Killian's Moon

The Killian Affair #1

by Travis Simmons

Dear Author,
He’s going off to do this alone. And I have to let him. I know he’s strong and capable and will be careful— as careful as he can afford to be. I know what the stakes are, and why I can’t help him. But I have to hold him one more time, have to look into his eyes, remind him that he’s taking my heart along for the ride.
I won’t die if he doesn’t make it back, but God knows I may never really live again either. If there are any kind of guardian spirits out there, please help him make it safely through— don’t let this be the last time I feel him warm and alive and vibrant between my hands.

Photo Description:
Two men stand in a dark room, firelight creating a backdrop on a whitewashed wall behind them. They are staring into each other’s eyes like they are the only two in the world that understand one another. They are in a strong, passionate embrace that only comes with ease to people who know each other intimately.

This story was written as a part of the M/M Romance Group's "Love Has No Boundaries" event. Group members were asked to write a story prompt inspired by a photo of their choice. Authors of the group selected a photo and prompt that spoke to them and wrote a short story.

Genres: M M Romance, Science Fiction, Short Stories, Romance, LGBT, Futuristic, Friends To Lovers

42 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Travis Simmons was kicked out of magic school because he enjoyed mundane habits like canning and cooking instead of using spells. Forced to travel the world selling his sword and (often defunct) sorcery, he stumbled upon a pack of normal dogs that he mistook for magical animals and imagined he could communicate with them. Still, they enjoyed the pizza he would toss their way, and they adopted him as one of their own. When a roving horde of zombies attacked his new family, Travis used all of his abilities to call upon aid from some witch friends who helped him fight the undead horde. But, always the introvert, the witches realized Travis was rather boring, so after the excitement of battle was over, they went back to their magical ponderings elsewhere. But alas, Travis Simmons was bitten by a zombie, and in order to save himself from turning, he became an apprentice to a necromancer who promised to teach him necromancy and cure his impending undead affliction for a hefty sum. Deciding the life of adventure wasn’t for him, and worried that winter was coming, Travis settled down with his dark master and started writing weird tales of fantasy and science fiction. While his master much preferred Travis spend his time learning the esoteric ways of the occult, Travis dreamed of things like aliens, and life on other planets. His master didn’t like when Travis started pondering steampunk, and instead made his life a horror with magical studies. Now he spends his time chasing his dreams, while trying to save himself from the demon virus in his blood.

Reviews

[Mandy*reads obsessively* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the LHNB picture prompt event.


3.75*
I don't read much sci-fi or futuristic stories, but I do like to use this event to broaden my horizons and read stories I might otherwise pass by.

Taven has a friend with benefits, I guess, but he feels more and has for a while, but Killian's job is dangerous and they only see each other rarely.
But now it seems things are changing for both of them. The dialog between the two was fun, ' be my thing how romantic! Enjoyable short free story.
My only issue was Killian avoiding all contact with Taven for two years, because it wouldn't be fair to him, to have a lover with such a dangerous job? But now it's ok? . But I can overlook that and just enjoy it.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and I would have paid real money for it. That it was free was a huge bonus.

Some very nice imagery.
Sex was hot.
Wonderful world-building.
Great banter between the MCs.

I will definitely seek out more by this author.

4.5 stars rounded up.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

LHNB Story released 13.7.13
Set in a futuristic world, the story is narrated by Taven and revolves around his on again/off again fling Killian, who is (I understand) an off world mining engineer and who Taven hasn't seen for 2 years when he gets in contact again. The pair meet up and things move from there as Killian prepares to undertake a dangerous last mission and they can look to their future together. A nice story, but written in a tense I find very difficult to read.

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, please, please tell me there will be more! I really loved this! Excellent world building, I really loved the sci-fi elements like the holovision, transport, and talk of aliens. Loved Killian and Taven, I really enjoyed their dialogue back and forth. And I loved the proposal necklace, such a cool idea! Now all I want to read is Killian getting back to Taven safely. Thank you for a great story!

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sweet and touching story, the characters and the world building. Would love to know more about these two, and if Killian made it home :) Nice interpretation of the photo and the story letter. Thank you Travis Simmons for donating your story, your time and your talent.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressive short story, breathtaking, romantic, full of love, full of hope ...


Thank you Mr Simmons !

[Melanie~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

And interesting twist on a long distance relationship. It didn't play out the way I might have thought. Very low key.

[NOTE: I rate most writing event stories (free reads) 4 or 5 stars because of my appreciation of the author's participation.]

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a great story but the writing was to formal. It read like a book report instead of a fluid story from time to time.

[Sandra]

Offered for FREE from the M/M Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries Anthology: Volume 10. Thank you too all the amazing authors who participated!

[Angie ~aka Reading Machine~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taven Majors met Killian Miles eight years ago. Taven has deep feelings for Killian but isn't sure Killian feels the same way. Taven frequently dreams of Killian including Killian's death. Killian invites Taven over to share a meal which leads to something more for both of them. Will Killian admit his feelings? Will Taven get his fondest wish? Your answers await you in Killian's Moon.

This quick read is surprisingly good and packed with raw sexual heat. The story and characters are raw, real, honest, and complex.

[~♥ Elle ♥~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set sometime in the future, this was a story of a friend with benefits turned committed relationship. One thing about it though is that it felt like reading the first chapter of a story. Just when you get to the good part, it just ended. It left me wanting more. Hoped it was longer.

[Deanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting concept, but I was told the story instead of experiencing it. I wish the author would go back and rewrite it giving us more of the two MCs. I want to live a story, especially a short story, not be given a description of it.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It felt unfinished. Maybe it's unreasonable of me to expect everything to be wrapped up at the end. I hope there's more.
I enjoyed what I did read. The setting was imaginative, and the two characters were interesting. The sex was good too.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome addition to the LHNB event! I really loved this one and it is one of my favorites from this event. Looking at the author's page it looks like he may plan to write a follow-up and I really hope he does.

Wonderful!

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Bookbee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[Isabel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5*

[Annika · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great stpry and I would like to learn more about these two. Like their past so their future. The only thing bothering me was the first person narrative.

[Harris Bren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet read.

[Lila Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5

Really sweet short story. Almost felt as a book epilogue.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. Sexy and lovey. Fit the prompt.