I'm so very excited. I've finally finished Joel's journey!! This has been a journey I've taken with him and Teegan for over 3 years now. This ending, Celebrate Me Home, comes right after The Journey. Thank you to everyone who has been so supportive of me!
Title: Celebrate Me Home
Characters: Joel/Teegan
Series: Another Life
Joel's legs burned as he trudged through the trampled snow. He couldn't imagine how Carrick's legs were still moving through the thigh high snow. Carrick had been in the lead position on this final part of their journey. The men had been full of joy and energy as they knew they'd reach Tarvos today. Joel was excited as well, but was apprehensive too. He didn't know what awaited him in this foreign land.
"Umph!"
Joel heard the soft grunt and turned around. Teegan had fallen. Joel stopped and knelt down. "Be still. Let me check and make sure you've not injured yourself!" Protective instincts flared and engulfed him. Teegan, his sub, could be hurt!
"I'm unharmed. Just slipped," Teegan reassured him.
"Hold still, I said." Joel didn't give conscious thought, but opened the link the two men had between them. His blood seemed to flow faster, hotter. A rush of electricity flashed through his body. And then he was taking in Teegan's senses as well as his own. Breathing slowly, Joel took stock of his sub's body. Teegan was cold. His ears hurt from the wind. He was out of breath. Teegan was exhausted. But he was not injured. Joel let out a sigh of relief that his sub was not hurt.
"By the heavens, Arkhe, you are more than I can handle when you go all dominant. You've learned to link well. The combination makes me ache!" Teegan smiled up at Joel. His tired eyes full of desire.
"May we reach, at the very least, the village borders before you ravish him?" Carrick's voice boomed with tolerant amusement.
Joel leaned down and lifted Teegan to his feet. Leaning in, he whispered, "I ache as well. Come, my Pais, let us get home." Once Teegan was on his feet and steady, Joel turned to Carrick then nodded.
The men continued on this last leg of their journey. Joel had let Teegan in front of him, a safeguard in case the man fell again. Just as the sun started to set behind the large mountain, they reached the outskirts of the village.
Joel stopped and took in the sight. Dome roofs were on all the buildings. Most of the roofs were dark wood, but off to one side were some made out of glass. They sparkled in the setting sun. A few people were walking through paths made in the snow.
Teegan turned and gave him a wide grin. "We're home."
Joel couldn't help but grin back at Teegan. He was unsure of his welcome, but the sound of happiness in his sub's voice brought Joel pure joy. "Yes, we're home."
The men seemed to have gained more energy at the sight of the village and started walking faster. The closer they got, more people started coming out of their homes. Joel assumed that many of them were sending waves of happiness through their own links of their loved ones. By the time they reached the center of the village, they were surrounded.
Joel felt a slight tingling run through his body. He turned and looked at Teegan.
"I'm sure the noise is overwhelming to you. You've not had so many people talking at once before," Teegan explained.
Joel nodded. He hadn't ever had so many people talking at once. On earth, most people didn't have the strength or energy to be so enthusiastic. And there was seldom more than 10 or 15 people together at one time. People were cautious and stayed mainly to themselves. Joel knew it'd take some time before he was fully comfortable with so many people.
Suddenly there was a hush. The crowd parted to allow a tall man to walk toward them. The unsmiling man locked eyes with Joel. In a deep, loud voice, the man said, "You have found our lost soul and have brought him home. A feast will be planned in celebration. Go. Go home to your loved ones and family. Rest tonight."
The people laughed and talked among themselves as they left for their homes. All that were left in the small courtyard were Carrick, Joel, Teegan and the tall man.
Joel stood still. He was held captive by the large man's eyes. He could feel Teegan through their link, and he sent waves of calm to him. They'd come so far, that Joel knew they'd find their peace here.
"I am the Anax here. My name is Diederik," the man stated. "You are not of here. Not of Tarvos. Not of Gliese."
"I wasn't. But now I am." Joel knew the words to be true as he spoke them. He wasn't born on Gliese, but Gliese was now his home.
