by Nico Jaye
And at night, they’d kiss.
Edwin loved kissing Trick. It was one of his favorite things to do in the whole world. He had lost count of the ways, but he believed Trick. Edwin could kiss him a million ways and never get enough.
They’d kiss and touch, and Edwin would reach heights of pleasure he’d never before known. Trick’s hands on him could set his pulse racing. Trick’s lips on him made it stutter.
He’d loved taking Trick into his mouth and feeling Trick’s excitement and arousal. The impressions Edwin had received from that intimate touch had been startling and new, and he wasn’t sure how he would ever let go of them.
But let go he must, as was evident after a conversation with his mother later that week.
Trick had gone off to meet with one of his old professors. He had called it “networking,” but Edwin couldn’t see what meeting someone had to do with those computer machines. Edwin, who had essentially moved into Trick’s little West Village apartment, was about to leave the cozy studio to meet him when Edwin’s communicator activated.
It was a communication he had been both anticipating and dreading, and sure enough, after the typical pleasantries were exchanged, the topic he feared arose.
“Oh, Edwin, I’m so happy things have worked out for your charge. Have you any idea when you’ll return?”
Edwin looked into the expectant face reflected in his communicator and tried to hide his troubles from his gaze. “I’ve already left my job—my doo, that is—so it will be soon. I would like to spend the holiday here, though. I gather Christmas is a joyous event for mortals, one spent with friends and family, and Trick has been alone for the past several years on that day.”
“Certainly, Edwin, but we’ll expect you after that, yes? Your friends and family here in Paravale miss you.”
Edwin thought of his younger brothers and sister, Elwood, Emory, and Eriel. He missed them too, though he would wager he’d miss Trick even more once he departed New York. Already he could feel his stomach going queasy at the thought.
“Edwin?”
Meeting Estella’s gaze, Edwin caught a shrewd look in her eyes that was masked with polite inquiry. It crossed her expression so quickly he wasn’t sure if he’d imagined it. Eventually, Edwin nodded, resigned. “Yes, I will return then.”
So it was that Edwin promised to return to the land of Paravale—and the unknown suitors and potential lifemates his mother undoubtedly had lined up for him. The day loomed ominously on the horizon, but Edwin resolved to enjoy his last days here with Trick to the best of his ability.
One day, they set up a Christmas tree in Trick’s apartment. It was a small thing at first, and when Edwin magicked it into a gorgeously full one that brushed the ceiling, Trick’s eyes shone with amazement. Edwin loved that look. They decorated the tree with small bits of ribbon, ornaments Trick found at a nearby shop, and decorations Edwin provided by transforming everyday items.
A metal paperclip turned into a sparkly snowflake.
Cotton balls turned into tufts of snow.
A plastic knife became an icicle.
It was a joyous time, and Edwin came to love the holiday season that mortals held so dearly.
Sometimes, though, Edwin would catch sight of the glances Trick sent his way. Oftentimes they were contented, soft looks, but occasionally a concerned one would pass over his expression. Edwin couldn’t be sure of what Trick knew or didn’t, but he wanted to preserve the happy looks and keep them in his heart forever. He delayed telling Trick of his plans to return to Paravale until the last possible moment.
More and more, Edwin wished he could delay the telling until forever.
RATHER THAN allow Edwin to transform foodstuffs as he had done for Thanksgiving, Trick had insisted on cooking their Christmas dinner. Although Trick admitted baked lasagna wasn’t traditional by any means, Edwin was quite satisfied with the hearty meal.
“You’d like anything if it came drenched in tomato sauce,” Trick teased. He wore a pleased little smile, nonetheless.
“And cheese,” Edwin added. “Let us not forget the cheese.”
“Heaven forbid, no,” Trick said dramatically. They shared a smile, and Trick stood, gathering the plates and bringing them to soak in the sink with the pan. After shutting off the faucet, Trick cocked his head toward the tree and waggled his brows. “C’mon, I have something for you.”
Edwin’s eyes went wide. He’d learned about having the tree after asking Trick about the large one that stood beside the ice-skating rink, but a gift too? Was there another aspect of Christmas of which he’d been unaware?
