#fenorian

“Dorian!”

Dorian blinked once, twice. A blank stare came from Aelin as her expression became wrought with concern. Did she have to look at him like that? Right now? It was the last thing he needed at that moment. For her all too knowing mind to piece together he was struggling with this. With what happened the night before in a whirlwind of alcohol-induced lust. That’s all it was. And they’d never speak of it again.

Yet, when Fenrys walked past him fresh from the shower that morning, slipping a shirt on and grabbing his bag, it was like Dorian saw him in a new light. As if he were seeing him, truly seeing him for the first time. He couldn’t focus on anything but the staccato beat of his heart. It didn’t pass Dorian that Fenrys hadn’t looked at him at all before leaving. That bothered him, more than he cared to admit. It was just a drunken one-night stand. With his roommate. Who he did not have feelings for. Right?

No, Dorian wasn’t thinking back on the four years they’ve lived together. The late-night talks, unwavering support for each other. For Dorian when he lost Sorscha and for Fenrys when he lost his twin, Connall. Dorian could still recall the countless times he ventured into his roommate’s room at late night hours. Offering comfort in any way he could. Putting his arms around Fenrys, letting him sleep there in that security. He thought nothing of it then. Just a way to repay what Fenrys had initially done for him within less than six months of living together.

Fenrys had lost his brother just last year. Now that Dorian was thinking back on it, how Fenrys would slump into him. It was almost as if Dorian was his anchor during a dark time. Now that he looked back on it, there was an odd sense of something…deeper stirring between them. Then the first time Fenrys truly laughed again. That moment too, Dorian recalled the thunderous way his heart reacted, his entire being coming alive at the sound. He simply chalked it up to relief. Happiness that Fenrys was smiling again.

"What happened?"

Tired icey blues landed on his best friend for a brief moment before flicking to the ceiling, his body leaning into the couch. He sighed heavily and Aelin's brows rose in question.

"Something happened last night. After the party. Something here," Dorian finally answered, keeping eyes firmly planted on the ceiling. Acting as if he's never seen a fan in his twenty-four years of life.

"Okay," Aelin paused waiting for a response until the awkward silence was too much. "What."

"I uh…"

Gods those lips. The perfection of them, the pleasurable moans they elicited from Dorian. The vibration of Fenrys' cool charmed voice against his Adam's apple while his traveling hand found its destination. Wrapping around the hardened length of Dorian, stroking him.

"Feel good Havilliard?" He said it in a way that Fenrys didn't need an answer. He knew. "Tell me you have lube and condoms."

Dorian nodded. "Left..shit" he groaned, his roommate gripping his cock tighter, "Left nightstand."

"I'm gonna make you feel so good, Dorian. The way I've wanted to."

The way I've wanted to.

"Ow." Something heavy struck Dorian in the chest. Attention snapping to Aelin and the random book laying haphazardly in his lap.

"I skipped morning sex with Rowan because you needed me. All you've done is stare and stare like you're solving the most complicated math equation."

"Because it is complicated,” The bottom of his palms pressed into his forehead, burrowing his fingers into his hair gasping the strands.

"Fantastic. What is Dorian?" She questioned with mockery even as alertness rose in Aelin. Telling her whatever was troubling one of her best friends wasn’t anything small. She knew when it was family issues, school, other friends, but this was a matter of the heart. A subject Dorian hadn’t touched since Sorscha left him, going on a train to the southern continent never to return.

"Fenrys." he sighed in confession.

Aelin had to fight the oncoming grin. Unbeknownst to Fenrys or Dorian, their entire group of friends has placed bets on when something would happen. As luck would have it thanks to this confession, she won. Knowing Fenrys better than anyone, it was an easy prediction. This wasn’t the time to shout a whoop for a bet. Dorian was far from okay. Frustration rolled off of him in waves. The entire morning he had trouble focusing. Even now Dorian seemed to have difficulty with speaking of it. She wondered if Fenrys spoke his feelings aloud and were not returned in the way he hoped. She’d call him after hearing Dorian’s rejection. Aelin shifted to sit next to Dorian on the couch, rubbing comforting strokes down his back, her head resting on his shoulder.

Somehow simply stating his name was enough to unleash his thoughts.

