"Neroon?" Marcus smiled as the Minbari entered his room. Nad, the physician, had examined his injuries and an IV was now feeding him the medication he needed. He already felt better. The fever was fading and his hands felt normal. However, he didn't try to move them yet. "You look worried," Marcus observed. "Isn't Seijro cooperating?"

 

"Seijro wants his youngest son to lead the Warrior Caste," Neroon explained, as he pulled up a chair to sit down beside the platform. "He thinks I will succumb to power and make the same mistakes Shakiri is making now."

 

Neroon took in Marcus' appearance. The Ranger looked comfortable and his eyes were lucid. "Are you still in pain?"

 

"No, the medication takes care of that." Marcus shifted in the bed until he was on his right side, facing Neroon. "Thanks for visiting me. You must have much to do and making house calls probably wasn't on your list."

 

"I have had time to think," Neroon replied, reminding Marcus of their earlier conversation when he'd asked for time to think about the Ranger's confession, that Marcus loved him. "I am facing one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make."

 

Marcus wished he could lift his hands and caress Neroon's face, but the burns prevented him from doing that. "I wish I could touch you," he said eventually, knowing that he couldn't influence Neroon's decision. He just wanted to caress the warrior once, show him what their lives could be like.

 

"Touch me? Why?" Neroon leaned in closer and realized Marcus' hands were twitching beneath the gauze that Nad had wound around them.

 

"I wish I could kiss you just once." Marcus no longer had anything to lose and gathered his strength. He raised his hands and clutched Neroon's head between them. Marcus almost screamed out at the pain in his hands, but touching Neroon was worth the agony.

 

Surprised, Neroon didn't resist as Marcus pulled him even closer. Marcus' burned hands radiated heat and he didn't want to add to the pain the Ranger was surely suffering. "Do not do this," he whispered softly, wondering why he was feeling so scared. Valara had never willingly kissed him and the prospect of feeling Marcus' lips on his was unnerving.

 

Marcus ignored the plea and brushed Neroon's lips with his. Unable to hold on to the Minbari any longer, his hands dropped and came to rest on the bed. Neroon's lips however, were still brushing his, and eagerly Marcus parted his lips, inviting Neroon to explore deeper.

 

Marcus' apparent passion overwhelmed Neroon and unable to stop himself, Neroon accepted the invitation, claiming and possessing Marcus mouth for long seconds. A moan escaped Marcus' lips and it made Neroon growl in appreciation. The Ranger wasn't holding back and something stirred inside Neroon's mind, taking what Marcus was offering him.

 

"Neroon… please…" Marcus begged as Neroon released his lips. "More…"

 

Neroon stared into dilated pupils and suddenly realized what he was doing. He'd just kissed Marcus, and kissed him passionately. Pulling back, he didn't break eye contact. "This is not love, this is lust."

 

"No," Marcus objected fiercely. "Please understand. I feel this lust because I love you." But he read Neroon's stubbornness in the Minbari's dark eyes. Neroon wouldn't agree with him.

 

"You are wrong. The truth will come to you once we have been apart for a while." Terribly confused, Neroon pushed back his chair and got to his feet. "You are in no condition to join Seijro and I when we return to Minbar. You will stay here and heal. I will send a message to the Rangers to contact you."

 

Marcus' eyes watered. Neroon was pushing him away before he'd had the chance to really make the warrior understand what he was feeling. Even Susan had never hurt him this profoundly. "I understand." And he did understand. Neroon had tried to give this a chance, but in the end, Neroon had backed out.

 

Neroon walked over to the doorway, regretting having to hurt Marcus in this fashion, but he had to remain focused on his goal, which was to lead the Warrior Caste. Having a Human mate would destroy his career. He was about to speak words of consolation when he realized that nothing he said would ease Marcus' pain.

 

As he stepped outside he glanced over his shoulder. Marcus' eyes were closed, but moisture tugged at the Ranger's eyelashes. Feeling ashamed for his actions, Neroon marched to the temporary quarters Seijro had assigned to him.

 

His fingers rose to his lips, still feeling Marcus' lips against his, still tasting the Ranger's scent in the air. "This has to stop. I can not go on like this," he said with determination. "I have made my choice. I chose my people, my caste. Now I have to forget Marcus."

 

///

 

Marcus drew in a deep breath and opened his swimming eyes. He should have known that Neroon would never want him. I've been fooling myself the entire time. When Neroon said that he needed time to think I hoped he felt attracted to me too. I've been so bloody wrong. Neroon's Minbari. Why would he settle for a Human mate? Would his caste even allow him to date a Human? Bloody hell, I don't even know how he feels about me! Does he hate me? Loathe me? Can he barely tolerate my presence? Marcus' thoughts were unsettling.

 

For now he was stuck here. Nad had confined him to bed, mumbling something about complications and with the IV attached to the back of his hand he couldn’t really move anyway. Furthermore, he didn't have the energy to drag himself from the platform.

 

Thankfully he was alone, and Marcus allowed his emotions to run free. Yes, he would contact Delenn; tell her that he'd accomplished the mission and that he was waiting for further instructions now that Neroon and Seijro were returning to Minbar. Hopefully, Delenn would order him to travel back to Babylon 5.

 

Soft footfalls told him that Nad had returned and the physician ran a scanner over his body. Marcus remained quiet, closed his eyes and drifted off back to sleep.

 

///

 

Neroon returned to Marcus' room one last time before leaving Nafys. A Minbari war cruiser was already in orbit, waiting for them to come onboard and Neroon wanted to see Marcus one last time. He probably wouldn't see the Ranger again now that they'd walk different paths.

 

Cautiously, he peeked into the room and realized that Marcus was soundly asleep. Nad had told him that the Ranger's condition had greatly improved during these last 24 hours and now Neroon could convince himself with his own eyes. The fever seemed gone and Marcus appeared peacefully asleep.

 

Tending to Marcus' hands had proven to be quite a challenge. Nad had tried to undo some of the damage, but muscle and sinew had been burned away, and Marcus would never regain the measure of control over his hands that he'd had before.

 

Neroon stayed near the doorway, burning Marcus' features into his mind. He vividly remembered the last time he'd been in here. They'd kissed then, and that kiss still made his insides tingle with passion, with an insane need for more. He wanted to kiss the Ranger again, press his lips on Marcus', let his tongue slide inside that moist warmth and kiss the younger man breathless.

 

He'd been fighting this desire for the last 24 hours, but instead of growing less, the desire had increased. Neroon wanted to run his fingers through the dark hair and explore its texture.

 

Again he remembered Valara's chilly attitude towards him. She'd never shown him any disrespect, but there hadn't been any love between them. But when he looked at Marcus, he saw the passion and affection mirrored in the green eyes.

 

What am I throwing away? What will I gain? I want to lead the Warrior Caste, and I want to explore this attraction between us. But I can't have both. Neroon knew that the majority of the Warrior Caste distrusted Humans and would never allow him to take Marcus as his mate. Not while he was head of the Warrior Caste. He couldn't have both.

 

Maybe I could have grown to love you in return, Neroon mused. The attraction was already there, so was the respect. I hope you'll find someone who's worthy of your love.

 

Not looking back, Neroon marched into the corridor. Their flyer would leave in 15 minutes and he was determined to be at Seijro's side when it took off. Neroon promised himself that he would find a way to change Seijro's mind. The elderly warrior would proclaim Neroon as the new caste leader!

 

///

 

"Thank you," Marcus mumbled as Nad helped him sit down in front of the small screen. Nad had established a connection with Babylon 5 for him and Marcus was eager to report to Delenn.

 

Nad left him alone and Marcus used his elbow to press the button that would open the connection. A moment later Delenn's face appeared on screen. "Entil'zha, greetings," Marcus said and bowed slightly.

 

"Marcus! I was worried when you stopped sending reports. We heard that the freighter was raided, but what happened afterwards?" Delenn studied her Ranger and didn't like what she saw. There were dark circles beneath Marcus' eyes and something about her friend seemed… off.

 

"The Narn flyer was damaged and we had to make an emergency landing on Udor. Only after we completed repairs we could leave for Nafys. Neroon and Seijro are now on their way to Minbar and it seems that Seijro's willing to proclaim a new caste leader." Marcus held his ground as her eyes searched his for answers to questions he was avoiding.

 

"Yes, I heard that Neroon and Seijro are on their way to Minbar. You did well," Delenn complimented him, but knew that Marcus wasn't telling her the entire truth. "What else happened?"

 

"Neroon was injured during the attack on the freighter, but his leg should have healed by now." Marcus saw the change in her eyes and mentally prepared himself for her next question, which would be personal he suspected.

 

"Why are you not with Neroon now?"

 

Inwardly, Marcus flinched. Delenn was always direct. "I had an accident while repairing the flyer. Seijro's physician thinks that I received a number of strong electrical shocks. My hands were burned."

 

"Marcus!" Delenn exclaimed worried. "Then Neroon made the right decision to leave you on Nafys to heal!"

 

But that wasn't the real reason why he left me here, Marcus knew, but didn't tell Delenn. "Do you want me to return to Babylon 5?"

 

Delenn quickly made up her mind. "I want to talk to Seijro's physician."

 

Marcus raised an eyebrow. Why would she want to do that?

 

"You will receive your instructions from him," Delenn told him. "Now I want you to return to bed and rest."

 

Realizing that their conversation had come to an end, Marcus rose from the chair and called Nad inside. "Delenn wants to talk to you," he informed Nad, who simply nodded his head and went inside. The physician hardly ever spoke and tended to his burned hands with infinite patience.

 

As Marcus made his way back to his room, he wondered what instructions Delenn would give Nad. Apparently, she didn't really need him on Babylon 5 right now, as she hadn't told him to return as soon as possible. Lying down on his bed, he realized just how tired he really was. His body was still recovering from the trauma.

 

Nad joined him minutes later. Marcus tried to decipher the physician's expression, but the Minbari hardly ever showed any emotion. Resigned, Marcus waited for Nad to give him Delenn's new instructions.

 

"Do you feel up to traveling?" Nad inquired first.

 

"Yes," Marcus replied at once, though it wasn't necessarily the truth.

 

"Delenn wants you to travel to Minbar."

 

"Why?" Marcus hadn't meant to speak aloud; the word had just slipped through.

 

"She wants you to spend some time at the training facility, at least until your hands have healed."

 

Ah, so that's what's going on! She thinks I can no longer perform my duties as a Ranger! Alarmed, Marcus stared at his bandaged hands. Nad had already told him that he didn't have the means to ensure they'd heal properly.

 

"She asked me to accompany you on your trip back to Minbar as you still require medical attention," Nad added.

 

"When will we leave?" Marcus asked impatiently. He had to get on with his life and deal with Neroon's rejection. Maybe spending some time at the training facility would help him bounce back.

 

"Once I have made all necessary arrangements," Nad said. "Within the next ten hours."

 

Marcus nodded his head. He was ready to leave Nafys behind and try to rebuild his life. He had to forget about Neroon. He suspected it would be much harder than forgetting Susan.

 

Part 6

 

Marcus didn't like being confined to his seat while Nad piloted the Minbari flyer. It would take them two days to get to Minbar and once Nad had dropped him off at the Ranger Training Facility, the healer would return to Nafys to prepare for Seijro's return.

 

The Minbari war cruiser with Neroon and Seijro onboard had probably reached Minbar by now. The war cruiser was capable of much higher speed and would only need 24 hours to reach Minbar. Marcus wondered what Neroon really thought of Seijro's demand that Hadar be named caste leader. Neroon hadn't seemed pleased about that and the warrior was surely going to try to change Seijro's mind. He didn't doubt that Neroon would succeed in convincing Seijro. Although Neroon didn't appear to be a skilled diplomat, the warrior was just that.

 

"Is this not too taxing on your health?" Nad inquired, feeling responsible for his patient.

 

"I'm sitting in a chair, Nad. I'm not doing anything tiring," Marcus said exasperated. His bandaged hands rested in his lap. The pain had stopped, but any use of his hands still resulted in extreme discomfort. Taking hold of an item was nearly impossible as his fingers were still stiff. Maybe with some physical therapy he would regain some of their old mobility. Wielding a pike however, was out of the question.

 

Nad nodded his head. Although Delenn held no power over him, he respected the leader of the Religious Caste and the Rangers. He didn't want her to grow angry with him.

 

///

 

Hours later, Nad first registered the incoming message. Marcus was dozing in his seat, which was due to the pain meds Nad continued to administer to the Ranger.

 

The chirping woke Marcus. As he looked at the controls, he asked, "Is it from Babylon 5?"

 

"It appears to be," Nad confirmed and opened a channel. Both Nad and Marcus recognized Delenn's voice at once.

 

"Entil'Zha," Marcus said, indicating that he was awake and lucid. "What can we do for you?" Something extraordinary must have happened. Why else would Delenn contact them during their trip to the space station?

 

"Marcus, I require your assistance."

 

Marcus whished he could see Delenn's face as well. Her voice sounded as though something unexpected had happened.

 

"How can I help?" Marcus was determined to carry out any orders she might give him.

 

"Once you reach Minbar I want you to head for Yedor. Seijro has announced that he will proclaim a new caste leader and the Rangers should send a representative. Will your injuries allow you to attend the ceremony?"

