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Jan. 1st, 2012 07:25 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
rapacityinblueTitle: Prompt 37: Sensual Command (Yes really.)
Fandom: The Last Herald Mage series
Spoilers: No
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Van can't share his thoughts with Tylendel, so he tries to tell him another way.
Pairing: Tylendel/Vanyel
Word Count: 2605
Notes: Written foralwaystheheart who requested supremely awkward dirtytalk. Instead, she got this. Sorry, sweetheart.
500 themes prompt #37 -- go on, guess. Yet another sloppy, unbeta'd nano porn fic.
Vanyel had gotten into a habit of staying out of the suite nights he knew the others would be gone. There were a lot of those nights, where Savil was tied up in business and Mardic and Donni had some social obligation to keep them busy. They were nights when his options were either cater to the ninnies at court or spend the whole of his evening playing chicken with Tylendel, and while neither scenario was ideal, he found one more palatable than the others. And so he’d gotten so good at avoiding his rooms that he’d almost made an art of it. He’d never thought there was a time that he’d look forward to these nights.
Tonight, though, he was shaking almost as badly as he had been that very first time, when ‘Lendel had breached the sanctuary of his room to wake him from his nightmares. Their room, now. Everything had happened so suddenly, but at the same time it felt right and perfect. Easy in a way Van’s life had never been before. And now you’re about to ruin it, murmured that dark, traitorous voice inside him that he’d never quite managed to shake. He’d gotten better at telling it to shut up -- much better, since he’d found ‘Lendel -- and he did it now, tucking the blankets tighter around his shoulders.
Still, that voice had absolutely nothing to do with the way the drafts crept through the wide double doors and made him shiver, open and exposed as he was. He had the blankets, but all the linens were still the light and airy ones Margret had taken out for summer. They weren’t meant to hold up against the bitter chill that had suddenly beset the palace, and he wasn’t meant to be lying between them completely bare. There was no other way to make this work, and until his lover returned to share warmth with him, he was just going to have to grit his teeth and bare it. For ‘Lendel.
Everything these last few weeks had been perfect... everything except the fact that there were so many people inside ‘Lendel’s head. Gala, Savil -- sometimes Van would look up in the middle of a sentence only to realize his lover wasn’t listening at all, that there was an entirely separate conversation happening that Van wasn’t a part of. And he tried not to be petty about it. Tylendel had, of course, had a life long before Vanyel had ever come around, and Vanyel would never try to tie off or push away any of his lover’s relationships. It had become plain to him over the last few years that in many ways Tylendel had gone through life as lonely and isolated as Van had been. His family and so-called friends had scorned Van, hurt him, but he’d never been feared. To have people feel about him the way he’d felt about Jarvis -- he never wanted that. And now that he saw it, it made sense to him that Tylendel would reach out to so many people here and lean on them for support and companionship. It was the sort of thing Van himself might have done, if he’d ever had ‘Lendel’s bravery.
Still, it killed him to know that there was a part ‘Lendel that Van couldn’t share. The trainee wasn’t just his lover; in may ways he was the first real friend Van had ever had. And it wasn’t just that he was jealous (although he was) of the way the others could share themselves with ‘Lendel. Sometimes he thought he disappointed the older boy. Of course he’d never say anything, not even hint, that he might be disappointed with Van, but if their positions were reversed Van knew, he absolutely knew, that he would be disappointed. When ‘Lendel could not only have his pick of anyone, but choose a person with whom he could share his entire mind...
It just didn’t make sense on any level, in any way, that he’d chose Vanyel. Of all people, Vanyel.
The thoughts chased each other around that way until ‘Lendel came home, later than Van was expecting him. “I’m sorry, ashke,” the older man said casually as he made his way into the room. ‘Lendel had a way of getting used to being home that Van never tired of watching, the way he hung his cloak and kicked his shoes away and unlaced the first few ties at his collar. He was so encased in his routine that at first he didn’t notice Vanyel, sitting bare among the tangle of blankets across their bed, his fair skin glowing in the candle light. “So, I was thinking -- not really thinking, but just playing with the idea -- we both have ‘y’s in our name. Not that it means anything, but it’s kind of funny. How many people do you know with ‘Y’ names? Besides us, I mean.”
Vanyel let a small smile curl his lips as he looked down at the nest he’d made of the blankets and waited for Tylendel to really look at him.
