Code of honor

Part 6

He felt weak and a horrible taste floated in his mouth, nearly causing him to gag. Marcus tried to move about in the exam bed to get into a more comfortable position, but his side stung and he gave up. Looking up at the chess-like patten on the wall he realized he was back in the Medlab. It probably wouldn't be long before Stephen showed up and started lecturing him.

The door opened unexpectedly and Marcus opened his eyes to identify his visitor. Seeing Stephen step into the room, he grinned, knowing he'd delight in driving his friend mad during the duration of his stay. "Ste...phen," he managed, licking his chapped lips and hoping that Stephen had brought him something to drink.

But the door remained opened and another figure appeared, dressed in black. "Ne...roon?" Shocked, Marcus' eyes widened and locked on the Minbari warrior. What the hell is Neroon doing here? Maybe he's on a diplomatic mission for his caste... but why visit me in the Medlab? Bloody hell, he looks awfully pissed off.

Marcus managed to sit upright, resting his body against some pillows. The IV needle pinched his flesh when he tried to move away and he gave in, sighing, and staying in place. Now he also saw a second IV, a monitor he was hooked up to, and the pile of blankets that covered and warmed his naked body beneath it. Stephen could have given me a bloody medgown at least! Now he didn't only feel naked, but vulnerable as well!

Stephen leaned in closer, checked the IV's, and then considered his next words. Neroon's presence made him uncomfortable and kept him from addressing Marcus in his normal manner. "You'll survive," Stephen said in the end. "And you've got a visitor. Marcus, you're not yet in any condition to talk to Neroon or Delenn. Let me ask them to come back later."

Neroon's eyes narrowed at Stephen's words and he was about to speak up when Marcus beat him to it.

"No...Stephen... Ne... roon can... stay." It took a lot of effort to form even those few words. "I'll... talk to... him."

Stephen stepped aside and Neroon took his place, standing next to Marcus' bed. "You were a fool to leave Yedor."

"Always... honest..." Marcus smiled, trying to lock his fierce emotions away. He couldn't let Neroon know the truth. "What are... you doing here? I never...expected to...see you." For some reason it was hard to think logically and his head kept spinning. His memory took him back to the claiming and feeling Neroon inside him. My God, I do love him... but I can never tell him!

"I am here to talk to you," Neroon started and ignored Stephen when he sat down on the side of Marcus' bed. The Ranger tried to move away from him, but the IV's kept him in place.

"Talk about... what?" Marcus muttered, wishing the cobwebs would stop clouding his mind. He needed his wits about him when dealing with Neroon! Now he was at Neroon's mercy.

"About you... me, us," Neroon said, slowly. "I need to tell you something." His heart was beating madly in his chest and his hands had turned clammy. Never before had he declared his love for someone! And now he was about to tell Marcus how he truly felt! Admitting his feelings frightened him.

"Neroon? Why don't you... start making sense?" Sleep was crawling up on him and Marcus was trying hard to keep his eyes open, but then the pain in his side jolted him into full awareness. Gritting his teeth, he tried to control the strangled gasps that left his lips.

"Marcus?" Stephen walked over to the other side of Marcus' bed and searched the Ranger's face. The readings also indicated Marcus was in pain.

"My side..." Marcus whispered, feeling embarrassed for admitting he was in pain.

"I'll give you something against the pain, but no Loxan!" Stephen injected a white substance into one of the IV's.

"Loxan?" Neroon repeated, surprised.

"Yes, he was taking high doses of Loxan when he collapsed. The painkiller works well for Minbari, but it's way too strong for humans." Stephen saw the fear and anger in Neroon's eyes. "You didn't know he was taking the Loxan?"

"I never knew..." Neroon admitted. Then his eyes settled on Marcus whose guilty expression gave him away. "You convinced Vagn to give you the medication?"

"I needed something to... keep me on my feet during the ceremony." Marcus closed his eyes, knowing he was in big trouble. "I wanted to leave as quickly as possible." Bugger, had he said that aloud? His eyes opened and sought out Neroon's. Yes, I said it aloud...Bloody hell!

"Why? Why were you so eager to leave?" Neroon cocked his head, keeping everything that Berem had told him in mind. Slowly, he placed his hand on Marcus', feeling goosebumps where they touched.

Marcus stared at Neroon's hand in shock, wanting to shrug it off, but couldn't. The touch felt good, warm and reassuring. It suddenly occurred to him that Neroon was still waiting for his answer. "I'm not going to answer that one..." he whispered, shocked that he'd said the words aloud. Bugger, what was going on with him? "Stephen?" He looked toward his friend for an answer. "What's happening to me?"