 

"Yes, they're already healing nicely," Marcus replied and looked pleadingly at Nad not to contradict him as he told Delenn this little white lie. Attending the ceremony would be hard on him as he was still recovering in body, mind and heart, but he'd manage.

 

Nad shook his head disapprovingly, but remained silent. Marcus knew his current condition and the Ranger was perfectly capable of making his own decisions.

 

"But will we arrive in time? We're still 48 hours away from Minbar." Marcus waited for Delenn's reply. Facing Neroon again so soon was disconcerting, but he'd carry out her orders. He'd just have to lock away his emotions for now.

 

"Seijro needs to gather all clan leaders first, which will take time. The ceremony will take place in 50 hours," Delenn informed him. "That will not leave you much time to prepare, but as you were instrumental in getting Neroon to Nafys, it is only appropriate that you represent the Rangers."

 

"I'm honored." Marcus managed to keep the hint of discomfort out of his tone. Neroon wouldn't want him there and he wished Delenn had chosen someone else to do the honors. "We should arrive in time then. Do you have a message that you wish me to relay to Neroon?"

 

"Only that I hope we can work side by side now," Delenn replied and wondered about Marcus' odd tone. But the Ranger had told her that he was up to attending the ceremony. She only hoped that he wasn't stretching the truth a little. "After the ceremony you will go to the training facility and stay there until Sech Turval thinks you have made a satisfactory recovery. Report back in after the new caste leader has been proclaimed."

 

"Yes, Entil'Zha."

 

After being disconnected, Marcus looked at Nad. The physician's glare was disapproving. "What?"

 

"You should be resting," the healer said with a determined tone.

 

"I can rest after the ceremony." Marcus leaned back in his seat and wondered how Neroon would react to seeing him during the ceremony. Neroon would probably ignore him, which was fine with Marcus because then they wouldn't have to talk. Mentally preparing himself for a possible confrontation, he realized that Nad was talking to him, telling him to rest. Marcus closed his eyes and did just that; rest.

 

///

 

Neroon tried to gauge his chances. Hadar had joined them onboard the war cruiser an hour ago, and father and son were now having a fierce discussion. Hadar was basically telling his father that he didn't want to become caste leader, as he didn't feel up to carrying that much responsibility. Neroon realized he still had a chance to attain his goal.

 

Studying Hadar, Neroon remembered that the younger man had always shown a gentle disposition and great compassion for the men under his command. Neroon hated to admit that Seijro was probably right. Hadar wasn't driven by personal ambition like Neroon was. Seijro's youngest son was seriously concerned about what could go wrong if he took Shakiri's place.

 

Neroon felt torn. He still wanted to lead the warrior caste to peace, but Hadar would do more. The young Minbari warrior would probably truly reunite the castes, as Hadar wanted what was right for *all* Minbari. Yes, Hadar would surely meet with a lot of opposition, but would fight for his cause because Hadar believed in it.

 

Do I feel that strongly about our people? Neroon wondered if he was being egotistical by trying to convince Seijro to name him instead when it was apparent that Hadar would do a much better job. But his ambition still drove him on.

 

"Seijro," Neroon started, "it looks like young Hadar does not feel up to the responsibility of leading the Warrior Caste. Once he has grown older and gathered more experience he will make a splendid caste leader…"

 

"But not now?" Seijro interrupted Neroon, realizing his nephew's scheming. He had hoped to avoid naming Neroon new caste leader as Neroon appeared too eager to lead the Warrior Caste, but he didn't have a choice. "Hadar, you would make a good caste leader," Seijro tried one last time.

 

"Respectfully, father. I am too young and inexperienced to lead the Warrior Caste." Hadar looked to Neroon for support. "My uncle would be a much better choice."

 

Neroon didn't feel very victorious now that Hadar was declining to become caste leader. This felt like a hollow victory.

 

Seijro drew in a deep breath. He could force his son to accept leadership, but then Hadar's heart wouldn't be in it. "Neroon, I will proclaim you new caste leader, but I will keep a close eye on you."

 

Neroon felt strangely hollow now that he'd attained his goal. He'd thought he'd feel ecstatic, but he didn't. The emptiness inside him was still growing and he hoped his new calling would fill it eventually.

 

"I accept."

 

"Let us summon the clan leaders. I want to inform them before the ceremony starts," Seijro decided. "We will need their support. Do you think they will object to this decision?"

 

Neroon shook his head. "Only a small militant group within the Wind Swords might object. They were the ones who uttered the death threats."

 

"It is agreed then." Seijro called his aide and instructed him to call for a caste meeting. Then, he turned back to face Neroon. "Tomorrow, the Warrior Caste will have a new leader."

 

Neroon bowed respectfully, but the victory tasted like ashes in his mouth.

 

///

 

Marcus felt uncomfortable, surrounded by a sea of black, members of the Warrior Caste. As far as he could tell there was only one other Ranger present, and it appeared that the Minbari Ranger in question was a former teacher of Neroon's who had been personally invited.

 

Marcus decided to stay close to the other Ranger, Balar, needing a little support. His hands were hidden in the folds of his long cloak. He'd been relieved when a new uniform had been waiting for him in his temporary quarters. All the guests had been invited to stay the night and travel home tomorrow. Marcus wished he were already at the training facility so he wouldn't have to be near Neroon.

 

Neroon… Marcus had had time to ponder the admission he'd made to Neroon and wondered if the fever had influenced him at the time. Yes, he still had feelings for Neroon, but he couldn't picture himself throwing himself at the warrior, something he'd done when Neroon had visited him after Nad had started that IV.

 

Maybe he wasn't *so* much in love with Neroon as he thought he was. Just keep telling yourself that, he admonished himself. Eventually you might even believe it!

 

Unexpectedly, bombastic music echoed through the ancient hall, announcing the start of the ceremony. Marcus remained near Balar, occasionally exchanging looks with the other Ranger, who had noticed that Marcus didn't feel welcome here.

 

"How long will this take?" Marcus whispered.

 

"Only a few minutes," Balar replied. "Shakiri has already been renounced and Seijro will proclaim Neroon the new caste leader. Then the clan leaders will step forward and pledge their alliance."   

 

Suddenly, Marcus remembered something he'd read during his training. "Do we have to step forward too?"

 

"We have to deliver Delenn's message. You told me she had entrusted you with one?" Balar eyed the younger Ranger. When he'd asked Marcus how his hands had been injured, the young man had avoided answering that question. Balar knew Delenn and realized there had to be a specific reason that she'd sent Marcus.

 

"She hopes that the Warrior Caste and the Rangers can make a new start and work side by side," Marcus explained. "Can't you deliver that message to Neroon? I don't feel like I belong here, being the only Human in this place."

 

"No, Delenn instructed *you* to deliver that message," Balar stated determinedly. Taking an educated guess he asked, "Do you know Neroon well?"

 

"He almost killed me once," Marcus reminded Balar.

 

"Yes, I heard about the Denn'sha challenge. It surprised us all that he allowed you to live."

 

I wish he hadn't, Marcus thought, upset. If Neroon had ended it back then, all this would never have happened.

 

Balar used Marcus' silence to ask, "And did you not help him find Seijro?"

 

"Ranger One told me to escort Neroon to Nafys, yes." Marcus didn't want to talk about this and thankfully the crowd grew quiet as Seijro appeared. In front of Seijro walked Shakiri, who was obviously furious. Neroon and a young Minbari warrior followed behind Seijro. "Who's that?" Marcus asked Balar.

 

"That's Hadar, Seijro's youngest son. Rumors has it that Seijro wanted that Hadar succeeded Shakiri, but Hadar declined."

 

Ah, Neroon. So you managed to convince Seijro in the end. Marcus tried to be glad for Neroon, knowing that this was what Neroon truly wanted. Focusing on Neroon, Marcus noticed the proud expression in those dark eyes, the self-confident posture and sly smile on Neroon's face. You got what you wanted, Neroon. I hope it'll make you happy.

 

When Neroon cast a glance in his direction, Marcus stepped behind Balar, hiding from Neroon's eyes. It isn't working, he realized. I can't blame the fever for my feelings for Neroon. I still want him. I'm still in love with him. He'd hoped that the fever had colored his emotions regarding Neroon and that he really wasn't in love with the warrior.

 

Seijri, Shakiri, Hadar and Neroon arrived at a small stage and climbed it. Seijro spoke first and Marcus listened closely.

 

"The time has come for a change in leadership. As is my right I will proclaim a new leader as my son, Shakiri, no longer acts in the best interest of the Warrior Caste." Seijro signaled Neroon to step forward.

 

Neroon took that step and stared into hundreds of eyes, all fastened upon him. However, one pair of green eyes caught his attention. Marcus? What are you doing here? He never expected the Ranger to be present during this ceremony. Delenn must have sent Marcus to represent the Rangers.

 

Suddenly, Neroon felt uncomfortable. He remembered how close those eyes had been when Marcus had instigated that kiss. Those eyes had held an eternal promise of love and dedication, while the Ranger's lips had uttered a vow of passion. He was throwing that away now, choosing to live his life for his caste.

 

Marcus tried to avert his eyes, but couldn't. Neroon's eyes held him prisoner and the Ranger remembered the bliss he'd experienced during that one kiss that they had exchanged. He'd been insane to try to blame his infatuation on the fever. How long would he need to get over Neroon? A lifetime?

 

"Shakiri is no longer caste leader."

 

Seijro's words brought the Ranger back to the present and Marcus focused on the ceremony. Any moment now Neroon would accept leadership.

 

"When Neroon came to Nafys, he told me about the impending civil war, which I disapprove of. Minbari can not fight Minbari." Seijro studied the crowd. It seemed that the majority of warriors agreed with him. "Therefore, I will proclaim a new caste leader and his name is…"

 

Seijro never got a chance to end his sentence as Shakiri chose that exact moment to make his move. He couldn't attack his father, brother or nephew. No Minbari would condone such action, but he'd spied the Human Ranger who had led Neroon to Seijro. His rage needed an outlet and as he extended his denn'bok, he leapt from the small stage, aiming his blow at Marcus.

 

Marcus, who had stepped away from behind Balar to have a better view of the ceremony, realized that he was the target, but as he reached for his own pike, his hands refused to function. For one terrible moment Marcus expected Shakiri to deliver that blow to his head, which would probably kill him.

 

But two other Minbari reacted at the same time as Shakiri carried out his attack. One of them was Balar, who opened his pike to block Shakiri's blow. The other one was Neroon, whose heart missed a beat when he realized the grave danger Marcus was.

 

Balar, an experienced martial arts teacher, took Shakiri out with a few swift strikes and then looked to Marcus.

 

Marcus released a strangled sigh. Being defenceless had almost made him panic. Before Shakiri's attack, he hadn't realized just how helpless he was now that his injured hands prevented him from wielding a pike. He watched, detached, as several Minbari warriors took hold of Shakiri, hauling him out of the old hall.

 

Seijro continued as if nothing had happened. He'd deal with his son later and the intended victim had only been a Human. "His name is…"

 

"Stop," Neroon said in a tight voice, eyes still locked on Marcus. He'd almost died himself when Shakiri had made that leap. His own helplessness haunted Neroon. He should have been the one to defend Marcus while the Ranger was unable to wield a pike. Instead, his old teacher had risen to that responsibility.

 

His greatest revelation had come when he'd faced losing Marcus. During those seconds in which Shakiri had carried out his attack, Neroon had feared that Marcus would die, and that fear had opened his eyes.

 

This is not worth it, he thought in a flash of complete insight and understanding. Leading the clans would never make up for losing the one love that would be true to him.

 

"Seijro, I want a word with you," Neroon said, and ignored the startled growls that emanated from the crowd, which was still annoyed with Shakiri's murder attempt inside those sacred walls.

 

"We can talk later. We will deal with Shakiri later," Seijro assured Neroon.

 

"No, you do not understand," Neroon whispered so his words would only reach Seijro's ears. "I can not lead our caste." The ease with which those words slipped from his lips surprised even Neroon. "I would make the same mistakes as Shakiri did," he admitted. "Because my heart would be dead."

 

"Neroon, this is not the time to play games!" Seijro warned Neroon.

 

"I regret that I did not see the truth sooner," Neroon apologized. His eyes searched for Marcus. Seeing the love in the Ranger's eyes would convince him that he was making the right decision, but when he scanned the crowd he realized that Marcus and Balar were gone. I have to find Marcus!

 

"Neroon," Seijro growled warningly. "You said you were ready to lead the caste!"

 

From the corner of his eye, Neroon caught Hadar's shocked expression. He knows what I am going to do, Neroon realized.

 

"Father, uncle, the clans are getting impatient" Hadar said concerned. He couldn't believe what he was hearing or what he was reading in Neroon's eyes. His uncle couldn't back down now. No one else could lead the caste!

 

"My decision stands," Neroon told Seijro and Hadar. "You were right, Seijro. Hadar will make a much better leader."

 

"Uncle!" Shocked, Hadar's eyes grew big. "We agreed that I was too young and lacked experience, or did you forget?"