There was a moment of silence and he knew he’d been seen, and after a moment he felt the dip as Tylendel took his seat on the edge of the mattress. “What’s all this, then?” he asked. For the first time this evening, Vanyel felt warmth swell through him, starting with the touch of ‘Lendel’s palm to his cheek.
He knew, just as he knew that ‘Lendel would never invade his thoughts, that his lover would never use empathy to read or muck around with his emotions. Still, he appreciated the time ‘Lendel had spent teaching him to hide away his stray thoughts and emotions from people who might not be so honorable with those gifts. He carefully deconstructed the walls now, imagined them coming down bit by bit, and let his emotions reach out with an answer. He knew his lover felt what he was trying to get across, even though he’d kept his mind carefully free of thoughts and words.
“Vanyel, ashke,” ‘Lendel murmured, his fingers tucking the hair behind his ear, “I’ve told you before it doesn’t matter to me. I wouldn’t want anyone else no matter what they could offer that you couldn’t.”
Vanyel looked up, feeling a bit more settled in himself as he smiled at Tylendel. “I know,” he said, not because he could really believe it, not entirely, but because it was equally impossible for him to doubt that his lover was telling the truth. “But I can’t share that with you, then I have to show you how I feel another way. Or... tell you.”
He stumbled over the last words, but when he dared to look up again, he saw that his lover didn’t look upset or repulsed by the idea. ‘Lendel was beaming at him with love so bright and clear that he didn’t need empathy to know what ‘Lendel was feeling. He offered a small smile to the older boy and was rewarded with one in return. “I think I’d like that,” ‘Lendel murmured.
A flush rose high and warm in his his cheeks as he felt ‘Lendel move his hand around to cup the back of his neck and pull him closer. Their lips met, gently at first, but ‘Lendel’s kiss grew hard and urgent quickly.
Vanyel rose up to his knees, out of his nest of blankets, to push himself closer to his lover so that he could fit his arms over Lendel’s shoulders. Lovemaking had never been something that had come easy to Van -- before Lendel it had been all women, he hadn’t even known that that it was even possible to want something else. And so he had always been awkward and uneasy, baring himself to someone for whom he felt nothing -- except, often, nerves and mild repulsion.
‘Lendel was different. ‘Lendel made him feel warm through his whole body, even with his skin bared to the cool fall air. He gave himself entirely to the kiss, his body relaxing into ‘Lendel’s embrace as they tumbled together into the sheets.
“Tell me,” his lover murmured, and Van felt the blush ride up again, hot and sudden. Now that he was here, lying between the cool sheets and ‘Lendel’s warmth, the reality of what he’d proposed was almost crushing him. How was he supposed to talk to ‘Lendel when they were tangled up in each other? How was he supposed to talk about this?
“I don’t know how,” he admitted finally, trying not to feel like he’d failed ‘Lendel. But as always, his lover was a pillar for him, refusing to let him fall.
“Say the same things you wanted to share with me before,” he urged softly, punctuating his sentence with his teeth at Van’s lips and his fingers around his length. “Just say how you feel.”
Easier said then done -- he closed his eyes and arched into the touch. He opened his mouth to respond, but only ended up with a sudden lungfull of air as ‘Lendel gave him a gentle, teasing squeeze. “I -- I feel --” he began, and got an encouraging hum for his troubles, “Warm.”
It wasn’t exactly a prepossessing start, but it was a start. That was the hardest part, wasn’t it? Common wisdom said so, after all, and ‘Lendel didn’t seem to be complaining with his meager offering.
He did feel warm -- almost like he’d had too much wine, warm and dizzy as he pushed himself closer to ‘Lendel’s gentle touch. The other man was steady and gentle with his touch, but also unmistakably encouraging as he urged Van to continue talking. “Tell me what it’s like.”
The younger man drew in a shuddering breath and tried again to steady himself as his body surged with ‘Lendel’s. “Good --” he whispered again, inwardly cringing at his stammering and lack of eloquence. It was easier to let out a gasp of ‘Lendel’s name as the trainee tightened his grip on Van’s sensitive length and began to stroke him more roughly. This time, when he spoke, his voice was lower and harder as he pinned Van to the bed.
“Tell me what you want.”
