Story, 2nd part

[frogs_of_war]

 Normally by this point, I've come up with a title. Sigh.

The problem with having a crush on a guy with so many friends was that Kin didn’t get his full attention. Not that he’s expected it. It was a miracle Ved remembered him at all, let alone recognized him. But Kin didn’t stop touching him: a hand on his arm or shoulder, an arm across his back, snuggles like when they were kittens. It was enough to make all the names of all the people Ved introduced just wash away like the tide. 

 

Ved was raised at the university. Two of his fathers and three of his grandparents were in research. Then he’d graduated and spent a year in the field and opted to go through their finding this year rather than go out again. Which meant he was here for Kin’s freshman year. 

 

“How are you setting in?” asked the hundredth person.

 

“Pretty good,” seemed to be the right answer. 

 

“Like your classes?” That was also a popular question, but he’s only been here a week, so how could he know for sure. He mentioned Professor Dev and like always, the inquisitor smiled and reminisced about being his student the same way Dadaidh and Ayr always did. 

 

Then Kin could turn the conversation to what the other person thought he shouldn’t miss: their favorite teachers, classes, cafes, clubs, parks… and that would keep the conversation going until Ved finished the one he was having and moved Kin along to introduce him to new friends. 

 

Kin wouldn’t be able to remember any of them. 

 

He covered a yawn. Had Ved seen? Kin wasn’t ready to give up the little bit of attention Ved had given him.

 

“Time to get you home.” Ved grinned.

 

Kin bit his lip to keep from retorting that he wasn’t a kitten anymore. He probably still was to Ved.

 

The walk back to Kin’s dorm was nice in the crisp night air. Ved rubbed his face against Kin’s neck and riled up right outside Kin’s door, but he wouldn’t come in. He gave Kin a soft kiss on the lips and walked away.

 

Kin crawled into the bed too tired to jerk himself off to the smell of Ved on him. He cried a little, quietly in case his dorm mate returned. Ved would never love him the way he wanted to be loved.