 

"But you are compassionate and you care for our people." Neroon nodded his head and locked eyes with Seijro, daring the older Minbar to challenge his decision. "Proclaim Hadar new caste leader."

 

"Why?" Seijro ignored the impatient crowd and fixed his stare on Neroon. "You want this."

 

"I suddenly realized that there is something I want more," Neroon stated, not offering any further explanation.

 

"Is it the Ranger?" Seijro asked, his tone bordering on fury.

 

"I do not owe you an explanation," Neroon said carefully, uncertain how Seijro would react to the truth.

 

"I could declare you an outcast," Seijro threatened. "Officially, you still are one."

 

It shocked Neroon to realize that even this didn't matter. He'd made his decision and stood firm. "Continue the ceremony before riots break out," he advised, sensing the growing anger in the crowd.

 

Seijro turned to study the crowd. Neroon was right. He had to take action now. "Listen, warriors. Here stands your new caste leader, my youngest son, Hadar!"

 

A surprised mumble swept through the crowd, which had expected Neroon to be their new leader. But they wouldn't question Seijro's decision. Their former caste leader had the right to name his successor. "Hail Hadar!" The crowd erupted and chanted Hadar's name.

 

Satisfied, Neroon nodded his head. His instincts told him that he'd done the right thing, but the rational part of his mind was trying to understand why he'd just passed up on the chance of a lifetime. He'd never again have the chance to rise to the position of caste leader. That part of him wondered if Marcus was worth such a sacrifice.

 

There is only one way to find out, Neroon thought and was about to leave the stage when Hadar called him back. Impatiently, he turned around. He couldn't let Marcus slip through his fingers, as he didn't know where the Ranger was headed. Knowing that he couldn't publicly deny Hadar, he returned to his former position, standing to Hadar's right. What did his nephew want?

 

"Hear me!" Hadar called out and the crowd quieted. "Neroon was proclaimed an outcast when he went against Shakiri's wishes and tracked down my father. I am reinstating him now, even promoting him. Neroon is the new clan leader of the Star Riders!"

 

Speechless, Neroon cocked his head. Why was Hadar doing this?

 

Hadar read the question in Neroon's eyes, but didn't answer it aloud. He'd heard their conversation and had drawn his own conclusions. If his uncle passed up on this career move, Neroon had to love the Human. Like I love Shurina. But she's Worker Caste and I would never have gotten permission from my father to make her my wife. Now that I am caste leader I can choose my life mate. She will become my wife. Worker Caste and Warrior Caste have to settle their differences. And Neroon choosing a Human Ranger as his mate would solidify the weak alliance between Rangers and Warrior Caste.

 

"What are you doing?" Seijro hissed.

 

"Trust me, father. I know what I am doing." Hadar looked into his father's eyes. "The caste will benefit from this decision." Seijro might not like Humans, but his father's first priority would always be the Warrior Caste.

 

"We will discuss this later," Seijro said, displeased that Neroon had been rewarded like this.

 

"Hadar, you should not have done that," Neroon said eventually. He didn't want to cause an argument between father and son. Hadar would find it difficult to rule the caste and hoped that this didn't mean that the young Minbari had made new enemies.

 

Hadar smiled knowingly. "Were you not about to leave in a hurry?"

 

"Yes," Neroon bowed, feeling sincere respect for the younger warrior and then marched off the stage. On his way to the exit, several elderly Minbari tried to stop him, asking for an explanation. Neroon brushed them off, telling them to ask Hadar or Seijro for an explanation.

 

When he passed the Star Riders, his own clan, Neroon realized that they were waiting for his orders now that he was clan leader. Neroon searched for one of his former aides and instructed the Minbari to return home tomorrow. He'd contact them and in the meantime they should follow their daily routine.

 

Finally, he reached the corridor and his eyes searched for Marcus. Near the exit he located Balar, hoping he'd find Marcus close as well.

 

"Balar!" Neroon called out and walked quickly towards him.

 

"Neroon," Balar said in a thoughtful tone. "Why the change in plans?"

 

"Where is Marcus?"

 

Briefly, a sly grin flashed across Balar's face, but then it disappeared again. "Marcus is on his way to the training facility. He did not feel well."

 

"But Shakiri did not touch him!"

 

"Pain does not have to be of a physical nature," Balar lectured him. Then, he decided to use a different approach. "Marcus felt inadequate because he could not defend himself."

 

"His hands," Neroon realized. "They have not healed yet?"

 

"They were bandaged," Balar confirmed and studied his former student. "Why are you this interested in him? Is this the reason why you let Hadar claim leadership?" He'd known Neroon for too many cycles to be fooled. "Did you fall in love again?" Valara hadn't been the right mate for Neroon and he'd tried to stop Neroon from pursuing her, but Neroon had never listened.

 

Now that Balar thought about it, he remembered the odd expression in Marcus' eyes when Neroon had first appeared. Balar had thought that Marcus didn't feel comfortable among Minbari warriors, but that discomfort had only shown once Neroon had been close. "Does he love you too?"

 

Now, there was a question Neroon knew the answer to. "Yes, he has told me so."

 

"And you love him enough to decline being caste leader? You surprise an old man, Neroon," Balar admitted. He did hope that Neroon had found true love this time. Neroon deserved nothing less.

 

"I made my decision, did I not?"

 

"But will you ever regret it? Marcus is not here now, why?"

 

"I rejected him," Neroon confessed in a heavy tone.

 

"And now you hope to win him back?"

 

Neroon remained quiet. He hadn't even considered the possibility that Marcus might no longer want him. "I need to go after him."

 

"I hope you will find what you are looking for," Balar said as Neroon hurried away. "At least, you know where to look to find it." Grinning, Balar returned to the reception to pay his respects to Hadar.

 

///

 

Marcus took his seat in the shuttle that would take him and four other passengers to the training facility. Maybe he should have contacted Sech Turval and tell him that he was arriving early, but he didn't feel like talking to his old teacher. Sech Turval would notice at once that something was wrong.

 

As Marcus made himself comfortable in his seat, he locked out the noises the other passengers were making. He stared at his useless hands, which rested in his lap. Would Stephen be able to fix them once he made it back to Babylon 5? He doubted it. If there had been a way to restore them Nad would have told him.

 

He realized the consequences. Now that he could no longer defend himself, wield a pike or use his fingers properly, he could no longer remain on active duty. What were Delenn's plans for him? Was she sending him to the training facility because he would end up assisting the teachers there?

 

She couldn't even assign him to desk duty because he couldn't even bloody well type or write! He no longer was of any use to the Rangers and the one person that might have encouraged him not to give up, had just embraced a new career.

 

So where did that leave him? Should he resign from the Rangers or wait for Delenn's apologizes that his services in the field were no longer needed? Leaning back his head, he successfully fought his tears. What didn't kill him would only make him stronger… at least he hoped so.

 

Part 7

 

"Marcus!" Sech Turval exclaimed surprised. The guards had informed him of Marcus' unexpected arrival in the dead of night. "I did not expect you until tomorrow!"

 

Marcus smiled gently. "I didn't want to spend the night in Yedor. There's something very unsettling about being surrounded by a sea of warriors."

 

"I will have your quarters ready in a moment!" Sech Turval beckoned one of the trainees, telling him to prepare the guest quarters. After the trainee hurried to carry out his orders, Sech Turval studied Marcus closely and noticed the bandaged hands. Marcus was trying to hide his hands, but pieces of the white gauze showed. "Delenn told me that you had been injured, but she also said that you were on your way to recovery."

 

Marcus heard the unspoken question. "Nad, Seijro's healer, examined my hands. He doubts they'll ever regain their old mobility. I can no longer wield a pike," Marcus informed his former teacher as he followed Sech Turval inside.

 

"May I have a look at them?" Sech Turval asked as he led Marcus into his own private quarters where they could talk.

 

Marcus shrugged his shoulders and presented them to his former teacher as they sat cross-legged on the floor. "I don't see why not."

 

Carefully, Sech Turval removed the bandages and gasped softly. The damage was severe. As he gently turned Marcus' hands, he saw that even white bone showed through the scorched flesh. "There has to be someone who can repair this damage."

 

"Hopefully the doctors on Babylon 5 can fix it. In the meantime… I can't perform my Ranger duties." Marcus stared at Sech Turval's nimble fingers as they rewrapped the bandages around his injured hands.

 

"Do your hands hurt?" Sech Turval realized that much of the pain would be emotional, now that these injuries kept Marcus from carrying out his Ranger duties.

 

"Nad gave me a vial filled with pain medication," Marcus replied softly. "The pain's particularly bad at night."

 

"You do take that pain medication, do you not, Marcus?" Sech Turval inquired concerned, but felt a little relieved when Marcus nodded his head.

 

"I'm no fool, Sech Turval. I know I need to rest." Marcus wondered if the guest quarters were ready yet as he didn't feel up to continuing this conversation.

 

"Does Delenn know the extent of the injuries to your hands?" Sech Turval had the suspicion that Marcus might have played it down. Why would Delenn send Marcus to Minbar when he could get the required medical attention on Babylon 5?

 

"It never came up." Marcus said dismissively and got to his feet. "Hopefully you don't think I'm disrespectful, but I would like some moments to myself, Sech Turval."

 

"Your quarters should be ready," the teacher replied and rose from the floor as well. "Maybe we can continue this conversation later? We still need to discuss Neroon."

 

"Neroon?" Marcus looked up questioningly. Sech Turval couldn't know what had happened between Neroon and himself.

 

"Yes, now that he is the new Warrior Caste leader…"

 

Marcus interrupted his former teacher. "Yes, we'll discuss that later." He bowed respectfully and then left Sech Turval's room, leaving the stunned teacher behind. Marcus had seen the surprise in Sech Turval's eyes at his sudden retreat. But he needed some privacy right now.

 

Knowing the facility's layout by heart, Marcus headed for the guest quarters. The young trainee had just finished cleaning the rooms and left quickly as Marcus stepped inside. He walked over to the sleeping platform and sat down. He'd rig it before going to sleep. His temples throbbed and he wanted to sleep in the horizontal.

 

He was through asking himself the same old questions over and over again. Why had he repaired the flyer on his own? Why had Neroon rejected him? How would he ever get his life back together again and what would Delenn do once she realized the severity of his injuries?

 

As he tried to slip out of his long cloak he realized his dilemma. Back at Yedor, Nad had helped him dress, but now his fingers refused to cooperate. Feeling helpless, he managed to shrug out of his cloak, but when he tried to remove his tunic, he found that he needed help. Resigned, he headed for the bathroom to retrieve a wet towel so he could rig the platform.

 

A moment later he made his way back to the platform. It took him several minutes to push the towel into the mechanism so the platform would remain horizontal. He also tried to remove his boots and in the end, he kicked them in to the wall as his hands turned out to be useless… again.

 

He shivered, feeling cold and vulnerable. With extreme effort he managed to open the vial and shake out two pain pills. Now that he was using his hands the pain had increased. He filled a glass with water and dropped the two pain pills into the glass. Then he pressed his wrists round the glass and lifted it. He spilled a little water onto his tunic and cursed softly. He felt like a bloody invalid!

 

After setting down the water, he stretched out on the platform. Still shivering, he managed to drape the cloak over his body, using it as a blanket. It wasn't cold in the room, so he suspected he was still fighting some residue of the fever.

 

As he finally dozed off, he remembered Neroon's smug look when Seijro had been about to proclaim him caste leader. "I hope you're happy now," Marcus whispered resigned and then gave in to exhaustion.

 

///

 

Loud banging alerted Sech Turval and he hurried towards the front door. He didn't expect another visitor and curiously he wondered who might seek refuge here at the training facility in the middle of the night. "Open the door," he instructed. A trainee hurried to carry out his instructions.

 

"Let me pass!"

 

"Neroon?" Bewildered, Sech Turval stared at the Minbari warrior. "What are you doing here? You should be at Yedor!" Now that he'd had a moment to regain his composure, Sech Turval noticed the haunted expression in Neroon's eyes. Apparently, Neroon had been in quite a hurry as he'd braved the storm that was raging outside.

 

"I know he is here. I want to talk to him!" Neroon glared at Sech Turval, who was standing between him and the person he really desired to see, Marcus.

 

"Who are you looking for?" Sech Turval signaled the trainee to close the door and prepare rooms for their unexpected guest. He thoroughly realized that having the new Warrior Caste leader here posed problems. He couldn't afford a slip up in protocol.

 

"Marcus," Neroon hissed. "Where is he?" He considered pushing Sech Turval aside to search the facility, but realized doing that would be rude and it would entitle Sech Turval to ask him to leave.

 

"Marcus? Marcus just arrived and is now resting in his quarters." Sech Turval clearly noticed the upset glance in Neroon's eyes. "Should you not be attending the reception? After all, you are now the new Warrior Caste leader."

 

"I am not," Neroon mumbled softly. "Hadar accepted leadership. Now tell me where I can find Marcus."

 

Stunned, Sech Turval tried to process this new information. Neroon had turned down leadership? And why was Neroon so eager to talk to Marcus? "I will send a trainee to ask Marcus whether he wants to talk to you."

 

"Do not trouble yourself. Just tell me where I can find him," Neroon dismissed the offer.

