"Well, Kay, let's save Hitchcock for tomorrow. I've got a pain in the ass to deal with, and it's probably best if you're not around."

Kay calmly rose from the couch, politely nodding at Einar, who remained silent but shot him a hard glare before slowly making his way towards the living room exit. Once behind Einar, he winked encouragingly at Moe and left. Moe crossed his arms over his chest, settling himself comfortably, coldly observing Einar's tense posture as he tried to relax, while waiting for further actions. His mind was already formulating cutting, disdainful remarks as Einar breathed steadily, trying to calm himself. Moe leaned forward like a snake about to strike when Einar cautiously approached him with a soft expression on his face.

"Why the silence?" Moe squinted, unsure of the line of behavior Einar had chosen.

"There's not much to say," Einer offered a disarming smile, slightly askew due to his right, still partially impaired side. "How was your day with Miny?"

"Same old, same old," Moe replied incredulously, reclining back while keeping a wary eye on the man—something felt off, something was amiss.

"Mine was pretty routine as well," Einer said, nudging the pillow between him and Moe off the floor with his foot before taking a seat beside him, still wearing a smile. "Thanks for asking."

"So what? You're not going to even pry?" Moe scowled mockingly, shifting slightly to the edge of the couch - not enough to suggest discomfort, but evidently enough to signal anticipation of a confrontation.

"I won't," Einar maintained the previous distance between them. "I told you I won't pry. I trust you, and I hope you'll trust me soon."

"And just with a glance, you tore Kay apart as a gesture of absolute trust?" Moe grinned skeptically, showing no signs of relenting.

"I..." Einar exhaled slowly, composing his thoughts. "It hurts to see you ready to give your attention to anyone but me, and I don't mean it in a sexual sense. You look at him, the escort, with trust and warmth, drawn to him despite knowing little about him, while you've kept me at a distance for months."

"I must've dreamt about our sex. You call that keeping at a distance?" Moe mused, listening intently.

"It's not just that," Einar placed his hand on Moe's thigh, gauging the reaction before continuing. "You were open initially, but then you reduced our sex to mere physical release, despite my efforts. Moe, I'm doing my best to win you over, but please, try to be gentle with me. At the very least, don't give to others what you withhold from me."

"Cut to the chase, what exactly am I giving to others?" Moe felt a twinge of nervousness, sensing that Einar had picked up on something significant.

"Your warmth, your sympathy - you barely know this Kay, yet you've welcomed him warmly, laughing and chatting with him. I've never received such favor from you, even in the best of times. It's as if you've been anticipating the worst from me right from the start," Einar stopped himself, feeling embarrassed, and Moe seized upon his slip-up.

“So, you've lived up to my worst expectations, haven't you? And Kay doesn't need anything from me - he got his money upfront on a one-month contract, and I'm not planning to renew it - he's content with everything. That's why it's easy for me.”

“Yes, I can't complain, but just imagine if you had been open to me if you had seen in me not just a sexual partner, but a friend, someone close - do you think maybe things would have turned out differently?” Einar's hand affectionately brushed his thigh. “I wish you wanted something from me - but you don't. Let's put the past behind us - now you can try, just try to open up a bit to me, hmm?”

“Well, I suppose,” Moe shifted his gaze to the hand resting on his thigh, swallowed, and abruptly changed the subject. “Any progress with the case?”

“Not a lot,” Einar's expression faltered for a moment, he hesitated, furrowed his brow, then continued. “There haven't been significant developments, but there might be some strategically important ones soon - one of the defendants has started negotiating. If the FBI handles it well and gets him to testify, he could expose the people behind the murder. And that would mean a decisive victory.”

“What?” Moe's excitement surged as he jumped up and down, his heart racing with joy. “Finally, in a month or two, Miny and I will be able to leave.”

“Or you could stay,” Einar suggested sadly. "Stay in your hometown, where it's safe for you, where I am, ready to offer you everything you've denied me time and time again."

“I can reject you from afar,” Moe laughed, relaxing, then grew serious, placing his palm over Einar's hand. "Let's not focus on the future. You can't escape the role of a businessman - always negotiating, always making long-term plans. Let's try to live in the moment - I'll show you how, it's much easier and simpler."

