Page 45 of Farborn

Because it’s the first kiss we’ve ever shared.

Twofreakingyears of unrequited passion are threatening to spill over inside me.

“I love you,” I whisper as I stare up into their eyes. “I’ll wait as long as I need to, if it means I have a chance with you. Just tell me what you feel for me so I know I’m not spinning my wheels, here.”

Olarte draws in a deep breath. “I believe what I feel for you is love also.” They hook their arm around me and hold me against their body. “Can you be patient with me while I try to adjust to this new dynamic between us?”

I feel myself grin. “Buddy, I haven’t had sex with anyone since wemet. I don’t think waiting a while longer is going to kill me.”

Their eyes widen. “You…have not?”

“Nope.”

“But…you did not have to do that. You could have had sex with others, if you wished. We did not have a contract in place.”

“I know. Problem is, my heart is alreadyyours. Oh, I’ve masturbated countless times, but I haven’t been in anyone’s arms or bed but yours. And I’ll keep waiting, if that’s what you need me to do to prove to you how I feel about you.”

“I do not intend to make you wait any longer than today for sex,” Olarte says. “I meant can you be patient while I adjust to whatever the next step will be in our relationship after this stage?”

“Buying me dinner instead of breakfast?” I playfully wiggle my hips against them. I don’t even care that they can feel how hard my cock is right now.

There’s an intensity in their eyes that really turns my crank. “I am serious, Davies.”

Yeah, that much I feel. I put all joking aside. “So am I. I’m not going anywhere, unless you tell me you want me to leave and never come back. I mean, besides runs on the ship, obviously.”

Unless they ask me to stay for good, but I don’t want to overwhelm them tonight with that.

Baby steps.

They nod. “That is good. Let us bring your things inside before I end up doing something to you in this hallway that might get both of us in a lot of trouble with the authorities.”

Cool. Let’s dothat.

Chapter Thirteen

Olarte

I can still taste Davies’ lips upon mine, and it is an experience I wish to repeat. I know what kisses are, but I have never been kissed before. It is not something Pfahrn normally do.

I find I enjoy it quite a lot.

Also, an unexpectedly victorious thrill races through me at the news Davies has not had sex with anyone since our first meeting.

A little guilt as well, but mostly victory.

Perhaps thereishope for us, then?

And perhaps Fullstein was wrong after all, or full of shit. Although it is not like him to speak falsehoods.

Maybe someone lied to him?

I shove those thoughts out of my head. They do not matter. Davies ishere, withme. Rightnow.

Thatis what matters.

That isallthat matters.

We pull his porta-sled into my living room, where it takes up most of the free space.