Tentacle on 34th Street (Tinsel and Tentacles 2.0)

Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

T hey were soon on their way to Aspen Valley General, cruising down the mountain at a cautious, but steady pace. A couple of hours later, they returned, much to Alex’s delight. He was ready to prop his foot up and rest. Alex had a splint, a set of crutches, pain meds, and instructions to rest, elevate, and ice—just as he’d suspected. They could’ve waited until the following morning, just as he’d suggested.

Cryss pulled the SUV in front of the house and stopped at the massive glass door. Alex opened the door and hauled out his crutches, only for Cryss to scoop him up and carry him inside—depositing him in the movie theater.

“Why here?”

“You’re going to be down for four to six weeks. I suspect we’re going to be spending a lot of time watching movies over the next few days, at least. Might as well do it in style.” He pressed a button on the inside edge of the chair, and it reclined back, lifting Alex’s legs. He left for a moment, returning with a remote control. “I think all the streaming services are connected, and they have a movie library, too, from what I was told. Find a movie you want to watch, and I’ll be right back after I get the Land Rover in the garage and get you something to eat and drink with your pain meds.”

“Thank you.”

Cryss paused, a hint of a smile on his lips. “You’re very welcome.”

“I almost feel as if I don’t deserve all of this. I hurt you with the way I reacted to seeing the real you.”

“If I was in your shoes, I’m sure I would’ve been scared to find out the man I’d been with wasn’t who I thought he was. I can’t fault your reaction. Did it sting? Yes. But I understand it.” He leaned down, resting his arms on the back of the recliner beside Alex’s. “You know why I’m taking care of you. I won’t beat you over the head with it again. You need time to wade through your feelings and figure out where we stand.” Cryss rose. “I’ll be right back.”

Alex scanned the room a moment from his vantage point in the back row. There were five rows of reclining seats, each row eight seats long. He did the count, just to be nosy. The recliners were grouped in twos. Between every set was a black cube about armrest height. A table of sorts—perhaps to accommodate snacks and drinks? He wasn’t sure. To his left was a cube. To the right, another recliner. He hit the power on the remote, and all of the streaming services were loaded up on the big screen.

Long minutes later, Alex still hadn’t found a movie to watch. He often ran into the same problem at home. Too much to watch, yet nothing to watch. He kept glancing over his shoulder. It seemed to be taking Cryss a long time to return.

Cryss finally appeared. He had a cooler over one arm, a plate piled high with sandwiches in that hand, and a big bowl of popcorn in the other. He set the sandwiches and the popcorn on the cube beside Alex, leapt over the back of the seat, landing in the row, and set the cooler in front of the cube.

“I bring nourishment. You’ve not eaten well in days, so you’re going to eat a sandwich. There’s also some of the sides we bought from the grocery in the cooler, as well as water and sodas.” He dug Alex’s bottle of pills from his pocket and set it on the cube, as well. “You’re supposed to wait four hours from when they gave you the ones in the hospital. I suspect we’ll be off to bed by then, but just in case, they’re here.”

“Thank you,” Alex whispered.

Cryss smiled. “You don’t have to keep thanking me. I’m going to take care of you for the next six weeks or so.”

“That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t show my appreciation. You’re under no obligation to help me.”

“As your host, it’s absolutely my responsibility.”

Alex fought a smile. “That’s past our contracted period, you know. Your hostly duties end in less than two weeks.”

Cryss stared at him, face unreadable. “Do you not want me to take care of you?”

Alex met his stare. “If you’re doing it because you feel obligated, no.”

Cryss rested his bottom on the back of the recliners in the row below them. “When we first met, the word ‘mine’ slammed into my brain in your voice.”

Alex stiffened. He’d heard that in his head at the shoot when he’d looked at Cryss. The tingling sensation returned and the same roaring in his ears.

“As soon as I heard it, I knew you were mine. I’ll admit it threw me very off-balance, but at the same time, it was almost comforting. The same way I knew to breathe or blink or swallow, I knew you and I belonged together. You were hardwired into my brain.” Cryss clenched his jaw. “This is not something alien. This doesn’t happen on Nefyria. Whatever this is—I believe it to be ours, and ours alone. That’s why I’m taking care of you—because you’re mine to take care of.”

