Business Arrangement
Jan. 14th, 2007 05:41 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
maderrGypsy's story ^__^ Since a few seemed interested and he was refusing to be merely a minor character
Much love to Tygs for beta'ing, helping, and feeding me drabbles as I worked.
In two parts. Expect more Kidnapped stuff today, I seem to be on a roll.
Combat Class Starship 13512550, The Melee
Gypsy yawned and ran through yet another check, ensuring for the millionth time that the stars really were as boring as they seemed.
“Do you think if we asked some pirates to come get blown up that they’d oblige?” Cornelius asked, his tail twitching irritably.
“Maybe if we promised not to blow them up right away,” Gypsy said. Nearby, at the combat consoles, the two secondary combatants on shift snickered. No one else bothered to acknowledge the ridiculous exchange.
Cornelius scratched one his feline ears. “There should be a rule somewhere about the known universe not being this damned boring. Honestly, what’s with criminals and scum? One little fight, that’s all I want. Something. Anything.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” Tormandi murmured from his place just behind the Captain’s chair. The second in command was ever the level-headed one.
Gypsy snorted. “We’re wishing for something to do, what’s the problem with that?”
Tor merely rolled his eyes.
Cornelius was prevented from replying as Gypsy’s console chimed an incoming call. Gypsy spun around in his chair and fell eagerly to work. “Incoming from the High Chancellor, Captain.”
“For once I’m not sorry to see the bastard,” Cornelius replied. “Put him on the main screen.”
“Yes, Captain,” Gypsy said, snickering softly as he pressed buttons.
“High Chancellor,” Cornelius greeted.
High Chancellor Kavalerov lifted one pale brow in surprise. “That almost sounded polite, Captain Lady. Obviously your Master Engineer is good for you.”
Cornelius bared his teeth. “You should get someone of your own.”
Kavalerov rolled his eyes and ignored the comment. “I have a mission for you, Melee.”
“Oh? Who do we get to blow up?”
“Sorry, no combat. This is an espionage mission.”
“This is a combat ship. We pick fights.” Cornelius settled back in his seat and glared.
Gypsy made a face, silently agreeing. Espionage was for ships like Brilliant or Ice Princess. The Melee and her crew were fighters.
“One of these days, Captain, you’re going to get it through that head of yours that orders are to be obeyed, not debated.”
Cornelius merely snorted. “Why are you making us do work outside our usual range? This crew isn’t the espionage sort. If it was, you would have put us elsewhere.”
“That is certainly true,” Kavalerov replied calmly. “However, this is a unique situation. It was brought recently to my attention that a high-ranking family on a certain planet is tied to Soul trading. Moreover, there is evidence supporting that an IG official there may be assisting.
“The problem was brought to me by a civilian, and it is by cooperating with him that we will get inside and find out what is truly going on.”
Cornelius hissed. “Soul trafficking. That’s always ugly. I still don’t see how we’ve anything to do with this.”
Kavalerov smirked, and his pale blue eyes flicked briefly to Gypsy. A sinking feeling settled in his gut, though he couldn’t for the life of him see what he had to do with any of this. Unless…but there was no way.
“The planet in question is Heriol.”
Gypsy choked. No. No way was this going where he thought. Kavalerov smirked at him again and Gypsy buried his head in his arms with a groan. He could feel the crew looking at him in confusion but ignored them.
“Planet Heriol, the city of Fasca, which was chosen as the planet’s intergalactic capital. The civilian who brought this to my attention is the personal physician to the family suspected of trafficking Soul…his name is Raven Marksbury.”
“Marksbury?” Cornelius asked. Gypsy could feel those eyes on him but did not budge, willing himself to expire. “You said you were an orphan, Gypsy. Your file says the same thing.”
Kavalerov laughed. “He was an orphan.”
“Gypsy!” Cornelius growled when he was ignored. “Communications officer! I command you report immediately on your connection to Raven Marksbury.”
Slowly Gypsy sat up, and he could feel the heat in his face. “He’s no blood relation, Captain. He’s…we haven’t seen each other in ten years…it was just a business arrangement….”
“Yes, Gypsy?”
Giving in to the inevitable, shooting a nasty glare at the High Chancellor, Gypsy faced Cornelius and answered the question. “He’s my spouse.”
Silence fell on the bridge – then Cornelius started laughing so hard he fell out of his chair.
Gypsy glared and then turned to the main screen. “I hate you.”
Pyotr chuckled. “Be in Fasca by 18:30 Zero time. I am transmitting a full operations report now. Good luck, Officer Marksbury.”
The connection closed and Gypsy stood up, crossing over to kick the still-laughing Cornelius hard. “Shut up.”
“You’re married,” Cornelius gasped out between laughs, clinging to his seat and slowly pulling himself back into it. “That is the funniest damn thing I’ve ever heard.”
Around the bridge the rest of the crew started laughing and snickering, tossing questions that Gypsy pointedly ignored.
“Explain,” Cornelius said as his laughter calmed to quiet chuckles. He wiped tears from his face. “That’s an order.”
Gypsy groaned and went back to his seat, falling heavily into it and glaring at the flashing light that indicated a data transfer request. He mashed the acceptance codes with a vengeance, then with a sigh gave up and explained.
“I used to be a thief. A job went sour. After that I decided to go straight, and long story short managed to get accepted into one of the IG’s military academies. No easy feat, but I did it.” He made a face and ran a hand restlessly through his hair, talking to his screen and studiously not looking at the people listening so avidly. “My second year, however, I failed to get the scholarships I needed. Obviously, I didn’t have the money on my own. I was literally packing my things when a guy I only knew by reputation and a couple of arms classes together approached me.
“Marksbury…it’s just one name in a million to most of the stars. On Heriol…especially in Fasca…it’s a respected if not incredibly famous name. They’ve been in the medical profession almost since the family’s inception. Gypsy shrugged. “Marriage is a big deal back home. No one of worth gets anywhere if they’re single. People marry young. Things like divorce aren’t done. Raven was resigned to having to get married, but he didn’t want to be tied down and he didn’t want his parents sticking him with someone he couldn’t stand. We’d gotten along well enough the few times we’d been teamed up in our arms classes, and he knew my situation. So he approached me with a deal…
“He wanted a spouse who would stay out of his way but sound good. I was doing extremely well in my Auths training and showed promise. It’s a promising and respected career, and more importantly I was planning on ship duty – meaning I would be everywhere except on Heriol. For his half of the bargain, as my spouse he could give me both money to finish my schooling and the Marksbury name didn’t hurt. That helped a lot, when I was first starting out. I agreed. We got married, each did our part, and after graduation went our separate ways.” Gypsy shook his head. “I never thought the matter would come up again.”
Cornelius was laughing again. “Of all people…oh, to have seen those vows exchanged.”
Gypsy could feel his cheeks burning and wished he had something to throw. He turned furiously back to his console and started decoding the data Kavalerov had sent.
Raven…he hadn’t thought about Raven in ages. Oh, there was a passing thought every now and then…something that triggered memories of that long ago night. Neither of them had known what they were doing, not really. They’d exchanged vows before a judge and afterwards gone out to a dinner that should have been awkward but wasn’t.
No, he’d actually had fun that night. They both had. Raven had been a good guy, hard working and considerate, his eyes sunshine bright. They’d had too much to drink and laughed themselves silly over the marriage.
Then they’d walked home, holding each other up, still laughing and joking. Right before they’d parted, Raven had kissed him, claiming it wasn’t right not to exchange a wedding kiss.
After that, the marriage was seldom mentioned. It was a business arrangement, something convenient for both of them. This was the first time in years that anyone but Kavalerov had brought the subject up, and Kavalerov had only brought it up as part of his IA interview.
