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The Cohen-Kline Icosahedron

Chapter 10

copyright comidacomida 2023

Even though Kaiden and his Roost worked harder than ever before, the time passed by at lightning speed. Every day was an adventure with the Human leading the class for Viddin and Ilsit alike. Four days a week Kaiden had the gryphons and reptiles under his tutelage, while mid week, on Wednesdays, he tutored just the Ilsit, helping them to catch up on knowledge regarding Humans. Even so, every evening was spent with both groups and, as always, six nights a week he was gifted with a single one of his Viddin so he could get all of their attention and so he could give them all of his.

Before he knew it, a month had passed, and they had experienced a wide range of what the Unity Centre had to offer, getting situated in their new home one third of the way through their short stay. The Viddin had an opportunity to meet other Humans and interact with fellow gryphons. More than one of his Roost had commented that the other Viddin were far closer to the beginning of their education; it allowed Kaiden's students to appreciate how far they'd become, and just how much he was doing for them. They never failed to show their appreciation... especially during their one-on-one time.

As their first month came to an end, Kaiden was informed during his Ilsit-only day that he would need to confirm his choice for the fieldtrip since all Humans and Viddin groups would be heading off the following week; that left him two days and the weekend to prepare. Unlike the other groups, Kaiden and his Roost would be going on their field trip with one Unity Programme representative but without any of the other students; seeing as the Ilsit would be going too, that would be a little too revealing to those not 'in the know'.

That night was spent with Sokkas, who was content to set aside the lovemaking to be the supportive Takket, talking quietly and collaboratively regarding the many options available. The young man had the options narrowed down to three, and he asked the Viddinich's opinion. "I'm thinking of the Grand Canyon in the United States' state of Arizona, a castle in East Sussex in the UK, or an abandoned military base back in the province I'm from... but not sure which is the best idea."

Sokkas rolled onto his side and pulled Kaiden closer to him on the lounging sofa, resting his head upon the Human's lap as he spoke. "Well... perhaps the best idea would be to consider why you would like to take us to each location, as well as the benefits for each. So long as it is with you, I am pleased to go to any of them."

The large gryphon was, as usual, supportive, but not incredibly helpful in decision-making. Kaiden tried to see if he could get more out of him, running a finger gently along the second knuckle of the talon resting on his thigh "So... you'd be okay with any of the options? No preferences, Sokkas?"

Sokkas' pink feather crest rose then fell, then puffed up just a little. "I suppose, since you are asking, if it came down to my idle preferences, you know I am not a fan of the desert sun, and I have heard that Arizona is very much desert. It is bad enough on Plateau Earth, but the thinner atmosphere and less ozone here on Land Earth... I would suffer it for you, Takket'im, but I would probably prefer one of the other options.

Kaiden laughed at the surprisingly straight-forward answer. "Okay... well in that case, Sussex is in the UK, and they have a lot of cloudy days. Back home in BC, we're one of the sunnier provinces in Canada, but I--"

The gryphon's crest went up so quickly and with such verve that some of his black feathers joined the rest. "One of the locations is near your home?"

The sudden interest caused the Human to smile. "It's in the same Province but I wouldn't call it close. I'm from Vancouver, and that's about as far south as you can get without being in the USA. The military base we'd be going to is out in the middle of nowhere in the north eastern part of the Province... It was built over a hundred years ago, but didn't show up on any maps until it was mothballed and abandoned in the early 2050s.... about three years before 0 AU."

Sokkas said nothing for several long moments, head remaining on Kaiden's lap. "So it has been abandoned for over fifty years? Why would you want to bring us there?"

Kaiden lounged against the gryphon, idly running his fingers along the textured, bony surface of the talons gently resting against his abdomen. "Well... everything I heard time and time again from the Viddin who were worried about Humans was our capacity for war... I suppose I wanted the chance to help educate all of you about our past and, yes, about how warlike humanity has been... but I also want to show you that we are... uh... getting better?"

Letting out a squawking snicker, Sokkas leaned forward and rubbed the side of his head against Kaiden's face and chest. "You made it sound as though you were asking a question. was that an answer, or were you looking for feedback, lover mine?"

Sokkas was always good at calling him on his uncertainty. "Both?"

