The room was quiet, save for their shallow breathing and the faint rustle of the sheets as Alex shifted against Liam. The soreness lingered like a low hum through Alex's muscles, a reminder of how completely Liam had claimed him earlier, but beneath the ache was a deep warmth—a radiance that made him ache for more than just the heat of their bodies.
Liam's arm was draped over Alex, chest pressing lightly against his back, fingers tracing idle patterns along the curves of Alex's side. Every now and then, he'd press a kiss into Alex's shoulder or nuzzle against the back of his neck, soft murmurs of contentment escaping his lips.
"Feeling better?" Liam asked, voice low and husky, but gentle now.
Alex nuzzled closer, resting his cheek against Liam's collarbone. "Sore," he admitted, voice thick with lingering heat, "but… happy. Really happy."
