FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

The door opened with a buzz of the magnetic key and a small raccoon wearing a trim porter uniform stepped into the room.

"Your chalet, mister Pennanox." the porter said in a cheery voice that seemed a bit forced. "I hope it is to your liking."

A black anthro dragon stepped inside the chalet, glancing around at the elegantly furnished room with a blank, tired stare. It was still only early afternoon, but already he felt drained. Wordlessly, he walked through the living space towards the bedroom and beyond. The great wings at his back that was usually folded neatly against his sides now drooped as if he had flown all the way here, and his thick tail dragged behind him lifelessly. The only indication that he was even aware of his surroundings was when he ducked his head to step out onto the balcony so as to not bump the ivory horns on his head against the door frame.

The porter followed, carrying the dragon's travel case and a depositing it at the foot of the king-sized bed. There was an awkward silence as the raccoon looked at the dragon where he was staring sightlessly out at the lovely view of high cliffs that dropped into a sparkling sea. The porter caught himself staring and looked away, only to catch sight of a pair of roses tied together with a golden band that lay invitingly in the centre of the bed. Though originally from Earth, these flowers had become a celestially recognized symbol, and the porter felt the burning desire to say something, but everything he could think of felt inadequate.

"Is ... is there anything I can assist ...?"

"No, I'm good, thank you." the dragon muttered sounding as tired as he looked. He fished out a wallet and retrieved a tip for the poor porter that had tried to make his arrival as pleasant as possible, yet failed miserably. "Now please, I would like to be left alone."

"Y-yes sir." the porter bowed and fled.

The dragon barely noticed; instead he saw a strip of glossy paper that was in his wallet. Almost automatically, he pulled it out to have a look at it. On it there was four images, each of him with another, slightly smaller blue dragon in different poses: The image at the top shown the two sitting in a booth with serious expressions, unsure what was about to happen; Then the blue licks the side of the black's muzzle; In the third image the two were exuberant with laughter and the final picture showed the two engaged in a passionate kiss.

He remembered that vacation to planet Earth with fondness. Most of their friends had tried to persuade them not to go, but to their pleasant surprise, most of the humans were not as intolerant as the rumours had said. True, they had experienced a lot of issues with racism and even once there was a incident of homophobia, but overall they felt very welcome on the planet.

Then his mood soured again. An irritated tendril of smoke curled out of one nostril and he crumpled the strip of photos before tossing the ruined memories into the dustbin. The dragon crumpled to the bed with more smoke now freely escaping his snout and finally he started to cry.

***

"What do you mean you cannot find my reservation?" the human asked, his tone somewhere between distraught and defeated. "I was assured that my booking was changed successfully. Here is the confirmation letter I was sent."

The receptionist, a blue and purple human-like creature known as an althean, glanced at the offered document and typed the reference code into the computer before her. The bronze name-tag that read 'C. Ceaeiele Receptionist' flashed in the fluorescent light that seemed harsher on the human's eyes than it should have been.

"I'm so sorry, sir." she said. "Our records indicate that your original booking was cancelled , but I cannot find an alternative booking for you..."

"Can't you just give me another room?" the human asked tiredly. After almost 36 hours of setbacks and without proper sleep, he did not have the strength to argue anymore.

He had looked forward to this vacation for a long time, but then everything just derailed. At first the important business trip he planned to piggybacked on was delayed. This wasn't really a big problem, but it forced him to postpone the vacation he had already booked for by nearly a month, thereby missing the only time he could see both the Thorcan sunset and sunrise. Though this solar eclipse did not compare to that of Earth, it was considered a close second in the entire galactic federation.

At least he managed to change his booking in such a way to be able to experience the sunset. Or that was what he thought.

Then his girlfriend dumped him after finding a link to an ET-porn site in his browser's history ... the gay section no less. It wasn't as if he visited the site often and he was sure he had covered his tracks, but somehow that one link slipped through. He couldn't tell if she was angry or humiliated by the fact that he was curious about ... well ... anyway their short time together ended rather messy.

Then the business meeting with the Kethrellians wasn't the easy success management promised them. In fact, the trip failed completely.

Then, when it was time to leave Kethrelle his luggage got lost at the hotel where they were staying. Luckily they managed to get everything back, since he had some expensive equipment with him. But that delay caused him to miss his flight to the Thorcan moon, and he had to book expensive accommodation with already insufficient funds for an additional night since there was only one flight a day.

Then, once he finally reached the moon, the shuttle to the resort where he had booked accommodation broke down, delaying him further. And now, late into the night, his reservation didn't want to check out.

"I am sorry," Ms Ceaeiele replied "but we are fully booked for the next week. I can see if one of our sister resorts can accommodate you."

"Will I be able to see the solar sunset from them?" the human asked.

"I ... I'm afraid not. It will be night at the time of the sunset." Ceaeiele replied sadly. "We are the last resort that will get to see it for the next three months."

'Of course' the human thought sarcastically, but held his tongue. Instead he merely replied "Please do."

The receptionist must have caught on to his emotions anyway.

"I believe Sehcreth isle has a day-long cruise to witness the sunset. I'll see if they can help and book a place for you free of charge."

"Thank you." the human smiled tiredly, feeling awkward but glad for the extra mile she was willing to go for him. The althean picked up a phone that kind of looked like a land-line from earth and started phoning the other resorts. She tried three times but even talking in a language the human could not understand, he could see it on her face that she wasn't succeeding in helping him.

"What is *gasp* the problem?" a voice suddenly asked. The human turned around to see a thorcan, something like a anthro catfish, standing behind him. The catfish was neatly dressed in a business suit that looked uncomfortable on the creature and the name-badge 'G. Seaghr Front-desk Manager' flashed brightly in the light. It was rare indeed to see the native creatures of this oceanic moon, since they had real trouble interacting with anything outside the water.

"Mr Morgan here had made a reservation for one of our economy bivouacs three months ago, but then five weeks ago he had to change his date of arrival." Ceaeiele explained once she put the phone down again. "Our system shows that he had cancelled, but there is no record of us refunding him and he has a letter of confirmation that shows the updated booking details." She handed the fish the document the human had given her. "Mr Morgan wants to see the Thorcan sunset, but I'm unable to get accommodation on any of the resorts close enough for even a day shuttle back here."

"What about *gasp* cliff chalet *gasp* 49?" Seaghr asked. The breathing apparatus, something like a reverse scuba tank, bubbled with each breath and gasp the thorcan made.

"You mean ...?" the receptionist started to asked but the manager only nodded.

"Let me ask if he would be willing." Ceaeiele said and picked up the phone again.

"I am *gasp* truly sorry *gasp* Mr Morgan." Seaghr said as the receptionist struggled to get an answer. "We exper- *gasp* -ienced a *gasp* severe system crash *gasp* several weeks *gasp* ago and I *gasp* believe that your *gasp* reservation was *gasp* lost because of this."

The receptionist had, in the meantime, manage to get through and was explaining the problem to whoever was on the other side.

"I must warn you that he is human though ... yes, yes ... thank you, Mr Pennanox. Yes I will let you know." She turn to the human. "We've managed to find you accommodation, sir." she said with a slight hesitation "However I'm afraid that you will be sharing a room with a ... a dragon."

"That's fine" the human muttered barely registering what was said and only sensing that a good night's rest was finally close. The receptionist explained some things, but he didn't care anymore. He merely nodded and allowed himself to be led away.

***

He woke up, feeling much better. For a moment he thought he was back on Kethrelle, and that the horrid start to his vacation was only a dream. But the room he found himself in didn't look right. He shifted to look around better and stiffened at the strange way the bedding shifted across him. Glancing around he noticed the black dragon in bed next to him.

With a startle, he sat up straight and barely suppressed a yelp. But the dragon didn't wake, even when a wing slipped limply from the human's shoulders. For a moment, a wild fantasy played out in his mind as he desperately tried to piece together what was going on. Then he recalled the receptionist saying something about sharing a room with a dragon, but after that he could recall nothing. He really hoped nothing had happened; he would be extremely upset if something did and he could not remember it.

Shaking the thought from his head, he sighed and forced himself to calm down. His first time off Earth and what a vacation this turned out to be!

He carefully climbed out of bed, vaguely noticing he was still dressed in the travel clothes from the day before; only his belt and shoes had been removed, probably by the dragon next to him.

Surprised how early his watch claimed it still was, he walked over to the large curtains, drawing one back as quiet as he could. His breath caught at the sight that greeted him.

The room he was in was high up a steep cliff, overlooking the entire resort. The sun had risen well above the horizon already and the blue gas giant this moon orbited bulged out of the ocean like a giant round iceberg.

"Morning, human." a gruff voice rumbled sleepily behind him. Though it spoke Galatian, the human has had enough encounters with aliens to be fluent in the universal language. "Slept well?"