 

"This is highly irregular, Alit Neroon," Sech Turval said sharply. "You storm in here, in the middle of the night, demanding to see one of my guests, but you are not prepared to honor our rules? I am tempted to ask you to leave." Now that Sech Turval knew that Neroon wasn't caste leader, he decided to take a more aggressive approach.

 

The sharply voiced warning got through to Neroon and he calmed down. He wouldn't get anywhere when he tried to order Sech Turval around. "At least tell me that Marcus is doing well."

 

The change in tone surprised Sech Turval. "His hands still bother him, but yes, Marcus physically is well. As to his mental outlook, that is something else again."

 

"I would like to talk to him," Neroon said cautiously.

 

"In the morning," Sech Turval decided. "Are you prepared to honor our rules?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Then I welcome you as our guest." Sech Turval gestured a trainee closer. "Take our honored guest to his quarters, David."

 

The young man nodded his head. "Please follow me, Alit Neroon."

 

Neroon bowed to Sech Turval and then followed the young man. He planned on sneaking out of his rooms later and talk to Marcus privately.

 

Sech Turval watched Neroon as the warrior's form grew smaller. First Marcus showed up early and now Neroon seemed to be pursuing Marcus. Just what was going on here?

 

///

 

Neroon waited for the trainee to leave, then quickly decided on a plan of action. Prodded by Neroon's questions, the trainee had told him Marcus' whereabouts. Getting close to the Ranger would be easy, as Marcus' rooms were next to his. All he had to do was sneak into the corridor and enter the Ranger's rooms.

 

His hand already curled around the doorknob as he realized that the door of his room had been locked. Now what? He turned around and walked over to the window. Beneath it was a small balcony. This door wasn't locked and Neroon stepped outside… there was a balcony beneath Marcus' window as well. Neroon grinned.

 

It only took him a few seconds to climb onto the next balcony. He peeked into the room to make sure he had the right quarters. Yes, Marcus was resting on a *rigged* platform. Neroon's grin broadened. Marcus would have to get used to sleeping at an angle.

 

He softly pushed against the balcony door and it opened. Blessing his luck, Neroon stepped inside and approached the Ranger. Neroon's eyes scanned Marcus and he briefly cringed when he discovered that the bandages had loosened during Marcus' sleep. The burned flesh looked black and raw and Neroon vowed to defend the Ranger until the younger man could wield his pike once again.

 

Now came the hard part, waking Marcus up. It surprised Neroon that Marcus hadn't detected his presence yet, but chalked it up to the fact that Marcus was still using pain medication, which made the Ranger sluggish.

 

"Marcus?" Neroon stood beside the bed and noticed that the Ranger seemed cold. Marcus was shivering beneath his cloak. Acting on impulse, Neroon removed his own cloak and covered the Ranger with it. Its heavy texture would ensure that Marcus felt warm.

 

"Marcus?" Neroon repeated. "Can you hear me?" This wasn't good. If he'd been here to cause harm to Marcus, the Ranger would have been dead by now.

 

"Neroon?" Marcus whispered the word instinctively, as his subconscious recognized the voice. However, he wasn't awake yet. "Nice dream."

 

Neroon smiled. "This is not a dream. Wake up, Marcus!" This time he rested his hand on Marcus' shoulder, shaking him gently. "We need to talk."

 

The touch woke Marcus, and startled, he struggled to get to his feet, but the cloak weighed him down. In the end, Marcus settled for calling for the lights. For one moment, he'd thought Neroon was in his room, which was impossible as the warrior was in Yedor.

 

The lights came online and Marcus found myself staring straight into Neroon's dark eyes. Speechless, he tried to think of something to say. Neroon couldn't be here! Was his fever back, causing him to be delusional or was the pain medication the origin of this dream?

 

"I want to talk to you," Neroon repeated and sat down on the side of the platform, wanting to get closer to Marcus. There was a distance between them he wasn't comfortable with.

 

"You can't be here," Marcus stuttered eventually, when Neroon's voice penetrated his mind. "You're at Yedor…"

 

"No, I am here," Neroon corrected Marcus. Hesitantly, as if afraid to break some unwritten rule, he raised his hand and caressed several strands of Marcus' hair. "I came here *for you*."

 

"For me?" Marcus had trouble shaking off the effect of the pain medication. His mind was foggy and this situation didn't make any sense at all. Slowly, he managed to sit upright, but as he started to use his hands to support himself, he almost cried out in pain. Bugger, he'd forgotten he couldn't use them like that!

 

"Marcus," Neroon whispered, realizing what had happened and rested a hand on the Ranger's lower back, giving Marcus the support he needed. "I do not know how to say this."

 

"Say what?" At this point, Marcus had accepted that Neroon was here in his room, but he still wondered why.

 

"I was wrong," Neroon admitted softly.

 

"About what?" Exasperated, Marcus wondered what it would take to make Neroon speak his mind. He wasn't exactly up for dragging every word from the warrior's lips.

 

"This is about love." Neroon involuntarily held his breath after making that admission. Marcus had every right to reject him this time. What would the Ranger do?

 

"What are you trying to say?" Confused, Marcus swung his feet on to the floor. Wobbly, he rose from the platform, putting it between them like a barrier. He couldn't believe this was really happening. Had Neroon decided he wanted to play games? Well, he refused to be played!

 

"When Shakiri tried to take your life, I realized that I was pursuing the wrong goal." Neroon saw disbelief and even hostility in Marcus' eyes. "I should not have rejected you back on Udor."

 

Marcus' eyes grew big. What was Neroon telling him? "And now you suddenly want me?"

 

"Yes."

 

Neroon's simple answer angered Marcus. "You're really something, Neroon. Do you really think that you can come in here, tell me you want another chance and that I'll just throw myself in to your arms? You made your decision and you chose the Warrior Caste. You can't have both and you know it. Now get out of my rooms before I throw you out!"

 

Enraged, Marcus' eyes turned dark and he lifted one bandaged hand to point Neroon towards the door. "You can't play me like that. Get the hell out, Neroon."

 

"Marcus," Neroon said cautiously. Marcus' violent reaction took him aback, as he never expected it. "I admit I was wrong. I let my ambition and pride guide me, but not any longer."

 

"You just don't get it, do you?" Marcus admonished him in a harsh tone. "I opened myself up to you, accepted that I might get hurt if you felt differently and when you rejected me, I felt bloody vulnerable. Now you're asking me to risk getting hurt again. I can't do that again. When I said that you were the first I'd ever admitted to love, it was the truth. Do you have any idea how hard that was for me?"

 

Marcus suddenly realized that he was clutching Neroon's cloak. How had he gotten hold of it in the first place? He flung it on the platform, gesturing Neroon to pick it up. "I should have known better than to make myself that vulnerable and I'm not going to do it again. Now collect your things and leave. I want to be alone."

 

"Marcus, listen to me," Neroon started, "I never wanted to hurt you." Neroon was trying hard to control his own rage at being denied, but he realized that he deserved every word that Marcus flung at him.

 

"No, I won't listen to you!" Marcus used his hands to emphasize his words and immediately regretted it, as pain shot through his fingers. "Don't you dare sneak in to my rooms again, Neroon, now get the hell out! Now!"

 

Neroon released the breath he'd been holding. He wouldn't achieve anything like this. "I am not giving up on you," he warned the Ranger.

 

"I don't care what you think," Marcus hissed, his patience reaching its limits. "I don't want to see you ever again, do you hear?" Even as he stood there, telling Neroon to leave him alone, he still ached with desire for the Minbari, but he wouldn't let Neroon close again.

 

Neroon nodded his head. He'd give this another try in the morning like Sech Turval had suggested. This had been a bad idea. As he climbed back onto his own balcony he wished he knew why Marcus had reacted so vehemently. I only came here to tell Marcus that he was right. But Marcus had basically kicked him out. Confused, Neroon tried to make sense of what had happened.

 

///

 

Still seething with anger, Marcus sat shakily down on the platform. He still couldn't believe that Neroon had sneaked inside. And then the warrior had possessed the insolence to tell him that the attraction was mutual. Maybe Neroon hadn't used those exact words, but Marcus had read between the lines.

 

But this time he wouldn't show his vulnerability. He wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. If Neroon wanted him, the Minbari had to convince him first by actions. And once Neroon realized it wouldn't be a quick and easy conquest, the Minbari would return to Yedor.

 

Marcus began to pace his rooms, unable to go back to sleep again. Damn Neroon for barging in like that! Damn Neroon for reopening wounds that hadn't completely closed yet!

 

"I won't let you hurt me again," Marcus promised calmly. "I won't."

 

///

 

The next morning, Neroon left his quarters early. He wanted to get some of his anger out of his system by working out. Later, he would try to talk to Marcus again.

 

After arriving at the dojo, Neroon extended his pike and started his exercises. He was halfway through when Sech Turval's urgent tone broke his concentration.

 

"Neroon!" Sech Turval marched in to the dojo and walked straight up to Neroon. "I forbad you to talk to Marcus last night and yet you did!" He'd been equally furious and concerned when the guards had told him about Neroon's nightly visit to Marcus' quarters.

 

"I had to talk to him." Neroon collapsed his pike and picked up his shirt, quickly slipping into it. He'd expected Sech Turval to show up to lecture him.

 

"Why was it that important? Why could it not wait until today?" Sech Turval was still trying to put all the pieces of this puzzle together. His sources had confirmed that Neroon had passed up leadership of the Warrior Caste. Sech Turval had also learned about Shakiri's attack and Balar protecting Marcus. "You will explain your actions to me or I will personally escort you to your flyer."

 

Tired, Neroon massaged his brow. He had to win Sech Turval's trust; otherwise the teacher wouldn't help him. "I want Marcus."

 

Sech Turval's brow grew knitted. "I still do not understand."

 

"I want Marcus as my life mate," Neroon explained impatiently and locked eyes with Sech Turval. "Marcus told me he loved me… I rejected him because my ambition misguided me. Now that I realize my mistake, Marcus no longer wants me."

 

Baffled, Sech Turval sat down on a bench. He'd expected many explanations but not this particular one. "Is that why you refused to lead the Warrior Caste?"

 

"The caste would never allow me to chose a Human life mate. I had to chose between my ambition and Marcus." Neroon took a seat next to Sech Turval, relieved that the teacher's hostility seemed gone. "I never realized that I hurt him by denying my feelings."

 

Sech Turval had finally solved his puzzle. Marcus hadn't told him about Neroon's visit. If it hadn't been for the guards, Sech Turval wouldn't have known. Even now, Marcus was protecting Neroon, knowing damn well that Sech Turval wouldn't hesitate to order Neroon to leave the training facility. Apparently, Marcus wanted Neroon to stick around, whether the Ranger realized that or not. "Did you tell Marcus that you chose him above the offered leadership?"

 

"No, I did not get the chance," Neroon said softly. "And I do not want him to come to me out of quilt."

 

"You should tell him," Sech Turval advised.

 

"Marcus refuses to talk to me. He told me last night that he did not want to see me again."

 

"You have to understand," Sech Turval said compassionately. "Marcus does not trust easily and you hurt him."

 

"But I am not willing to give up on him!" Neroon rose to his feet. "I know he wants me to leave him alone, but I cannot do that! I have never felt this way before."

 

"Maybe I can arrange for an accidental meeting?" Sech Turval hinted as he got to his feet as well. "I will send for you once the time is right. Do not approach Marcus without word from me."

 

Neroon sighed deeply. "As long as there is a chance I am willing to cooperate."

 

"Good," Sech Turval said pleased. Now all he had to do was talk to Marcus.

 

///

 

"You appear troubled," Sech Turval said as he found Marcus seated in the library. It had been easy to locate the elusive Ranger, who had spent most of his time here during his training. The books, scrolls and crystals had always fascinated Marcus.

 

"I've got a lot to think about," Marcus replied calmly. Sech Turval always sought him out for a reason, he knew that by now and he could guess what the teacher wanted from him. He would make it hard though for Sech Turval.

 

"About your hands?" Sech Turval saw the stubbornness in Marcus' eyes and knew that he had to tread carefully.

 

"That too," Marcus admitted. "Delenn will probably want me to stay here as an assistant."

 

Sech Turval searched his memory. "What about this Stephen Franklin… Can he help you?"

 

"Perhaps," Marcus whispered uninterested. Stephen probably couldn't help him either.

 

"What else troubles you?" Sech Turval was prepared to force the issue if Marcus refused to talk about Neroon.

 

"Things," Marcus whispered evasively.

 

"Neroon?"

 

Marcus raised his eyes and looked at his former teacher. "You talked to him," he knew with sudden certainty.

 

"The guards reported his nightly visit to your quarters."

 

"I told him that I didn't want to talk to him." Marcus broke eye contact and tried to concentrate on his book. "Is he still here?"

 

"Yes."

 

Surprised, Marcus raised an eyebrow. "He shouldn't stay here too long. They'll need him in Yedor." Why was Neroon wasting his time here when he needed to get a grip on the Warrior Caste?

 

"You left during the ceremony," Sech Turval said thoughtfully, "after Shakiri attacked you. You never heard the proclamation, did you?"

 

"I had to get out of there," Marcus confessed, closed his book and faced his former mentor. "What's this about?"

