“You feel so good,” Brannal told him. “I love when you’re surrounding me.”
Perian sucked in a breath. “And I love when you fill me up.”
He could hear the smile again. “We make a good pair.”
“Yes, we do,” Perian agreed. Maybe they’d lost sight of that yesterday, and he found himself asking, “Do you think anyone gets to a point where they’re just totally stable with their partner, and there aren’t any more misunderstandings?”
Brannal’s body went still where it cradled Perian. “I don’t know.”
“I don’t—” he cut off, realized that hadn’t come out right. “I’m not saying I expect no mistakes or no arguments or anything like that.”
“You just mean does one person not accuse the other of endangering the life of someone he really cares about because it makes the other person look bad?”
Perian made a loud noise of agreement. “Yeah, I mean, what kind of an assdoes that?”
This surprised a snort of laughter out of Brannal.
Perian reached back and grabbed one of Brannal’s hands and pulled it forward to press a kiss to it. This was one of his favorite positions, but it wasn’t good for seeing one another’s faces.
“I’m not even sure what I mean,” Perian admitted. “Maybe wondering if this is normal.”
“Or if we’re doing something wrong?” Brannal asked with wry amusement.
“Well, it sounds silly when you say it like that, but I guess so? Is there something we should know or do that would make it go better?”
“I think any relationship is made up of the two—or more—people who are in it, so no matter what, it’s going to have personal elements. What works for one relationship won’t necessarily work for another. That being said, I think there are some fundamentals, and one of them is communication. I’m embarrassed to admit yesterday wasn’t the first time I’ve needed reminding about how important it is in a relationship. I swear I’ll keep working on it.”
Perian nodded. “And I’ll try to make more allowances for your position as Summus. I do understand the importance of your job. It’s not all you are, but it’s an important part of you.”
“It is,” Brannal agreed. “But this is an important part of me too. The time I have with you is important.” He rocked his hips, making Perian moan. “And pleasurable.”
This made Perian grin. “Why don’t you see if you can improve onthat?”
And Brannal, because he knew full well when not to argue, obediently fucked Perian to a very satisfying orgasm, coming deep inside him as Perian spilled onto the sheets.
He sagged back against the other man with a contented sigh.
“You’re so good at that, thank you.”
Brannal laughed and pressed a kiss to Perian’s shoulder. “I assure you it’syouwho are so good at that, but you’re welcome.”
“I kind of want to stay like this forever, but I don’t suppose that will work,” Perian said reluctantly.
“I’ll clean you up and feed you tea if you get up now,” Brannal offered.
Perian made a theatrically loud sigh, but he climbed out of bed happily enough and followed Brannal into the water closet. Because they were here together, and that meant everything.
At the breakfast table, Brannal promptly poured them tea.
“So, what are you up to today?” He frowned. “That’s just meant to be a question.”
Perian smiled at him. “You’ve asked me before, and I don’t mind. I’m happy to tell you about my day. Defense in the morning and, of course, the picnic with Renny. I’m spending time with the doctor and Nisal in the afternoon again, more salve preparation, but apparently, it’s harvesting this time, things that need to be dried or made into oils. Or both. No horses, as far as I know.”
Brannal looked torn between protest and relief.
“No, but honestly,” Perian conceded, laughing a little, “It does seem like it might be better to just stay well away, at least for a day or two, and let everyone calm down.”
“I’ll speak to Cormal and the Queen,” Brannal promised.
