The Spark Between Us.

Vaelorian moved swiftly around the bathroom, the steam rising in gentle curls as he prepared for his bath. The faint scent of soap and warm water filled the space, a sanctuary from the chaos earlier. Just as he reached to pull his shirt over his head, he froze. His gaze caught Riven still lingering by the bathroom wall, leaning casually, eyes fixed on him with that mischievous glint that always made his heart beat faster.

"What are you still doing here?" Vaelorian asked, his voice low, almost hesitant, as if he knew the answer but didn't want to believe it.

Riven smirked, eyes sparkling with mischief. "What do you mean? We're still talking. And I'm watching you get naked," he said cheekily, the mischievous grin never leaving his face.

Vaelorian scoffed, crossing his arms. "We're done talking. And I thought you hated it when I removed my clothes in front of you?"

"Oh, come on," Riven teased, eyes gleaming. "We both know the truth. So, go on—continue stripping, your Highness."

"No!" Vaelorian snapped. "Leave. Now."

But Riven remained rooted, eyes still fixed on him, a stubborn glint in his gaze. "I don't want to leave," he whispered, voice low but insistent. "I want to watch you."

Vaelorian's breath hitched, the air suddenly thick with unspoken tension. "That's— that's creepy," he managed, voice strained. "Please, just leave."

Riven's grin grew wider, daring even. "There's nothing creepy about it. What are you so afraid of, anyway?" he asked, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

"What makes you think I'm afraid of anything?" Vaelorian shot back, trying to sound firm, but his eyes darted away, betraying him.

Riven stepped closer, voice lowering to a husky whisper. "It's obvious from how you don't let your eyes linger on me longer than two seconds. You're avoiding me, Your Highness. Why?"

Vaelorian's gaze flickered back, a flicker of something flashing across his face. "What are you on about, Riven?"

"You can't help it, can you?" Riven murmured, voice serious but soft, almost trembling with emotion. "You're scared you'll do something—something you might regret—if I stay here with you."

"Riven," Vaelorian's voice was a slow, pleading warning. He wanted to stop this, he told himself he would after coming back. Still, Riven pressed on.

"You want me, don't you?" Riven asked, voice smoky and husky, heavy with longing.

The silence that followed was deafening. It hung in the air, thick and heavy. Vaelorian's eyes darkened, his chest tight. He swallowed hard, the words caught in his throat. Riven was even beginning to think that maybe he was wrong in thinking the older boy wanted him all but, then Vaelorian sighed, deeply, running his hand through his hair, as if trying to steady himself.

"So what if I do?" he finally whispered, sarcasm laced with longing. "You want a medal for figuring that out?"

Riven's smile was triumphant. "Was that sarcasm, Your Highness? Oh my gosh, I've really rubbed off on you, haven't I?"

Vaelorian rolled his eyes, but a faint smile tugged at his lips despite himself. "Very funny. Are you leaving or what?"

Riven hesitated, then grumbled under his breath. "Fine, I'm leaving. You don't have to say it like that, jeez." Without another word, he peeled himself from the wall and stomped out of the bathroom, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Once Riven was out of sight, Vaelorian exhaled slowly. With a mixture of frustration and resignation, he took off the remaining pieces of his clothes and stepped into the shower. Turning the water on, he closed his eyes, letting it wash away the stress of the day. But in that moment, amidst the steam and warmth, he gasped softly, a sudden rush of emotion pulling him under.

"Riven, what are you doing here? I told you to leave." he whispered into the mist, voice trembling with a mixture of desire and worry.

"I missed you!"

Riven confessed suddenly, voice steady but filled with longing, Vaelorian's breath caught in his throat, and for a heartbeat, he forgot how to breathe. His eyes widened, fixating on Riven's face—the sincerity, the vulnerability in his expression. His gaze lowered, drawn to the younger boy's lips.

"Don't worry," Riven added softly, sensing his hesitation. "I won't do anything. I just want to watch you while you have your bath."

Vaelorian's heart pounded wildly. "I missed you too," he finally managed, voice thick with unspoken emotions. "I'm sorry I left without saying anything."

Riven's smile was gentle, understandingly. "We're both to blame for everything that happened. Let's leave it in the past, okay?"

The moment stretched between them, heavy but filled with something fragile—hope, maybe, or the faintest whisper of trust.

"Okay!" Vaelorian finally nodded in agreement. "So, what now?" he asked softly, voice trembling slightly.

Riven's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Now?" he echoed. Then, with a devilish grin, he added, "Now we fuck! Right here, in the shower."

"Riven!" Vaelorian groaned softly, both annoyed and amused, a smile tugged at his lips. "Don't say it like that."

"Sorry!" Riven grinned wickedly, "Make love. I meant, now we make love." Riven's words didn't even sound a bit apologetic at all, he only leaned in closer, eyes dark with anticipation.

"What am I going to do with you?" Vaelorian asked, his voice trembling slightly.

"I can think of a few things...—" Riven murmured, smirking mischievously.

Before Riven could say another word, Vaelorian closed the distance, his lips soft and eager against the younger boy's. The kiss was desperate—raw—and carried all the ache and longing that had built up in silence for so long. His hands found Riven's face, holding him gently but firmly, as if afraid he might disappear if he let go.

"I missed you so much!" Vaelorian whispered against Riven's lips, voice trembling. "I was so afraid I might never hold you in my arms again."

Riven's voice was soft, breathless. "Show me how much you missed me, Your Highness," he whispered back, and their lips met again—gently this time.

Slowly, carefully, Vaelorian took Riven into his arms, and in that shower filled with steam and silence, he made love to the younger boy—he was finally found, finally free from the weight of longing he'd had carried for so long.

Right now,, nothing else matters to Vaelorian but the warmth of their bodies, the beat of their hearts, and the quiet promise that he would never let go again.