The human yelped and spun around in time to see the dragon yawn, baring his large teeth unintentionally.

"Um ... H-hi." he stuttered a greeting in return.

"Peter, right?" the dragon continued oblivious to the human's nerves, sitting up in bed.

"How did you ...?" Peter started to ask but was cut short by the dragon's rumbling laughter.

"Man, you were in such a sorry state last night, I thought you wont remember much." he got up from the bed and walked over offering his hand in a very human gesture that Peter instinctively accepted the handshake. Only then did Peter realise that the dragon was nude ... not that it was surprising but still.

"The name is Threafan Pennanox, if you cant remember." the dragon said with a beaming smile as his claws curled around the human's fingers.

"Peter Morgan." Peter said automatically, then realized he must have introduced himself last night when the dragon chuckled again. "But you knew that;" he added shyly. Then in an attempt to change the topic he added "Yes, I slept better than I did the past few days. And you?"

"Best I've slept in almost a week." he admitted with a slight grimace as if remembering something upsetting. But then he shrugged it off and pulling the curtains completely open, he stepped onto the balcony outside their room.

"So, what do you think of the view?"

"Impressive -" Peter admitted, joining Threafan outside.

"Have you been to Thorcan before?" Threafan asked, his tail swishing absent-mindedly onto a deckchair behind Peter.

"This is my first time off planet Earth." Peter admitted, glancing down to the teepee like grass huts that stood in rows at the far end of the resort. "I was initially saving to visit the great dunes of Rohran, but then I had to join my boss on a business trip to ... Kethrelle." Peter shot the dragon a sideways glance at the mention of the reptile's home planet. "So by taking my vacation right afterwards, I didn't have to pay that more for a space courser and I could just afford one of those bivouacs down there. What about you?"

"I came here with my family regularly when I was young, but I haven't been here for nearly two gruontags ... that's about ... twelve Earth years." Threafan admitted. "I hear you are going to be sharing the chalet with me for the next three nights?"

"That's ... that's right." the human agreed absent-mindedly, staring awed at the rising blue planet. Then he turned to the dragon. "Thank you for allowing me to stay here ... I know you wanted privacy but it means a lot to me."

"Why do you think that?" Threafan snorted in amusement.

"Well, you've booked a chalet for two but you're alone..."

"No that's not it" the dragon sighed, a tendril of smoke curling out of a nostril to the human's surprise. "I was supposed to be here with someone else, but it didn't turn out like that."

"Oh, I'm sorry." Peter mumbled, but was suddenly interrupted by the rumbling of a stomach. For a moment, the dragon stared surprised at the human who had the look of absolute shock plastered on his face, before the reptile broke out laughing.

"Your timing is brilliant!" he managed to choke out.

"Yeah-yeah." Peter mumbled as he walked back inside. "I didn't eat that well yesterday."

"No problem." Threafan chuckled as he calmed down. "Why don't you get cleaned up and go grab some breakfast down at the cafeteria?"

Peter sighed. "My spending money didn't last as I had hoped." he muttered. "I was thinking of taking only a brunch and dinner ..."

"Nonsense" Threafan scoffed. "Didn't they tell you last night ... oh yeah, you were a star role zombie then."

"Tell me what?"

"The chalet is all inclusive; that means breakfast, dinner, and several activities are included in the price." the dragon smirked. "That's quite the upgrade from a beach bivouac! Wouldn't you agree?"

"I cant accept such an upgrade for nothing!" the human replied shocked.

"Not your problem." the dragon replied matter-of-fact. "The resort overbooked, it's their problem. Anyway, this accommodation was going to waste so I don't mind the company."

"Th-thanks." Peter smiled shyly. Then realized again how dirty he was. "I'll go clean up then. When do you want to go down."

The dragon's mood suddenly turned sour. "No, you go alone." he sighed, another tendril of smoke escaping him. "I'm not hungry."

Peter, already fishing for his toiletries and a fresh set of clothes from his bag, suddenly stopped. He looked a while at the dragon in silence, then decided "You're coming down with me."

"No."

"I'm not going to be eating food you paid for without you."

"The resort gave me a coupon for a future booking, in thanks for letting you stay here!" the dragon muttered. "I hardly paid for your food. I'm not going."

"Well you've been here before." the human declared stubbornly "You could show me around."

"A personal tour is not included in the price!" the dragon snarled, a thicker plume of smoke puffing from his nose. "I'm not going!"

"Threafan"

"Do you want me to bite you? I ... am ... not ... going!"

***

Despite the early hour, the cafeteria was a bustling hive of activity. That was until the most unlikely pair entered through the door. All fell silent for a few shocked seconds as the new comers were scrutinized, then a low hum of whispers started to fill the room. The human blushed profusely, uneasy with the amount of attention they received while his black dragon companion merely ignored the excited whispers with an irritated grunt. The two walked over to the buffet.

"Um ... we're from ... um ... cliff chalet ..." the human started but faltered and looked over his shoulder to his dragon friend for assistance.

"Cliff chalet 49." the dragon stated in a voice gruff with irritation at being dragged from his sanctuary.

"Cliff chalet 49, hey?" the thing behind the counter that looked like a bear replied. "Good to see that you two finally decided to join the outside world again." he teased as he marked their room off on a checklist. "We've got your average breakfast buffet over here. If you want anything cooked, like the popular Earthean English Breakfast" he looked pointedly at Peter "just ask Chef Yepheal over there." He pointed to a jolly fox behind another part of the counter.

"Thank you." Peter replied with a smile. Threafan on the other hand just scowled, making the bear jump a little.

"What's gotten into him?" he muttered to the fox when he was sure the two was out of earshot.

"Probably didn't get to be on top this morning." the fox muttered without looking up from the stove. "I thought the two in 49 were both dragons." he added.

"Apparently not." the bear replied, making a note on the checklist for future reference.

Meanwhile, the two had gotten themselves breakfast and had sat down to eat. They ate in silence for a while until the atmosphere finally became too much for the human.

"Why is everybody staring at us?" he whispered. "It is really starting to get on my nerves."

"Most of the galaxy still think humans and dragons cannot stand each other." Threafan commented almost without stopping eating. Now that he was actually outside, he actually felt much better ... and as hungry as the human. Though he will probably be damned before he admitted it to the primate.

"That's ridiculous." Peter muttered returning his attention back to the food. "Our space fleets joined forces to drive back the invading Quords. And we did an outstanding job if I recall correctly."

"Still the incident ... I think almost three thousand years ago is still straining relationships between our peoples." Threafan pointed out.

"True," Peter sighed "but we know now that the dragons that raided the early human civilizations were doing so without the blessing of the dragon council. The same counsel that ultimately brought an end to the hostilities."

"Yet the conviction and determination of the human dragon-slayers are still legendary." Threafan continued. "The dragon council merely managed to stop any more dragons going to raid Earth but the humans managed to kill nearly all the dragons who travelled there, as well as their more feral steeds. And there were never any compensation paid for the atrocities committed by either side."

"I guess both our peoples are to blame" Peter replied. "But we are not our fathers. Let's acknowledge the past, but not dwell on it." He was silent for a moment, then smirked "or do you want to chase me out of your room suddenly."

Threafan snorted and puffed a cloud of smoke into Peter's face. The room fell into a horrid silence as Peter coughed a bit and glared at the smirking dragon.

"All you had to do is say no." he whispered, but the comment seemed to echo in the large room. That unnerved him even more than the stares and whispers did.

"Eat your food so that we can get out of here." Peter muttered to the dragon that struggled to stifle a chuckle. "The attention is starting to get to me."

Almost as if on cue, the room resumed its usual bustling activity. Peter groaned and focused on his breakfast, silently hoping that the now laughing dragon opposite him would choke.

"So, those fun activities that is part of your package deal;" Peter said, changing the subject "is there anything on the program today?"

"Today?" Threafan thought for a moment. "It's day three so ... no. You did miss a pedicure yesterday, though that might be a good thing ... I don't think your soft skin would survive a scale exfoliation."

Peter winced at the thought. "How was it?" he asked as he finished his breakfast.

Threafan's smirk died again. "I didn't go."

Peter looked at him wordlessly. "You've been ..." he started to say but then thought better of it. "We should see if that pedicure is still valid." he finally said.

"Why?" the dragon asked moodily. "You want to try a scale exfoliation?"

The human hummed as if considering the possibility. "I think my big toe nails will look better afterwards."

Threafan almost choked on his last bite at that. He stared at the smirking human as if the mammal had lost his mind. "You're crazy!" he smiled as he rose from his seat.

"I try my best." Peter answered, following the dragon and trying to ignore the room that had fallen silent again.

"What were your plans for today?" Threafan asked as they left the dining hall.

"Nothing much." Peter admitted. "Walk around and see what there is to see."

