The Emerald Tales (BastinxKalin)

[ode]

Bastian didn't even pause, "I came across him in the woods. He hunting my favorite grub and I couldn't resist assisting in the hunt. "

[fearless]

He nodded then looked him over once more. "Well in thanks you can share our dinner and stay over tonight. We have a guest bedroom next to Kalin's room."

[ode]

Bastian was genuinely surprised by this. The words spoken and what Kalin had said just didn't seem to go hand in hand. But he said nothing, pleased that he would be in the vicinity of his mate. "I thank you for the generous offer, and accept accordinglly," he gave a quick bow in respect.

[fearless]

His bearer watched him, "We want to be able to see you. Please keep your door open unless you are changing, and Kalin you too." He didn't want them sneaking into the same room, "And I fear you must be on your way in the morning, Alec would send you home now but it is far too late."

[ode]

Oh, there it was. He should have known better than to deny the truth of his mate's word. "Of course, sir, I will take what you give with grace and leave you to your household in the morning." There was, however, an admitted lack of enthusiasm in these words compared to the last. Stars, all the wanted in the galaxies was to hold his mate near to him.

[fearless]

Kalin wanted to protest, it wasn't fair to do that to their guest. He didn't protest for fear he would just send him away. He didn't care his parents normally went to bed early and were out like a light after that. All he had to do was wait and then he could be in his mates arms. He smiled then went to go check on the dinner.

[ode]

Bastian wanted to follow him but the suspicious look his mate's bearer gave him had him standing firm. Stars, this was going to be a long night.

[fearless]

His bearer watched Bastin for a bit longer before going into the kitchen and helping Kalin. His giver moved forward eying Bastin now. "I see you want my son," he told him softly. "If this is so we will want you to court him. Rovin is a bit overprotective so you will have to convince him. And if you hurt him you will find yourself harmed.

[ode]

"I would never hurt him. He is my.... well, I want him terribly." He corrected himself, hoping the man hadn't caught wind of the 'mate' thing. "What is this courting thing you speak of?" He had never heard the phrase, his parents had never taught him. In his upraising a mate was to find a mate and have no one else so why bother with anything else?

[fearless]

Alec smiled now, "Courting is a form of dating. You could take him anywhere, but I want it in public places. For the first few dates I want no physical stuff, I want you two to get to know each other. You could meet him here at the house, maybe have dinner with us a few times."

[ode]

"No physical... not even a kiss?" he knew he sounded childish, but it was just wrong to ask him to touch his mate.

[fearless]

Alec nodded face serious, "Not even that. I want you to get to know him without the physical stuff. Please follow my rules, I know you like him, but this is to protect my son."

[ode]

Bastian took a deep breath. Giving his word meant he had to follow through as he was a man of honor. And while he wanted to kiss Kalin for all he was worth... he wanted Kalin to be happy when they finally settled into mated life and he knew Kalin wouldn't be if his parents were not also happy.

With that in mind, he nodded, "I give you my word."

[fearless]

Alec smiled, "Thank you Bastin," he told him softly. He looked up and Rovin and Kalin came into the room. "Dinners ready," Kalin told them both.

[ode]

Bastian ate silently but truly felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Sure, the temptation to reach across the table and snatch his mate up was killing him - particularly since he kew he could not. But he was a man of honor and would go by his word even if it killed him. He gulped at the way Kalin licked his spoon... he may die younger than he thought.