FIC: Evening (7/7 | The 13th Warrior AU)

[mlyn.livejournal.com]

Evening
Chapter 7/7
Chapter rated NC-17

*****

Herger walked into the rear entrance of the hotel and stomped his boots, trying to get off most of the snow before he entered the lobby. As he stripped off his layers, Edgar came in behind him, doing the same thing.

Smells of mulling spices and hot food emanated from the bar area, just inside the foyer. It was likely that Heath had partaken of both. Herger grinned and sat down to take off his boots, trying to make his numb fingers go faster.

"Save me some," Edgar said as Herger got up and padded into the hallway.

First thing first. Herger went straight to the bar and ordered a mug of mulled wine and hot venison stew, with the food to be delivered to his chair. He waited for the mug and took it with him.

Heath was stretched out on a sofa in front of the fireplace that dominated the center of the room. He appeared to be asleep, and there were dirty dishes and mugs on the table in front of him.

Ahmed was sitting in an armchair next to him, looking at a big coffee table book about a Viking-era horde found near the ski resort. The hotel had the book out for loan. Herger pulled up another armchair next to his and cleared some space on the table for himself. Edgar, close behind him, just nudged Heath's feet out of his way and took the end of the couch.

"Hei," Ahmed said.

Herger looked over at him, smiling, but was surprised to see Ahmed's face flushed and his eyes bright. His head didn't look entirely steady on his shoulders.

"Oh no," he laughed. "How much have you had?"

Edgar looked over, smirked, and looked at Heath. "Probably not as much as him."

"Four or five," Ahmed said. He was definitely slurring.

"Oh god. Of what? Have you had anything to eat?" His own drink forgotten, Herger picked up the empty mug nearest Ahmed and sniffed.

"Just ciders. We had some sandwiches, too." Ahmed caught Herger's sleeve and pulled. Herger put the mug down and turned, only to see Ahmed lean in for a kiss.

"Oye, come on. Not here." Herger turned his head, but Ahmed just nuzzled into his neck. Edgar was laughing.

"Then where?" Ahmed breathed into his ear. The familiar sound of Ahmed's inviting whisper made Herger tense with arousal.

The waitress brought Herger's stew. Herger gently nudged Ahmed back into his seat and accepted the dish, then waited while the waitress cleared the table of empties and departed again.

"So, what brought this on?" Herger gestured toward the departing waitress and the mugs she carried.

"Phone call." Ahmed stretched his arms behind his head.

Herger thought immediately of the news Ahmed had been waiting weeks to receive. "The American publisher?"

Ahmed nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "They're sending a check for the advance. I have eight months to prepare a manuscript."

Herger and Edgar both let out exclamations of surprise and happiness. Herger put his hand on Ahmed's knee and squeezed meaningfully. "That is reason to celebrate. I'm very proud."

"Speaking of news, have you heard anything about Wendel?" Edgar asked.

Herger shook his head. "Nothing after he dropped the charges against Ahmed." He smiled at his spouse, who was only giving half his attention. "It turns out that standing up to him does work sometimes."

"If only you'd known that earlier." Edgar looked at Ahmed, and clearly was searching for some way to include Ahmed in the conversation. Finally he smiled and said, "Are you sure you don't want to try learning to ski? We went all over. The snow is perfect for learning."

"Nnnh." Ahmed's dissent was clear, if not an actual word. "I do not enjoy snow."

"Ah, we knew that," Edgar chuckled. "But I thought you might have changed your mind." Herger had recounted to all his friends the story of how Ahmed had been walking home from work and gotten a dose of snow down his collar when it had slid off the awning of a restaurant. What Herger hadn't shared was how he'd gotten Ahmed warm and dry again.

"It's nice if you've got good clothes on. Fun to play in." Herger carefully took a spoonful of stew, and found it just the right temperature. He took another spoonful.

"I can think of other ways to have fun." And Herger nearly bobbled his soup as Ahmed's hand crept onto his upper, inner thigh. Edgar started laughing again.