Now he was going home…to his spouse.
Gypsy shook his head at the strange thought and was grateful when Cornelius launched into the report Kavalerov had sent and began to work out what they would be doing. He ignored the snickers that interspersed the speech. When Cornelius finally wound down, he rose to escape.
“Should we bring belated wedding presents?”
“Yes,” Gypsy replied, rolling his eyes. “A gag for your mouth. Stars, I wish this was already over.”
Planet 85189152 (Heriol), The Rookwood Estate
Heriol. Gypsy hadn’t been home in ten years – not since graduation…when he’d said farewell after a last drink with his…spouse. Contractual spouse, technically. This was all very surreal.
Sighing, Gypsy checked himself in his mirror one more time. It would be weird, after so many years in space, to be back where everyone around him had the dusky red skin that marked humans from quad one. His own hair and eyes were dark brown, common and unremarkable. He wasn’t bad looking, he knew, but he wouldn’t look as fine as Raven and the company he kept.
Not that it mattered. Those very same people could bitch and moan all they wanted, and he knew they would, but he was Raven’s spouse.
Why was he worrying about this? It hardly mattered. They would go in, find the Soul traffickers, leave. He must be unsettled because he hadn’t been home in so long.
And also because Cornelius wouldn’t quit laughing.
Heaving a sigh, he smoothed his white shirt, then straightened the black jacket and pants, stomping his boots to settle them properly. Resisted the urge to rake a hand through his hair. Made a face at his reflection, then slid his stunner into its shoulder holster and turned away from the mirror.
Wishing the case was already over, he made his way to the bridge and ignored Cornelius’s soft snickers. “Are we ready?”
“The question is, are you?”
“Yes,” Gypsy said, rolling his eyes. “I really wish you were staying here.”
Cornelius grinned and stood up, crossing the bridge and slinging his arm across Gypsy’s shoulders. “My friend, I would not miss this for all the points in the stars.”
“Shut up,” Gypsy said. “It’s not that interesting. I am not the only person in the stars who’s entered into a contractual marriage. I just happen to be the only one with a friend who thinks it’s hilarious.”
“That’s because it is hilarious.”
Gypsy ignored him, shrugging off Cornelius’s arm and sliding into the communications seat. His fingers moved without thought, used to the motions and rhythms of his post. The console chimed in a pattern that made sense to few, in time with red and green lights. Shoving back his anxiety over the pending reunion, Gypsy acknowledged the request for landing protocols, typing and transmitting easily. “ETA ten minutes, Captain.”
“Thank you, Officer Marksbury.”
“Shut up.”
Restlessly Gypsy waited as they began their landing, punching in necessary protocols and acknowledgements. Once they had been cleared for disembarkation, he drew a deep breath and exited the bridge without waiting for Cornelius and the others.
Once his feet were firmly on the ground, he glanced over the welcome party that had gathered to greet the spouse of Dr. Raven Marksbury. Where was…oh. There he was. When…
When had Raven gotten that gorgeous? Gypsy barely noticed as Cornelius, Formane, and Bren – the Melee medic – came up behind him.
Raven stepped forward and strode toward him, a familiar grin lighting up his handsome face. Had Raven always been so stunning? His skin was lighter than Gypsy’s, his hair and eyes a rich, bright gold. He was dressed in simple, dark brown clothes that clung perfectly. Raven had always believed in staying fit.
Gypsy met him halfway, reaching up to wrap his arms around the much taller Raven’s neck as slender but strong arms wrapped around his waist. “Long time no see,” he greeted.
“You look good, Gypsy,” Raven said softly before he covered Gypsy’s mouth with his own.
The kiss burned all the way through his bones, making him gasp in surprise. Their one and only kiss ten years ago hadn’t been anything like this. Gypsy tightened his hold and kissed back, more than willing to go along with it though he was curious at the display of deep affection. Raven would explain the reason later.
“It’s good to see you again,” Gypsy said when Raven finally broke the kiss. “Have you been as well as you look?”
Raven laughed and slowly let him go. “Can’t complain. I’m glad you could make it for the celebration.” Their cover for their investigation was the celebration of Raven’s parents’ 40 year anniversary. Marriages were as big a deal as Gypsy had tried to explain. That he and Raven had been married for ten years would be noted, even if they hadn’t seen each other in all that time. “Come and meet everyone.”
Gypsy barely restrained a grimace as he and the others were led forward to meet people that were every bit as fashionable and proper and fine as he had feared. He could see the hard glint that flickered in their eyes that spoke of their opinion of him. People like them never changed. Still, he bore it, got through it – ignored Cornelius looks and rolling of the eyes.
When they were finally alone in Raven’s private suite, he collapsed into the first seat he saw and raked a hand tiredly through his hair. He watched the others settle, then flicked his glance to Raven, who moved across the lushly-appointed room to a bar, oddly soothed by watching that fine-boned, slender form move. “It really is good to see you again, Raven. How have you really been?”
“Awful,” Raven said, handing out drinks and then sitting down beside him on the small sofa. He held out a lowball of cut crystal filled with a dark gold liquid. “Do you still like Bangkok rum?”
Startled, Gypsy accepted the glass. “Yes. Thank you.” He stared at Raven, blinking. “Tell us everything, Raven.”
Raven nodded, tucking a loose strand of gold hair behind his ear. “I’ve been in the employ of the Rookwoods for five years, after I spent five years on field training. In all that time, I’ve never noticed anything particularly odd…except for the last term. Honestly, Gypsy, I thought I was crazy. I don’t think I would have noticed anything, except for a visitor who came down with trake poison. The manor was closer than the hospitals, and the locals knew I could assist.”
Gypsy winced. “Ouch. Idiot travelers, we tell them to stay out of those bushes.”
“As if that ever did any good,” Raven said, rolling his eyes. “Anyway, he liked to talk. And talk. And talk.” He shook his head, mouth quirking in amusement. “He was from Mars, and said he preferred Heriol because it was so clean compared to Mars despite the fact they were both busy spots for IG trade and tourism. His favorite part, he said, was the lack of problems with Soul.” Raven shrugged. “Stupid, I know. Soul addiction is a huge problem, and treating it a nightmare. That’s why it stuck with me, and I found myself thinking about it later…and realized he was right. Going back through old medical records and such, I realized that there hadn’t been a serious problem with Soul in the past five years or so. Minor problems, here and there, but nothing like it was elsewhere I checked.
He shrugged. “I know. It’s dumb. That’s what I thought. I checked further, figuring I’d just make a fool of myself.”
Cornelius hissed, his ears going flat on top of his head. “Then this isn’t about Soul dealing…this is a pass through spot.”
Raven nodded. “The more I looked into it, the more that’s what I began to think. I mean, that’s usually the first sign of a pass through spot. Traffickers are always careful not to deal it where they store it between transfers.”
Beside Cornelius, Formane shook his head. Surrounded by skinny men, his wider, more muscular frame seemed even larger than ever. “That’s partly why the IG is here. Soul is one of the IG’s greatest outstanding problems. Any good IG official would know of such signs and keep an eye on it. There are one hundred IG officials of various ranks stationed here; surely one of them…”
“None of the office grunts would; the others are transitory – delivery boys, temps, that sort of thing,” Cornelius said. “They wouldn’t notice. Those that would notice? Choose not to see, are in on it, or are simply paid off.”
Raven looked at the somber group unhappily. “So my suspicions are not unfounded?”
“Sadly, no,” Gypsy said. “It sounds precisely like the sort of thing we should be handling.”
