The Black

Clint tucked the tiller under an arm as he watched the two sisters sun bath. It was late summer, and the two women were on the cabin basking in the warm summer conditions.

The winds were light, the barest of gusts neared a paltry 7knots. The main sail was up for rocking stability but was not providing much driving power today. A massive billowing almost bag-like sail was a fly from the forestay. Mac had ordered the asymmetric Spinnaker in the lightest fabric he could find that would still be durable, it was a deep blue solid color with the Auburn and silver crest of Helyon at its center. Clint’s mind drifted over the last several month's experiences….

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-1week after the Brrush’ celebration.-

Clint walked up the elevated walkway toward the Tram station nearest his lodging at his brother’s massive house. He stepped through the sliding doors to wait for the tram ‘I wonder what those two have pla…’

Clint found out as Hera and Frie startled him as they stepped out from where they were sitting, and each grabbed one of his hands.

Frie pulled herself close, pressing herself against his arm as she pulled close to him “boo” she whispered in his ear.

Hera wouldn’t be outdone and leaned in as well, brushing her nose ever so slightly against the side of his neck to take in his scent. “Frie’s right, you do smell good” she coo’d into his ear.

“Girls….” Mac half warned and half pleaded. They both finally relented and stopped teasing him... neither one had released his hands, however. Clint breathed a calming sigh. “What are you two doing here, I thought we were meeting in town.”

“That’s what we told you…” Hera said with a grin as the high-speed tram showed itself as it slid into the station on its single rail.

“So…. What are we actually doing?” Clint asked.

“You’ll see,” Frie said as they boarded the tram.

The doors closed as the three took a seat. Clint sighed internally as he was being cuddled up against from both sides again. He was about to protest when he noticed the slightest of shivers. It was still ‘deep winter’ for this part of Delmar.

“Oh, come here you two” he pulled his hand free to wrap his arm around them both and pulled them to his core. “I’m guessing this isn’t something normally done in winter?”

“Not really.” Hera said, snuggling down into him.

“We are headed to the Hall, there is a big fireplace that is kept going all winter, we want to get to know you, and for you to get to know us.” Frie finished.

The tram slowed after a few more minutes to reveal the stop built into the Helyon tribe’s de facto capital building, event center. The three walked into the main hall to feel a blast of warmth coming from a fireplace that was built into the back wall of the main floor where the music stage was usually assembled. The would-be dance floor was no more, replaced with deep cushioned furniture that half resembled a Delmar style bed with backrests. ‘Oh boy’ thought Clint as the sisters jumped into one of these titanic couch/bed things and he settled into an edge. Hera and Frie had seen his discomfort and decided to give him a little space, but only a little as they settled in next to the roaring fire.

“So... Is this a game of 20 questions? Or life story time?” Clint asked warily.

“20 questions?” Hera asked.

“Um, a human game, where we all take turns asking one question each.” Clint explained, leaning back against the backrest. The roaring fire both calmed his nerves and created an infuriatingly romantic setting.

“Hmm I quite like that,” Frie nodded

“Me as well, how do you want to play,” Hera said.

“Since I’m going be the one double-teamed, I’ll ask questions that both of you have to answer, and then you can each ask a question for me to do the same.” Clint offered.

“I’ll go first,” Frie said, “let’s get the obvious out of the way, how old are you?”

“By your calendar, somewhere around 23-24 or so. By the Sol calendar, I’m 25.” Clint answered.

“How long have you known Mac?” Hera asked.

“My whole life, our families were neighbors during our childhood. We… we were in same classes in school most years…” Clint mentioned somewhat hesitantly.

“Wait, I thought you two were brothers?” Frie blurted out, “Wait, I'm sorry. Your turn”

“It's fine” Clint dismissed, “How about you two, a gentleman never asked a lady her age, but you opened the door so..”

“I'm 19” Frie said she saw Clints face smooth in shock, “It's not like that! Our species become adults Mentally and physically at about 15 of our years, we generally do not claim any younger than 17 of our years, and we stop ‘developing’ until we are 24 years old. It has to do with how quickly we had to mature and reproduce being a non-apex species on our planet. I’ve actually been an orbital Shuttle pilot since I was 15.” She said quickly, “I take it that Humans don’t develop as quickly?”

