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“I am not going up on to the surface,” Einar complained as his boyfriend, Hurton, tried to pull him out of bed. “Go with your other boyfriends.”
“They’re on a date.”
“I’ll get stung.”
“There are no jellyfish on the planet,” Hurton stopped pulling. It would be easy to pull Einar off the crystal bed. Unfortunately, doing so without scraping him over the sharp edges or dropping him to the hard crystal floor was another issue.
Einar gave him a victorious grin.
Hurton decided it was worth the risk and suddenly pulled at him.
Einar yelped in surprise, not grabbing the edge in time. “This is no way to treat your councilor!”
“You need sun. Healer’s orders.”
“I do not!” Einar shrieked when he fell out of the bed, though Hurton was quick to catch him. He needed to catch his breath after, glaring at Hurton.
Hurton retreated, giving control to his fairly new symbiote, Twig.
“Oh, you can do better than that.” Twig smiled.
“You messed up my hair.”
“If I comb your hair, will you go on a picnic with me?”
“A what?” Einar frowned as he struggled to get off the floor, then laid back down on his bed.
“We go outside, sit on a blanket, eat delicious food, have sex, and enjoy the flowers.” Twig smiled, then despite his reverberated voice, managed to squeal, “It’s spring!”
“Sit on a blanket.”
“Yes.”
“In other words, sit on the ground.” He groaned. “I’m too old.”
“You are not.”
“I’m 176.”
“And you don’t look a day over 170.”
Einar jerked and sat up. “Take that back!”
“You don’t look a day over 150.” Twig smiled.
“That’s better.” Einar folded his arm and pouted.
Twig leaned in and kissed his pouty lip, then gently bit it when he didn’t get a response.
Einar grinned and held him close. “Make the arrangements, but-“ He tapped Hurton’s nose. “-with the eight of us. I want to spend time with my new telemours too.” He smiled. “I think Toma is a little nervous about the arrangement. I want it to be clear that there is no jealousy. You need to spent time with him too.”
“Hurton is not Delek’s biggest fan,” Twig replied, Delek being Toma’s symbiote.
“Thoran asked you both before bringing Delek into the relationship.”
Twig retreated.
“But-“ Hurton began to protest.
“He’s your metamour. Be nice.”
“Fine.”
Einar gave him a look of disbelief.
“I will. I promise.”
“Make the arrangements.”
“Tomorrow then?”
“If that works for everyone else.”
“And now?”
“We have sex.”
“What a wonderful answer.” Hurton kissed him.
~+~+~.
They cuddled after, and it was quiet. Einar’s mind was on other things, unpleasant things, so he retreated, giving control to his symbiote.
“Hello Per’sus,” Hurton greeted, instantly noticing the shift. While he and Twig were dating both, the relationship between them and Per’sus was neither sexual nor romantic.
“Hello.” It was intimate though, so Per’sus enjoyed holding them close, and he had no issue being naked.
“Einar seemed bothered…in the end.” Hurton laid partially on them, faced away. He reached a hand back and played with Einar’s hair. In return, he felt a gentle massage over the back of his neck, over Twig.
The symbiote within enjoyed the touch, and Twig pressed back slightly, but he didn’t take control. The truth was, the relationship with his new host was still delicate.
“He enjoyed himself,” Per’sus assured. “However, he is…still recovering.”
Hurton stiffened slightly, and Twig immediately gave him warm shivers while apologizing.
“I apologize,” Per’sus whispered gently.
“I’m getting apologies from within and from you, but neither of you are to blame. I too am recovering from our captivity, and while I was held in a nightmare for much longer…for years…” His voice was nearly a whisper. “He was particularly brutal with you and Einar.” He sat up and looked towards Per’sus. “And Twig is not at fault for being a clone to that monster.”
Per’sus made a short nod.
Hurton laid back again, nestling into Einar’s warmth. “I do not wish to dwell on past pains.”
Per’sus moved his hand in front to gently hold him, kissing the side of his head. He felt Hurton take his hand. Since they didn’t have work, not until later, the four of them relaxed in silence.
~+~+~.
A few days later, Tian fussed over his hair while Delek assured him that it was fine.
I’m going on a date with Per’sus!
Are you combing your hair like his?
That’s how he likes it.
My dear host… Delek sent Tian warm, gentle vibrations. First, he likes it on his own head…well, his hosts’ heads. He doesn’t expect anyone else to do the same. Second, your hair is too short for that particular style.
What are the terms again? Tian asked.
