“Oh, on land we’re just the same as you.Inconvenientsometimes—in other ways, very nice.”
Priddy was interested in theotherways.He considered Merou’s words, cradlingthe neat, silky-skinned backside in his hands.“Justexactlythe same asus?”
“Mm-hm.Every little hair and hole.I even have my belly buttonback again.Go ahead and check it out if you like.”
“What, the belly button, or...”
“No, my beautiful king of the mountains.Not that.”
Priddyran his thumb into the velvety crease of Merou’s backside.“Are youasking me to fuck you?”
“In every possible way other than sending a telegram or acarrier pigeon, yes.”
“Sorry.Don’t mean to be slow on the uptake.”
“What’s wrong?Do you prefer your lovers to stick with the topbunk?”
“Tell you the truth, I’ve rarely got to the bunk stage at all.If I do it to you, it won’t be...”
“What?
“Well—lovely,like the way it was when you did me.”
Meroucupped his face, kissed the corner of his mouth.“I’m sure itwill.”
“I hope so.I’ll try to make it that way.But it won’t beweightlessness, and swaying fronds, and little floatylights.”
“Will it be sweaty and grunty, and a bit uncomfortable becauseI haven’t had it that way in a while?Will you fall asleep on methe second you’re done and spend the night drooling in myear?”
“Oh, God, I hope not the last bit.The rest of it—probably,yeah.”
“Sounds wonderful.”Merou spread his thighs to allow access toPriddy’s exploring hand.“Come on, my handsome.The moon’s stillfull, and that makes me more prone to change.Better take thearsehole while it’s there.”
Priddychuckled.“How romantic.I’m not taking anything until I find arubber and some KY.”He put a finger to Merou’s lips to silence hisprotest.“I know, I know.You’re immune to all our human diseases,and that’s grand.But you look pretty human yourself right now, andI haven’t been too careful lately, so I’m not taking any chanceswith you.”
Heextricated himself from the bed, dodging Merou’s restraining grab.Times had been so lean with him lately that he hoped he could comethrough on the promised equipment.He didn’t think running down andasking Kit and Geoff for a loan would go over too well.To hisrelief he found a packet of condoms at the bottom of the holdallhe’d brought here three months ago and never properly unpacked.Nolubricant, but...“Will Swiss Formula do?”
“What is that?Some kind of cheese?”
“No, you dolt.A heavy-duty hand cream for outdoor work.Nottested on animals, fragrance-free.”
“I’m sure it’ll do beautifully.Please just stop fussing andcome back to bed.”
Priddyscrambled back in.He was shaking with cold and the excitement ofsharing close quarters with this man, the dizzy prospect of lovinghim.The last time he’d tried this, the boy he’d been with hadhelplessly climaxed at the push of Priddy’s cock between histhighs, and Priddy had been no better, losing control an instantlater.How was he supposed to deal with Merou—the ultimate insophisticated older men, veteran of God only knew how many expertassaults on his beautiful arse...?
“Priddy, let me tell you something.”Merou sounded strained, asif he too was nervous, or putting up a battle for control.His cockwas a handsome, distinct shape beneath the blanket.“I’m thedomineering sort.Most of my kind are, when we’re on land with youlot.But even by Mer standards, I’m a top-bunk kind of guy.So youdon’t have much competition, and if I’m letting you do this—askingyou—you’d better believe I’m hot for you.Okay?”
“Okay,” Priddy whispered.“Do you want to be on your back,or...”
“I’m taking orders, not giving them.Just get in here with yourrubbers and your Swiss cheese or whatever it is you have there, andremind me what it’s like to get fucked.”
So muchfor not giving orders.But the stark little flurry of them had beenjust what Priddy needed: his hesitation vanished, desire burning upinto a strong, bright flame.He took Merou by the hip: rolled himover in the narrow bed.Watched Merou’s fist tighten on the blanketwhile he unwrapped the condom and put it on.Watched a littlelonger, enjoying the fretful rub of the dark head against thepillow...
“Landling, are you making mewait?”
“I was, a little.”Priddy covered his fingers with the creamand rubbed Merou slick with it, making him moan and spread histhighs.“Not anymore.”
Hepushed in deeply on the first thrust.Merou let go a long breath,just the ghost of a wail in it, and grabbed for the end of thebunk.“Ah, God.Those things have improved.”