"I gave you something against the pain, but the drug's also a sedative. You'll feel relaxed..."

Neroon grinned. "Relaxed enough to truthfully answer my questions?"

"Yes," Stephen admitted, reluctantly. Maybe he should ask Neroon to leave now.

Neroon tightly curled his fingers around Marcus'. "Tell me why you wanted to leave."

Marcus flinched; Neroon wasn't being fair, using the drugs Stephen had given him against him! Shocked, he realized he was about to answer Neroon. "Because... it's just a charade! A farce!"

"What is?" Neroon smiled gently and brushed back a few stray locks that were obscuring Marcus' face.

"Our... marriage, or whatever you call it!" Stop talking! Stop talking to him! You can't tell him this, you can't! But the words still tumbled from his lips. "You don't love me, never wanted me! Let me go, Neroon!"

Neroon's smile grew calm, yet assuring. "You love me, do you not, Marcus? Tell me the truth."

"Yes, I love you, you arrogant bastard!" Marcus screamed the words and started panting. He was getting riled up and his head was pounding. Tears were lurking in his eyes, but he wasn't going to cry, not in front of them!

Stephen gave Neroon a surprised glance. Hearing Marcus confess his love for Neroon stunned him. Neroon however, seemed to expect it.

Neroon licked his lips, leaned in closer and tried to brush Marcus' lips. But Marcus turned his head away and Neroon placed both hands on the sides of the Ranger's head, until Marcus faced him again. Seeing the stark terror and naked hope, he realized he should have seen the truth during their mating. Marcus was in love with him! Berem was right. Slowly, his lips descended onto Marcus' and kissed him passionately.

Stephen cleared his throat and looked away; uncertain how to react and he decided to wait.

Marcus stared into Neroon's eyes, unable to comprehend what was going on. Neroon couldn't be kissing him! The Minbari didn't love him! Their marriage was a farce! But Neroon's demanding lips were brushing his and the warrior's tongue tried to gain access to his mouth, gently pushing his teeth apart. Unable to tell Neroon to stop and back off, he parted his teeth and Neroon's tongue slithered inside, chasing his.

A soft moan drifted from his lips into Neroon's mouth and Marcus bucked hard, growing aroused and needing more. Locking eyes with Neroon, he was startled at the intense emotions he found there. What the hell was going on? Why was Neroon kissing him? Was the Minbari playing with his feelings? Please tell me what's going on!

Stephen shuffled toward the doorway and left the room, giving the two men some privacy.

Marcus broke the kiss and pulled back. Neroon's eyes were dilated, his teeth bared and the warrior looked incredibly tense. "What the hell is going on?" He pulled up the blanket that had slipped and averted his eyes, unable to deal with the expression in Neroon's eyes.

Neroon panted hard, trying to get his breathing back under control. He had allowed his passion to take over, but now he needed to be rational and talk to Marcus. Pulling up a chair, he straddled it and cupped Marcus' chin in the palm of his hand. "Look at me and listen to me."

Marcus nodded his head, wondering what that kiss had been about. It had felt passionate and genuine, not like Neroon had been pretending. "I am listening."

"Did you ever wonder why I let you live during Denn'sha?" Neroon centered himself, becoming calm and focused. He couldn't screw this up.

"Yes, I did," Marcus admitted. "But you always avoided giving me an answer."

"Because someone did die during Denn'sha," Neroon said cryptically.

Marcus' brow grew knitted. "What are you talking about? We're both still alive."

"A part of me died during that duel. When I realized you were loyal to the Rangers... a human, you were more of a Minbari than I... A part of me died... There was no more reason to end your life... You defeated me. You might have suffered more physically, but you upeneded my life."

"That's why you stopped short?" Marcus felt Neroon was keeping back. "The whole truth, Neroon. No more lies, no more manipulating. I deserve the whole truth."

Neroon nodded his head. "If I had wished you dead, you would be dead."

"I know that!" Marcus exclaimed, frustrated.

"You impressed me..." Neroon smiled. "You did not back away from the challenge when I gave you one last chance. You came back for more every time I hurt you. You were so determined to stop me... You knew you could not win and yet you issued the challenge..." Neroon probed Marcus' eyes. "You expected to die, wanted me to end your life. Were you disappointed when I stopped short?"

Marcus swallowed hard. "Why visit me in the Medlab?" He refused to discuss his 'deathwish' as Delenn called it.