"Secrull resort on the other side of the moon is on a larger island." Threafan commented. "There is more natural attractions to see there."

"True, but then I would've missed the sunset." Peter admitted.

"I guess that's true." Threafan conceded. Then after a moment's thought, he added "The cliffs on the southern end of the island are quite spectacular; as is the natural forest on the northern slopes. What do you think?"

***

The night air was still surprisingly warm as Peter sat in one of the chairs on their patio on the far side of their chalet. He stared out across the dark ocean at where the blue planet dipped below the horizon. Or at least the part that wasn't obscured behind the mountain.

On the table next to him, his laptop beeped. Peter leaned over to dismiss the message before disconnecting the SLR camera and putting it away. Then he started going through his photos, deleting those he was not immediately happy with. He was so engrossed with his photos that he did not notice the clacking of claws on the wooden deck.

Peter startled when Threafan tapped a glass with some exotic liquor to his shoulder, nearly knocking the glass from the reptile's hand.

"Easy!" Threafan teased. "I don't bite ... unless you want me to." Then he was a bit more serious. "It's just Kethrellian whiskey."

"Sorry I didn't hear you." Peter apologized, accepting the drink. "Though, you did threaten to bite me this morning."

"You know" Threafan said, ignoring the jibe and leaning over the human's shoulder to look at the photo currently being displayed "for someone who photography is just a vague hobby, you sure are taking excellent photos!"

"Thank you." Peter smiled continuing with his editing.

"Well, most of them anyway!" the dragon smirked as the next photo appeared. It was an absolute failure, impossible to tell what the black smudge just off centre even was. "I don't think I've ever met anyone who can take as many photos as you do without them being ... what do you call them? Oh yea: Selfies."

"Well this is why I take so many photos!" Peter replied as he deleted the image. "Oh I really like this one."

The next image showed Threafan sitting on a low stone wall looking out over the ocean. Threafan merely snorted but he had to admit: it was a good photo of him. It would be a brilliant cover-photo for his version of facebook.

Peter continued through the photos, coming to one that showed the human in the same pose. "You're not so bad yourself." he said. He went through a couple more until he reached one with them together, looking as if they knew each other for years rather than one day.

"You'll send me copies, right?" Threafan asked.

"Sure" Peter replied, paging quickly through the last of the images. He closed his laptop and stood up with a groan. "It's surprising how far you can walk on such a small island." he joked as he stood against the railing and looked south-east to where they had spend the day, sipping on the golden liquid in his glass.

"Beautiful night, isn't it?" Threafan commented as he came to stand next to Peter. He also took a large gulp from his glass then motioned to the blue planet. "You're lucky. It is rare for Thorcan's ring to show itself. The sun needs to hit it at exactly the right angle."

Peter looked and noticed the faint curve glimmering around the blue planet.

"I thought the moon was called Thorcan." Peter replied.

"Actually its the planet's name." Threafan explained. "The moon is officially called Thorcan-Tweegah or Thorcan II if you must know."

They were silent for a while just staring up at the setting planet and the stars above them. Then without warning, Threafan wrapped a wing around the human and gave him a firm hug.

"Thank you for getting me to go outside this morning." he said, glancing down at the startled human. "I didn't realize how much I needed it."

"You're welcome." Peter replied sheepishly.

Suddenly, Threafan cocked his head to the side.

"What's this?" he asked, lifting the sleeve of the shirt the human was wearing. Peter squirmed out of the dragon's embrace, his face a sudden shade of red.

"Nothing" he muttered, standing a bit defensively to one side.

"Can I see it?" Threafan asked curiously.

"It is just a tattoo" Peter muttered. "it's a picture created by ..."

"I heard of tattoos before." the dragon pressed. "It is actually not that unique; most other species with naked skin have something similar. But this one looked like a ... what is it called again ... oh yes, a Celtic knot." Threafan suddenly sounded like an excited toddler. "I've only heard of them but never seen one myself; so can I see, please?"

Peter hesitated, but then relented. "Fine." he muttered, lifting his sleeve and turning his shoulder for the dragon to see. Threafan stared in awe at the small design on the pale shoulder, the twists and turns of the knot fascinated him. He had a little trouble focusing on one spot as the entire thing seemed to swim before his eyes. It had a vague forked shape but the two wiggly prongs didn't match each other, nor did their barbs.

"Why did you want to hide it?" Threafan asked curiously, trying to follow the single line that curved back on itself over and over and over.

"I got it when I was much younger;" Peter replied, not really giving the answer Threafan had hoped for.

"What is the idea of a Celtic knot?" Threafan asked.

"Sometimes it is just a pretty design." Peter muttered. "Sometimes it hides another image ..."

As Peter said this, the entire image snapped into focus and Threafan could clearly see the rounded chest, an extended wing and a horned head on a retracted neck. And maybe a long slender tail?

"It's a dragon?" Threafan gasped surprised and looked Peter in the eyes even as Peter pulled away and refused to meet his gaze.

"Dragons fascinate me." he admitted shyly, his face again a bright red. "Though I never thought I'd be talking to one someday..."

"That's actually cute;" Threafan smiled and gave Peter another hug despite the human's protests. "You're even more cute when you're shy." Threafan laughed. "You kind of remind me of Erograh ..."

Threafan's mood soured immediately and he turned away from Peter, staring off into the distance.

"You're mate?" Peter completed the thought a bit hesitantly When Threafan glanced at him questioningly, he took another self-conscious sip of his glass before elaborating: "You said that you didn't plan to come here alone ... you act like you've just gone through a bad breakup ... and I've noticed the dead roses on the nightstand."

Peter was quiet for a moment then asked. "Was it supposed to have been an anniversary?"

Threafan nodded, a tendril of smoke escaping him. "We were together ... oh ... three years now. I was actually planning on giving him a chregheth, but then he just broke up with me without any real explanation."

"He?" Peter asked surprised before he could catch himself. Threafan only smiled at the surprised human.

"Yeah, were both males." then he stared at the human. "Do you have a problem with it?"

"Um, no no." Peter stuttered. "I've been curious myself about ... I mean ... um ..." Threafan didn't interrupt the human, only stared at the dark colour his face suddenly had became. Peter finally settled with a "Wh-what is a chregheth?"

Another tendril of smoke curled from the dragon's nostrils as he stared off over the ocean again. "It is a request of life long mateship."

"Oh that's harsh." Peter muttered, his face starting to regain its normal hue. "I didn't know you were going to propose ... I'm so sorry."

They were quiet for a moment then Peter added "Though I kind of feel sorry for the other dragon as well."

"Why is that?" Threafan snorted.

"Well, I don't know the two of you very well but he cannot be very smart to throw away such a close friendship with someone like you. And I think he is missing out on a great time right now."

Peter nearly yelped when he felt the bridge of Threafan's snout rub against his neck, just below his jawline. A wing curled around his shoulders again and a soft, barely audible purr rumbled in Threafan's throat.

"Thank you for cheering me up!" he whispered as he pulled away from the human to look into his eyes. He had not noticed the different shades of blue the irises contained and it suddenly fascinated him. "We may have barely met but your company means a lot to me."

"I ... " Peter started to say but words failed him. He hesitated a bit before looking up at the golden eyes of the dragon and finally settling for "You're welcome."

What exactly happened next they were not sure. One moment they were looking at each other and the next Threafan leaned his head down. Their lips touched and when Threafan's tongue pressed forward Peter allowed him entry without hesitation A clawed hand caressed the back of the human's head and soft fingers explored the scales on the dragon's jaw as their tongues pressed against each other.

They stood there for several seconds before Threafan pulled back with a happy rumble. Their eyes fluttered open to look at each other again.

Then reality returned to them.

"Oh, I ... I'm so sorry!" Peter gasped, wriggling from beneath the dragon's wing.

"I'm sorry." Threafan apologized at the same time, pulling away from the human. "I didn't mean to ..."

"I wasn't trying to ..." Peter continued to apologize as well but also faltered. They remained awkwardly silent for several moments, not daring to look at each other.

"I think we should call it a day." Peter finally spoke.

"I think you're right." Threafan agreed "Let's go to bed..." Threafan suddenly hesitated as the innocent comment now suddenly held a different unintentional meaning. He dared to glance at the human and caught him stealing a glance at him as well. They both knew a line had been crossed; one they were probably not yet ready to cross.

"I'll take the couch in the living area." Threafan muttered but Peter shook his head.

"No! Your room; Your bed." Peter insisted as he put his glass down and retrieved his stuff. "I'll take the couch. Anyway I'll be more comfortable on it then you!"

"Thanks." Threafan muttered, looking down at the last bit of liquor in the human's glass but not really registering what he saw.

"Good night." Peter said and disappeared around the corner.

"Good night." Threafan replied, looking up to see the human disappearing. He sighed as he turned back to the view.