Diederik nodded regally. "You've no shelter for the night. You will stay with me. And you as well, Teegan. Carrick, go. Go home to Berend. He's missed you."
Carrick turned and embraced Teegan. Joel could feel through their link how tightly the man held him. When Carrick finally let go of Teegan, he gave him a hardy swat. "That will be the last that I discipline you, Pais. You are now his."
Joel felt a rush of pleasure, but couldn't tell if it was his own or Teegan's. Then he stiffened in surprise when Carrick wrapped his arms around him.
"You are worthy. You are now my soldier in arms," Carrick said thickly. He let go of Joel only after he'd given him a rough kiss on the head. "Good night, Anax."
Joel watched as Carrick stalked toward his home. He'd been accepted by Teegan's captain, but would their king, their Anax accept him? Bracing his shoulders, Joel's eyes met Diederik's eyes again.
"Come. You've had a long journey," Diederik said.
Joel had the feeling that the leader meant more than just their journey from Kajov. Joel acknowledged him with a nod. Taking hold of Teegan's hand, they followed the Anax into a larger dome.
Joel looked around as soon as he entered. The entrance way was a small rectangle with benches and hooks. Joel followed Diederik's and Teegan's example and removed his cloak and boots. They walked down a small hallway to a larger room. A large firepit was centered in the middle of the room, with a long table and chairs on one side, and soft couches on the other. The ceilings were not shaped in the half circle.
"The snows slide off the dome roofs. Because heat rises, the ceilings are lowered inside," Diederik explained.
Joel blushed but nodded his understanding.
"There is no shame in asking questions. In learning about new situations," Diederik chided.
"We are tired, Anax," Teegan complained. "Can not questions and interrogations wait until morning at least?"
Joel gasped at Teegan's nerve to whine to his King, but Diederik laughed. "You, my Pais, have not changed one bit through your trials! Yes, my interrogation will wait until morning. You and your dominant must first have a warm meal. Then you must rest."
As Diederik went through a door, Joel and Teegan sat at the end of the table that was closest to the fire. Joel could feel himself starting to thaw. His hands and feet ached as the cold left them. When he saw Teegan wringing his hands, Joel opened their link. He could feel the pain in Teegan's hands as well as his own. A fierce need roared inside him to take away the pain his sub was in. Taking Teegan's hands in his own, Joel started to massage them. "They'll stop hurting soon. The blood is starting to flow more quickly. Let me help you."
"Listen to him well, Teegan," a woman's voice call out. "You've great need for care taking."
"I have not," Teegan cried out with joy in his voice. "Joel, this is Anneke. She's Diederik's wife and sub."
"Sit, sit!" Anneke said when Joel tried to stand. "We'll not stand on formalities. We've raised Teegan since he was a small child. We are family. And you are both too thin for this heavy winter cold. You'll need to gain weight." Anneke set down large bowls of thick meaty stew. "Come on, eat up."
"Do as my Agape says," Diederik boomed out. Setting down warm bread, he continued, "after you've eaten your fill, you'll sleep. Time enough in the morning to make decisions."
Joel felt Teegan's fear and nervousness through their link. He'd learned to feel what Teegan felt, but not how to send comfort back. With a soft deep breath, Joel pictured calmness in his mind and pushed. With a slight smile, he felt his sub's emotions settle. Trying to keep the calmness flowing, and still eat, Joel felt eyes on him. Looking up, he met Diederik's eyes. Just like when they were outside, the Anax nodded to him.
"Take sustenance, your body surely needs it. Then you can rest," Diederik stated. "Come, Anneke, let us go to our night's rest. Teegan, your room is waiting for you."
Joel watched the king and his sub leave the room. When the door shut behind them, he lifted the spoon and ate. He and Teegan didn't talk, instead concentrated all their energies on the hot food. When Teegan popped the last piece of bread in his mouth, Joel opened their link a little more. Taking full inventory of his boy's physical and emotional state, he was relieved to find that Teegan's pain and hunger had dissipated.