Neroon cocked his head. "I wanted to make sure you would recover and... I was curious."

"Curious?"

"I wanted to learn more about the man who turned my beliefs upside down." Neroon's smile grew brighter. "And you made me laugh... It had been years since I last laughed and you gave that back to me."

Marcus' eyes revealed his shock and surprise. "So where do we stand now? Why did you come here?"

"I am here to take my mate home." Neroon tensed, knowing Marcus would fight him over this.

Marcus started shaking his head, but then remembered the kiss. "Why did you kiss me?"

"I am in love with you," Neroon said and he'd never felt this nervous before. "It took me some time to sort out my feelings, but now I know I am attracted to you."

"You're in love with me?" Marcus burst out laughing, clutching his side in pain. "Don't lie to me, Neroon. This is just a trick to convince me to go back to Minbar with you. Did you lose face when I left? Is that it?" Neroon was playing him, taking him for a fool!

Neroon had never before seen the hurt in Marcus' eyes, but it stared back at him now and he finally recognized it."Yes, I am in love with you, Marcus," he repeated. "And no, I am not lying. This is not a trick to convince you to accompany me back to Minbari. I did not lose face when you left. You are wrong when you think I am playing with you. I am being honest with you. I should have been honest weeks ago, but my feelings confused me. Only after you left did I realized the truth."

Marcus shook his head. "I don't believe you."

Neroon took a deep breath. "What will convince you?"

"Nothing can."

Neroon studied the Ranger carefully. "I will convince you of my true feelings."

"And how do you plan on doing that?"

"You accepted me as the dominant partner in this relationship and I am going to enforce my rights!"

Marcus laughed. "Delenn won't let you get away with that!"

"Oh, she will," Neroon purred, contently. He rose from the bed and his hand tangled in Marcus' long hair, gently massaging the Ranger's scalp, lifting Marcus' head slightly, he bestowed another kiss on those chapped lips, which were seductive to him. Neroon claimed the Ranger's lips, deepened the kiss and used his other hand to caress Marcus' neck and face. "You will return to Minbar with me..."

"No..." Marcus whispered, taken aback by the sensual assault. Why was Neroon doing this to him? "No, you don't love me."

Neroon merely grinned and stole another kiss from Marcus' lips. "I will return shortly to take you to the Ingata..." Releasing the Ranger, he stepped away from the bed and then left the room. Everything was going according to plan!

Marcus stared at the door. What the hell just happened? He kissed me! Kissed me several times and... his eyes, draped by lust and his voice... that voice always sends shivers down my spine... why? Why is he trying so hard to make me believe him? But I know the truth; he's only pretending he loves me, probably lost face when I left... Can't believe him... shouldn't believe him... but I want to believe him!

///

Neroon was standing tall, staring at Stephen Franklin in obvious frustration. "I want my mate transferred to the Ingata!"

"You're not listening," Stephen chided him. "Marcus is too weak to be transferred to your ship!"

Vagn, Lennier, and Delenn exchanged glances. There had to be a way to make things work. In the end it was Delenn who interrupted Neroon and Stephen. "How much longer before Marcus is strong enough to be moved?"

"At least 24 hours." Stephen kept a close eye on Neroon, distrusting the Minbari.

"Neroon, you must wait another 24 hours and then you can take Marcus onboard the Ingata," Delenn continued. "In the meantime you will stop pressuring Doctor Franklin."

"Delenn!" Stephen walked up to her. "Marcus is human and they won't know how to treat complications when they manifest."

"Then teach Vagn!" Neroon roared. "You are not keeping me away from my mate!"

Delenn sighed. "Stephen is that acceptable to you? Would you teach Vagn and maybe stay with Marcus for the first few days after he has been transferred to the Ingata?"

Now Neroon interrupted her. "I do not require his assistance. Vagn can take care of Marcus' needs."

"Listen up you... you arrogant... bastard. Marcus is battling an infection after just suffering a major breakdown. You should have been looking after him, but you were nowhere in sight when he collapsed in Delenn's quarters. I have no faith in your abilities to keep him safe," Stephen thundered. "Either I stay with him until the complications are dealt with or Marcus stays here! And that's final."

Delenn walked up to Neroon, who had bared his teeth in frustration. "Accept his offer, Neroon. Marcus may be your life mate, but he is also a Ranger. I can order Marcus to stay and then you would be up against Doctor Franklin and me. Wait until Doctor Franklin declares Marcus fit for transport and accept that the doctor will stay onboard the Ingata as long as he deems necessary for his patient's benefit and I will release Marcus into your care. Oppose us and..." She didn't have to finish her sentence, reading understanding in Neroon's eyes.