"Stupid dragon." he muttered as he downed the last of his drink. A tendril of smoke escaped him and he idly watched it drift away.

***

"Thorcan-Tweegah is one of the largest moons ever discovered in the Galactic Federation, being large enough to sustain its own atmosphere and magnetosphere." the tour guide was saying as the boat they were on, powered off towards the reef north of the resort. "However, it is also the wettest known world, with only seventeen islands above the extreme high tide mark that together cover only about 114 square miles of land. These islands are clustered together in four archipelagos, except for two: Sehcreth island to the east and Seacroll we just left behind. Most of the islands are on the farthest side of the moon ..."

"Thanks to the alignment of the planet and the sun, the difference in the tides are quite extreme right now! So the reef is not going to be as deep as usual!" Threafan told Peter as the boat weaved through coral like shapes that now jutted above the water. "Of course, low tide will be even lower in two days but then it will be too gloomy to enjoy properly."

Peter snapped another picture of the formations as they sped past.

"Back on Earth, life on the coral reefs changes behaviour during spring tide." he commented to the dragon. "I wonder if something similar happens here."

He decided not to elaborate on what coral does during spring tide. The mishap of the previous night still hung between them, though through some unspoken understanding, both of them pretended nothing had happened. They still appeared like two who had been close friends for years, receiving a lot of curious attention at breakfast again though luckily not nearly as much as the previous day.

"The guide will probably say something about it" Threafan replied, glancing over the human's shoulder at the camera's display.

The boat slowed down suddenly.

"Most of this area around us is within this critical depth, which means that we can visit one of the largest marine reserves on the moon." the guide concluded and at some hidden cue the entire base of the ship became transparent. Peter gasped at the large intricate shapes of the great reef that suddenly appeared below them. The marine live returned to their usual habits, having been frightened off momentary by the arrival of the tourists.

"Can we visit the other large marine sanctuaries by any chance?" one tourist, a birdlike creature, asked.

"There are micro safaris available that lasts three to five days ... you can enquire after them at the front-desk" the guide answered. "But I'm afraid day tours like this are not available. They are out of reach of the islands and the floating resorts needs to remain in the deeper ocean due to their weight."

Peter lost himself in the wide variety of marine life on display, listening intently to the guide as she talked about the Thorcan oceans' biodiversity. After a while their ship passed over a small thorcanian village, and the guide quickly elaborated on the live of the sentient species native to the moon before the arrival of the first federation ships. Of course this was not a real village, as the majority of the thorcans lived much deeper and reserved these life-rich plateaus for royalty or religious sites. Then the tour returned to the natural beauty of the oceans.

They remained over the reef for nearly four hours, before returning to port.

"That was amazing." Peter said excitedly as he and Threafan stepped off the pier. "I thought the reef would be too deep to be clearly visible."

"Remember the ocean level is much lower than usual." Threafan laughed at the human's excitement. "Tell me, do you still have space on your camera or do we need to go download it?" he teased.

"No I'm good!" Peter smiled after quickly consulting the display. "Unless you wanted to visit the natural forest on the northern slopes?"

"No, that's a full day activity." Threafan replied.

"Then what did you want to do next?"

"Nothing special." Threafan admitted. "I was actually thinking of visiting the flea market."

"There is a flea market?" Peter asked surprised.

Threafan nodded, then smirked. "If I'm not mistaking, you've got some unexpected spending money left."

Peter ignored the jibe. "Sounds like a good idea." he replied. "Lead the way."

They spend the next hour or so among the stalls, gawking at the wide variety of stuff, from edibles to hand-made wares from other regions of space. Peter was mostly interested in locally made souvenirs, especially jewellery made from the brilliantly coloured thorcan shells, but those were sadly very rare and expensive. The human ended up buying simple gifts for family and friends back home, and a book-stop made from the local coral for himself.

Eventually, a thick bank of storm clouds finally brought an end to their afternoon's fun. Though instead of returning to the cafeteria for a late lunch, they decided to grab something that looked like a kebab from the market before returning to their chalet, eating it on the way. The temperature was dropping frighteningly fast so they decided to take a short cut through a large garden with beautiful tall trees, still munching on the sweetly marinated flesh and laughing at the strange wares some pedlars tried to sell. Then Threafan's ears suddenly perked.

"You hear that?" he asked.

"No," Peter admitted. They listened intently but all were silent.

"I must have imagined it." Threafan decided and started walking again. "Just jumpy, I guess. It is not good manners to trudge through the foliage like this after all."

"What do you think it was?" Peter asked a bit hushed as they finally stepped from the garden.

"Got no ide..." Threafan started to say but stopped dead as he caught sight of something. Peter looked and gasped when he saw an althean female, much like the receptionist who had helped him two days ago, making out with a fox. Thinking they were hidden away from prying eyes, the two strangers gave into their passion with abandon, the althean failing to fully stifle her excited moaning. Peter stood there staring at the lewd scene unfolding before them. Threafan first came to his senses when the fox's paw dipped below the althean's skirt, and he quickly tugged Peter back under the cover of the large leaves before the two lovers caught them peeping.

The two friends stared wide-eyed at each other, until Threafan started to snort with laughter. Peter recovered soon after and with his face a sudden shade of red, he joined in the laughter. Somewhere in the back of his mind he hoped that they were not disturbing the two strangers or if they were that they didn't realize the laughing was at their expense.

"That's another reason why taking a short cut can be disastrous" he giggled as they reached their original walkway.

"And next on our tour ... " Threafan managed to get out through his dying fits of laughter.

Peter cleared his throat and sighed to get himself under control. "Those two looked like they were having fun."

"Looks like they are going to have a lot more fun." Threafan smiled "Though they have to hurry or the rain is going to catch them." he added looking up at the gathering clouds. "The rain here tend to be extremely chilly."

"They're warm enough, I doubt they'll notice if it finally decides to open up." Peter commented, gesturing up with the last of his kebab. "Though you must envy them; kind of wish we ..."

Peter suddenly choked as he realized what he was saying. He pretended to choke on the bite he took, then finally ended the conversation with "We should get going if we don't want to get caught in the rain."

Threafan looked at the human for a while in silence, as if weighing up options, before tossing him the access card to the chalet.

"You go ahead." he said, turning sharply around. "I just realized there is something I forgot to do."

"Like what?" Peter asked confused and slightly worried as the dragon walked back towards the flea market.

"Tell you later!" Threafan called back over his shoulder. Then he was gone.

***

Threafan failed to reached the chalet before the rain started to fall. By the time the front door opened, the storm had darkened the day enough to look several hours later and the downpour was so intense that Peter failed to see the dragon running up the walkway before he actually stepped unto the stairs leading up to the chalet.

"Done with your shower?" the human chuckled as he wrapped a towel around the dripping dragon. Despite not having a single strand of fur, he still reminded Peter of a wet dog.

"V-very f-funny." Threafan muttered, shivering a little as the human dried him off.

"Did you at least get that thing you were looking for?" Peter asked.

"Y-yeah." Threafan muttered, shakily holding up a little paper bag that had been ruined by the rain. Inwardly Peter hoped that whatever Threafan got was waterproof. Then he noticed something else.

"You're still shivering." he commented, laying a hand on the dragon's shoulder. "and you're cold. I didn't realize the rain was that cold; maybe a shower isn't such a bad idea."

Threafan shot him a dirty look. "W-what is th-that s-sup-posed to m-mean?" he stuttered, still shivering.

"Nothing!" Peter assured him. "You're dangerously cold and the warm water will help." Dragons were warm-blooded, but they handled cold as poorly as humans did. Though Peter had never seen Threafan wearing anything in the almost tropical climate of the moon, they were known to wear clothes in colder weather.

"Oh, o-okay." Threafan muttered shyly. He rummaged through his bag and disappeared into the bathroom, taking the package he had turned back for with him. Soon afterwards, Peter could hear the shower start.

Peter smiled and returned his attention to completing the download of the days photos. But try as he might he found he couldn't concentrate on going through the photos. His attention always slipped back to that curious package. Finally he closed the laptop with a sigh and decided to get something else to occupy his mind with. Anyway, he had to recharge the battery-pack of his camera; it had started to warn him that the battery was running low while they were at the flea market.

It was as he was kneeling by his bag, busy fishing for his charger when he noticed the bottle.

Peter grabbed it, realizing immediately that it must be Threafan's. He couldn't read the characters on the label and there was no image to give a hint of what it was supposed to be. He wondered if the dragon in the shower would be needing it. It kind of reminded him of one of the little shampoo bottles in his own toiletries bag, but then he became a little unsure when he opened the lid and noticed the slight nozzle it had.

It didn't smell of anything specific, even when he squirted a small glob out onto his palm. It had a fresh scent, and the closest thing he could compare it to was cucumber though it definitely didn't smell like anything edible. Then he noticed the smooth, slick consistency and he desired it was some kind of scale oil.