Reaching out, Trick grabbed a small box that was balanced on a branch at shoulder height. Wrapped in silver foil and trailing blue and green ribbons, it looked like nothing Edwin had ever seen in Trick’s possessions. How had Trick even found the time with all of his other obligations?
“Here,” Trick said softly, extending his hand toward Edwin. “This is for you.”
Taking the box, Edwin sat on the couch and glanced at Trick, who moved to sit beside him. “I’m afraid I don’t have anything for you. My apologies, Trick, but I didn’t know.”
Trick shook his head and gave him a fond smile. “You’ve already given me so much, Edwin.”
Edwin returned the warm look, then looked down at the package. The silver was reflective, and there was a slight hologram to the surface, causing it to shine in prismatic swirls. He had an excited flutter in his belly. A gift! He hadn’t received one since his birthday in the summer. At Paravale they exchanged small gifts during the Kindtidings Festus, but that would not take place for several more months.
After tugging the ribbon free, Edwin carefully set it aside and peeled open the wrapper. The box within was square and white, giving no hint to what was inside.
“What is it?” Edwin asked with a curious glance at Trick.
“Go ahead and open it.”
When Edwin lifted the lid to look inside, his eyes went wide.
Nestled on a cottony white bed was a vial of fairy dust. Pink and gently sparkling, the dust-filled bottle was in the shape of a tiny teardrop, and when Edwin picked it up, a delicate silver chain trailed out of the box.
Edwin swallowed hard. He had been so enchanted by the fairy shop they’d visited what felt like eons ago, and Trick had remembered. He had remembered and given Edwin this precious gift—made even more precious because of the memories.
“Just a little something,” Trick said softly. “The pink reminded me of cotton candy, and I… I wanted you to have something to remember me by.”
Trick’s words took on a strange tone, and Edwin looked up to search his gaze. What he saw there was unsettling for a holiday that was meant to be joyous.
“Trick, I—”
“I know you must be leaving soon,” Trick said in a rush of words. “You’ve gotten so good at your magic stuff, and I…. My shit’s pretty much going my way thanks to you, and I figured they’d be calling you back to fairy godfather land soon.”
“Paravale,” Edwin murmured. He set aside the necklace and sat forward, taking Trick’s hands. Edwin took a deep breath. “And I’ll be returning tomorrow.”
Trick’s hands jerked in his grasp. “Tomorrow?” he asked, staring at Edwin. “So soon?”
“I—yes.”
“Fuck, Edwin.” Trick stood abruptly and raked his hands through his hair. “You didn’t think to tell me?” The expression on Trick’s face reflected hurt, and Edwin’s gut twisted to think he’d caused it.
“I… I didn’t want—” Words failed Edwin as he watched Trick pace restlessly, and all Edwin could do was hang his head. “I’m sorry.”
Trick stopped his movements and sucked in a breath, then blew it out slowly. When he turned back to Edwin, the smile on his face didn’t reach his eyes. “I mean, I knew you would be going, I knew it had to happen eventually, and you couldn’t be in training forever. I just didn’t know it would be so soon. I really lo—like having you here and spending tim
e with you,” Trick said, returning to his seat beside Edwin. He brushed a hand over Edwin’s brow and traced his features with his gaze. “I’ll miss you.”
Edwin swallowed thickly and reached for Trick’s hand. “I’ll miss you too.” Leaning in, Edwin brushed his lips against Trick’s sad smile. “I’m sorry. I’ve ruined your holiday, and that was the last thing I wanted to do.”
“Not ruined,” Trick said, shaking his head. He moved back on the couch, and when Edwin shifted to join him, Trick leaned against him with a sigh. “I’ve spent the last ten Christmases alone, and it’s just really nice to have you here. I’m glad you’re here.”
Nodding, Edwin rubbed his cheek against Trick’s head. “As am I.”
The air was still for a while. Trick looked up, uncertainty in his movements, until he finally spoke. “Will you come back?”
Edwin’s lips parted. He wasn’t sure of the answer—wasn’t sure if he could. Eventually, he gave Trick an apologetic look. “I don’t know.”
Trick nodded, seeming to expect such a response.