 

"Hadar is the new leader of the Warrior Caste. Neroon refused." Sech Turval watched as Marcus grew pale.

 

"Why? Why would Neroon refuse?" Marcus shook his head in disbelief. "Neroon craves the power of leading the Warrior Caste."

 

"Neroon told me that there is something, someone, he craves more than the power of leadership."

 

"He's playing games," Marcus stated, completely convinced. "If only I knew what he hopes to achieve."

 

"Why do you not talk to him? Ask him that question?" Sech Turval suggested. He'd had enough time to gauge Marcus' reaction. The attraction was obviously mutual, but Marcus had been hurt and had re-erected all his defenses.

 

"I can't give in to him," Marcus objected. "Neroon doesn't want the same things I do."

 

"How do you know?"

 

"I just do." Marcus decided he'd had enough. "I think I should check in with the resident healer. My hands itch." He used the truth as an excuse to get away from Sech Turval. "You know that he'll regret passing up his chance. Even if we manage to talk things through Neroon will end up hating me because he had to chose."

 

"I will never hate you," Neroon stated with resolution. He'd followed Sech Turval to the library and had listened to their conversation. Finally, he understood.

 

Shocked, Marcus' glare traveled from Neroon to Sech Turval, realizing he'd been set up. "I'm leaving."

 

"No you are not," Sech Turval said and walked over to the door. "The two of you will talk." The teacher closed the door behind him, hoping the two men would open up and do away with all misunderstandings.

 

"You eavesdropped, Neroon," Marcus said annoyed. Turning his back on Neroon, he tried to pretend the warrior wasn't present.

 

"I had to," Neroon whispered a tad defensively. "How else can I know what is going on in your head?"

 

"Why did you change your mind?" Feeling confused and terribly vulnerable, Marcus refused to look at Neroon.

 

Neroon understood perfectly. "Because I realized what I really wanted was you. Marcus, you were right." Neroon took a step closer to Marcus, but didn't touch the Ranger yet. "I cannot have both. I cannot lead the caste and claim you as my life mate, but… I finally know what I need most."

 

"You'll resent me for not accepting leadership." Marcus awkwardly wrapped his arms around his waist. "This would be a relationship based on guilt."

 

"No," Neroon objected determinedly. "It would be based on love." Neroon took hold of Marcus' shoulders and turned him around until they faced each other. "Just answer me this, do you still desire me?"

 

Marcus laughed mirthlessly. "I wish I didn't."

 

Neroon grinned smugly. "Do you want me as your life mate?"

 

Marcus suddenly realized that Neroon was deadly serious and that the warrior wasn't playing games. "You want a committed relationship?"

 

Neroon nodded his head once, then waited for Marcus to continue.

 

"I don't know about this, Neroon. Yes, I still love you," Marcus admitted confused. "But we would never work out."

 

"Not so long ago you were convinced we would be good for each other."

 

"That was before all this happened!" Marcus exclaimed upset, but he didn't pull away from Neroon. "I need time to think about this."

 

"That seems only fair," Neroon acknowledged. "But I want to taste you once more."

 

Marcus didn't instantly realize what Neroon wanted and was suddenly swept up in Neroon's arms. Warm, moist lips unexpectedly found his, brushing them. Marcus moaned softly, as his knees went weak. He'd never suspected Neroon would make such a move and now found himself locked in a tight embrace while Neroon's tongue nudged against his teeth, requesting entrance. Unable to resist, Marcus parted his teeth and Neroon's tongue slid inside, exploring deeply.

 

"No," Marcus suddenly breathed into Neroon's mouth and pulled back. "Not like this," he panted softly.

 

Neroon allowed Marcus to retreat, knowing he'd achieved his goal. "Is this lust? Yes. Is it love? Yes." Letting go completely of the Ranger, he locked eyes with Marcus. "Know that I want you. Know that I desire you. Know that I am through with denying the truth."

 

Marcus gasped at hearing those words. Neroon was staking his claim. The question was, was Marcus willing to give them a second chance?

 

Part 8

 

"I'm not sure I believe you," Marcus admitted softly. "Can I trust you?" Did Neroon realize what he was getting himself in to? "Will we work out? You're a Minbari warrior and I…" He couldn't even call himself a Ranger any longer. "Delenn won't let me stay on active duty with these hands. I'd only be a burden to you."

 

"We will find someone who can repair the damage to your hands," Neroon promised passionately. "In the meantime trust me to be your hands."

 

"Every time I trusted someone they died." Marcus looked up pleadingly. "When I told you I loved you I hoped things would be different."

 

"I am sorry," Neroon repeated his earlier apology. "Please trust me."

 

"What will happen if I do?" Marcus tried to picture a future for the two of them together, but failed. "Are you still an outcast?"

 

"Hadar named me clan leader of the Star Riders. I am no longer an outcast," Neroon said smugly. "Let me worry for both of us?"

 

Marcus took a step closer to Neroon so they were eye to eye. "Can I trust you not to hurt me again?"

 

"Give me a chance to prove myself to you," Neroon whispered and folded his arms around the Ranger. "Let me love you."

 

"What? No ritual? No ceremony?" Marcus quipped nervously.

 

"We are already breaking all the rules," Neroon told him and refused to release Marcus' gaze. The Ranger's body felt warm and hard against his and Neroon acted on instinct as he leaned in closer to claim Marcus' lips. He was quickly getting addicted to his new lover's taste.

 

Marcus closed his eyes, unable to think, unable to resist, and he gave in to another passionate kiss. Neroon's tongue circled his and in the end, they met in a fierce duel. What surprised Marcus was that Neroon didn't seem interested in gaining the upper hand. It was give and take, equal opportunities for both.

 

When Neroon finally released Marcus' lips, he caught a hooded expression in those green eyes, which he'd seen a few times before. "I think I might want a ceremony after all," he realized. He wanted to make this official. I want to be sure you won't reconsider, you won't leave me again, he thought, admitting his own insecurity. "Promise you will always be mine."

 

Saddened, Marcus shook his head. "I wish I could."

 

Neroon smiled. "I meant, promise your *heart* will always be mine." He was probably moving a little fast, but he didn't have the time to court Marcus for a longer period of time. They were both warriors and when their superiors assigned them to missions, they'd have to obey.

 

"Neroon," Marcus whispered the name. "Are you sure that this is what you want? Only days ago you rejected me. I'm having trouble understanding you."

 

"We warriors, we live for the moment. You know that. Death can come at any moment and we should savour the time we have." Neroon wrapped his fingers in Marcus' hair and pulled him close. His lips brushed Marcus' as he spoke again. "I want to consummate our love."

 

Marcus swallowed hard. Neroon had always been direct. "I've never been with a man before."

 

"Neither have I," Neroon admitted. "But I am sure we will find ways to pleasure each other." Neroon didn't pressure Marcus further. This was the Ranger's decision.

 

Marcus had never felt so excited and terrified in his entire life. Neroon wanted to make love to him. The idea seemed absurd and intoxicating at the same time. "We need to slow down," he admonished Neroon.

 

"I do not wish to slow down," Neroon said firmly.

 

"I want this too, believe me, but…"

 

"But what?" Neroon's right hand slid down the Ranger's back, finally coming to rest on Marcus' buttocks, squeezing them gently. "Just ask yourself, do you want this?"

 

Oh yes, I do! But what if we're making a mistake going this fast? I don't know what to do, how to make love to you. We haven't even discussed our relationship yet! Marcus cursed his useless hands. Even if he wanted to, he couldn't make love to Neroon, couldn't caress the Minbari! "I need more time."

 

Neroon saw the uncertainty in Marcus' eyes. "I understand. We will meet in the dojo at sunset to exchange vows… You have until then to *think*." Neroon's hand moved from Marcus' buttocks to his hips, until his hand rested against the Ranger's erection. "Your body wants me. It does not lie. Listen to it. We could be dead tomorrow, beloved."

 

"Beloved…" Marcus whispered the word. Had Neroon really called him beloved?

 

"We will discover each other's centers of pleasure. We will give each other pleasure. It will seal our emotional bond." Neroon registered Marcus' nod with satisfaction. "Here, take this," Neroon reached into his robes and removed a silver necklace.

 

"What is it?"

 

Neroon slid the necklace over Marcus' head. "It is Minbari custom to give your life mate something that is of great value… *personal* value," Neroon clarified. "This necklace originally belonged to my grandfather. He passed it on to my father, who gave it to me the day I was declared a warrior. Now I want you to have it."

 

"I can't accept this. It's a family heirloom," Marcus protested. Bloody hell, what am I doing? It's not like me to rush things. I just accepted Neroon as my life mate! Why? Why am I doing this?

 

"What is wrong?" Neroon asked as he fingered Marcus' locks. The Ranger was still hard and his free hand rubbed the erection through the fabric of Marcus' trousers. Neroon felt oddly pleased that Marcus' attraction showed like this. If he were completely honest with himself, he had to admit that he wanted to do a lot more than rubbing Marcus' cock. This unexpected desire surprised Neroon, but he welcomed it.

 

"This isn't like me," Marcus explained. "I don't usually jump someone's bones." The silver necklace rested against his skin as Neroon had pushed it beneath the fabric of his turtleneck. "I know we can die any time, but…"

 

Neroon deeply inhaled Marcus' scent and then stepped back, letting go of the Ranger. "Meet me at the dojo at sunset and should you still have any doubts I will set you free." Smiling warmly, Neroon turned around, knowing that Marcus belonged to him, like he belonged to the Ranger. "Sunset," he reminded Marcus and then opened the door, which Sech Turval had unlocked eventually.

 

Marcus remained behind, his soul on fire, his body burning with desire. The metal against his flesh was proof that these last minutes had really happened. "Bugger," he cursed passionately. "What do I do now?"

 

///

 

Marcus was startled as someone knocked on the door to his rooms. "Who is it?" He hoped it wasn't Neroon. Their last conversation had left him utterly confused.

 

"Sech Turval."

 

"Please come inside," Marcus said relieved. The teacher stepped inside and Marcus immediately noticed the surprised expression in Sech Turval's eyes. Did Neroon tell Sech Turval what happened? It's the only explanation. Why would Neroon do that? Worried, Marcus tried to capture Sech Turval's gaze. "Is something wrong?"

 

"I would not call it *wrong*," Sech Turval replied cautiously. "But I am curious." Sech Turval placed his hand on Marcus' arm, which was an intimate gesture for a Minbari, who never touched each other without good reason. "Did you consent to be Neroon's life mate?"

 

"He told you," Marcus sighed. "I'm so confused," he suddenly burst out. "We were talking about trust and his changed feelings and somehow we ended up discussing consummating our love! I have no idea how that happened!" His tone had changed from calm to frantic and he looked at Sech Turval pleadingly. "What am I doing?"

 

"You are following your heart… maybe for the first time in your life, and that scares you." When Neroon had told Sech Turval about the commitment ceremony that he wanted to have held at sunset, the teacher had just stared at the warrior, thinking Neroon had gone mad. But now that he saw the passion in Marcus' eyes, he understood. Now he had to help Marcus to understand. "What does your heart tell you?"

 

"My heart tells me to hold on to Neroon and to never let go," Marcus admitted, embarrassed. "But…"

 

"You are scared because everyone you ever loved, who ever loved you, has left you." Compassionately, Sech Turval squeezed Marcus' arm. "We do not get any guarantees in life. One never knows if a relationship will work out. The question is, are you willing to try and try hard to make this work?"

 

"Yes," Marcus replied honestly. "But I don't know what to expect from Neroon."

 

"Neroon feels the same way. Remember, this is new to him too," Sech Turval kindly reminded him. "So, you will exchange vows at sunset?"

 

"What am I supposed to do? Say? What are these vows about and…"

 

Sech Turval stopped Marcus' babbling. "I will explain them to you."

 

"Thank you," Marcus sighed relieved. Part of him still didn't believe that he was actually going to do this!

 

///

 

Feeling like a nervous wreck, Marcus shuffled his feet. Sech Turval had explained the ritual to him, which was short and to the point. Now that they stood in the dojo waiting for Neroon, Marcus tried chasing away his doubts, that this was happening too quickly, that he didn't trust Neroon, that Neroon had hurt him once and would hurt him again.

 

"Marcus? Are you having second thoughts?" Sech Turval inquired. He'd talked long hours with Marcus, making sure that this was what the young man really wanted.

 

"No, just getting cold feet," Marcus said jokingly, trying to hide his nervousness. The sun was setting and Neroon would arrive any moment now. Marcus knew what to expect from the ceremony, what to do and what to say, but taking such a big step still scared him. When he'd told Neroon that he was in love with the warrior Marcus had never expected to end up *marrying* Neroon.

 

"I am only an old man, Marcus, but I have seen love come and go and I think that you are doing the right thing," Sech Turval said, trying to soothe his former student.

 

"Then why am I this nervous?" Marcus asked with a hint of hysteria in his tone.

 

"Just remember that Neroon feels the same way. Only he is better at hiding it." Sech Turval smiled reassuringly.

 

Marcus held on to that truth when Neroon's footfalls announced the warrior's arrival. Marcus turned around to face Neroon and swallowed hard. Neroon was wearing his warrior uniform, long black cloak draped over his shoulders. In his right hand, Neroon carried a collapsed pike. It was the most beautiful sight Marcus had ever seen and he realized how futile it was to fight this love. It had trapped them both.