It must have fallen out of Threafan's bag just now and rolled halfway underneath the bed without the dragon's notice.

"Are you planning on using that?" Threafan suddenly asked from the bathroom, his voice thick with mirth.

"Oh, sorry," Peter gasped, closing the bottle quickly. "I found it on the floor and was trying to figure out what it is."

"It's lubrication" Threafan smirked, walking closer and taking the bottle from Peter.

"Lubrication?" Peter repeated blankly. "For what?" Threafan merely cocked an eyebrow at the human, confusing the primate even more. Then as Threafan opened his mouth to elaborate, understanding broke through on Peter's face in such a comical way that the dragon actually toppled onto the bed with laughter.

Peter's face became bright red as he regarded the dragon next to him, then the glob of lube in his hand. "Yeah, yeah! Get it out of your system." he muttered, considering rubbing the lube off on the dragon's scales.

"I know I've said it before, but you really are cute when your face turns red like that." Threafan managed to say when he had calmed down. "When was it ... oh yes last night when we shared that lovely kiss"

Peter's face became even brighter and he glanced down at his opened bag so that he didn't have to look the dragon in the eyes. "Yes, I'm sorry about that;" he started to say but Threafan cut him off.

"I'm not" the dragon declared.

"Sorry, what?" Peter gasped, looking up at the dragon in surprise.

"I'm not sorry for kissing you last night." Threafan stated with enough conviction that Peter could imagine the dragon present at a political rally.

Then, while Peter was still processing his words, Threafan took the human's chin and gently guided his face up. He brought his muzzle down without hesitation and confidently touched his lips to Peter's. the kiss was not as intense as the night before, but it was no mere peck either. When Peter didn't pull away, Threafan's tongue pressed forward between Peter's lips for a quick lick before the dragon broke away.

"And I'm not sorry for that either." the dragon added, pressing the bridge of his snout into Peter's neck, just below the jawline. "We may not have known each other very long, but I do know I like you very much."

Peters breath caught in his throat. He couldn't deny that he agreed with Threafan. In fact, while he was planning this trip he had fantasized about something like this happening, but ...

"We ... we shouldn't ..." he finally managed to force out despite the growing haze of arousal that fogged his mind.

"We shouldn't what?" Threafan smirked, knowing exactly what the human was thinking.

"Well I just meant ..." Peter stammered, not wanting to put into words what he was thinking and thereby losing all denyability. But then Threafan opened his legs a bit to scratch at a made-up itch and the movement drew Peter's attention down to his groin. And he faltered completely.

Even despite his lacking knowledge of draconian anatomy, Peter recognized that Threafan was as aroused as he was. The penile slit between Threafan's legs had a fuller, almost softer appearance when compared to the times he had sneaked a peek. The lips had also drawn slightly apart and the human could see the barest hint of a dark red nub protruding from within the pinkish flesh.

"I know you want to; you've been telling me without actually saying it the whole day now." Threafan whispered.

Somewhere in the back of his mind, Peter remembered that sex sometimes acted as a shock absorber, neutralizing anxiety after a stressful event. His thoughts turned back to Threafan's companion who had dumped him right before they were meant to come here, and even his own string of bad luck, and he hoped that his own dark fantasies wasn't the trigger for the dragon's lusts. He didn't want to hurt the dragon even more.

"I ... I don't want to take advantage of you." he muttered, forcing his gaze away from the dragon's groin and concentrated on resisting the temptation to reposition the tightness in his own lap. He did not dare look down at himself, rather hoping that his pants didn't form the distinctive tent.

"You're not taking advantage of me, silly human." Threafan snorted. "I know what I'm asking. I know we haven't known each other very long, but then again we don't have the luxury of time." he chuckled to himself. "I also know it is a fault of mine, but I form an opinion of people I meet very quickly. It has burnt me very recently in fact, but even now I will not have it any other way. And now I cannot deny that I adore you; in fact, I want to be your mate ... even if it is only for these last two days you are here on Thorcan. Hopefully we can remain in touch longer, but even just these two days are better than nothing at all."

"I ... " Peter hesitated, the conflict in his eyes obvious even to Threafan.

"Then tell me I'm wrong. Look me in the eyes and tell me you don't want to go through with this." Threafan said, almost desperately. Somehow, he could tell that it wasn't the fact that he was another species, or even male for that matter, that bothered the human; rather it was doing right by him. So, the dragon decided to take a risk and instead of asking Peter again, to give him a firm nudge.

"I ..." Peter's voice broke and he looked away again. " I don't ..."

Threafan touched Peters jaw and gently guided the human's head back to face him. For a moment Peter thought that Threafan wanted to kiss him again, but that didn't happen.

"Tell me, and I won't ask this of you again." Threafan whispered, ignoring a cold fear that suddenly gripped his heart. A fear that the human, despite all the signals confirming his arousal, might pull out. But something told him to insist, to show Peter that he wanted this to happen, yet still allow the human to chose.

"I ... I can't say that." Peter finally whispered so softly that Threafan nearly didn't hear him speak. "I want you, but I don't want to hurt you;"

"Then don't say anything." Threafan whispered as softly, leaning in to plant another kiss on Peters lips. "Just, do."

Peter was still very timid, but finally allowed his inhibition to slip as he gave in to the more dominant dragon's insistence Their kiss became more passionate as Threafan sensed that Peter was giving in to him. His hands cupped Peter's head, the sharp claws gently pricking the human's scalp and the back of his neck and he pressed forward with his tongue more insistently this time. Peter relented and allowed Threafan entry, lifting a hand to stroke his fingers along the scaly jaw while his other traced the hard scutes of Threafan's chest, uncontentiously leaving a smear of lube on the greyish scales.

Threafan broke the kiss just long enough to whisper "You missed;" with a smirk. Without explanation, he took hold of Peter's hand and guided it firmly into his crotch, all while he nibbled at the skin of Peter's neck. He didn't bite to break the skin, just enough for the human to feel the sharp tips travel down to his shoulder.

Then Peter felt his hand touch Threafan's penis; the firm flesh throbbed once as his palm glided over a leaf-shaped glans, and again when he curled his fingers around the thick shaft behind it, just as Threafan's hand disappeared.

"I don't know how to..." Peter gasped as he felt a wing curl around him, the little thumbclaw also pricking his shoulder through his shirt. "I've been with other humans, once even with another male. I've always wanted to try it ... with another species ... but I've ... I've never had the courage ..."

Threafan pulled his head back to regard the human with soft eyes. "Shh." he hushed, placing a finger on Peter's lips. "Then just follow my lead and go with the flow."

Without another word, Threafan started to remove Peter's shirt, popping two of the buttons off in his haste to get the cloth from the human's torso. With Peter's chest laid bare before the dragon for the first time, Threafan stared at him with a hungry intensity that sparked a twinge of fear in Peter. But then Threafan caressed him with such gentleness that Peter realized again that he has nothing to fear from the dragon. Then, Threafan lowered his head against Peter's chest, pushing the bridge of his snout almost underneath Peter's arm to take his scent.

"Have you been with ... another human?" Peter asked, cradling Threafan's head with one hand while his other was still holding onto the dragon's penis. He was starting to feel more at ease, now that it was actually happening and he even dared to glance down at the organ that he knew was his destiny. He gasped at the sight. It was larger than he imagined, but not absurdly so. As he had felt, it had a spade-like head and he could make out the beginnings of what he guessed was a knot at the base.

"Similar species, but not specifically a human." Threafan muttered, his hands gliding lower to Peter's hips, his thumbs hooking into the waistband of the shorts Peter was wearing. The only warning Peter got was a sudden tensing of Threafan's wings on his shoulders before Theafan toppled over onto the bed, dragging Peter with him. Peter only gave a slight yelp as he fell onto the dragon's torso.

"But after a recent visit to Earth, I've always wanted to try." Threafan smirked at the startled human on his chest. Slowly, he started to pull the human's shorts down. "I guess is the whole absurdity of the very idea of a human and a dragon;" he teased with a lick across Peter's cheek.

"That is an absurd thought;" Peter agreed, stroking the bridge of Threafan's snout affectionately. "What would the other races think."

"Well, our fellow vacation goers already think that we are mating;" Threafan pointed out as he pulled Peter's pants all the way down to his knees. "I think it will be cruel to prove them wrong;"

Threafan groped at the bulge in Peter's crotch as he said this, but then his face fell into absolute surprise, and he even opened his wings to look at the human's body.

"What the?" he gasped, staring at the tight briefs Peter was wearing. "You're like a Glutonk! It takes forever to get to the good stuff!"

This time it was Peter that burst out laughing at the dragon's expression, so much so that he actually rolled off of the dragon.

"It's not funny!" Threafan muttered, lifting himself up onto an elbow to glare down at the human.

