slipping away with Ragnar

[thewidewideworld]

{From here}

Sinric leads Ragnar into the bathrooms, glancing around to see if anyone is around before slipping into one of the stalls and closing the door behind them.

"Do you want me to paint your prick with my lips or lift my skirts and take me standing?" He asks with a list-filled purr.

Comments

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"And Athelstan?" Ragnar says, sounding almost hopeful.

[runningred]

"It's hard not to, Sinric." Jay shakes his head. "You're very beautiful. People tend to notice you and be jealous of whoever has your attention. I can't say I've spoken to Athelstan but I know of him. And yes, I've often noticed the pair of you together."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"We're..." Ragnar says. "All three of us, but the bar doesn't let Athelstan and me come at the same time right now."

[runningred]

"Yeah, I got the feeling it might be something like that. I'm sorry." Jay nods, looking to Sinric. "It must be hard, acting as emissary between your lovers."

Sinric demurs, lowering his eyes. "If it is all the comfort I can give, then I give it gladly."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"And I'm very glad I still get to hear from Athelstan, whom I love and miss very much," Ragnar says.

[runningred]

Jay watches as Sinric cuddles up to Ragnar, comforting him with a soft kiss. It might seen odd to other people, even a little unfair but he can see they're all getting the love they need.

He lets them share a moment in silence, munching on another slice.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar leans into Sinric for a long moment before bracing himself and reaching for the beer again.

[runningred]

"So have you worked out what sorts of motorbike you want?" Jay asks, shifting the focus. "Where did you plan to ride it?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"I can only ride it here," Ragnar says, "so it needs to be one that's good for rough terrain, not smooth roads; and it should be one where another person can ride pillion behind me. I want to give rides to my friends!"

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric looks up with delight and surprise. The idea of riding with Ragnar had never occurred to him.

Jay grins. "A good stable dirt bike then. With plenty of pillion room. Think I can do that. And a couple of spare jackets and helmets for your friends."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"Yes, please," Ragnar says. "For Sinric, for Athelstan, and a small one for Gyda, too."

[runningred]

"I've met Gyda. She's one of the Milli-scouts. She's smart and brave. She's a good kid."

Sinric gives Ragnar a smile. "She takes after her father."

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"I am proud of her," Ragnar says, "and so very glad that she is here, and I can still be her father."

[runningred]

"You should be." Jay smiles and finished off his slice. "Feel like heading down to the workshop?"

"Very gladly." Sinric nods, taking a small sip of his ale and setting it aside. He hasn't drunk much but then he rarely does with ale. "If you are ready, Ragnar?"

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"I am," Ragnar says, finishing his beer. He leans over to kiss Sinric again, then stands.

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric sticks close to Ragnar's side, not so much shy as just a little clingy as they head down to the garage. The lift always makes him nervous.

Jay's workshop has grown considerably since Ragnar stole a bike, even since he was last down the sing to the babies.

The canvas walls have been moved to take up a space three times the size. One half of it dominated by a glowing blue concaved structure, covered in niches the size of adult drones. Not unlike the inside of a bee hive. It has a very organic feel for something made of plastic, glass and metal.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"Have they built themselves homes of their own?" Ragnar guesse, marvelling at that structure.

[runningred]

Jay nods as some of the drones swarm out to meet them, others busy building and repairing tiny pieces of machinery. "The hives act as a charging station as well as a focus of communication. I still only have half a clue as to what they're doing most of the time but I think the hive stores memories and ideas to share."

Lock spots Ragnar and comes floating over, greeting him with a friendly hum, like a snatch of song.

The most noticeable change it that the tank for the babies is missing.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar puts an arm around Sinric to make sure he doesn't get intimidated or feels left out. "Where are the little ones?" he asks. "We were going to sing to them."

[thewidewideworld]

Sinric is still in open awe of this strange and a little frightening sight. So much out of his experience, even here.

Lock gives the youth a gentle purr, brushing against Sinric's outstretched fingers.

Jay nods towards a larger opening near the centre of the hive. "The others have taken over keeping the little ones on line now that they've calmed down a little. They still get excitable though so watch yourself."

Six little shapes, still blotches with black and red peek out of the nursery, three larger white adults flanking them.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

"There they are," Ragnar says, pointing for Sinric's benefit. This must be hardly more than lights and noises for him, strange beyond description!

He reaches out to greet Lock with a touch, as well, as this is a friendly machine person who can be trusted. "Hello again," he says. "Can we sing to your little ones?"

[runningred]

Lock gives an emphatic little buzz of approval and zips off, coming back with chairs for Ragnar and Sinric, sitting them close to the hive so the little ones don't have to venture far from the hive to listen.

Sinric can't help but giggle at the little drones antics as Lock fusses at making them comfortable. "You are most kind, thank you."

Jay watches from the workshop bench, keeping an eye on the babies just in case they get over exited.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Ragnar takes a deep breath and starts singing the stanzas of the havamál that deal with hospitality, its duties and pitfalls -- it seems apt, here in Milliways.

[thewidewideworld]

The babies settle from their excited buzzing to sway slowly in the air, following the soothing rhythm of the poem.

Sinric listens too, still learning the epic in parts. This part he does recognise and mouthes along, his voice low.

[bigarmy_strangepants]

Singing this is almost meditative, even though some of the verses are slightly funny -- this is the everyday wisdom of Ragnar's people, something every child knows, words that can just leaves his mouth while his worry about the little one in question slowly ebbs.