 

"Beloved." Neroon took in his lover's sight and then pulled Marcus to his chest in one firm move. Pressing his lips on Marcus', he smothered the Ranger's attempt at speech.

 

Marcus had wanted to chide Neroon for kissing him in front of Sech Turval, but once the kiss deepened, the rational part of his mind ceased to function.

 

Amused, Sech Turval watched them. "Neroon, Marcus," he chided them after a few moments as the kiss continued. "The vows."

 

"Ah, yes," Neroon released Marcus' lips, but his arm remained curled round the Ranger's waist. His features grew solemn as he locked eyes with Marcus. "Beloved, I promise to guard you, love you, honor you and defend your life."

 

Marcus had been surprised when Sech Turval had told him that the ceremony consisted only of exchanging this one vow. The Minbari were fond of pompous and long ceremonies and this was quite the exception, probably because it was a Warrior Caste tradition. Warriors didn't believe in long, elaborate vows.

 

"Accept this token of my love and respect," Neroon continued and presented his pike to Marcus. He caught the reflection of the necklace and smiled. Marcus was still wearing his gift.

 

Awkwardly, Marcus managed to take hold of the pike, clutching the weapon between his wrists. He prayed fervently that he wouldn't drop it accidentally.

 

Marcus cleared his throat before repeating Neroon's vow. "Beloved, I promise to guard you, love you, honor you and defend your life." He briefly wondered how he could possibly defend Neroon from a possible attacker with his injured hands, but dismissed the thought as this was only ceremony.

 

Sech Turval helped Marcus when the younger man looked stricken, realizing he was still holding Neroon's pike and thus couldn't present his own gift to Neroon. The teacher attached Neroon's pike to Marcus' belt and placed the Ranger's own pike in the palm of the young man's hands.

 

Marcus choked down the pain that emanated from his hands. "Accept this token of my love and respect."

 

Neroon closed his fingers round the pike and then attached it to his belt. "Sech Turval?" He looked to the Minbari teacher to speak the words that would make this bond official.

 

"According to Minbari laws only death can break this bond. Marcus, you are now part of the Star Riders clan," Sech Turval said firmly.

 

Marcus looked up. Sech Turval hadn't told him that he was now part of Neroon's clan. He wanted to ask Sech Turval what this meant, but the teacher's eyes told him to remain silent.

 

"May the stars be your guides and may you fight side by side in battle," Sech Turval finished. He'd checked on the right words after Neroon had requested he carried out the ceremony. Smiling at both men, Sech Turval hoped they'd be happy.

 

"Now what?" Marcus asked hesitantly.

 

"Now we will retire for the night," Neroon informed him wickedly.

 

"And please keep the noise down?" Sech Turval stated with a solemn expression, barely able to repress his own merriment.

 

Marcus and Neroon stared at Sech Turval's back when the teacher left the dojo.

 

"Was that a joke?" Marcus said eventually.

 

"I hope so. I plan on making a lot of noise tonight."

 

Marcus' heart missed a beat, hearing Neroon's remark. "That was a joke right?"

 

"No."

 

///

 

Marcus' nervousness got worse as Neroon opened the door for him. They'd decided to return to Marcus' quarters for the night, Neroon expressing the hope that it would make Marcus more comfortable. How in bloody hell can I feel comfortable knowing he wants to… Yes, what did Neroon want? To make love? Go all the way or just take the first step? Maybe it would be a good thing to ask.

 

Neroon closed the door behind them and turned on the lights. "You are nervous," he remarked casually.

 

"Are you nervous, Neroon?" Marcus sat down on the sofa in the corner of the room, watching the warrior, watching my lover, my beloved… my life mate.

 

"Yes," Neroon confessed as he sat down beside his lover. "I am nervous."

 

"We should talk… first," Marcus said cautiously, "about what will happen tonight."

 

"I want to make love to you tonight," Neroon stated passionately. "I have never been with a man, but I intend to make you scream with passion."

 

"Neroon, there's something you should know." Feeling shy and even embarrassed, Marcus averted his eyes from Neroon's. "I've never been with a woman either… in that way."

 

Puzzled, Neroon cupped Marcus' chin in the palm of his hand and forced Marcus to look into his eyes. "You have never been inside someone?"

 

Marcus cringed, hearing Neroon phrase it like that. "And no one has ever been inside me either. You're the one with the experience here."

 

"I look forward to teaching you what I know," Neroon said thoughtfully. "But I have never been with a man either so we will be learning together." Recognizing Marcus' need to discuss this, he gently took hold of the Ranger's feet and got rid of the boots. Then, he lifted Marcus' legs and rested the stocking feet in his lap. Absentmindedly, he massaged them.

 

"That feels… " Marcus sighed blissfully and made himself comfortable on the sofa, lying down and watching Neroon's face. "Why does this feel so familiar, so…"

 

"Right?" Neroon finished for him. "Once I allowed myself to acknowledge the attraction, the love, I realized that we could have something special. I feel comfortable around you."

 

Marcus listened, surprised that Neroon was opening up like this. Neroon's hands suddenly strayed from his feet, slipping beneath the fabric of his trousers and kneading his calves as well.

 

"I want to touch you," Neroon continued and searched Marcus' eyes. "I know that your hands hamper you; that you cannot touch me the way you want to touch me… Until they have healed, let me pleasure you."

 

The last thing Marcus expected was such a passionate plea. "What if you don't like making love to me?" he asked, voicing his greatest fear.

 

"Do not worry about that." Neroon remembered Valara, the way they'd had intercourse, bereft off all passion. He knew things would be different with Marcus. "We are adults, Marcus. You can tell me when I do something that you do not like and I will tell you what I desire from you. We won't make love in the dark, just performing the act. To us, it will be more… if you will let it be more."

 

Marcus swallowed hard. "Do you want me completely?"

 

Confused, Neroon cocked his head. "Marcus?"

 

"Do you want…" Marcus paused to gather his courage. "Do you want to be inside me? What do you want?" He'd waited his entire life for this moment of passion and he suddenly realized that he wanted this to happen. He craved making wild, passionate love with Neroon. For some reason he assumed that Neroon was a natural alpha male, eager to dominate the encounter, claiming him, maybe even marking him as his own. Oh, bloody hell. Just thinking that makes me hard! I want him to take me! That revelation shocked him.

 

Neroon growled softly. "Would you consent to that?" Being inside Marcus was his greatest desire. "I will be gentle," he promised.

 

"Neroon, admitting this isn't easy," Marcus started in a heavy tone, "but just thinking about feeling you inside me makes me hard."

 

Neroon's eyes drifted to Marcus' groin and he licked his lips seeing the impressive bulge there. "When your hands have healed I hope you will return that pleasure and take me as well."

 

"You'd let me?" Wide eyed, Marcus sat upright and stared hard. "You'd let me take you?"

 

"I want you that way too," Neroon confessed. "But we should concentrate on your needs tonight."

 

Marcus' stomach contracted hearing that promise. "Are you going to take me?"

 

"Yessss," Neroon growled. He clasped his hands at the back of Marcus' neck and pulled him in for a kiss.

 

"You do know how to do this?" Marcus managed to ask before Neroon's lips possessed his.

 

"What do you think I did during these last hours? I studied Human mating rituals." Neroon's smirk gave him away.

 

"You watched adult movies?" Marcus couldn't believe that Neroon had sat down to watch porn movies.

 

"They taught me a great deal," Neroon assured him. "We need to remove your clothes first." He'd already gathered that Marcus couldn't undress himself while his hands were injured. "I look forward to doing this regularly," he quipped delighted.

 

Marcus was trying to reach a decision. Could he hand over control to Neroon like that?

 

"Yes?" Neroon inquired, realizing Marcus' dilemma. "Let me make love to you, and Marcus?"

 

"Yes?"

 

"Do not hold back? I want to see your passion, feel it!" Neroon knelt between Marcus' legs and began to remove the tunic. "You are definitely wearing too many clothes to be comfortable."  

 

"You're wearing even more clothes!" Marcus objected weakly, as he moved with Neroon to remove the turtleneck shirt.

 

Neroon took gently hold of Marcus' hands and placed them above the Ranger's head. "Do you want me to touch you?"

 

"Oh yes," Marcus moaned. Suddenly, Neroon's fingertips glided down his chest, teasing his belly button. "Watch it, I'm ticklish!"

 

Delighted, Neroon smiled. Marcus felt comfortable under his touch and that was what Neroon wanted. They were both nervous and trust was of the essence. Teasingly, he tickled Marcus briefly, eliciting a chuckle from the younger man.

 

"Stop that!" Marcus panted between laughter. Neroon was quite a surprise. I never thought Neroon would be like this. Teasing me, caressing me… taking his time. Marcus had assumed that Neroon would take him quickly, not wasting any time on foreplay. He was about to find out how wrong he was as Neroon unzipped the Ranger's trousers. "What are you going to do?"

 

"Taste you," Neroon promised. Valara had never done this for him, but he'd seen the effect it had had on the men in the movies he'd watched. He wanted to see Marcus squirm like that and moan his name. "Lift your hips, beloved."

 

Marcus obeyed and suddenly realized that he was naked… except for his socks. But Neroon was already removing those too. "Now you're the one who's overdressed." But the fabric of Neroon's uniform, the epaulets and leather boots against his skin only furthered his arousal. And then there was Neroon's promise that the Minbari was going to taste him. Oh God…

 

"I lack the words to describe your beauty," Neroon whispered as he ran his hands over Marcus' chest. He briefly paused to examine the texture of Marcus' chest hair. His hands continued their exploration and finally settled in the Ranger's pubic hair, which fascinated Neroon.

 

"You don't have to flatter me," Marcus whispered, looking down at his lover kneeling between his legs. He still wondered why this felt so good, so right, like they'd been destined to be lovers.

 

"You will let me explore?" Neroon asked, wanting Marcus' explicit permission before he took this any further.

 

"Please, I'm begging here… can't you tell?"

 

Neroon grinned. Yes, Marcus' hard and weeping cock stood proud, demanding attention. "I hope I will please you," Neroon whispered, as he wrapped his fingers around his lover's slick erection. His other hand massaged Marcus' scrotum, squeezing gently and rolling the balls in their sac.

 

Not expecting this intense stimulation, Marcus gasped for breath. Involuntarily, he arched his back, silently begging Neroon to start pumping him. "It's been so long," he whispered softly. "I wish I could run my fingers over your skin."

 

Neroon heard the true regret in Marcus' voice. "Later," he promised. "Once they have healed. Let me make you forget the pain." Neroon stroked Marcus' cock slowly, occasionally running his thumb over the slit. Pre-ejaculate dripped from his fingers and Neroon bent down to taste it.

 

"Neroon," Marcus whispered taken aback as the Minbari's tongue darted over the tip of his erection. Not even in his wildest and feverish dreams he'd imagined that Neroon would ever go down on him.

 

Neroon licked his lover's erection, sliding his tongue down the length of Marcus' cock. The Ranger's breathing had turned erratic and Marcus was trying to thrust in to his mouth. Neroon never considered admonishing his lover or telling him to remain still. The gentle thrusting told him that Marcus needed extra stimulation and he took in more of his lover's cock, sucking hard at the tip.

 

"I…I…" Incapable of coherent speech, Marcus tried to lock eyes with Neroon, but the Minbari was too focused on making Marcus feel good to notice. Please, Neroon, I'm about to come and I don't know how you'll react when I come in your mouth!

 

Neroon felt his lover's body tense and realized that Marcus was approaching orgasm. He briefly looked up and he almost came himself from the expression in Marcus' dilated eyes.

 

"Almost…"

 

Neroon heard Marcus' whisper and wanted to send him over the edge, experiencing an orgasm like the Ranger never had felt before. "Lick it," he instructed and placed his index finger against Marcus' lips.

 

Marcus craved release too badly to question Neroon's request and suckled the digit hard, lavishing it with saliva. Thrusting in to Neroon's mouth, he wished his lover would have pity on him and pump him harder.

 

Neroon relaxed the muscles in his throat and took in his lover's length, enjoying the strangled moan that left Marcus' lips. He placed his finger at Marcus' entrance and gently pushed passed the muscle into the tight passage.

 

Marcus yelped helplessly as Neroon's finger moved inside him, sending waves of pleasure through his body. A warm and moist mouth surrounded his cock and as Neroon's finger slid in and out of his body, he screamed madly.

 

As Marcus' body tensed completely, Neroon prepared himself to swallow his lover's come. He wanted to devour everything Marcus had to offer. As the salty liquid shot into his throat, his finger thrust deeply into Marcus' body, tearing another yelp from the younger man.

 

Completely sated, Marcus shook in Neroon's arms. The Minbari had released his spent cock and had pulled back his finger once the spasms inside Marcus' body had stopped and was now crawling closer on all fours, leaning in to kiss him. Marcus quivered, as he tasted himself on Neroon's lips.

 

"You liked that," Neroon commented smugly.

 

"Yes, I did." Marcus never considered denying the truth. "Are you sure you’ve never done this before?" His lips found Neroon's again and very carefully, he folded his arms around the fully clothed warrior. "Let me hold you?"