"Yes it is!" Peter replied, tapping Threafan on the nose and causing the dragon to snort. "Don't worry, you know what they say: good things come to those who wait."

Peter, now without any hesitation, lifted his hips off the bed and quickly pulled off the offending garment. Threafan's eyes immediately wandered down at Peter's cock as the stiff organ flopped out of it's sanctuary. Without hesitation he ran a claw along it towards the scrotum, making Peter squirm with delight.

"Really?" he asked with a growl in his voice that sounded dangerous enough to Peter to look at him worriedly for a moment, only to relax as he recognized the playful gleam in the dragon's eyes. "I always thought they said 'Inactivity breeds ill content.'"

"No, I don't think I've hear that one before." Peter replied with a smirk.

"It's Kethrellian." Threafan growled with mock irritation, pulling his wings from under Peter and rolling over onto him. As he settled himself over the smaller body, he nudged his one knee in between Peters own and then hooked the one leg up and over his hips. "It looks like I'm going to have to teach you some of my culture."

"I think you may be right." Peter agreed as Threafan reached beneath him to lift his butt up and slip his other leg beneath his own.

"Then lesson one:" Threafan growled as he reached forward to snort into Peter's face. "NEVER keep a horny drake waiting..."

Without warning, he pressed his hand to Peter's anus, the touch surprisingly cool and feeling almost wet. Peter had barely registered the sensation when an electric jolt ran up his spine as Threafan's one finger slipped into him. He gasped and a twinge of worry sparked in him again as he thought of the dangerous claws that were now scraping against some very tender flesh.

His emotions must have shown because Threafan's playful growls ceased immediately. Instead he leaned in and gave a reassuring lick across Peter's cheek.

"Shh." he hushed as he worked his finger in and out of Peter, the scraping of the small scales unlike anything Peter had experienced before. "Don't worry; I know to be gentle."

"I ... I know." Peter whispered unconvinced as he grabbed hold of Threafan's long neck. "Its just ... your claws ... "

"Don't worry." Threafan smiled patiently. "Remember, dragons' rectums aren't armour-plated either. I know what I'm doing."

"I guess you're right." Peter smiled and relaxed a bit, only to gasp again as Threafan added a second finger. A third joined the other two before Peter thought he was really ready for it and all too soon Threafan pulled out completely. He leaned back to regard the human's pucker before pressing the nozzle of the bottle of lube against it and squirting a generous amount into the human.

"S-shouldnt it have been warmed up a bit." Peter asked as the cool liquid oozed into him.

"Lesson one!" Threafan growled, once again playful, as he squirted another glob into his palm before discarding the bottle. His now free hand gripped Peter's hip and he started to smear the slick lube over his own phallus, almost masturbating in front of the human.

"Never keep a horny drake waiting." Peter muttered with annoyed sigh, then coked an eyebrow at the pleased warble Threafan made.

"Good!" Threafan growled as he leaned over Peter. "There is hope for this one, yet."

Before Peter could come up with a reply, Threafan gave his side a firm squeeze and he felt the dragon's penis press firmly against his anus. Threafan growled excitedly and pressed more urgently forward. Then they both gasped as the sharp head speared through the tight ring. The dragon continued to push forward until Peters anus closed around the ridge behind the spaded head.

Threafan repositioned himself over Peter, gripping the human's sides as Peter grabbed onto the dragons shoulders. His wing-thumbs hooked onto the side of the bed for leverage and he looked tenderly at his new lover.

"Ready?" he asked softly.

Peter only nodded, then gasped as Threafan pushed forward. Although generously lubricated, the dragon's penis was larger than the human Peter was with before and the firm flesh stretched his anus painfully. Yet he could feel the head of Threafan's penis grind past his prostrate and he gave a grunt of pain mixed with a moan of pleasure.

Though Threafan's descend into him was slow and measured, he stopped when he was only about halfway in. He held himself there for a heartbeat before pulling out again until the ridge of the head threatened to pop out. He plunged in again, this time with more force, sinking into Peter faster and a little deeper. As did his third push. Soon Threafan had gotten into a rhythm and in no time, Peter felt the thick knot touch his anus.

For his part, the burning stretching of Peter's anus had died to a dull throbbing and even that was disappearing rapidly, leaving only the immense pleasure. He held tightly onto the dragon that was rutting him as if afraid he might fall off the bed if he let go. He looked up at Threafan as the dragon gave a particularly hard thrust and saw him looking down at Peter with a mix of emotions glimmering in his eyes: adoration, gratitude, lust, and ... dare he say ... love?

Threafan apparently saw something he liked in the human's gaze as well, for a deep purr suddenly erupted from his chest and without breaking his stride, he lowered his head to press the bridge of his nose into the human's neck, as was his habit to do.

For how long they continued at this, neither was sure. But Threafan's pace slowly gained speed and strength, and when he started to grunt with each sharp thrust Peter knew his friend was close.

"Thref!" Peter gasped as the dragon jabbed him again. There was something he had been fantasizing about ever since the thought of mating with another species first occurred to him. "Tie me!"

"Huh?" Threafan questioned groggily, easing off only slightly with his thrusts to look at Peter a little confused.

"I ... I want you to ... to tie me!" Peter managed to groan out. Recognition flashed through the dragon's eyes and then bright appreciation and determination. He bit down, taking the startled human's delicate neck between his jaws and truly started to thrust with his full power. Peter yelped as the bulge at the base of Threafan's penis jammed painfully against his rear and for a moment he wondered if he hadn't maybe gone too far.

But Threafan had given in to his instincts and there was no turning back. Another thrust and he nearly entered his mate fully. His jaws trembled with the strain not to bite too hard, yet he was unable to keep himself from puncturing the skin and drawing a thin line of blood from around the canines.

Then, with a last desperate thrust from Threafan and a pained yelp from Peter, the knot popped inside. Instinctively, Peter clenched around the invading bulge and that pushed Threafan over the edge. His wings flared and with his head lifted high he gave a victorious roar as he came. His copious seed was thick and warm enough for Peter to feel it spill into him. Threafan ejaculated three or four jets of semen before his body relaxed. He looked down at Peter, hungrily tracing the body beneath him down to where they were joined at the groins.

A devious grin spread his lips and before Peter could react Threafan had grabbed the human's cock and started to rub him.

"Wh-what are you ...?" Peter started to protest, but the sudden euphoria wiped his mind blank. In the end he could only moan and grip the dragon's arms tightly as he was masturbated. But after the mating and with the dragon's cock still throbbing in his ass, he didn't last nearly as long as he had hoped. Peter uttered a stifled groan and splattered the scales on Threafan's chest with his own semen.

"I firmly believe both mates should experience orgasms!" Threafan grinned when Peter had finally caught his breath again. He had finished licking a splash from his fingers and lay down half next to the human so as to not crush him. Then with a tender lick across Peter's cheek he added: "Thank you!"

"You're welcome;" Peter replied, stroking the dragon's jaw. "Though I should be the one thanking you. I don't think I would have had the courage to ask myself."

"You can thank me next time." Threafan replied with a confident grin, licking at Peter's lips before leaning in for a quick but intense kiss. As their tongues danced, Threafan's wing unfurled and draped over Peter's torso to pull him into a deep hug.

When Threafan pulled back again he noticed the trickles of blood on the side of Peter's neck. Guilt suddenly flared in his chest.

"Oh, I am so sorry." he whimpered as he started to lick at the small punctures. "I shouldn't have lost control like this." But Peter just stroked the bridge of his snout affectionately.

"Don't worry about it." he said. "Considering what you are capable of with those teeth and claws, I think you did great." He suddenly grinned. "Anyway this gives you an opportunity to improve next time."

Threafan looked into Peter's eyes, then he smiled and with a happy purr leaned down to rest his head on Peter's chest. They lay like that for a while until Peter realized that the claw running across his one shoulder was actually tracing his tattoo He smiled and shifted slightly to get more comfortable under the dragon's weight, then gasped as he felt the still hard knot pull at his insides.

"How long does that thing of yours stay hard." he asked curiously.

"About half an hour or so?"

"I think we are going to be late for dinner." Peter said. "Especially since we have to wait before we can clean our mess up."

"You know what I think;" Threafan mumbled sleepily. "Fuck dinner."

Peter could only chuckle at that. Maybe the dragon had a point.

***

"According to the info centre, the sunset should occur today close to, well, sunset." Peter reminded Threafan as they descended down an overgrown path towards the sea. "We should make sure that we are close enough to reach the resort before it becomes completely dark."

"I know, I know." Threafan acknowledged him with a dismissive wave of his hand. "The best place to watch the sunset is actually a café high on the cliffs. But it is still early in the day and I wanted to show you this before you have to leave."