“Do you think we’ll ever know why?”

“Without returning to Nefyria, I don’t think so—which I would prefer not to do. Eons ago, our people were powerful telepaths who supposedly had strong gifts. Not all believe they had these gifts and call it fairytale. Before I met you and all of these oddities began, I was in the latter. I thought it was rubbish. Qylar believes I may be a K’tari. Which basically translates to dream walker.” Cryss shrugged. “I’ve never shown much aptitude for telepathy in my shifted form, so I don’t know why I, of anyone, would suddenly start showing signs of an old gift. Odder still that it only seems to work with you. Why you seem to have triggered it, I can’t say.” He scoffed. “Although, Qylar might be showing signs, too. He’s heard a couple of your thoughts as well.”

“What? What thoughts?”

“You wondered if he and I were arguing when you came out of your bedroom the night before Thanksgiving. And then something along the lines of wondering if Qylar was in love with me while the two of you set the table.” Cryss grinned. “Trust me, you have nothing to fear on that account. He loves me as a brother would, nothing more.”

Alex scrubbed his face with both hands. “Now I have to watch what I think around two aliens. Wonderful.”

Cryss’s smile faded. “I’m sure it feels like an invasion of your privacy and for that, I’m sorry. I wish I could just turn it off and give you that peace of mind back.”

“I believe you when you say you can’t control it. I’ll just have to try to think less loudly, perhaps.”

“Qylar says he can block others while in his other form. I can’t. I’m hoping he might figure out how to do that in this one—and then maybe give me some pointers.” Cryss scratched his beard. “I want to give you that sense of security back. That your thoughts are your own.”

“I appreciate any attempt.”

Cryss smiled before sliding into the recliner on the opposite side of the cube where the food was stacked. He tossed a handful of popcorn into his mouth before reaching into the cooler. He brought out two cans and rested them beside the plate. “What’re we watching?”

Alex couldn’t help but be disappointed Cryss was sitting so far away.

Cryss lifted his gaze from the sandwiches. “I don’t want to crowd you, Alex. I know you’re still getting used to who I really am.”

Alex held his gaze, not sure what to say.

Cryss rose. He kicked the cooler until it was sitting in front of the next cube and then leapt behind the chairs. Once the food was moved down, Cryss leapt back down and sat in the recliner immediately beside Alex. He turned and met Alex’s stare. “Better?”

Alex fought a smile. “Better.”

“I’ll ask again. What’re we watching?”

Alex eyed the screen. “I can’t pick. Nothing’s grabbing me. Maybe we should watch a Christmas movie.” Alex switched the category to holiday. “Have you ever watched Miracle on 34 th Street ? It’s another favorite.”

“No but since I live on 34 th Street and I’m a minor miracle, maybe that’s a good sign. Let’s watch.”

“You’re a minor miracle?” Alex asked before rolling his eyes.

“Your ancients revered our early travelers as gods,” Cryss murmured before grinning. “A miracle is considered the work of a higher power, correct? What higher power is there than a god?”

“Our ancients are long gone and the last time I checked, it was you who spent your time worshipping me.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Alex’s face burned hot. He felt a bit woozy, too. Oh, I think I’m starting to feel that shot they gave me. “My body, I mean.”

“Then I guess that makes you my miracle,” Cryss said, his voice almost a whisper. “One I plan to worship as often as allowed. At least daily, if I had my choice.”

Alex met Cryss’s gaze, the heat in it setting his skin on fire. “I suppose we’ll have to wait for that until I heal.” He was almost glad for the injury in that moment. It would give him some breathing room before they were intimate again. The tentacles were out of the bag, and he sensed they might start slowly making their presence known, in and out of the bedroom. He needed time to get comfortable with this new version of Cryss.

A thought whispered in his head, and he chuckled. The chuckle turned into a laugh, strong enough to eventually have his ribs aching.

Cryss stared at him, frowning. “What’s so funny?”

“You’re not the Miracle on 34 th Street. You’re the Tentacle on 34 th Street.” Alex slapped his thigh, laughing again, pleased with his own joke.

“Is this some human cultural reference that I’m missing?” Cryss asked. “I don’t get it.”

