Jade

by Aries

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fandom: XF (M/K)

Rated NC-17 m/m sexual situations, more m/m sexual situations, and oh...did
I mention still *more* m/m sexual situations?

Archive: Allslash, Archive X, TER/MA, All Things Rat and Tirinar's
Slashville Anywhere else, please ask me, first.

Web page: http://members.tripod.com/~ter_ma3/aries/aries.htm

Summary: The answer...*finally*, to Row's June Alexian Nights challenge, and
about as AU as you can get.

A long time ago in a land far, far away, there lived a handsome genie prince
who, much to his father's consternation had a fascination for humans. This
fascination turns to obsession and then true love when one day an amazingly
beautiful human catches his eye. As if you couldn't guess, the path to
happiness is hardly a smooth one and the star-crossed lovers must endure
much pain before they can earn the key to the land of eternal bliss.

Disclaimer: Fox, Alexei, Dana, and any other XF characters belong to
CC...damn him to eternal, flaming hell. The rest are mine.

Props to Nic, Orithain, Sue and Tirinar and Niff for all their
encouragement, bribes, threats, etc. Big thanks for Ori and Nic for
righteous beta. Any remaining goofs, gaffs and blunders are my own.

Feedback is a beautiful thing. You can send me some at MMCUSN@aol.com

********************

The dirt swelled into tiny clouds as the two men walked the crowded streets.
The rank odor of the morning's slaughters hung in the air as the oppressive
heat of late afternoon bore down on the small village. One of the men
watched the activity that surrounded them with fascination. The other
twitched anxiously, apparently more than ready to take his leave of the
place.

"Really, Alexei, have you not had enough of this foul little town? It smells
and it is dirty, and...and..."

The other man ignored the complaints as he continued to look around.

"I really must insist that we leave now. I am beginning to feel quite
ill..."

Emerald green eyes flicked away from the street and focused on the
red-headed man. "Then leave. I would not want to be the cause of your
discomfort."

"You would not come with me?"

"No." The taller man stopped and turned to his companion. The brilliant
sunlight fell across his face, illuminating his eyes, dancing off the
glossy, sable strands of his hair, and catching the attention of many a
passing female. "I wish to stay a while longer."

"But, your father. He will not be pleased..."

"For my father to be angry, Daniel, he must first know of what it is he is
to be angry about. Surely you would not tell him?"

The question was more of a statement. A threat, even. The smaller man looked
up into the cool green eyes of his friend. "No. No, of course not. But you
know he does not need *me* to tell him anything. Your father knows much."

Alexei heaved an exasperated sigh. "I am an adult, Daniel. If I wish to
remain here, I will. My father cannot tell me where and where not to go."

"Fine." The other man threw up his hands. "But when he finds out and you
must explain why you have disobeyed his rules yet again, I would thank you
to leave my name out of the conversation. And furthermore...Alexei...Alexei,
are you listening to me?" Daniel broke off his rant and attempted to follow
his companion's stare. "What are you looking at?"

A man made his way along the edge of the street, carrying a small package.
Tall. Easily as tall as the green-eyed man. Golden-brown hair, kissed with
the evening-red rays of the sun, and beautifully full lips, turned into a
delicious pout. The clothing he wore spoke not of wealth, but not of abject
poverty, either. Working class, most likely. The man wore an air of
intelligence, that was a certainty. He was some sort of professional,
perhaps. And there was something else. Some intangible something that held
the man who watched him, entranced.

Alexei began to move, gravitating toward the object of his attention. His
unwitting friend followed, asking over and over again where he was going. He
crossed the street quickly and stopped in a doorway a couple of yards in
front of the other man's path. As Daniel stood quietly now, confused at his
actions, Alexei watched, his heart pounding out the man's every footstep. As
he came nearer, his true beauty struck Alexei like an anvil. His features
became more clearly defined, and things that were not visible from across
the street, now came into focus. Eyes, surely painted by an artist's brush,
sparkled a brilliant combination of green, blue and gold. His beautiful
face, adorned with a single black mole, parallel to the right corner of his
mouth. The marvelously imperfect nose that made him into the thing that
fascinated Alexei so much...human. Alexei watched as he passed too quickly.
He wanted...he needed to see his face again. Before the man got too far away
to see clearly, Alexei pursed his lips, forming with them a small 'o'.

The hazel-eyed man stopped, feeling a cool breeze cut through the still air,
ruffling his hair. He turned around, searching the throng. Where could that
have come from? It felt very much like a sea breeze, but the ocean was far
from here, and besides, there was no wind at all today...

Just as he started to turn back, his eyes caught the gaze of another. A
tall, magnificent man with long, dark hair and eyes to rival the greenest
gem. He stared for longer than would have been deemed appropriate in polite
society and forced himself to move on. Even as he walked away, he could feel
the heat of the other's stare on him. He shook off the sensations it aroused
in him and continued on his way.

"Now," Daniel chirped up when the man was no longer in view, "would you mind
telling me what that was all about?"

Alexei continued to stare in the direction the man had gone. "Was that not
the most beautiful creature you have ever seen?"

"There is trouble brewing in those eyes, Alexei, I can see it. You cannot
have a human pet, no matter how beautiful he is. Your father forbids it.
Please, let us go home. Once you are there, you will find something else to
amuse you, and this human will leave your mind. Come, now."

Alexei's eyes fell on his friend, and he gave him an indulgent smile. "Very
well, Daniel. You are right. Let us go home and not speak of this again."

"Now you are making good sense," the other man nodded, and with those last
words between them, the two set out for home.

********************

"Where have you been, son, I have not seen you all day."

Alexei looked from Daniel to his father. "No place in particular. Daniel and
I were just out enjoying the day."

A gray stare was fixed on the other man, and he shrank away from its
coolness. "Daniel? You seem so anxious, boy. Is something wrong?"

Now caught between an icy-gray stare and a fiery-green one, Daniel began to
stutter. "N-nothing at all, sire. I...I...am just a bit weary, I think."

"Well, by all means then, you should go home and rest."

"Yes...yes, sire. I shall go immediately."

Daniel departed quickly, afraid to look again at his friend, and even more
afraid to look at his father. When he was gone, the older man turned to his
son.

"Daniel, unlike you, is quite uncomfortable with lying to me. Where were you
today?"

Alexei spun away, looking out at the golden stream beneath the main balcony.
"We were out exploring, if you must know. Is that a bad thing?"

"Tell me what you were exploring, and I will answer your question."

"We went down below."

"Alexei..."

"Yes, father, to the *village*. I see no crime in it. No one knows..."

The air shook for miles around as the old man's voice boomed. "It is not for
you to question! You will obey me!"

Alexei whirled around, shouting back. "I am *not* one of your underlings!
You are my father, *not* my master!"

"And you are my *son*! And as such, the others look to you to set the
example! What do you think it looks like if the rules I set cannot be heeded
by the one who should be helping me to enforce them?"

"They are stupid rules! Humans can do us no harm! *Why* am I to stay away
from them....avoid them as though I were afraid?"

"You *should* have fear of them, Alexei."

"But *why*?"

The old man hesitated, then with a wide sweep of his arm, disappeared from
sight. Only his voice echoed behind. "Because I am your father and I *say*
you should."

Alexei's hands clenched in his hair, and the balcony shook with his anger.
He mimicked his father's voice. "Because I *say* you should. What kind of
foolish reason is that?"

//I will *not* stay away; I *will* *not*.//

Especially now that he had reason to return.

He went to his room and dropped down onto the pillows that lined his bed. He
closed his eyes and thought of the beautiful man with the painted eyes and
sighed.

So, so beautiful.

He needed to see him again.

No. He needed more than to see him. He needed to touch. To taste...

He licked his lips absently, imagining what it would be like to possess such
sweetness...to woo and to win the heart of one so lovely. Oh, he had his
pick of anyone he wanted. As the son of Malik, ruler of the djinn, he had
all the lovers he could want at his disposal, but none thrilled him or
captured his imagination as did this human.

"I will find you again, beautiful one," he whispered, "and you will be
mine."

********************

Hazel eyes searched the growing darkness. For what, the man could not
exactly say. He felt a keen longing tonight, and it made him restless. His
dinner, long ignored, was finally taken away.

The young servant girl who had picked up his plate, stood at a distance,
watching. As he continued to stare out over the land, she stepped forward
timidly.

"Are you not well? Should I inform the master?"

The man turned and bestowed a warm smile on the girl. "No, Jamira, I'm
fine."

"But, sir. You ate nothing. Not a morsel..."

"I'm not hungry tonight, that's all."

The girl bowed. "Very well. Do you require anything more?"

His eyes took on an odd look, then cleared. "No. Nothing. Thank you, you may
go back to the house."

Another bow and the girl was gone, leaving him to his thoughts. He wandered
the rooms of his small house, unable to free his mind of the image of the
man he'd seen this afternoon. Perfect lips, silky dark hair and matching
eyelashes, framing hypnotic green eyes. Flawless olive skin lent the perfect
background, making his eyes all the more outstanding. They stared unblinking
into his, arousing a heat in his body such as he had never known. He thought
about these odd feelings as he walked home from the market square and even
after he arrived here at his house, and still they perplexed him. He wanted
to understand, but the feeling was strong that he never would figure it out.
Not on his own. He wondered if Dana would have any better clue than he.

Dana, his best friend, had come here from the west for the express purpose
of teaching the master's children western history and behavior. She arrived
four years ago, just five months after he had come to live here with his
mother. His father and the master of the house had been close friends and
associates, and before he died, his father had asked that his wife and son
be taken care of. And so a fortnight after his death, they were moved into a
small house on the master's property where they lived quietly until his
mother's death two years ago.

The master came to him one day not long after she had passed, and said to
him, "Boy, your father was my good friend. And I had a certain...fondness
for your mother, but now they are both gone. I feel no responsibility to
you, but I come to offer you a deal. You may keep this house...live here as
long as you like, for a price."

The man studied him warily. "What price is that?"

"Your mother taught eastern civilization and philosophy in the west before
she married your father, and she schooled you well. Miss Scully is a fine
tutor but knows little of our culture. If you agree to teach my children,
you may stay."

He thought on the offer for a short time. He had no more family, and since
he did not wish to be alone in he world, he agreed. And so he lived here, in
this modest little house, alone. The only other people who ever set foot
inside were the servants who came to clean and bring him food, and Dana, who
came to visit a few times a week.

The petite woman with fiery-red hair and a spirit to match, kept him
intellectually stimulated and was a loyal friend, but that was all. There
was no romance between them, no spark of that kind, and that was fine with
him. He saw Dana more as a sister than a lover. In fact, though he often had
physical yearnings, he had given romance very little thought. He had never
been in love before and had no experience to speak of when it came to such
matters. And now, the older he grew, the more frightened he became of the
prospect.

But there was the matter of this man, this green-eyed mystery who, with one
look, awakened a longing in him so intense it made his body ache and his
thoughts jumble.

Yes, he must speak to Dana. Perhaps she could help him sort this out.

An hour later, a knock startled him out of his thoughts. He turned away from
the windows and walked to the door. Bright blue eyes smiled up at him as he
swung the door open.

"I saw Jamira passing through the house a while ago. She told me you hadn't
eaten. Are you all right?"

"I'm *fine*. I told her that I just wasn't hungry."

The woman brushed past him and entered the house. "That isn't like you. Are
you sure you're feeling all right?"

"*Yes*." His answer came out with a bit more insistence than he intended.

"Fox..."

The man turned away from the door, sighing in response to hearing his name.
"Dana, may I...I...I need to talk to you."

"So there *is* something."

"Yes....no...I don't know. I'm not even sure if you can help me."

"You know I'll try my best." Dana sat and beckoned to him to do the same.
"Now what is it that has managed to rid you of your appetite?"

Fox took a deep breath and started with his trip to the market. "I went into
the village today to get some school supplies. I was on my way back when I
felt this...this breeze. A fresh, sea breeze. Gentle, but not so much that
it didn't disturb the hair at the back of my neck. My first response was to
turn around, and as I searched the crowd, these eyes, these...beautiful
green eyes were staring at me. It was very disturbing."

Dana smiled. "I should think I would be disturbed too, if a pair of
disembodied eyes were staring at *me*."

Fox shook his head. "Very amusing. The eyes were set in the most handsome
face I've ever seen."

