With a grin, Gramlithyn licked his way into Pyxlevir’s mouth. Pyxlevir clutched Gramlithyn’s biceps as they used what they’d learned the previous night to tease each other with pleasure. Head swimming, Pyxlevir blinked heavily at Gramlithyn as the hybrid pulled away.
“I want another date with you Friday,” Gramlithyn murmured.
“Any night you want.”
Gramlithyn brushed their lips together. “Okay, let’s get this roommate issue fixed so we can get some carrots in you.”
“Like a green zebra-elf carrot? Or the ones used for nutrients and shit?”
With a chuckle, Gramlithyn pulled away and opened the door. “Not that I want to get into the habit of disappointing you, but the nutrients and shit kind.”
“I’ll get the other one eventually,” Pyxlevir muttered as he followed Gramlithyn out of the bathroom. The twins were chatting about something in the kitchen, so he allowed Gramlithyn to tackle his part of their plan. To get started on his own confrontation, Pyxlevir headed to the living room and found a hummingbird focusing intently on the television as he fiddled with a set of magnets. Dasan appeared to keep them on his person constantly.
“Hey, Dasan,” Pyxlevir said as he waved at Gramlithyn, who was already heading down the hall toward the bedroom the twins shared.
“What’s up, Pyxlevir?”
“Not much, I was thinking about dinner. It feels like it’s been hours since we ate lunch, and I’m starving.”
“If I’m being honest, I’m almost always hungry. I could eat. For some reason, I’m craving pineapple; I hope there is some on the menu.”
“My dad hates pineapple, especially if it’s grilled. He’ll eat it, but he gets this expression on his face like it’s offended him,” Pyxlevir said. “What game did you guys play last night?”
“It was a wrestling game; the twins kicked my ass, but we had fun.”
“How long have you wanted to play it?”
Dasan’s gaze whipped to Pyxlevir’s face. “Oh, I guess for a while now.”
“Are you a big gamer?”
“No, not really. Money has been an issue for me, so I couldn’t afford games or stuff like that.”
“Did the twins suggest the game to you?”
“Sure,” Dasan replied, his brow furrowing slightly. “You’re asking a lot of questions.”
“Am I? Hopefully I’m not being too nosy, I was just curious. I’ve never heard you guys discussing games before. I’m a bit of a gamer myself. In fact, I’ve spent many hours with the twins playing wrestling games. But I swear someone said last night that it wasn’t one Gramlithyn and I would like. We’ve played those kinds of games since were kids.”
“I didn’t know that. Gram never played games with me.”
“Gramlithyn and I had plans to watch a movie, but they were flexible. I think we would’ve both liked to have some gaming time with you guys.”
“But I’m sure you’d rather be alone with your mate than hang out with us,” Dasan replied with a wobbly smile.
“Did you guys run off and lock yourselves in the twins’ bedroom so I could be alone with Gramlithyn?”
“Look, you can’t blame us for wanting to be respectful of your matebond.”
Thrilled to have the truth and touched by the thoughtfulness of their roommates, Pyxlevir offered Dasan a smile. “I appreciate your kindness, but this apartment belongs toall of us. Let Gramlithyn and me worry about how to balance our privacy.”
Dasan shifted on the sofa so he was facing Pyxlevir more directly. “I didn’t grow up with you guys, and until we arrived in Vegas, I wasn’t aware that Gram had a mate. The Council is new to me, but I love the way matebonds are celebrated. I want that as part of my life. And because Gram has been my friend for six years and you’re my pal now too, I feel like it’s my duty as someone who cares about you guys to give you every opportunity to be together.”
“You’re a wonderful friend, Dasan, but the last thing I want is anyone going out of their way for me. This is your home. We share it. You shouldn’t have to alter your evenings because Gramlithyn and I decide to put a movie on.”
“Okay, here’s the truth. Colby, Crispin, and I discussed it, and we plan to do everything we can to help you guys because the last thing we want is for you two to get a separation agreement. We’d love you and Gram to honor Fate. She’s a cool-ass goddess that gave you each other, but we want you to be happy together too.”
“Don’t worry, that’s exactly what I want as well. I hate the thought of a separation agreement. Shit happened, and we were apart for years, but I don’t care. Gramlithyn is my mate, and I want to honor Fate.”