"I accept," Neroon growled.

Stephen nodded his head and returned to his patients, leaving Neroon, Delenn, Lennier and Vagn to disccuss the details.

Delenn rested her right hand on Neroon's shoulder; an strangely intimate gesture for Minbari who usually never touched without explicit invitation or permission. "You love him?" she asked in a pleased tone.

"Yes, I do!" Neroon felt frustrated; he never expected so much resistance.

Delenn smiled. "Why do you not sit with Marcus until Stephen clears him for transport?"

"I think I will." Neroon bowed and left the room.

Delenn smiled at Vagn. "Take good care of Marcus."

"I will," Vagn promised. "He won't give me the slip ever again."

Delenn and Lennier exchanged an amused glance. Hopefully Neroon could convince Marcus of his love. Now they had to wait and see what would happen next.

///

"Stephen! I told you I didn't want to board the Ingata!" When Marcus had woken up two hours ago he'd found that Stephen had cleared him to be transferred to the Ingata. Neroon had stood in the corner of the room, smiling and extremely pleased. Now Berem and Vagn were carrying him back to Neroon's quarters and Stephen did nothing to stop them! "Stephen!"

"Sorry, Marcus," Stephen said, honestly concerned about his friend's well-being. "There's nothing I can do." He re-attached the IV's and then called Vagn closer, showing him a copy of the treatment plan he'd set up for Marcus.

Furious, Marcus looked at Neroon and saw the huge smile on the Minbari's face. "This isn't over yet!"

Neroon approached the sleeping platform where Marcus was resting and smiled. "You are right, Marcus. This is only the beginning." Again, he brushed Marcus' lips and teasingly traced the inside of the Ranger's lip with the tip of his tongue. Marcus shivered and Neroon knew he still had a chance to convince Marcus.

Berem, who had been watching from the doorway, felt content. Neroon had finally stopped denying his feelings!

"I understand, Doctor Franklin," Vagn said, relieved that he could count on Franklin's expertise during Marcus' recovery. "I will certainly contact you in case there are new complications."

"Can I have a moment alone with Marcus?" Stephen requested. He wanted to make sure Marcus wasn't here against his wish.

Neroon nodded his head and the three Minbari left.

"Marcus?" Stephen probed his friend's eyes. "If you really don't want to be here, tell me now. It's not too late to call in Delenn's help."

Marcus licked his lips and almost begged Stephen to take him back to Babylon 5... almost..."I made a commitment when I accepted Neroon as my mate, Stephen. I might not like it, but Neroon's right. I need to rest, to recover and..."

"So you're okay with this?" Stephen asked, in disbelief.

"Yes, I guess," Marcus replied, softly. "Stephen... I'm scared..."

That got Stephen's full attention. "Why?"

"Neroon is suddenly saying he loves me and... I don't understand why." Marcus closed his eyes to gather his thoughts. "Our wedding was only a formal matter to unite the warrior caste and the Rangers. He made it very clear that it was a tactical decision, not one based on love. Why is he now telling me he loves me? I just don't get it!"

Stephen began to understand, putting the pieces of the puzzle togehter. "Neroon said you already were in love with him before you agreed to be his mate..."

"Yes, I have these erotic dreams about him... They started after Neroon visited me in the Medlab. I always wanted him, but..." Marcus opened his eyes and hesitantly met Stephen's. "But he never wanted me."

"I guess he changed his mind then," Stephen said thoughfully. "He even challenged Delenn to get you back. Marcus, Neroon definitely has feelings for you."

"You really think so?" Marcus felt utterly confused. "Is Neroon telling the truth?"

"I think so." Stephen made sure the medical equipment functioned correctly. "I've got to return to Babylon 5 now. I told Vagn what to watch out for and he'll take good care of you."

"Stephen, thanks."

Stephen raised an eyebrow. "What for?"

"For being a friend. I’ve never had that many friends, and you..." Marcus slowly raised his left hand and reached for Stephen.

Stephen reacted at once and took Marcus' hand in his. "Keep in touch, will you?"

"Sure," Marcus said, smiling and let go of Stephen's hand. After the doctor had left his room, he was alone again, dreading the upcoming confrontation with Neroon.

///

Neroon changed from his uniform into some comfortable brown robes and headed for Marcus' room. Stephen Franklin had left an hour ago and he'd postponed visiting Marcus, giving the Ranger some time to gather his thoughts, but now he knocked on the door to his study, temporarily Marcus' room. "It is I, Neroon. May I enter?"