"Handsome? These eyes belonged to a man?"

"Yes. Yes, they did. He stared at me, Dana. He didn't move, he didn't blink.
He simply stared. And that stare....it.......it did something to me."

"What did it do?"

"That's what I was hoping you could help me with. My entire body reacted to
that one look. It's still reacting."

"Reacting how?"

"It trembles, it...quivers when I think of the way he looked at me. I
feel....I feel...."

One red eyebrow quirked. "Desire?"

Fox looked up at her, more than a bit startled to hear her say it. "Is that
what it is?"

"Is it exhilarating?"

"Yes..."

"A bit frightening?"

"Definitely."

"Have you entertained the thought of what it might be like to touch this
man?"

Fox blinked in surprise. "*Dana*..."

"I'm sorry my friend, but the night is growing short, and I have no time for
delicacy if we are going to solve this dilemma of yours."

"I have....I *have* been thinking about what it might be like to...kiss
him."

Dana smiled. "Sounds like lust to me."

Fox shook his head. "I hope you don't speak this way to anyone else. You
would find yourself in great trouble if you did..."

"Don't worry, I wouldn't dream of being this candid with anyone other than
you. Now...getting back to your problem...not that there's a problem that I
can see...well, except for the one slight matter of him being a man..."

"Are you saying that it's wrong?"

"Fox, how is it that you've lived to adulthood and still remained so
innocent about certain things?"

A shrug was her only answer.

"Yes, Fox, in lots of societies it is wrong for two men to be together
sexually."

He thought on this for a while, then responded, "But...why?"

"Religion dictates that men are to lie with women and produce children. It
is a sin for a man to lie with another man."

"I've read your bible, Dana. My mother kept one, and now it is mine. I know
what it says, but I don't understand why it should be that way. If there is
love...shouldn't that be all that matters?"

"I believe so, but I never was one for social correctness. Fox, if you felt
an attraction to this man and you think he was attracted to you, I really
don't see where the problem is. Except of course, that you only met in
passing, and you have no idea who he is, *and* there is the chance that you
may never see him again..."

"That thought makes me very unhappy."

Dana laughed softly. "Yes, my dear friend, I do believe you've had your
first crush."

"I don't understand. How can this be? I've seen nothing more of him than one
fleeting glance allowed. How can it affect me this way?"

Another amused chuckle. "Happens all the time, Fox." She rose from her
chair, and preceded Fox to the door. Once there, she turned and gave him an
affectionate hug. "I do hope you see him again."

Fox watched his friend disappear in the direction of her own little house,
and then he shut the door. He stripped, crawled into bed, and fell into a
fitful sleep, waking again and again to thoughts of a man who very possibly
had entered his life for the first and last time.

********************

Morning.

And Alexei had slept not a wink, for thinking of the man he'd seen
yesterday.

He rose from his bed, the morning sun playing over his magnificently bronzed
body as he executed a long, sensuous stretch. He walked naked to his balcony
and looked out over the lush fields and sparkling streams of his domain.
Three females passed below, hoping to catch a glimpse of the most beautiful
of King Malik's sons, and giggled uncontrollably as they found him in all
his natural splendor, looking back down at them. He grinned at the small
group, turning and moving in his own good time to the doors, giving them the
added pleasure of viewing his backside before he disappeared into his
bedroom. He paused just on the other side of the curtains, chuckled at their
squeals of delight, then set about the business of his quest.

********************

Fox walked the streets slowly today, searching the crowd for the eyes he'd
seen only briefly, but knew he would never forget or mistake for another.

He'd performed his teaching duties for the day, managing for the most part
to stave off thoughts of the man he was now looking for. Only twice did his
attention wander, and of course both times, it was picked up on by the
eldest of his students.

Jeffrey, named for his maternal grandfather by his Western born mother, was
the unpleasant disruption in Fox's otherwise quiet life. Easily in his
twenties, the young man had the intelligence of a nine- year-old. His
younger brothers far surpassed him in academics, but what he lacked in
intellect, he more than made up for in the ability to irritate Fox.
Jeffrey's dislike for his tutor was only amplified by his father's constant
derision. He would blow the smoke from his opium pipe in the young man's
face while he criticized and compared his intelligence to things such as
stones and the rear end a horse. Then in the same wheezing breath, he would
give high praise to the mind of the man who taught his children and asked
why it was Jeffrey could not allow some small portion of Fox's acumen and
disposition to rub off on him.

This morning after a disastrous early riding lesson, the father had cursed
the young man for a coward when he refused to re-mount after his horse threw
him, and Fox bore the brunt of his frustration. Jeffrey sat sullen and
non-responsive throughout his classes, and when Fox had had enough and
decided to speak to him about his behavior, he came to life, screaming with
rage, making horrible comments about Fox's mother, and throwing everything
that wasn't secured to the floor around the room. Fox dismissed the rest of
the boys and left Jeffrey alone to have his tantrum. Later in the afternoon,
the master learned of his eldest son's outburst, and the desert wind carried
his furious response across the property to Fox's door. When he'd heard
enough, he retreated, walking into the village allegedly to replace the
supplies that were ruined in Jeffrey's tirade, but in truth it was only an
excuse. The reason for his journey to town could be found in the haunting
gaze of a beautiful, emerald-eyed stranger.

Fox wandered the square for over an hour, finally coming to the disappointed
conclusion that the man was not there and that the one glimpse he'd gotten
of him would probably have to last him for the rest of his life. He sighed
heavily and convinced himself to head for home.

********************

Alexei lingered unseen in the same doorway from which he had watched the man
yesterday. He'd been here for hours, looking and hoping, and finally his
patience was rewarded. He spotted the man across the road, walking slowly,
and...

It almost seemed as though he might be looking for something...or someone.
Alexei chewed on his lower lip as the man moved closer.

"Oh, my beautiful one," he spoke aloud but unheard. "You are looking for me,
are you not? I am here." He made himself visible to any eye that might turn
in his direction. "See me," he now whispered, also able to be heard.

An odd feeling washed over Fox as he approached the spot where he'd
encountered the man yesterday. Assuming it was just wishful thinking, he
avoided looking into the doorway at first, but the feeling became stronger,
and he glanced up. His heart began to race as he saw the face...those eyes.
He stopped in his tracks, consumed by the heat in the stranger's gaze. His
feet began to move again of their own volition, slowly carrying him closer.

Alexei stood stone-still, silently beckoning the man forward. But before he
moved close enough to be touched, he stopped.

//Come to me.//

His lips had not moved, but Fox heard the words clearly. He stopped walking
and studied the man.

//Come.//

He flinched, not understanding how this was possible. Was he mad? How could
he hear words that had not been uttered? Suddenly frightened but determined
not to let the man see, he straightened his posture, gave the other a
haughty glance, and moved off in the opposite direction.

Alexei smiled at the display, comprehending the man's trepidation. He
allowed him to leave without incident, but followed stealthily as his quarry
made for home. Finally the man reached his destination, and Alexei followed
him inside the little house, standing in the middle of the main room,
looking around. His attention was drawn back to the other man as he tossed
his packages down onto the table, then entered the bedroom and fell onto his
back on the mattress. He crossed the room and came to stand over the bed,
looking down into troubled, hazel eyes.

"Why so sad, lovely one?" he asked, heard by no one but himself. "You need
not fear me. I would not harm a single hair of your head. I must make you
understand that somehow. And I will." He leaned over, straddling the prone
man's chest with his hands. "I must leave you now, but I will return." He
stared down into the eyes that had begun scanning the room curiously. "Until
tomorrow, my treasure."

Fox gasped as the sudden feel of the sea breeze turned into a soft caress
across his lips. As quickly as the sensation came upon him it was gone, and
he was left to wonder if he truly was going mad.

********************

Alexei tossed restlessly amongst the pillows, unable to sleep for this, the
second night. The sweet taste of those magnificent lips lingered on his own,
making sleep impossible. Morning was too far away. Too far. He needed to see
him again, and he could wait no longer.

********************

Moonlight streamed in through the windows, casting a pale light across the
face of the sleeping man. His night visitor prowled into the bed chamber and
sat quietly at the edge of the bed. He studied the sleep-softened features
and spoke softly.

"You become more beautiful every time I look upon you." He traced the
outline of the man's lips with the tip of one finger. "Whatever this life is
that you live...it does not suit you. You, my jewel, should be a king,
revered by all. You have not once spoken to me, and already you rule my
heart. Yesterday I said that I would make you mine, but the truth is now
known to me. I am yours, lord, heart and soul, and I pray you will come to
know me and accept my devotion." He tenderly stroked the golden-brown silk
atop the sleeping man's head. "I shall come to you gently...in your dreams
perhaps, at first, until you begin to find yourself longing for your dream
lover in the waking hours. Then I shall reveal and offer myself to you, and
you will take me to be yours." Alexei closed his eyes and drew a deep
breath. "All in good time." The sable lashes lifted halfway, and dark eyes
glittered down at the peacefully slumbering man. "Sleep well this night,
lord. Tomorrow is soon enough for us to taste love." He brushed the other
man's mouth once more with his own, then left him to sleep away the
remainder of the night.

********************

"Fox!"

"Hmm? Yes?"

The red-head could not help but demonstrate her exasperation. "What is wrong
with you today? You've been so distracted."

"I know. I'm sorry, Dana."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

Fox sighed softly, watching the horses prance around their enclosure.
"I...looked for him yesterday..."

"Oh. No luck, I take it."

"Yes and no."

"How can it be both?"

"I saw him in the same place."

"Did you speak?"

"No."

"Did *he*?"

"No..."

Dana cocked her head. "That wasn't an emphatic no."

"I...I didn't see his lips move, but I heard a voice. Low...soft...like the
finest velvet. Exactly the tone I would have imagined him to have."

His companion eyed him doubtfully. "What did this...*voice* say?"

"He was calling me to him."

"And did you go?"

"No, I...I started to, then I backed away."

"Why?"

"I was frightened. I thought I may have taken leave of my senses. How could
he have spoken to me? He never opened his mouth. I just wished so much for
him to speak that my mind heard it."

"But he did look at you."

"*Yes*. Of that I am sure. And I thought my eyes saw what my mind heard." He
closed his eyes and turned away. "I don't know..."

A soft hand caressed Fox's shoulder. "And so you just left?"

"Yes. And later...in my own house, I..."

"Yes?"

"I felt that breeze again. And then..." His fingers absently brushed his own
lips. "...a kiss, softer than lamb's wool. Dana, what's wrong with me?"

"*Nothing* is wrong. You're simply entranced by a handsome man..."

Fox turned to his companion. "He is exquisite. Just the thought of him...and
now I don't know if I will ever see him again. I had a second chance and I
let it slip away."

"Don't be so sure, Fox. Did it occur to you that you saw him in the same
place because he was looking for *you*? Why do you think he stares at you?"

Fox shrugged uncertainly.

Dana smiled reassuringly. "You will see him again. I'm sure of it. Now,
come. I'd like you to review tomorrow's lessons with me."

********************

Alexei lay on his back by the stream, staring up into the cerulean sky. He
inhaled deeply, taking in the sweet scent of wildflowers and sun-warmed
grass. He lived in utter beauty, yet now it seemed ordinary in comparison to
the magnificence of the man he'd fallen so deeply in love with.

"Tonight, love," he whispered. "Tonight, I will again look on your beauty."

"Well, the young girls think that I am rather appealing, but I had no idea
how *you* felt about me."

Alexei's head snapped to the right, and he looked up into Daniel's amused
face. He grunted good naturedly and again turned his face up to the sky.

"You should not speak such things aloud," the other man warned, dropping
into the grass beside him. "It might have been your father standing here
instead of me."

No answer.

"Alexei, what are you doing?"

"What does it look like I am doing?"

"You have not given up on that human, have you?"

"No."

"My friend, you *must*. He can bring you nothing but grief."

Alexei refused to listen. "If you have come to scold me, Daniel, you may go
back the way you came." He waved the other man off.

"Is a moment's pleasure worth incurring your father's wrath for ages to
come?"

Alexei rolled onto his side and looked at his friend, eyes sparkling. "Who
said anything about a *moment*?"

Daniel's mouth dropped open.

Alexei continued. "Even if that is all it turned out to be, I believe I
would have to say yes. Yes, a moment of pleasure with him would be worth all
the torment my father could throw at me."

The other man shook his head. "You truly mean that."