After a moment, Trick squared his shoulders and sat up straight. “Well, if this is your last night here, I’m not gonna spend it fucking moping.”
“No?” Edwin asked with a hesitant smile.
“No way,” Trick said as he got to his feet. “So here’s what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna devour that apple pie in the oven, and then I’m gonna make out with you until you forget your own name.”
Edwin had to smile as he watched Trick bustle around the kitchen for a trivet and forks.
That was something he admired about Trick—his ability to adapt to what life threw at him. He had been through so much, and his spirit hadn’t ever faltered. He was worthy, and Edwin was proud of everything Trick had achieved. He would be okay once Edwin was gone.
Trick was strong. He had to be okay.
They shared the apple pie at the tiny table where they’d shared many a meal. It was sweet—both the pie and the memories of their times together.
Afterward, Trick took Edwin’s hands and stepped into his embrace. Standing in the circle of Edwin’s arms, Trick cupped his jaw and pressed a kiss to his lips.
The kiss was soft and deep, sweet and devouring. It was a study of contrasts, just like Trick with his sharp edges and hidden kindnesses. Edwin wanted this kiss with every piece of his soul. He wanted to hold Trick and kiss him and never say good-bye.
As Trick walked them toward the sleeping alcove, never breaking the kiss, Edwin ran his hands over Trick’s body. He slid them under Trick’s sweater and untucked his T-shirt, then traced the dip of Trick’s back with his fingertips. Trick shuddered against him, his lips parting.
Edwin felt the bed behind his knees and sat, pulling Trick toward him and reclining them both onto the softness of the duvet. Trick was exploring Edwin’s body with his hands, his lips, his own body, and when Trick began to mouth at the skin behind Edwin’s ear, a charged rush flowed through Edwin’s blood, his groin and nipples going tight with the contact.
“Trick,” Edwin groaned, arching his back and only feeling the air in response. He needed something more.
“I got you,” Trick whispered, nuzzling down Edwin’s jaw. He palmed Edwin’s crotch, and Edwin gasped, pushing up and seeking contact even though his slacks and briefs were between them.
Trick slanted a kiss over Edwin’s mouth, his tongue exploring as his hand took a firm grip on Edwin’s dick. Edwin let his own hands wander, smoothing over Trick’s skin under the layers of his clothing and sliding them upward until they caught under Trick’s arms.
Breaking the kiss, Trick sat back and peeled his shirts off in one motion. His chest, with its gentle definition and smooth pale skin, invited Edwin to touch. Edwin reached up, and he found Trick’s nipples, rubbing them slowly and bringing forth a gasp from Trick.
“C’mon, let me see you,” Trick murmured.
Trick undid the buttons on Edwin’s cream-colored cardigan and pulled it away. With careful, deliberate movements, Trick undressed him, pulling off Edwin’s striped polo, dark pants, and thick socks, until he lay nearly bare before him, his length straining against his white briefs. Casting a heated glance his way, Trick stood and took off his jeans and undergarments, giving Edwin a quick glimpse of Trick’s aroused cock before he knelt onto the bed and slid his body up along Edwin’s.
Edwin moaned. The feeling of Trick’s shaft catching against his through the thin cotton was enough to send a rush of heat straight to his cock.
Their mouths met, and Edwin kissed Trick, desperate for the taste of him. Trick’s undulations above him had Edwin gasping into Trick’s mouth and pushing his torso up toward Trick’s naked skin.
When Trick began trailing kisses down his neck and his chest, then brushed his lips against Edwin’s lower belly, Edwin’s breaths grew ragged. He wanted Trick’s mouth on him. He wanted Trick’s mouth everywhere. And he wanted to do the same to Trick.
“Have to taste you,” Trick said softly. He nuzzled the skin on Edwin’s abdomen, causing the fuzz there to prickle, then ran his tongue along the waistband of Edwin’s briefs, which sent a shiver down Edwin’s spine.
With a wicked look at Edwin, Trick tugged the undergarment down, freeing Edwin’s stiffened cock to the cooler winter air. Trick licked a stripe along the underside, and Edwin hissed at the contact, bucking up and wanting more. Grinning, Trick hurriedly pulled Edwin’s briefs off and bent his head again, taking Edwin into his mouth.