"It's your ship, your quarters..."Marcus whispered, fatigued.

Neroon stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Walking over to the platform, he took in Marcus' wary expression. The Ranger looked drained. "We need to discuss certain matters."

Tired, Marcus looked at Neroon and shifted beneath the warm blankets. "What do you want from me, Neroon? You promised to let me go."

"I should never have made that promise." Neroon reached the platform and studied Marcus' eyes. Again, he found hope, mixed in with fear. "You were injured, still healing, and I should have insisted that you stayed."

"Just because I accepted you as the dominant partner?" Marcus' voice shook, speaking those last two words. "Do you think you can control me because of that? Think again! I'll be gone once I'm healed! You can't keep me here against my will."

"Why do you want to leave?" Neroon repeated his earlier question and fingered Marcus' long hair. "Am I such a pathetic excuse for a life mate? I thought you loved me."

"Not fair!" Marcus whispered, stunned. Neroon's fingers tangled in his hair, caressing it. "What do you want?"

Neroon smiled, leaned in closer and kissed him passionately. Marcus squirmed beneath him and Neroon nodded his head, pleased. "You love me, you want me."

"But you don't love me! You don't want me!" Marcus explained, hurt. "Stop playing games!"

"I am not playing games," Neroon assured him. "I love you, I want you... I want to feel my mate, become one with him. I want you, Marcus."

Marcus swallowed hard. "Lies."

"I see that I need to prove my words to you." Neroon reached for his robes and they slipped from his shoulders, revealing his naked body.

Marcus involuntarily licked his lips, seeing Neroon's magnificent body. "This won't solve anything." Bugger, I'm already hard, yearning for his touch! His body reacted to Neroon, betraying him.

Neroon carefully pried the blankets away from Marcus' body and dropped them to the floor.

Stephen should have given me a bloody med gown! Marcus was fighting his panic, growing even more aroused at the same time. "What do you want from me?" he whispered in a raw tone.

"To show you I love you," Neroon purred in a dark tone. "Lie back and let me pleasure you."

Marcus shook his head. "This is lust, not love."

"Oh, I love you, Marcus, trust me, I do." Neroon kneeled on the platform, spreading Marcus' legs and enjoying the sight of his lover's naked body. Leaning forward, he pressed kisses on the Ranger's chest, and then let his tongue travel upward to lick Marcus' lips. "I want you..."

Marcus could barely move; this wasn't happening! "You don't love me!"

"Stubborn human," Neroon chided Marcus affectionately and returned to kissing his lover. "I love you, I want you, and I will keep you close at all times." Staring into Marcus' eyes he breathed the words into the Ranger's mouth, while kissing him breathless. "Believe me, I love you, beloved."

"Beloved?" Marcus stared at Neroon in utter disbelief, afraid to hope or to believe. "Are you being honest with me, Neroon?"

"Yes, beloved, I love you... I want you as my mate... want to pleasure you as long as you live... you are mine..." Neroon looked up while licking a trail down Marcus' chest to the Ranger's groin. "You may chose, Marcus... do you wish to claim me or do you want me to claim you again?" His tongue touched the leaking head of Marcus' erection and he eagerly lapped at the pre-ejaculate.

"Neroon..." Marcus bucked and his side cried out in protest, sending pain through his body. He bit down the pain and locked eyes with Neroon, who was slowly taking in every inch of his throbbing cock, licking and sucking enthousiastically. Neroon's grin was truly wicked. "Want you inside me..."

"As you wish, my beloved..." Neroon moved further down between Marcus' legs and teased the little pucker with his tongue, placing his hands on his lover's hips to keep Marcus from thrusting. "Let me pleasure you," he purred and his tongue slipped past the guardian ring. The yelp that Marcus released made Neroon rock hard.

Marcus trembled all over his body as the tip of Neroon's tongue found his prostate. "Yes, please, Neroon, please make me come..." His dreams, they were coming true! Closing his eyes, his head lolled. "Tell me you love me..." He needed to hear those words more than anything. He needed to hear them over and over again!

Neroon grinned, pulled back and blew softly at the tip of Marcus' slippery cock. The Ranger mewed his need and his lover's reaction pleased Neroon. "I love you, Marcus. I want you and I will claim you, beloved." His hand reached inside his robes and uncovered a flask filled with lubricant. "Do you wish to be claimed?" Oh, how he wanted to take Marcus hard, but couldn't because of his injuries!