“Maybe it’s the pain meds the doctor gave me,” Alex murmured, grinning. “I’m starting to feel a little loopy.”

“Loopy is better than in pain. Eat a sandwich. You’ve barely eaten in days and here you are, drugged up on an empty stomach.” Cryss snagged the remote from him, searching for the movie.

“I can’t reach the sandwiches. You moved them.”

Cryss’s right hand separated into three. One of the tentacles disappeared, heading toward the cube with the food, and returned carrying the plate toward Alex. Cryss continued to search with the remote in his left hand, gaze locked on the screen, but Alex sensed him watching carefully from the corner of his eye. He was gauging Alex’s response.

“You said you didn’t want me to have to hide who I am,” Cryss murmured slowly, his eyes never leaving the screen. “If you want me to be who I really am with you, that means you grow accustomed to the things I can do—and the other forms my body can change into.” He slowly turned his head toward Alex. “But I’ll hide them if it makes you feel more comfortable.”

Alex stared at the tentacle waiting for him to take his sandwich. He didn’t want Cryss to hide. The man was right. He’d need to get accustomed to tentacles around him, little by little. He lifted his gaze to Cryss, reached for a half sandwich, and patted the tentacle. “Thank you.”

“It’s not a pet. You don’t have to pat its head like a puppy.”

“I regretted it the second I did it,” Alex muttered. He turned. “Pat its head? Does it have a head?”

Cryss frowned. “It was a figure of speech.”

“Just checking. For all I know, they’ve got minds of their own.”

“They’re my limbs. Just like yours, only different.” Cryss found the movie and hit Play. He also used the remote to lower the lights.

Alex sat back and practically inhaled his sandwich. He hadn’t realized just how hungry he’d been. The plate lofted by the tentacle appeared again. Alex snagged another—and ate some of the gourmet pasta salad Cryss delivered via tentacle, too. Cryss never took his gaze off the movie the entire time. He claimed they didn’t have conscious thought, but those tentacles moved almost as if they did without Cryss watching what he was doing.

Finally full for the first time in days, he sighed with contentment. The loopy sensation went away, thankfully, but a restless energy came over him. He struggled to focus on the movie. The alien beside him was much more interesting.

“Can I see one again?” Alex asked, his voice barely above a whisper. “I know I’ve seen them, but like… just hold it out for me to look at and…” Alex frowned. “Investigate.”

Cryss didn’t move for a few seconds. He didn’t say a word. Finally he paused the movie and turned up the house lights. He split his left forearm into three. He stretched the tentacles out straight—reaching two recliners down—before coiling them closer and laying them in Alex’s lap.

Alex lifted a hand to touch one but stopped near it. He flicked a gaze to Cryss. “Can I touch you?”

“Please do,” Cryss whispered, appearing almost in pain.

Alex hesitantly ran his finger over the top of the tentacle before sliding his finger under to circle a sucker. “They’re just like I remember in our dreams.”

Cryss coiled one of them around Alex’s wrist, and he stiffened, scared for a moment.

“You know I’ll never hurt you, right?”

Alex nodded. “I think I do.”

Cryss leaned in for a soft kiss.

Alex lowered his gaze and gently trailed his fingertips around one of the many suckers on the underside. An image of it sliding inside him whispered through his mind, causing his body to quicken. A low growl came from Cryss, almost sounding like a warning.

“Am I hurting you?”

“With images like that you are,” Cryss muttered.

“You see what I see, too?”

Cryss gave a faint shake to his head. “It wasn’t so much seeing it as hearing it. I know that makes no sense, but… I don’t know else to describe it. Sound waves formed an image, maybe? I don’t know… that’s not quite right, either.” He sighed. “I don’t exactly have experience with this new gift of mine.”

Alex smiled, wanly, returning to trace his fingers over the suckers when a question forcefully popped in his head. One he wasn’t sure if he wanted to ask.

“I use my sense of taste when I choose . My suckers aren’t exactly like a tongue. I can turn it off,” Cryss said, answering it. “So, have no worries about going through heroic measures of bottom cleaning beforehand.”

Alex’s face burned bright red.

“Why are you blushing so hard?” Cryss asked, grinning. “It’s natural. Every human does it. I’ve never understood the intense shame your people carry about their own bodily functions.”