It was like the dam inside Vanyel finally broke, and his entire body shook as he arched toward ‘Lendel’s body and grip. “Please,” he cried, hoarsely, “‘Lendel, just -- I don’t know! It feels good, just please don’t stop!”
Lendel’s voice came out in a rough chuckle as he pushed his nose to Vanyel’s skin, scraping his teeth over the hollow of his neck before leaving a mark that was going to show through the open collars of his shirts. “I never said I was going to stop, ashke,” he soothed, smiling in the space between them and teasing, “And Breda said you don’t have creativity.”
Instantly, Van felt him freeze, and it took him a moment longer to process ‘Lendel’s words and realize the reason. He bucked his hips up gracelessly to remind his lover of the task at hand, and they could hash the rest of it out later. “Don’t stop,” Van reminded him, his voice breaking over the words.
Tylendel pressed a quick, apologetic kiss to the mark he’d left on the boy’s pale skin, and he murmured, “I won’t, sweet. Not ever,” making it a promise as his hand began to move again.
“I want you.” The words flowed more freely now. he knew they were cliched, but as long as Lendel kept his grip on his length it didn’t matter how unoriginal he was. “Inside me. I want --”
“I know, ashke,” ‘Lendel interrupted, even before Van knew how he was planning to end the sentence. Still, his body pushed to ‘Lendel’s, trusting the older boy to give him what he needed, even if he couldn’t be sure of it himself. Within moments, he was quivering in the trainee’s arms. “It’s alright. I have you.”
“Please,” Van whispered. “Please, let me--.” The words were barely past his lip before ‘Lendel pushed his thumb against the base of Van’s shaft, giving him the final push he needed. He closed his eyes as he felt the passion rush through him, felt the warmth of ‘Lendel’s body supporting him, and finally spilled over his lover’s hand.
When the spasms wracking his body subsided, he rested heavily against ‘Lendel’s chest, still rocking with the aftershocks of the passion coursing through him. He didn’t have to look up to know his lover was watching him, his eyes warm with affection. ‘Lendel had long ago melted away the ice that tried to form inside him, warmed him straight through.
After a long moment, when his breathing had finally evened out, ‘Lendel leaned in to push a kiss to his lips. “I’m sorry, Vanyel, love. What I said--”
Vanyel didn’t have to ask or really think back to remember the crack, but his body felt warm and languid in the aftermath of his orgasm. His emotions, held on knife-edge from waiting for ‘Lendel, from how he’d fought and failed to tell ‘Lendel what the other man’s touch did to him, finally began to calm. “Don’t worry about it,” he assured his love as he enjoyed the languid stretch of his muscles.
“It was cruel. It was a horrible thing to say, even as a joke.” ‘Lendel’s honor wouldn’t just let him forget about anything, especially when he’d come so very near to scratching open a wound that hadn’t yet healed. Usually, his empathy kept him from insensitive lapses like that -- but he was human, with all the stupidity that implied. “Whether I meant to or not, ashke, I was mocking your dream.”
The truth was, he had barely even noticed the dig, and dismissed it as one of the usual gentle ribs his lover teased him with. He looked up to ‘Lendel, putting as much honesty and reassurance into his tone as he could. “It’s an old dream, love.” He leaned up to claim a kiss from his lover, reveling in the way he could bleed away the tension that had crept back into Tylendel’s stance.
When they finally drew apart, they simply rested together for a long time, letting the drafts through the garden doors cool their bodies. Eventually, the fall chill began to creep up on them again, and ‘Lendel pushed it away by setting the blankets over their shoulders and wrapping himself firmly around Vanyel.
“This isn’t how I saw this evening turning out,” Van admitted quietly, shifting to let his cheek rest on the broader boy’s shoulder. His eyes slid shut, simply feeling too heavy to keep them open any longer. He hadn’t stripped naked and waited for his lover in bed just for his own benefit.
‘Lendel’s thoughts seemed to follow the same line, and he laughed low and warm in his throat. The sound danced up and down the knobs of Vanyel’s spine, giving him the chills, and he pushed himself closer as ‘Lendel leaned down to nibble gently at the shell of his ear. “Who said the night is over?” he murmured in a voice that drew a soft moan from Van’s parted lips. Just that purr and ‘Lendel’s teasing touch were enough to bring Vanyel back from the cusp of sleep and he shivered with delight, laughing out into the dark and letting ‘Lendel bear him back down against the pillows.
