I nod. “I understand that. My feet ache.”
“I also feel chilled to my bones,” he says, shivering. “I’ve been sitting here for the past twenty minutes, and I’m still shivering.” Brevan gives me an amused smile.
“Would you like to go back to the domes?” I ask.
His eyes flicker around. When they meet mine again, he nods. “Yes, but you might have to carry me to the shuttle stop. I’ve been sitting too long, and my body doesn’t want to move.”
I grin as I get to my feet and offer him my hand. His cheeks flush, and it’s clear that he’d been teasing. Even so, I don’t pull my hand away. He takes it and allows me to pull him to his feet.
I grab a bag for his cookies and we head out. The shuttle stop isn’t far, which might be why he crashed in the café he did. We’re only waiting for a few minutes before it pulls up to the sidewalk, and we climb on.
We don’t sit in the same row, though we sit in the aisle seats beside each other while the shuttle waits for anyone else who might be ready to go back. The next departure is at 8:30, so we have ten minutes.
“Oh,” Brevan says and twists to look at me. “I was talking to Einar, and she kept talking about the things that we’re changing at þórðargleði University, and I don’t think we’re using the right language. We don’t want to change them, right? I think we need to stop using that word. We should be using expand or add or something. They already have a really great school, and I don’t think it should be changed at its core.”
I’m proud of Brevan. I think maybe more than any other student here, he understands what being an ambassador means. He’s right. We’re not looking to change þórðargleði University and make it a carbon copy of Rainbow Dorset. This isn’t about creating a copy and paste scenario. þórðargleði University should remain at its heart and in the forefront of þórðargleði University.
I listen to him talk about the conversation he shared with Einar until we’re stepping into my dome. I’m not sure he even realizes where we are while he strips off his outside gear and stands over the woodstove, while I begin a new fire.
It isn’t until I pull him into my arms and kiss him that Brevan stops talking. His big body sinks into me, and I hold him close while I taste his words and swallow the quiet hums he makes.
His breath stutters when I pull my mouth from his. “I agree, Brevan. We need to take the word ‘change’ out of our conversation entirely because that’s not what we’re doing at all. At least, not on a large scale.”
Brevan’s eyebrows knit together. “There are things they’re changing?”
“Yes, but not in the way you’re concerned about. There are some financial processes and administrative procedures concerning enrollment and reaching a wider queer audience in this part of the world, to let them know there’s a safe space here with accomplished professionals they can learn from. But no, we’re notchangingwhat þórðargleði University is. You’re right. We’re expanding, adding to, and introducing new and exciting features.”
He sighs. A smile settles on his full lips. “I like that. Maybe we should make that clear the next time we all get together. Einar didn’t know that.”
“Using the correct words is important for communication, so I think you’re correct. We need to clarify what this partnership means.”
“I’m glad I’m here,” Brevan says. “I… wasn’t sure I was the right person, but I’m thankful for this opportunity.”
I kiss him again as I pull him toward the bed. “You’re the right person, Brevan. You’ve already made such a big impact on several topics in just a couple of short days. I’m so proud of you.”
He pulls me backward onto the bed as he goes down. “Do you really think so?”
“Iknowso, Brevan. You’ve already improved this program in ways I can’t even express.”
Brevan sighs. “I struggle with confidence,” he admits quietly. “So thank you for believing in me.”
Fuck, he hurts my heart. I press my forehead to his, and for a minute, we remain silently wrapped around each other.
“What would you like to do tonight? Did you already eat?” I ask.
“Yes, I ate. Did you?”
“I did.”
I watch as Brevan takes his lower lip between his teeth. “I’d like to be naked with you again,” he says quietly. I can practically feel the way his skin heats. “If that’s okay.”
“Definitely okay.”
We’re quiet as we take each other’s clothes off. Brevan’s hands move over my body as much as mine do his. We’re shaped very differently; where he’s all hard, toned lines with young, smooth skin, I’m soft, a bit hairy, and not quite as smooth.
He doesn’t appear bothered by it, though. His touch feels hungry, especially once we’re naked.
“I, uh…” he begins, and I love to watch the way his cheeks heat. “I was going to buy lube and stuff tonight, and I forgot.”
