The early morning sun poured through the blinds, casting a golden glow across the room. Aiden stirred in bed, only to find Sion already awake beside him, lying on his side, head propped on his hand, staring at him with an unreadable expression.
"You've been watching me?" Aiden's voice was groggy.
"For a while," Sion said, brushing a strand of hair from Aiden's face. "You look too peaceful when you sleep. Like I might lose you again if I blink."
Aiden softened. "You won't."
Sion leaned in and kissed his forehead. "Then spend the day with me. Just you and me. No office, no friends, no pretending."
"…Okay."
---
They spent the morning in silence, cooking breakfast together. Sion insisted on feeding Aiden little bites while smiling smugly at every blush that crept across Aiden's cheeks. Afterward, they went to an old bookstore tucked in a quiet alley, one Aiden loved. Sion picked out a novel and said, "Let's read this together. Every page, every night."
Lunch was at a quiet rooftop café with a stunning view of the city skyline. As they ate, the wind tangled in Aiden's hair, and Sion leaned across the table, brushing it back slowly. His hand lingered on Aiden's cheek. "You've changed everything about how I see this world."
Aiden's throat tightened, but he smiled. "You've ruined mine… in the best way."
---
That evening, the sky turned a soft amber as they returned home. Aiden went to change into something comfortable, only to be pulled back into the bedroom by Sion.
"Wait," Sion whispered. "Don't change yet."
He kissed Aiden gently—slowly—pulling him into his chest like he never wanted to let go. The kiss deepened, burning from something warm into something raw. Aiden moaned softly as Sion's hands roamed under his shirt, fingertips gliding up his spine, pulling him closer until their bodies touched, breathless and heated.
Clothes dropped, one by one, like petals falling in a storm. Their kisses became rougher, hungrier. Sion backed Aiden toward the bed, lowering him down with a kind of reverence.
"I've waited so long," he whispered, voice husky against Aiden's collarbone. "To have you. Fully. Without lies. Without fear."
"You have me now," Aiden whispered back. "I'm yours."
Sion's mouth claimed his—hard, desperate—as their bodies tangled under the sheets. The room was filled with gasps and soft groans, the sound of skin meeting skin, of whispered names, of promises etched in sweat and fire.
Sion worshipped every inch of Aiden's body—slowly, then urgently. Aiden responded with equal passion, fingers clawing down Sion's back, mouth pressed against his shoulder, marking him like a vow. Their rhythm built, wave after wave crashing, until they both reached the edge and fell together—loud, breathless, and undone.
Afterward, Sion pulled Aiden against him, cradling his face in his palm. "Say it again."
"I love you."
"Again."
Aiden kissed his lips. "I love you, Shinomi. And not because I pity you. But because no matter which world I'm in… it's you. It was always you."
Sion exhaled, eyes gleaming with unshed tears. "Then stay. Don't leave me again."
"I'm not going anywhere."
And as the night deepened, they held each other—two souls finally colliding, no longer running, no longer hiding.
---