Magic in My Bones (Delightfully Dark Arts #1)

30. The Art of Becoming

30

The Art of Becoming

Ren

The room was quiet, but my heart pounded like it was trying to break free from my chest. I hadn’t expected to feel this way. I was nervous, but not afraid. I’d just asked him, no, demanded him to teach me. I wanted to show him that what we had was real, that I could give him the same trust, the same care, the same love he'd always shown me. That we were partners now, in every sense.

I shifted, feeling the warmth of Dorian’s body against mine, his steady breathing the only sound in the room. Even here, in this intimate moment, Dorian exuded a quiet authority that made my heart race. His every movement was deliberate, controlled, as though he were conducting an elaborate ritual. Which, in a way, he was. A ritual of pleasure and trust, where he would guide me through each step with the same careful attention he brought to teaching necromancy.

His hands had always been so gentle, like he knew exactly what I needed. But this… this was different. I wanted him to teach me how to touch him the way he’d touched me, how to make him feel like I mattered. Like I wasn’t just a student in his arms, but someone he could trust, someone worthy of his love and his pleasure.

Dorian's eyes met mine, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Ren,” he whispered, his voice like honey, “I'd be honored to teach you.”

My breath caught in my throat. The prosthetic felt foreign yet familiar against my skin, a promise of possibilities I'd only dreamed of. Dorian's hand found mine, guiding it to his chest. I could feel his heartbeat, strong and steady, grounding me in this moment.

“Start here,” Dorian instructed, his voice dropping into that commanding tone that always made me shiver. His fingers wrapped around my wrist, guiding my touch with precise intention. “Feel my heartbeat. Learn my body's rhythms. Every touch should have purpose.”

I nodded eagerly, then caught myself. “Yes, sir,” I whispered, remembering how he preferred verbal responses during intimate moments.

His approving smile sent warmth flooding through me. “Good lad,” he murmured. “Now, show me how well you can follow instructions.”

I explored the planes of his chest, marveling at the way his skin felt beneath my fingertips. Dorian's eyes fluttered closed, a soft sigh escaping his lips. Emboldened, I leaned in, pressing my lips to the hollow of his throat.

“That's it,” he breathed, his hands finding purchase on my hips. “Trust your instincts, Ren. Your body knows what to do.”

As if on cue, my hips rocked forward, the prosthetic brushing against Dorian's thigh. A jolt of pleasure shot through me, unexpected and exhilarating. Dorian's eyes flew open, dark with desire.

“How does it feel?” he asked, his voice husky.

“It feels... incredible,” I whispered, my voice trembling with a mix of awe and desire. The enchanted prosthetic was more than just an extension of my body; it was a conduit for sensations I'd only dreamed of. Every subtle movement sent sparks of pleasure coursing through me, igniting a fire I'd never known.

Dorian's hands slid up my sides, leaving trails of warmth in their wake. “Let that feeling guide you,” he murmured, his eyes locked on mine. “Your desire, your instincts. They're all there, Ren. Trust them. And trust me to tell you if anything gets to be too much.”

I nodded, swallowing hard as I leaned in to capture his lips. The kiss was tender at first, a gentle exploration, but it quickly deepened as our passion ignited. Dorian's tongue danced with mine, and I felt myself growing bolder, my hands roaming his body with increasing confidence.

“Slower,” Dorian commanded softly when my movements became too eager. “Control isn't just about power, Ren. It's about patience. About drawing out pleasure until it becomes unbearable.” His hand found my hair, gripping just firmly enough to make me gasp. “Can you do that for me?”

The dual sensation of his control and his trust left me dizzy with desire. “Yes, sir. I want to learn. Want to make it good for you.”

“I know you do,” he purred. “That's why you're such a good student. Now, show me what you want.”

My heart raced as I gently pushed him back onto the bed, marveling at the way he yielded to me. This powerful, enigmatic man was trusting me completely, and the realization sent a thrill through my entire being.

I straddled Dorian, my enchanted prosthetic pressing against the fabric of his trousers. The sensation was electric, sending shivers up my spine. I leaned down, trailing kisses along his jawline, relishing the scratch of his stubble against my lips.