"Yes," the dark-haired man answered softly. Then softer still, he asked,
"May I tell you a secret?"

Daniel looked around. "Yes...yes, of course."

"You must swear to tell *no one*."

"I swear."

"I saw him again. Yesterday. I followed him, and I now know where he lives."
Alexei moved closer. "I visited him last evening."

"You what?"

The other man nodded. "He did not know I was there. I just needed to see
him. Touch him. I watched him sleep for a short time. He is *beautiful*,
Daniel. I wanted so very much to lie down beside him and lay my head upon
his chest..." Sable lashes swept downward, giving his eyes a sleepy
appearance. "...just to feel his heart beating beneath my cheek."

One red eyebrow arched. "Are you sure that is all you wanted to feel?"

The lashes lifted and deep green eyes stared over at the other man. "You do
not understand, Daniel. I did not expect that you would."

"I think I have been insulted."

"Daniel, I..." Alexei stopped in mid-sentence.

"You what?"

"You would not understand."

"Well, *help* me understand."

"You will not tell a soul?"

"I said I would not."

"Even if my father threatened you with punishment?"

Daniel opened and closed his mouth, not knowing what to say.

Alexei turned his head. "Forget it. You cannot be trusted."

"No! I mean, yes! I promise. Nothing will make me ever breathe a word to
anyone. Now tell me!"

"All right. But if I discover that you have gone back on your word, my
father will not be the one you need to fear."

Daniel nodded, knowing full well that Alexei would and could make good on
his threat.

The glacial green stare warmed and softened, and a tiny smile curved the
perfect lips. "I am in love."

"Love? But...but how can you be? You do not know this man! And might I
remind you that he *is*..."

"*Human*...I know, I know! Why is that such an issue with you and my
father?"

"It is an issue with me *because* it is an issue with your father. I do not
want trouble for you, my friend, but it would appear to me that you are bent
on embracing chaos."

"I am not *looking* for trouble, Daniel, but I will not stay away from him
simply because my father cannot abide humans. It is not his life to live; it
is mine."

Daniel studied his friend in silence for a moment. "You are a stubborn mule,
Alexei. I hope this human of yours can appreciate that trait."

Alexei gave Daniel a brilliant smile. "I am going to see him tonight."

"Are you going to make yourself visible?"

"No. Not just yet."

"Then how do you expect him to fall madly in love with you?"

Green eyes shone as brightly as the sun. "I have a plan."

Daniel fell onto his back, emitting a hearty laugh. "Allah help this poor
man."

"He does not need Allah. All he needs is me."

Daniel shook his head, chuckling. "I hope for the sake of your ego, he
agrees."

********************

Fox wandered the perimeter of his rooms, disappointment weighing heavily on
his heart. After class today, he had gone again into the village, hoping to
find the green-eyed stranger waiting for him in the crowd, but he had been
nowhere in sight. Fox concluded that either he'd given up, or he'd read far
too much into those intent stares, and the man had no interest in him at
all. Either way, he was depressed.

Night had long since fallen, and his body began to hint at its fatigue. When
he could fight it no more, he obeyed the command to sleep, and he undressed
and slipped between the sheets. Now suddenly wide awake, he tossed
restlessly for a long while, then drifted off slowly, pillowed on dreams of
ocean breezes and love with a mysterious emerald-eyed man.

********************

The diaphanous curtains barely moved this evening. The still, dry air hung
in the room, emphasizing the silence. The new presence in the slumbering
man's room made not a sound as it drifted across the floor and settled at
the edge of the bed.

"I have returned, my love," Alexei murmured to the unconscious Fox. "I saw
you in the village today...searching for me. Did you miss me? I truly hope
so, for I have missed you terribly. But now I am here." His fingers
whispered over the surface of Fox's hair. "Do you dream tonight, lord? No
matter. Let it fade." Alexei continued to stroke the golden-brown strands.
"You see nothing but darkness now. Your mind is clear, and now you are
ready." He lowered his head until his cheek brushed the other man's, then
whispered into his ear. "Dream of me..."

The immobile man began to stir ever so slightly and his eyelashes fluttered.
Shapes began to invade his peaceful world. Nothing discernible as yet, but
anticipation began to build. The shapes became recognizable, but none were
familiar. A room...large...airy...almost completely empty...free floating
curtains in gossamer silk hung from huge windows, and in the middle of the
floor, a bed. Large, overstuffed...carved wooden posts...scattered with
pillows in various shapes and sizes, all covered in the finest ivory silk.
Its cool comfort beckoned to him, and he answered, moving forward and lying
down. He stretched lazily, sinking into the pillows and idly wondering where
he was and how he got there.

Movement caught his eye, and he slowly sat up, looking toward the windows.
From the folds of the billowing silk, a man emerged. Draped in flowing robes
and turban, he was a vision in ivory. The moonlight caught in the golden
earrings that framed his beautiful face, and his eyes sparkled like gems. He
approached silently, stopping at the end of the bed. Fox looked up at him,
entranced.

//Will...will you speak to me?//

The man smiled, his olive skin the perfect backdrop for strong, white teeth.
//What would you have me say?//

//Tell me who you are...and where I am, and...what you want with me...//

//You are in a place better suited to you than that modest little house in
which you live. *I* am the one who adores you, and as for what I want...//

Fox felt his pulse quicken.

The man shook his head. //I am here to give you what *you* want. After all,
this is *your* dream.//

//Dream?//

//Yes...you look disappointed.//

//I...I thought...I hoped that you'd be...//

//Real? I am. You did not dream, nor did you imagine our two meetings in the
village.//

//You...you said you...adore me?//

//Does that make you uncomfortable?//

//It...I...I don't know. I'm not sure how it makes me feel.//

//But you feel something?//

//Yes. It's very...confusing...//

He smiled sweetly. //Tell me your name.//

//You don't know it?//

//No. Do you wish not to tell me?//

The other man hesitated, then managed to stutter, //F-Fox.//

One dark eyebrow arched. //Fox?//

//Yes.//

Another smile. //It is an odd name, but...// he studied the man on the bed,
//..very fitting, I think.// He sat carefully at the edge of the mattress.
//You are so very beautiful...//

Fox turned away, discomposed by the statement and the closeness of the man.

//Do you fear me?//

No response.

//There is no reason to. This is your dream. I cannot harm you.// His
fingers whispered across Fox's cheek. //I would not.//

Fox shivered under the stranger's touch, and all at once he was made very
aware of the fact that he was naked. He pulled a large pillow into his lap
and again avoided the green gaze.

//I am quite aware of your arousal, love,// the man said softly. //It
pleases me very much.//

Fox chewed on the inside corner of his lip, but said nothing. The hand at
his cheek drifted downward, skimming the side of his neck, the curve of his
shoulder, then stroked a path down his arm, finally coming to rest over his
hand. The voice sounded again.

//What do you wish of me tonight?//

Hazel eyes blinked up into his face. Lush lips parted and the first sounds
that left them were soft gasps of confusion. Then Fox spoke.

//I don't...I...// His voice faded, then went silent

//What is it, love? I can give you anything you desire. Just tell me.//

Fox shook his head. //I don't know, I've never...// Again he fell into
frustrated silence, and an understanding smile graced his visitor's lips. He
sucked in a breath as the man slid closer and, pulling the pillow away,
slipped an arm around him. His heart thrashed in his chest at the sensation
of a warm, soft mouth brushing his. When he did not shy away, the arm around
his waist pulled him closer, and the kiss deepened. Tentatively his hands
slid up to the other's back. The sensuous feel of soft linen beneath his
fingers added to the overwhelming pleasure he was already experiencing,
but...how could this be so real? He'd had many, many dreams, but none like
this. Every touch, every taste...every small sound, vibrated through his
body with a very real intensity.

Gently, the man lowered him to the pillows, maintaining contact with his
lips. In one fluid, barely noticeable moment, they were lying together, and
the stranger's hands were wandering slowly over his body, eliciting soft
moans from his throat. The moans turned into a surprised gasp as he felt a
tongue, gentle but insistent, parting his lips. His surprise deepened as he
felt himself so easily submit, opening his mouth and allowing the man to
explore at his leisure.

Timidly, Fox's tongue inched out, touching the one invading his mouth. It
withdrew quickly then returned, coaxed back into play by its mate.

He tasted of fruit and rich wine, this dream lover of his, and it was
intoxicating. Fox ventured deeper into his mouth, gaining confidence, and
soon their tongues were tangled together in sensual bliss. His hands
wandered up the other's back, stroking over the finely chiseled muscles,
marveling at the feel of another man's body beneath his fingers. He wondered
idly if the man in the village would feel anything like this apparition his
mind had conjured up.

A hand traveling down his chest, coaxed his attention back to the present
situation. Fingers lightly combed through the scattering of hair then
drifted to the side, circling one nipple and teasing it to hardness. Fox
broke from the mouth covering his, arching his back and gasping at the
intimate touch. His hands fell away from the man's back and into the sheets,
gathering fistfuls of the silk between his fingers. Silently, the man smiled
down at him and moved to the other nipple, treating it to the same loving
attention. When the second nipple was as hard as the first, he continued on,
slowly working his way down Fox's torso and sliding his fingers through the
dark patch of curls surrounding the length of solid muscle.

Fox fought for every breath as he felt the stranger's hand brush the base of
his erection, then close gently around it. Their mouths met again, and his
hand began to move, tenderly stroking the impossibly rigid shaft.

There was sound in Fox's head...a distant rumble that soon became a roar
resembling the storms that sometimes blew violently through the desert. He
whimpered softly into the mouth still feeding on his, feeling the tension
build in his body to the point where he was sure he would snap in two if it
was not relieved.

The man above him understood his torment and sought to put an end to it. He
pulled away from Fox's mouth and kissed a path to his ear. //It is time,
beautiful Fox.// He increased the speed of his strokes, prompting desperate
cries from the beneficiary of his attention. //Take your pleasure.//

Fox's hips jerked upward once, twice, and then his body was spasming
uncontrollably, releasing a long, thick stream of fluid over the hand that
quickly but gently milked him. His cries of fulfillment echoed around him,
and as they faded, he felt the other's lips, soft and sweet on his own. His
eyes fluttered open when the gentle pressure was removed, and he blinked up
into sparkling, forest- green eyes.

//Remember well this dream, my treasure. I will return to you again soon.//

//Please,// Fox breathed softly, //don't leave.//

//But I must.// The visage began to fade. //You must awake soon and begin
your day.//

//I don't want to. I like it here. Don't go...//

Alexei watched the restless shifting of the sleeping man's body. He raised a
hand to his cheek and whispered to him, "Rest easy now, love. No more dreams
tonight." He stroked Fox's face and hair. "Rest..."

All movement soon ceased, and Fox's respiration became slow and steady.
Alexei leaned in for one lingering kiss, then rose from the bed. He smiled
softly down at the other man, then faded back into the night.

********************

"There you are." Daniel approached his friend, lounging lazily by his
favorite stream. "I should have known to look here first."

"Hello, Daniel."

He sat beside Alexei and waited. When the other man did not speak again, he
nudged his arm. "Well?" he asked impatiently. "How did it go?"

"How did what go?"

"Last night, Alexei...with your human." He whispered the last word. "Was it
*so* forgettable?"

A smile curved the other man's mouth, and his eyes fell shut. "My Fox is
anything but forgettable."

"Fox?"

"That is his name. Beautiful...as he is."

The other man rolled his eyes. "So, have you enchanted him, then? Made him
your love slave for life?"

"I do not wish to enslave him, Daniel. I want his love, but I want him to
give it freely."

"And you think this is possible once you reveal your true self to him?"

"I do not know. I can only pray that it is."

The other man shook his head. "You have the advantage, Alexei. If you want
him so badly, why not use it?"

"Because it would not be real. Do you not understand that? I want to look
into those magnificent, painted eyes and see *true* love. Not a product of
some spell."

Daniel stared intently for long moments, then asked, "Who are you and what
have you done with my friend?"

His response came in the form of a brief grunt.

"Seriously, Alexei, this is not like you. If you want something, you take
it. What is so different about this?"

Alexei began to speak, paused, then began again. "It....it is difficult to
explain, Daniel."

"Try."

"You will not understand until you are truly in love, but...I could not bear
it if he were changed in any way. I want to experience true love...to see
the glow in his eyes when I come to him and know that what he feels for me
is all his own emotion and nothing that I have manipulated him into
feeling."