Fandom: The Last Herald Mage series
Spoilers: No
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Van can't share his thoughts with Tylendel, so he tries to tell him another way.
Pairing: Tylendel/Vanyel
Word Count: 2605
Notes: Written for
alwaystheheart who requested supremely awkward dirtytalk. Instead, she got this. Sorry, sweetheart. 500 themes prompt #37 -- go on, guess. Yet another sloppy, unbeta'd nano porn fic.
Vanyel had gotten into a habit of staying out of the suite nights he knew the others would be gone. There were a lot of those nights, where Savil was tied up in business and Mardic and Donni had some social obligation to keep them busy. They were nights when his options were either cater to the ninnies at court or spend the whole of his evening playing chicken with Tylendel, and while neither scenario was ideal, he found one more palatable than the others. And so he’d gotten so good at avoiding his rooms that he’d almost made an art of it. He’d never thought there was a time that he’d look forward to these nights.
Tonight, though, he was shaking almost as badly as he had been that very first time, when ‘Lendel had breached the sanctuary of his room to wake him from his nightmares. Their room, now. Everything had happened so suddenly, but at the same time it felt right and perfect. Easy in a way Van’s life had never been before. And now you’re about to ruin it, murmured that dark, traitorous voice inside him that he’d never quite managed to shake. He’d gotten better at telling it to shut up -- much better, since he’d found ‘Lendel -- and he did it now, tucking the blankets tighter around his shoulders.
Still, that voice had absolutely nothing to do with the way the drafts crept through the wide double doors and made him shiver, open and exposed as he was. He had the blankets, but all the linens were still the light and airy ones Margret had taken out for summer. They weren’t meant to hold up against the bitter chill that had suddenly beset the palace, and he wasn’t meant to be lying between them completely bare. There was no other way to make this work, and until his lover returned to share warmth with him, he was just going to have to grit his teeth and bare it. For ‘Lendel.
Everything these last few weeks had been perfect... everything except the fact that there were so many people inside ‘Lendel’s head. Gala, Savil -- sometimes Van would look up in the middle of a sentence only to realize his lover wasn’t listening at all, that there was an entirely separate conversation happening that Van wasn’t a part of. And he tried not to be petty about it. Tylendel had, of course, had a life long before Vanyel had ever come around, and Vanyel would never try to tie off or push away any of his lover’s relationships. It had become plain to him over the last few years that in many ways Tylendel had gone through life as lonely and isolated as Van had been. His family and so-called friends had scorned Van, hurt him, but he’d never been feared. To have people feel about him the way he’d felt about Jarvis -- he never wanted that. And now that he saw it, it made sense to him that Tylendel would reach out to so many people here and lean on them for support and companionship. It was the sort of thing Van himself might have done, if he’d ever had ‘Lendel’s bravery.
Still, it killed him to know that there was a part ‘Lendel that Van couldn’t share. The trainee wasn’t just his lover; in may ways he was the first real friend Van had ever had. And it wasn’t just that he was jealous (although he was) of the way the others could share themselves with ‘Lendel. Sometimes he thought he disappointed the older boy. Of course he’d never say anything, not even hint, that he might be disappointed with Van, but if their positions were reversed Van knew, he absolutely knew, that he would be disappointed. When ‘Lendel could not only have his pick of anyone, but choose a person with whom he could share his entire mind...
It just didn’t make sense on any level, in any way, that he’d chose Vanyel. Of all people, Vanyel.
The thoughts chased each other around that way until ‘Lendel came home, later than Van was expecting him. “I’m sorry, ashke,” the older man said casually as he made his way into the room. ‘Lendel had a way of getting used to being home that Van never tired of watching, the way he hung his cloak and kicked his shoes away and unlaced the first few ties at his collar. He was so encased in his routine that at first he didn’t notice Vanyel, sitting bare among the tangle of blankets across their bed, his fair skin glowing in the candle light. “So, I was thinking -- not really thinking, but just playing with the idea -- we both have ‘y’s in our name. Not that it means anything, but it’s kind of funny. How many people do you know with ‘Y’ names? Besides us, I mean.”
Vanyel let a small smile curl his lips as he looked down at the nest he’d made of the blankets and waited for Tylendel to really look at him.