"I'm just worried about that bottle of lube you've tried to hide in your backpack. Yeah I saw you pack it!" Peter explained as they exited the foliage. Then he gasped at the sight before him: Threafan had led him to a hidden cove with a small beach. The steep but low hills around them was overgrown with thick plant growth and the ocean that lapped at the golden sand shimmered a bright blue.

"Wow!" Peter breathed as he looked around. "You're right, this is amazing."

"This is my favourite place on the moon." Threafan agreed, putting the backpack he was carrying down. He reminisced for a moment. "Come to think about it, I lost my virginity here. And I was ..."

He suddenly became glum and after waving a puff of smoke away he started to rummage through the bag for something.

"Why do you do that?" Peter asked.

"Do what?" Threafan asked curiously.

"Blow smoke." Peter explained, carefully setting his camera down on a rock. "I thought it is something dragons just do, but you haven't done so yesterday."

"The tear-glands of most intelligent species overreact when they are emotional; for dragons our fire-glands does the same when we are upset or angry. It is not enough to spit fire uncontrollably , but it still causes us to release a puff of smoke." Threafan explained with a smile as he retrieved a bundled towel from his bag, much to Peter's confusion. He searched for a while longer before finally turning to Peter.

"I was planning on giving Erograh the chregheth ... the proposal today in this cove." Threafan explained "But that didn't quite work out as planned."

"Oh I'm sorry." Peter started to say but Threafan interrupted him.

"Don't be. You're not the one who dumped me." he said. "In fact you were there when I needed someone with me. And for that I am most grateful."

Peter suddenly noticed the little round pendant in the dragon's hand.

"Is that the ... chre..." he started to ask but the strange word caught in his throat. Threafan just laughed.

"Oh, no." he smiled as he fiddled with it. "This is just a pendant I saw yesterday in the flea-market."

"Is that what you went back for?" Peter asked, eyeing the bit of jewellery curiously.

"Yes." Threafan replied, chirping happily when the circlet clicked apart. He held them out to Peter, who took them and noticed that it was actually two separate pendants: Two interlocking spirals that had been carved from a bright orange thorcan shell.

"It is an althean symbol of friendship." Threafan explained as he took one from Peter. "Since they are carved by hand, no two sets are identical; they will fit only into each other and no other.

"As I said last night, even in this short time I've come to care for you greatly, and I would like us to stay in touch longer than this tryst." Threafan continued. "I wanted to give it to you last night, but our adventure with the lube kind of derailed that plan as well."

Peter blushed at the mention of the previous night. He didn't regret it, but felt very self-conscious. Especially when the bear behind the breakfast counter gave the bite mark on his neck a knowing stare this morning and chuckled when Threafan ushered the blushing human away as quickly as he could.

"Thank you." he said, hanging the little spiral around his neck.

"You're welcome" Threafan smiled. But then, to Peter's surprise, he just dropped the pendant onto his pack and turned around.

"Right!" he declared as he strode towards the sea. "I'm going for a swim. Are you going to join me?"

"If I had known you were planning on swimming I'd have brought my swimming gear." he called after the dragon.

"That is why I didn't tell you: No more Glutonk tricks from you." Threafan called back with a laugh. "Anyway I've got a towel for you as well here, and the public beaches are on the other side of the island so it is safe enough for you to strip down."

"You just want to see me ..." Peter called to Threafan but the dragon had already dipped below the water. He sighed, considered his options and after a worried glance into the thick foliage he decided to strip down as Threafan had suggested. A swim would actually be nice.

He made quick work undressing and hastily rushed into the water before the stirring in his groin could grow into a full erection. The water was warmer than he had expected and soon he found himself deep enough to have to swim towards Threafan.

"Glad you decided to join me." the dragon said when Peter reached him, unashamed trying to peer at his body through the clear water, though the refraction made it difficult.

"What is a Glutonk anyway?" Peter muttered.

"It's like a box within several other boxes." Threafan explained as he swam towards Peter. "Something similar to what you call a nesting doll, I think ... but each box has a trick to opening it and the central box hides some treat."

"Then isn't it cheating to get the treat without going through all the puzzles?" Peter smirked.

"I like to think of it as thinking outside the box." Threafan smirked in reply and made to grab Peter with a wing. But Peter, having expected a move like that, escaped by ducking beneath the water.

"You're going have to do better than that!" he called when he resurfaced and so a game of chase and splashing began. However, with the aid of his wings, Threafan was quicker and more manoeuvrable in the water and soon enough he had caught up to Peter, giving him an unexpected dunk.

Peter resurfaced again, coughing and spluttering.

"Are you okay?" Threafan asked worriedly as he held the human up and wrapped him in his wings. He moved towards the side of the cove until he could find a firm footing to stand.

"I'm ... I'm okay." Peter replied when he had caught his breath again. "Just didn't expect that."

"Good." Threafan purred and Peter felt a clawed hand caress the inside of his thigh. Then as Peter's leg was lifted up over Threafan's hip, the dragon added "So now that I have captured my prey, I am going to take my prize."

"Here?" Peter whispered looking back at the cliffs worriedly. He felt a dick rub against his upraised thigh and he unconsciously curled his other leg around the dragon as well. Despite the cool water, Peter's own dick quickly grew stiff enough to poke Threafan in the stomach.

"Where else?" Threafan smirked as he helped Peter lift his other leg over his hip. "Do you prefer the beach?"

"I meant in the cove." Peter glared at Threafan but made no move to stop him. Instead he wrapped his arms around Threafan's neck and once more submitted to the dragon. "You planned this, didn't you!"

"Of course." Threafan smirked as he pulled his penis into position. Then, when there was no objection from the human, he pushed forward.

"I think you forgot the lube..." Peter grunted as the head started to press into him again.

"The lube was there if I couldn't get you into the water." Threafan admitted, growling as the head of his penis popped inside.

"Sneaky lizard" Peter muttered in mock irritation and yelped when Threafan gave him a sharp jab with his hips, unceremoniously sinking his shaft in quite deep.

"I'm not ... a lizard" he growled, punctuating each phrase with its own jab.

"I'm a wyrm ... and you'll do good ... to remember that!"

"Yes master." Peter chuckled, grunting with each thrust Threafan gave.

"Master?" Threafan questioned, slowing down a bit. "I like the sound of that."

"Well, don't get used to it." Peter quickly said as Threafan started again, falling quickly into an easy, gentle rhythm.

"Oh, I think we can train you easily enough." Threafan teased, gently nibbling at Peter's shoulder again.

"We'll see." Peter replied, holding Threafan tighter as they started to mate again.

Threafan didn't answer this time. Instead he gripped Peter tighter as he humped him with a steady pace. Soon enough Peter felt the knot at his entrance and for a moment he wondered if Threafan was going to tie him again. He kind of liked the idea; True, it hurt when the bulbous flesh entered him but he liked the sensation of fullness and closeness it created.

But Threafan didn't push further and Peter didn't ask this time; Though public sex was nothing strange on some planets, and despite the two strangers they caught the day before, Thorcan wasn't one of them and being tied in public was an invitation for disaster.

Threafan's pace remained surprisingly consistent until, with a few desperate thrusts and a squeak he tried to bite back, he came. For a long while they remained still as the water calmed again around them, just holding each other close.

***

"Hey, hurry up. It has already started!" Peter called with almost childlike excitement as he reached the café Threafan had mentioned earlier. Though it was located at the top of the island, the building wasn't very visible from the resort itself, yet it was within easy walking distance. This made its observation deck very popular among tourists that cared to look at the resort's maps during the thorcan sunsets and sunrises. Indeed, many tourists have gathered there already, pointing excitedly up towards where the sun was kissing the edge of the blue planet.

Since Threafan had not tied Peter, they did not remain in the cove very long after their mating. Rather, they opted to make their way back to the resort at a leisurely pace and to enjoy the remaining time they had together. But they ended up enjoying the patch of natural forest too much and arrived later than they intended. Already it was almost dusk and the sun was a bright red, so one could look at it without one of the solar filters that was sold across the moon.

Peter raced to the railing at the edge of the crowded observation platform and stared wide-eyed up at the spectacle he had gone through so much trouble to see. Though the sun wasn't that bright any more, the light still filtered through the upper atmosphere of the gas giant, giving it an almost purple glass-like appearance. The faint ring around the planet also caught the light just right to shimmer a vague rainbow hue and a few clouds off in the distance shone with a golden light.

The human snapped a few pictures then let the camera just hang around his neck as he stared in awe at the scene. It was definitely worth the trouble and looking at it now, he couldn't imagine that Earth's solar eclipse could truly be more spectacular.

"I've seen the Thorcan sunset many times, but never like this before!" Threafan gasped surprised himself as he caught up with Peter. "Usually it is just a blue haze from the planet that covers everything before everything turns dusky."