It is not something you need to worry about, Delek assured, but I will explain. Phris and Thoran are your boyfriends.
I knew that one.
Hurton and Twig are their boyfriends, but since they are not dating us, they are your metamours.
That’s familiar.
Einar and Per’sus are only with Hurton and Twig.
Right.
Which makes them? Delek tested.
Ahhh!
Telemours. They are our telemours. Delek made physical changes in Tian’s body to sooth him. You are fully capable of plucking the information from my memories.
“Toma,” they heard behind them.
Tian jumped, then realized it was Thoran.
“Sorry.”
Tian kept working on his hair.
Tian, is this too much? Delek asked. You haven’t had even the potential for a serious relationship since we have blended. We just buried people we loved. We can back out. No one will mind.
Thoran approached, not getting too close. While they were dating, he knew Tian didn’t like being grabbed without warning. He watched Tian fret.
Don’t just stare at him, his host, Phris, thought. Tell him he’s beautiful.
“You are very handsome.”
Tian slowly paused, put the comb away, then turned towards him.
“I’m handsome too, right?”
“Yes. Handsome. You are,” he stammered, fidgeting before his eyes glowed.
“Don’t make him nervous,” Delek scolded.
“Sorry,” Thoran replied to Delek, then added, “Sorry, Toma.”
“He accepts your apology.”
Thoran smiled. “Are you ready?”
“We need a moment.” Delek closed his eyes. Love?
Can’t I just call Einar and Per’sus my boyfriends’ boyfriends’ boyfriends?
Yes.
Or my brother-boyfriends? My wives were sister-wives to each other.
Uh, well, while I fully respect that term under certain circumstances… Delek wiggled in slight amusement. Among the Tok’ra, “brother-boyfriend” is generally used when a host is dating his brother.
There was a pause. Right. Tian was quiet for another moment, assessing his feelings. I am ready. We can mourn your sisters… He paused, then corrected. …our sisters, and still date. I don’t know how serious this is anyway.
None of us do, Delek replied as he opened his eyes. “Yes, we are ready.”
Don’t forget my art supplies, Tian thought.
I won’t forget them, Delek promised as he grabbed them.
“Do you know the plans?” Thoran asked as they left the room.
“Yes, and Per’sus has a surprise for Toma.”
“Oh. He is trying to impress you.”
Delek smiled. “He is our leader, respected and loved. I was impressed by him mere seconds after I was born.” He paused, then looked to Thoran. “To be honest, I am as nervous as Toma to even be this close in a relationship with him. I don’t know how Hurton isn’t a nervous wreck.”
“Per’sus is a man, just as we are.”
“Sometimes we are women.” Delek smirked.
Thoran grinned and smiled. “True.”
They paused for a moment, each remembering his previous host.
“It’s been…a quarter-century since Astrid died,” Thoran realized in sadness.
Delek touched his arm gently. “The older we become, the more quickly time seems to pass. We blink, and a host is gone.”
Technically, you can’t blink, Tian corrected.
Delek smiled and affectionately ran his fingers, Tian’s fingers, through Tian’s hair. “I, uh… What was I saying?”
Thoran grinned, knowing all too well how one could be distracted by their host.
How much I should be appreciated, Tian answered.
“Ah, yes. So we enjoy them while we can. Phris is still very young.” Delek smiled as he caressed Thoran’s side, then leaned in to kiss him.
Thoran retreated before their lips even touched, and Phris kissed Delek gently. He rested his hands on Delek’s sides, enjoying the bliss of his touch and taste.
A throat cleared. “Really? In the middle of the rings?” Jacob said, interrupting them.
Delek and Phris pulled away, looking to him, then to each other before laughing.
“Are you going up?” Phris asked.
“Going to Earth to celebrate Easter with my grandkids,” Jacob replied as he stepped into the area with them.
“Happy Easter?” Phris only knew that it was some sort of holiday.
“Thank you.”
Delek activated the rings.
Going from the tunnels to the surface was always an experience in itself.
The tunnels, while made of grown crystals, had an unnatural feel to them. They also produced the lights that felt so artificial. The air was always the same…the same cool temperature, the same stillness. Most of the tunnels had the same, almost nonexistent earthy scent. The mess hall usually smelled of the same foods. Only the public baths varied, and that depended on whatever was added to the water.
Cherries for now.
And since every bath fed off the main one, that meant every Tok’ra currently smelled like cherries.