“Okay,” Einar intertwined his fingers with Moe's and snuggled in. "Can I stay here tonight?"

Moe gazed thoughtfully into Einar's somber eyes, acknowledging the immense effort Einar was putting into proving his sincerity. Einar had remained silent when Moe had called upon Kay the very next day after spending the night together, too emotionally charged to spend the day with Datu and Miny. Moe had sought conversation with someone fresh, new, and most importantly, trustworthy. The standard escort contract covered a month, and the arrangement extended beyond mere physical intimacy; it encompassed engaging social interactions - squandering money without gaining value seemed imprudent.

After laughing his head off on the first day with Kay, Moe established a daily routine for their encounters. Einar didn't conceal his discomfort upon learning that Kay would be spending a few hours at the house each day. However, he remained silent, merely increasing his visits, always seeking permission beforehand. Arriving fatigued from his work and the complex legal proceedings, he dismissed Kay with a tacit acknowledgment, drawing close to Moe to resume their conversations seamlessly from the day before.

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There was a certain allure in the contrast between the lively, talkative Kay, with whom banter and jesting came naturally, and the peaceful, intimate conversations with Einar about their shared history, allowing Moe to understand him better. They had been alone in the bedroom only three times, including the first occasion. Each time left Moe emotionally drained as if he had undergone deeply revealing therapy sessions, and it took him several days to recover. The experience with Einar was different; he was more perceptive and insightful than his predecessors. Moe found it impossible to fully shield himself; the gentle touch on his scarred skin broke down his defenses, leaving him feeling vulnerable yet strangely exhilarated.

Einar's true feelings remained somewhat ambiguous. He bid Moe farewell with a calm kiss, even as Moe averted his gaze and expressed fatigue, indicating a desire to sleep. He departed for his mansion through the garden in a composed manner. Upon his return, he wore a similar calm demeanor, though his eyes betrayed a hint of desperation, subtly avoiding situations where Moe might feel sorry for him—Einar had no need for pity.

After a brief pause, Moe responded tentatively, "Well, if you're up for it."

"Of course I am," Einar replied with a sigh of relief, taking Moe's arm. "Shall we?"

"Let's go," Moe hesitated momentarily but then rose to his feet, considering that giving it a try wouldn't hurt. Einar didn't seem annoyed or angry, and his newfound zest for life urged Moe to step out of his protective shell. "But I'll need a quick shower first."

"I could use a shower, too," Einar said, wrapping his arms around Moe's waist and planting a gentle kiss on his temple. "Want to do it together?"

Moe hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. It was one thing to touch Einar in the privacy of darkness, but another to see his burned body under the harsh bathroom light. However, he nodded slowly, mustering his courage. If he was going to confront his fears, he might as well do it head-on.

Einar seemed just as nervous, evidenced by his jerky movements as he removed his tie, jacket, and shirt, and his eyes that avoided direct contact. Yet, Moe felt a warmth in his heart, more supportive than pitying. He forced himself to look at Einar's strong, yet scarred torso, resembling pink marble, and listened to his own thoughts. There was no sense of rejection or fear. With determination, Moe stepped forward, placing his palm on Einar's chest, undoing the jammed zipper of his fly, and planted a kiss on his collarbone for the first time since his return—gentle and accepting.

Einar exhaled shakily, pulling Moe close and searching his eyes tensely for any hint of pity, before finally smiling. You're a miracle, Moe," he said.

"I know," Moe responded with a soft hum, feeling the tension between them ease. " Tear your zipper already," he added, then strode towards the shower stall, undressing as he went.

Moe turned on the water without waiting for Einar, converting the intense moment into an ordinary one with calm actions. As he lazily soaped himself, he groaned when Einar, suddenly overcome with desire, entered the cabin and pressed Moe’s body against the glass, eagerly running hands over his body. Feeling the tentative caress, reminiscent of possessive touches from the past, Moe bit his lip and widened his stance, turning sideways to receive the kiss. Einar kissed him passionately, deepening the kiss with his tongue as he explored Moe's mouth, while his hand moved with trembling eagerness below. Moe moaned in pleasure, and Einar, his voice breaking, asked, "I haven't been with anyone in all this time, Moe. Can we skip the condom?"

