Orc Boyfriend: Ozren 3 (special preview)

Due to Obresh being flanked on the left by the Cobra Strait and the ocean to the south, the winter winds that blew through were exceedingly cold. Back home in Sothen, the winds were much gentler despite the harshness in which you lived. Here in Obresh, the bitter winds mixed with your new homelife was a strange feeling. You were still getting used to being treated so warmly and lovingly by Ozren, most of all you were still struggling to accept it. The nagging voices you had heard all your life were beginning to quiet, but they were still there.

Ozren had been working hard to make sure the home was isolated and treated for winter. He’d been sealing cracks in the wood outside, putting heavy patches of moss around the window frames. He had even gone out and bought a thick material so you could make curtains. He also brought home some yarn, after noticing you had knitting needles amongst your things.

You didn’t have much when you ran to Obresh, you didn’t have much to begin with, but when you ran you only took what you could carry. This included a few articles of clothing, some small trinkets, a book, and the knitting needles. You used to knit when you were alone, it kept your mind busy, kept your hands busy. You hadn’t done it at all since you ran, but you kept the needles in case you ever needed to quiet your mind again.

One evening as you’re enjoying dinner, you can’t help but notice that Ozren seems quieter than usual. He’s usually so eager to talk to you, to tell you about his day. But today, he’s quiet, almost as if he’s avoiding something.

“Is everything okay?” You ask. “Is the food good?”

“Hm?” He looks up from his plate. “Aye, it is, my rose.” He sighs heavily as he sits up. He combs his fingers along his scalp, pushing his long hair away from his face. “I have some bad news, and I don’t rightly want to to tell you.”

Your gut drops suddenly, going cold then turning to stone once his hits the floor. “Oh,” you murmur. “Is it my-”

“No, no,” he says quickly. “Nothing to do with you, rose. Everything to do with me.” He places his palm over his chest. “I may have to leave for a while, for some work.”

It was a bit of a relief. “Oh!” You laugh and breathe again. “That’s not so bad.”

“Usually no, but I do hate to leave you alone, especially since it is getting colder. It wouldn’t be for long. Just long enough to build a place and come back. An old friend has asked for my help, and I cannot tell him no.”

“You don’t have to explain things to me. Your friend needs help, I think it’s wonderful you want to help him,” you say with a smile. “I will miss you though. When do you have to go?”

“Once supplies come in I’ll be taking them out to him,” he answers, sounding quite sorrowful. “I’m just worrying over you, tis all.”

“I will be fine. Lonesome, but fine.”

Ozren stands and walks around the table, sitting down on the bench right next to you. “That is what worries me to the most.” He takes your hand and kisses it. “I don’t want you to be lonely. I don’t want you to be in that big bed cold.”

You kiss his cheek. “I will be fine, really. You’re the one who will be cold. Building a house and all, will you at least have somewhere to sleep?”

“I’m used to such things.”

You put your finger over his lip. “Just because you’re used to it does not mean it’s okay with me.”

He captures your hand and kisses the palm then holds it to his cheek. “I’ve got memories of you to keep me warm, my rose. Sweet, blessed thoughts of your voice, your soft skin, your beautiful eyes.”

Your heart jumps and patters. “Well then,” you try to breathe, “I have similar memories as well to keep me warm.”

Ozren smiles and kisses your forehead. “I hope you do, my rose. I’ve tried to give you as many as I can.” He kisses your cheek.

“You have,” you say shakily. “Your hair falling around my face, your uhm-” You swallow the growing lump in your throat back. “Your arm against my lower back. You-your hands on my hips uhm-” The space between the two of you is small, but it feels extremely hot. Every breath you take feels like you’re standing in the center of a volcano. “Your...your…” Your mind is trailing and you close your eyes as the distance between you becomes nothing. Ozren kisses you, grabbing hold of you as you wrap your arms around him.