Roolling around on the bed, Sokkas rolled onto his back, carrying the Human with him, up and onto his chest as the Viddin lay on his back, wings spread slightly, both to avoid pinning them under his bulk, but also to help hold his position on the large, soft lounging sofa. "Kaiden'im... if you wish to educate us about war, are there not better places to take us than an abandoned place used for such purposes?"

Slowly rotating so he could rest with his chest against Sokkas', Kaiden buried his face into his lover's neck feathers and took in a deep breath, reveling in the musky scent before answering. "Military bases aren't open to visitors usually, so an abandoned one is the best way to show you the infrastructure... but this is more about the fact that it's no longer in use than to see one in operation."

The Viddinich was quiet for several seconds, talon gently rubbing the Human's back. When he did speak up, Sokkas' next comment was poignant and thoughtful. "You had said that, after discovering the Phins, most Humans have become more open to the idea of peace. You are bringing us to a place of war that is no longer in use to reinforce the idea that Humans are not the threat that Viddins think they are."

Kaiden let out a steady breath, thankful for the gryphon's astute insights. "For the most part, yeah... there are still some lingering war mongering nations like the United States of America, certain Middle Eastern countries, and the NNV Party of the Unified Oblasts of Russia... but, between the narrowly avoided World War Three in the first part of the twenty first century and discovering Other Earths, I think Humans have come around and realize that war is not a good way to resolve problems."

Sokkas' words were, as usual, without any strong emotion. "That would indeed be a good thing, from what I understand. Your people still have the capacity to create great amounts of destruction, but knowing that most of the Humans do not want to is good to know."

The Human smiled softly. "Plus... it's the closest approved location to where I grew up."

There was something melodious and warm about Sokkas' chuckle-- not just because it was so rare, but because Kaiden knew it wasn't something the Viddin did casually. Snuggling the Human close, Sokkas' words were full of fondness. "You miss your home?"

Until that moment, Kaiden really hadn't put words to it. Giving the talon around his mid-section a squeeze, the young man responded "A little, I suppose. I haven't been back since I started the Unity Programme... but it's not like I'd be visiting home-- we'll be over a hundred kilometers from it. I guess it's just knowing that I'm not a continent, or a version of Earth away. Plus, I think you guys would like it there."

Sokkas folded his head over Kaiden to nuzzle his arm. "If you are there, I would like it anywhere, lover mine."

The closeness and the intimacy of words compelled Kaiden to press the topic in another direction. "Do you ever miss home?"

It turned out to be a relatively sensitive topic, and Kaiden should have realized it the moment Sokkas had been so interested about the topic of home. They talked well into the night about Sokkas' relationship with his home, and that, yes, he missed it very much. They also talked about Sokkas' sire who, despite how much he drove Sokkas crazy, the Viddin begrudgingly admitted that he did miss Rannyl. Kaiden wanted to pry deeper to understand why Sokkas was so interested in pushing his sire away, but he respected the gryphon's request to save the discussion for another time.

They did end up having sex that night; Kaiden managed to fit the gryphon's ample member into him without any Xys, and Sokkas spent the entire time rumbling and squirming, eyes rolled back in his head as he came three times, then a fourth when the Human pulled free. Sokkas had no objections when Kaiden slid down the bed and pulled the gryphon's tail aside, using the Viddin's own seed as lubricant before sliding in. The Human stroked his lover's still erect shaft, bringing Sokkas one more orgasm before finding his own.

The two shared a shower afterwards, Sokkas mindfully preening Kaiden while the Human dried him off with a blow drier. It wasn't until the two had settled down on the floor of Sokkas' room, Kaiden working the Viddin's fur with some dye that Sokkas spoke up, addressing the unanswered question. "He pushes me too hard in directions I do not wish to go."

Kaiden had been using a small brush with black fur dye to touch-up areas around his bleached spots, but the statement made him look up. "Rannyl?"

Sokkas offered an affirmative double-clack of his beak. "Yes. He was very active when he was my age-- both with hens, and with his fellows playing Sooshuh. My Sire was always suggesting I try out for the Sooshuh team as a Jahwit."

The Human worked out the translation. "Oh... a Bag Carrier. To be honest, I... uh... don't know a lot about Shooshuh."