 

Neroon smiled warmly and enjoyed the embrace. He didn't move, careful not to jolt Marcus' hands. The last thing he wanted was to be the bringer of pain. "There is more to come…"

 

"Neroon…" Lazily, Marcus licked Neroon's upper lip, tugging slightly. "I should take care of you. I want you out of that uniform and I can't even undress you."

 

"Let me get to my feet and I will take care of that," Neroon said seductively. He waited until Marcus had released him and then got to his feet. Seeing Marcus naked and sated stirred his own desire again. He quickly striped and stood proud in front of the Ranger. "I hope my body pleases you."

 

Marcus swallowed hard at the sight of rippling muscle, impressive biceps and an incredible muscled ass. Neroon's erect cock already leaked pre-ejaculate and had taken on a fierce red color. "You're gorgeous."

 

"Why don't we move this to the floor?" Neroon spread a blanket on to the floor and then kneeled, inviting Marcus to join him.

 

Marcus slipped from the couch and kneeled opposite Neroon. His hands hung idly down his side. "How do you want to do this?"

 

"I wish you could ride me, but I fear you will lose balance without your hands to support you and I do not want to add to your injuries."

 

"Ride you?" Marcus blushed weakly, remembering that Neroon wanted to be claimed in time as well.

 

"Why don't you lie down for now?" Neroon gestured Marcus to lie on his back.

 

Marcus stared at Neroon after he'd laid down and wondered if this would be it. Neroon had completely surprised him with that blowjob. Now he felt sated, but still he craved more physical contact with Neroon.

 

"Rest your hands," Neroon spread Marcus' arms and massaged his lover's upper arms and shoulders. "Tell me the truth… how do you want me to take you?" Neroon reached into his cloak and uncovered a small vial. Then, he placed a pillow beneath Marcus' hips.

 

"You did watch those porn vids, didn't you?" Marcus said lazily and stretched his body like a cat. "You even brought lubrication?"

 

"I did not know what it was called," Neroon admitted amused. "But we will need it… Now tell me…"

 

"I want you inside, Neroon… and I want you now." Marcus had long discarded rationality now that passion had taken over. "Take me, make me yours, claim me? I never realized how badly I want to be with you in that way."

 

Neroon opened the vial and slicked his fingers with the oily substance. "But we will do it slowly. This act should give you pleasure too."

 

"Neroon, I just came… I'm high on adrenaline," Marcus reassured him, but tensed as Neroon's finger probed his entrance again.

 

"Relax, beloved," Neroon whispered, sensing his lover's tension. Seated between Marcus' legs, he leaned in closer and ran his tongue over one of his lover's nipples. Suckling it, he felt Marcus relax and his finger slipped in deeper. His other hand stroked Marcus' inner thigh and kneaded his lover's buttocks as Marcus arched his back.

 

Marcus closed his eyes as Neroon added a second finger, concentrating on this new sensation. This time he pushed back, eager to show his willingness, his need. "More…" he whimpered as Neroon pulled back, only to return with three fingers that continued to stretch him.

 

Bloody hell, this feels good. I never knew having something up my arse would feel this good. Oh God! Marcus cried out as Neroon's index finger rubbed a sensitive spot inside his body. His toes curled and he opened his eyes to stare at his lover.

 

"I think I have located your prostate," Neroon said with obvious smugness. He'd hoped that rubbing the little nub would have the desired effect on his lover and it did. Marcus was squirming, begging for more. Neroon didn't waste any time and pressed kisses all over Marcus' stomach, trailing up until his lips met Marcus' collarbone and he suckled the skin there hard, leaving a passion mark.

 

Entranced, Marcus realized that he was growing hard again as Neroon's finger continued to stroke his prostate. He wanted release so badly that the pleasure bordered on pain because Neroon was denying him what he really wanted. "Inside… now!"

 

Neroon eagerly complied and replaced his fingers with the head of his cock. Slowly, he pushed inside, then stopped to give Marcus time to adjust to the

invasion. As Marcus released his breath, Neroon pushed in further, unexpectedly sheathing himself to the hilt inside his lover's body.

 

Marcus' startled eyes met Neroon's, as the Ranger realized that Neroon was completely inside him. "Feels full," he whispered, careful not to breathe too deeply. "Feels good."

 

Neroon nodded his head, briefly incapable of speech. Marcus' tightness was incredible.

 

"Start moving? Please?" Marcus had forgotten about the pain in his hands as Neroon thrust gently. "Bloody… hell," Marcus panted, as Neroon's thrusts grew more passionate. Marcus thought he'd lose his last grip on sanity as Neroon also pumped his fully erect cock.

 

Acting purely on instinct, Marcus raised his legs and placed his feet against Neroon's chest, changing the angle of his lover's thrusts.

 

Neroon penetrated his young lover deeply and claimed Marcus' lips again, suckling, licking, ravishing his lover's mouth as he approached completion.

 

Marcus struggled for breath, as Neroon's thrusts became deep and short, sending him over the edge. He came in the Minbari's hand, calling out to Neroon as orgasm ripped through him.

 

Spasms gripped Neroon's cock and the Minbari couldn't hold back any longer. Burying himself deep inside Marcus' warm and sated body, he came violently. In his passion, he buried his teeth in the skin near Marcus' collarbone, drawing blood. "Mar…cus," he whispered his lover's name as his seed settled deep inside his lover's body. "I never… felt like… this…"

 

Marcus tried to regulate his breathing, but Neroon's weight was pressing him down.

 

Thankfully, Neroon realized his lover's predicament and rose on all fours, carefully, slowly withdrawing from Marcus' body.

 

"Twice… you made me come twice!" Marcus panted softly.

 

Neroon needed to assure himself that he hadn't hurt his lover unwillingly. "Beloved, are you…"

 

"I'm sore, yes, but also sated and about to fall asleep. I don't think I'll need my pain medication tonight."

 

Neroon checked Marcus thoroughly, relieved to find no blood. "You are passionate," he then complimented Marcus.

 

"And you… I never thought… never assumed…"

 

"What?" Neroon didn't like the expression in his lover's eyes. Quickly, he grabbed their cloaks and covered Marcus' shivering body with them. He would clean Marcus up later and then go to sleep with the Ranger in his arms. "What is it, beloved?"

 

"I never thought you'd be so… considerate. I thought you'd make love quickly, not bother with foreplay and… I feel quite the fool. You made everything… perfect."

 

Neroon smiled tenderly. "I should take this as a compliment then?"

 

"Most certainly…" Marcus yawned and immediately gave Neroon an apologetic look. "You’ve exhausted me."

 

"I trust that is a good thing," Neroon chuckled as Marcus' eyes closed. "Go to sleep then. I will clean us up."

 

"Can't believe you're not tired," Marcus said and another big yawn overwhelmed him.

 

"We need to work on your stamina," Neroon quipped teasingly and watched entranced as Marcus dozed off. Staring at his lover, Neroon felt immensely grateful that he'd made the right decision after all.

 

Part 9

 

Amused, Neroon realized that his presence truly unnerved the Chief of Security, Garibaldi. Since he'd arrived on Babylon 5 Garibaldi had been close. The Chief had even approached him, inquiring *why* Neroon was here.

 

"Personal affairs that do not concern you," Neroon had answered, annoying Garibaldi even further, but the warrior enjoyed toying with the Human.

 

Neroon remained near the departure section, keeping an eye out for Marcus. His life mate had traveled to Babylon 5 four days ago; eager to find out whether Stephen Franklin could fix his hands.

 

They'd been lovers for two weeks now and Neroon had missed Marcus' company during these last few days that they'd been apart. That was why he'd chosen to travel to Babylon 5 to surprise his beloved. How would Marcus react to finding him here?

 

Neroon leaned against a wall, glaring at Garibaldi, who was still watching him closely. It made Neroon feel good, knowing that he could still get beneath the Chief's skin.

 

Sudden movement near the doorway caught his attention and he hoped Marcus had arrived. Disappointed, he realized that it wasn't his lover, but Commander Susan Ivanova who'd entered the departure hall. She walked over to Garibaldi and Neroon wished he could overhear their conversation. Did he pose such a threat that the Commander *and* the Chief of Security needed to keep an eye on him? Neroon grinned smugly.

 

Pensively, Neroon mentally recalled the days Marcus and he had spent at the training facility. Marcus had slept most of the time, still recovering from the fever, but Neroon had been delighted to hold his lover in his sleep.

 

In the end it had been Sech Turval who had shattered their heavenly illusion. The teacher had contacted Delenn, urging her to ask Marcus to visit Babylon 5 and check in with Stephen Franklin. A day later, Delenn had sent Marcus exactly that message and Neroon had only reluctantly let him go.

 

For a while Neroon had been concerned that Delenn would order Marcus to stay on Babylon 5, and when Hadar had contacted the new leader of the Star Riders, Neroon had realized his chance. Neroon had suggested Marcus, now his life mate, would function as liaison between the Warrior Caste and the Rangers. Hadar had supported that idea and Neroon had been relieved, for it meant that Marcus would be stationed on Minbar. The tricky part was getting Marcus to cooperate.

 

"Minbari warriors are trouble."

 

Neroon overheard Ivanova's statement and his grin broadened. Marcus would certainly agree with that, but where was the Ranger? Their shuttle was supposed to leave in a few minutes.

 

"Neroon?"

 

Neroon recognized the voice of his lover at once and turned around to take in Marcus' appearance. The Ranger no longer looked pale and the dark circles beneath the impossible green eyes had disappeared. Neroon's eyes drifted lower and his heart thumped in his chest, finding the bandages gone. Marcus' hands were whole again and the dreadful burned flesh gone. Neroon reigned in his enthusiasm. Had Marcus also regained his fine motor skills?

 

"Beloved," Neroon whispered and opened his arms. With now practised grace, he caught Marcus in them and hugged the Ranger to his chest. The large eyes that locked with his were filled with bliss. "I missed you."

 

"What are you doing here?" Marcus asked stunned. "I was supposed to meet you at the training facility!"

 

"I wanted to taste you, feel you," Neroon whispered and ignored the surprised murmur that rose around them. Remotely, he could even make out Garibaldi and Ivanova's baffled reaction.

 

Marcus sighed as Neroon's lips claimed his. He'd never imagined that his lover would kiss him in public. Well, Neroon had kissed him in front of the teachers at the training facility, but the Minbari teachers had known that they were mated. Here, on Babylon 5, no one knew!

 

Surrendering to Neroon's passion, Marcus' eyes suddenly locked with Susan's and he saw utter disbelief in them. I hope you'll find someone too, Susan. We weren't meant to be together.

 

"Marcus," Neroon growled as the Ranger didn't react to his kiss. Something was distracting his lover and as he followed Marcus' glance, Neroon realized it was Ivanova. "They are already waiting for us on Minbar," Neroon reminded his lover, possessively curling an arm around Marcus' waist. "And you need to tell me about your hands."

 

"Yes, of course!" Marcus tore his eyes away from Susan and concentrated on his lover. "I missed you too!" Marcus admitted and fell in to step beside the warrior as Neroon pulled him towards the shuttle.

 

Instinctively, Neroon realized that Ivanova posed some kind of threat. He wasn't sure why, but he wasn't going to take any chances. He smirked as the shuttle doors closed behind them and he guided Marcus to their seats.

 

Marcus needed a moment to regain his composure. He'd never expected Neroon to travel to Babylon 5 to surprise him, but now he could share the good news even sooner. "Stephen sort of fixed my hands," Marcus whispered and placed them palm up in Neroon's hands.

 

Neroon gently ran his fingertips over the smooth flesh, unmarred and warm. He monitored Marcus' reaction when he squeezed the palm gently. "Does it still hurt?"

 

"No, the pain's gone. I don't know exactly what Stephen did, but he managed to grow new skin tissue to make them look like new." Marcus smiled brilliantly. "They no longer look raw and burned."

 

"Your physician did an splendid job," Neroon complimented Franklin and couldn't stop caressing the smooth skin. "What about control?"

 

Marcus' smile turned dark. "I can move my fingers again, probably even use my thumb and index finger to take hold of things, but… I won't be able to wield a pike. I won't ever have that measure of control. My right hand's a little stronger than my left, so… Stephen feels confident I might even relearn to write."

 

"That's excellent news," Neroon said pleased and raised Marcus' hands to his lips. Slowly, he kissed each finger.

 

"Don’t do that," Marcus admonished him, barely able to hold back a moan filled with desire. Just feeling Neroon's tongue licking his fingertips made him hard.

 

"Yes, later," Neroon agreed and wrapped Marcus' hands in his. "First we have to talk to Hadar."

 

Surprised, Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Aren't we going to the training facility?"

 

"No, to Yedor. Hadar wants to talk to both of us." Neroon absentmindedly caressed Marcus' hands, still wary of touching them, remembering Marcus used to be in a lot of pain whenever he accidentally touched that burned flesh.

 

"Marcus? I want to ask you something," Neroon said hesitantly. Although Marcus had begun to open up during the last two weeks, the Ranger still disliked discussing his past. "Why did Ivanova's presence make you feel uncomfortable?"

