blonde liked hearing J'on laugh like that. It was a good sign that the Greenrider was enjoying his company. "Just a little," J'ash repeated under his breath playfully, watching J'on with that furious blush that hadn't died down yet, "I'm sure if you flaunted any more than that, I'd have a heart attack."

"Hnn," he let out a silky, pleased sound as J'on did some smooth moves to get closer to him, "I have to agree with you there. If you're always good, life is too boring." He grinned, bringing his face slightly closer. "My life has been too boring as of late for my tastes."

J'ash threw back his head and let out a good laugh when J'on blushed and rubbed at his face. It felt so good to laugh like that - he hadn't done it in so long. He missed the rush of endorphins. He smiled good-heartedly at J'on, a sliver of well-kept white teeth visible.

"That," he said, "was the most sharding adorable thing, ever!" He reached out and grabbed the wrist of the hand that worked furiously to cover or erase the freckles, holding it away from the male's face. Awww, the Greenrider was blushing! J'ash hadn't thought J'on was capable of blushing, but rather wanted to see him do it again. He was thrilled to have caused such an effect on another. He tried to catch those gold-brown eyes with his own again, but J'on wasn't looking at him anymore.

"I really like them! Don't try to wipe them away." He had a strong urge to kiss J'on's nose, but decided against it momentarily, for J'on might not have appreciated it if he disliked his freckles.

After having moved away to tease the boy, J'on came after him like a shark. J'ash let out another endorphin-saturated laugh as J'on made up the best excuse ever, smiling a thousand-gigawatt smile. Seriously, he felt like he was getting high on laughter, or something. Or J'on. Must've been both.

"No need to worry. Your body heat has me hooked." Time to pull out the big guns. His smile turned into the sexiest grin he could physically pull off - which was good enough to make a person swoon on the next planet over - as J'on sat so close he practically sat on him and put his head against his shoulder. Oho, so the man didn't always act so dominant all the time after all! J'on's sultry voice washed over J'ash as a hand lightly traced up the side of his ribs, chest, collarbone. A shiver shot up his spine just before his chin was gently caught.

J'ash tilted his head to look J'on straight in the eyes. The silver of his eyes was darker, now, reflective of his desire.

Too late to escape J'ash now, J'on. You've pushed him too far.

His hands emerged from the water quickly. J'ash allowed his hands to flutter up J'on's abs before they worked their way up to his chest. He pressed his palms flat against the built chest in front of him, allowing his hands to slide ever so slowly, seductively, up to hang from his shoulders, one hand coming up to tangle itself in the soft brown hair. He brought his face rather close to J'on's ear, his cheek lightly grazing J'on's jawbone.

"Of course," he crooned, his breath hitting J'on's ear. "I am your pretty blue, after all."

He brought his head back, a bubblegum-pink tongue flicking out to graze J'on's neck as he passed it. He looked into J'on's eyes once more with half-lidded eyes - their faces were so close, now - just a nanometer closer and -

J'ashmine, the sun has set.

Oh, sharding hell.

His eyes were suddenly wide, and he pushed away from J'on. "Ah, I gotta go!" He was rather clumsy in trying to untangle himself from the Greenrider in a rush, causing lots of splashing and commotion. "Sorry, ah, I--"

WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME SOONER?!

You cut me off, J'ashmine. There was a hint of amusement in the blue-green's voice.

Inwardly panicking, J'ash put both of his hands on the side of the ledge, about to pull himself out, when he paused for a moment, hesitantly turning around.

"Ah, J'on..." How did he get himself in situations like this, again? "I'm kinda... afraid of the dark," he mumbled, his face going absolutely red in embarrassment. Goes-psycho-scared-in-darkness would have been more accurate than 'afraid of the dark'. "I wasn't supposed to stay in here this long, but... I..." He bowed his head, looking like a scared puppy with its ears down, afraid to look at J'on. Would he be mad? J'ash was certainly furious with himself for ruining such a perfect moment.

He tilted his head slightly up to take a split-second glance at J'on's face through his bangs before letting his head fall again. "Maybe... You could take me home? Or..." He laughed under his breath, knowing the next thing that came out of his mouth would sound utterly stupid and pathetic. Time to try to redeem himself! "Perhaps you could show me exactly... how many furs you have..." He really wanted to hide his face, or drown, or something. It sounded awful to even his own ears.

