Victor held him as if he had all the time in the world, one hand moving slowly up and down Elias's spine, the other settled firm at his waist. The couch was deep and wide enough to sprawl, but Victor didn't loosen his hold. Elias's breathing slowed, his weight settling heavier against him, pride giving way to exhaustion.
The room had gone quiet save for the faint tick of the clock and the hum of the city muffled beyond the tall windows. Victor's gaze lingered on Elias's face, the way damp hair clung to his temple, glasses tilted askew where he hadn't bothered to fix them before sleep dragged him down.
Crimson eyes softened, but only in the privacy of silence. Mine, the bond hummed, steady as a vow.