There was a moment of silence and he knew he’d been seen, and after a moment he felt the dip as Tylendel took his seat on the edge of the mattress. “What’s all this, then?” he asked. For the first time this evening, Vanyel felt warmth swell through him, starting with the touch of ‘Lendel’s palm to his cheek.
He knew, just as he knew that ‘Lendel would never invade his thoughts, that his lover would never use empathy to read or muck around with his emotions. Still, he appreciated the time ‘Lendel had spent teaching him to hide away his stray thoughts and emotions from people who might not be so honorable with those gifts. He carefully deconstructed the walls now, imagined them coming down bit by bit, and let his emotions reach out with an answer. He knew his lover felt what he was trying to get across, even though he’d kept his mind carefully free of thoughts and words.
“Vanyel, ashke,” ‘Lendel murmured, his fingers tucking the hair behind his ear, “I’ve told you before it doesn’t matter to me. I wouldn’t want anyone else no matter what they could offer that you couldn’t.”
Vanyel looked up, feeling a bit more settled in himself as he smiled at Tylendel. “I know,” he said, not because he could really believe it, not entirely, but because it was equally impossible for him to doubt that his lover was telling the truth. “But I can’t share that with you, then I have to show you how I feel another way. Or... tell you.”
He stumbled over the last words, but when he dared to look up again, he saw that his lover didn’t look upset or repulsed by the idea. ‘Lendel was beaming at him with love so bright and clear that he didn’t need empathy to know what ‘Lendel was feeling. He offered a small smile to the older boy and was rewarded with one in return. “I think I’d like that,” ‘Lendel murmured.
A flush rose high and warm in his his cheeks as he felt ‘Lendel move his hand around to cup the back of his neck and pull him closer. Their lips met, gently at first, but ‘Lendel’s kiss grew hard and urgent quickly.
Vanyel rose up to his knees, out of his nest of blankets, to push himself closer to his lover so that he could fit his arms over Lendel’s shoulders. Lovemaking had never been something that had come easy to Van -- before Lendel it had been all women, he hadn’t even known that that it was even possible to want something else. And so he had always been awkward and uneasy, baring himself to someone for whom he felt nothing -- except, often, nerves and mild repulsion.
‘Lendel was different. ‘Lendel made him feel warm through his whole body, even with his skin bared to the cool fall air. He gave himself entirely to the kiss, his body relaxing into ‘Lendel’s embrace as they tumbled together into the sheets.
“Tell me,” his lover murmured, and Van felt the blush ride up again, hot and sudden. Now that he was here, lying between the cool sheets and ‘Lendel’s warmth, the reality of what he’d proposed was almost crushing him. How was he supposed to talk to ‘Lendel when they were tangled up in each other? How was he supposed to talk about this?
“I don’t know how,” he admitted finally, trying not to feel like he’d failed ‘Lendel. But as always, his lover was a pillar for him, refusing to let him fall.
“Say the same things you wanted to share with me before,” he urged softly, punctuating his sentence with his teeth at Van’s lips and his fingers around his length. “Just say how you feel.”
Easier said then done -- he closed his eyes and arched into the touch. He opened his mouth to respond, but only ended up with a sudden lungfull of air as ‘Lendel gave him a gentle, teasing squeeze. “I -- I feel --” he began, and got an encouraging hum for his troubles, “Warm.”
It wasn’t exactly a prepossessing start, but it was a start. That was the hardest part, wasn’t it? Common wisdom said so, after all, and ‘Lendel didn’t seem to be complaining with his meager offering.
He did feel warm -- almost like he’d had too much wine, warm and dizzy as he pushed himself closer to ‘Lendel’s gentle touch. The other man was steady and gentle with his touch, but also unmistakably encouraging as he urged Van to continue talking. “Tell me what it’s like.”
The younger man drew in a shuddering breath and tried again to steady himself as his body surged with ‘Lendel’s. “Good --” he whispered again, inwardly cringing at his stammering and lack of eloquence. It was easier to let out a gasp of ‘Lendel’s name as the trainee tightened his grip on Van’s sensitive length and began to stroke him more roughly. This time, when he spoke, his voice was lower and harder as he pinned Van to the bed.
“Tell me what you want.”