[Kisha-Ra]

The comment drew another amused sound from the greenrider. ‘Well I’ll try not to flaunt myself too much more then.’ He promised. ‘I don’t want you stuck in the infirmary for weeks, I’d miss you.’ Indeed he would, although there no doubt he had a quick score in mind right now he also hoped the other male would be open to overtures of friendship, which J’ash had seemed to indicate with his previous words.

Well J’on would say his life had been boring recently, or totally lacking in companionship, but there was absolutely no reason to let it get that way now. ‘I hope you aren’t finding me boring, if you are, I’ll have to make more of effort to keep you…interested.’ J’on wriggled a little against the body beside him, teasing. But the comment on his freckles was payback enough for that.

J’on fought half heartedly at best for control of his hand. ‘I guess I deserve that. I was deliberately trying to make you blush the second time. I can’t help it, you just look so…’ The greenrider let his voice trail off for a moment, leaving J’ash in suspense as to how he looked when he blushed.

For an instant J’on looked utterly lost, then he giggled softly, a strangely shy sound. ‘I suppose if you like them that much I shouldn’t.’ A slight touch of pink still coloured the greenrider’s face, ironically making the freckles stand out more, but he did desist in rubbing at his nose, and raised his eyes to meet J’ash’s again with slightly challenging look, as if he wasn’t quite convinced of the truth of the other’s statement.

The bluerider’s laugh brought out a cheerful boyish grin, J’on loved to hear people laugh, providing he was in on the joke and not the butt of it, and being snuggled up to the side of the person doing the laughing was even better.

Oh hooked was he? Well that was good because J’on had absolutely no intention of throwing this one back. That was some grin, too, enough to make the greenrider’s pulse pick up a little just from having directed at him.

J’on knew very well the desire in his own eyes match that in the silver set he looked into, and it looked like he was going to get exactly what he wanted too. A totally inarticulate murmur emerged from his throat as he leaned forward, pressing shamelessly against the hands that ran up his torso. Without thinking about it in the slightest J’on released his light hold on J’ash’s chin to brush his fingers across the other rider’s throat before his hand swept around the back of J’ash’s head as their eyes met, a gentle but blatant encouragement for his pretty blue to do what J’on so badly wanted him to. He tilted his face up a little and let his eyes fall mostly closed in anticipation, then…

For a moment the greenrider couldn’t even respond, apart from the rising tide of hurt and confusion in his face. Had he been moving too fast after all and scared J’ash off? But the other had seemed perfectly responsive up until now…

Numbly, and mostly to keep himself from falling since he’d been resting most of his weight against the bluerider, J’on pulled back, moved his hands away, let J’ash escape him while he mentally kicked himself and furiously ignored the flow of I-told-you-soness that emanated from his dragon. He just couldn’t work out what had gone wrong here.

On hearing his name the greenrider looked up, automatically meeting J’ash’s eyes, they were just so damn beautiful, and trying to hide his feeling behind a neutral expression. Sadly for J’on, he’d never been good at a neutral expression at all. Scared of the dark? J’on’s mind took a moment to register that idea, and when it finally got through he was hard pressed not to laugh with sheer giddy relief. Not anything he’d done, J’ash was just afraid of being caught out in the dark.

A look at J’ash totally dispelled the relief, and the threat of laughter that went with it. That, at least, J’on was glad to see the back of, the last thing he wanted to do was laugh at another person’s fears, and to judge by the panicked reaction from J’ash when he realised it was going dark the bluerider was terrified. Yet he still made a proposition despite his fear and the embarrassment of having to admit it, in accordance J’on feelings swung toward flattered that his company was so valued.

Getting his wits together J’on stepped forward to place a hand on J’ash’s shoulder with a gentle smile that he hoped was understanding. ‘If you still want my company I’d be more than happy to show you. Unless you’d feel more comfortable in your own weyr.’ The greenrider’s expression was concerned, he wanted J’ash to stay with him, but not if he was going to feel tense and scared while he was there. He also wanted J’ash to enjoy his company, which he wouldn’t be able to if he was still scared. ‘You’re still my pretty blue whatever you choose. I’ll do what you want.’

