The road is treacherously frosty as Eben carefully steers the mare down the road. He tightens the scarf around his neck, pulling it up to cover his nose and mouth as snow continues to fall rapidly.

Truly, he's idiotic for not staying in the village. The storm seems to only get worse as they get closer to Adder's cave, but he can't turn back. He promised his friend he would celebrate Mortfall with him, and he intended to keep his word.

A sudden gust of brutal wind buffets Eben and Fairy, causing the mare to whinny in distress. He tries to urge her forward, but the horse seems to be refusing to go any further. Eben dismounts, tugging on her reigns as he trudges through the nearly knee-deep snow.

"C'mon girl, you're almost there! just a bit more, I promise!"

But no amount of coaxing can get her to go any further. The half-elf is being forced to return to the village.

Eben grits his teeth, emotions rising as the stinging wind bites.

How many holidays has Adder spent alone? how much does one man have to give before he's permitted the simple pleasure of human company?

Suddenly, the feelings of sorrow and rage for Adder are burning their way out of Eben. Power surges through him with an explosive force that shimmers violently in the air.

Eben gasps in shock as instantly, the snow stops, seeming to melt around him in a blast-radius-shape.

Not looking a gift horse in the mouth, Eben jumps back on Fairy. His mind is racing with what's just happened, but he puts it in the back of his mind. There was too much to think about right now—he just wants to be home.

As he finally made his way to the cave's entrance, he could hear the comforting sound of crackling flames from the fire within. The warmth beckons to him, and he eagerly steps inside.

He sheds his frost-encrusted clothes before setting a pot of water to boil. As it begins to bubble, the cave becomes misty with steam and the scent of lavender. He douses himself with the hot water, vigorously scrubbing.

As rivulets of scorching water run down his body, Eben is struck by a sudden impulse—he knows precisely what he yearns for, what will completely erase all thoughts of Sheppard. He sets about preparing himself, hopeful that his efforts will be received well by Adder.

When he enters the gorgon's lair, pink and clean, he smiles at the sight of his friend sleeping soundly in his nest. The half-elf squats, gently shaking the gorgon's shoulder.

"Adder," Eben whispers, "wake up."

The gorgon grumbles sleepily. "Eben...you're back. How was the celebration?"

Eben dodges the topic smoothly. They would talk about it, just not right now. "I brought you presents. Adler's family got you something."

Adder sits up, drowsiness leaving at the promise of gifts. "Really???"

Eben chuckles at the man's excitement. "Here, take them. I'll close my eyes while you take a look."

Adder takes the items. The half-elf can hear Adder's tail swishing happily. "Oh, Eben... your art has improved. It's beautiful..."

"What did Adler's family get you?" Eben asks, curious.

There's a shuffle of sound as Adder opens the burlap. "Oh! It's a book, The Tale of Morthall and Giakora, this is my favorite story! It's so romantic!"

"Isn't that myth about Giakora kidnapping Morthall?"

"Shush. It's got a happy ending, so it's okay."

The half-elf snorts. "Merry Mortfall, Adder."

The gorgon pulls Eben into a warm embrace. "Thank you for waking me up. It's been five long years since I've been able to celebrate Mortfall." He pauses for a moment, "Oh, I forgot—you can open your eyes now."

As Eben opens his eyes, he's met with the sight of Adder's joyful expression. The half-elf can't help but smile back. "Of course. I'm just a little sad I didn't get you something better...Your gift took much longer to make than mine."

"It's okay, I'm just glad to spend time with you." the gorgon smiles.

The saccharine nature of his friend makes Eben's heart pound. He flushes, licking his lips as he tries to think of a good way to propose his idea.

"I'd like to give you something else if you're up for it." he purrs.

The gorgon cocks his head innocently. "I'd love anything you gave me, Eben."

The half-elf grins, leaning forward as he caresses the gorgon's hand. "Have you ever gone all the way with someone, Adder?"

Scales shift as Adder nervously straightens his blindfold. "You mean, um, sex right?"

"You know me, of course I mean sex." Eben teases.

"You don't have to do that just for me..."

"You act as if it would be some trial," Eben snorts. "Trust me, it would be enjoyable for us both."