"But have you not already done that? You have insinuated yourself into his
dreams..."

"I was there. I instigated the dream. That is all. The rest was left to
him."

"But why?" Red eyebrows arched in curiosity. "Why not just speak to him in
the village?"

"I saw him in the village again. For a time, it looked as though he would
come and speak with me, but he became frightened and turned away."

"What frightened him?"

"I was not sure at the time. Now, I suspect that my jewel is even more
precious than I thought."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that my sweet Fox is an innocent."

The other man cocked his head curiously.

"I believe he has had no lovers," Alexei explained.

Daniel burst into laughter. "Are you serious? Alexei, do you truly believe
that one as delicious as he has not had even *one* lover?"

"I know it does not seem possible, but after last night...it is what I
believe."

"What happened last night?"

Alexei smiled and shook his head.

"But you tell me about *all* of your liaisons! Come now, do not tease me
so."

"Sorry, my friend. Fox has stolen my heart and my soul, and I will not speak
of him as if he were just another meaningless conquest."

Daniel folded his arms across his chest and pouted. "You used to be fun,
Alexei. I do not think I like what this human is doing to you."

"Really?" White teeth flashed in the morning sun. "I like it very much."
Alexei rose to his feet and grinned down at his friend. "I will see you
later."

Daniel blinked up into his face. "Where are you going?"

"To see my love."

"It is morning, Alexei. You cannot infiltrate his dreams, so what are you
going to do? Linger about unseen, just mooning over him?"

A soft laugh was his reply.

"All right, fine. Keep it to yourself. Go on to your Fox, and leave me to
find my own amusement."

"You do not have to look far," Alexei answered. "This morning, I heard Suni
and Jameelah talking about you."

"Are you sure they simply were not plotting to do away with the prince's
red-headed friend so they could get closer to his magnificence?"

Alexei broke into a hearty laugh. "*No*. They were speaking very well of
you...and giggling."

"*Really*. Hmm. This could be interesting."

"Indeed it could," Alexei encouraged. "Go find them. I will see you later."
He watched his friend shuffle off in search of the females they spoke of,
and smiled. "And, my precious Fox, I will see *you*, now."

********************

Fox picked at his breakfast, his mind reviewing again and again the events
of his dream and the condition he'd found himself in this morning. Sheets,
stuck to his lower regions and smelling of his own semen. His body
pleasantly drained, and his memory full of the mysterious, emerald-eyed man
who had come into his dreams and done to him what no other ever had. His
body tingled at the thought, and he found himself hardening.

//No. Think of something else. You must leave soon. The children will be
waiting...//

Distraction came in the form of a large, black cat that had wandered in
through the open doors and was now rubbing insistently against his leg.

Fox smiled down at the animal. "Where did you come from?" He asked softly,
reaching down to scratch behind the feline's ear. The loud purrs encouraged
him to continue. "You are very handsome. Do you belong to the master?"

The cat jumped into his lap and looked up at him with emerald-green eyes.
Fox looked into them for a moment, stunned. He regained his composure and
chuckled softly. "Why does it seem that suddenly I am to be constantly
seduced by beautiful green eyes?" He stroked the cat's back, enjoying the
ripple of muscle beneath his fingers. "Have you had breakfast? I'll share
mine with you, then I must get to class. I cannot keep the children
waiting." He finished his breakfast, feeding a good portion of it to his new
friend, then set off for class, leaving the cat stretched lazily across his
bed.

********************

Fox made it to class only a few minutes late and had little trouble getting
the boys under control before settling down to the day's business. From his
seat at the back of the room, Jeffrey brooded silently as usual, lending an
air of gloom to the otherwise cheerful morning. Halfway into the second
lesson, Jeffrey made his presence known, shouting and attempting to shoo
away the cat that had hopped up into the window. The cat crouched on the
sill, ears flattened, eyes dilated to near-blackness, snarling at the young
man.

Fox calmly walked to the back of the room and stood beside the window. "Stop
shouting, Jeffrey, you're frightening him."

"*Frightening* him? That animal is vicious! See how he hisses and growls at
me!"

Fox emitted a patient sigh. "He is *not* vicious." To prove his point, he
reached out to the cat, murmuring softly to the animal as he stroked the top
of its head. "You were just frightened, weren't you? It's all right, no one
is going to hurt you."

In answer, the cat arched its back, purring loudly.

"No?" Jeffrey fumed. "I would not be so certain about that. If *I* see it
alone, I will snap its neck!"

The other children gasped in horror at their brother's proclamation.

Fox leveled a stony gaze on the younger man, and picked the cat up. It
settled comfortably into his arms, still purring contentedly.

"Don't touch this animal, Jeffrey. It has done you no harm."

"It would have attacked me!"

"Your wild exaggerations are going to get you into very serious trouble one
day. Now, calm yourself."

"My father will hear of this! And he will..."

Tired of the young man's ranting, Fox cut him off. "By all means, Jeffrey,
if you feel this very serious matter must be brought immediately to your
father's attention, go on and tell him. But do not disrupt my class any
further."

Jeffrey fell silent, staring daggers at him.

"Make your choice, Jeffrey. Go, or stay and be quiet."

The younger man retreated back into an angry silence for the rest of the
morning, refusing to participate in class. He became even angrier when, at
lunch time, Fox allowed the boys to come up and pet the cat who had been
lounging in the window closest to him.

The animal lay quietly, tolerating the children's gentle attention, and when
class was over, he climbed onto Fox's shoulder and allowed the man to convey
him back to the little house. From a wine colored pillow that he had claimed
as his own, he watched Fox bathe and change, and soon afterward a petite
woman appeared at the door.

"Am I early?" Dana asked as she passed into the main room and took a seat.

"No," Fox answered. "Jamira should be here soon with dinner." He took a seat
across from her, and Dana's eyes lit up as he was immediately joined by a
lovely black cat. The animal seemed to appear from nowhere, jumping up and
settling at Fox's side, rubbing its head against the man's leg.

"Oh, how beautiful!" Dana squealed in delight. "Where did he come from?"

"I don't know," Fox replied, reaching down to gently pass his hand over the
cat's body. "He appeared this morning and refuses to leave me. He even
followed me to class." He began to chuckle. "He and Jeffrey did not exactly
hit it off."

Dana grunted. "Is there anyone or anything that Jeffrey *does* hit it off
with?"

"Good point."

"So, are you going to keep him?"

Fox shrugged. "He may certainly stay if he wants to. I'm enjoying the
company." Fox looked down at the animal, who had now rolled onto its back,
legs splayed, purring happily as its throat and belly were scratched. "He's
got the most incredible green eyes. They remind me of..." He cut himself
off, refusing to allow himself the indulgence. But Dana caught the soft
words and prodded her friend.

"What do they remind you of?"

Fox shook his head and continued to pet his new companion.

"Still thinking about him?"

The golden-brown head jerked up, then slowly lowered again. "Yes. I....I
dreamt of him last night."

Dana saw the slight blush tinge his cheeks, and she decided against asking
for details.

"Your subconscious mind is speaking to you, Fox. It's doing what you want to
do in consciousness but can't."

Fox sighed and shrugged. "Dreams are probably all I will have of him now,
anyway."

"You never know, Fox. He may turn up again when you least expect him to. And
if he does, what are you going to do?"

Fox closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I will speak to him...I hope."

"Don't hope. Do it or the regret will be deeper than it is right now."

Before Fox could answer, dinner arrived, and they sat down to eat, Dana
digging in hungrily and Fox again only picking and sharing part of his meal
with his new friend.

An hour after dinner was over, Dana went back to her own house, leaving Fox
alone to contemplate her words. He lay across his bed, the cat curled up
against his chest, thinking. "Dana is right," he told his sleeping
companion. "If I am fortunate enough to see him again, I must not let fear
stop me from speaking to him." He lay quietly for a moment, then flung an
arm across his face. "Who am I fooling? I can't just walk up to him and
strike up a conversation. What would I say? What if I'm completely wrong
about his intentions?" He groaned heavily. "Am I insane? What makes me think
that someone as beautiful as he would want *me*?"

The cat opened its eyes and uncurled its body, stretching and yawning. With
a soft thud, it jumped to the floor and disappeared through the open door.

Fox watched forlornly as his beautiful companion left him alone with his
woe. "Well," he whispered to himself, "that's more like it. Alone and
lonely." He stared up at the ceiling until sleep came for him nearly an hour
later.

********************

The soft whisper of a silken caress opened Fox's eyes. He looked up into now
familiar emerald eyes, and smiled.

//You came back to me.//

//Of course I have returned. You summoned me.//

//I did?//

//Yes, love.//

//I don't understand...//

//Did you not wish for me to come to you?//

//No...I mean...*yes*, but...I don't remember summoning you.//

//The subconscious mind is not always an easy thing for us to understand.
Sometimes it is best not to try.//

A gentle kiss brushed across the tip of Fox's nose, then one landed on each
fluttering eyelid, and finally settled on his full mouth.

With only a bit of coaxing, Fox parted his lips and allowed the other man to
sweep inside. He teased the soft interior for a moment, then pulled away.
//What would please you tonight, my jewel?// he asked softly, tracing the
curve of Fox's lower lip with his index finger.

Fox blinked, then looked away.

//Do not be afraid. Anything you wish for, love. Anything at all...I will
not reject you.//

//I....I can't, I don't...//

//Shh. All right. I understand.// Fox's visitor stroked his face. //You
trusted me last night. Will you trust me again?//

//Y-yes.//

Fox sighed into the mouth that came down on his, again opening himself to
the teasing tongue. He squirmed under the other man's touch, wanting to feel
his hands everywhere at once, and shocked himself by arching against him,
attempting to obtain the contact he sought. The soft chuckle tickled his
lips.

//Not so timid once your desire is aroused, are you, sweet Fox? I like
that.// He nuzzled Fox's throat. //Please touch me.//

Tentatively, Fox lifted a hand to the other man's throat, tracing a line
downward as far as his clothing would allow. He then stopped, gently rubbing
the spot on the other's upper chest.

//It is easily removed,// the soft, silky voice coaxed, //if you wish...//

He did wish. But it was fear...that crippling, damnable fear that made him
hesitate. His visitor smiled indulgently and loosened the fastenings of his
robes, allowing them to hang open. He gently grasped Fox's hand and placed
it upon his bared chest.

//You see? There is nothing to be afraid of.//

Fox stared up into the other man's eyes, motionless for a moment, then his
hand began to move, cautiously traveling the hard planes of the chest under
his fingers. Dark lashes fluttered and closed as the man sighed softly,
encouraging him to continue. He watched his hand moving of its own accord
over the bronzed skin, stroking and petting, listening to the deep, rumbling
sounds of pleasure. Slowly, his fingers slid over to the left, brushing over
one nipple.

//Oh, yes, love. Oh, yes...//

Unsure of what to do next, but positive that he did not want this moment to
end, Fox's hand traveled over to the other nipple, teasing that one as well.
A shy but satisfied smile curved his lips as the other moaned aloud.

//You have a magical touch, my love,// the man panted softly. He shifted
until he was on his back, and looked up at Fox, waiting. //Please, Fox. Will
you continue?//

Fox gazed down into the passion-glazed eyes and fell on the other man with a
soft moan. His mouth found its mate, and he attempted to imitate what had
been done to his own mouth. A deluge of impassioned moans and fingers
clenching in his hair told him that he must have been doing it right. As his
confidence and his passion built, he moved away from the other man's lips,
kissing down his throat to his chest. His mouth followed the path that his
hands had earlier taken, licking and nipping, finding one nipple and
flicking across it.

The man beneath him arched and whimpered, begging incoherently for more,
sending the blood pounding through Fox's veins. His hands stroked the heated
skin of the man's torso as he sucked the pebbled flesh into his mouth. Above
his head, a breath hissed sharply, and a cry caught in the constricted
throat.

Working on sheer animal instinct, Fox moved lower, his hands grazing the
other's slim hips, and began to work at loosening his pants. His task
accomplished, he began to pull the material down, when suddenly, something
did not feel right. There was sound. Distant, but unable to be ignored.
Unwillingly, he turned an ear to it.

//Fox...love...please...//

His voice was fading. Drowning behind the alien sound. The feel of his
skin...his smell...that too was fading.