[Shiny]

J'ash's previous fears were, for the most part, dispelled. "Miss me?" he smiled sweetly. "I'm flattered!" Either J'on was lying, or he actually intended on staying in touch with J'ash. He preferred to think the latter.

"Of course you aren't boring," J'ash purred, eyelids falling slightly in reaction to J'on's wiggling, "but I am interested in finding out first-hand exactly how much more of an effort you could make to keep me interested," and he winked playfully. Now if that wasn't an invitation to sweep him off his feet and carry him off to some room with a lockable door, he didn't know was.

A light haze of pink settled on J'ash's cheeks again as his eyes shut humorously, laughing skittishly. "Oh, really? I never thought my blush was actually appealing, but I guess I was wrong," he opened his eyes to look at J'on's face again warmly, appreciating the very attractive light pink glow that still remained on it. J'ash grinned, thrilled that J'on actually cared about his opinion. The silver-eyed man met the brown-eyed man's challenge, putting on his most convincing look to make sure the Greenrider knew he wasn't lying. He really did like those freckles. They were so damn cute, especially on a strong, built guy like this.

J'ash felt awful when he saw how hurt J'on looked. He really just wanted to drown himself there for causing the Greenrider such pain, but felt a surge of relief as the built man put a hand on his shoulder. He looked up, the embarrassed flush of his face dying down. His heart filled with new hope as J'on smiled gently; the expression was so beautiful and understanding, J'ash nearly felt like crying with relief. He was utterly speechless at the kindness of the Greenrider's words. "Of course I still want your company!" He exclaimed loudly, causing a few heads to turn in their direction. The water sloshed around violently as J'ash launched himself at J'on, effectively latching onto him, fully torso to torso. His arms were wound atop the other man's shoulders, and J'ash buried his face against J'on's neck. The hug was entirely out of pure joy and thankfulness. J'ash really felt like sobbing, but forced himself to suck it up.

The poor boy was shaking a little. He did not want to go outside. At all. He was so afraid of dark, he almost wanted to die instead of having to go through it. The extreme phobia was shoved into J'ash's head the night he witnessed his younger brother practically being shredded to death, and was drilled even farther into his head when A'emi convinced J'ash he was going to murder him in a pitch-black cave by jumping on him wielding a knife. Yes, the fear wouldn't be going away for a long, long time.

Couldn't he just stay in here all night with J'on? Sure, he'd be wrinklier than the oldest person on Pern, but he much preferred that than having to travel though the darkness to get home. Of course, he definitely preferred the company of J'on to the dark.

This is why he preferred men over women. He wanted someone who could protect him, and he indeed did feel very secure, pressed up against J'on. He wasn't being sexist, but he really couldn't picture some of the women he'd met protecting him - except Iskierka, but he was shit-scared of her, and was really not inclined on asking her out. (Trying to picture himself with the woman nearly twice his age earned him a mental shudder and a disgusted "eww" from Craivaruth.)

He gently nuzzled his cheek against J'on's warm neck joint, very glad that the Greenrider had proposed to take him home (or at least, someone's home) safely. He was worried that he wouldn't be able to get to a weyr, even with the help of another. J'ash forced the thought from his mind, convincing himself of the opposite. No, having someone with me will definitely help. I will make it.

The contact-heavy hug was stirring a rise in J'ash's previous emotions. "I would really like to see your weyr," he purred, a hand loosing itself from the hug-lock to press seductively against J'on's chest. (He knew the Greenrider liked that - he'd pushed against his hand last time as if to gain even more contact. And that, he was definitely going to get. Elsewhere.) Besides, their weyrs were not far from one another anyway.

"I'm not finished with you yet, Greenrider."

Slowly, he detached himself from J'on; reaching out, he grabbed his wrist, exerting a gentle pull on it. He grinned, trying not to let his anxiety show through, though he was sure it was showing in his eyes - the damn things betrayed him so often - and he was still shaking quite a bit. "Shall we?"

