Outside, the sky darkened as the rain began to pour, the steady sound echoing softly into their small cave.
They had been moving nonstop for so long and now, with their hunger sated and exhaustion catching up, the gentle rhythm of the rain made Dominic's eyes grow heavy.
The temperature dropped slightly and Shiao Yi instinctively moved closer toward Dominic, seeking warmth from him.
Dominic wrapped his arms around him pulling him near.
Shiao Yi's eyes were half-closed, his breathing calm and slow.
Dominic lowered his head and pressed a soft kiss to Shiao Yi's forehead.
"Let's rest a bit," he murmured. "Good night, Shiao Yi."
"…Mm. Good night, Dominic…"
He must have been exhausted.
Shiao Yi quickly drifted into sleep, his body relaxing completely in Dominic's embrace.
Holding him close, feeling the warmth of the man he loved in his arms, Dominic too slowly surrendered to the quiet pull of sleep.
...
