Julian's heart teared up but he smiled through it. A happy, bright smile.
"I love you too, Lucien."
Alaric leaned back over Julian, his chest pressing against Julian's as he looked down, completely basking in the absolute glory of his lover's pristine body.
Alaric's gaze then drifted past Julian's shoulder toward the small wooden counter beside the bed, where a small, glass bottle of scented oil caught the faint reflection of the firelight.
He reached out one long arm, his fingers wrapping around the smooth glass. This would act as lubricant to help stretch Julian up.
The cool glass of the bottle clicked softly against Alaric's palm as he lifted it from the counter. He popped the stopper with his thumb, the subtle, clean scent of crushed mountain herbs instantly spilling into the warm air between them, mingling with the familiar smell of woodsmoke from the fireplace.
