Blissful Aftermath Of Lovemaking.

After their intimate moment in the shower, the warm water had cooled, but the heat between Vaelorian and Riven still lingered in the air. They took their time, cleaning up slowly—each movement soft, almost tentative—and then dressed. Still wrapped in a quiet afterglow, Vaelorian gently pulled Riven onto his bed. The younger boy settled against the pillows, and Vaelorian cuddled him close, wrapping his arms protectively around him.

He leaned in, pressing gentle kisses along Riven's face—on his forehead, his cheeks, the corner of his mouth. The boy's beautiful skin was warm and soft beneath his lips, and Vaelorian felt his own heartbeat quicken. Riven looked up, eyes bright with affection, but also with that mischievous spark that always made Vaelorian's chest tighten.

Vaelorian's smile grew, tender but playful. He gazed at Riven with a softness that made the boy's heart flutter.

"What are you smiling about?" Riven asked, voice small but curious, tilting his head.

Vaelorian's lips curled into a sly grin. "I think I'm in trouble," he said, still smiling as if he knew something Riven didn't. His eyes danced with mischief.

Riven's brow furrowed slightly, sensing that this was more than just a joke. "Why? What happened?" he asked, voice a little wary now, a flicker of concern flashing across his face.

Vaelorian's gaze shifted from Riven's face to the space around them, as if imagining the consequences of what he was about to say. "It's this sight," he began softly, voice full of affection. "Having you in my bed like this. I don't think I could do without seeing you so close, do often—like this—for the rest of my life." He finished, voice quiet but sincere, and then leaned in to kiss Riven's nose gently.

Riven's cheeks warmed, glowing pink, and he blinked in surprise. "Technically," he said cheekily, "this is our bed now." He gestured around them, where the bed had been moved closer to the middle of the room, making space just for the two of them. "We brought it closer, remember?"

Vaelorian nodded, his smile softening. "I guess that's true," he murmured, his voice full of affection.

They stayed that way for a moment—just quietly enjoying each other's presence—until Riven's voice broke the silence.

"Also, your Highness?" he called, voice playful. He looked at Vaelorian, raising an eyebrow.

The older boy hummed softly, encouraging him to go on.

Riven grinned wider, then tried to hide his face behind his hands. "Stop saying things like that," he muttered, cheeks flushing. "You're being cringed again."

Vaelorian chuckled, amused by Riven's flustered reaction. "Cringed? Me? Never," he teased, voice husky with amusement. But then his tone softened, and he looked at Riven with a gentle curiosity. "But I've been wondering about something."

Riven peeked out from behind his hands, eyes curious and a little nervous. "What?"

"Calling me 'your highness,'" Vaelorian asked softly, voice amused. "Is that your way of showing me affection? Or just a habit?"

Riven's face heated up even more, and he hurried to deny it. "Of course not! Don't be ridiculous," he stammered, but his blush betrayed him.

Vaelorian tilted his head, studying him with a smirk. "I don't think I'm being ridiculous," he said, voice low and teasing. "You say it a lot. And..."

"And what?" Riven asked, voice a little shaky now.

"And when you say it," Vaelorian continued, "it sounds different. It's cute. And—sexy," he added, his voice dropping into a husky whisper.

Riven scoffed, crossing his arms, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Says the guy who asked me not to call him that the first time we met," he muttered, rolling his eyes.

Vaelorian's laughter was soft and warm. "Exactly why I asked you not to call me that," he said, voice full of affection. "You have no idea what it does to me when you say it."

"Oh my God! Please, just stop!" Riven exclaimed, clutching his hands over his ears and pretending to be horrified. "My innocent ears can't handle your unholy thoughts right now!"

Vaelorian raised an amused brow. "That's not what you were saying in the shower," he teased, voice husky, low and playful.

Riven's cheeks turned a deeper pink, and he hurried to bury his face in Vaelorian's neck. "Shut up," he mumbled, voice muffled, cheeks burning.

The older boy chuckled and hugged Riven tighter, inhaling deeply. He savored the scent of his hair, feeling a wave of contentment wash over him. For a moment, all the worries that tugged at his mind—the doubts, the fears—faded away. Here, in this quiet, intimate space, everything felt right.

Vaelorian's heart slowed, and he closed his eyes, holding Riven close. Slowly, his eyelids fluttered shut, and with a gentle breath, he let himself relax. In that moment, he knew—nothing else mattered. Just this: Riven in his arms, safe and loved.

And as sleep claimed him, Vaelorian's last thought was simple yet profound: in this quiet, tender space, he had everything he ever wanted.