Lucien sat cross-legged on the bed, a small breakfast table arranged neatly in front of him with all his favorite morning dishes.
The sunlight from the balcony washed the room in a soft glow, but none of it helped the tightness curling inside his chest.
He took a bite of a honey-glazed fig, but even its sweetness tasted dull on his tongue.
Beside him, Adrian clung like a stubborn koala, arms wrapped around Lucien's waist while he repeated the same line for what felt like the hundredth time.
"Lucien, I'm still hot, cool, and dominant… right?"
Lucien sighed. "Adrian."
"I didn't cry back then, it was sweat. I swear."
Adrian buried his face into Lucien's shoulder and inhaled deeply, voice turning soft.
"Your scent is getting stronger every day. I love it."
The fig slipped from Lucien's fingers and rolled across the tray. His heartbeat kicked hard in his chest.
"What do you mean stronger? Was it different before I came to this island, then when I arrived, and now?"