“So you’re…” Raven chuckled and shook his head. “I wondered why I never heard your name anywhere. Whatever happened to working on the greatest ship in the stars?”
Gypsy grinned. “I do work on the greatest ship in the stars. No better ship flies than ours. Wish I could tell you more about it.”
“I don’t take offense. One can’t expect too much special treatment from a spouse he hasn’t seen in ten years.” Raven winked.
Cornelius snickered. “He was thoroughly embarrassed when the High Chancellor made him spill his secret. I don’t think he knows how to manage being married.”
“I told you to keep your mouth shut,” Gypsy snapped, furious at the brief hurt that flickered through Raven’s eyes though his expression remained pleasant. He turned back to his spouse and explained. “I wasn’t trying to hide the marriage, Raven. In our line of work, everyone is listed as single if they’re listed as being alive at all. We don’t give out information so that it can’t be used against us.” He reached unthinkingly to tug at a strand of hair that had slipped forward to lie against Raven’s cheek. “I would hate to think someone harmed you because I put their mother or brother in Rehab.”
Raven smiled. “That would certainly not be fun. Well, unless you need to set right to work, I can show your friends their rooms.”
“We can find them,” Formane replied, and clapped a hand over Cornelius’s mouth, dragging the half-Danueb away, Bren following along behind.
Gypsy rolled his eyes at the glaring lack of subtlety.
“Your friends seem to be good people, especially the Danueb,” Raven said, laughing softly. He stood and refilled their glasses, sitting on the large ottoman in the center of the circle of furniture. “I…” He handed Gypsy his refilled rum. “I hope my greeting didn’t offend…though it didn’t seem to.”
“Far be it for me to complain if my spouse wants to kiss me,” Gypsy said, striving to sound light. That kiss wasn’t going to be swiftly forgotten. “Was there a particular reason?”
Raven smiled sheepishly. “Well…our ten year is only a week away, this is the first time I’ve seen you in all that time – my family and friends would think it weird if I didn’t warmly greet the man I married and was willing to let vanish into the stars…” He shrugged and looked away a moment. “Mostly, though…you look really good, Gypsy. I couldn’t resist.”
“You don’t look too bad yourself,” Gypsy replied. “I don’t remember you looking so good in school.”
Gold eyes gleamed. “So you wouldn’t mind if maybe I kissed you again?”
“Not a bit,” Gypsy replied, setting his glass down as Raven swooped in, pressed him into the couch, and covered his mouth in a hard, hungry kiss. He moaned and opened to it, tasting Heriol brandy in Raven’s mouth, mingling with spicy Bangkok rum as their tongues tangled. The world spun as he was moved, pressed down onto the couch.
Raven pulled a bit away, eyes hot and bright. Gypsy licked those tempting lips and smiled. “If I’d known this was the reception I’d get, I might have risked getting in your way sooner.” He nibbled at Raven’s lips, marveling at just how fine they tasted.
“Getting in my way? How on Heriol would you have done that?” Raven rolled his eyes and levered himself up. He stripped out of his jacket and tossed it aside, then attacked Gypsy’s jacket and shirt, undoing them and spreading them, leaning back down to sample the bared flesh. “Gypsy…I didn’t expect…” He bit down on one nipple, hands stroking, exploring. “Space rogue looks good on you.”
Gypsy groaned and bucked, sinking his hand into soft, gold hair and dragging Raven up for another kiss. “Medic looks edible on you, Rave.” He kissed Raven hard, drawing out moans, addicted to the sounds. It was stunning, how badly he wanted this man he hadn’t seen in ten years.
Raven gasped as he finally broke away and went back to his sweet torture.
“Let me up,” Gypsy said, shoving gently, managing to sit up enough to strip out of his shirt and jacket. Barely had he done so then Raven was back on top of him, hand stroking his chest, abdomen, teasing along his thighs before cupping the hardness between. “Raven!”
That too hot mouth sucked up a mark on his neck, Raven’s chuckles warm against his skin. “I admit I hadn’t expected this upon your return. We weren’t like this in school.” He trailed kisses along Gypsy’s cheek, jaw, finally claiming his mouth again, tongue pressing deep as his hand continued to stroke and torment.
A sharp rapping sound made them both start, then freeze, in surprise. Raven looked up toward the door, then glared as the knock came again. “Who in the blazes would dare…?” Swearing softly, he gave Gypsy one last squeeze and then shoved himself to his feet and stalked across the room, mashing the access pad. “What?” he asked with what Gypsy thought was remarkable politeness.
Then Gypsy realized he was half naked and hard, and whoever was at the door could probably see that. He was bold, not brazen. Cheeks heating, he slowly sat up and retrieved his shirt, half-listening to the conversation across the room.
“I just came to see if you and your…spouse wanted to come to dinner. I didn’t think—“
“Wren,” Raven cut off, his voice surprisingly hard. “We both know it would have made more sense to comm me. I gave you my answer. Now of all times I don’t appreciate your pushing.”
“You haven’t seen him in ten years and yo—“
Raven cut him off again with a short chopping motion. “It’s none of your business, Wren. I’ll thank you to go now, and I will comm about dinner.”
Wren, a thin little man with dark skin and hair that Gypsy decided he didn’t like just on principle, looked as though he wanted to keep arguing but whatever expression Raven wore obviously warned him off. “I’ll see you tonight, then.”
“Yes,” Raven said, and immediately shut the door. He punched a long string of numbers into the pad by the door, hitting the finish key with particular vehemence. Finally his eyes slide back toward the couch. He frowned. “You got dressed. I wasn’t done.”
Gypsy grinned and stood up. He tilted his head up for a kiss as Raven reached him, moaning at the taste and feel of that mouth. How was it possible to become so quickly addicted to a kiss? “I wasn’t certain how permanent an interruption it was. Who was that?”
“No one important enough to discuss right now. I put up an ‘emergencies only’ message on the house network. Would my newly returned spouse be horribly offended if I dragged him to my bed?”
“He would be offended if you did not.”
Raven grinned and pressed a last, hard, quick kiss before taking his hand and dragging him toward the door on the far end of the sitting room.
Gypsy woke with a groan, feeling sore in all the right places, a grin fighting with a yawn as he levered himself up.
To find the bed empty.
He frowned, then noticed the flashing pad on the bedside table. Picking it up, he pressed the access button and read the quick message from Raven. Had to go back on duty. Probably on the patio by the time you wake. If not, just ask around. You’re very cute when you’re asleep. ~R
“I am not cute,” Gypsy muttered, then climbed out of the massive bed he’d barely gotten a look at last night. Not that he was complaining. He hadn’t had a night like that…ever. Relationships didn’t fit with his lifestyle, not unless the lover was on ship with him – generally against the rules but Kavalerov overlooked a lot for his IA, especially his ‘pets’ – and some part of him had always felt guilty about even the brief one night encounters he’d had here and there. It was only a contractual marriage, but still…
Stretching, wincing at the various aches that sounded off but grinning as he remembered precisely how he’d come by them, Gypsy quickly located first his bags which had been dropped off at some point, then the bathroom, and an hour later was striding through the halls of the massive Rookwood mansion in search of ‘the patio.’
When he finally found it, he was greeted by a half-hellcat smartass with a knowing grin across his face. “So married life is obviously going well for you.”
“Shut up,” Gypsy said, too groggy to think of anything clever. He dropped down into a seat that looked like it was made of spun sugar but was obviously much stronger. A servant – stars, this house had servants – appeared at his elbow asking quietly if Master Gypsy would like breakfast and what was his preference. “Fasca tea, black. Nothing else for now. Thank you.”
“Certainly, sir,” the servant replied before soundlessly vanishing.