The Viddinich let out a snort. "Neither do I, and I do not mind it that way."

The Human used one hand to gently stroke the top of Sokkas' head while the other continued to gingerly comb the dye around the edge of one of the Viddin's white spots. "I suppose he didn't like that answer?"

Sokkas' chuckle was spiteful. "He was very understanding, and did not insist overtly, but he continued to bring it up in small ways and casually. That is the way he does things. He is supportive, but he always feels like he knows best. It is exhausting."

Kaiden used a small piece of cotton with a neutralization chemical on it to fine-tune the coloration on Sokkas' spots, making sure they were prominently and evenly separated from the black dye. "Did you ever talk to him about it? Let him know it bothered you?"

The gryphon was quiet for several seconds-- long enough that Kaiden almost asked the question again in case Sokkas hadn't heard but, right before he could, the Viddinich let out a long, slow breath, followed by a simple statement "Yes, and every time I tell him he is doing it he apologizes and says he will improve, but does not."

Kaiden started cleaning up the dye with one hand, the other remaining in place to offer physical comfort. "Wow... I can imagine that must be frustrating... especially if he's apologizing without really meaning it."

Sokkas grunted, sighing again as his eyes lowered to the carpet. "That is the most frustrating part, Kaiden'huu... every time he apologized he did mean it, but my Sire has a.... ah... a... condition. It is a memory problem-- nothing serious, but enough that it is like he's flying while sleeping."

The term 'flying while sleeping' was not literal, rather, it was a turn-of-phrase the Viddin used in a way similar to how Humans would say someone was 'on autopilot'. "So... you just avoid him so you don't have to worry about it?"

His companion, usually so self-assured and indifferent to others' opinions looked suddenly much smaller as he pulled his head down toward his wings, drawing away. "...sometimes. Most times... yes."

Kaiden set the chemicals aside and drew closer to his Roostmate, giving Sokkas a hug around the neck. "Because it's easier to be absent than to have to deal with something like your sire having a memory problem that causes you grief?"

Sokkas lowered his head into Kaiden's grasp and let out another long sigh. "Does that make me a bad person?"

The Human gave his companion another soft squeeze. "I'd say it makes you Human... but... well..."

Offering a sheepish smile to Sokkas, Kaiden was relieved to see that his sympathetic jest had the desired result. "Kaiden Wilson, lover mine, your humor is abhorred."

The young man offered a gentle grin, and got the same back from his lover when he announced "It got a smile out of you, didn't it?"

Sokkas wrapped his wings around Kaiden. "You are incorrigible... and it is just one of many things I love about you."

* * * * *

The last day of classes before their field trip was awash with activity. Not only was the morning full of chaos with his Roostmates getting ready, but their efforts were doubled since they all planned on getting some of their trip preparation ready before heading to the Centre. The exception was Prirn, who seemed aloof and distant. Kaiden didn't really have a chance to address that until the end of the day when they were on their way back home in the transport.

Seated up front, Kaiden saw that Prirn was situated right behind him, his beak opening several times, but failing to speak on any of the attempt. The Human decided to give the Viddinur the opportunity. "You alright, Prirn?"

The lynx/falcon's feathers around his head puffed up immediately. "No-- well, yes, but... I mean... yes, Kaiden'huu, I am fine physically, but... well..."

Kaiden rotated around in his chair to look at his Roostmate. "Everyone seems to excited to leave, but-- is something wrong?"

The Viddin's sheepish expression only got stronger when he looked away, speaking quietly. "I do not know if you are aware, but... I have made friends with Nneka, from Tier 6 class B. We have spent a lot of time together as of late."

The young man nodded. "I HAD noticed, yes... and, even if I hadn't, Nittik and Hahn seem to give you no end of grief about it... is something wrong?"

Prirn fidgeted, slowly looking back toward Kaiden. "Well, Kaiden'huu... Nneka's class is part of the standard curriculum, and they do not have a field trip."

The transport took the turn to head into the driveway of the Roost's home, but Kaiden continued focusing on Prirn. "Mmm hmm. Right. I was in Tier 6, and we never had a field trip. What about it?"

