Tasting rights

The sun was just starting to set when they finished establishing their camp for the weekend. It was warm out, comfortable enough to take their time while preparing their meal.

Lei was busy laying out some fruit, mostly strawberries, sorting them by color and softness. She ran her fingers lightly over each one before handing them to Xavier, who deposited them into a bowl. He kneeled quietly beside her, but close enough that the others wouldn’t forget who she had come with.

Lassy crouched by the fire, stirring the lit coals with the end of a stick. Zayne hovered closely behind her. He was silent as usual, just adjusted the grill and stayed near, steady as he always was. She let the heat rise.

Near the cooler, Sylus was picking through bottles of flavour-infused mead, humming and turning each one in his hand like he was selecting a vintage wine.

“Cherry or strawberry?” he asked, holding up both bottles. His tone was light, but the glance he gave Zayne said he hadn’t forgotten who had got to make that choice last time.

“Depends what sort of sweetness you’re after,” Lei’s sing-song voice floated back, as Xav visibly tensed.

Sylus looked over at Lassy. A small lift of his brow, an invitation without pressure.

Lassy picked up a few cherries then and held them in her palm, then lifted one to Zayne. He didn’t open his mouth right away, just looked at her for a few seconds. Then finally, he bit... slowly, his tongue brushing her skin. His hazel eyes flicked towards Sylus, a hint of triumph in them.

Sylus mock-sighed. “Unfair. I thought tonight was about indulgence. You had your light sweets on the road. I waited here expecting we’d have something more filling, but I’m still hungry.”

“You weren’t promised anything,” Lassy said, licking her fingers clean. “You showed up.”

Lei rose to her feet then, crossing to Sylus without hesitation, holding out a single strawberry between two fingers and a smile dancing on her lips. “Something for your hunger?” He leaned down, locking eyes with her as she brought the soft, sweet offering to his lips. Xavier followed behind, his hand settling on her hip, fingers curling. Sylus bit. “Juicy.” Chewed. Smiled like he’d gotten away with something. Then glanced at Xav, who was watching, jaw tight, his grip on her waist tightening.

***

Later, they were spread out across several blankets, while the fire gradually became embers.

Lassy lay back with Zayne at her side, one arm resting at her waist, the other curled near her shoulder. He didn’t talk, just stayed close enough to listen. Sylus was propped above her, one hand pressed into the sand, the other tracing the rim of her cup.

“You’re quiet,” he said.

“I’m enjoying all this,” she said.

"Enjoying what?"

Lassy didn’t say anything. She took another cherry from the bowl and rolled it appreciatively, then brought it to her lips. Bit down slow. The juice slipped across her lower lip, then down... bright red against warm skin. She let it fall. Sylus caught the trail with his thumb, then followed with his mouth. His tongue slowly tracing its path. 

Zayne didn’t stop him, but he sat up straighter behind her. His breath slowed, low in his chest. “You’ve fed me,” he murmured, voice rough. “Let your dragon have a taste.”

Across the fire, Lei was curled up in Xav’s lap. Her hand rested comfortably against his chest as she watched the scene unfold with the others. Xav leaned in to whisper something and she laughed, quiet and unguarded.

Sylus glanced over. “Starboy. You sharing tonight?” He shifted his weight, then stood, moving closer to them.

Xav didn’t even blink. “Still hungry? I thought you preferred cherries.” His hand slid up the curve of Lei’s waist instinctively. She leaned up and kissed his chin, chuckling. “He just wants a taste of strawberry, darling.”

“Look at you, my love. Begging for the right to taste…” Lassy’s voice cut through the crackling flames, a soft tease to match Lei’s.

Sylus didn’t smirk this time. Didn’t speak.

Just looked at them both, and for once, he had nothing clever to say.

[Continued Here]

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Collaboration post, written by Lassy and Leiyn