“You know Ansel threw a party last night. We got drunk and came home. I stumbled on my feet, Fen steadied me.'' Aelin braced herself, hiding her giddiness. “I don’t know who started it. Suddenly we were making out.”

“He looks like he's a good kisser. The kind that makes your knees weak,” she added.

Dorian looked down on her, “Understatement of the year,” Aelin chuckled. “Before I knew it, we were in my room, my bed, clothes off.” Dorian let out a small smirk, “His clothes are in my room still.” Soon as that smirk arrived it faded into nothing.

“Sounds like you had fun.”

Dorian agreed with a nod, his cheeks heating recounting the night.

In a matter of seconds, their clothes were discarded. Both of them laughed freely as Dorian threw an arm around his roommate’s neck. Mouths meeting once more with hunger. His gut churned with primal want. A fire long put out now burned brightly within. Fenrys pulled away, anchoring himself lower and lower. Lips that caused Dorian to briefly forget his name wrapped over his cock. Their eyes met as Fenrys took in his manhood, heavy, hard, and leaking at the tip. Dorian wanted to close his eyes, becoming lost in the heady bliss. He was entranced by the way Fenrys dragged his mouth down his cock, tongue swirling along his shaft. He couldn't look away if he tried. Winding his fingers through Fenrys' hair, Dorian's hips jerked at the moment Fenrys opened wider, taking in every inch.

Dorian groaned, "If you keep doing that I'm coming in your mouth."

Mouth full of Dorian, Fenrys grinned, brows raised in challenge. His words were a hot vibration on his cock, "Then come."

Dorian watched in awe as Fenrys continued to take him in his hot, wet mouth. He teased in long and quick strokes. Switching between fast and slow. How Dorian hadn't erupted in his mouth yet he didn't know. This. Fenrys' worship of his cock was an image he never expected and the longer he remained there. A sobering thought struck him. Dorian realized he wanted him like this more than once. That he wanted him to show him this pleasure too. He couldn't explain it. The rightness of these images, a feeling of belonging to each other. He made a mental note to think about this later.

Fenrys fisted his own cock. Pumping with vigor, moaning against Dorian’s. His tongue swept over Dorian’s tip.

"Gods." Dorian moaned in a breath. "Fuck Fen."

"Come for me, baby. Fill my mouth." Fenrys murmured in command.

His fingers gripped golden curls as he plunged his dick good and deep, fucking the throat of one of his closest friends. Hips thrusting involuntarily as a surge of ecstasy coursed through his veins. His breath hitched, his balls tightened. Immediately his thoughts went to a future he never dreamed of. He and Fenrys, cuddled in a couch binge-watching, hand in hand down the street laughing, cooking, and kissing together, resulted in Fenrys against the counter, Dorian buried inside him.

"I'm gonna come." Dorian gritted his teeth, vision blurring as he hit a new high.

Quickly Fenrys wrapped a palm at the base of his cock, stroking fast as Dorian coated his mouth in ropes of come.

"Loverboy." Aelin snapped her fingers in his direction. "Back to reality."

"Sorry." His cheeks now a deep scarlet and there's a stiffness between his leg. Dorian adjusted the book on his lap.

"Well if you want my opinion. Which you called me so you do,” She reminded him. “It seems like a good thing. That is…” Aelin trailed off for a dramatic pause, “If you can't stop thinking about it" a wicked grin formed on her face, a twinkle in her turquoise eyes. "Happened. What's complicated."

"He's my roommate. I had a blow job and got fucked by my roommate Aelin."

She could have said a thousand different things starting with not needing the visual imagery of Fenrys sucking off Dorian. Aelin didn't feel the stress in his voice. "You want to do it again?"

Dorian was silent for a beat. Not long enough to daydream again.

"Yes. But not just that. Last night I thought about us. Him and I. I couldn't get it out of my head. Last night was just this wrecking ball that tore away the friendship and showed me that maybe we've always been heading here. He said some things last night that made me believe it. Then we finished. I said something stupid. He backed away like I don’t know. I turned into a ghost leopard. Maybe Fen was embarrassed. No, he was.” His eyes darted wildly thinking of the aftermath. He started rambling like a madman, “This morning he wouldn't look at me, wouldn't speak to me and I tried Aelin. I did. He didn’t even stop, I stood there,…"

"Hey," Aelin spoke with reassurance, pulling his arms away from him. Forcing Dorian to look at her. "First you need a deep breath and to relax. I haven't seen you this wound up in a while." Running his hands through his hair he did just that. Inhaling and then releasing a long breath. “Have you had coffee yet?” An oddity for him, being how he seemed to live off it.