When they took the transport rings up to the surface, Delek and Tian immediately noticed the difference. A fresh breeze moved over them, bringing in the scent of earth, trees, and a variety of flowers. The air tasted sweet. They could feel the sun on Tian’s skin, and the colors seemed more vivid.
Tian was excited. Spin me.
Delek twirled around.
“Are we dancing?” Thoran asked.
“Perhaps later.” Delek smiled as Jacob walked away. “Jacob.”
Jacob turned back, frowning slightly since he and Delek didn’t exactly get along.
“Happy Easter.”
“Thank you.” Jacob’s smile was genuine as he knew Delek had swallowed some pride to even acknowledge the Earth holiday. He had to admire that. “Enjoy your date.”
“I believe we will.” Delek smiled.
Jacob left.
Hurton ran over towards them, leaving barely noticeable footprints that horrified both Thoran and Delek.
“This way!” Hurton waved.
Relax, Phris thought to Thoran. The footprints will be erased by the guards.
Thoran nodded. They followed Hurton deeper into the forest, and they soon heard the sound of happy birds. They could also sense the others, the guards in particular, who would be watching over the group, though they were hidden out of view.
“Toma, Phris, you both look very handsome,” Einar greeted. He sat on a large stone with a wooden tumbler. He had a daffodil tucked behind his ear, which was neither his style nor Per’sus’. He held out another tumbler towards them.
Delek, being closer, took the cup before retreating. Tian immediately picked up on the scent of vanilla, cherries, and vodka.
Hurton kissed Thoran in greeting before handing him his own cup. He then pinned an iris into his hair. Hurton already wore a lily himself.
“Thank you,” Tian replied. “You also look very handsome.” He felt less nervous now that the date had started. There was no reason to worry. He had known these people for decades, worked with them, watched Delek argue and debate with them.
“Do you want a flower?” Hurton asked.
“No.” Do you?
I’m good without a flower.
I know you sometimes miss accessorizing.
Delek wiggled.
“Delek would like a flower.”
You-really-don’t-have-to. I-know-you-find-it-feminine. Delek squirmed nervously, the equivalent of twiddling one’s thumbs.
Tian tilted his head as Hurton gently pinned a rose behind his ear. “Thank you.”
Delek sent him warmth and appreciation.
After, Hurton sat by Einar.
“What do we do?” Thoran asked.
“I have arranged for a basket hunt,” Hurton replied. “Two teams. We search for baskets that have been hidden. There are five in total.”
Tian smiled as Delek had a suggestion. “Delek has an idea. Strip Basket Hunt.”
“Oh, he is trying to impress me, isn’t he?” Hurton hopped off his bolder, then drained his glass.
Tian laughed as Delek did.
“The team that loses…” Hurton grabbed a flask bottle and poured it into two wooden shot glasses. “…takes one drink, and each person takes off one item of clothing for every basket that they didn’t find.”
That’s a strong drink, Thoran thought.
How strong? Phris asked.
It would not be advisable for a non-blended human to drink it.
“How shall we select teams?” Hurton asked.
“I choose Toma and Delek,” Per’sus said immediately.
Hurton smiled. “Or Per’sus can just use his rank.”
Per’sus grinned.
“Oh, and you are tied to your partner.”
Tian immediately retreated.
“That would hurt Toma,” Delek explained. Tian? Are you alright? He knew the suggestion brought up bad memories.
“Is he willing to hold the end of a rope?” Hurton asked.
I can do that, Tian thought.
“He is.”
“Einar did not care for that idea either,” Per’sus added.
“It was just a way to keep partners from wandering too far away from each other,” Hurton defended. He made a soft groan. “I didn’t mean to cause any harm. I apologize.” He made a half bow.
Per’sus made a short nod.
“We are all still figuring this out,” Delek replied. “You and Einar have only been together…five months?”
“Technically six,” Hurton replied. “Six and a half? Per’sus, are we counting that first kiss?”
“I have no idea.”
As they spoke, Thoran found the ropes that they would be holding. “If no one minds, Hurton and I can still be tied to each other.”
Hurton gasped in delight.
Per’sus grinned. “That would not bother us. Delek?”
“Toma and I are also fine with that.”
~+~+~.
“Hurton, we are supposed to be searching for baskets!” Thoran called out as Hurton danced around him.
“Sorry, I don’t see another one,” Hurton singsonged.
“It’s right there.”
Hurton dramatically flopped to the ground and stretched out his arm towards the basket. He didn’t notice the flower falling from his hair. “Can’t…reach.”
While he was at first annoyed, Thoran couldn’t help but chuckle.