//No...no...I won't...I won't...want to stay...//

Fox blinked in the darkness, wincing at the painfully swollen erection he
sported. He attempted to focus on the accursed sound that woke him from his
beautiful dream, and found that the noise was coming from outside. Two
voices rang out. One he recognized as Jeffrey's, and the other as his
father's.

"You *will* obey me, you cur. You are the oldest of my sons, and Allah
forgive me, but you will be educated even if it kills you!"

"I will not go back to class, I will not!"

"You will! I will not be humiliated, do you understand? You will learn, or I
will send you so far away, you will never find your way back!"

There was quiet after that, but the shouting had gone on long enough for Fox
to have awakened completely. His fingers clenched in his hair, and he
groaned into the blackness. "Come back to me, my lover," he whimpered
softly. "Please..."

He lay awake until dawn, tossing and turning, unable to sleep a wink. As the
sun rose, he did also, bathing in cold water in an attempt to wake himself
up and cool his still smoldering desires. He sat down to breakfast, looking
up at every sound, hoping that his feline friend had returned, but when he
left for class, he'd seen not a hair. He worked through the lessons,
ignoring the pouting young man at the back of the room, and when lunch time
arrived, he stumbled back to his house for a rest before the afternoon
classes. He dropped across his bed and closed his eyes, fully aware that it
may not be the best idea. He'd slept so little last night, he might just
drop off and miss the afternoon classes all together. Unable to gather
enough energy to care, he closed his eyes.

********************

Alexei brushed his fingers across the cool water, conjuring up the image of
his love. He gazed down into the stream, watching Fox nod off to sleep.

"You are so very tired," he whispered to the swirling image. "I am truly
sorry for last night. It should not have ended that way..."

He closed his eyes and thought of the night before. He had come to Fox
again, but did not instigate the dream. He merely lay beside him and watched
it progress, taking great pleasure in watching his flower unfold. When that
blasted Jeffrey and his slack-jowled, opium puffing father woke him with
their screeching, it had all come to an end. Instead of *helping* Fox to go
back to sleep, he allowed him to toss about for the remainder of the night,
thinking about the dream and becoming more agitated with each passing hour.
Now, he was exhausted and sad, and Alexei had to do something to relieve his
unrest. "Sleep, lord." he whispered, "I shall wake you when it is time."

********************

A soft rumble roused Fox out of his slumber. He executed a long stretch,
then slowly opened his eyes. As his arms slid from above his head, down to
his sides, one hand came in contact with a soft, silky object. He opened one
eye and glanced down at the cat snuggled to his side, staring at him. A
trace of a smile crossed his lips, and he sat up. "I didn't think you would
return," he said, stroking the glistening fur, "but I'm glad that you did."
He glanced around, shaking his head. "And thank you for waking me. I may
actually be on time for afternoon classes."

Green eyes watched as Fox gathered up his supplies and rushed to the door.
The soft meow stopped him before he could exit the house. He turned to find
his friend at his feet, looking up at him.

"What is it? Would you like to come with me?" He held out his arms, not
really expecting that the animal would leap into them, but that was exactly
what it did. The cat draped itself over his shoulder, nuzzling Fox's cheek,
and the two headed back to the classroom.

********************

Jeffrey scowled from his seat at the back of the classroom, growing angrier
with every admiring remark from his brothers about the tutor's cat. Finally,
when he'd had all he could stand, he lashed out.

"What is so wonderful about some flea-bitten, mangy cat?" he bellowed,
startling the younger boys.

"He is not mangy," Amir, the youngest of the group, chirped up. "You are
just jealous because he likes us and not you."

"Jealous?" The young man laughed bitterly. "I am jealous of nothing and no
one!" He glared at Fox. "No one, do you hear?"

"I hear you, Jeffrey," Fox said softly.

The younger man continued to rail at him. "You lie. You think I am jealous
of you! What is there to be envious of, tell me! Your brain? Your looks?" He
laughed again. "That will be the day when I am jealous of *you*, tall and
gangly as you are, with your...your droopy hair and lips that look like
someone hit you, and...and...freakish eyes that cannot seem to decide what
color they want to be!"

Fox stared sadly at Jeffrey, saying not a word. Such a pathetic young man.
Not an ounce of self esteem did he have. His father had failed so miserably
with him...

Jeffrey recognized the expression and shook with rage. The next thing Fox
knew, the younger man was hurling himself at him, but before Jeffrey could
reach him, the cat pounced, sinking its claws into his face.

A loud, pained shriek rose from Jeffrey's throat as he clutched at the
animal, trying to pull it away. Fox leapt forward, grasping the cat and
gently prying its claws from Jeffrey's skin while at the same time trying to
hold the young man still. When he'd finally succeeded in separating the two,
he held on to the growling cat while instructing the other boys.

"Take him to the house, and find Fatima. She will see to his wounds. I will
go see your father."

The boys led their wailing brother away, and Fox gathered up his supplies,
carrying them and the cat back to his house. Once inside, the cat jumped
down from his shoulder and joined him in the chair he dropped into. He
looked down at the animal, then sighed, scratching its head. "I know why you
attacked him, but...you shouldn't have. No matter how obnoxious he is, he is
still the master's son, and I fear you may well have gotten us both into
quite a bit of trouble."

Wide green eyes stared up at him as if the animal were actually listening to
every word. It sounded a tiny meow, then climbed into Fox's lap, rubbing its
head against his chest.

Fox sighed and smiled down at the animal. "I don't know what I did to
inspire such devotion, but I do appreciate it." He lifted the cat, dropped a
kiss on the top of its head, then set it back down in the chair he'd just
vacated. "Well...I'd better get this over with. You and I, my friend, may be
living in a tent soon. I hope you don't mind." With one last smile and a
deep breath, he opened the door and walked out to meet his doom.

********************

Smoke swirled through the room, the acrid smell hitting Fox's nose as he
came through the door.

"I heard about the excitement in class a while ago," the soft, raspy voice
sounded from the other end of the room.

Fox stepped forward. "Yes. I am sorry, I should not have allowed the cat
into the classroom, but the children enjoyed him so..."

"The children." The master pivoted, now facing his employee. "Yes, the
children. They are very fond of you, Fox. They have preceded you here."

"They...they have?"

"Yes. To explain that this unpleasant incident happened through no fault of
yours. They have informed me that Jeffrey is entirely to blame, and I am
inclined to believe that. Will you kindly confirm or dispute their report?"

Fox lowered his eyes for a moment, then leveled an earnest gaze on the older
man. "I cannot dispute it sir, but...Jeffrey is a troubled young man. He
desperately wants your approval, and when he can't get it, he reacts badly."

The old man cocked his head. "You defend him after he tried to attack you?"

"I...I am simply trying to give you a reason for his behavior."

"So you are telling me that I am to blame for the way he behaves?"

Silence answered his question.

"I should have you whipped for such an implication."

Still, no response.

"You would not plead for leniency?"

"No, sir."

The master studied him for long seconds, then, "If Jeffrey had a fraction of
your grace and bravery, I would not be so hard on him...you may go, Fox. I
must go see to my...*son*."

Fox executed a shallow bow and exited the room and the house.

********************

Alexei impatiently paced around the room, awaiting Fox's return. Arms folded
across his chest, he muttered to himself.

"I swear...if that pathetic little weasel has caused you any trouble, my
love, I will shred him from head to foot."

He dropped into the chair that Fox had been sitting in before he left, still
talking to himself.

"Perhaps I should find you...just to insure that nothing is wrong."

Just as he made the decision to go out in search of Fox, his ears detected
the faint click of the door...

Fox entered, finding the cat in the same spot he'd left it. He smiled as he
approached the animal, then squatted down in front of it. The cat rose,
butting its head against his chin, purring softly.

"Well, my friend, we've been pardoned. But from now on, you must behave
yourself. No more attacks on Jeffrey, is that clear?"

His answer came in the form of a barrage of laps of the small pink tongue at
his lips. He giggled softly, pulling away. "Hey, that tickles," he said as
he rubbed at his mouth with the tips of his fingers. Lifting the cat and
hugging it to him, he rose to his feet. "I was thinking of going into the
village for a while. When I return, we'll have dinner, all right?" He placed
the cat down on the chair, and walked to the door. Just before he walked
out, he turned to once more look at his companion, who had twisted into an
impossible position and was drifting into sleep. An uncontrollable smile lit
his face, and he closed the door behind him.

********************

There was no smile as Fox returned from his trip into the village. For over
an hour he milled about, stopping at this shop and that, looking for the
mysterious green-eyed man, but to no avail. Finally, he gave up and headed
for home.

A soft meow greeted him as he pushed the door open. He looked down at his
new housemate, breathing a soft sigh of relief. "Thank you for still being
here." He dropped into the chair, patting his lap. His companion joined him
without haste, sprawling comfortably across his thighs. "He wasn't there,"
Fox said softly, scratching the animal's head. "I may as well give up."

The cat watched him intently for a moment, its tail lazily curling and
uncurling. It then pulled itself into a sitting position and lifted a paw to
Fox's chest. Fox gave it a trace of a smile.

"What is it?"

The animal sounded a low but insistent meow, and removed its paw.

"I suppose that in time I will learn to recognize all your different sounds
and gestures, but for now, I will just have to guess. Are you hungry?" He
repeatedly ran his hand down the sleek back. "Jamira will be here soon with
dinner."

Seemingly satisfied, the cat turned around once, then curled itself into a
ball and closed its eyes. Fox decided to follow his companion's example and
let his head drop back against the cushion of the chair. He closed his eyes
and in no time was hovering between sleep and consciousness. The knock on
the door shortly after brought him back to full awareness. He picked the cat
up and, carrying it with him, went to open the door.

Dana smiled up at her friend, then at the bundle of shining black fur in his
arms.

"Hello, Fox." She reached out to scratch behind the cat's ear. "Hello,
beautiful. How are you today?" She passed them by, allowing Jamira to enter
with the evening meal. "Hope you don't mind, I thought we could dine
together tonight."

"No...no, of course not." Fox followed the women into the dining area and
thanked Jamira as she silently placed the tray down and slipped back out the
door.

Dana went to him and took the cat from his arms, nuzzling her face into its
neck. "I'm happy to see that you decided to stay. Fox is such a loner, you
know. If it weren't for me, sometimes I think he would have no social life
at all..." She broke off her sentence, and looked to her friend. "Have you
named him?"

"No..."

"Well, what are waiting for?"

"I...I don't know what to name him. I've never had a pet."

"Hmm. Well, let's see." She sat and placed the cat on her lap. "What do you
look like?" She smiled up at Fox. "His eyes are a beautiful shade of green.
Like jade."

"I actually thought they looked like emeralds," he said, a distant tinge to
his voice.

"I suppose, but Jade is a better name. Short...easier when you're calling
him..."

Fox shrugged. "It's fine with me if it's fine with him."

Dana giggled. "Really, Fox, I don't think he'll have any objections. He's
just a cat..."

"A smart cat."

A knowing smile crossed the woman's face. "I saw Jeffrey." She snickered
softly and kissed the top of the black head. "Good boy."

"Dana..."

"What? Oh, he's a pain in the...well, you know where, and he deserved what
he got for trying to attack you."

"He's very troubled..."

Dana rolled her eyes, rising from her seat to uncover their meal. "You are a
very generous man, Fox. More generous than young master Jeffrey deserves."

Fox ignored the comment, and the two sat down to eat.

"So," Dana began a few bites later, "I assume you haven't seen him."

Fox fed a morsel to the cat who sat beside him. "No," he said barely above a
whisper.

Dana looked on her friend with sympathy. "You'll see him again, Fox, I know
you will."

Fox shook his head slowly. "I don't think so."

"Don't be so negative. Of course you'll see him. He's seen *you*, remember?"

"What does that mean?"

Dana grinned. "How could he look at that excruciatingly handsome face and
*not* want to see you again?"

Fox lowered his eyes and said nothing.

"Goodness, Fox, don't look so dour. You should be enjoying your
dinner...*and* your company."

Fox looked down at the cat, and a tiny trace of a grin curved his mouth.
"Well, he *is* good company."

"I meant *me*!"

He looked up into irritated cerulean eyes and burst into laughter. "Oh, yes,
you're also good company."