"Yes, please..." Marcus opened his eyes and stared at Neroon's hands as the other man coated his cock with the dark lubricant. He expected Neroon to roll him onto his side again, but Neroon supported his legs, taking the pressure off them as his lover positioned himself.

He's going to take me, claim me... make me his... The dreams returned and his cock throbbed with need.

Marcus' clouded eyes urged Neroon on and he pressed against his lover's opening, stretching it, pushing in deeper until... "Inside..." He thrust deeper and his heavy balls slapped against Marcus' ass.

Breathless, Marcus stared at Neroon, only now fully realizing his lover was inside him. "Thrust?"

Neroon nodded his head and while supporting Marcus' legs he set up a pleasing rhytm. "Touch yourself..."

"Can't, my side hurts when I move too much..." Marcus closed his eyes and concentrated on feeling Neroon inside him. The Minbari's thrusts pushed him closer to the head end of the platform, brushing his prostate with every stroke. "I'm going to come...Neroon."

"Then come..." Neroon rested Marcus' left leg over his shoulder and curled his fingers around his lover's cock, pumping it slowly. His thrusts remained gentle, but hit Marcus' prostate with every stroke. "Come for me, Marcus... Cover my hand with your seed..."

Marcus yelped, as Neroon changed the angle with which he was brushing his prostate and he tensed, gripping Neroon's cock hard with his inner muscle. "Ne...roon!"

Neroon gasped when Marcus' inner muscle contracted around him and he stopped thrusting, allowing his lover to savor his orgasm. Warm come covered his hand and he leaned in closer to suckle the skin beneath Marcus' collarbone.

"You haven't come yet," Marcus whispered after his body stopped tingling from orgasm.

"What do you want, Marcus? I can pull out and bring myself to orgasm without causing you further discomfort or..."

"Finish inside me," Marcus whispered softly.

Neroon nodded his head once and resumed thrusting. His hands massaged Marcus' spend balls and found the spot his fingers had been looking for. Stroking Marcus' perinuem, he moved his hips in a circling motion, constantly massaging his lover's prostate. Marcus grew hard again in his hand and Neroon now increased the speed of his thrusts.

Marcus felt delirious, knowing he would pay the price for this ecstasy later. His side throbbed, but the pleasure was spiraling him towards orgasm... again! Locking eyes with Neroon, Marcus saw the truth in them. "You do love me..."

"Yes..." and Neroon delivered another thrust, hitting Marcus' prostate... "I..." and another thrust..." love..." and another maddening thrust... "you..." Unable to keep back any longer, Neroon released his orgasm and almost collapsed on top of his lover. However, his arms supported him long enough to cradle Marcus against his chest and to roll them on their sides until they lay facing each other.

Marcus panted hard, feeling Neroon's sex still throbbing inside him. "I..." At a loss, he stared into Neroon's face. Neroon's fingers caressed his skin, stroked his back and he relished feeling his lover inside him. "We made love."

"Yes, we did," Neroon confirmed, panting himself. "Do you now believe me when I say I love you?"

"Yes," Marcus smiled and buried himself against Neroon. He yelped as Neroon pulled out, biting down the brief pain. "Say it again?"

"I love you," Neroon said, grinning brilliantly. "You are my life mate... and I plan on claiming you every day of your life."

"I'm already sore," Marcus said teasingly and cringed seeing concern in Neroon's eyes. "No, you didn't hurt me," he added quickly. "But the next time... ever heard of foreplay? Stretching me?"

Neroon cut him short. "This was a passionate coupling, beloved. I had to convince you I love you. The next time... and it makes me feel honored knowing there will be a next time... we will make love slowly... and you may claim me in return..."

Marcus smiled. To claim Neroon... "I love feeling you inside me, Neroon. It feels... right."

Neroon purred contently. "Rest now, and maybe later, I will claim you again... would you like that?"

"Oh yes, " Marcus whispered, resting his head against Neroon's broad chest. "Claim me again..."

Neroon chuckled, realizing Marcus' exhaustion was causing him to fall asleep. Stroking his lover's back, he listened to Marcus' steady breathing. "I almost let you slip away..." Wrapping both arms around Marcus, he pulled his lover close to his chest, cupped Marcus' ass in one hand and his lover's genitals in the other and closed his eyes as well.

"You are mine... and I'm yours... as long as we live." While licking Marcus' throat he fell asleep as well, never letting go of the precious human in his arms.

The end!

January 2002

Back to Babylon 5 page