"Come, my Agape, show me where we'll sleep tonight," Joel said. "I'm looking forward to holding you in my arms for love rather than for the necessity of warmth."
Joel's heart melted when Teegan grinned at him. "We could do more than sleep," the imp said with a smile.
Pulling Teegan up as he stood, Joel agreed. "Not only could we, but we will."
Laughing softly, Teegan led Joel down a hallway. Opening the last door, Teegan said, "This has been my room since I was young."
Joel took in the sight of his boy's room. A large bed dominated the middle of the room, with a fireplace on the outside wall. The bed was tall with thick blankets and plush pillows on it. Taking Teegan's hand, Joel walked to the side of the bed. Giving his sub a soft kiss, Joel started undressing the other man. As each piece of clothing was removed, Joel would caress and kiss the exposed skin. By the time Teegan was standing naked in front of him, they were both hard and out of breath. Quickly stripping off his own clothes, Joel climbed onto the bed. Tugging Teegan up beside him, Joel opened their link and let their emotions become one as their bodies did the same.
Stretching his body on the soft bed, Joel gave a sigh of happiness. Even though the journey had been hard, he'd go through much worse on earth. And here on Gliese he had a soft bed to sleep in. Something he'd never had on earth. The aches and pains of his body were minor. Rolling over, he smiled at the sleeping form of Teegan. They'd shared their bodies, their mind, and their love for one another. The slight snore coupled with the line of spittle dripping from Teegan's open mouth, convinced Joel that his sub wouldn't wake anytime soon.
Gently leaving the bed, Joel picked up his clothes. He'd been more concerned with Teegan last night, that his clothes had been left in a small pile by the bed. Quickly dressing, he quietly walked out the door.
Heat and the wonderful scent of fresh baked bread wafted down the hallway. Joel stood still and concentrated on lightening the link he still had with Teegan. The other man needed the sleep. There would be time for Teegan to satisfy his hunger. Joel grinned as he felt a slight soreness in his own bottom. He'd been careful in his taking of Teegan the night before, but his sub would still be sore, as the link made Teegan's soreness known in Joel's body.
Hearing voice drift from the great room, Joel squared his shoulders. He needed to show strength to this race of warriors. Strength and grace. Walking down the hall and into the room, he met the eyes of Diederik.
"The night's rest seems to have revived you," Diederik said softly. "Yet worn young Teegan out."
Joel could feel the color rise in his face, but he didn't drop his gaze. "A good night's rest is all my body needs."
"Not all," Anneke chided. "It needs nourishment. I've never seen a man so thin. Come. Eat. I've hot muesli and sweet bread to break the night's hunger."
Sitting down at the large table, Joel smiled at the large woman. "Thank you. I'm sure I'll gain flesh shortly. You're cooking is wonderful."
"Flattery is always appreciated," Anneke laughed. "Now eat!"
Not needing to be told again, Joel picked up a piece of bread and bit into it. The favors of honey and corn exploded in his mouth. With great struggle, he kept his groan of happiness silent. The muesli was hardy and warm. Joel could feel the nourishment spread throughout his body. He savored every morsel. And when he'd taken his last bite, he felt full. The feeling of a full belly was still unique to him. Growing up, he'd always felt the pangs of hunger. That was his reason for studying agriculture. To find a way to feed the people of earth.
"Before Teegan wakes, I'd like to conference with you," Diederik said, breaking Joel from his thoughts. "Come, let's adjourn to my den."
Standing up, Joel turned first to Anneke. "Thank you. The meal was delicious." Then he turned and followed the leader down the hall.
Stepping into the room behind Diederik, Joel looked around. The room was small and pleasantly warm from a large fireplace. A small table with several cushioned chairs was in the center of the room. This was where Diederik led him.
"Sit. We have much to discuss," Diederik said.
