Ansel raised a brow, Lance had always been innocent, just that the narrative wasn't in his favor.
"I told you I'll handle it. Though you'll have to stay with me for a few days just until everything dies down.."
Lance's chest was still pounding as relief flooded through him. Without thinking, he threw his arms around Ansel, hugging him tightly. "Thank you! Without you, I—I would've been completely lost… a societal outcast…" His voice cracked, tears welling in his eyes.
Ansel froze for a moment, his body stiffening under the sudden weight.
The pause stretched, and Lance realized he was still hugging Ansel. His face burned. "I'm sorry! I shouldn't.." He tried to pull back, embarrassed.
But Ansel's hands caught his face, tilting it up. Before Lance could protest, Ansel's lips pressed firmly against his, deep and insistent.
The world shrank to the kiss, to the heat, the tension, the way Ansel's arms held him firmly in place.