[Kisha-Ra]

Naturally J’on’s response to J’ash’s wink was a huge grin that wavered between cheerful and outright lustful. ‘Is your attention span that short then?’ He teased lightly. ‘I’ll certainly have to put some thought into keeping you interested. I don’t want you to wander off anywhere.’ Indeed not! In the back of his mind J’on was already planning exactly how he was going to keep the bluerider’s attention.

‘You were wrong.’ J’on informed J’ash in a semi serious tone. ‘I think you look cute blushing like that.’ The greenrider’s hand drifted up to brush lightly across J’ash’s cheek as he spoke. Apparently you didn’t notice your own assets, certainly he never would have thought of his freckles as one but J’ash seemed totally serious about liking them.

Seemingly within a breath of reaching out to J’ash the bluerider practically flung himself at J’on in what had to be the strongest hug in history. Ignoring the looks they were getting from a few other occupants of the bathing room (if they didn’t like seeing naked men hugging they could use the private pools), J’on wrapped one arm around J’ash’s waist and let the other run over the bluerider’s back, trying to soothe away the shuddering he could feel through his own body where J’ash pressed against him.

‘Well I am glad you still want my company.’ J’on kept his voice low and even, hoping to project a little calm with his tone. Damn if he wasn’t feeling protective over the bluerider now, although with J’ash clinging to him he hardly saw how he could feel any different. Beyond that J’on lapsed into silence, just holding the bluerider gently, lending what support he could until J’ash was ready to move.

Without warning one of the bluerider’s hands released his neck and J’on was once again hard pressed to remember how to breathe as that same hand pressed against his chest. The greenrider practically purred at that touch and changed from a soothing touch on J’ash’s back to a teasing feather light tracing of the bluerider’s spine. ‘That’s good to know.’ He responded softly but fiercely. ‘Because I certainly am not finished with you.’

J’on let himself be drawn along without even the token resistance he might normally have offered just to taunt a little, he didn’t want J’ash changing his mind, or thinking J’on had changed his and losing his confidence. Instead he moved up closer to the bluerider and leaned in towards J’ash’s ear. ‘I do believe we shall.’ He murmured with a low lust laced chuckle that stirred the dark blonde hair a little.

[Shiny]

J'ash smirked sexily at J'on's grin and the very obvious statements coming out of the Greenrider's mouth. "Think hard. It takes a lot to keep me from wandering elsewhere." Really, he was just setting himself up to be sore in the morning, but whatever. It was all fun and games.

A soundless sigh escaped the blonde; his eyelids fluttered closed and his lips parted slightly. He moved absently to softly press his cheek into the gentle brush of J'on's hand. Briefly, his fingertips lightly pressed against the back of J'on's hand, keeping it there for a moment longer. When the contact ceased, he cracked his eyes open to look at J'on with a dreamy expression. He liked J'on's touch. Sometimes gentle and caring, sometimes stinging with desire. Sometimes both. "Your blush is adorable, too. It makes your freckles stand out more!"

The arm that wrapped around his waist made him feel protected, and the soothing hand that ran over his back slowly put an end to his shivering. J'on's voice was so calming, causing the Bluerider to relax. J'ash stayed affixed to J'on for a few moments longer, enjoying the feeling of being utterly secure and cared for.

J'ash chuckled darkly at the Greenrider's reaction, which was exactly what he had hoped for. The feathery touch on his spine only served to increase his already intense desire.

His pulse sped up as J'on leaned forward and murmured in his ear. His grip on J'on's wrist tightened as he sensed the intense lust in that dark laugh, moaning quietly in response.

Okay, time to get out now, before he jumped J'on.

He released J'on's wrist, stuck his pink tongue out at the younger man, turned around, and heaved himself smoothly out of the pool. Quickly, he wrapped a towel around thin hips and picked up his clothes in an armful. He turned to look at J'on with seductive eyes and winked before walking towards the dressing rooms off to the side. He hadn't bothered to go in there to take off his clothes, rather preferring to strip in front of everyone (namely J'on), but putting on clothes was different. Kind of awkward, really.

(You don't have to post up a reply if you don't want to ^w^ if you just want to skip to a new thread, go right ahead, or PM me about it, or something~)