“That's it,” Dorian murmured, his hands gliding up my thighs.

I nipped at his earlobe, drawing a soft gasp from him. Encouraged, I began to unbutton his shirt, my fingers trembling slightly. As I revealed more of his skin, I couldn't resist tasting it, my tongue tracing the contours of his collarbone.

Dorian arched into my touch, his breathing growing heavier. He let out a shuddering little sigh that made my heart race. I ran my palms over his chest, marveling at the warmth of his skin, the way his muscles tensed beneath my fingertips. When I grazed his nipples, Dorian let out a low moan that sent heat pooling in my belly.

I circled the sensitive nubs with my thumbs, watching in fascination as Dorian's eyes fluttered closed, his lips parting in pleasure. The power I felt at that moment was indescribable.

“Yes,” he pleaded, breathless. “Like that. Tease me. Use all of you.”

Dorian's hands found my hips, his fingers digging into my skin with just enough pressure to make me gasp. The contrast between my bare skin and his still-clothed body was intoxicating, a reminder of the power dynamic we were exploring. I rocked against him, the enchanted prosthetic sending waves of pleasure through my body.

Dorian's breath hitched as I experimentally rolled my hips, the friction sending sparks of pleasure through both of us. The little sound he made nearly turned me feral. I was desperate to get his clothes off, to see and feel and touch all of him.

My fingers fumbled with the buttons of Dorian's trousers, eager to get to the rest of him. As I slowly pulled them down, I couldn't help but marvel at the sight before me. Dorian's body was a work of art, all lean muscle and smooth skin, dusted with just the right amount of dark hair.

“Take your time,” Dorian murmured, his voice low and husky. “I like a bit of teasing. A little denial.”

I ran my hands along his thighs, relishing the way the muscles tensed beneath my touch. The prosthetic sent waves of sensation through me, as if I could feel every hair, every goosebump on his skin. I leaned down, pressing a trail of kisses along his hipbone, my tongue darting out to taste the salt of his skin.

Dorian's breath hitched, his hand coming to rest on the back of my head, but he didn’t push. “That's it,” he breathed. “Use your mouth, your tongue. Taste me.”

Slowly, I traced my tongue across his abdomen. Dorian's fingers tightened in my hair, a soft moan escaping his lips. The sound sent a jolt of electricity through me, and I found myself craving more.

I moved lower, my breath ghosting over his cock. I paused, taking in the sight before me. Dorian's cock was a work of art, long, thick, and uncut. My hand trembled as I reached out, wrapping my fingers around his shaft. This wasn’t new. I’d been here before. And yet it felt new, like I was seeing him for the first time, or at least in a new way.

I wrapped my lips around the head of Dorian's cock, savoring the familiar taste and weight on my tongue. My eyes fluttered closed as I took him deeper, relishing the soft groan that escaped his lips.

“That's so good, Ren,” Dorian breathed, his fingers carding gently through my hair. “You know how I like it. But don't be afraid to explore.”

His words sent a thrill through me. I hollowed my cheeks, sucking harder as I bobbed my head. My hand worked what my mouth couldn't reach.

“Use your other hand,” Dorian suggested, his voice husky with desire. “Cup my balls, feel how heavy they are for you.”

I obeyed, marveling at the weight and warmth of his sac in my palm. I rolled them gently, drawing a sharp intake of breath from Dorian. Encouraged, I let my fingers wander lower, tracing the sensitive skin of his perineum.

Dorian's hips bucked slightly. “Yes,” he hissed. “Keep going. Don't be shy. I love this.”

Heart pounding, I let my fingers drift further back, brushing against his hole. The tight skin twitched under my touch, and Dorian let out a low moan that sent shivers down my spine.

I felt a rush of exhilaration as I explored this new territory, my fingers tracing gentle circles around Dorian's entrance. His soft sighs of pleasure emboldened me, urging me to continue.

“That feels wonderful,” Dorian murmured, his voice thick with desire. “There's lube in the nightstand drawer if you want to go further.”