"Isn't this lovely? I'm second choice to a cat," Dana complained
good-naturedly. "Tell me, Fox, when your mystery man shows himself again,
which of them will hold the bigger place in your heart?"

"Dana, if this man was interested in me..."

"He is..."

"You're assuming that his interest would be for more than just a moment's
pleasure."

Dana shook her head. She'd never known a man as beautiful as this one to be
so humble. "Fox," she sighed, "no person who had a romantic interest in you
would be stupid enough to settle for one night of physical pleasure. You've
got so much more to offer, and if you two talked even for just a short time,
he would know that."

Fox fell silent, pushing his food around with one finger. He picked up a
sliver of meat and held it above the cat's head. The animal sat up on its
haunches and daintily picked the offering from his fingers.

Dana said nothing more, allowing Fox to digest the things she'd said to him.
When dinner was finished, they sat quietly discussing classes and their
problem student for a while. When they'd exhausted all conversation, Dana
stretched and announced that it was time for her to go. Fox walked her to
the door, gave her a chaste peck on the cheek, and bid her goodnight. Once
she'd gone, he walked back into the main room and dropped down on the floor,
lying on his back. His companion was there in an instant, crawling up onto
his chest and staring down at him. He stroked the cat's fur, enjoying the
rumble of its purr against him.

"So...Jade...is Jade all right with you?"

Soft, raspy meow.

"I'll assume that meant yes...what do you think? Could Dana be right? Is
there any chance that I'll see him again?"

Somehow, Jade's answering purr lulled and reassured him the way Dana's words
could not. Before he could have another coherent thought, he found his eyes
growing heavy and sleep quickly overtaking him.

********************

Fox wandered the perimeter of the same room he'd been in twice before.

Waiting.

Finally, he called out.

//Where are you?//

No reply.

//Please...you must be here. Please come to me.//

Still nothing.

//I didn't want to go last time. I tried to stay, but the voices. They were
so loud. Please. I'm sorry...//

//There is no need to be sorry.//

Fox spun around, his heart leaping into his throat as his mysterious lover
came into view. He stood silently as the man slowly circled him.

//Why do you look frightened?//

//I...I'm not, I'm just...you startled me.//

//But you were looking for me...you were calling to me...//

//I didn't expect you to come.//

//I cannot keep myself from you.//

//I thought...//

//Yes?//

//I thought I'd done something wrong.//

//Wrong? No, love, you made me feel so wonderful. The only thing that was
wrong was that it ended far too soon.// He studied Fox through a slitted
gaze. //I still see apprehension in your eyes.//

//I'm sorry.//

The other shook his head as he approached. //Please do not apologize. Just
finish what you started last evening...// Their bodies were now touching.
Then their lips. Teasing brushes of flesh across flesh. //I could feel the
passion in you last night. It flowed through every pore in your body into
mine...//

Fox shuddered at his words.

//You set me aflame, love, and left me smoldering. Please...finish. If you
do not, I will surely go mad.//

The stranger's words...and his lips continuously teasing Fox's, shook him to
the point where word and thought were impossible. His arms clamped around
the man before him, and their mouths fused, drawing a long, hungry moan from
both.

Suddenly finding that they were standing beside the bed, Fox sank down upon
its softness, dragging his lover along to lie sprawled on top of him. His
tongue thrust into the man's hot, sweet mouth even as his hips rose to press
into those resting against him. He found the other as hard and ready as he
was, and a thread of anxiety rippled through him. The stranger knew in an
instant and set about putting him at ease.

//You cannot displease me, my lover. It is impossible.//

//But...I know nothing of this.//

//I did not lie to you last evening when I said that your touch was magic.
Trust yourself as I trust you, and together we will discover a whole new
world.//

Fox stared up into his eyes, captivated by their depth. The other man
lowered his head and kissed a line along his jaw and up to his ear. His soft
whisper resonated through Fox's entire body.

//Love me.//

With a low growl, Fox rolled over, pinning the man beneath him, and tore at
this clothing. When the last bit of material drifted to the floor, he
removed his own garments, pushing aside his surprise at being dressed this
time, and dropped to the silks beside the other. His hands and mouth began a
restless exploration of his lover's body, tasting and touching everywhere he
could reach. The desperate cries he evoked from the other man excited him
beyond reason and encouraged him to continue from where he left off the
previous night.

Slowly, Fox slid down the lean body, his tongue leaving a moist trail. He
groaned softly as gentle fingers threaded through his hair, restlessly
combing the strands. His head moved lower, and his palms stroked the long,
well-muscled thighs as he finally reached the thick shaft that stood out
from their juncture. He paused for a moment, listening to the pleading
whimpers of his lover, then opened his mouth and took him in.

The other's body bucked and shook as he sucked hungrily on the rock-hard
shaft. His fingers dug into the clenching muscle of the other man's
buttocks, squeezing the flesh and encouraging him to thrust into his mouth,
which he did, feverishly. The whimpers turned to harsh cries, and Fox
instinctively began to swallow the fluid that was now being pumped down his
throat. His own excitement, which had been building, then bubbled up and
spilled over, and he achieved his own mind-numbing orgasm. When both their
cries had been reduced to soft moans, Fox released him and slid up over his
chest. Gently, he kissed the trembling lips and tucked his head under his
lover's chin. A pair of arms wrapped tenderly around him, and a soft, tired
voice sounded, declaring undying love.

********************

Fox blinked in the early sunlight, finding himself in bed with no
recollection of how he got there. Last he remembered, he was lying on the
floor with Jade curled up on his chest. And he remembered the dream. The
third in as many nights. Explicit in nature, so very strange and sweet, and
it left him this morning with a craving for this man so intense he could
taste it.

He covered his face with his hands and moaned aloud.

"This can't happen, it *can't*." He dropped his hands and found Jade perched
beside him, staring. He scratched the cat's head and spoke to him. "I
*cannot* go through life haunted by dreams of a man I will never have. I
mustn't think about him." He blinked up at the ceiling. "I can stop. I have
only to put my mind to it."

Jade's tail twitched as Fox continued to speak to him.

"Everything will be fine. I just have to forget I ever saw him." He closed
his eyes, chanting to himself, "I can do it...I can forget..."

A short time later, he rose and got himself ready to go to class. He said
goodbye to Jade, gathered up his things, and left the little house.

From amongst the pillows on the bed, Alexei stared in the direction that Fox
had gone. "You will not forget me," he murmured. "I am in your blood like a
fever, as you are in mine. A little more time, lord. And you will know as I
do that we must be together."

********************

Almost three weeks passed, and Fox's endeavors to cease his obsession with
the emerald-eyed mystery man became more and more maddening. The harder he
tried, the more explicit his dreams became. And the more explicit his dreams
became, the more he obsessed. He was traveling in a never ending circle with
no visible exit.

********************

"Well, look what the wind blew in."

Alexei grinned at his friend. "You behave as though you never see me."

"No, not never, but very seldom," Daniel complained. "It has been four days
since we've spoken. And your father is getting suspicious. Are you spending
all this time with your human pet?"

"He is *not* my pet..." A secretive smile crossed Alexei's lips. "I am his."

"Sorry? Alexei, what are you talking about?"

"Nothing...have you told my father anything?"

"No, I promised you I would not. But it is getting difficult, my friend. He
sees me without you far too often. He has inquired a few times as to your
whereabouts, and I have managed to remain vague, but I see the way he looks
at me. He knows something is amiss, Alexei, and I do not know how much
longer I can hold him at bay. You must do something. This cannot continue."

Alexei gathered his friend's hands into his own. "Thank you, Daniel, for
continuing to help me. I need your assistance for only a little bit longer.
It is time now for me to reveal myself to him, but I will still need some
time to help him adjust."

"You speak as though this is a sure thing. How do you know that once he
knows who and what you are, he will *want* to adjust? He may bolt, friend,
and you must be prepared for that very real possibility."

Alexei shook his head. "I will not lose him, Daniel...I cannot."

"He may think differently."

"No...you do not know....you do not see..."

"No...it is true, I do not see. But Alexei..."

"No buts, Daniel. You shall see. Soon I will introduce you to my love, and
you will see for yourself why I adore him so."

The other man sighed and nodded. "I hope so. For your sake."

Alexei displayed a dazzling grin. "Do not worry. I must go now. I will see
you soon."

Daniel watched his best friend leave, then looked into the sky, speaking up
at it. "But I do worry, my friend. Oh, do I worry..."

********************

Fox walked through the village with purpose today, stopping only to take
care of the business he'd come for. He'd given up on looking for his
beautiful stranger, though the dreams and fantasies persisted, usually in
vivid detail.

He balanced an armful of books while picking his way through the swelling
crowd. Not an easy task, as this particular section of the road was fraught
with potholes and rocks.

As he made it to the end of the road, Fox congratulated himself for managing
to hold on to all his purchases. A few seconds too soon as it turned out. A
herd of children thundered past him, one tripping over his foot, and in his
effort to prevent the child from falling face-down into the dirt, his books
tumbled from his arms. The child was sent on his way, then Fox bent and
began picking up his items. As he reached for the last book, a hand came out
of nowhere, grasping and lifting it from the ground. He rose to thank the
person for their help and was stunned by a pair of deep green eyes.

The world dropped out from under Fox at that moment, and everything in it
ceased to exist. Everything but those eyes and the man they belonged to. He
stood in utter silence, staring. He could not move, and at this particular
moment, speech eluded him.

Alexei stared back, searching Fox's eyes for any sign that the man might
bolt as he did the last time they met. Deciding that he would rather not
take any chances, he smiled gently and spoke up.

"Good afternoon."

Fox regarded him warily and said nothing.

Alexei raised his hand, offering the book. "I thought that perhaps it was
time that we introduce ourselves. I am Alexei."

As if in a trance, Fox reached out, relieving the other man of his burden.

Alexei cocked his head slightly. "You do not wish to tell me your name?"

Fox opened his mouth to speak, but no sound would come forth. His teeth
worried his lower lip, and he stood there in silence. The other man moved
closer, speaking just above a whisper.

"It is all right, Fox. You know I mean you no harm."

Fox blinked and drew back as if scalded. The words left his lips in a rush
of breath. "H-how did you know my name?"

"May we go someplace else? Someplace quiet, and I will explain."

Fox looked away, unsure of what he should do.

"Please?"

His eyes flicked back to the man's face and found such a sweet, earnest
expression in those deep pools of green that he found the words 'all right'
leaving his lips.

A beautiful, warm smile graced the other man's lips, and he led Fox away
from the busy area to a secluded spot, shaded by a small grouping of trees.
Once they were alone, Fox turned to him and reiterated his question.

"How do you know my name?"

"You told me."

Fox frowned at the man. "How could...we've never spoken before."

Alexei seated himself on a large, flat rock and looked up at Fox. "But we
have."

The standing man shook his head, preparing to again refute the other's
claim, but all at once he was not so sure. He inhaled deeply, telling
himself that it could not be. His gaze fell to the ground, and he asked
softly, "When have we spoken?"

"The look on your face tells me that you already know the answer to that
question."

"But..." Fox's head began to spin. "No. It's impossible."

Alexei smiled up at him. "Nothing is impossible. Let me prove that to you."

"Dreams are only the workings of one's imagination." A look of distress
crossed his face. "This is only...it's another dream. That's all it is."

Alexei rose, shaking his head. "No. I can assure you, you are quite awake."

"No, I'm not. You're not real...you always...I think you are, and then I
wake up."

"I *am* real. Touch me and you will see."

Fox backed up a step. "It wouldn't mean anything. My dreams are all very
vivid. Everything looks real. Everything *feels* real." His last statement
garnered a look from the other man that made him blush.

"But it is not. And if you will touch me, you will see the difference."
Alexei stood immobile, watching and waiting for Fox to act. The only
movement from him was the slow, steady rise and fall of his chest and the
occasional sweep of his thick, sable eyelashes.

After long minutes of silent debate, Fox inched forward, reaching out when
he was near enough to touch the other man's shoulder. The material felt real
enough, but Fox's doubts were far from relieved.

Alexei remained still, allowing the other man to continue his cautious
exploration. His lids dropped over his eyes as gentle fingers found his
cheek, and he couldn't fight the urge to turn his face into the touch,
softly nuzzling Fox's palm.