“You didn't ask before,” Moe grinned with satisfaction, turning around.

“I've made plenty of mistakes in the past, and...” Einar paused, evidently deliberating whether to be truthful, his hand gliding over Moe’s stomach and inner thighs, where anticipation coiled the muscles, sidestepping his already erect cock to prolong the anticipation, "I always wanted to take something from you, even if it was unprotected sex.”

“Weren't you concerned I might give you something?” Moe nonchalantly lathered his shoulders, teasingly awaiting a response.

“They screened you thoroughly when you applied for Manny's school pass,” Einar teased with a smile, and Moe, taken aback, couldn't resist playfully slapping the soapy loofah against his cheek. "Ouch, my eyes!"

“You're such a scheming bastard!” Moe chuckled, stepping out of the shower while Einar snorted, rinsing the foam off his face. "I don't want to take any risks, and I definitely don't want another surprise pregnancy."

“Then we won't,” Einar quickly agreed, following him out and grabbing a towel.

“I wonder if you'll stay this obedient forever, or am I in for a surprise that'll turn things upside down? You know, like when you see a cute fluffy rabbit advertised in a pet store, but end up with a gnarly, toothy creature at home that just wants to nibble on your fingers?”

“Stick around long enough and you'll find out,” Einar responded cheerfully, playing along with the banter. “I can promise I'll perform like a rabbit.”

“Quick and frequent?” Moe teased, dodging a playful swat on the rear and heading towards the door. “That's a lame option, not my style.”

“I'll show you quick,” Einar promised, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he chased after him.

He caught him in the bedroom, his breath warm against Moe's face, guiding him towards the bed and planting scattered kisses on his face. Gently lowering him onto the bed, Einar hovered above with a visibly delighted expression that overwhelmed Moe with emotional intensity, prompting him to roll onto his stomach, mumbling softly, “I want like this.”

Einar paused, seemingly puzzled by Moe's sudden change in behavior. He tenderly pressed his lips to Moe's still wet shoulder and slowly trailed his tongue to his neck. As his hands moved lower, his reverent touch overflowed with profound emotion, causing Moe to clench his teeth in helpless anticipation. This wasn't the touch of a casual partner; it was the touch of someone deeply in love, seeking a definitive response. Feeling the stirring sensuality of the moment, Moe made a heart-wrenching decision.

With resolve, he rolled over just as Einar was reaching for a condom. Einar tensed apprehensively, meeting Moe's eyes with a wary expression, expecting rejection. However, Moe pulled him closer, parting his lips with a breathless gasp, and welcomed the weight of Einar's body pressing against him and inside him.

Einar moved slowly, showering kisses across Moe's face, neck, and shoulders, before returning to his eyes with a hungry, passionate gaze. Wordlessly, he sensed Moe's acceptance, and with each rhythmic thrust, their passion intensified, enveloping Moe in a scorching heat. This wasn't just sex; it was an intimate connection, a merging of souls. As Moe gazed into Einar's piercing gray eyes, filled with intense emotion, he felt truly alive, shedding his inhibitions. Sensations surged through him, building to a crescendo until finally, with a deep groan, he surrendered to a blissful, euphoric release, losing himself in a wave of ecstasy.

"Einar," he whispered breathlessly.

The sharp needles of pleasure that blossomed inside the knot, weaving an additional tinge into the post-orgasmic tenderness, brought him back from his languid state, clarified his vision. Breathing heavily, the flushed Einer looked up at him disbelievingly but with growing confidence, and whispered, “I love you, Moe.”

And desperately pressed his lips to his, stopping the negative response, stretching out the wonderful minutes of acceptance that could be a temporary reprieve. Moe responded to the kiss, moaning, pulling him tighter against him, understanding his feelings but glad he didn't have to answer - the answer lurked inside, but needed time for his confidence to grow, to strengthen.

After a while, as they lay exhausted, their fingers interlocked, Moe spoke softly, "I'm open to giving a relationship a go, Einer. But if you betray my trust, if you disappoint me, I... I can't even imagine what I'd do!"

"I'll never betray you," Einer assured, kissing Moe's fingers and holding them firmly.