You Missed a Spot
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Devin, Yvonne
Date Posted: 17th April 2026
Characters: H'run, K'mai
Description: K'mai checks in on H'run and brings him a little gift
Location: Dragonsfall Weyr
Date: month 12, day 9 of Turn 12
Notes: Mentioned: Oselle
H'run was still wearing black, still repeating outfits, still moping while saying everything was fine. K'mai made sure to say hello and be warm to him, but also give him space in case that's what he needed. But eventually he decided to go check on him -- not in public in the dining cavern or at drills, but privately.
Carrying a small wrapped box, K'mai went to go knock on H'run's door.
"Just a moment!" The moment dragged. K'mai was left standing for nearly a full minute before H'run opened the door, his hair freshly combed and oiled and the kohl around his eyes ever-so-slightly smudged. It was debatable whether it was on purpose or not. "K'mai! What a surprise."
"Hi. Sorry if I interrupted anything." K'mai lifted the box with a smile as he took in H'run's appearance. "I brought you a present."
H'run arched an eyebrow. "Really? Whatever did I do to deserve a present?" He held the door open to invite K'mai in, despite knowing that inviting K'mai in was probably the worst thing he could do. His fingertips itched with the need to grab the box. "It's not my birthingday, and I certainly haven't committed any notable acts of heroism lately."
"Do I need a reason to give you a present?" K'mai stepped inside and glanced around. The weyr was definitely more . . . sparse than usual. "Are you redecorating?"
"Yes. Although I really need to go talk to the Headwoman... I think I was a bit hasty when I sent my blue sweater down to the Lower Caverns. You know the one, with the fringe on the sleeves and the snake embroidered on the shoulder?" H'run sighed as he shut the door. "And maybe a couple of the brass bangles... they clack nicely against my gitar. I think I would rip them off someone's arm if I saw a stranger wearing them."
"Why did you get rid of so many things?" K'mai asked cautiously. H'run hadn't been willing to talk before, but maybe he'd open up now that they were alone.
The bluerider shrugged a shoulder. "Oh, I don't know. I didn't need them and it seemed like a better option than giving myself bangs."
"Bangs? H'run, what's going on?" K'mai studied him. "I want to help, in any way I can."
"Where were you when I needed to move my wardrobe out? Never mind." H'run flopped into his chair with an artless grace. "It was a sort of spur of the moment decision. I rather like the space, don't you?"
That stung. "You could have asked me," K'mai said. "You're obviously hurting and you think doing all this is going to make you feel better. I don't want to play mindhealer, but I'm your friend and I'm worried about you."
It all rang so _hollow_. K'mai didn't care, not really. Not how it counted, and it was so hard not to roll his eyes and a biting reply was on his lips-- but he wanted a present. "There's nothing for you to worry about," he said, waving a hand in an airy fashion. "Aren't people allowed to change their clothes, or their weyrs? Or--" he turned his big green eyes on K'mai. "You don't think I look good in black? That's it. You think I'm _hideous_."
"Now you're fishing for compliments." The corner of K'mai's mouth turned up. "You're gorgeous, H'run." His gaze lingered a little too long. It was probably a bad idea -- no definitely -- to encourage anything. "Open your present."
_Finally_. H'run took his time with the wrapping to show that he didn't care, but was then delighted when he found it contained a jar of skin cream. He opened the lid to smell it, then dabbed a finger in and spread it on the back of his hand. Creamy, thick, and it smelled like... "Is that... rosemary? And citrus?"
"I asked the merchant at Amber Hills to give me her best skin cream. This is new, and you're one of the first to have it." K'mai knew how much H'run liked feeling special.
The bluerider dabbed a bit on his cheek. "I don't think my skin's recovered since coming back from Dolphin Cove. It's just so _dry_ here. Thank you for thinking of me. Have you tried it?" He held the small jar out to K'mai.
"No, I got it just for you." But K'mai did take a small amount to spread on his face. It smelled good and felt even smoother than the cream he usually bought from the merchant.
It was such a bad idea. "You missed a spot." H'run stood and brushed his thumb along the edge of K'mai's jaw, the hint of stubble rasping against the pad of his thumb.
K'mai drew in a slow, soft breath. He was almost afraid to move, or to say anything. H'run wasn't quite as casual with touch as he was, and that . . . that was flirting. He looked up and met the other bluerider's eyes. "I missed you."
"Oh, don't start that unless you actually mean it," H'run said irritably. He turned away to put the little jar of cream down but of course there was no vanity anymore. He put it on the top of the chest that held his clothes and took a deep breath. "I was about to head down to the Dining Cavern for a nightcap. Care to join me?"
K'mai held back a sigh. "I would." He considered for a moment before he added, "And I do mean it. I know you want more than I can give, but I miss what we had and I missed you when you were gone."
"Why on Pern would you bring that up?" H'run made a face like something smelled bad to hide the sting K'mai's words caused. It felt like yesterday. "Ancient history, and I am ready for a drink. Aren't you?"
K'mai gave him a skeptical look, but then shrugged. "A drink sounds great." Maybe alcohol would finally loosen his tongue, or maybe H'run needed a distraction from whatever was wrong. (K'mai had a terrible feeling it had something to do with him).
Last updated on the May 1st 2026