The words came out quickly from Prirn. "I would like to stay here this weekend."

While the announcement was surprising, somehow Kaiden wasn't as surprised as he thought he should have been. "You don't want to come with us on the field trip?"

Even as he regarded Prirn, Kaiden saw that the rest of the Roost was looking at the two of them. He gestured for all of them to go on inside and everyone except for Nittik did so; the smallest of the Roost continued sitting there as if he were watching a soap opera until Tral walked around and bodily pushed him out the loading ramp of the transport. Once everyone had left, Prirn finally spoke up. "I... would like to stay here and spend time with Nneka. Their instructor gave me permission to join them as an aide if you said it was alright."

Kaiden's mind was awash with so many thoughts he found it hard to sort through them. Had he done something wrong? Had he pushed Prirn away? Had he alienated one of the first Viddin of his Roost to express adoration for him? Had he and Prirn just grown apart? All of his guesses and second guesses were pushed aside when he realized in a sudden rush of rationalization that it wasn't about him. "Is that what you want?"

Prirn stared at him for a second and a half before his eyes widened and his ear feathers rose. "Oh! Kaiden'huu! It is not that I do not want to spend time with you I--"

It was readily apparent that his Roostmate was just as conflicted about his emotions as Kaiden was with the situation. He got up from his seat and knelt down to face Prirn. "Prirn... it's okay. If you want to stay here that's just fine. Spend time with Nneka if that's what you'd like."

Prirn's face feathers puffed up. "Are... you sure? I do not want you to think that I do not value you, or that I--"

Smiling, Kaiden gently reached out and closed his hand gingerly around Prirn's beak; the gesture got the Viddin to fall silent. Leaning forward, the Human kissed him softly on the forehead. "Viddin aren't the only ones who know how to HuuStook, Prirn. I want you to be happy... and if this will make you happy then there's no question about it. You should stay here this weekend."

The Viddinur beamed, cooing softly as he rubbed his head against Kaiden's shoulder and cheek. "Siik'im... you are wonderful."

Kaiden chuckled, giving Prirn a hug. "So are you... now let's go inside... I have to check in on everyone and make sure they're ready to go. We're heading out early tomorrow morning."

The two of them walked into the house side by side. Prirn was prancing with each step and Kaiden smiled, pleased that he could bring his classmate so much joy, but that little voice in the back of his head couldn't help but wonder if he'd done something wrong. Fortunately that night was his night with Kytskir and, after dinner, the two of them sat down and the Viddinek got straight down to business helping the young man sort his thoughts.

Kyt, in fact, did so with calculating bluntness. "Kaiden'huu, you are well aware that Prirn is obsessed with humans and humanity. You DO know this, do you not?"

"Well, yes, but I--"

The Viddin cut him off. "Then you should not take it personal."

Kaiden knew that his companion was right but, seated at his writing desk, looking at the itinerary for their field trip, the Human just couldn't get it out of his head. "I just... I dunno... I guess I feel like I let him down or something."

Kyt approached him from behind, his head resting on the Human's shoulder. "You transposed the 'i' and 'e' on day two-- second word." And, after that quick, he returned to the topic at hand. "You did not let Prirn down-- you have not let any of us down. You are in HuuStook with the Roost. Aside from the fact that you have obviously created some lasting bonds with Vetlyk, Sokkas, and Tral, none of us have any expectations that the bonds we are creating will supplant and substitute those of a permanent, meaningful, bonding relationship of a mate."

As usual, the insightful, clinically blunt Viddinek had a point. "I know... but I guess I just didn't really think that far ahead."

He felt both of Kyt's talons, each gripping him on one of his shoulders as the Viddin gently imitated a shoulder rub and, even with his limited dexterity, the gryphon still did a reasonably decent job as he spoke. "Kaiden'huu, if Prirn develops a meaningful relationship with the Human woman it will not affect the way he feels about you... but, as I am sure you have noticed, Prirn is in love with the idea of being in love. He will always love you, but he may be IN love with someone else-- Viddin or Human, or even PHIN or OOLAU, he will be looking for something permanent."

The statement was accurate, and true and, surprisingly, did help Kaiden feel better. "You're right."