Nearby, Tian grinned as he watched them, glad that he had been selected by Per’sus. “You knew he would not help, didn’t you?”
“Yes.” Per’sus smiled. “He wants that drink.”
They searched a bit more, not bothering with the basket that Hurton was not grabbing. Thoran was closer anyway.
“Who came up with searching for baskets to celebrate spring?” Tian asked.
“Hurton. I think it’s an Easter tradition.”
“I thought they looked for eggs.”
“As far as I understand it, a rabbit invades specific homes, hides all their eggs, then leaves baskets of candy.”
Tian stopped in his steps, completely baffled.
Maybe it’s a religious belief? Delek thought. Like you needing a secret name?
Tian is my true name, not my secret name. I just can’t share it with… I see your point. The idea that people just shared their actual names once horrified Tian. By now, he was used to it, but he still held strictly to his beliefs.
Meanwhile, across the glade…
“I don’t know what they are talking about, but your boyfriend is making the most adorable expressions,” Hurton said.
“I see that.” Phris said with smile.
“Maybe I’ll steal him.”
“You can’t steal him, it’s an open relationship,” Phris laughed as he looked over. Hurton’s smile was so charming that Phris had to kiss him.
~+~+~.
After all five baskets were found, they went back to the clearing.
“Your team found three of them, so…” Hurton downed his drink. “Oh, that is not good!”
Einar laughed.
Phris, of course, needed to show off by reacting as little as possible.
“Now clothes off,” Hurton added with a scratchy voice and watering eyes. “Einar, how many baskets did you find?”
“Three. Oh. I found one, and Toma found the other two, so I take off four items?”
“Well, you take off four, but Per’sus found none, so he takes off five.”
“What?!” Phris exclaimed in surprise.
“You all agreed. ‘Each person takes off one item of clothing for every basket that they didn’t find.’”
“So this is officially a naked picnic?” Einar asked as he and the others began stripping.
“Yes.” Hurton grinned.
Public nudity in the baths, even public sex, was so normal that none of them minded. Tian and Delek still had underwear on due to having found the most baskets together and because they wore more layers.
“That breeze suddenly feels colder,” Thoran said as he began examining the baskets.
“You are nice and warm inside your host,” Hurton replied.
“Well, Phris’ skin feels colder,” Thoran complained.
“I’ll warm him up then.”
“Toma, are you ready for your surprise?” Per’sus asked as the other two began kissing again.
“Yes.” Tian looked over.
Per’sus smiled. “I figured you would want to draw, perhaps after we eat, so I created holograms, adding to the scenery.” He gestured to the guards to activate the holograms.
Tian looked in the direction that he pointed, then smiled as multiple rainbows appeared.
“I noticed that you liked rainbows.”
“Thank you. I did bring my art supplies.” Tian smiled, admiring the rainbows.
Per’sus took over the baskets. Inside each of four baskets was a personalized lunch, and he passed them around before grabbing his own.
What did you have made for us? Einar asked.
Egg salad, roasted beets, crunchy berries, and toast.
Wonderful!
~+~+~.
They ate quietly, enjoying the peaceful mood. Per’sus was on the large rock. As was Twig. Despite there being more than enough room for them, Delek and Thoran had chosen the blanket on the ground.
“Can the rainbows move?” Twig asked as he leaned against Per’sus’ side.
“Dozens of rainbows in the sky aren’t enough?” Per’sus replied.
“I was just curious.”
“No. They don’t move.”
“I think they are perfect the way they are,” Delek defended. “And Tian and I both really appreciate the gesture.”
“Thank you.”
The fifth basket contained a variety of candies and fruits for everyone. Twig went to the blanket to share, and Per’sus reluctantly joined them.
“I know we eat meat, but isn’t shaping candy to look like baby rabbits and chickens a little morbid?” Phris asked as he picked up a vanilla-flavored marshmallow peep.
“Some of the candy came from Earth,” Per’sus explained.
“It’s still creepy.”
Per’sus suddenly felt a sting, and he slapped at the insect before retreating.
“Something stung us,” Einar informed. “Per’sus is healing me.”
“At least it wasn’t a jellyfish.” Hurton picked up a chocolate bunny and bit its ears off, laughing and almost choking when Phris and Tian cried out in alarm. He coughed a bit, forcing the bite down.
“That’s just sadistic!” Phris cried out with an expression of horror.
Delek took over, took the bunny, broke its head off, then handed the pieces back.
“Did you just ‘kill’ it?” Hurton asked as Twig told him to be polite.
