I'm Ready

Writers: Dana, Eimi
Date Posted: 14th November 2008

Characters: B'ram, Traelyn
Description: Trae comes looking for B'ram and they make a very public plan.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 12, day 3 of Turn 4

B'ram

"One more," B'ram said between gasps of air. He was tired, sweaty sore, but it felt sharding good. His muscles had been getting quite the workout and adrenaline was still coursing through his veins.

The bluerider reached out and curled his fingers around B'ram's arms as the brownrider assumed the same stance. They began circling slowly, eyes locked as they both analysed their opponent for any weakness. B'ram pulled down on one of his arms, hoping to break the man's grasp but that didn't work. He decided instead to try to slide his hand down to the man's wrist just to have it batted away. Now they were both on guard against an attack coming from that side. B'ram circled back the other way, slapping away the bluerider's hand as he tried for a grip once more. Finally the brownrider decided to make his move. Instead of going for the arm, he dropped down and wrapped it around the man's leg while simultaneously driving forward. It was enough to knock the bluerider off his balance and they both fall to mat, but it was not yet done. He had gotten him on his back, now B'ram had to keep him there.

Not letting go of the knee, B'ram twisted his body to the side so he could hook his other elbow around the man's neck. Despite the bluerider's attempt to writhe out of his grip, he held fast, slowly pulling him towards him and onto his shoulder. The bluerider's hand came down to tap the mat. He was finished. Releasing a long gush of air that he had been holding in his lungs, B'ram released him and his opponent collapsed back on to the mat in exhaustion.

"Shards, B'ram, I should have seen that move coming," he breathed.

"Yeah, you should know me better by now, M'naq," the brownrider grinned triumphantly as he rocked back on his knees, holding his sides as he caught his breath.

He turned his head to ask another one of his sparring partners a question when he noticed a head of white-blonde hair lurking in the shadows. A smile pulled at his lips. How long had Trae been standing there? He stood and walked over to the edge of the mat, beckoning her close with a wave. "I didn't know you were here."

"I asked Nyith where you were. Girifith tattled on you," she grinned as she approached, eyes flickering briefly to the men behind him before coming back to focus on his face. "Thought you might be thirsty." And then she held out the tall mug of water, looking him over--and not at all hiding her admiration.

The brownrider was surprised by the gesture. It was... sweet. "Thank you," he murmured, taking the mug in one hand and her hand in the other.

She squeezed his fingers, trying to ignore the curious eyes watching them. "Shards, after watching you on the mat there, I don't think I'd last against you for even a second."

"You seem to hold your own," he said with a flirtatous grin. B'ram was feeling good, better than good. Not only was he feeling the natural high that a good workout could bring, but the fact that Trae had come down to watch added another kind of rush. They had kept their relationship secret for so long, there was something that felt almost dangerous about being seen in public together. He liked the feeling. Pulling her closer he leaned in to give her a kiss that was more than a little daring.

She returned it--hesitantly at first, but as he responded with enthusiasm, she let herself deepen it. This wasn't the first time they had kissed in public. They'd been doing it a little bit here and there, but they had never made out before. It was still hard for her to ignore the watching eyes, and to ignore that nagging warning in the back of her mind. There was no reason to feel ashamed or skittish, yet old habits die hard. But she was trying, as her lips and wandering hand could attest to.

"Hmmm," he hummed appreciatively as their lips parted. B'ram liked this new aspect to their relationship. For too long they had embraced the twisted nature of their dirty little secret. Bringing it into the light was begining to change them. There was something incredibly satisfying in the feeling of normalcy in it. "So, did you really come down here to bring me a glass of water?"

"Actually....."

His eyes narrowed slightly, suspicious of what her motives might be. "Yes?"

"Don't look at me like that." She wrinkled her nose at him. "I want to go to the beach."

B'ram's eyes widened in surprise and before he could think it through the question escaped his lips. "Together?"

She rolled her eyes--mostly to hide her sudden unease. Maybe it was too soon, but, shards, she hadn't been in a long time and it was such a beautiful afternoon... "Yes, together."

To lay on the beach with Trae... Smell fresh air and look at each other in natural light for once... How could he refuse such an opportunity! "Well, we have about a quarter candlemark left on this workout. Can I meet you there?"

The relief she felt was almost overwhelming. Perhaps it wasn't too soon after all. Smiling, she nodded. "Don't bother taking a bath."

His lips curled into a slow smile. "Should I take the time to get a fresh shirt?"

"I don't think you'll need one."

"Swimming trunks?"

Her expression was rather coy as she tilted her head to the side, pretending to consider. Then she casually shrugged a shoulder. "I don't think I'll bother wearing my own, so I guess it's up to you."

B'ram leaned a little closer and asked in a knowing murmur, "Is this a public or a private beach you're thinking of going to?"

"Private," she murmured back, the tip of her nose brushing against his cheek.

The brownrider wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close against him. His kiss told her exactly what he thought of that idea. He kept his arm tight around her as he turned to look at his friends over his shoulder. "Sorry boys, but I'm going to have to knock off practice a little early today."

Biting her lip against a knowing grin, she leaned closer so her lips were brushing lightly against his ear, "I'll give you another kind of workout, just so you don't feel _too_ guilty for skipping out on them."

His fingers played with the hem of her tunic as he murmured back, "These boys need a lot of practice. I am feeling incredibly guilty at the moment, just so you know..."

Her hand slid to his wrist. "I'm sure you are." Aware--once again--of the masculine gazes directed their way, some discreet and some much more blatantly open, Traelyn began to pull away. "Coming?"

Before her hand could slip away, he caught it in his, linking his fingers with hers. "I'll just bring my water with me then. See you tomorrow boys," he called back to his friends, well aware they were staring at his back, and he was sure there was more than a little envy in those eyes. Well, let them look. That's right. B'ram wasn't just screwing the Weyrwoman. He was holding her hand. "I'm ready."

Last updated on the November 18th 2008

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