Gypsy shook his head at the unreality of hit all. Snickering brought his head back up and he resumed glaring at Cornelius. “What is your problem?”
“Problem? No problem. It’s funny seeing my reserved Communications Officer so enamored of his own spouse.”
Gypsy rolled his eyes. “At least I don’t purr.”
“I do not purr.”
“Here, kitty, kitty, kitty,” Gypsy taunted. “Would you like a treat?” He leered. “Some cream? Or did Formane give you enough to satisfy?” He threw himself out of his chair as Cornelius lunged for him, laughing hard as he sprinted and dodged across the patio, always just one step ahead of Cornelius – though only because he knew all his Captain’s tricks.
He was laughing so hard it hurt. Gypsy turned to see where Cornelius was now, and didn’t see the man that appeared in front of him until he’d crashed into him and sent them both tumbling to a heap on the patio.
“Good morning,” Raven managed once they were untangled. “You’re surprisingly energetic this morning.”
Gypsy grinned and leaned down to kiss him. “I’m exhausted, but my only other option was ‘stand still and let Cornelius kill me’ which didn’t sound appealing at all.” He stood and helped Raven up, humming in pleasure as the taller man stooped to take another kiss. “You look well-rested yourself.”
“Nah,” Raven said. “I’m a doctor; we learn fast how to look like we’re not dead on our feet.” He winked. “Not that I object to being worn out.”
Cornelius’s laughter cut into the conversation. “Such a cute married couple.”
“Formane, shut him up or take him somewhere else,” Gypsy said.
Raven laughed and led them all back to the table, murmuring a thank you as the servants set out his tea and food. He sipped it for a couple of minutes before speaking again. “So what are your plans for the day?”
Gypsy looked around as Cornelius explained their plans – vaguely, in case anyone was listening – and looked around.
The mansion itself was in the classic style – what other planets called Old Heriol. Black and gold marble, extensive detailing, statues and gargoyles everywhere. Houses such as this weren’t made anymore; the materials had become too rare. The Rookwood mansion had to be hundreds of years old. The patio they were on was obviously a later addition, made of dark golden wood to match the gold marble of the house. It looked out over a lush garden that must cost a fortune to maintain. Gypsy shook his head.
Not that his own point account was insignificant, IA drew a more than substantial pay, but he wouldn’t waste them on a garden that perhaps only a few people ever saw. It was beautiful, but not worth it in the end. Give him the stars any day.
Or the man beside him. Strange the difference ten years made.
Raven caught him staring and smiled, eyes warming.
“You’re acting like a newly married couple,” Cornelius said, snickering.
Flushing, Gypsy jerked his gaze away and settled another glare on his friend. “Find something else to do, feline.”
Cornelius bared his teeth and raised one claw-tipped hand. “One more cat crack and you’re going to be used to sharpen my claws.”
“You’ve threatened that before,” Gypsy said. “Besides, Formane won’t let you.”
Formane yawned and drank his tea. “At this point, if it’ll let me drink my tea in peace I am more than happy to let you two kill each other. Just make sure you’re alive again in time to work.”
Cornelius rolled his eyes and settled into his breakfast.
“Speaking of being ready, Gypsy,” Raven said, setting down his blue porcelain teacup and turning slightly in his seat. “There’s a dinner tonight to welcome you back formally and I suspect my parents are up to something…I don’t know what, but just to warn you…they’re quite excited that I’m showing signs of being properly settled.” He shrugged. “They will probably give us a gift of some sort. Hopefully it won’t be too awkward.”
Gypsy frowned, tilting his head. “I…I don’t mind, Rave. We are married…am I getting in the way of…” he faltered, suddenly recalling the mysterious, pushy ‘Wren’ of yesterday. “Anything,” he finally finished awkwardly.
“Not at all,” Raven said, his own face clouding. “I didn’t mean to give that impression. It’s just I know you’re only here…” He shrugged. “I was never sorry about our agreement.” His smile returned faintly. “I thought about you sometimes. Wondered how you were, if you were okay.”
“You too,” Gypsy said, meeting Raven’s eyes. “I’m glad you’re well, and I wish I could have come to visit under happier circumstances.” He motioned vaguely. “My line of work…”
Raven nodded. “Then just consider it a warning that we will no doubt be under heavy scrutiny. I would beg out of it all, but it would appear strange.”
“The happily reunited couple can distract while we do the grunt work,” Cornelius said steadily, obviously amused by something but refraining from comment. Which, Gypsy knew, just meant he’d get mocked that much worse later. “When is this dinner?”
“18:00 Zero time,” Raven replied. “Probably will last about four hours. I can get us out of there by then, hopefully sooner.”
Cornelius nodded. “We’ll all meet in your room at 21:30 then.” He smirked. “You boys have fun.” Standing, he downed the last of his tea then dragged Formane away with him.
“Your friend is interesting,” Raven said with a laugh. “I can see where all the muscle on the other one would be necessary to restraining him.”
Gypsy snorted. “Cornelius is only half hellcat, but he may as well be full blooded, or so we say when he’s not around to hear us. He’s a good Captain and a better friend, though.” He smirked briefly. “Even more so now that he’s worked out whatever the hell was wrong between him and Formane. So what do we do until this dinner?”
“Sadly, ‘go back to bed’ is not an option. I could show you around; perhaps that would help you somehow?”
“It certainly can’t hurt,” Gypsy said. “The more we know, the better. Every little bit helps and all that.” He finished his tea and motioned. “Lead the way.”
“Gladly,” Raven said, setting down his own cup and standing. He held out a hand, and Gypsy slid his own into it, allowing Raven to help him up. As he led the way across the patio and through the house, Raven kept hold of his hand. Gypsy found he had no desire to let go.
The weather was fine, the sky clear and green. He’d missed Heriol, though until this moment he hadn’t realized it. He missed the Melee more, but for a bit at least it was good to be home. He glanced at Raven. It was surprisingly good to be home. “So where to…” he trailed off as he noticed the man who’d come from around the side of the house. Skinny and dark, a glower on his face.
Raven frowned briefly before carefully smoothing his expression. “Wren. Good morning.”
“Good morning, Raven…and spouse. I’m afraid I never quite got your name.”
Gypsy nearly gawked at the blatant rudeness. What in the stars had he done to this man? He glared and tightened his grip on Raven’s hand. “Gypsy Marksbury,” he said, the last name unnecessary but making it quite clear that he’d noted the rudeness.
“The mysterious spouse, returned at last. Did the stars finally become boring? Or are you out of money?”
“That is enough!” Raven snapped. “Wren, I don’t care if I do work for your parents. You have my answer, I am sorry it’s not the one you wanted but it was honest. I will not tolerate this behavior and neither will your parents. If you do not apologize and cease at once, I will relay this conversation to them.”
Wren frowned. “I will not give up so easily. Especially not when I see what the “competition” is.” He turned around sharply and vanished back the way he’d come.
“That you could have warned me about,” Gypsy said. “How long has he been pressing his attentions?”
“Awhile,” Raven said tiredly. “I can handle him. He’s just peeved because he didn’t think you would ever actually come. It took him aback when I said you would be arriving for my parents’ anniversary.” He shrugged. “He’ll get bored eventually. I’m not even certain why he’s latched onto me. It’s only been occurring for the past few months.”
Gypsy nodded and made a mental note to do some private searching later. He wouldn’t let a bastard like that get anywhere near his spouse.
The possessiveness drew him up short, but Gypsy shoved it aside to deal with later as Raven led him down the driveway and into the city beyond, chatting easily, smiling frequently, so that as they toured the city he hadn’t seen in a decade it became increasingly difficult to remember he was here on a mission and not simply to spend time with his spouse.