“Yes.” He glanced away. “It was suffering. Like ripping off a symbiote’s fins.”
Per’sus, Thoran, and Twig all shuddered.
Hurton put the chocolate away. “I promise I won’t torture any more chocolate bunnies.”
“Thank you.”
~+~+~.
After, Thoran and Hurton had sex. Thoran’s flower was already barely attached, and it fell away.
Per’sus watched as Tian drew them. He was amazed that Tian could make something so primal and basic look so beautiful.
He even captured Twig’s eye glow, Einar thought.
Of course, drawing took time, but the sex fiends had no problem “posing” long enough for Tian to finish.
Thoran grinned after, relaxing as he held Hurton close. “Do we look marvelous?”
“Very sensual,” Per’sus answered. “You don’t look at all drunk.”
“I would hope not.” He laughed before retreating.
Tian smiled as he added the final details. “Do any of you wish to draw something?”
“I am not skilled, and I am too old to learn,” Per’sus replied.
“You are never too old to learn. Here.” Tian gave him supplies. “What do you wish to draw?”
Per’sus looked around, then pointed. “That tree…and the rainbow behind it.”
“Alright, this is how you start…”
~+~+~.
Tian was happy to talk about drawing, about artwork in general. He talked about techniques, favorite artists, and how he taught himself as a boy.
“My father wasn’t originally going to teach me,” Tian said. “I started drawing on my own. Sort of stole his supplies. When he saw my skill, he began teaching me, taking me to work.”
“It was a family business. Your father didn’t teach you on his own?” Thoran asked, realizing that he somehow botched drawing a marshmallow bunny peep.
How did you mess that up? Phris asked.
I have no idea.
“Yes, but only the oldest son was taught. I did not want to make the same mistake, so I taught all of my children.”
They had known him for over seventy years now, and this was the first he had ever mentioned children.
They were quiet, waiting to see if he would change the topic or continue.
He seemed frozen though, realizing what he said. Within, Delek gave him comfort.
“Do you have drawings of them?” Per’sus asked very gently.
Tian nodded quietly, then began drawing.
Knowing that he didn’t want to talk about them, the others continued drawing as well.
Hosts and symbiotes took turns drawing, sometimes each having their own work, sometimes working together…and sometimes competing.
It was fun, interesting, and for a few of them, surprisingly therapeutic. They lost track of time, drawing after the sun was down, the stars were out, and all three moons could be seen in the sky. The holographic rainbows were still clearly visible.
Twig finally put down his work. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m working harder to keep Hurton’s body warm.”
“You are the one who wanted us all naked,” Phris said without looking up.
“And I’m hungry again.”
Einar chuckled.
“A hot bath sounds really good…with milk? While we drink buttered hot chocolate?”
~+~+~.
“Oh, so hot,” Hurton moaned as he sank into the bath.
Near them, another Tok’ra poured a bucket of milk into their bath. While a full milk bath was a pre-wedding ritual, a little milk was still enough to make it a cleansing of the soul…which they all desperately needed.
“Aren’t we supposed to drink milk to make it complete?” Delek asked. “So I too can bathe?”
“The hot chocolate is mostly milk,” Thoran replied.
“Toma and I are drinking hot vanilla.”
“Does it have milk?”
“Yes.”
“You have your bath then.”
“I thought it had to be pure.”
“It’s whatever you want,” Per’sus answered. “Besides, knowing you, it’s just milk heated with vanilla beans, correct?” By now, he was the only one who still had a flower in his hair.
“Yes.”
“You are fine. Many have chosen to add a scent, or in your case, a flavor, to their bath.”
Delek smiled and took a sip. “Wash away my pains.”
Everyone took a drink, repeating the same sentiment.
“Hurton, what did you add to your hot chocolate?” Thoran asked after a moment of silence.
“A peep.”
“You killed it first, right?” Delek asked.
“I… Yes. I gave the marshmallow a quick death.”
Delek smiled, and only Tian knew if he was kidding or not.
“We need to make this a standard date.” Hurton relaxed against the side while the water fizzled against his skin. The sensation was glorious.
“Wonderful idea.” Einar, who was now in control, lifted his glass. “We enjoy ourselves, take advantage of Toma’s lessons-”
“He’s good with that,” Delek laughed.
“-and see where this goes, however far it goes. If it ends tomorrow, Per’sus and I enjoyed all of your company today.”
The rest raised their glasses.
“No regrets. To…” Einar considered it, then smiled. “To us.”
“To us,” the others chorused before they all took a drink.