It was like the dam inside Vanyel finally broke, and his entire body shook as he arched toward ‘Lendel’s body and grip. “Please,” he cried, hoarsely, “‘Lendel, just -- I don’t know! It feels good, just please don’t stop!”
Lendel’s voice came out in a rough chuckle as he pushed his nose to Vanyel’s skin, scraping his teeth over the hollow of his neck before leaving a mark that was going to show through the open collars of his shirts. “I never said I was going to stop, ashke,” he soothed, smiling in the space between them and teasing, “And Breda said you don’t have creativity.”
Instantly, Van felt him freeze, and it took him a moment longer to process ‘Lendel’s words and realize the reason. He bucked his hips up gracelessly to remind his lover of the task at hand, and they could hash the rest of it out later. “Don’t stop,” Van reminded him, his voice breaking over the words.
Tylendel pressed a quick, apologetic kiss to the mark he’d left on the boy’s pale skin, and he murmured, “I won’t, sweet. Not ever,” making it a promise as his hand began to move again.
“I want you.” The words flowed more freely now. he knew they were cliched, but as long as Lendel kept his grip on his length it didn’t matter how unoriginal he was. “Inside me. I want --”
“I know, ashke,” ‘Lendel interrupted, even before Van knew how he was planning to end the sentence. Still, his body pushed to ‘Lendel’s, trusting the older boy to give him what he needed, even if he couldn’t be sure of it himself. Within moments, he was quivering in the trainee’s arms. “It’s alright. I have you.”
“Please,” Van whispered. “Please, let me--.” The words were barely past his lip before ‘Lendel pushed his thumb against the base of Van’s shaft, giving him the final push he needed. He closed his eyes as he felt the passion rush through him, felt the warmth of ‘Lendel’s body supporting him, and finally spilled over his lover’s hand.
When the spasms wracking his body subsided, he rested heavily against ‘Lendel’s chest, still rocking with the aftershocks of the passion coursing through him. He didn’t have to look up to know his lover was watching him, his eyes warm with affection. ‘Lendel had long ago melted away the ice that tried to form inside him, warmed him straight through.
After a long moment, when his breathing had finally evened out, ‘Lendel leaned in to push a kiss to his lips. “I’m sorry, Vanyel, love. What I said--”
Vanyel didn’t have to ask or really think back to remember the crack, but his body felt warm and languid in the aftermath of his orgasm. His emotions, held on knife-edge from waiting for ‘Lendel, from how he’d fought and failed to tell ‘Lendel what the other man’s touch did to him, finally began to calm. “Don’t worry about it,” he assured his love as he enjoyed the languid stretch of his muscles.
“It was cruel. It was a horrible thing to say, even as a joke.” ‘Lendel’s honor wouldn’t just let him forget about anything, especially when he’d come so very near to scratching open a wound that hadn’t yet healed. Usually, his empathy kept him from insensitive lapses like that -- but he was human, with all the stupidity that implied. “Whether I meant to or not, ashke, I was mocking your dream.”
The truth was, he had barely even noticed the dig, and dismissed it as one of the usual gentle ribs his lover teased him with. He looked up to ‘Lendel, putting as much honesty and reassurance into his tone as he could. “It’s an old dream, love.” He leaned up to claim a kiss from his lover, reveling in the way he could bleed away the tension that had crept back into Tylendel’s stance.
When they finally drew apart, they simply rested together for a long time, letting the drafts through the garden doors cool their bodies. Eventually, the fall chill began to creep up on them again, and ‘Lendel pushed it away by setting the blankets over their shoulders and wrapping himself firmly around Vanyel.
“This isn’t how I saw this evening turning out,” Van admitted quietly, shifting to let his cheek rest on the broader boy’s shoulder. His eyes slid shut, simply feeling too heavy to keep them open any longer. He hadn’t stripped naked and waited for his lover in bed just for his own benefit.
‘Lendel’s thoughts seemed to follow the same line, and he laughed low and warm in his throat. The sound danced up and down the knobs of Vanyel’s spine, giving him the chills, and he pushed himself closer as ‘Lendel leaned down to nibble gently at the shell of his ear. “Who said the night is over?” he murmured in a voice that drew a soft moan from Van’s parted lips. Just that purr and ‘Lendel’s teasing touch were enough to bring Vanyel back from the cusp of sleep and he shivered with delight, laughing out into the dark and letting ‘Lendel bear him back down against the pillows.