“No,” Clint began relaxing visibly, “we are not considered adults until 18 of our years of age, we are capable of reproduction much sooner; but our brains continue to mature until about 18-20 years old” Clint said, looking his same question to Hera.

“I’m 26 of our ‘years’ old.” She said somewhat ashamed, “I should be bonded by now, but I loved being on a starship. I wanted to make captain before…” She started to Hug herself as a flashback of her ship’s destruction hooded her eyes for a moment.

Clint reached over and put a hand on her shoulder. She smiled at him before asking a question of her own once more, “How long were you two together as flight crew.” She asked.

“8 years,” Clint said simply. “We walked into the training facility together at 17 with a letter from Uncle Martin. The program we went into was a 3 year training program, so we were allowed in a year before we became adults because we wouldn’t be seeing combat until after we came of age.” His eyes shadowed his own memories.

Clint shook himself and changed the subject, “Here’s one for you two, what do your parents think of me?” He smirked at their exchanged glances.

“They, know… about you… They know that you are human... They aren’t happy about not being part of this, but they understand… They will probably grill you when they get back if we are still figuring this out when the ships return for the season.”

“They have been trying to get Hera’ Hitched for years.” Frie admitted, “I don’t want to be pushed away if they……”

“You wont be, even if I have to stop this whole thing and explain how I feel to the two of them.” Clint said darkly. The two of them flinched slightly at his tone, “Sorry, in my culture, the male oftentimes is the one to pursue the female. I’m still not used to being the one chased.”

They asked menial questions the rest of the day and into the night. Clint shared Mac’s pention for day bags and had brought snacks and drinks. He stood up to throw some wood on the fire and when he turned around he saw the two whispering to each other.

“Clint, we want to ask a... sensitive question. Please don’t be mad at us.” Hera said quietly.

Clint smiled, projecting calmness when he was worried as hell, “It’s ok, go ahead. We will have to learn the not-so-nice part of each other eventually” he steeled himself for questions about his time in the war... So many over the years had asked him these, and it always ended up coming up one way or another.

“That night before the Brrush’, when you explained to us about your people’s physical desires… Have you ever… um…” Hera faltered for the words.

“I have..” Clint said gently, watching their faces closely. Frie turned to look at him fully, she was intrigued more than shocked or appalled. Hera was more reserved.

“Can you... explain? It’s not something that is done in our species... We want to know…” Frie said.

“I’ve been intimate with one human female in my life. Like I said before, Humans don’t have the same mental bonding dangers associated with intimacy.. We were both in a dark place and needed comfort. We ‘had sex’ a couple of times before Mac and I were given our next orders. Humans call it a ‘fling’. I don’t even know if she survived the war. I’m sorry if that taints me somehow.” Clint said, holding their eyes in his own.

The two of them looked at each other before crawling to either side of him and cuddling in, “It doesn’t, but it hurt you to admit it to us knowing our culture. Thank you for being honest with us.” Hera said.

“My turn” Clint said, “how does Delmar affection work, outside of claiming. I don’t want to do something that would be considered wrong, or to far.”

“For trusted loved ones; like immediate family and close family, it is not uncommon for us to curl up in one bed during visits. Personal space is nonexistent there. We do it because our body temperature drops at night, In the winter, it gets pretty uncomfortable alone.” Frie said.

“For situations like ours, it would not be uncommon for us to share a bed for sleeping, but other than that and what you call ‘teasing’. Not much happens. The ‘teasing’ isn’t intentional. We aren’t used to a male being so sensitive to physical contact.” Hera said even as she twirled a lock of his hair in her hand.

“What do you think of my people, so far” Frie asked

“I think you know how I feel about you two, the rest I am still learning. I’m not as good at not scaring the civilian populace, so I sometimes terrify some poor guy or gal with a tooth-filled laugh, or look.” Clint admitted with a chuckle, “It’s like I’m Konan the Barbarian or something. It’s a weird feeling, sometimes I’m not sure I dislike it.” he flashed a very human evil smile. He felt Hera stir uncomfortably, “Sorry” He kissed her on the top of the head gently, but felt her stiffen. “Ok, what did I do.” he asked

“What did you mean by what you just did?” Frie was worried.

