For a moment, Li Wang simply stood there, trembling beneath Celaus's touch.
His mind was still screaming at him to pull away, to remember all the reasons he had been so determined to deny these feelings. He had spent so long telling himself that whatever was happening between them was impossible, that he couldn't possibly feel the same way Celaus did.
But then Celaus kissed him.
The firmness of that kiss stole every thought from his mind.
Li Wang's eyes widened, his breath catching in surprise. He could feel the warmth of Celaus's lips against his, gentle at first despite the desperation hidden beneath them. The prince wasn't forcing him to do anything. He was simply there, holding him as though Li Wang was something precious, kissing him as though he had been waiting far too long for this moment.
And somehow, that tenderness broke through every wall Li Wang had built.
His fingers, which had been gripping Celaus's arms in an attempt to push him away, slowly loosened.