"God in heaven." Herger dropped his spoon back into the bowl and caught Ahmed's hand before it could reach its destination, then promptly pressed his legs together. "If you can't control yourself, I'm taking you upstairs."

Ahmed merely arched an eyebrow, brown eyes twinkling.

"At least let me finish eating," Herger finished with a grumble.

While Herger worked on his soup—determinedly keeping Ahmed's hands away from any sensitive areas—Edgar roused Heath and persuaded him to go for a walk outside around the hotel to clear his head. While Heath was sleepily pulling on his outerwear, Edgar worked out a plan with Herger. Herger could take Ahmed upstairs for a nap—or whatever, Edgar added with a grin—and Edgar would pass the afternoon reading in the lounge. Heath could read or go back to his room for a nap as well. They could all meet in the restaurant for dinner at seven.

"Sounds good," Herger said. "And if I want to get out again before nightfall, I'll text you." It was not yet three, so he had some time before dusk fell.

Edgar nodded, said a friendly goodbye to Ahmed, and propelled Heath toward the exit.

"Let's go upstairs," Ahmed said as soon as they were out of earshot. He put his hand on Herger's back and stroked up his spine through his sweater, his touch a bit too heavy and lingering to be strictly appropriate. "'M not drunk. I'm fine."

"Ha. I can judge for myself." Herger polished off his soup and checked his beard for any drippings, then finished off his wine.

"'M I embarrassing you?"

"No!" Herger turned, looking fully at Ahmed's slightly worried face. "Well, maybe a little," he amended with a grin. "But Edgar's good about it."

"Maybe I should lie down." Ahmed was serious now, and averted his gaze. Herger felt bad for taking away Ahmed's fun.

"Hush." Herger risked a quick kiss, and enjoyed the taste of cider on Ahmed's lips. "I'll come up with you." He stood and quickly gathered his coat, scarf and hat, and went out to the foyer to get his boots. By the time he came back to the chairs, Ahmed had gathered his coat. Together they headed for the elevators, Herger in his stocking feet.



Their room was on the fourth floor, just across the hall from the two single rooms Edgar and Heath had. Ahmed had the door unlocked before Herger could fish out his keycard. While Ahmed wandered inside, Herger put his boots on a low rack just inside the door and hung up his coat and accoutrements on the pegs above.

Ahmed filled a glass with water from the bathroom and was drinking deeply. Herger sat and skinned off his snow pants, leaving his layer of long underwear and thick double layer of socks. Thinking of a nap for himself, he then pulled his Dale sweater overhead, followed by his silk thermal turtleneck.

"Like unwrapping a present." The bed dipped behind Herger. Ahmed pressed a kiss to his shoulder, his mouth scratchy with stubble.

Herger smiled. "A sweaty, smelly present?" He peeled off his socks next.

"Nope." As if to confirm, Ahmed pushed his nose behind Herger's ear. The warm breath tickling his hair made shivers travel down Herger's neck.

Herger had found Ahmed's shift from an anxious, backward-looking fugitive to this sensual, self-confident man fascinating to observe, particularly since their impromptu marriage. Ahmed was already what Herger wanted in a boyfriend—partner, mate—whatever you wanted to call it. He was giving yet receptive, fair and logical, emotional yet rational. And wholly, unabashedly passionate.

However, the lowered inhibitions of his inebriated state had created a level of ardor Herger hadn't seen in him before. He was becoming very nearly frantic.

Herger turned his head and caught Ahmed's mouth in a deep kiss, falling back onto the bed with Ahmed bending over him. Ahmed immediately moved to straddle his legs, jeans brushing coarsely against Herger's long underwear.

Ahmed didn't kiss him for very long, his hot wet mouth soon sliding away to nip at Herger's throat, then collarbone, then nipple. He jerked, groaning, and felt Ahmed renew his concentration, licking and sucking with intent. At the same time, Ahmed ground his hips down, trying to find some friction, although the jeans hampered him.

