Page 12 of Henry & the Dragon
Kai cursed himself for thoughts of things that could never be. As special as Henry was, the trip home would not be for one such as he. Even if he went with, Henry wouldn’t be able to face the things Kai would be dealing with in his explorations. The things that dwelled within the woods were nothing compared to the horrors that Kai had witnessed on his trip here. Creatures of the ocean so large they could swallow a ship whole. Beasts of the sky that could carry a man off, and tear his flesh from bone to feed their spawn. The horrors were numerous, and Henry was special, but he was soft, quiet. Travel such as the journeys Kai would undertake was not meant for one such as he.
When he cleared the woods, Kai had a flash of panic. He did not see Henry, and that worried him. He moved quickly, rushing for the stream. When he got there, his jaw dropped. Henry stood in the rush of water, with no clothes on. Kai’stongue grew thick in his mouth as he watched Henry sluice water over his bruised form, then stand with his arms stretched skyward. In the bright light of day, Henry was even more beautiful, with pale skin that was in need of the sun’s kiss and hair that urged Kai to touch it.
When Henry turned in his direction, Kai found himself unable to move. So entranced was he by the display Henry was part of, the pure beauty of nature, that he was transfixed. Except for his nethers. Those were quite active.
“Kai,” Henry gasped, a flush starting in his cheeks that quickly ran to all areas of his body. “I was unaware you were there.”
He wanted to say something witty, but all words had fled his brain as the blood traveled south, extending his member. And through it all, Henry continued to display himself.
“Henry,” Kai croaked. It was a very unseemly sound, but no man, no beast had witnessed the perfection of Henry Cabot. Anyone who did not desire him, must surely be addled.
Henry left the water, then bent and picked up his tunic which he used to dry himself. Kai had never before been jealous over a piece of fabric, but now he’d gladly rip it to shreds. Henry’s movements were slow, languorous, teasing. Henry was the spider, and Kai the fly that found itself trapped in his web.
“You can come closer,” Henry urged, crooking his finger in invite.
Kai did as he was bade, pulled along as if he was a child’s toy on a string. When he stopped in front of Henry, he found himself drawn into slender arms. He ran his hands over the skin he’d moments ago fantasized about. When he reached further, he felt the curve of Henry’s cheeks, soft and fuzzy. Against him, Henry purred.
“Never did I suspect that I would meet the man who could change my life so,” he said against Kai’s chest. “I shall miss you when you leave.”
“What makes you think I would leave?” Kai choked out through the knot in his throat.
“You are a wanderer. You seek something that leaves you unable to rest until you find it.”
It near knocked Kai over that Henry knew him so well. Hewasa traveler. He had been to all corners of this world, seen wonders that would strike most mute, but none of them compared to the man who now inhabited Kai’s arms.
“Henry, I—“
“No, please don’t.” He leaned back and peered into Kai’s eyes. “Don’t make a promise we both know you’ll be unable to keep. It would not be long before the road called to you again, and you would be resentful if you stayed.”
How could Kai explain that Henry was wrong? He sought something for years, but now? He truly believed he found it in Henry. He could not see resenting him for any choice Kai would make.
“I ask only that you give me fair warning before you leave. I need time to prepare myself for your departure.”
“I could stay,” Kai said, and he meant it.
Henry gave a soft smile. “You could not. You don’t like the people, and I am bound to Neron. We could not be together, no matter what. It would be better if we departed as friends, carrying the fond memories of what we’ve shared.” He nuzzled Kai’s chest. “Though I would not be upset with you if you were to hold me for a time before I must go back to town.”
Kai pulled Henry as close as he possibly could, wrapping his arms around Henry’s shivering frame.
“Are you cold?”
He shook his head. “Just thinking. I’m memorizing this moment, so that I can think on it after you’ve left. I want to remember every detail until I am old and feeble.”
Instead of arguing, Kai did as Henry bade, and held him close. He wasn’t sure how much time passed, but the sun had begun to dip, its gold, red, and yellow rays darkening as they did so. With its departure, the winds were getting cold, biting into Henry’s skin, if his shivers were any indication.
“I must go. Neron will probably punish me again.”
The thought of him touching Henry filled Kai with such anger. “I would kill him, Henry. If he harms a hair on your head, I would do that.”
“You wouldn’t. You’re not that kind of person. You’re good and decent.”
Fine, maybe Kai wouldn’t kill him, but he would damn sure hurt him a great deal.
Henry drew his thin tunic around him, then leaned in and kissed Kai. “I hope I can see you tomorrow.”
“I’ll be here, you have my vow.”
“And I shall try.” One more kiss. “Farewell.”