My hand trembled slightly as I reached for the drawer, fumbling a bit before finding the small bottle. As I poured some of the slick liquid onto my fingers, Dorian's hand covered mine, steadying it.

I looked up at him, breathing hard. His cheeks were slightly flushed and his pupils blown wide. He was beautiful this way, utterly breathtaking. I couldn’t believe I was the one who’d brought him to this point, that he wanted me .

I warmed the lube between my fingers, my heart racing as I returned my attention to Dorian's body. His legs fell open, inviting me in, and I felt a surge of desire mixed with nervous anticipation. I circled his entrance with my slicked finger, marveling at the way the tight ring of muscle twitched under my touch.

“That's it,” Dorian breathed, his voice low and encouraging. “Take your time. There's no rush.”

Slowly, carefully, I pressed my finger inside. The heat and tightness were overwhelming, and I gasped softly at the sensation. Dorian's body seemed to pull me in, accepting my intrusion eagerly. I moved my finger experimentally, feeling the silky-smooth walls as I explored this new territory.

Dorian's breath hitched, his hips shifting slightly. His head rolled to the side and he let out a pleasured groan. “Gods, that’s good.”

I continued my gentle exploration, gradually working up to two fingers. Dorian's soft sighs and quiet moans guided me, showing me what felt good. I scissored my fingers, stretching him carefully, marveling at the way his body yielded to me.

“Curl your fingers upward,” Dorian instructed softly. “There's a spot—” Dorian’s back suddenly arched off the bed, a low moan escaping his lips as I followed his instructions. “There! Right there. Oh, gods, you’re good at this.”

I felt a surge of pride at Dorian's praise, my confidence growing with each passing moment. I focused on that spot, stroking it gently with my fingertips, watching in awe as Dorian writhed beneath me. His cock twitched, a bead of pre-cum forming at the tip.

“Ren,” he gasped, his voice ragged. “You're driving me wild. Come here. I need to kiss you.”

I obliged eagerly, shifting up his body while keeping my fingers inside him. Our lips met in a passionate kiss, tongues tangling as Dorian's hands roamed my body. The prosthetic pressed against his thigh, sending sparks of pleasure through me.

“Do you want to try something more?” Dorian murmured against my lips. “We don't have to if you're not ready, but...”

My heart raced at the implication. “I want to,” I breathed and offered a small, sheepish smile. “Is it weird that I’m having fun?”

Dorian's eyes crinkled with warmth as he smiled back at me. “Not weird at all,” he murmured, his voice rich with affection. “Sex should be fun, Ren. Playful. Joyful, even.”

His words sent a wave of relief washing over me. I hadn't realized how much I'd needed to hear that until he said it. This wasn't just about getting off or proving something. It was about connection, exploration, and, yes, fun.

“Now,” Dorian said, his tone playful, “why don't we try something a little different?” With a graceful movement that made my breath catch, he rolled onto his stomach. The candlelight played across the planes of his back, creating a chiaroscuro of shadows that begged to be traced.

“I prefer it this way,” he explained, looking back at me over his shoulder, “and you'll have a better view of what you're doing. Take your time. Explore.”

I felt a rush of exhilaration as I took in the sight before me. Dorian's back was a canvas of lean muscle and smooth skin, interrupted only by a few scattered scars that spoke of adventures I had yet to hear about. The curve of his spine led my eyes down to the swell of his ass, and I couldn't resist reaching out to touch.

I marveled at the way Dorian's skin felt beneath my hands, the firm muscles of his back, the soft dip at the base of his spine. I took in every nuance, every texture in exquisite detail. It was intoxicating.

Slowly, reverently, I traced the contours of Dorian's body. My fingers danced along his sides, eliciting a soft shiver. I kneaded the muscles of his shoulders, drawing out a low, appreciative moan. When I reached the swell of his ass, I hesitated for just a moment before I spread his cheeks gently, exposing his already slick entrance. I touched him again there, sliding two fingers inside easily.

“You might need more lube,” Dorian instructed softly. “Just in case. And take it slow. It’s…been some time since I’ve done this.”