Much love to Tygs for beta'ing, helping, and feeding me drabbles as I worked.
In two parts. Expect more Kidnapped stuff today, I seem to be on a roll.
Business Arrangement
Combat Class Starship 13512550, The Melee
Gypsy yawned and ran through yet another check, ensuring for the millionth time that the stars really were as boring as they seemed.
“Do you think if we asked some pirates to come get blown up that they’d oblige?” Cornelius asked, his tail twitching irritably.
“Maybe if we promised not to blow them up right away,” Gypsy said. Nearby, at the combat consoles, the two secondary combatants on shift snickered. No one else bothered to acknowledge the ridiculous exchange.
Cornelius scratched one his feline ears. “There should be a rule somewhere about the known universe not being this damned boring. Honestly, what’s with criminals and scum? One little fight, that’s all I want. Something. Anything.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” Tormandi murmured from his place just behind the Captain’s chair. The second in command was ever the level-headed one.
Gypsy snorted. “We’re wishing for something to do, what’s the problem with that?”
Tor merely rolled his eyes.
Cornelius was prevented from replying as Gypsy’s console chimed an incoming call. Gypsy spun around in his chair and fell eagerly to work. “Incoming from the High Chancellor, Captain.”
“For once I’m not sorry to see the bastard,” Cornelius replied. “Put him on the main screen.”
“Yes, Captain,” Gypsy said, snickering softly as he pressed buttons.
“High Chancellor,” Cornelius greeted.
High Chancellor Kavalerov lifted one pale brow in surprise. “That almost sounded polite, Captain Lady. Obviously your Master Engineer is good for you.”
Cornelius bared his teeth. “You should get someone of your own.”
Kavalerov rolled his eyes and ignored the comment. “I have a mission for you, Melee.”
“Oh? Who do we get to blow up?”
“Sorry, no combat. This is an espionage mission.”
“This is a combat ship. We pick fights.” Cornelius settled back in his seat and glared.
Gypsy made a face, silently agreeing. Espionage was for ships like Brilliant or Ice Princess. The Melee and her crew were fighters.
“One of these days, Captain, you’re going to get it through that head of yours that orders are to be obeyed, not debated.”
Cornelius merely snorted. “Why are you making us do work outside our usual range? This crew isn’t the espionage sort. If it was, you would have put us elsewhere.”
“That is certainly true,” Kavalerov replied calmly. “However, this is a unique situation. It was brought recently to my attention that a high-ranking family on a certain planet is tied to Soul trading. Moreover, there is evidence supporting that an IG official there may be assisting.
“The problem was brought to me by a civilian, and it is by cooperating with him that we will get inside and find out what is truly going on.”
Cornelius hissed. “Soul trafficking. That’s always ugly. I still don’t see how we’ve anything to do with this.”
Kavalerov smirked, and his pale blue eyes flicked briefly to Gypsy. A sinking feeling settled in his gut, though he couldn’t for the life of him see what he had to do with any of this. Unless…but there was no way.
“The planet in question is Heriol.”
Gypsy choked. No. No way was this going where he thought. Kavalerov smirked at him again and Gypsy buried his head in his arms with a groan. He could feel the crew looking at him in confusion but ignored them.
“Planet Heriol, the city of Fasca, which was chosen as the planet’s intergalactic capital. The civilian who brought this to my attention is the personal physician to the family suspected of trafficking Soul…his name is Raven Marksbury.”
“Marksbury?” Cornelius asked. Gypsy could feel those eyes on him but did not budge, willing himself to expire. “You said you were an orphan, Gypsy. Your file says the same thing.”
Kavalerov laughed. “He was an orphan.”
“Gypsy!” Cornelius growled when he was ignored. “Communications officer! I command you report immediately on your connection to Raven Marksbury.”
Slowly Gypsy sat up, and he could feel the heat in his face. “He’s no blood relation, Captain. He’s…we haven’t seen each other in ten years…it was just a business arrangement….”
“Yes, Gypsy?”
Giving in to the inevitable, shooting a nasty glare at the High Chancellor, Gypsy faced Cornelius and answered the question. “He’s my spouse.”
Silence fell on the bridge – then Cornelius started laughing so hard he fell out of his chair.
Gypsy glared and then turned to the main screen. “I hate you.”
Pyotr chuckled. “Be in Fasca by 18:30 Zero time. I am transmitting a full operations report now. Good luck, Officer Marksbury.”
The connection closed and Gypsy stood up, crossing over to kick the still-laughing Cornelius hard. “Shut up.”
“You’re married,” Cornelius gasped out between laughs, clinging to his seat and slowly pulling himself back into it. “That is the funniest damn thing I’ve ever heard.”
Around the bridge the rest of the crew started laughing and snickering, tossing questions that Gypsy pointedly ignored.
“Explain,” Cornelius said as his laughter calmed to quiet chuckles. He wiped tears from his face. “That’s an order.”
Gypsy groaned and went back to his seat, falling heavily into it and glaring at the flashing light that indicated a data transfer request. He mashed the acceptance codes with a vengeance, then with a sigh gave up and explained.
“I used to be a thief. A job went sour. After that I decided to go straight, and long story short managed to get accepted into one of the IG’s military academies. No easy feat, but I did it.” He made a face and ran a hand restlessly through his hair, talking to his screen and studiously not looking at the people listening so avidly. “My second year, however, I failed to get the scholarships I needed. Obviously, I didn’t have the money on my own. I was literally packing my things when a guy I only knew by reputation and a couple of arms classes together approached me.
“Marksbury…it’s just one name in a million to most of the stars. On Heriol…especially in Fasca…it’s a respected if not incredibly famous name. They’ve been in the medical profession almost since the family’s inception. Gypsy shrugged. “Marriage is a big deal back home. No one of worth gets anywhere if they’re single. People marry young. Things like divorce aren’t done. Raven was resigned to having to get married, but he didn’t want to be tied down and he didn’t want his parents sticking him with someone he couldn’t stand. We’d gotten along well enough the few times we’d been teamed up in our arms classes, and he knew my situation. So he approached me with a deal…
“He wanted a spouse who would stay out of his way but sound good. I was doing extremely well in my Auths training and showed promise. It’s a promising and respected career, and more importantly I was planning on ship duty – meaning I would be everywhere except on Heriol. For his half of the bargain, as my spouse he could give me both money to finish my schooling and the Marksbury name didn’t hurt. That helped a lot, when I was first starting out. I agreed. We got married, each did our part, and after graduation went our separate ways.” Gypsy shook his head. “I never thought the matter would come up again.”
Cornelius was laughing again. “Of all people…oh, to have seen those vows exchanged.”
Gypsy could feel his cheeks burning and wished he had something to throw. He turned furiously back to his console and started decoding the data Kavalerov had sent.
Raven…he hadn’t thought about Raven in ages. Oh, there was a passing thought every now and then…something that triggered memories of that long ago night. Neither of them had known what they were doing, not really. They’d exchanged vows before a judge and afterwards gone out to a dinner that should have been awkward but wasn’t.
No, he’d actually had fun that night. They both had. Raven had been a good guy, hard working and considerate, his eyes sunshine bright. They’d had too much to drink and laughed themselves silly over the marriage.
Then they’d walked home, holding each other up, still laughing and joking. Right before they’d parted, Raven had kissed him, claiming it wasn’t right not to exchange a wedding kiss.
After that, the marriage was seldom mentioned. It was a business arrangement, something convenient for both of them. This was the first time in years that anyone but Kavalerov had brought the subject up, and Kavalerov had only brought it up as part of his IA interview.