Joel swallowed his nervousness at the directive. He'd gone through too much in his life to think he'd be defeated now. He'd found a home on a thriving planet. He'd survived a harrowing journey through unknown land. And most importantly, he'd found love.
Sitting down, Joel looked across to the large man. He kept his shoulders level and his gaze steady.
Diederik tilted his head as he looked at Joel. "Your dominance is flowing. Let me reassure you. Although we are a warring people, I've no desire to battle with you. It would only cause strife. Both of our races have destroyed our own planets due to strife and greed. We are now guests on Gliese."
Joel nodded his head in agreement. They were guests of the people of Gliese. And as such, he wanted to be deserving of that honor.
"Teegan has told you of our history? Of how we of Tarvos were hell bent on war that we destroyed our own home?" At Joel's nod, Diederik continued. "We've learned from our mistakes, but we've also come to value some of the most important pieces of our culture."
Again, Joel nodded, then he spoke. "It's good that you've kept some of yours. Earth has lost all of it's culture."
"That is a travesty," Diederik said. "We've also changed some of our practices. At one time, a practice was to fight for the right to bond with another. It was a rite of passage to show your strength to keep your submissive safe. We no longer fight as a show of strength. But we still require an act to show your dedication to your submissive."
Joel thought to long ago lessons and what he knew of acts of courage and rites of passages from earth. He only knew of a few that had long ago been lost. "Should I kill a bear or something?"
Diederik lifted an eyebrow and asked, "Why would you do that? If you are hungry for meat we have plenty here."
Joel tried to keep the blush that was rising down, but the color still invaded his fair complexion. "No I'm not hungry. I was thinking of Earth's ancient rites of passages. Sometimes an animal would be killed to show courage and strength."
"Your kind killed until a species was forever gone. Where is the courage in that act?" Diederik asked.
"There is none," Joel said. "Then what is this act of courage I have to do to prove I'm worthy for Teegan?"
Leaning forward, Diederik held Joel's gaze. "That is for you to decide. Courage takes many forms. Strength is measured by many units."
Joel started to question Deiderik, to find out how his strength would be measured, but he felt a thread of electricity flow through him. Teegan was awake and calling to him through their link.
"Teegan is awake. He's concerned," he told Diederik.
"You must go to him," Diederik said.
As Joel stood and walked to the door, Diederik called out, "He has faith in you. As do I. You should have faith in yourself, Joel."
Joel took a deep breath, nodded his head, and went to find his sub. As he headed down the hall, he heard Teegan talking. Coming into the large room, he saw his sub standing up to a disgruntled Anneke.
"I don't need to eat! I need to find Joel!" Teegan argued.
"Then turn around," Joel commanded. "I'm right here."
Teegan blushed. "I was worried about you."
Raising one eyebrow, Joel asked, "I need protecting? From what exactly?"
"I-um-er," Teegan stuttered.
Anneke laughed. "Agape, I think it is you that needs protecting. More to the point, your backside needs protection from your dominant!"
Ignoring the teasing woman, Joel walked to his sub and have him a hard kiss. "Sit down and eat. Anneke's honey bread is delicious."
Teegan acquiesced and sat down at the table. Anneke brought him a bowl of the hot muesli and honey bread that Joel had eaten earlier. "I want to show you the village. Everything in it."
"You both will rest today! You've had a long journey," Anneke said.
"I would see my new home today," Joel replied. The casual words did not deter from the strength in his tone.
"Listen to him," Diederik's said as he came into the room. "I know you worry for the both of them, but Joel is strong. Stronger than even he knows. He'll take care of Teegan."
Joel felt Anneke's eyes on him. Looking up, he met her gaze. He knew he was being weighed and measured. A mama's concern for her son was the same everywhere. He knew she'd accepted a small part of him when she finally said, "Make sure to dress warmly."
When Teegan had eaten his fill, Diederik handed Joel thick fur-lined boots and a heavy coat. "These should fit until yours are made."