“Can we please change the subject?!” Alex snapped.

Cryss snorted. “Fine.”

Alex let out a long sigh and pushed those thoughts out of his mind. He skimmed his hand over the top of the tentacle wrapped around his wrist. “I thought it would feel slimy, but it doesn’t. It feels pretty much like human skin. Skin that just had lotion rubbed into it, but skin.”

Cryss snorted. “There’s an ultrathin coating of a naturally produced lubricant on each that helps us swim and protects from infection. It causes the shine and slightly slick feeling.”

Alex lifted his fingers away and noticed a tingle to them. “Is this the same thing you use as lube?”

Cryss grinned. “No, but it’s similar. It was created to replace that coating for those who’re ill, injured, or produce less than necessary, like our elders. We found it can have other uses, as well. It’s far superior to the lubes here on Earth.”

“Well, how about that. Pre-lubed tentacles,” Alex murmured. “Why did you use the silver box in my— our — dreams if they’re already coated?”

“I can play without, but a little extra never hurts to ensure everyone feels good. Particularly since you’re not Nefyrian and your hole doesn’t come pre-lubed.”

“Would it if I was Nefyrian? In human form?”

“Yes,” Cryss murmured. “If you were a childbearer.”

“Ah,” Alex replied. He rubbed his thumb gently on the edges of a sucker. “Do you want kids someday?”

Cryss smiled brightly. “I do. Very much so. Do you?”

“I’ve always loved the idea of having a family and children. Children that would likely be adopted because gay men can’t have babies.” While Alex didn’t want to be a childbearer, the thought he’d never be able to give the man children upset him for some reason. He’d long come to terms with the fact he’d likely never father children as a gay man without having to adopt or use a surrogate, but not getting to share in that experience with Cryss felt wrong somehow. “Being with me means you wouldn’t have children. At least not children that were biologically ours.”

A pained look seemed to cross Cryss’s face, as if the thought hadn’t occurred to him. “There are other ways to become parents. If we ever reached the point of wanting to become parents, of course.”

“I grew up knowing I was gay. Well, from the time I was like twelve or thirteen. I’ve had time to get used to the fact I’d likely never father children. You haven’t had that.”

Cryss smiled wanly. “As I said, there are other ways. We have surrogates on our world, too.”

“But you’ve said you didn’t want to go back.”

Cryss stiffened. “Why don’t we table this conversation for a much, much later date. If and when the time comes, we can discuss the hows of it.”

“I’m only mentioning it because—I want to make sure you’re fully aware of what you’re walking into. Choosing to be with me might be a sacrifice you don’t want to make. Is there a possibility you could be a dad? Sure. But there’s also a chance you might not. If having your own, biological children is something that’s important to you, then maybe you should consider that. I know this bond between us feels really intense, like we’re supposed to be together, but… I don’t want to take something away from you that you really want.”

“Would I like my own, biological children? Yes. Would I like to have them with you someday? Also yes. But I understand that will never be. I’ll be perfectly fine with alternative methods when and if we’re ever ready.” Cryss caressed Alex’s cheek. “You speak of choice when it comes to being with you, as if I had one. The minute I laid eyes on you, my choice was already made. We’re preordained, baby. You and I were destined to be together.”

Alex fought a smile. Cryss leaned over and kissed him gently. Gently shifted into less than gently moments later. The need they had for one another roared back to life, their temporary separation much too long, even if it was only days. Alex hadn’t wanted to rush back into intimacy, but a few minutes of kissing changed his mind.

Cryss dragged himself away. “You need to rest your ankle. We need to stop that.”

Alex panted, not wanting to stop at all. “I suppose you’re right.”

Cryss lowered the lights and restarted the movie. Alex glared at the splint and grew angrier at himself for getting hurt.

“I’m sorry I’ve ruined our holiday by getting hurt.”

“What have you ruined? I still get to spend time with you, and now I get to take care of you, too,” Cryss murmured, capturing Alex’s gaze in the light of the movie. “Nothing’s ruined.”

Alex snuggled closer, his mind still at war with his feelings. He’d figure it all out eventually. He tried to push it all from his mind and enjoy the movie.