He felt Kyt's feathery deely-boppers flicker across his cheek as they rose up with self-importance. "Of course I am. It is a trait I find quite pleasing about myself. And, prideful self-reflection aside, I do wish to point out that, even without Prirn being there, you will still have everyone else-- especially Vetlyk, Sokkas, and Tral."

Kaiden managed to restrain his laugh, letting it out as a soft snicker. "Well.. sure. There IS that... but what about Hahn, Nittik, and you?"

Kytskir gave the Human's shoulders a firm tug, pulling him off balance on the chair, causing him to tumble backward and fully into the Viddin's grasp. The gryphon separated him from it and enveloped him in feathery and furry warmth, snuggling Kaiden while speaking. "Kaiden'huu... Viddins fly."

It was an obvious statement, and the young man didn't quite get what Kyt meant. "Well... yeah... sure. And?"

The gryphon's beak ground against itself and Kytskir tried again. "We are mobile. We are constantly on the move. Few things about us remain consistent for long."

Kaiden had a feeling what his companion meant. "So... you're saying that I'm just a passing fancy for most of the Roost..."

Kytskir rolled onto his back, Kaiden's abdomen pressing against his chest as he held the Human. "Yes, and no. I do not believe that any of the Roost will ever cast you aside, I do believe that many of us will seek something else in life-- in fact, I am quite certain of this for both Nittik and Hahn."

As usual, Kaiden found Kytskir's frank candidness helpful and a little depressing. "So... what about you? What am I to you, Kyt? Just a phase?"

The Viddin leaned forward and preened a small, errant clump of hair out of the Human's face, tucking it back into place with his beak before speaking. "Me? Well, personally, I favor stability. I tend to think before I act, and I enter into planning and considerations thinking of the future."

Despite the tenderness of the act and the thoughtful response, Kaiden realized something about the statement. "That isn't a 'no' to being just a phase."

Kytskir chuckled, flicking his head so he could shake the huge spectacles off his beak before nuzzling Kaiden. "I have no illusions about you being my mate, Kaiden'huu, but you do mean a lot. You are my Takket for now but, if that is not enough of an answer for you, I see you always being my Hasst."

Something about the statement hurt, but it was not unlike being given a shot of novacane; in truth, hearing it aloud did help him feel better. "Not just a Kawkikikik?"

The Viddinek let out an indignant squawk. "You? Never, Kaiden'huu. I adore you, and you are far more to me than a living jiyjah. You are something special, and I value having you in my life."

Kaiden nodded thoughtfully. "I guess that's fair."

A talon gently reached up to brush its knuckles across his cheek then came to rest on his back. "Kaiden'huu, I am logical, and a realist. We both know that, despite the HuuStook, on a long enogh timeline, there is simply not enough of you to go around."

The Human realized that Kytskir was right. "I know... I... suppose I was just hoping the illusion would last a little longer, Kyt."

The Viddin gave him another gentle squeeze. "Despite how long it lasts, Kaiden'huu, for the time being I am pleased that I get even a little of something so wonderful."

The statement, despite all of the mood-breaking honesty that came before it, still managed to warm Kaiden to his core. Looking up at Kytskir, who was gazing down at him, the young man smiled, craing his head so he could kiss the underside of his companion's beak. "Are you... maybe open to a little bit of that 'wonderful' tonight?"

Kytskir's feathery deely-boppers flicked upward and he gazed down at Kaiden with obviously feigned ignorance. "Why, my dear Zfielt, whatever are you suggesting?"

The Human was willing to play along. "Well... I have a lot of Xys, and you have the libido of a Viddin of breeding age, so...."

The gryphon's beak was surprisingly expressive; he grinned wide. "Soooooooo?"

Kaiden realized that he was going to have to humor Kytskir by getting technically blunt. "Inserting your penis into my rectum and stimulating us both until we have each achieved orgasm."

Kytskir clucked out a chuckle. "You are truly a poetic with your words, Kaiden'huu. And, to answer your question: although I do not believe in telepathy, it is as though you have read my mind, as I would like nothing more than ejaculating into your bowels... and perhaps returning the favor by letting your semen find a home in my descending colon as well."

The Human laughed. "You make it sound so romantic."

Talking done, they switched from words to action.