Chapter 37 - Shy and silent permission

After Giovani and Mathias left, the young master could finally relax his shoulders. The girl was still unconscious even after the dinner prepared by Aslan, which worried Leonardo.

She would wake up eventually, wouldn't she?

She wouldn't suddenly stop breathing, as if she died in her sleep, right?

That girl was the essential piece to find out who was behind those disappearances.

― Take her to the guest room. It'll be better than staying on this couch.

― As you wish, young master.

Vincent bowed cordially and took the girl in his lap to take her to the guest room. Leonardo watched him with his arms crossed and was minimally satisfied that the clown followed his requests.

It seems that his position in that mansion has made Vincent overloaded with his tasks. Without a boss to lead the whole team, that mere clown had taken that position temporarily. But it was laughable that he preferred to keep the good image of Dreamland instead of saving a life.

Well... That story would be solved anyway.

Scratching the back of his head, Leonardo could relax for the night.

Taking advantage of the silence in the mansion, he had gone upstairs to his room. He had to pack his stuff to go to class the next morning, and spend time at the hospital with that girl. It seemed that his day would be full and tiring, intending to sleep early to conserve energy.

However, a shiver in his spine warned him that it wouldn't be so easy to fall asleep.

In the bedroom he had already taken off his shirt and was getting boxer shorts to go to the bathroom to take a shower when he was hugged from behind. The smell of pitch denounced the owner of those warm arms that squeezed him around the waist.

― And I thought that I would have peace ― Leonardo mumbled.

He heard a nasal laugh in reply.

― Leo was waiting for me, wasn't you?

― I want to take a shower so I can go to bed, so no, I wasn't expecting you.

Benjin had made a sly, sad pout as he faced his young master. Leonardo spied him out of the corner of his eye, feeling his mouth suddenly dry.

His heart was already starting to beat fast, and his body seemed to warm where Benjin held him. Looking down, he couldn't help but remember their kiss earlier.

He had told that pervert to kiss him, as he imagined it would be more of a tease. He had no head to deal with that trapeze artist in his game of seduction, yet he had been taken by surprise when his mind had simply gone blank with that kiss.

As if Benjin had been able to pull him out of a fog.

His mouth seemed to remember perfectly the way their tongues met and played inside his mouth. Benjin's taste was still present, making him anxious.

Would he be kissed again?

― Your heart is beating fast, Leo.

Pushing Benjin's arms, Leonardo despaired.

― Let me go, you pervert!

― Hahaha, calm down, you're not the only nervous one here ― Benjin tightened his arms around Leonardo's waist until his back was against the trapeze artist's chest ― Feel what you do to me.

Strong strokes against Leonardo's back surprised him. How was it possible? He was so fast he could have a heart attack. Turning his head over his shoulder, Leonardo noticed the tender smile on the other boy's face, as if it didn't bother him that his heart felt like a runaway train against his chest.

How could he keep so calm?

― When I say I like you, it's not a sweet lie.

Benjin deposited a kiss on Leonardo's cheek before hiding his face in the curve of the brunette's neck. His face had immediately turned red, adding to his nervousness.

Was he really believing that trapeze artist? Just because he could feel his heart beating while being embraced? All this while being one-sided, imagine if he also hugged Benjin. Would his heart go crazy?

Wait, what the hell was he thinking?

Hugging Benjin?

Oh, come on.

― Let go of me, I want to take a shower.

― I can help you with that if you want.

― Shut up!

Elbowing the trapeze artist in the rib, Leonardo conquered his freedom by locking himself in the bathroom. Leaning against the door with his hand flat on his chest, he couldn't find any way to calm down.

From the moment he arrived in Dreamland there hadn't been a day of peace. Benjin was always at his side filling any void with his sudden touches and kisses. Leonardo was too weak to push him away as Benjin's touches seemed too welcoming.

No, it wasn't a matter of him being weak.

Opening the shower register, Leonardo bit his lower lip in self shame. The hot water falling on his shoulders was a comfort apart.

Who was he kidding?

He liked it.

It was the first time someone had gone to such lengths to have him by his side.

Leonardo had always been a fleeting person, figuratively speaking. The only relationship that avenged, ended with a betrayal that took him off the floor. Besides that, there had never been a relationship that worked out. Everything was fleeting.

However, Benjin had been the first person to make an effort not to let him escape. The feeling was good, it made Leonardo feel important. Only he didn't know how to react, since it was the first time experiencing anything with a guy.

Ah, where were his thoughts leading? Leonardo leaned his forehead against the cold wall, martyring his thoughts.