Herger reached for his shoulders and tried to pull his sweater up. Ahmed wasn't paying any attention. He slid backwards, hands running down Herger's sides, and stopped at the waistband of his long underwear. Herger had on nylon briefs underneath, but even that wasn't much fabric between his skin and Ahmed.

And then Ahmed put his mouth on Herger's cock, tongue and lips wetting the fabric around the outline of him, hot breath making the fabric cling. Herger felt blood surge to his dick, making it harden in seconds. He felt dizzy.

"God, Ahmed—" he arched his hips as best he could, uncaring of the fact that he was still partly clothed. Ahmed's mouth felt too good to make him stop.

Ahmed moaned and sucked harder, drawing the cloth-covered head of Herger's cock into his mouth. Herger hissed and reached down to the waistband of his underwear.

Ahmed's fingers got there first, and he finally leaned back and pulled the last of Herger's clothing off. Kneeling on the floor, he went directly back to Herger's cock, sucking it into his mouth with a soft moan.

Herger let his head fall back and closed his eyes. His attention went to the sounds and feel of Ahmed's mouth, the gentle moans in concert with the wet sounds of tongue and lips. He loved this, but more than that, he loved that Ahmed loved it. He felt his arousal rapidly growing, making his breaths come faster, panting. He moved his hips faster, thrusting deeper. "Ahmed—yes…"

Ahmed lifted his head. "Herger, I want—"

"Ja." He could get behind that idea.

Ahmed scrambled up and Herger went into the bathroom for some lube and a condom. When he came back out, Ahmed had just finished kicking off his jeans. He looked up at Herger and grinned, relaxed and eager and just happy.

Herger chuckled and went over to him, wrapping his arms around Ahmed's waist and lowering his head to nuzzle his throat. Their hips fit together perfectly, erections fitting together with an easy glide. Ahmed gasped quietly and pressed his hips harder against Herger's, trying for friction.

Herger rocked against him and drew his mouth up Ahmed's neck to his ear. Just the feel of Ahmed against him kept the arousal ramped up. He bit Ahmed's earlobe gently. Ahmed groaned a little. Herger kissed under his ear. "Love you," he murmured into his curly hair.

Ahmed's hands touched low on Herger's back, resting on the curve of his ass. "Herger…"

"So impatient." Herger gave a mock sigh and withdrew far enough to kiss Ahmed firmly. He handed the lube to Ahmed, who backed up and got on the bed, then Herger unwrapped the condom.

A few minutes of preparation, and then he withdrew his lube-slicked fingers and kissed Ahmed again, then moaned as Ahmed reached down and took him in hand, directing him. Herger positioned himself at Ahmed's loosened entrance and pressed in slowly, the passage easy.

He got most of the way inside Ahmed, then paused and leaned down to kiss Ahmed's lips again. "You okay?"

"Of course." Ahmed nipped at his mouth and flexed the muscles stretched around Herger's cock. "C'mon."

Without saying anything, Herger quickly pushed the rest of the way into Ahmed's body, until his balls brushed Ahmed's ass. Ahmed tilted his head back, dark hair brushing the sheets, his throat working silently.

Herger had thought about taking this slowly, making Ahmed feel more relaxed and calm, but watching Ahmed's reaction changed his mind. Seeing Ahmed aroused had never yet failed to turn Herger on, hard. He took hold of Ahmed's thighs, to hold them both steady, and then he started fucking him in earnest.

"Nng—Herger—" Ahmed arched his back, his hands going to Herger's forearms and gripping them tightly. "Yes, please—"

"This what you wanted?" Herger shortened his thrusts to quick little movements.

Ahmed cried out and reached for his cock between them. He lifted his head, staring fiercely at Herger as he stroked his cock in a blur. "Yes—"

Herger moaned, feeling his balls tighten as he watched Ahmed jerking himself off. His muscles burned and sweat dripped down his back. He fell over him onto his hands, bracing on all fours, driving his hips down and his cock into Ahmed's body. He couldn't move as fast this way, but he could thrust harder and deeper, and felt Ahmed's hand moving against his stomach.