Now he was going home…to his spouse.
Gypsy shook his head at the strange thought and was grateful when Cornelius launched into the report Kavalerov had sent and began to work out what they would be doing. He ignored the snickers that interspersed the speech. When Cornelius finally wound down, he rose to escape.
“Should we bring belated wedding presents?”
“Yes,” Gypsy replied, rolling his eyes. “A gag for your mouth. Stars, I wish this was already over.”
Planet 85189152 (Heriol), The Rookwood Estate
Heriol. Gypsy hadn’t been home in ten years – not since graduation…when he’d said farewell after a last drink with his…spouse. Contractual spouse, technically. This was all very surreal.
Sighing, Gypsy checked himself in his mirror one more time. It would be weird, after so many years in space, to be back where everyone around him had the dusky red skin that marked humans from quad one. His own hair and eyes were dark brown, common and unremarkable. He wasn’t bad looking, he knew, but he wouldn’t look as fine as Raven and the company he kept.
Not that it mattered. Those very same people could bitch and moan all they wanted, and he knew they would, but he was Raven’s spouse.
Why was he worrying about this? It hardly mattered. They would go in, find the Soul traffickers, leave. He must be unsettled because he hadn’t been home in so long.
And also because Cornelius wouldn’t quit laughing.
Heaving a sigh, he smoothed his white shirt, then straightened the black jacket and pants, stomping his boots to settle them properly. Resisted the urge to rake a hand through his hair. Made a face at his reflection, then slid his stunner into its shoulder holster and turned away from the mirror.
Wishing the case was already over, he made his way to the bridge and ignored Cornelius’s soft snickers. “Are we ready?”
“The question is, are you?”
“Yes,” Gypsy said, rolling his eyes. “I really wish you were staying here.”
Cornelius grinned and stood up, crossing the bridge and slinging his arm across Gypsy’s shoulders. “My friend, I would not miss this for all the points in the stars.”
“Shut up,” Gypsy said. “It’s not that interesting. I am not the only person in the stars who’s entered into a contractual marriage. I just happen to be the only one with a friend who thinks it’s hilarious.”
“That’s because it is hilarious.”
Gypsy ignored him, shrugging off Cornelius’s arm and sliding into the communications seat. His fingers moved without thought, used to the motions and rhythms of his post. The console chimed in a pattern that made sense to few, in time with red and green lights. Shoving back his anxiety over the pending reunion, Gypsy acknowledged the request for landing protocols, typing and transmitting easily. “ETA ten minutes, Captain.”
“Thank you, Officer Marksbury.”
“Shut up.”
Restlessly Gypsy waited as they began their landing, punching in necessary protocols and acknowledgements. Once they had been cleared for disembarkation, he drew a deep breath and exited the bridge without waiting for Cornelius and the others.
Once his feet were firmly on the ground, he glanced over the welcome party that had gathered to greet the spouse of Dr. Raven Marksbury. Where was…oh. There he was. When…
When had Raven gotten that gorgeous? Gypsy barely noticed as Cornelius, Formane, and Bren – the Melee medic – came up behind him.
Raven stepped forward and strode toward him, a familiar grin lighting up his handsome face. Had Raven always been so stunning? His skin was lighter than Gypsy’s, his hair and eyes a rich, bright gold. He was dressed in simple, dark brown clothes that clung perfectly. Raven had always believed in staying fit.
Gypsy met him halfway, reaching up to wrap his arms around the much taller Raven’s neck as slender but strong arms wrapped around his waist. “Long time no see,” he greeted.
“You look good, Gypsy,” Raven said softly before he covered Gypsy’s mouth with his own.
The kiss burned all the way through his bones, making him gasp in surprise. Their one and only kiss ten years ago hadn’t been anything like this. Gypsy tightened his hold and kissed back, more than willing to go along with it though he was curious at the display of deep affection. Raven would explain the reason later.
“It’s good to see you again,” Gypsy said when Raven finally broke the kiss. “Have you been as well as you look?”
Raven laughed and slowly let him go. “Can’t complain. I’m glad you could make it for the celebration.” Their cover for their investigation was the celebration of Raven’s parents’ 40 year anniversary. Marriages were as big a deal as Gypsy had tried to explain. That he and Raven had been married for ten years would be noted, even if they hadn’t seen each other in all that time. “Come and meet everyone.”
Gypsy barely restrained a grimace as he and the others were led forward to meet people that were every bit as fashionable and proper and fine as he had feared. He could see the hard glint that flickered in their eyes that spoke of their opinion of him. People like them never changed. Still, he bore it, got through it – ignored Cornelius looks and rolling of the eyes.
When they were finally alone in Raven’s private suite, he collapsed into the first seat he saw and raked a hand tiredly through his hair. He watched the others settle, then flicked his glance to Raven, who moved across the lushly-appointed room to a bar, oddly soothed by watching that fine-boned, slender form move. “It really is good to see you again, Raven. How have you really been?”
“Awful,” Raven said, handing out drinks and then sitting down beside him on the small sofa. He held out a lowball of cut crystal filled with a dark gold liquid. “Do you still like Bangkok rum?”
Startled, Gypsy accepted the glass. “Yes. Thank you.” He stared at Raven, blinking. “Tell us everything, Raven.”
Raven nodded, tucking a loose strand of gold hair behind his ear. “I’ve been in the employ of the Rookwoods for five years, after I spent five years on field training. In all that time, I’ve never noticed anything particularly odd…except for the last term. Honestly, Gypsy, I thought I was crazy. I don’t think I would have noticed anything, except for a visitor who came down with trake poison. The manor was closer than the hospitals, and the locals knew I could assist.”
Gypsy winced. “Ouch. Idiot travelers, we tell them to stay out of those bushes.”
“As if that ever did any good,” Raven said, rolling his eyes. “Anyway, he liked to talk. And talk. And talk.” He shook his head, mouth quirking in amusement. “He was from Mars, and said he preferred Heriol because it was so clean compared to Mars despite the fact they were both busy spots for IG trade and tourism. His favorite part, he said, was the lack of problems with Soul.” Raven shrugged. “Stupid, I know. Soul addiction is a huge problem, and treating it a nightmare. That’s why it stuck with me, and I found myself thinking about it later…and realized he was right. Going back through old medical records and such, I realized that there hadn’t been a serious problem with Soul in the past five years or so. Minor problems, here and there, but nothing like it was elsewhere I checked.
He shrugged. “I know. It’s dumb. That’s what I thought. I checked further, figuring I’d just make a fool of myself.”
Cornelius hissed, his ears going flat on top of his head. “Then this isn’t about Soul dealing…this is a pass through spot.”
Raven nodded. “The more I looked into it, the more that’s what I began to think. I mean, that’s usually the first sign of a pass through spot. Traffickers are always careful not to deal it where they store it between transfers.”
Beside Cornelius, Formane shook his head. Surrounded by skinny men, his wider, more muscular frame seemed even larger than ever. “That’s partly why the IG is here. Soul is one of the IG’s greatest outstanding problems. Any good IG official would know of such signs and keep an eye on it. There are one hundred IG officials of various ranks stationed here; surely one of them…”
“None of the office grunts would; the others are transitory – delivery boys, temps, that sort of thing,” Cornelius said. “They wouldn’t notice. Those that would notice? Choose not to see, are in on it, or are simply paid off.”
Raven looked at the somber group unhappily. “So my suspicions are not unfounded?”
“Sadly, no,” Gypsy said. “It sounds precisely like the sort of thing we should be handling.”
“So you’re…” Raven chuckled and shook his head. “I wondered why I never heard your name anywhere. Whatever happened to working on the greatest ship in the stars?”
