The room was cool and quiet. The only sound was the steady hum of the air conditioner and the rhythmic breathing of the man lying next to him. It was 4 AM. The frantic, desperate energy of the night had faded, leaving behind a heavy, deep stillness.
Julius lay in the crook of Harrison's arm, his head resting on the man's chest. He felt exhausted, but his mind was clear for the first time in weeks. Harrison's skin was warm against his, and the scent of him was everywhere—no longer an intrusion, but a comfort.
Harrison shifted slightly, his fingers tracing slow, idle patterns over Julius's shoulder. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the top of Julius's head.
"Are you alright, baby?" Harrison whispered. His voice was a low rumble that Julius felt in his own chest.
Julius adjusted his position, wincing slightly as his muscles protested. "Yeah. My body feels like it went through a blender, but I'm okay."