The half-elf loops his arms around the gorgon's neck, fingers smoothings dark locks. "Tonight though, I'll let you do whatever you want. Sound good?"

Adder seems incredibly flustered, the tip of his tail rapidly twitching as blood colors alabaster skin. "I'd love to but, ah, don't you need to prepare for that kinda thing?"

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"I did, while you were asleep," Eben whispers, "I'm ready to go if you are."

The gorgon's blush deepens. "A bit presumptuous, don't you think?"

"Well, we can just lay down and read that book, if you prefer." Eben jests, sitting back.

"Ah, no! Your idea is good."

The half-elf smirks salaciously, undressing before pushing Adder to lie down. He straddles the gorgon, sighing breathily when he feels the man's hardness beneath him.

The gorgon lifts a hand, tenderly cradling Eben's face. The half-elf cups the palm, smiling at the tender action as he brings the gorgon's hand to his lips to delicately kiss the sharp claws.

"What should we do? Any requests?"

Adder shivers underneath him, hands cupping the half-elf's rump. "I'm have no idea what I'm doing, Eben. This is further than I've ever dreamed possible."

"That reminds me..." The half-elf grins deviously, grinding his hips down in a punishing motion.

"Last time, you said you dreamt of us kissing..." Eben leans over the man, "I dream of you pinning me down and fucking me until I can't speak."

"That can be arranged." Adder growls.

The gorgon swiftly reverses their positions, pressing the redhead into the soft furs and blankets.

Eben's wrists lay locked under the heavy grip of the man. The gorgon looms above him, dark hair falling like a curtain.

The half-elf wriggles his hands experimentally, noting that he has no hope of freeing himself from the iron-like grip. Well, no hope unless he asks, of course. Adder is too soft to deny him that.

Still, the hold on him tightens as he wiggles in vain.

"Afraid I might escape?" Eben jokes, fingers flexing.

Adder doesn't take the bait. Instead, the gorgon lowers his lips to Eben's, giving the half-elf a tender kiss.

The sensation of Adder's lips on his is intoxicating, innocent as it is. But obviously Eben can't resist corrupting it by opening his mouth, swiping his tongue across soft lips.

The gorgon gives a rumbling growl, deepening the kiss and slicking his pronged tongue into Eben's mouth. He gasps, trembling under Adder as his body sings from just the clumsy kisses.

He sincerely doubts anyone else in the world could make him feel like this.

The gorgon repositions them, releasing his wrists as a strong tail slithers under Eben, gently coming to wrap around his neck.

The half-elf shivers at the action, only Adder could be so domineering yet still so tender. Eben sighs, hand caressing the scales around his throat.

"Is that comfortable?" Adder asks.

Eben smiles at the gorgon's careful consideration. "Yes, it feels wonderful."

Adder smiles, coils squeezing with just the barest amount of pressure around his neck. "That's good. Please tell me if you want me to stop."

The half-elf wriggles impatiently in Adder's grasp. "I will. Now please start, I can't wait any longer."

"Yes." Adder growls.

Eben gasps as the gorgon manipulates his body like a puppet, tail slowly bringing him down on Adder's arousal. He trembles at the feeling, goosebumps breaking out across his body. It's been way too long.

The gorgon starts with a gentle pace, rhythmically rocking into the half-elf. "Ah, Eben..."

Eben lets out a breathy giggle at the sound.

The gorgon sighs, leaning his face closer. "Don't laugh at me..."

The half-elf wiggles his hips, causing Adder to hiss with pleasure.

Eben pulls his friend down by the horns, kissing him deeply before releasing him. "I'm sorry, you're just cute."

Adder gives a feral growl, causing Eben to laugh again.

"Only you would say that Eben..." The gorgon groans. "Only you...I thought I would die before anyone would agree to do this with me..."

Eben grins, focusing on the rising pleasure the gorgon is inspiring. "I doubt it, Adder. You're—ah—so beautiful, someone would've fallen into your coils eventually."

The larger man gives another bestial growl that hums through the half-elf. "No Eben, I don't want anyone else. I want you. Only you."