They just stood there, watching as the colours in the sky deepened. Then Peter noticed a lupine and lepus couple walk past them, obviously trying not to stare at the two of them in surprise.

"Excuse me?' Peter called to the wolf. "Would you mind taking a picture?"

The two strangers looked at each other questioningly before the wolf agreed. "Sure, no problem." he said and after a quick explanation of how the camera worked, took a picture of the two posing with an arm around each other.

"And another one, just in case." he said and lifted the camera again. But just as he pressed the shutter, Threafan leaned over to Peter and planted a heavy lick on his cheek.

"Hey!" Peter gasped and elbowed the giggling dragon hard enough to make him grunt.

"Let's try that again." the wolf said through his own chuckles and took another picture without trouble.

"I'm going to grab something for us to drink from the café," Threafan said as Peter thanked the wolf.

"The two of you are really together here, aren't you." the wolf said as Threafan disappeared. "I wouldn't have expected it."

"It shouldn't be too strange." Peter replied, looking at the photos the wolf had taken. "You are a wolf and your friend there is a rabbit. On Earth, we have very similar ferals, but they are natural enemies."

"Point taken." the wolf said, glancing at the female rabbit he was with. "How long have the two of you known each other?"

"Not that long," Peter admitted though he didn't want to reveal just how short their acquaintance was.

"And are you ...?" the wolf started to ask but then quickly looked away. "Never mind. It is none of my business."

Peter touched the punctures on his neck self-consciously. He knew the wolf had seen them.

"Mated?" he finished the question. "It happened for the first time last night."

"And how do you feel about it?" the wolf blurted out. "I ... I mean I know humans are not very open-minded when it comes to ... well ..."

Peter just smiled. "I wouldn't have it any other way." he admitted truthfully.

"I've gotten us some Thorcan Tsunamis!" Threafan suddenly appeared, handing Peter a tall greenish-blue-ish cocktail. "Apparently it is the alcoholic drink to have here, though last time I wasn't old enough to try it."

"Nice to have met you," Peter greeted the wolf "and thanks again for the pictures."

"What did you talk about?" Threafan asked curiously as he took a sip at the cocktail.

"Just wanted to know if we are really together." Peter replied, flinching inward when he noticed the rabbit holding out a paw and the wolf paying for the lost bet. "Strange couple, you know."

He took a swig of his drink and choked a bit at the alcoholic strength of the sweetly sour concoction. Threafan just smiled and took another sip himself. They were silent, watching the colours start to fade as the sun moved behind the planet.

"They say the best solar eclipse in the galaxy is the one on Earth." Threafan suddenly commented. "It is said to be the only time one can actually see the star's corona with the naked eye. Have you ever seen it?"

Peter shook his head. "Several partial eclipses, but not a full one. Though they say that there will be one close to where I live in five years time, so I'll definitely be making sure to see it."

"Would you mind if I came by for a visit then?" Threafan asked.

"Yes, I would mind." Peter muttered, taking another sip. When Threafan shot him a questioning gaze, he elaborated with a smirk "I don't want to wait five years before we get to see each other again."

"Oh funny!" Threafan chuckled and gave the human a firm hug with a wing. They stood there, idly sipping at their drinks. The sun gave one final bright flash of light as it dipped behind the blue planet, then a deep indigo hue fell over the entire moon. The planet in the sky seemed to glow in the night sky as if giving off a light of its own, but it was not enough to blot out the stars.

"That was a very special Thorcan sunset!" Threafan declared "They will probably talk about it for years to come. And I'm really glad to have seen it with you."

"As am I!" Peter agreed, then repeated. "I wouldn't have had it any other way."

***

It remained dark the next morning. The sun had disappeared completely behind the planet and now no light shone through the thick, gassy atmosphere.

"Last call for the Seacroll shuttle." a voice called over the intercom in four different languages. "Can those departing for the Thorcan Orbital Platform please check in at the terminal."

"I wish you didn't have to go already." Threafan said as he gave Peter another firm hug.

"I only booked four nights." Peter sighed as upset.

"I'm still here for another three days." Threafan replied hopefully, though he knew it wouldn't work. "You know I wouldn't mind to share."

"I have to be at work by then." Peter said, smiling at the dragon. He wouldn't mind staying longer but he knew that couldn't happen. "And I know the boss wont give me additional leave."

Threafan finally released him and Peter continued. "But I have your contact details; and you have mine. we should definitely stay in touch with each other."

"We should!" Threafan agreed. "You should go before you miss your flight."

"Right." Peter muttered, picking up his bags. "Hope to hear from you soon!"

"From you as well." Threafan growled. "If you don't I'll hunt you down and pound you so hard you will need crutches." Peter laughed and started to walk to the counter to board the shuttle.

"Hey," Threafan suddenly called. "Last one to make contact buys the other one a pint!"

"You're on!" Peter called back; and then he was gone. Threafan stared off in the direction the human had disappeared and wondered if he will really hear from him again. He has had many one night stands before and knew he will have many more. So if this was the last of the human he would see it wont be life changing ...

A tendril of smoke escaped him and he waved at it irritatedly. Who was he kidding? He had never felt such a connection with any of those previous one night stands. And he had meant it when he had threatened to hunt the human down.

"Get a grip of yourself, you silly dragon." he muttered to himself and turned to head back to his empty chalet.

***

"How did the interview go?" John asked as his old collage friend entered through the door.

Peter Morgan had gone through a rough patch these past few months. First his new girlfriend had dumped him for some reason or another; they had never explained the breakup to anyone, though he had his suspicions. Then two months later, after his business trip to Kethrelle, the company he worked for was declared bankrupt and so he had lost his job. He may not have been paid properly by said company, but it was a lost income in any case. He had to get rid of his car and couldn't afford the small flat he rented any more. Eventually, John had convinced him to move in with him.

'Just until I can get back on my feet.' Peter had always insisted and true to his word had not allowed himself to roll around in his misery. Or to take charity for that matter.

"Very well, thanks." Peter beamed, taking off his tie and opening his shirt a bit more comfortably.

John noticed he still wore the little shell pendant, almost as if it was a good luck charm. His gaze drifted to the picture on the table in Peter's room: It was of him and a black dragon, posing together on some observation deck overlooking an ocean. In the reddish sky behind them there was a great purpleish-blue planet with only a glimmer of a rainbow in a ring around said planet. The dragon was busy planting a lick across the humans cheek and the human just started to push the dragon away in shocked surprise, not having expected it.

Being gay himself, John could tell Peter could swing both ways if the opportunity was right, even though he suspected that Peter himself didn't realize it. But that picture often made him wonder if Peter was actually aware of it. Maybe even preferred other species to his own? If he hadn't known that Peter met the dragon after his girlfriend dumped him, he could have guessed that the dragon might have been the reason for the breakup in the first place.

"Oh, there are some messages on the answering machine for you." John said as he handed Peter a soda.

"Thanks" Peter replied taking the soda and walking over to the machine. Pressing the button he listened to the messages as he started to sip on his drink.

"Good morning, Mr Morgan!" the first voice was saying. "We would like to congratulate you on your job application and would like to book a follow-on interview; can you please contact me on ..."

Peter took another swig of his soda and sat down by his laptop to check his email. He and Threafan had exchanged emails regularly, but the dragon had been quiet for a few days. It wasn't surprising: He had warned Peter that he was going on a business trip this time and will not be able to chat as regularly.

There was a beep as the second message came on.

"Good afternoon, Mr Morgan!" a female voice said. "We were very impressed with your interview today. We are also very excited that you have expressed a willingness to stay on Kethrelle and would like to schedule a second interview with you... "

"Looks like your fortunes are turning!" John suddenly said with a smile. Then with a smirk, he pointedly looked towards the photo in Peter's room. "Though I don't need to wonder which of the two jobs you would prefer!"

"Last week's interview does have an attractive salary!" Peter teased and took another swig from his soda as John turned around with a snort.

"You know that isn't what I meant." he sighed as Peter chuckled. "And anyway I understand that both jobs pay much better than your previous work."

Just as Peter wanted to reply, there was a beep as the last message came on.

"Hey there! Surprised you didn't I?" Peter choked on his soda as the gruff voice spoke. "It's Threafan here! My business trip to Earth is done and I still have a week here. I know it is a bit impromptu, but I was hoping we could get together. My continental flight will land this afternoon at 18:35 your time ..."

"Would you mind if I borrow your car?" Peter asked John quickly as Threafan described his itinerary on the phone.

"No problem!" John laughed, already retrieving the car keys. "As long as I come along; I would like to meet this dragon friend of yours myself! But we need to get going; it is already late. And if he doesn't have any plans, he is welcome to stay here."

"Where is he going to sleep?" Peter asked as they started to leave their apartment.

"Oh, we'll figure something out." John replied with a knowing smirk.

"And, oh yeah;" Threafan ended his monologue "you owe me a pint."