 

Marcus sighed deeply. He should have known that Neroon would notice the sudden tension in his body when he'd seen her. "I thought I loved her once."

 

Surprised, Neroon locked eyes with his lover. "Did you?"

 

"Not like I love you," Marcus assured him at once and freed his right hand, so his fingers could trace his lover's upper lip. "She didn't want me anyway."

 

"She's a fool then," Neroon said relieved and suckled Marcus' fingertip gently. He'd wanted to do that since they'd become lovers, but Marcus' injuries had prevented that.

 

"You were a fool once," Marcus whispered, uncertain whether he was trespassing. They'd never discussed Neroon rejecting him back at Udor after they'd become life mates.

 

"But this fool realized his mistake in time. I still regret hurting you," Neroon said sincerely. "Maybe pleasuring you tonight will ease the pain?"

 

Marcus grinned, seeing Neroon's wicked grin. "Actually, I was planning on pleasuring *you* now that my hands are cooperating again." Neroon's eyes darkened and Marcus smiled seductively. "Do you still want me to take you?"

 

"Oh, Valen, yes!" Neroon exclaimed passionately. A few passengers turned their heads to see what the commotion was about and Neroon lowered his voice. "Tonight," he said firmly.

 

"Tonight," Marcus promised and sat back, relaxing as Neroon continued to caress his hands.

 

///

 

Hadar observed Marcus and Neroon closely, as his guests entered his private rooms. Since Seijro had returned to Nafys, Hadar had found it much easier to deal with caste matters. His father had the tendency to interfere too frequently. Now that Seijro had departed, he could execute some of his plans and one of them was to befriend Marcus and Neroon.

 

"Shai Alit Hadar," Neroon said in a formal tone. Marcus and he had agreed that Neroon would do most of the talking, as Hadar was Neroon's nephew and the warrior knew Hadar best.

 

"Uncle Neroon, Marcus," Hadar said, dismissing any titles. He didn't want this to be a formal conversation. "Do you have any idea why I asked you to come here?"

 

Neroon eyed his relative. "No," Neroon lied, knowing damn well why they were here. Marcus' hand suddenly pressed slightly against his back and Neroon realized that the Ranger needed the touch, the contact now that his hands had been restored. "Why did you send for us?"

 

"Master Durhann, who taught me to use the Denn'bok, told me that you have exchanged vows," Hadar said in a teasing tone. "Is that true, uncle?"

 

Neroon wished Hadar would stop calling him uncle. It made him feel old and like he was supposed to protect his young relative. "It is true," he replied, playing his part.

 

Marcus watched both Minbari, realizing Hadar was playing a game, but what did the young caste leader hope to achieve?

 

"Uncle, I want the Ranger represented at Yedor." Hadar waited for Neroon to reply according to plan.

 

"And you want Marcus as your liaison?" Neroon tried hard not to look at Marcus. His lover would eventually see the truth in his eyes.

 

"I already contacted Delenn, who agrees with me." Hadar had been saddened to hear that Marcus could no longer perform certain duties due to his still impaired hands and this would be the perfect solution to their problems. Marcus would be able to stay on Minbar, close to Neroon and Hadar would get his liaison.

 

Neroon nodded his head and heard Marcus' soft intake of breath. The Ranger hated it when others made decisions for him and Neroon expected Marcus to speak up any moment now. "It is settled then. Marcus will stay with me at Yedor."

 

Marcus was seriously considering lecturing Neroon and maybe even Hadar until he realized that this meant that he didn't have to leave Neroon. This way they could be together. And what are my options anyway? Delenn removed me from active duty as I can no longer defend myself properly. This is probably the best thing that can happen to me. So he kept quiet.

 

Marcus' silence surprised Neroon and as he looked into his lover's eyes, he saw understanding and acceptance. Tonight, he would show Marcus what the rest of their lives would be like.

 

///

 

"Where are we going, Neroon?" Marcus questioned as Neroon piloted their flyer away from Yedor. "I thought we were going to spend the night here."

 

"I want you to see our home," Neroon explained softly. "We will spend the rest of our lives here… hopefully."

 

"Won't you miss the battles? The fighting?" Marcus realized that Neroon had made another sacrifice so they could be together. Neroon should be out there commanding the Ingata, not playing the part of a diplomat. "You don't have to do this for me," Marcus said thoughtfully.

 

"But I want to," Neroon replied and met Marcus' stare. "I want to be with you. You once reminded me that warriors are already dead, even if they are still alive, but now that I found something worth living for I refuse to die unnecessary."

 

Marcus marveled at the change that had taken place in his lover. "Are you sure you'll be happy, stuck with me out here?"

 

"You make me happy," Neroon said determinedly. "We are about to land," he added as they reached their destination.

 

After Neroon landed the flyer, they walked towards the large crystalline structure, draped in purple, blue and gold tones. Marcus followed Neroon inside. "Are we alone here?"

 

"The servants will arrive tomorrow," Neroon informed him and led his lover to their sleeping quarters. "Do you like it?"

 

Marcus nodded his head. The large room was filled with soft cushions, blankets, quilts and a big sleeping platform stood in the corner of the room. In its center was a pile of fluffy pillows. He raised an eyebrow as he discovered the small glass vials that stood next to the large pillows. "Do you have plans for tonight?" Marcus quipped. It still surprised him how easy it was to be intimate with Neroon.

 

"Oh yes…" Neroon searched his lover's eyes and made a decision. "Would you gather some food from the kitchen? I am hungry."

 

Marcus was already near the doorway when he wondered about Neroon's request. Usually, the warrior fetched his own food. Dismissing it, he set out to explore his new home, find the kitchen and eventually return to his hungry lover.

 

Neroon picked up one of the vials, opened it and let the liquid run down his index finger. He'd tested the strength in Marcus' hands during their trip home from Babylon 5 and knew that Marcus still required physical therapy to regain his old measure of strength. So, he'd decided to prepare himself for their lovemaking. Marcus' promise to take him made the blood sizzle in his veins.

 

Neroon stepped into the large bathroom and undressed. He took a quick shower and then studied his reflection in the mirror. Yes, he wanted this, wanted Marcus to claim him, like he'd claimed the Ranger. Cloaking his index finger with the oily lubricant he placed it against his entrance. He forced himself to relax and pushed inside.

 

Thus far, Marcus had been on the receiving end of their lovemaking, but Neroon wanted to change that. He used his inner muscle to grip his finger and smiled. He had a few surprises in store for Marcus once the Ranger entered him.

 

He withdrew his finger, dripped more oil over his fingers and returned with two. He felt fuller now, but the sensation was pleasant, starting a burning sensation in his groin. He was already hard and scissored his fingers inside his body, going through the same procedure as he used to prepare Marcus for their lovemaking.

 

Accidentally, his finger rubbed his prostate and Neroon moaned softly. I do not want to come yet. I want to feel Marcus inside me when I do!

 

"Neroon? Where are you? I brought your snacks!" Marcus looked about and only found an empty bedchamber. "Neroon?" A soft moan coming from the bathroom caught his attention and he sneaked closer. "Neroon?"

 

Neroon wiped his fingers on a towel. "Place the food on the floor. I will join you shortly."

 

Confused, Marcus did as he was told and placed the tray on the floor. Growing aware that it was quite warm in the bedroom, he removed his cloak, tunic and boots. He relished being able to do this himself. Until a few days ago he'd needed Neroon's help to undress or get dressed.

 

The bathroom door opened and Marcus looked up. He'd wanted to ask Neroon why he'd retreated, but when he saw his lover's aroused state Marcus swallowed hard. Neroon had turned out to be quite passionate when making love, something he hadn't expected.

 

"Strip," Neroon instructed in a heavy tone as he sat down on the floor, cross-legged. Marcus flushed weakly and Neroon growled possessively. "Lose the clothes."

 

Marcus reacted at once, relishing the fact that he could unzip his trousers, remove them and pull his turtleneck over his head unaided. His fingers still hurt occasionally, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. Naked, he crawled towards Neroon on all fours. "You do have plans," he said approvingly.

 

Running his hands all over Neroon's muscular body, Marcus paused to pinch an already erect nipple, rolling the other between his fingertips. He already felt the tingling sensation in his hands that signaled that he was overdoing it, but he wanted to touch his lover so badly!

 

Neroon leaned in closer and whispered into Marcus' ear, "I prepared myself for you." Looking down, he watched as Marcus' cock surged to full hardness. "You know what I want and how I want it, do you not?" He'd shared his desires with the Ranger at night, before falling asleep.

 

Marcus nodded his hand once and curled his fingers around Neroon's weeping cock, pumping slowly. "Let me explore first. Lay back." Marcus knew Neroon would obey.

 

Neroon stretched out, settling into the pillows. "What do you want to do?"

 

"Tell me about the way you prepared yourself for me," Marcus said seductively and licked Neroon's collarbone. His fingers returned to pinch Neroon's nipples, then trailed down to the warrior's erection. "Tell me."

 

"I inserted one finger at first, imaging you were penetrating me, preparing me."

 

"And then?"

 

"I added a second finger. You are well endowed, Marcus, I needed to stretch myself."

 

"How did it feel?" Marcus straddled his lover's hips and his lower body rubbed suggestively against Neroon's erection.

 

"Good, but having you inside me will feel even better." Neroon reached up, grabbed his lover's hair and forced Marcus to kiss him.

 

Marcus sensed Neroon's need and realized his lover didn't want much foreplay. The need to be taken, to be claimed had built during these last two weeks and Neroon wanted to complete the connection between them. Marcus pulled back and Neroon immediately released him.

 

Studying Neroon, Marcus sat back. "On your knees?"

 

"Yesss," Neroon purred hungrily and turned on to his stomach.

 

Marcus' heart skipped a beat as the warrior raised himself on all fours, presenting himself. Marcus sighed, as his hands kneaded the firm buttocks in front of him. "Talk to me, Neroon. I've never done this before."

 

"Trust your instincts," Neroon advised and waited for Marcus to position himself against his entrance. When he finally felt the head of his lover's erection nudge against his opening, he inhaled deeply. "Take me," he said firmly, already rocking back against Marcus' cock, even though the Ranger wasn't inside him yet.

 

"You really want this," Marcus realized suddenly and began to push inside. "I always assumed you were a natural top, Neroon, but you like the feel of me inside you, don't you?" Neroon's answer was a guttural growl and encouraged, Marcus pushed in deeper. He placed his hands on Neroon's hips, steadying his lover. "Almost there," he whispered and watched entranced as Neroon rocked back, taking his length completely.  

 

Neroon's eyes grew big as Marcus sheathed himself inside his body. A burning sensation spread through his lower body and as he shifted to lower his body onto the floor, he gasped. Marcus had found his prostate.

 

Marcus followed Neroon down, but was hesitant to place his full body weight on his lover. "This time, I'm going to make *you* scream, Neroon."

 

Breathless, Neroon rubbed his own erection against the pillows and blankets. "Ride me," he mumbled, his voice smothered as he bit into the pillows. "Press me down. Make me feel you."

 

Marcus didn't need more encouragement and placed his body on Neroon's, pressing his lover down and setting a slow, but sharp rhythm, sliding in and out of Neroon's tight passage.

 

"Bite me, mark me… possess me," Neroon begged in a choked tone. His body was Marcus' to command and he wanted to surrender to his lover, wanted Marcus to take charge.

 

Finally realizing what Neroon truly desired, Marcus wondered if he could give the warrior what he wanted. Biting down hard, he suckled the skin near Neroon's throat and thrust violently, deliberately resting his body on Neroon's. Spasms suddenly rocked Neroon and Marcus wondered if his lover had already come, but then he realized that Neroon was using his inner muscle to clench him, keep him prisoner. "Do that again," he instructed and gasped as Neroon's muscle tightened around him.

 

Marcus' right hand slipped beneath Neroon's body. "Lift your hips, do it!"

 

Neroon's ecstasy bordered on pain and he obeyed, giving Marcus access to his aching cock. He jerked uncontrollably as Marcus fisted his cock roughly… just like I want it!

 

"Come for me," Marcus hissed in to Neroon's ear. He was nearing orgasm himself and wanted to take Neroon with him.

 

"Marcus!" Neroon called out his lover's name as he shot his semen in to Marcus' hand, which continued to stroke him, milking the last drop of come from his body.

 

Neroon's spasms clenched his cock and Marcus held on to his lover as he came deep inside the warrior's body. Thrusting one last time, he collapsed on top of Neroon.

 

"Valen…" Neroon whispered, sated and lazily. It felt good to have Marcus press him down and he had no desire to move. Their bond had finally been completed. "Stay," he whispered as Marcus tried to pull out. "I love the feel of you inside me."

 

"Didn't know you liked it rough," Marcus mumbled satiated against Neroon's hot skin. "Maybe I should tie you down the next time."

 

Neroon quivered again. "Can you read my mind?"

 

"You want to be tied down?" Marcus quipped and pressed soft kisses on Neroon's bruised throat. "I drew blood," he said apologetically.

 

"So do I during our lovemaking when I am on top," Neroon said dismissively.

 

"Want to stay like this?"

 

"Yesss," Neroon purred contentedly. "I want to stay like this forever."

 

 The end

 

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