I nodded, reaching for the bottle of lube with trembling hands. As I slicked up the prosthetic, a mix of nerves and excitement fluttered in my chest. This was really happening.

Positioning myself behind Dorian, I took a deep breath to steady myself. I lined up the prosthetic with his entrance, the tip just barely touching him.

“Okay?” I asked softly, needing one last confirmation.

Dorian looked over his shoulder at me, his eyes dark with desire but still so warm and encouraging. “Go ahead, Ren. I'm all yours.”

Those words sent a thrill through me. Slowly, carefully, I began to push forward. The tight ring of muscle resisted at first, then gradually yielded to me. I watched in fascination as the prosthetic disappeared inch by inch into Dorian's body.

Dorian let out a long, low moan as I sank deeper. “Oh gods, Ren,” he breathed. “That feels incredible.” He gasped, fingers curling in the sheets.

I paused, overwhelmed by the sensation and the sight before me. The prosthetic might not have been flesh and blood, but the enchantment made it feel like an extension of myself. I could feel Dorian's heat, the way his body gripped me, and it was unlike anything I'd ever experienced.

“You all right?” Dorian asked, his voice strained but gentle.

“I should be asking you that,” I breathed. “You’re the one taking all the pressure.”

He shifted and let out a groan that made my skin tingle. “Trust me. I am more than all right. You can move at your pleasure, love.”

I started to move, slowly at first, marveling at the way Dorian's body accepted me. Each thrust sent waves of pleasure coursing through me, but it was more than just a physical sensation. This was euphoria, a profound affirmation of who I was. I was a man, making love to the man I adored, and it felt right in a way I couldn't articulate.

Dorian moaned softly, his back arching as I pushed deeper. “That's it, Ren,” he encouraged. “You feel so good!”

His words sent a thrill through me. I was doing this. I was giving Dorian pleasure, making him feel good. This brilliant, kind, beautiful man who had given me so much was now writhing beneath me, lost in the sensations I was creating.

I ran my hands over Dorian's back, tracing the curves and planes of his body. My movements were clumsy at times, my rhythm faltering as I tried to find the right angle and speed.

Even as I moved inside him, Dorian maintained his control through words and touch, guiding every movement with practiced precision. His commands were soft but firm, leaving no doubt about who was truly in charge despite our positions.

“That's it,” he breathed, reaching back to grip my hip, controlling my pace. “Just like that. You're doing so well for me.”

His praise washed over me like warm honey, making me want to try even harder to please him. Every approving sound, every whispered “good lad” drove me higher, making me feel simultaneously powerful and completely under his control.

I leaned forward, pressing my chest against Dorian's back as I continued to move. The change in angle drew a sharp gasp from him, his body tensing beneath me.

“Right there,” he breathed, his voice ragged. “Oh gods, Ren, right there. Please! ”

Hearing Dorian beg sent a jolt of electricity through me. My breath caught in my throat as I realized the power I held in this moment. I, Ren Wickens, awkward apprentice necromancer and eternal klutz, had reduced this beautiful, powerful man to a quivering mess beneath me. For the first time, I really understood what it meant to be powerful and confident as a man.

I gripped Dorian's hips, angling my thrusts to hit that spot that made him gasp and moan. Each sound he made spurred me on, filling me with a heady mix of desire and pride. I was doing this. I was making him feel this good.

“Please, Ren,” Dorian panted, his voice rough with need. “Harder. I need—oh gods!”

I obliged, picking up the pace. The room filled with the sound of skin on skin, our mingled gasps and moans creating a symphony of pleasure. I watched, mesmerized, as my prosthetic disappeared into Dorian's body over and over again. The sight was erotic beyond belief.

Dorian's back was a canvas of tension, his muscles rippling under his skin as he pushed back against me. I ran my hands along his sides, marveling at the way he shivered at my touch. I leaned forward, pressing open-mouthed kisses along his spine, tasting the salt of his sweat on my tongue.

“Ren,” Dorian gasped, his voice strained but still commanding. “I'm close. Let me show you how to make this perfect.” His hand found mine, guiding it to wrap around his cock. "Match your strokes to your thrusts. That's it... good lad... just like that.”