He took his time in the shower to calm his thoughts. He put on a boxer and a big shirt, having forgotten the trousers in the wardrobe. Coming out of the bathroom, he was surprised to see Benjin sitting on the bed with his arms resting on his knees.

― What are you doing?

― Waiting for you like a good boy ― Benjin whispered, looking down Leonardo's legs and then looking away.

Leonardo went to the wardrobe to get the old sweatpants to wear. Then he put his stuff in his backpack as he had programmed, feeling nervous for being watched so shamelessly.

Wouldn't he leave?

Did he intend to sleep in his room again?

This time it wouldn't be like the others. Leonardo was aware that he couldn't keep Benjin away.

Oh, he was getting nervous for some reason.

― You're not going to your room, are you? ― he dared to ask, fearing that his voice was failing him.

― No, why would I?

God, he was going crazy.

Leonardo turned to Benjin and crossed his arms.

― Okay, what do you want?

Benjin lay on the bed on his side, grinning mischievously.

― Will you give it to me if I say so? You should be more careful with your permissions.

Leonardo's face had turned red. Annoyed, he snorted before turning off the lights and going to bed pushing Benjin into the corner of the double bed.

― 'Get the fuck out of here.

― You didn't answer me, Leo ― Grumbled the other, hugging the pillow placed between them ― I thought you had accepted me already.

― Since when did I say I accepted you?

― Earlier today, at the barbecue. When I kissed you, and then in the living room you didn't push me around like you usually do.

Oh, hell! He was going crazy.

Good thing it was dark, because then Benjin wouldn't notice his blushing. Turning his back on the trapeze artist, Leonardo curled up in the covers ignoring the other.

Yes, he had admitted that he was enjoying being the centre of Benjin's attention. Being the target of his feelings made him feel important and loved. But he didn't know how to deal with that at the same time. He was embarrassed and had no idea what to do.

Once again Benjin hugged him from behind.

As expected, that trapeze artist would ignore any boundaries between them. Benjin's long arms embraced him warmly, his breath hitting Leonardo's shoulder making him blush more and more.

― I like the smell of soap on you ― whispered the trapeze artist against the university student's ear ― Can I kiss you?

His heart skipped a beat.

For the first time Benjin asked permission, which made Leonardo even more anxious. If he denied Benjin he would probably do it anyway, or else avoid him. But if he allowed it it would be like proof that he really accepted it.

Leonardo was embarrassed to admit it out loud.

― You always do what you want, why are you asking permission now?

A low chuckle had escaped Benjin's lips. His lips touched Leonardo's lobe, causing goosebumps.

― Because I want to hear your answer.

Oh, he really was being driven mad.

When has he ever been so vulnerable with anyone?

It had never happened to him to get that anxious. He'd always been controlled and cavalier with his girlfriends. But now he seemed to be in the palm of that trapeze artist's hand.

Taking a deep breath, Leonardo closed his eyes when he turned his head over his shoulder. He had quickly kissed Benjin's lips, then shrank back.

― There, you got what you wanted.

Benjin paled, wide-eyed, only to break into a wide, passionate smile.

― That was too fast. Give me one more, please.

― You've already won.

― Leo ~, don't hurt me.

― Go to sleep.

Benjin had laughed as he released Leonardo from the embrace and laid him down on the bed to stand over him. Even in the dark without being able to see each other's faces, they could feel the weight of their gazes. Benjin's warm hand had touched Leonardo's jaw to hold his chin.

His thumb had passed over the moist lips gently, serving as a guide for the trapeze artist. Leaning over Leonardo, Benjin had managed to kiss him slowly and carefully.

He was being seduced, the brunette realised. Benjin was on top of him taking care not to touch their bodies, although Leonardo felt the other's knees between his legs. The touch of his lips was soothing and different from what he had received until then. He was being cared for.

― Leo, can I touch you?

― You're already touching me, you idiot.

Laughing softly, Benjin stroked Leonardo's cheek, feeling his warmth.

― I'm too ambitious. That's not enough for me.

It was shameful to have to answer, for even Leonardo didn't know what he wanted. He would be swallowed up by Benjin's desires if he accepted him. But if he rejected it, it would make him hungrier.

Ultimately, he was chained to it.

Holding Benjin's hand, he brought it to the back of his neck. With his free hand, he held the back of the trapeze artist's head pulling him to himself calmly. Feeling his warm breath hit his face, Leonardo had taken the initiative to kiss him.

It would be his silent and shy permission.