Pounding on the door, quick, furious. Orinakin heard Anorian words in his ears, heard Nosupolin words in his mind, but more than that he felt a thundering tremor of joy. Bade’s ecstasy was so strong that the floor should have shaken. Yanking the door open, Orinakin was seized into a hearty embrace, dragged through the apartment and danced around the furniture. “We’re getting married!” Bade exclaimed. “We’re getting married!”
It occurred to Orinakin to talk about it, to ask about Mindo, to discuss how it had all come about, but it was abundantly clear that Bade was happy. For the moment, that was all Orinakin needed to know. So he took care of important things, first, and kissed Bade soundly, backing him into a wall and turning a joyful celebration into something a little more personal.
A lot more personal.
Finally, however, when Bade softly moaned, “Yes, Orinakin, yes, oh, I love you so much, ah,” it hit Orinakin, again, anew. Lifting his head, his fingers stroking Bade’s flushed skin as he gazed into glittering dark blue eyes, he said, “A week from tomorrow, you and I will pledge the rest of our lives to each other.” Amazing. Astounding. The rest of his life with this man. Years, decades, their lives intertwined, together every day, through joys and heartaches, through triumphs and losses, through-
“Yes,” Bade said, his hand sliding to Orinakin’s nape, “and then I can finally fuck you again.”
He couldn’t help it; he burst into laughter.