I followed his instructions eagerly, desperate to prove myself worthy of his praise. The dual sensation of being inside him while following his commands was intoxicating, making me feel both powerful and completely submitted to his will.

“You're doing so well,” he breathed, his words punctuated by soft moans. “Such a good student. You’re going to make your professor come, lad.”

His words hit me like lightning, sending electricity through every nerve. Here was this brilliant, powerful man, my professor, my mentor, my lover, about to come undone because of me. Because of my body, my touch. The realization was dizzying, affirmation coursing through me like pure magic. I was pleasuring him exactly the way he needed, the way I'd always dreamed of but never thought possible. Each thrust, each stroke, each moan from his lips was proof I could do this, I could be this. I was this.

“Yes,” I gasped, my voice rough with emotion and pride. “I want to feel you come on my cock, sir. Want to know I can make you feel this good.”

I redoubled my efforts, driving into him with renewed vigor. The room was filled with the sounds of our lovemaking - the slap of skin on skin, our mingled moans and gasps, the creak of the bed beneath us. I was lost in the sensations, the heat of Dorian's body, the way he clenched around me with each thrust.

Suddenly, Dorian's body went rigid. He let out a cry of ecstasy, his back arching beautifully as he came. I watched in awe as his release painted the sheets beneath us, an impressively copious amount. The sight was intoxicating, and I felt a surge of pride knowing I had brought him to this point.

I slowed my movements, gently easing Dorian through the aftershocks of his orgasm. His body trembled beneath me, but his voice remained steady, guiding.

“Easy now,” he murmured, reaching back to control my withdrawal. “Slowly... that's it. You've done so well for me. Every time I thought I couldn't love you more, you prove me wrong,” Dorian murmured, his voice thick with emotion. “The way you trust me, the way you let me guide you while finding your own strength… You're extraordinary, Ren.”

His praise made me flush with pride, even as uncertainty crept in about my own needs. But Dorian, ever attentive, seemed to read my mind.

“Now,” he said, his voice taking on that teacher's tone that made me shiver, “let me show you how I reward such excellent behavior.” He turned his head to look at me, his eyes heavy-lidded but filled with warmth. “Did you…?”

I shook my head, heat creeping up my neck. “I don't think I can... not with the prosthetic,” I admitted. “But gods, Dorian, that was amazing. I've never felt anything like it.”

Dorian's eyes softened with understanding. He reached back, gently squeezing my thigh. “It's alright, love. This was about exploration, remember? There's no pressure to do anything you're not comfortable with.”

I carefully withdrew, marveling at the way Dorian's body seemed reluctant to let me go. He turned over, pulling me into his arms. The feeling of his skin against mine, slick with sweat and trembling slightly from exertion, sent a thrill through me.

“Would you like me to help you finish?” Dorian's voice held that perfect blend of dominance and tenderness that never failed to make me melt. “You've earned it, being such a good lad for me.”

I bit my lip, suddenly shy despite everything we'd just done. The vulnerability of this moment felt different, more intense.

“Words, love,” he reminded me gently but firmly. “Tell me what you want.”

“Please,” I managed to whisper, my voice rough with need. “I want your mouth on me.”

A slow, pleased smile spread across his face. “Such a polite request deserves a proper reward.”

With gentle hands, Dorian helped me remove the prosthetic. I felt a moment of vulnerability as it came off, and a small pang of loss, but the tender look in Dorian's eyes smoothed away any insecurity.

Dorian's lips trailed down my body, leaving a path of tingling warmth in their wake. My breath hitched as he nuzzled the soft hair below my navel, his stubble tickling my sensitive skin. His green eyes, dark with desire, met mine as he settled between my thighs. Dorian's hands caressed my thighs, gently urging them apart. I felt exposed, vulnerable, but in the best way.

The first touch of his tongue against my cock sent electricity arcing through my body. I gasped, my hips jerking involuntarily. Dorian's hands steadied me, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles on my hipbones as he took me fully into his mouth.