C ryss tossed popcorn at the screen. “Boo.” He turned to Alex. “This is one of your favorites?”

“I never said it was necessarily a favorite. I said it’s considered a Christmas classic. Almost everyone’s seen It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s referenced in pop culture all the time.” Alex turned to him. “I don’t think it’s a bad movie.”

“George Bailey wanted to get out of his small town to have a bigger life, but he’s forced to give up his dreams. He’s a people pleaser, weighed down with the wants and needs of everyone else, never fulfilling his own. Everyone in his life takes and takes and yet it’s never enough. He makes a sacrifice to save everything and is then given an hour and a half guilt trip as to why he needed to exist—and all of those reasons are that others would prosper. All of those woes are framed as his fault for not being there when none were his responsibility in the first place. George must accept his lot in life, continue to give even if he has nothing left to give. The film’s propaganda. Fuck your dreams and wants, do your duty even if it makes you want to die, and you’d best be happy about the life you’re forced to live.”

“Wow. Tell me how you really feel,” Alex murmured. “Maybe you should get out of the house for a while. Maybe sitting in here for three days has just been too much for you.”

“It hasn’t. I enjoy being with you. Cuddling with you.” He smiled. He turned back to look at the paused end credits of the movie. Cryss tossed more popcorn at the screen, frowning. “I spent most of my life trying to be the dutiful son. I never wanted any of the marriages my parents arranged for me, but I did what was expected. I sacrificed my wants and dreams for theirs.” He set the popcorn bowl aside. “I think this movie just struck a nerve.”

“I’m sorry,” Alex murmured, linking his fingers through Cryss’s. “If I’d known you’d react like that, I’d never have suggested it.”

“You couldn’t have known.”

“Look at the bright side. There are no more weddings to come. You told your parents you’re done, and now you’re free. No more sacrificing has to be done.”

Cryss eyes Alex and forced a smile. “No more sacrificing.” It had been a little over three years since they’d landed on Earth, and not once had any members of his family tried to contact him. He hadn’t spoken to another Nefyrian except the small few he knew on Earth. But he’d had a growing worry that once he’d finally found the man he loved and accepted him, that something would come to get in the way. “What are we watching next?”

“Why don’t we do something else? Start a fire in the firepit and sit outside to get some fresh air. Anything but sit in this dark room and watch another movie. It might be good for you.”

Cryss lifted their joined hands to his lips. “You might be right, my love.” He released Alex’s hand and rose to his feet. “Give me a few minutes to take out some blankets and start the fire. I’ll grab you some extra layers, too. Sit tight and I’ll be right back.”

“I have crutches. I need to use them. I can get dressed myself and meet you out there.”

Cryss didn’t like that idea at all. He liked the excuse to take care of his human. “Fine.”

Alex used the crutches to lift himself, and Cryss hovered close, worried the entire time. As the man tried to navigate the narrow space of the theater row, it became clear it wasn’t going to happen. Cryss scooped him up and jumped the row. He deposited Alex and his crutches at the door and stepped back.

“I was doing it.”

“There wasn’t enough room for you and your crutches. Now you’re free and clear.” Cryss waved a hand. “Go. Get dressed on your own. Without my assistance.”

Alex narrowed his eyes but said nothing more. He hobbled out of the theater toward the bedroom. Cryss crept out, watching his every move, ready to swoop in to save the day.

“I can feel you watching me! Go start the fire!” Alex yelled from down the hall.

Cryss scowled. He headed out and worked on their fire. Once it was roaring, he grabbed some blankets and went to check on Alex. He found the man standing in the closet without his crutches, pulling a sweater over his head.

“You’re not supposed to put any weight on that ankle for a full week,” Cryss chastised, scooping him up. He carried Alex out and set him on the bed.

“It didn’t hurt. I was fine.”

Cryss lifted his brow.

“Seriously,” Alex said.

“We never unwrapped it yesterday. We should probably peek at how swollen and bruised it is today.”

“True,” Alex murmured. He scooted back on the bed to elevate his leg and dragged up the length of his pajama pants.

Cryss knelt at the end of the bed, carefully removed the splint, and unrolled the compression bandage. He stared at Alex’s ankle, confused. Lifting his gaze, he saw that Alex was, too.