Clint smiled and leaned down to kiss her on the head as well, “It's something Humans do to comfort those they care about. It’s not considered sexually intimate. A father might kiss his child on the head to console him about a hurt finger, or broken toy.” he said. He felt both of them relax a little. “We can play 20 questions in the Tram; it’s dark out and I have an idea. Mind if I crash at your place?” He smiled as their faces lit up.

“I’ll order food on the way there.” Hera said whipping out her communicator.

It started to rain as they reached their destination station and the jungle decided to drench them as they ran to the duplex’s that the sisters shared. Frie’s home was a touch closer, and they dove in the door laughing as the storm reached full force.

Frie looked at Clint as his body was steaming from the sprint through the rain. Hera started heading for the bathroom to change and Frie followed her sister, as Clint made for the guest bathroom and pulled out a change of basic t shirt and pants from his pack. When he came out Frie was answering the door as the food was once again delivered and He noticed the two of them were basically in silky form fitting Pajama pants and shirts. ‘God fucking dammit, these two just won’t give me a break’.

They ate and Chatted until the food was all gone. Clint pulled a pad with some Human Movies subtitled in Delmar.

“So what do you guys think of Humanity so far..” Clint asked as he set up the tablet on the table in front of their smaller couch.

“You’re… Intense” Hera said softly, she had sat down next to clint. “It’s terrifying sometimes, and I know you are holding back most of the time…” She looked away slightly.

“I want to know...” Frie said as she walked in. Clint stood to refill his water.

“Want to know what.” Clint said as she met him half way.

“How intense you Humans actually are.” She smirked as she intentionally slid against him as they passed.

That wasn’t going unanswered this time. Hera gasped and Frie squeaked in surprise as Clint's cup of water clattered to the floor as he spun with the totality of his human agility in lighter gravity, grabbing Frie around the shoulders, and he spun her around to press her back against the wall firmly without injuring her. She dropped the cups she was holding in surprise as she Met Clint's gaze. He was piercing her soul with his eyes and the Hungry look on his face made her whole body seize up in primal terror while her mind raced in equal parts fascination, fear, and exhilaration. He pushed her up against the wall firmly with his entire body up against her’s. She saw his smile broaden as he realized she was not wearing any supporting undergarments beneath her Pajamas.

“Do you trust me.” He said in that low voice that practically rumbled from his chest into her soul.

Frie Gulped, eyes still fixed on his for a long moment, before slowly nodding.

As soon as she did, he released her shoulders, keeping her there with his own body weight up against her, he lowered his head to her neck and half whispered half growled into her soul as his lips brushed her neck with every syllable, “This is for teasing me.” He said as her body shuddered at his breath and the brushes of his lips as he spoke. She shuddered again as he brushed his lips against her neck in soft barely imagined Kisses that set her sense of touch ablaze. He worked his way up the left side of her neck and she felt herself arch her back into him on its own only to freeze as she felt his hands slide just under the edge of the bottom of her shirt. His touch was soft, teasing her skin along her sides and stomach as he slowly slid them up her body. He moved them up in time to the kisses on her neck. His lips reached her jaw line just as his thumbs lightly brushed the undersides of her breasts before his hands dropped just slightly to rub up and down her sides without fondling her.

“Clint...?” she barely whimpered... he pulled his head away just far enough to let her meet his gaze, his lips were bare millimeters from hers but he refused to kiss her. She was breathing heavily, her instincts were screaming at her, part run, part something… else. Delmar was not supposed to feel passion outside of the claiming, but She was eyes locked with a man she had not claimed, begging internally that he take her. Yet, she could feel it. There was no claiming happening.

“Mac told me the claiming includes a kiss..” he breathed onto her lips, “I will go no further, and this is the only time I will show you this until this is over, but you must understand what I feel…” he went back down and kissed Frie more strongly on the crook of her kneck and shoulder. Smiling a bit as she shuddered involuntarily, “…what I want to do, every time you get close to me”. He looked her in the eyes once more before releasing her.

Frie’s Chest Heaved repeatedly as she caught her breath. She looked up at him to see the Apex was once more tucked away as he smiled gently at her with a touch of worry ‘he’s worried he went to far’. She wouldn’t have that. Frie took two steps toward him before placing her hands on his chest, leaning in and giving him a single kiss on the neck like he had done to her, “I’m fine.” she whispered to him. “You were right, I needed to know. I didn’t realize your reactions were quite so… intense.” She looked over his shoulder and nodded before stepping back.