The wet heat of Dorian's mouth engulfed me, sending waves of pleasure coursing through my body. His tongue swirled around my cock, teasing and exploring with exquisite precision. I couldn't help but moan, my fingers tangling in his thick hair as he worked his magic.

Dorian's eyes met mine, dark with desire, as he hollowed his cheeks and sucked harder. The sight of this powerful, beautiful man between my legs, worshipping my body with such reverence, was almost too much to bear.

“Oh gods, Dorian,” I gasped, my hips bucking involuntarily. “So good.”

He hummed in response, the vibrations sending shivers up my spine. His hands roamed my thighs, kneading the muscles before settling lower.

Dorian's fingers traced delicate patterns on my inner thighs, sending shivers through my body. His tongue swirled around my cock, alternating between light, teasing licks and deep, intense suction that made my toes curl. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the sight of him between my legs, his auburn hair mussed from my fingers, his lips stretched around me.

His gaze met mine, a question in those mesmerizing green eyes. Slowly, deliberately, his hand inched higher, fingertips ghosting over my entrance. My breath caught in my throat, a mix of anticipation and nervousness fluttering in my chest.

I nodded, not trusting my voice. “Please,” I managed to whisper.

Dorian's eyes crinkled with a smile before he lowered his head again, taking me fully into his mouth. At the same time, I felt the gentle pressure of his finger circling my entrance, teasing and exploring. The dual sensations were overwhelming, the pleasure building in waves that threatened to consume me.

Slowly, carefully, Dorian slipped a finger inside me. I gasped at the intrusion, my body tensing for a moment before relaxing into the feeling.

Dorian's fingers inside me felt incredible, a delicious stretch and fullness that sent sparks of pleasure through my body. I'd been nervous about this part, worried it might feel wrong after wearing the prosthetic, but instead, I'd never felt more masculine. The memory of wearing the prosthetic, of being inside Dorian, seemed to have shifted something fundamental in my self-perception. This wasn't about parts or plumbing. It was about connection, pleasure, and the profound rightness of being with the man I loved.

I rocked my hips, chasing the dual sensations of Dorian's talented mouth on my cock and his fingers curling inside me. His free hand splayed across my abdomen, steadying me as I writhed beneath him. Every movement sent waves of ecstasy coursing through me, building and building like a crescendo.

“More,” I gasped, my fingers tightening in his hair. “Don't stop, please don't stop!”

I rode the waves of sensation shamelessly, grinding down on Dorian's fingers and up into his mouth. Any lingering doubts or insecurities had vanished, replaced by a primal need for more, more, more.

I was Ren Wickens, and I was a man. I had always been a man, even when the outside didn’t match who I knew myself to be inside.

The realization crashed over me like a wave, leaving me breathless and trembling. Every touch, every sensation, every moment of pleasure affirmed who I was in a way I'd never experienced before.

The pleasure built to a crescendo, a tidal wave of sensation threatening to overwhelm me. My body tensed, every muscle coiled tight as a spring. And then, with a cry that tore from my throat, I came undone.

The orgasm crashed over me, intense and all-consuming. Wave after wave of ecstasy pulsed through my body, each one leaving me gasping and trembling. Dorian's mouth worked me through it, his fingers still moving inside me, drawing out every last tremor of pleasure.

As the intensity began to ebb, leaving me boneless and spent, I felt something else rising in its wake. A swell of emotion, raw and powerful, bubbled up from deep within me. Before I knew it, tears were streaming down my face.

Dorian was there in an instant, gathering me into his arms. His hands were gentle as they stroked my back, his voice soft and soothing in my ear. “Shh, it's alright, love. I've got you. Let it out.”

And I did. I sobbed into his chest, my body shaking with the force of it. But these weren't tears of sadness or pain. They were tears of joy, of relief, of a profound sense of rightness that I'd never experienced before.

“I'm sorry,” I choked out between sobs. “I don't know why I'm crying.”

Dorian's arms tightened around me, his lips pressing a soft kiss to my temple. “There's nothing to apologize for,” Dorian murmured, his voice warm and reassuring. “This is a big moment, Ren. It's okay to feel overwhelmed.”