“It looks almost healed,” Alex murmured, frowning.

“They said it would take weeks for the bruises to fade,” Cryss said. He carefully tilted Alex’s ankle from side to side. The bruises were still there, but much smaller and blueish green. Alex’s bruising had been severe. Two days ago it had been so purple, it was almost black from the top of his foot to a few inches over his ankle. There was no way it could’ve healed that quickly. “It’s been four days.”

“When I was pulling my sweater on, I dropped the crutch and accidently put my foot down to support myself—and it didn’t hurt.” Alex eyed his ankle. “Maybe it wasn’t a sprain.”

“Alex, I felt your pain. It was bad enough to wake me from a dream. Two days ago, it looked like hell. It should’ve taken at least two weeks for that kind of bruising to go away.”

“Well, maybe all the super-fast healing alien cum I’ve had inside me since Thanksgiving has made me heal faster, too.”

Cryss eyed him, incredulous.

“Now if it’ll make me big and buff like you, I want some more.”

“I like you exactly as you are,” Cryss said. “But I’ll freely give you more anytime you wish.”

Alex lifted his gaze to Cryss, heat sparking in his eyes. They hadn’t had sex since Alex had returned to him, injured. He hadn’t wanted to press the man too soon after just coming to terms with him being of another world. Cryss had sensed Alex’s hesitancy to be intimate. He’d heard bits and pieces of confusion and fear, still.

They’d shared a bed, but only slept.

“Can you help me up?” Alex asked.

No. I’d rather pin you down to that bed.

“I heard that,” Alex murmured, lifting a brow.

“Sorry,” Cryss whispered. He rose and offered Alex a hand.

Alex rose unsteadily. He bore a little weight on his ankle and seemed perfectly fine. It made no sense. He removed his hand from Cryss’s and walked across the room.

“I do feel a little wobble, but otherwise, it’s practically healed.” Alex gazed down at his feet a moment before lifting to look at Cryss. “I do heal faster than others. Not fast like you, of course, but my doctors have always been surprised how quickly I’m up and moving after an injury. And like I said, it could be that it wasn’t as serious of an injury, and they got it wrong.”

“That hospital likely deals with more sprains, fractures, and breaks than most others with the ski resorts around here. I think, of anyone, they would get a diagnosis right.”

Alex shrugged. “By the looks of this, they might’ve got one wrong.”

Cryss still wasn’t convinced.

Alex walked over, a tiny bit of a limp. “You think I triggered this change in you. The telepathy. The dream walking. Maybe you’ve triggered something in me? I don’t know. There’s a fucking lot I don’t know lately. I’ll take this win and move on. I can walk again without the need to be carried everywhere.”

Cryss only frowned harder. He’d liked taking care of Alex.

Alex wrapped his arms around Cryss. “You’re just pouting because you wanted to keep taking care of me, aren’t you?”

“No.”

Alex snickered. “You’re a terrible liar.”

Cryss rolled his eyes. “We should at least wrap it again for extra support. You said there was a wobble. We don’t need you reinjuring it.”

“I can agree to that.”

“Sit,” Cryss instructed, pointing at the bed.

Alex walked over slowly and sat back down. Cryss knelt and rewrapped the compression bandage. When it was set, he lifted his focus.

“Should we but the splint back on?”

“Noooo,” Alex growled. “It’s uncomfortable.”

“I don’t want you pushing yourself too far,” Cryss said. “Or thinking you can do more than you can. The splint could save you reinjury.”

Alex scooted down the bed and sat on the edge. He placed his arms on Cryss’s shoulders. “If I promise not to push myself, take extra precautions, and be honest when I’m too tired or hurting—and let you take care of me a little—can we please leave the splint off? It keeps rubbing on my ankle bones, and it hurts. I honestly don’t think I need it.”

Cryss searched his face a few seconds. “Fine. No splint.”

“Thank you, Daddy,” Alex whispered before pressing his lips to Cryss’s.

Cryss captured the back of Alex’s head as the man pulled back, not allowing him to get too far. He held Alex’s gaze, their mouths a mere inch apart. The pent-up heat and longing and the furtive glances as they danced around the subject of renewed intimacy over the past few days was driving Cryss mad. He wanted to touch his human again. Kisses helped, but they weren’t enough. He needed Alex’s pleasure.

