{Whispers of Peace Part IV}
"Adrian," Kai murmured from the doorway, a towel wrapped low around his hips, damp hair dripping down his back. "You joining me or just gonna stare like some creep?"
Adrian was already halfway out of his shirt.
The bathroom was foggy with heat, candles flickering in every corner. The tub was big luxurious, claw footed, something Adrian had picked out during one of their quiet shopping trips. He'd said it was for relaxing. But let's be honest... he'd had this in mind all along.
Kai sank into the water with a soft groan. "God, yes."
Adrian followed, sliding in behind him, pulling Kai's back to his chest. They fit together like puzzle pieces hot skin against hot skin, steam curling around them like silk. Adrian rested his chin on Kai's shoulder, hands finding Kai's waist beneath the surface.
Silence. Just the water. Just breath.
"You ever think about what comes next?" Kai asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Adrian kissed the side of his neck. "All the time."
Kai turned his face toward him. "Not the danger. Not the vampires. I mean... the normal stuff."
Adrian's smile curled slowly. "Like... grocery shopping?"
Kai laughed. "Yeah. That. And maybe... I don't know. A garden? A dog?"
Adrian nuzzled behind his ear. "A little house. Somewhere nobody knows us."
"And a bathtub just like this," Kai hummed, sinking further into him. "Only bigger. For when we're old and creaky."
Adrian's hand moved lower, teasing. "Speak for yourself. I plan on being hot forever."
Kai gasped, slapping at his arm, water splashing. "You ass."
But then Adrian whispered, "I want all of it with you."
That shut Kai up real quick.
Adrian's arms wrapped tighter around him. His voice dropped to a sinful murmur, "Want to grow old with you. Want to see what your hair looks like gray. Want to kiss every damn wrinkle you ever get."
Kai bit his lip, eyes glassy from heat and something deeper.
"And if the world lets us," Adrian whispered, "I'll give you everything, Kai. A safe home. A quiet life. Even that stupid garden."
Kai turned to him, wet hands on his face, and kissed him like the future was already theirs. Like their ghosts were watching and cheering. Like no blood had ever touched their skin.
And in that bath, tangled up in warmth and wet heat, they weren't broken boys anymore.
They were becoming people they dreamed to be.