I nodded against his chest, my tears slowly subsiding. The storm of emotion was passing, leaving in its wake a profound sense of peace and rightness. I felt... whole. Complete in a way I never had before.

Dorian gathered me close, his touch still possessive but infinitely gentle. “You did so beautifully tonight,” he murmured, pressing soft kisses to my tear-stained cheeks. “Following my lead, trusting me, letting me guide you through new experiences. I'm so proud of you.”

His words soothed something deep inside me, a place that had always craved this specific kind of validation, not just as a lover, but as someone worthy of his guidance and care.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice hoarse from crying. “For everything.”

Dorian's hand came up to cup my face, tilting it gently so I met his gaze. His green eyes were soft with affection, a tender smile playing at his lips. “Oh, Ren,” he said softly. “You don't need to thank me for loving you. It's as natural as breathing.”

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. It was chaste, comforting rather than passionate, but it sent warmth spreading through my chest all the same.

I pulled back just enough to blink away the tears that still clung to my lashes. “You… love me?”

I had overheard him say it to the Archivist last week, but hearing it directly from him, in this quiet, vulnerable moment? It felt different. It meant something more.

Dorian paused, his gaze searching mine as if trying to convey everything he felt without needing to speak. His thumb brushed gently over my cheek, wiping away the last remnants of my tears, and then his eyes softened even further, full of something warm and unspoken.

“You’re an incredible man, Ren Wickens,” he said, his voice thick with emotion, steady and certain. “Strong. Brave. Brilliantly gifted. There aren’t enough words in any tongue to describe all the things you make me feel when we’re together. But love... Love is the word that has to do, I suppose. So yes, Ren. I love you. I’ve loved you for so long, and I never knew how to say it. But now—” He shook his head, as if overwhelmed by the truth of it all. “Now you know. You’ve always been enough, more than enough. I love you.”

He leaned in again, pressing his forehead to mine, his breath warm against my skin. “I’m sorry it took me so long to say it, but it’s true. It’s always been true.”

My breath caught in my throat. For a moment, I couldn't speak, couldn't even think. All I could do was feel, the warmth of his body against mine, the tenderness of his touch, the love radiating from every fiber of his being.

“I love you too,” I finally managed to whisper, my voice thick with emotion. “I think I've loved you since that first day in your classroom, when you looked at me and saw me, really saw me. Not who I was trying to be, but who I really was. And every day since then, you've helped me become more myself.”

I surged forward, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. It was messy and uncoordinated, teeth clashing and noses bumping, but I didn't care. I poured everything I felt into that kiss, all the love, the gratitude, the overwhelming joy of being seen and accepted for who I truly was.

Dorian responded with equal fervor, his arms tightening around me as he deepened the kiss. When we finally broke apart, both gasping for air, I couldn't help but laugh.

“What's so funny?” Dorian asked, his eyes crinkling with amusement.

“Nothing,” I said, shaking my head. “Everything. I just... I never thought I could be this happy. That I could feel this... right.”

Dorian's smile softened, his hand coming up to cup my cheek. “You deserve all the happiness in the world, Ren.”

I leaned into his touch, letting the warmth of his hand steady me. His words, gentle and certain, settled deep in my chest, filling the space that had been uncertain for so long.

“You deserve it too,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. “I’ve always felt like I needed to prove myself. Like if I wasn’t good enough, I’d be... nothing. But with you, it’s different. I don’t have to be anything but me.”

Dorian’s thumb brushed over my cheek, and he looked at me with such tenderness, it took my breath away.

“You never had to prove anything, Ren,” he said softly. “You’ve always been exactly who you were meant to be. And that’s all I’ve ever needed from you.”

I closed my eyes, taking in the weight of his words. There was no judgment, no expectation of some perfect version of myself. Just me, exactly as I was.

“I think I’m finally starting to believe that,” I said quietly, the truth of it settling over me like a warm blanket.

Dorian smiled, his eyes full of affection and understanding. He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. “I love you, Ren Wickens,” he repeated.

I put my arms around him and settled into the bed against him, listening to his steady heartbeat. “I love you back, Dorian Crowe.”