Gypsy grinned. “I do work on the greatest ship in the stars. No better ship flies than ours. Wish I could tell you more about it.”
“I don’t take offense. One can’t expect too much special treatment from a spouse he hasn’t seen in ten years.” Raven winked.
Cornelius snickered. “He was thoroughly embarrassed when the High Chancellor made him spill his secret. I don’t think he knows how to manage being married.”
“I told you to keep your mouth shut,” Gypsy snapped, furious at the brief hurt that flickered through Raven’s eyes though his expression remained pleasant. He turned back to his spouse and explained. “I wasn’t trying to hide the marriage, Raven. In our line of work, everyone is listed as single if they’re listed as being alive at all. We don’t give out information so that it can’t be used against us.” He reached unthinkingly to tug at a strand of hair that had slipped forward to lie against Raven’s cheek. “I would hate to think someone harmed you because I put their mother or brother in Rehab.”
Raven smiled. “That would certainly not be fun. Well, unless you need to set right to work, I can show your friends their rooms.”
“We can find them,” Formane replied, and clapped a hand over Cornelius’s mouth, dragging the half-Danueb away, Bren following along behind.
Gypsy rolled his eyes at the glaring lack of subtlety.
“Your friends seem to be good people, especially the Danueb,” Raven said, laughing softly. He stood and refilled their glasses, sitting on the large ottoman in the center of the circle of furniture. “I…” He handed Gypsy his refilled rum. “I hope my greeting didn’t offend…though it didn’t seem to.”
“Far be it for me to complain if my spouse wants to kiss me,” Gypsy said, striving to sound light. That kiss wasn’t going to be swiftly forgotten. “Was there a particular reason?”
Raven smiled sheepishly. “Well…our ten year is only a week away, this is the first time I’ve seen you in all that time – my family and friends would think it weird if I didn’t warmly greet the man I married and was willing to let vanish into the stars…” He shrugged and looked away a moment. “Mostly, though…you look really good, Gypsy. I couldn’t resist.”
“You don’t look too bad yourself,” Gypsy replied. “I don’t remember you looking so good in school.”
Gold eyes gleamed. “So you wouldn’t mind if maybe I kissed you again?”
“Not a bit,” Gypsy replied, setting his glass down as Raven swooped in, pressed him into the couch, and covered his mouth in a hard, hungry kiss. He moaned and opened to it, tasting Heriol brandy in Raven’s mouth, mingling with spicy Bangkok rum as their tongues tangled. The world spun as he was moved, pressed down onto the couch.
Raven pulled a bit away, eyes hot and bright. Gypsy licked those tempting lips and smiled. “If I’d known this was the reception I’d get, I might have risked getting in your way sooner.” He nibbled at Raven’s lips, marveling at just how fine they tasted.
“Getting in my way? How on Heriol would you have done that?” Raven rolled his eyes and levered himself up. He stripped out of his jacket and tossed it aside, then attacked Gypsy’s jacket and shirt, undoing them and spreading them, leaning back down to sample the bared flesh. “Gypsy…I didn’t expect…” He bit down on one nipple, hands stroking, exploring. “Space rogue looks good on you.”
Gypsy groaned and bucked, sinking his hand into soft, gold hair and dragging Raven up for another kiss. “Medic looks edible on you, Rave.” He kissed Raven hard, drawing out moans, addicted to the sounds. It was stunning, how badly he wanted this man he hadn’t seen in ten years.
Raven gasped as he finally broke away and went back to his sweet torture.
“Let me up,” Gypsy said, shoving gently, managing to sit up enough to strip out of his shirt and jacket. Barely had he done so then Raven was back on top of him, hand stroking his chest, abdomen, teasing along his thighs before cupping the hardness between. “Raven!”
That too hot mouth sucked up a mark on his neck, Raven’s chuckles warm against his skin. “I admit I hadn’t expected this upon your return. We weren’t like this in school.” He trailed kisses along Gypsy’s cheek, jaw, finally claiming his mouth again, tongue pressing deep as his hand continued to stroke and torment.
A sharp rapping sound made them both start, then freeze, in surprise. Raven looked up toward the door, then glared as the knock came again. “Who in the blazes would dare…?” Swearing softly, he gave Gypsy one last squeeze and then shoved himself to his feet and stalked across the room, mashing the access pad. “What?” he asked with what Gypsy thought was remarkable politeness.
Then Gypsy realized he was half naked and hard, and whoever was at the door could probably see that. He was bold, not brazen. Cheeks heating, he slowly sat up and retrieved his shirt, half-listening to the conversation across the room.
“I just came to see if you and your…spouse wanted to come to dinner. I didn’t think—“
“Wren,” Raven cut off, his voice surprisingly hard. “We both know it would have made more sense to comm me. I gave you my answer. Now of all times I don’t appreciate your pushing.”
“You haven’t seen him in ten years and yo—“
Raven cut him off again with a short chopping motion. “It’s none of your business, Wren. I’ll thank you to go now, and I will comm about dinner.”
Wren, a thin little man with dark skin and hair that Gypsy decided he didn’t like just on principle, looked as though he wanted to keep arguing but whatever expression Raven wore obviously warned him off. “I’ll see you tonight, then.”
“Yes,” Raven said, and immediately shut the door. He punched a long string of numbers into the pad by the door, hitting the finish key with particular vehemence. Finally his eyes slide back toward the couch. He frowned. “You got dressed. I wasn’t done.”
Gypsy grinned and stood up. He tilted his head up for a kiss as Raven reached him, moaning at the taste and feel of that mouth. How was it possible to become so quickly addicted to a kiss? “I wasn’t certain how permanent an interruption it was. Who was that?”
“No one important enough to discuss right now. I put up an ‘emergencies only’ message on the house network. Would my newly returned spouse be horribly offended if I dragged him to my bed?”
“He would be offended if you did not.”
Raven grinned and pressed a last, hard, quick kiss before taking his hand and dragging him toward the door on the far end of the sitting room.
Gypsy woke with a groan, feeling sore in all the right places, a grin fighting with a yawn as he levered himself up.
To find the bed empty.
He frowned, then noticed the flashing pad on the bedside table. Picking it up, he pressed the access button and read the quick message from Raven. Had to go back on duty. Probably on the patio by the time you wake. If not, just ask around. You’re very cute when you’re asleep. ~R
“I am not cute,” Gypsy muttered, then climbed out of the massive bed he’d barely gotten a look at last night. Not that he was complaining. He hadn’t had a night like that…ever. Relationships didn’t fit with his lifestyle, not unless the lover was on ship with him – generally against the rules but Kavalerov overlooked a lot for his IA, especially his ‘pets’ – and some part of him had always felt guilty about even the brief one night encounters he’d had here and there. It was only a contractual marriage, but still…
Stretching, wincing at the various aches that sounded off but grinning as he remembered precisely how he’d come by them, Gypsy quickly located first his bags which had been dropped off at some point, then the bathroom, and an hour later was striding through the halls of the massive Rookwood mansion in search of ‘the patio.’
When he finally found it, he was greeted by a half-hellcat smartass with a knowing grin across his face. “So married life is obviously going well for you.”
“Shut up,” Gypsy said, too groggy to think of anything clever. He dropped down into a seat that looked like it was made of spun sugar but was obviously much stronger. A servant – stars, this house had servants – appeared at his elbow asking quietly if Master Gypsy would like breakfast and what was his preference. “Fasca tea, black. Nothing else for now. Thank you.”
“Certainly, sir,” the servant replied before soundlessly vanishing.