Clint turned to find Hera standing in front of him as she whispered, “Frie is right, you are not Delmar. We need to understand…. I need to understand…”

Clint saw her apprehension, Frie was always the teaser. Hera tended to be more timid and cuddly. She did not need the brutal wake-up call that Frie had. This time Clint moved slowly, locking his eyes into Hera’s as she stiffened much like Frie as he let his barriers down again. He didn’t push her up against the wall. This time he lowered his chin and silently stalked the few steps between them. Moving ever so slowly he took Hera around the waist with his hands and pressed her to himself. He repeated what he had done to Frie, and he felt her trembling at his touch. He heard her gasp as his started brushing his lips to her neck and sliding his hands under her shirt. He paused when he felt her arms reach for his as if to stop him, before she obviously changed her mind and rested her hands around his waist as he resumed... the same gentle brushes of lips on neck, the barest touch of his fingers up her sides ending in the same gentle swipe of the underside of her breasts. He finished with the same single kiss on the neck and withdrew from her.

“That was… wow… That’s how you feel when...” her breathless whisper was ragged under the heaves of her chest, as she fought for the control to calm herself.

“Yes, I’m better at controlling it, because I have lived with those urges my entire life. But it is there, even right now...” Clint whispered before pulling both girls into a much more reassuring embrace, “I’m truly sorry if I terrified you just now... I just didn’t know how else to try to explain to you what you would be jumping into if one of you chose to claim me. I won’t say that it is always this way with all Humans, but You two have chosen me. I need you to know who you have chosen. This… and what my people's war did to me and My brother.”

They sat together on the couch, the pad forgotten, “Tell us when you are ready...” Frie said finally, “We haven’t asked because we can tell it’s painful for you.”

Clint smiled at the two of them before drawing them into himself for a reassuring hug, “If I can't talk about it with you, then I don’t deserve you..” He took a deep breath before starting “It started with a school trip to the North of my Home city…..”

The two of them had returned to the master bedroom and came back with a more modest addition of braws and underwear under their Pj’s. They had been naturally horrified by the majority of his story... he had spared them nothing. Like Mac, Clint’s wartime body count numbered in the thousands. He had expected them to need space after he finished his story. He had been too shocked to resist when they took his hands and pulled him into the master bedroom, pushing him into the middle of the circular Delmar-style bed before crawling up beside him on either side and resting their heads on pillows next to his. This did not feel like their teasing, and Clint realized that they were trying to comfort him.

“Sleep, you don’t need to be alone after reliving that.” It was Frie, She was taking the lead on this one; and Hera just nodded, not saying a word.

Clint just nodded and pulled them close, “Thank you.” He mumbled before passing out from pure psychological exhaustion.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

-now-

Clint smiled at the memory. Things smoothed out much more quickly after that. The two girls still teased him occasionally, but he gave as good as he got. He had noticed that Frie was beginning to tease him a bit more than Hera. He wondered if that was something to do with their little “competition”. He had long since stopped worrying about that part of it. The last several months had seen Frie noticeably fill out as promised, and Clint was having trouble keeping his hands off of her at times...

The water was perfect for light wind sailing today. The ship barely rocked, and the Girls were enjoying themselves in the sun. The Delmar truly loved warm weather. The wind finally died down the last hour of the day and Clint was forced to Motor back to the Spot where Mac had left her. Mac was currently at the soon-to-be-finished Port Royal. Today was just a day's sail to enjoy the wonderful weather, and soon Clint was back at the apartment complex that contained both of their homes.

“See you guys tomorrow?” Clint said as they headed into Frie’s home.

“Ya, We are going to go to see the top of the canopy. There is a Hiking area that can take us to the top of the Jungle” Frie said before heading inside.

“See ya tomorrow,” Hera said, giving him a quick hug.

“Bye,” Clint said. It was still light as he made it to Mac’s house to be greeted by Lyrian bouncing the twins on her lap, hugging them fiercely.

Clint's face dropped to seriousness, her distraught expression registering “What happened…”

Lyri waved a finger and stepped-up upstairs to put the little ones down for bed. She came back down the stairs and flung herself around Clint in a desperate embrace,

“Port Royal was attacked….” She sobbed into his shoulder. “No one will tell me anything…. Clint… Mac went up there today… I can’t reach him…”