“It was laminate.”
“I panicked!”
Sam laughed again, and Rux felt the sound all the way through him. This close, he could see the gold flecks in Sam’s brown eyes and count the freckles scattered across his nose.
“I don’t know what I’m doing, either,” Rux said quietly. “None of us do. But we want to learn, with you, if you’ll let us.”
Sam’s hand moved until his fingers brushed against Rux’s, where they rested on the arm of the chair. The touch sent electricity through Rux’s entire body.
“I want that, too,” Sam whispered. “I’m just scared I’ll disappoint you.”
“That’s impossible,” Rux said fiercely. “You’re our everything. You couldn’t disappoint us if you tried.”
“You told me I could refuse the bond.”
Ouch.Rux didn’t like hearing that, but it was true, and he could be honest in return. “That wouldn’t be disappointment, that would beheartbreaking, but we’d understand. It has to be your choice, Sam, always.”
Urien shifted in his seat. “Perhaps we should establish some parameters,” he said quietly. “Make sure we’re all clear on what happens next.”
Sam nodded, pulling his hand back. Rux immediately missed the contact but forced himself to stand, to give Sam space.
“I need time to process this,” Sam said. “All of it. The dragons, the Treasure thing, the bond. This is...it’s everything I’ve ever written about, which means it’s everything I’ve ever dreamed about, but when dreams become reality, that can take some adjustment. Can you see that?”
“Of course,” Mabon said immediately.
“And you need to figure out how to get along with Basil,” Sam continued, his voice gaining strength. “Because he’s not going anywhere. He’s my cat, and I love him, and if this is going to work, you can’t just - I don’t know -keep getting mauled every time you visit.”
“The cat hates us,” Rux said flatly.
“The cat senses you’re predators and is trying to protect me,” Sam corrected. “Which means we need to help him understand you’re not a threat. That you’re...” he paused, frowning. “Are you a threat?”
“Never to you,” all three of them said in unison.
“Then that includes Basil, too, so we’ll figure it out together.” Sam looked at each of them in turn. “I want to do this properly. I realize that when you all met each other, you were quick to…” - he blushed, but kept going – “become instantly comfortable with each other, but human brains don’t work like that. I need to get to know you all, and for you to know me. That means real dates, normal things, and no more grand gestures without talking to me first about what I actually want.”
“No more gold bars,” Mabon agreed.
“No more attempted business acquisitions,” Urien added.
“No more elaborate meals that could feed thirty people,” Rux finished reluctantly. His dragon grumbled - feeding their mate was important - but he understood Sam’s point.
“Just...honesty,” Sam said. “Communication and taking things slow.” He bit his lip. “Is that okay? As I said, I realize dragons probably don’t do slow, but…”
“We’ll do whatever you need,” Rux interrupted. “Slow is fine, as long as we’re working on things together.”
Sam’s smile was worth every moment of restraint, despite the fact that Rux’s dragon was already protesting. “Together. I like that.”
The clock chimed five times. Sam blinked, looking toward the windows where the sky had begun to lighten.
“I’ve been here all night,” Sam said, sounding surprised.
“Time moves differently when you’re where you’re meant to be,” Urien said softly.
Sam’s cheeks colored again. He stood, smoothing down his blue jumper - the one Rux had noticed the first day and had filed away as important information. “I should get home. Basil will be wondering where I am, and I have chores to do before work tomorrow.”
“We could drive you,” Mabon offered.
“I have my car, remember?” Sam’s lips quirked. “You haven’t moved it to your hoard yet.”
