As far as Jack was concerned, he'd just gotten laid. The giddiness he'd been left with was like nothing he'd felt before, and there was an eagerness for the next batch of chapters. Being read to was everything he'd hoped for and more. He was able to sit back, relax, and let Kieran's voice sweep over him. It was like an interactive audio book where he could pause and ask questions. Instead of feeling stupid for having to look things up, Kieran was patient with Jack's interruptions, explaining words he'd never heard or had forgotten. There was no shame for not knowing. No blame for not having done better to learn more on his own.

Maybe if his first experience with sex had been with someone like Kieran, he would have been more into it. He frowned as he thought more about it. No, he would be flattered, but still bored and sticky. The book was much more fun and entertaining, even with its dated terms. Possibly even because of it. Kieran's raised eyebrow and subtle sighs were a wonderful treat.

As he straightened up the desk, his thoughts lingered on the goodnight kiss Kieran had left him with before taking the platter and dishes away. The offer to clean up had been declined, and he'd been soundly silenced with Kieran's lips on his own. There hadn't been any soft touches thanks to Kieran's hands being full, but he'd still managed to back Jack against a bookcase during the kiss.

Jack's cheeks burned as he looked at the disheveled books from where his elbow had knocked into them. The memory of Kieran's soft laugh echoed through his head, and he scratched at his shoulder. How could he go about getting that to happen again? Without asking.

There was something to be said about getting a little bit of affection and then being left alone to process it.

He looked at the clock and grimaced at how much time he'd spent running the evening's events over and over in his head. It was almost one in the morning, and he'd actually managed to be productive since Kieran had left. Mindlessly filling in fields and uploading pictures gave him plenty of time to enjoy his happy little afterglow.

He went about getting ready for bed, gathering up his clothing and heading to the bathroom. He glanced out at the living room, and his eyes fell upon the couch and the bed linens sitting beside it. He looked down at the night clothes he held in his arms then to the door that led to Kieran's room. It was open by just a crack. Enough for Jack to let himself in. Enough for it to be an open invitation.

He swallowed and headed into the bathroom. If he joined Kieran, then there was no way he could wear a sweatshirt to bed. Neither of them needed to be woken up by him kicking off sheets or struggling to get out of his shirt.

He pulled off his sweater and screwed his eyes shut as he took off the undershirt before looking in the mirror. If he ignored his arms, he looked pretty okay. More than okay with his new haircut. He glared at his resentful frown.

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

He changed clothes and reassessed his reflection. The T-shirt was loose enough that it nearly came to his elbow, covering a decent amount of scars. He ran his fingers along the raised skin, tracing and crossing lines. He willed himself to keep his breathing even. They didn't feel disgusting, just different. A different texture.

He still wasn't about to run around outside without long sleeves on, but he could manage short sleeves in the apartment.

He finished getting ready for bed then quietly slipped into Kieran's bedroom. He used his phone's screen to give himself just enough light to navigate around the bed. He found Kieran asleep on his side, one arm beneath his pillow and the other loosely stretched in front of him.

Jack chewed at his lips as his heart rate kicked up a notch. He'd been invited to bed. He had permission. He wasn't being clingy or intrusive or weird. Kieran wanted him there.

Kieran wanted him.

He glared at the empty spot beside Kieran. Half of him insisted it was fake, and it was all a ruse just to get him to comply. No one wanted him for him, just whatever he had to offer. Be it questionable computer knowledge or blood.

Jack let out a slow breath and set his phone on the nightstand. Sure, his thoughts were an anxious mess of uncertainty, but anger was slowly taking over the initial dip of fear. He hoped it was a sign of progress.

He pulled back the sheets and crawled under them, listening for any sign of accidentally waking Kieran. As he settled in, his hand brushed against Kieran's. His hand was gently clasped and tugged. He swallowed and scooted closer.

He brought Kieran's hand to his lips and kissed it. "G'nite," he whispered. He got a soft squeeze in reply before Kieran moved his arm to rest across Jack's waist.

It wasn't as awkward as he'd been expecting. He moved even closer and quickly kissed the corner of Kieran's mouth. He pulled the covers tighter over his shoulder and settled in for sleep.

It wasn't long before he was drifting in and out, surrounded with comforting random thoughts rather than the nightmares he was used to.

---

Light pressure on Jack's ear drew him awake. The kisses continued along his jaw and to the corner of his mouth. He turned his head before Kieran could give him a proper kiss. "No morning breath," he mumbled into his pillow.

Kieran chuckled and pulled away. "I'll do my best to not get caught up in the moment in the future. However, I expect a proper morning greeting when you come down," he said, placing another kiss into Jack's hair.

Jack nodded and waved Kieran off. "Deal."

"I'll be certain to remind you."

Good, because Jack was absolutely certain he was going to forget.

image [https://i.imgur.com/eZY0YUq.png]