Fox's breath caught in his throat at the sensations aroused by such a simple
touch. All at once, the need for more was overwhelming, and he moved closer,
irresistibly drawn to the body he'd come to know so well in his dreams. Both
men trembled at the contact, and Fox leaned in, tenderly brushing the
other's mouth with his own. The faint moan snapped him out of the sensual
haze he'd become immersed in, and he backed away, staring wide-eyed into
oceans of shimmering green.

"Do you believe now that I am real?" Alexei breathed softly.

"Yes," Fox croaked. "But...how do you know my dreams? I don't...don't
understand..."

Alexei looked up at the sky. "The hour grows late. You do not want to miss
dinner with your friend."

"How...how do you know that I am having dinner with someone?"

"If I may, I will come to you tonight and explain everything. You have no
class tomorrow, and we will be able to talk all night if it is your wish."

Fox blinked, shocked by the man's seemingly extensive knowledge of him. The
intellectual part of his brain told him that it wasn't so sure he should be
doing this and that he should be very cautious, but the emotional part
screamed loudly that he would regret it for the rest of his life if he
pushed this man away.

"Y-yes," he stuttered softly. "I think that may be a good idea."

Alexei smiled and bowed from the waist. "Until tonight, then."

Fox nodded but continued to stare, unable to take his eyes away, still
harboring the fear that this vision before him would evaporate into a cloud
of nothing.

"I *will* come to you," Alexei reassured him. "When you are ready, summon
me."

Fox frowned in confusion. "How do I do that?"

"Simply call my name. Do you remember it?"

As if he would ever forget.

"Alexei."

Alexei shuddered as the sound of his name on his beloved's lips rippled over
his nerves. "Yes, lord," he whispered. "Call to me and I will be at your
side instantly." He began to back away. "Now...Dana awaits you."

Fox nodded and reluctantly turned away. He walked a few yards and turned
back for another look, but the other man was gone. His heart began to thud
painfully in his chest, but he spoke softly and calmly to himself, and his
pulse slowed.

"It is not a dream. His eyes...the taste of his lips...it was real. *He* is
real. Mysterious and strange, but very real."

He rushed home, anxious to tell Dana of his eventful afternoon, and the
first thing he noticed when he arrived was that Jade did not meet him at the
door as he had every day for the last few weeks.

"Jade?" Fox dropped his books down and wandered the house, calling the cat's
name. As he came back into the main room, he noticed Dana standing in the
doorway.

"Looking for your cat?"

"Yes. Have you seen him?"

"No, I haven't."

"He meets me at the door every day, but I can't find him anywhere."

"Don't be so concerned, Fox. He's a cat. Cats like to prowl. He'll be back
soon."

"I know, but I sometimes think about Jeffrey. He threatened Jade once..."

"Fox, that cat is a dozen times smarter than *Jeffrey*. He's fine. He's
probably just found something that's caught his interest."

Fox nodded, smiling. "You're right, of course.

" "Well, *that* was easy." Dana's eyes narrowed. "And I can't remember the
last time I saw you smiling. What have you been up to?"

"Nothing, I just...Dana, I saw him today."

Dana entered the house and sat down. "*Him*...oh! Him! Fox....tell me you
spoke to him."

"I spoke to him."

She tossed her head back and shouted, "Thank you! And?"

Fox cast his gaze toward the floor. "We're going to meet and talk tonight."

Dana's eyes lit up. "Where?"

"Here."

"Well, why didn't you say so sooner?" She jumped to her feet and began to
move to the door.

"Where are you going?"

"I don't want to be here when he arrives...much as I'd love to get a look at
him."

"No, no. He'll come after we're through with dinner."

"But how will he know..."

Fox shook his head. "I'd tell you if I knew."

"All right...well, let's eat. I know how anxious you must be to uh...talk
with him."

Fox bowed his head to hide the furious blush he felt creep into his cheeks.
"Dana..."

"I know, I know. But I never *claimed* to be a lady. Now come, let's eat."

Dana hurried Fox through dinner in record time, then with a joyful hug and a
wish for a wonderful night, she made her exit, leaving him alone.

He bathed and changed, and finally as night fell, he gathered up the courage
to call to the one who had passed from his dreams to reality.

"Alexei," he called only once, feeling terribly foolish. But he'd been so
sincere that given time enough, Fox would have believed anything he said.
Now he stood here in the middle of the floor, eyes closed, waiting.

//For what? Do you really believe...//

"I am here."

The soft voice startled him, and he spun on his heel to find Alexei, looking
exactly as he did in his first dream. Fox's lips parted as if to speak, but
no sound would come from them.

"I know there is much you do not understand, but I am here to answer your
questions to the best of my ability."

Fox found his voice, and his words came out in a rush. "How did
you...where..."

"*How* is not very simple to explain. I am not quite like you. I possess
abilities that you do not. I can...appear and disappear at will. Move from
place to place in an instant..."

"You are telling me that you're a wizard?"

"Of sorts."

Fox shook his head in utter confusion.

"This is very difficult, only in that it sounds so fantastic. But I swear to
you, every word I speak is truth. I...I come from a race not unlike your
own. We are alike in many more ways than we are different. Only these
special abilities separate us."

Fox studied him for long seconds, unable to detect any deception. He didn't
know if he was more relieved or frightened. "What are you?"

"Genie."

And all at once his apprehension turned to amusement. "And you live in a
bottle..."

"Those are old wives tales, passed down through the generations. The only
true part of those stories is that as punishment for serious transgressions,
some genies are condemned to serve a human master for as long as our king
deems necessary for proper penance."

"Your king...you live under a monarchy?"

There was hesitation in Alexei's voice as he answered. "Yes. We do."

Fox watched his expression closely as he spoke. "You....you really are not
lying, are you?"

"No. I am not."

"But...what...what do you want with *me*? I'm no one..."

Alexei's eyes raised to his. "There you are wrong. You are *my* king.
Absolute ruler of my heart and soul."

"How can you say that? I've done nothing to warrant such devotion."

Another smile flitted across the other man's face. "And there you have but
one of hundreds of reasons why I adore you. Your humility is astounding. You
are kind, intelligent, generous, patient...would you like me to continue?"

Fox shook his head and lowered his eyes.

"There is one more thing that I *must* add." Alexei approached, stopping
when their bodies were just barely touching. "The first day I saw you, your
beauty awed me. Today, I say that you are infinitely more beautiful than you
were one month ago. And if you will allow it, I will spend every day from
now until eternity as your obedient servant."

"Servant?"

"Yes, lord."

Fox shook his head. "No....no, I don't want a servant." He rattled on before
he could realize what he was saying. "I want...I want a companion. Someone
to talk to, someone who will listen...a friend. I want..." he cut himself
off in mid-ramble, and looked away.

Alexei touched his arm, sending tingles up and down its length. "What is it
that you want, lord?"

Fox chewed on his lower lip for what seemed like an eternity, then looked up
into the other's eyes. "A lover."

A look of pure joy washed over Alexei's face. "This is what you wish of me?"

"Yes," Fox rasped, unable to believe that he had said it but unwilling to
take it back. "More than I wish to breathe."

They came together slowly, embracing, kissing and tasting...sharing breath.
They kissed endlessly, neither man wanting to relinquish the sweetness he'd
found. But when Fox became vaguely aware of a change in his surroundings, he
pulled away from Alexei's mouth, staring in mute shock at the very room he'd
often dreamed about.

"Is it just the way you dreamed?" the other man asked hopefully.

"Yes, but...how did you..."

Alexei gave him an indulgent smile. "Anything you desire, my treasure.
Anything you have ever dreamed of...I can give it to you."

Fox looked around taking in the elegance, then his eyes fell back to the man
before him. "There is only one thing I truly desire."

"Name it."

He searched the other's eyes for a moment, then answered.

"You."

Alexei's heart swelled. "I am yours, lord. Body and soul."

Fox lifted a hand to his face, tracing the line of his jaw with the tips of
his fingers. They wandered over his mouth, making it tremble at the feather
touch. "You really aren't a dream."

Alexei shook his head, momentarily incapable of speech.

Not breaking eye contact until the last possible second, Fox leaned forward,
bestowing a single, soft kiss on the other man's lips. He hesitated for a
moment, then deposited another kiss as tender as the first. He drew back and
brought his hands to Alexei's chest, skimming his palms over the silken
material of his robes. Slowly, he worked at the fastenings until the
material hung loosely, baring Alexei's chest to his gentle touch. He
listened to the labored breaths and frowned.

"Are you all right?"

Alexei laughed softly through his sensual agony. "I am fine. It is only that
you arouse me so."

"I've barely touched you."

"Yes, but...your touch...it is like fire. It consumes me."

As he spoke, Fox busied himself, stroking and kissing his chest. Alexei's
eyes closed and a long sigh escaped past his lips as the other man pushed
the material away from his shoulders and down his arms, letting the garment
drop to the floor. He stood trembling, attempting to control his breathing,
and tried to give Fox all the time he wanted to explore.

Fox kissed one bronzed shoulder and moved slowly to Alexei's side, then
behind, his fingers and mouth traveling the contours of his back, learning
its length and breadth, committing to memory the scent and texture of his
skin. As he continued to kiss and nibble at his lover's back and shoulders,
Fox's hands wandered over his sides to his chest, caressing the warm flesh.

Alexei tilted his head back and to the side, offering Fox his mouth, which
the other man took without hesitation. His hands lightly covered those on
his chest, and they moved together, flowing down over his ribs then back up,
teasing his hardened nipples for a moment. Then slowly, he guided his
lover's hands back down, pressing them against the solid bulge in his pants.
His mouth fell open as Fox took things from there, teasing him to greater
hardness.

Fox took advantage of his lover's parted lips and swooped in, probing the
smooth interior of his mouth. One hand came up to Alexei's head and pulled
the turban away, allowing his hair to tumble free. His fingers combed
through the long silk, then finally wrapped themselves in the strands,
holding the other man's head still as he continued to feed on his mouth.
Alexei's increasingly excited moans vibrated in his own mouth, and he
unconsciously ground his hips against the other man's rear.

Alexei broke from the kiss, panting as though he'd been running for miles.
"Oh, my love...please...I beg you..." he continued to gasp as Fox trapped
his body between his hands and hips, "...take me..."

Fox froze, suddenly reminded of his inexperience. Alexei turned in his arms,
writhing against him.

"Please, do not tease me. I need you so."

Fox opened his mouth to speak, swallowed down the lump that had begun to
form, then tried again. "I don't...Alexei, I've never..."

"It is all right." Alexei lay his head on Fox's shoulder and stroked his
back soothingly. "Follow your instincts. They have done very well by you so
far."

"Are you sure?"

The other man lifted his head and stared into Fox's eyes. "Look at me," he
whispered in a strained tone, then rubbed against him. "Feel me. *You* have
done this to me. I am *very* sure."

Fox stared for a moment, lost in the turbulent sea of green, then his hands
journeyed down to his lover's pants, undoing and pushing them down. When
Alexei stood before him completely naked and gloriously erect, he began to
shed his own clothing, letting the articles fall to the floor beside the
others.

Alexei reached out, tentatively caressing the golden-brown hairs scattered
across his chest. "Truly, my jewel, you are more beautiful than anything in
heaven or on earth."

Fox shook his head and lowered his eyes.

Alexei moved forward and slid his fingers through Fox's shoulder-length
hair. "So regal," he murmured between steadying breaths, "yet so humble. How
I do adore you."

Fox raised his eyes and again met Alexei's gaze. He grasped the other man's
hands and brought them up to his lips, pressing a tender kiss into each
palm. He released them and laid a soft kiss on his lover's mouth, then his
chin. Very slowly, he sank down to his knees, kissing and licking every inch
of the way. Alexei sucked in a harsh breath as he cautiously nuzzled the
rigid shaft that bobbed so invitingly in front of his face. He hesitated,
gathering his courage, then opened his mouth and took the head in. Alexei's
head fell back, and he moaned his pleasure, fueling Fox's confidence. He
grasped the shaft at the base, taking a little more into his mouth. His
tongue slid along the underside, then circled the flared head, prompting a
choking sob from the object of his attention.

"Please," Alexei begged, "oh, please..."

Fox pulled away, licking the lingering taste of his lover from his lips. He
rose to his feet and kissed the other man, backing him to the bed.

Needing no prompting, Alexei let himself fall back onto the mattress,
assuming a wanton sprawl. His eyes glittered up at his lover through
half-mast lids. Shallow breaths moved past his parted lips, and he moistened
them with a pink flash of tongue.