"Thank you," Joel said sincerely. The differences between Gliese and Earth were beyond compare. On Earth, people were so desperate that men had been killed over pieces of cloth that would barely cover a foot. Here on Gliese, food and clothing was shared openly and freely.
Keeping his head down so no one would see his tears of gratitude, Joel quickly pulled on the boots and coat. He felt comfort flow through and over him. Teegan had known and had opened the link to offer comfort. Standing up, he embraced his sub. Then after a soft kiss, he helped his sub into a coat. Together, dressed warmly, they went outside.
Walking through the village, Joel saw a group of people fighting. Stopping, he watched them closely. Their moves were almost a dance as they battled back and forth.
"They are training," Teegan said beside him.
"Training? To fight? Are we at war?" Joel asked alarmed.
"No, Gliese is at peace. But there are other worlds; worlds among the stars that are not at peace," Teegan explained. "We must always be prepared to protected our new home."
Joel nodded his understanding. After watching the graceful moves for a few minutes longer, the two men continued. Teegan pointed out the armory, the blacksmith, and other buildings of interest. Joel tried to commit them to memory, but knew he'd not remember all of them.
On the outskirts of the village, they came to several dome buildings. These buildings weren't made of wood and stone like the others; these were made of wood and a clear plastic type of material.
"This is what I wanted you to see," Teegan said as they walked up to the door of one of the structures.
As they walked in, Joel was surprised at the warmth. Looking around, he saw several long wooden troughs with plants in them. Hurrying over to the green vegetation, the smell of soil and plants brought back childhood memories. Memories of trying to coax plants to grow in the dry and depleted ground of Earth. He remembered his studies in agriculture. He studied greenhouses and hydroponics. Now he was seeing the practice in person.
"How? What?" Joel had so many questions running through his mind, he couldn't get a full one out.
"Even though we are a nation of snow and cold, there is a lava flow deep below. We've learned to create vents to allow the warmth to rise." Teegan pointed to rows of holes underneath the troughs.
Bending down, Joel held his hand over one of the vents. He could feel the heat coming up. "And the covering?"
"All the caves have hot springs in them. Reeds grow by the springs. We harvest the reeds. After the reeds soak in boiling water, they are then ground to a pulp and laid on drying beds. Once they are dried they become solid, clear sheets of fabric. The sheets allow what sunlight we do get through. We sew the sheets of the fabric together to make the growing huts."
Joel marveled at the design of the greenhouse and the ingenuity of the people of Tarvos. If the people of Earth had only put so much effort into peace and the growing of food, then Earth might still be alive.
"This is amazing," Joel said. Walking along the rows of plants, he studied them and touched the rich dark soil.
"The vegetables are growing, but they are small. We aren't completely self-sustaining. That's why I go to Natori. I help harvest the apples with Rydir and Adryn. Then we transport the fruit here for the winter," Teegan explained.
As Joel walked through the greenhouse, studying the structure and the troughs, a plan started to formulate. Bending down again, he asked, "Is there snow under the floorboard?"
Teegan shrugged. "I don't know. These were made a few years ago while I was in Natori helping with the apple harvest."
Joel nodded his understanding. His mind was racing. Heading toward the back corner, he saw a small gap between the wall and the floor. He worked his fingers under one of the floorboards. Yes! There was dirt beneath them, no snow.
He felt a shiver run over his body and through his mind. Turning slowly, he smiled at Teegan. His sub had opened their link. Joel accepted it and let his excitement flow. As the emotions shimmered back and forth between them, he felt his sub's desire flare. His own answered. Brushing his hands off on his pants, Joel stood. Taking Teegan by the hand, he said, "Anneke is right. We've had a long journey and we should return to our beds."
As his sub laughed, Joel joined in. He knew what his act of dedication would be to his sub-they'd build a growing hut together. One that would not have a wooden floor, but instead, soil and apple trees. It would take planning and some time to complete it but together they would build it.
He was truly happy for the first time in his life. Together he and Teegan would celebrate his homecoming; today and every day that followed.
End
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