Eben's heart jumps at the declaration. "You don't mean that. You just—Ah!"

The gorgon interrupts with a sharp thrust that makes him see stars. The half-elf grabs onto the tail around his neck as Adder takes his revenge by grinding deeply into his captive.

The gorgon's voice dips to a sinful pitch. "Don't play with me like that, Eben. Don't tell me how I feel."

The half-elf whimpers as Adder speeds up the pace. "Adder—" he cries.

He lets his head fall back as pleasure wracks his brain. His mind goes blank, eyes glazing over with lust as every sound, touch, and sight seems to echo deliciously through his body.

Suddenly though the pleasurable assault stops, leaving Eben shivering and desperate in the man's coils. His heart thuds as his friend sits up, stripping his blindfold away.

"Close your eyes," Adder commands.

Biting his lip, Eben does as he's told. "They're closed."

He jolts as the tail shifts once more, curling beneath him to cradle his head and body.

Eben blushes as Adder leans back, almost certain he can feel the powerful eyes of the gorgon roaming his body.

"Adder," he moans, "c'mon, move."

A clawed hand gently scrapes down Eben's front. "You said I could do whatever I want. I want to do this."

Before the former bandit can retort, Adder kisses down the sensitive column of Eben's throat, his hand sliding to the half-elf's hip. Eben moans, unable to do anything but twitch and whimper at the kind touches.

"Is this okay?" Adder asks, voice husky.

"Yes, keep going" Eben begs brokenly.

Adder takes Eben's arousal in hand, stroking slowly. The half-elf shivers and twitches as the gorgon takes him apart, the slow pace making him feel insane.

The gorgon's lips move down Eben's heaving chest, fangs carefully brushing up against soft skin. He pauses his administrations below the belt to tease the half-elf with his mouth.

The every brush or tongue and lips leaves Eben jolting and shuddering as endorphins flood his body. It's too much yet not enough, leaving the man desperate for more.

Finally, the torture ends as Adder moans, thrusts beginning again with renewed vigor. "Who else could I want after you? After this?"

"Adder, don't say that..."

The gorgon growls ferally, becoming more and more frenzied as he gets closer to his release. "Why not? You take care of me—you protect me..."

"Adder..." Eben whispers hoarsely.

The gorgon's grip on the half-elf's hips tighten to a deliciously bruising force. "I need you! You're mine!"

"Adder...!"

The possessive claim over the half-elf sends him tumbling over the edge. He keens lowly as the gorgon follows shortly after, growling into Eben's ear as he pants.

In the afterglow, they both lay trembling and wrecked.

Adder pulls out slowly with a groan, leaning down for a kiss as his clawed hand gently combs through orange locks.

With the tender touches, Eben feels his stomach drop as a flood of emotion ravages his mind. Before he can help it, hot tears are spilling down his cheeks.

"Eben?!"

Adder quickly sits him up, hands gently holding the smaller man's face. "Eben, what—did I hurt you?"

"No..."

Adder wipes away the tears, carefully minding his deadly-sharp claws. "Was it—was it what I said?"

"No," Eben gasps, "please hold me."

Adder does as requested, holding the half-elf securely in his arms.

Slowly, the tide of emotions slows and calms as Eben focuses on the sound of Adder's heartbeat.

"It's okay, it's going to be okay." The gorgon rumbles.

Eben opens his mouth to say it's not going to be okay. He wants to scream that Sheppard is going to separate them, that Daisy and Fern are going to die, and that Adder will be reduced to a weapon of death.

But that's not what comes out.

"I love you." He croaks.

Adder's embrace turns constricting as he inhales sharply. His voice wavers. "Do you really?"

Eben breathes deeply, sighing as one more tear escapes his eyes. "Yes."

"I love you too," Adder gasps. "I love you."

The half-elf had his suspicions, but hearing it confirmed makes his heart sing brightly. He buries his face in the crook of the gorgon's neck, savoring this moment. He knew all too well that tomorrow could very well bring the end of this fragile bubble of happiness.

The harsh reality does nothing to stop his joy though. He had been prepared to die alone in this world, even a moment of love was more than he'd ever expected.

So whatever pain the future would bring, it was worth it.