"Ah, god—" Ahmed reached up and grabbed a fistful of pillow. "So deep."

Herger moaned. He was nearing the end of his stamina for this pace, but this felt so good, sinking into Ahmed's body and watching him writhe.

Ahmed lifted his head, and Herger lowered his, and they kissed, but it was messy and unsteady. Ahmed broke away and whispered, "I'm close."

"Me too. Ahmed—" Herger gritted his teeth and closed his eyes, concentrating. The tightening spread to his ass and stomach, and he thrust once more, stopping when he felt Ahmed's body clench around him as Ahmed cried out. Herger didn't move, letting the waves of Ahmed's orgasm move with him, too, the muscles of Ahmed's ass clenching and releasing around Herger's cock. Then the sensation of his own orgasm rose up and swamped him, holding him for endless pulsing seconds until he was wrung out and empty.

Ahmed's hands were on his back and neck, pulling him down to lay flat, guiding his head to rest on his shoulder. Herger nuzzled into Ahmed's collarbone, kissed it lazily, and closed his eyes.

He must have dozed for a minute, because the next thing he noticed was Ahmed shifting with a sound of discomfort. Herger lifted his head and opened his eyes, whispering "Unnskyld" as he tried to move gently.

"It's okay." But Ahmed winced as Herger pulled out. Herger made an apologetic face and went to get a washcloth.

He cleaned the lube from Ahmed's ass first, then used the clean side of the cloth and wiped the semen from Ahmed's chest and hand. Ahmed could do this himself, of course, but Herger liked taking care of him, and it seemed to amuse Ahmed to be serviced. Dynamics aside, it meant Herger could take the opportunity to subtly rub Ahmed's nipple with the cloth as he finished.

Ahmed grinned, then stretched as Herger went back to the bathroom. "I'm hungry," he said, raising his voice for the sound to carry.

"Wonder why." It was good, though—Ahmed no longer sounded as drunk, and food would help with any lingering effects. But it was only four now, far too early for dinner. He heard Ahmed getting into the minibar, and the rustle of snack food wrapping.

Coming out of the bathroom, he went to where Ahmed was standing by the mini refrigerator, wearing a little pair of black briefs and munching on a bar of chocolate. He wrapped his arms around him from behind. Ahmed lifted the candy bar over his shoulder and Herger took a bite.

"You got what you want," Herger said through a mouthful of chocolate. "How about you come outside with me? Just until dinner."

"Oh, you enjoyed that in no way?" Ahmed snorted, but twisted the wrapping of the candy bar around the remainder and put it back in the fridge. He opened the closet and started pulling out the spare set of outerwear, including his own Dale sweater. Herger smiled and went back to the pile of clothes he'd been wearing—putting on a fresh set of long underwear. Finally they pulled on boots and Herger led the way out of the room.

As they stepped out into the brisk wind and expanse of white snow, Ahmed hunched into his collar and adjusted his scarf, looking over at Herger. "You know I'm just doing this for you."

Herger smiled and started down the plowed sidewalk, a path that would lead into the woods and on a nice, easy walk. He already knew it was quiet and peaceful; the perfect way to spend the rest of his private time with Ahmed. "I know."

When they were away from the busiest areas of the hotel, Herger held out his gloved hand, and smiled when Ahmed took it.

*****

To amuse myself, I downloaded a few photos that are appropriate for this fic.

Panoramic view of the Oslo waterfront. Aker Brygge is the collection of dark gray buildings leading off the left hand side of the photo. You can also see City Hall with the twin towers, and in the foreground is the grassy grounds and wall of Akershus Festning.

Some of the large public art outside of City Hall at the waterfront.

The photo of Wendel that Herger kept by his bed. NSFW. The story behind this is that when they first started dating, Herger thought Wendel should be immortalized in black & white, so he hired a professional photographer for a very special *cough* shoot.