Edwin’s eyes shut briefly at the sensations, which were as heady and delightful as they’d been every time Trick had kissed him so intimately. Not wanting to miss the sight of Trick giving him such pleasure, he looked down again and brushed Trick’s dark hair back with gentle hands.
Trick first sucked at the tip, lavishing attention with his tongue and soft kisses around the crown. When Trick then took him in, swallowing down until his lips reached the base of Edwin’s cock, Edwin let out a shuddering gasp, his grip tightening in the short waves of Trick’s hair.
“Trick,” Edwin said breathily.
Slowly, Trick pulled back, releasing him from his mouth with a wet pop. He buried his nose into Edwin’s groin, then slid upward, his hand coming up to cover Edwin’s slick cock. He massaged it as he pressed against Edwin, lifting his head to mouth kisses up Edwin’s chest.
“Edwin, I want to be with you.” Trick’s breath was warm against Edwin’s skin.
“You are with me,” Edwin managed to reply, his hips moving up with each caress of Trick’s hand.
“I mean, I want you inside me. I want you to be a part of me.” Trick lifted his head and watched Edwin with hooded eyes. Taking Edwin’s hand, Trick brushed it against the rounded curve of his ass and held it there. “I want to be as close as we can possibly be together.”
Edwin searched Trick’s gaze, which was dark with arousal. He thought he knew what Trick was implying, but Trick’s hesitation obviously meant Edwin needed to voice his consent to the proposal.
Such an act was new for him. He’d never done this, but then again, he’d never done any of the things he and Trick had done, which had all been dizzying in their pleasure. He appreciated the closeness he shared with Trick in those moments, and he was ready for them to share that togetherness in this new experience.
“I want to be with you too, Trick. I trust you.”
Grasping Trick’s backside with both hands, Edwin rocked upward, bringing their two cocks together in a heated slide. Trick gasped, his lids dropping shut for a moment, before he lifted his hands to cradle Edwin’s jaw. Bending forward, he kissed Edwin. Their tongues tangled in wet and sinuous movements, and Edwin couldn’t help pressing upward, seeking friction against Trick’s body.
“Me too,” Trick breathed against Edwin’s lips. “Me too.”
Trick twisted to the side, his body stretching in a glorious display of skin and taut muscles, and reached for a wooden box sitting on the small dresser beside the bed. He felt around inside for a moment and
returned with a bottle of liquid and a square packet.
Edwin gave them a curious look, but he trusted Trick. If these things were necessary, then he was happy Trick had them at hand.
“So it’ll feel good,” Trick murmured. He flipped the cap open on the liquid and poured a generous amount onto his fingers. “It’s been a while for me.”
After scooting a little closer, Trick sat up on his haunches. He reached back, and Edwin felt Trick brush against his knuckles where Edwin still held on to Trick’s rounded cheeks. Watching Trick’s face, Edwin was fascinated to see the play of expressions that passed across his fine features.
The widened eyes, the opened mouth, then the bit lip—he wanted to be part of this experience for Trick.
Edging his hands inward, Edwin touched Trick’s wrist where it rested at the top of his crease. Tracing his way downward, Edwin felt along Trick’s palm until he reached two of Trick’s finely boned fingers.
The other two….
Edwin’s eyes went wide when he felt them. Trick’s fingers were inside himself, pressing in and out at a smooth pace.
Edwin’s gaze flew up to Trick’s, and he saw a smile curl on Trick’s lips.
“Are you…?” Edwin didn’t know precisely what he was asking, but he knew he loved the look on Trick’s face. The one that said he was deriving great pleasure from what they were doing.
“Getting myself ready,” Trick murmured. “For us.”
Blinking up at Trick, Edwin took in his parted lips and ragged breathing. He ran his hand along Trick’s, feeling Trick’s skin stretched around his fingers. Edwin’s gasp echoed Trick’s when Trick slid another finger inside of himself.
Edwin wanted to do that to Trick. He wanted to make those breathy little gasps escape his throat. He wanted that subtle rocking of Trick’s hips to be for him.
“Can I…?”