With his other hand, he slid behind Alex and dragged the man closer against him. Alex trembled, releasing a shaky breath. Fire burned in his eyes—but the hesitancy was still there. He saw a glimmer of fear in Alex’s eyes, and it gave him pause. He released his human’s head and leaned back, though it tore him apart to let go.

Alex leaned closer and pressed a kiss to Cryss’s lips. His human wrapped both arms around Cryss’s neck and dragged him closer. Cryss deepened the kiss, hungry for a taste of the man’s pleasures. He rose slightly, to urge Alex back onto the bed to make space for him, but the man wrapped both legs around his waist. Chuckling amid the kiss, he rose, carrying his human farther onto the bed.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing,” Cryss murmured against Alex’s lips. “That was me being pleasantly surprised at your eagerness.”

“Why are you surprised? I’ve been throwing you my best come hither stare all day. You didn’t seem to be getting the message.”

Cryss pressed Alex down onto the mattress. He rubbed his hardening cock against Alex’s belly. “Come hither stare? If you wanted me to fuck you, why didn’t you just ask me to fuck you?”

Alex frowned. “I know I hurt you with my reaction. I also know you get off on providing pleasure. I was scared you were still upset I rejected you—and didn’t want to give me any. I was trying to give you the time you needed while hopefully letting you know I was open to it whenever you were ready.”

“What made you think I was still upset?” Cryss asked.

“We’ve slept in this bed for most of a week, and you’ve never touched me. You don’t pull me into your arms like you’ve always done. You sleep on one side, and I’m all alone on the other. You grabbed me just now—and then pulled away.”

“All alone on the other side of our bed.” Cryss smiled softly. “I sensed hesitancy from you. You learning what I am was a big shock. I saw fear in your eyes, and that’s why I pulled back. I didn’t want to push you to do something you’re afraid to do.”

“I am afraid,” Alex murmured, his voice low.

Cryss met his stare, heart breaking.

“I also want to be with you again, and the want far outpaces the fear. I know we were together in our dreams, and we fucked with your tentacles out—but doing it in real life might not be exactly the same. We might not be exactly the same. What if it hurts? What if I don’t like it? What if it doesn’t feel good for you?” Alex frowned. “What if I hurt you so much that it’s changed between us, and you don’t want to stick around?”

“Baby, I’ve been right here all along. Taking care of you. Snuggling with you. Kissing you. Wanting you. I want to stick around.” Cryss pressed his lips to Alex’s briefly. “Yes, your reaction stung, but I’ve already told you I understood. I expected far worse. I’ve been tormented at the thought of you walking away and not wanting me. But that didn’t happen. You’re here. Willing to let me love you.” He smiled, brushing back Alex’s hair from his forehead. “That willingness to see me as a man and as your lover—not a monster to fear—that healed any remaining sting left.”

Alex smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”

“If you’d rather the tentacles stay away— for now —they can remain hidden. Our first time can be like all the times before it.”

“Actually… I have a question for you.”

Cryss lifted a brow. “Okay.”

“That first night. Before Thanksgiving. When you gave me that first anal orgasm. I thought your fingers felt odd. Impossibly long. But I was so lost to the passion I barely cared and even wondered if it was my own imagination. I just wanted to come, so I pushed the thought aside.” Alex paused a moment, searching his face. “Was that a little bit of tentacle?”

Cryss offered a sheepish smile. “Maybe just a little.”

Alex gasped. “I thought so.”

“In my defense, I’d just watched you get off on a tentacle that looked a little bit like one of mine and I was weaving a little tentacle fantasy in your ear to get you off. I lost a little control. I’m sorry.”

Alex smiled. “I’m not. Knowing that I’ve already experienced a little of that side of you actually makes it a little easier to try again.”

“Oh?” Cryss asked, grinning.

“It didn’t hurt. It felt amazing. You felt amazing, both sides of you,” Alex whispered. “I want to feel that again.”

Cryss’s smile faded, the intense need to see Alex screaming with pleasure again taking over. He leaned in, capturing Alex’s mouth, ready to take them both over the edge in one another’s arms.