Gypsy shook his head at the unreality of hit all. Snickering brought his head back up and he resumed glaring at Cornelius. “What is your problem?”
“Problem? No problem. It’s funny seeing my reserved Communications Officer so enamored of his own spouse.”
Gypsy rolled his eyes. “At least I don’t purr.”
“I do not purr.”
“Here, kitty, kitty, kitty,” Gypsy taunted. “Would you like a treat?” He leered. “Some cream? Or did Formane give you enough to satisfy?” He threw himself out of his chair as Cornelius lunged for him, laughing hard as he sprinted and dodged across the patio, always just one step ahead of Cornelius – though only because he knew all his Captain’s tricks.
He was laughing so hard it hurt. Gypsy turned to see where Cornelius was now, and didn’t see the man that appeared in front of him until he’d crashed into him and sent them both tumbling to a heap on the patio.
“Good morning,” Raven managed once they were untangled. “You’re surprisingly energetic this morning.”
Gypsy grinned and leaned down to kiss him. “I’m exhausted, but my only other option was ‘stand still and let Cornelius kill me’ which didn’t sound appealing at all.” He stood and helped Raven up, humming in pleasure as the taller man stooped to take another kiss. “You look well-rested yourself.”
“Nah,” Raven said. “I’m a doctor; we learn fast how to look like we’re not dead on our feet.” He winked. “Not that I object to being worn out.”
Cornelius’s laughter cut into the conversation. “Such a cute married couple.”
“Formane, shut him up or take him somewhere else,” Gypsy said.
Raven laughed and led them all back to the table, murmuring a thank you as the servants set out his tea and food. He sipped it for a couple of minutes before speaking again. “So what are your plans for the day?”
Gypsy looked around as Cornelius explained their plans – vaguely, in case anyone was listening – and looked around.
The mansion itself was in the classic style – what other planets called Old Heriol. Black and gold marble, extensive detailing, statues and gargoyles everywhere. Houses such as this weren’t made anymore; the materials had become too rare. The Rookwood mansion had to be hundreds of years old. The patio they were on was obviously a later addition, made of dark golden wood to match the gold marble of the house. It looked out over a lush garden that must cost a fortune to maintain. Gypsy shook his head.
Not that his own point account was insignificant, IA drew a more than substantial pay, but he wouldn’t waste them on a garden that perhaps only a few people ever saw. It was beautiful, but not worth it in the end. Give him the stars any day.
Or the man beside him. Strange the difference ten years made.
Raven caught him staring and smiled, eyes warming.
“You’re acting like a newly married couple,” Cornelius said, snickering.
Flushing, Gypsy jerked his gaze away and settled another glare on his friend. “Find something else to do, feline.”
Cornelius bared his teeth and raised one claw-tipped hand. “One more cat crack and you’re going to be used to sharpen my claws.”
“You’ve threatened that before,” Gypsy said. “Besides, Formane won’t let you.”
Formane yawned and drank his tea. “At this point, if it’ll let me drink my tea in peace I am more than happy to let you two kill each other. Just make sure you’re alive again in time to work.”
Cornelius rolled his eyes and settled into his breakfast.
“Speaking of being ready, Gypsy,” Raven said, setting down his blue porcelain teacup and turning slightly in his seat. “There’s a dinner tonight to welcome you back formally and I suspect my parents are up to something…I don’t know what, but just to warn you…they’re quite excited that I’m showing signs of being properly settled.” He shrugged. “They will probably give us a gift of some sort. Hopefully it won’t be too awkward.”
Gypsy frowned, tilting his head. “I…I don’t mind, Rave. We are married…am I getting in the way of…” he faltered, suddenly recalling the mysterious, pushy ‘Wren’ of yesterday. “Anything,” he finally finished awkwardly.
“Not at all,” Raven said, his own face clouding. “I didn’t mean to give that impression. It’s just I know you’re only here…” He shrugged. “I was never sorry about our agreement.” His smile returned faintly. “I thought about you sometimes. Wondered how you were, if you were okay.”
“You too,” Gypsy said, meeting Raven’s eyes. “I’m glad you’re well, and I wish I could have come to visit under happier circumstances.” He motioned vaguely. “My line of work…”
Raven nodded. “Then just consider it a warning that we will no doubt be under heavy scrutiny. I would beg out of it all, but it would appear strange.”
“The happily reunited couple can distract while we do the grunt work,” Cornelius said steadily, obviously amused by something but refraining from comment. Which, Gypsy knew, just meant he’d get mocked that much worse later. “When is this dinner?”
“18:00 Zero time,” Raven replied. “Probably will last about four hours. I can get us out of there by then, hopefully sooner.”
Cornelius nodded. “We’ll all meet in your room at 21:30 then.” He smirked. “You boys have fun.” Standing, he downed the last of his tea then dragged Formane away with him.
“Your friend is interesting,” Raven said with a laugh. “I can see where all the muscle on the other one would be necessary to restraining him.”
Gypsy snorted. “Cornelius is only half hellcat, but he may as well be full blooded, or so we say when he’s not around to hear us. He’s a good Captain and a better friend, though.” He smirked briefly. “Even more so now that he’s worked out whatever the hell was wrong between him and Formane. So what do we do until this dinner?”
“Sadly, ‘go back to bed’ is not an option. I could show you around; perhaps that would help you somehow?”
“It certainly can’t hurt,” Gypsy said. “The more we know, the better. Every little bit helps and all that.” He finished his tea and motioned. “Lead the way.”
“Gladly,” Raven said, setting down his own cup and standing. He held out a hand, and Gypsy slid his own into it, allowing Raven to help him up. As he led the way across the patio and through the house, Raven kept hold of his hand. Gypsy found he had no desire to let go.
The weather was fine, the sky clear and green. He’d missed Heriol, though until this moment he hadn’t realized it. He missed the Melee more, but for a bit at least it was good to be home. He glanced at Raven. It was surprisingly good to be home. “So where to…” he trailed off as he noticed the man who’d come from around the side of the house. Skinny and dark, a glower on his face.
Raven frowned briefly before carefully smoothing his expression. “Wren. Good morning.”
“Good morning, Raven…and spouse. I’m afraid I never quite got your name.”
Gypsy nearly gawked at the blatant rudeness. What in the stars had he done to this man? He glared and tightened his grip on Raven’s hand. “Gypsy Marksbury,” he said, the last name unnecessary but making it quite clear that he’d noted the rudeness.
“The mysterious spouse, returned at last. Did the stars finally become boring? Or are you out of money?”
“That is enough!” Raven snapped. “Wren, I don’t care if I do work for your parents. You have my answer, I am sorry it’s not the one you wanted but it was honest. I will not tolerate this behavior and neither will your parents. If you do not apologize and cease at once, I will relay this conversation to them.”
Wren frowned. “I will not give up so easily. Especially not when I see what the “competition” is.” He turned around sharply and vanished back the way he’d come.
“That you could have warned me about,” Gypsy said. “How long has he been pressing his attentions?”
“Awhile,” Raven said tiredly. “I can handle him. He’s just peeved because he didn’t think you would ever actually come. It took him aback when I said you would be arriving for my parents’ anniversary.” He shrugged. “He’ll get bored eventually. I’m not even certain why he’s latched onto me. It’s only been occurring for the past few months.”
Gypsy nodded and made a mental note to do some private searching later. He wouldn’t let a bastard like that get anywhere near his spouse.
The possessiveness drew him up short, but Gypsy shoved it aside to deal with later as Raven led him down the driveway and into the city beyond, chatting easily, smiling frequently, so that as they toured the city he hadn’t seen in a decade it became increasingly difficult to remember he was here on a mission and not simply to spend time with his spouse.