Fox watched the other man writhe amongst the pillows, silently inviting him
to take what he was offering. He drew two deep breaths, then lowered himself
to his lover's body, feeling how perfectly they fit together. Alexei's arms
came around him and one long leg draped itself over his hip. As they thrust
and squirmed against each other, trying to get closer, Fox felt a coiling
begin in the pit of his stomach, one that all inexperience aside, he knew
was the onset of orgasm. He pulled away quickly, panting through clenched
teeth.

Alexei stroked his temple, murmuring soothing words. "I understand, love."
He gently pulled Fox back down to him. "Easy. Do not move. Just lie still,
and we will let it subside." His other hand rubbed the length of Fox's back
as the other's breathing steadied. "Very good. That is much better. We will
just lie here until you tell me you are ready..."

Fox lay passively in his lover's arms for a while, soaking in the warmth of
his tender caresses, then he began to move slowly, beginning with tiny
kisses scattered over Alexei's neck and shoulders. The other man smiled,
combing his fingers through the thick length of golden-brown hair. A tiny
shiver passed through him as Fox's soft voice trembled in his ear.

"Alexei...I want so much to please you. Please....show me."

Alexei's fingers closed around the silken strands, and he pulled Fox's head
up so that their eyes could meet. "With the greatest pleasure, my lord."

One hand fluttered to the side, then came back and worked its way between
their bodies. It encircled Fox's straining erection and began to stroke its
length.

Fox's eyes dropped shut at the feel of the slick coolness that enveloped
him, then snapped open when all too soon, it was gone. He watched Alexei
shift beneath him, then again grasp his glistening shaft. He bit down on his
lower lip as the other man worked the head between the muscular cheeks of
his bottom, and positioned it at the tight entrance. Alexei rocked slowly,
giving encouragement.

"Gently, love...push." He pulled Fox down to him, noting his hesitation. He
stroked his back and planted loving kisses in his hair, providing needed
comfort. "You will not harm me. Only earth shattering pleasure awaits us,
lord. I promise you."

Slowly Fox entered him, whimpering almost inaudibly with every tiny push.

"Yes, beautiful Fox. Oh, yes..." Alexei thrust against him, giving gentle
assistance. "We are almost there, love. Just a bit more..."

Fox clenched his teeth until his jaw ached, trying to hold himself together.
Thankfully, with only one more push, he was finally, fully embedded in his
lover. He rested his head on Alexei's shoulder, gasping heavily.

"You feel...so good, my Fox...as I knew you would. Rest, love. We are in no
hurry."

Fox clung to his lover, overwhelmed by the riot of sensations ricocheting
through his body. He shook violently, and Alexei raised a hand to his back,
quietly soothing him until the trembling abated.

"There, now," he cooed, gently contracting his muscles, trapping Fox inside
of him. "Is that good?"

"Ohhh, yes....so good. So..." Unaware of what he was doing, Fox began to
move slowly, fraction by fraction, pushing and pulling.

Alexei arched his back, whimpering with joy as Fox became aware of his
movements and began to thrust with more confidence, lengthening his strokes.

Fox found his lover's mouth and fed hungrily, letting the moment sweep him
away. Nothing in his life could ever compare to this heaven he'd found...the
earth-shaking pleasure that one exquisitely beautiful, green-eyed man gave
to him. He increased the strength of his thrusts, reveling in the
impassioned cries of his lover, and again felt the tightening of his own
body. Just as he was about to slow down, Alexei's hand grasped one of his
own, lowering it between them. Both hands wrapped around the throbbing
length of muscle pressed between their bodies and began to milk it gently.

"Take...take us to the heavens...my love," Alexei pleaded breathlessly and
removed his hand, sliding it up and around Fox's back to join the other.

Never taking his eyes from his lover's, Fox increased the pace of his hand
and hips, awkwardly at first, then with more finesse as he found his rhythm.

Alexei matched him breath for breath as he thrust forcefully now, feeling
his release building to the point of no return. As the explosion came, his
head pressed back into the pillows, and he released a thunderous roar,
shaking everything within the immediate vicinity.

The sounds of his lover's pleasure and the feel of his muscles clenching
around him sent Fox over the edge. Only a few more hard thrusts and his
cries of satisfaction joined Alexei's. Exhausted and completely drained, he
fell limply into the other man's arms, gasping for breath.

Long moments went by as the two lay clinging wordlessly to each other, then
Alexei shifted, allowing Fox to pull his hand from between them. As Fox did
so, he simultaneously disengaged himself, breaking their connection. Both
men moaned at the loss, and Alexei encouraged him to settle back on top of
his chest. "Magic," he whispered, stroking the damp, golden-brown head.

Fox lay silently, too weak to move or speak, lulled by the strong, steady
heartbeat beneath his cheek. Before he could gather enough strength to
speak, he was asleep.

********************

The insistent knocking at the door roused Fox from sleep. He buried his face
into the pillows and moaned, not wanting to leave his beautiful world. But
the blasted knocking would not stop, and his eyes opened.

The first thing he noticed was that he was back in his own bed, in his own
house. The second thing he noticed was that he was alone in that bed. He sat
up quickly, glancing around.

Had it really been all a dream after all?

He thought back to the night before.

The scent of his lover. The satiny feel of his skin...the sound of his
passionate moans...

It couldn't have been a dream, it couldn't have been.

But where was he?

Fox slipped out of bed and hastily dressed himself, then made his way toward
the door.

Dana looked up into her friend's face, noting the heavy eyelids and tousled
hair.

"Where you still in bed?"

"Y-yes..."

"Do you know what time it is?"

"No."

"It's after one. Fox, are you all right? Are you ill?"

"No..." Fox turned and walked back toward the center of the house, looking
around.

"Then what?" Dana followed his searching gaze. "What are you looking for?"

"Jade. I haven't seen him."

"Since yesterday?"

Fox nodded.

"Well, if you're just waking up, you don't know that he hasn't been here
this morning..."

"That's true."

"Now...let's get back to why you're still in bed at this hour. You say
you're not sick."

"I'm not."

A faint smile crossed her lips. "Late night?"

Fox spun to stare at her. "What do you mean?"

"You said he was coming here last night. Did he?"

"I told you that?"

"*Yes*. You don't remember?"

"Yes, I remember, but..."

"But what? Fox, you're acting very strangely."

"I'm sorry...it's just that...I wasn't altogether sure that I wasn't
dreaming."

"You told me...now did he show up here, or not?"

Fox moistened his lips with the tip of his tongue. "Yes...he did. I
don't..." he looked around the room. "..I don't know where he is..."

One red eyebrow arched. "He stayed the night?"

A slight blush colored his cheeks. "I thought he had."

"You....*thought*."

"Yes, I...I don't know why he would leave without even waking me."

"Maybe there's someplace he needed to be. He'll come back."

Fox looked around once more, then nodded.

"So..." her eyes sparkled. "Was it wonderful?"

Fox closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, but said nothing.

"I'll just assume that meant yes."

More silence.

"I've been curious. How did he know when to come?"

"I don't think you'd believe me if I told you."

"Try it and see."

"I...I shouldn't. Maybe after we talk some more."

"Can you at least tell me his name?"

"Alexei."

Dana smiled. "Nice. Well, Fox, *Alexei* will return. Now...it's a lovely
day. How about a walk?"

********************

"You had him."

Alexei cocked his head. "Excuse me?"

Daniel nodded. "You did. You had him. You have this look on your face..."

"Would it surprise you, dear Daniel, if I told you that you were wrong?"

"Yes, it really would."

"Well, you are wrong...for the most part."

"Meaning?"

Alexei closed his eyes and tipped his face up into the sun. "He had *me*.
And he was magnificent."

"You are telling me that a *human* satisfied *you*? A human that you
insisted was an innocent at that? What did he do to you?"

"Love, Daniel, makes all the difference, and that is all I will say."

Daniel spun around, turning his back. "*So* secretive. You never used to be
this way, you know."

Before Alexei could respond, another voice sounded.

"Well, look who is here. My errant son."

Alexei turned to face his father. "Good morning, father."

"Where have you been, my son? I have seen so little of you lately."

Alexei shook his head. "I have been around..."

"Around where? Have you found yourself a companion? You look
very...content."

Alexei lowered his eyes and said nothing.

The older man gazed upon his son through squinted eyes. "All right. I can
see you are not willing to discuss it. But...when you have decided if she is
worthy enough to bring before me, I will be happy to greet her." He nodded
to Daniel, then left them alone.

Daniel blew out a long breath. "Alexei....you must tell him..."

"I *will*. Soon."

"Not soon enough. He already believes that you are involved with a female.
And that comment on your companion being *worthy* enough to bring before
him...a thinly veiled threat."

"I know that, Daniel."

"Then why do you not seem to be afraid? *I* am terrified!"

"He is your king, Daniel, but he is *my* father. He will be angry, yes, but
for the sake of my happiness, he will get over it."

"Oh, my friend, I do pray that you are right."

Alexei grinned at Daniel. "Do not worry so much. Now, I must go."

"So soon? For goodness sake, why did you bother coming at all?"

"I had to leave him for a while. His friend was knocking at his door, and I
do not know how he would like to explain me to her...if at all."

"Her?"

"Yes. She is his best friend and confidante. As you are mine."

"Ha! You mean as I *used* to be! You do not confide in me anymore..."

"I promise, Daniel, soon there will be no more secrets."

"Yes...soon there will be only the mountains rumbling with Malik's rage..."

Alexei shook off the comment. "I must get back to my love. I shall see you
soon."

And with that, he disappeared, leaving Daniel alone. The remaining man
turned in circles, shouting into the air. "You did not even ask me about
Suni and Jameelah!" He grunted at the answering silence and went off in
search of the afore mentioned females.

********************

Fox returned from his walk with Dana, opening his door and finding a
deafening silence. He sighed softly, closing the door behind him.

No Alexei. No Jade.

He used to enjoy his solitude. Looked forward to it at the end of the day,
but since Jade had come into his life and he found how nice constant
companionship could be, he didn't enjoy the absolute quiet as much.

And now there was Alexei. His dream lover come to bone rattling reality. He
had wanted so much to wake up wrapped in his arms this morning, but...

He entered the bedroom, and his heart began to pound.

Sprawled across his bed, perfect lips turned up into a soft smile, was the
one he craved.

"I have missed you."

The quietly uttered statement rang in his ears and set his stomach to
fluttering. He moved forward slowly until he was standing by the bed.

"Did you?"

Alexei rolled onto his back, arching his back and reaching out to caress
Fox's leg. "Desperately."

"But...why did you leave this morning?"

The remaining hand stroked his other leg. "I did not know if you would have
wanted your friend to find me in your bed."

"You left when she came?"

"Yes." Alexei twisted, flipping onto his stomach, then pulled himself up to
his knees, wrapping his arms around Fox's waist, and rubbed his cheek
against the other man's chest.

Fox threaded a hand through his hair, petting and stroking the glossy sable
strands. "I thought you may have left after I fell asleep."

"No, love. Why would I do that? If Dana had not come to the door, I would
have still been here with you."

Suddenly, Fox clamped both arms around his lover, hugging him tightly to his
chest. "Thank you."

"Why are you thanking me?"

"For being here...for returning to me...for...wanting me."

Alexei's eyes sparkled in the sunlight that streamed through the windows. "I
love you, my jewel. My place is here at your side."

A sharp breath rushed past Fox's lips, and his mouth covered the other man's
in a fierce kiss. They sank to the bed, stripping each other of their
clothing, and made love with an almost frightening urgency. When at last
they collapsed together onto the pillows in satisfied exhaustion, Alexei
curled into Fox's side, delicately licking at the beads of sweat that rolled
down the side of his neck. Fox smiled, moaning at the feel of his lover's
tongue against his sensitized skin.

"I didn't think that anything could be better than last night," he whispered
to the other.

Alexei kissed the curve of his shoulder. "Last night will always have a
special place in our hearts because it was our first time together, but
today and every day after will only get better. You were so much more
confident today, and that confidence will only build as time goes on." He
raised his head to meet Fox's eyes. "There are so many new pleasures
awaiting us, my lord."

Fox gazed up at him, bringing a hand to his cheek. Slowly, he traced a line
down to Alexei's jaw, then over to his lips. "I want us to experience them
all.&quo