“No. I woke up when Fenrys started to slip his shoes on. Left my room to talk to him, like I said he ignored the creak from my door. Didn’t look at me, just walked away. I called you and I’ve been sitting here ever since.”

Aelin jumped from the couch. “That’s why your thoughts are a mess. I’ll get you a cup.”

Before he could protest Aelin made her way to the kitchen. Desperately she wanted to tell Dorian her thoughts on the matter. The things Fenrys told her before he lost his twin. A part of her felt it was okay to speak. The other thought it would break trust with her friend. These are words that should come from Fenrys, not her. She settled on the choice of waiting. Seeing what Dorian said before deciding what part to listen to. From the way he was acting, Aelin had a sneaking suspicion Dorian felt the same. It just took him time to get there. He wouldn’t be at such a loss if he felt any other way.

The coffee machine was set up already with a fresh pot. Next to it a mug in the shape of a book stack. Three packets of sugar were laid out on the counter…Dorian uses three packets. Fenrys took his coffee the way she did. More creamer and sugar than actual coffee. A bright yellow note stuck to the machine caught her attention Reaching for it, Aelin broke out in a smile at the quick scripture.

“Idiot,” she muttered to herself. “Dorian?”

“Hmm?” she heard from the living room.

“Come here. You should see this.” As promised she poured his coffee, emptied the packets of sugar into the mug. A few moments passed and Dorian arrived at the entrance of his kitchen.

Dorian walked in, the tile cool beneath his feet, rubbing the back of his neck approaching Aelin with that wild grin she was known for, “Why are you grinning like that? I’m in a crisis.” he gripped taking the coffee inhaling the whorls of heat rising from the mug. “That was quick and my favorite mug huh?”

Aelin chewed her bottom lip. Dorian peered at her, brows knitted in confusion, “The coffee was already made, your mug brought down and sugar laid out.” handing him a sticky note, “This was attached to the coffee pot. His brows pulled together deeper, the mug he just took settled on the granite counter. The beating of his heart was irregular and steadfast reading over the note.

Dorian,

Didn’t wanna wake you. Coffee’s ready, your three packets next to your favorite mug. Um, call me or text me when you get this. We’ll get breakfast. Unless you’d rather not. Then I guess I’ll see you later.

Fen

Next to his name was a scribbled heart. Fenrys drew it, then thought better of it. Dorian read it over and over, his eyes reading the few words to the point that if he shut his eyes, they’d be there. Etched under his lids. Leaning against the counter he looked to Aelin for assistance. “What does it mean?”

“You’re not that stupid Dorian. He wants to talk about last night.” She took a breath. “This morning did he have his headphones in? The Bluetooth ones?” Dorian shrugged embarrassment flooding through him. “You know that-”

“He puts them on and jogs to the gym. Yeah.” He pressed his thumbs into his temples squeezing his eyes tight. “I’m an idiot.”

“No, you’re not. You got your back blown out, probably hungover and dealing with feelings you haven’t in a long time. A mess? Yes, but you’re not an idiot. Trust me, Fenrys is probably a mess too. The only difference is he’s used to the feelings whereas you, it's new..”

Dorian swore the floor shifted beneath him. His knees weakened, staring in disbelief at Aelin. She gave him one of those looks that had the word what plastered on her face. Until the realization of her words struck her. The what turning into a simple, oh. “Explain.”

“Your coffee is getting cold.” she pointed out.

“It’s fine. Explain.” Dorian folded his arms across his chest. Fixing a look at her. To Aelin’s credit, she stared right back unwavering. They stood like that for several moments. “Please. I can’t make sense of this and I need to. I feel like somehow I ruined everything.”

Aelin stared at him for another moment. She couldn’t resist the charming, emotion-filled baby blues. Not for a second. “You didn’t hear this from me.”

Aelin hopped on the opposite counter, and Dorian finally took a long drag of his coffee. Not as hot as the first pour but still warm enough he could manage. He listened with intent as Aelin told explained. About a week before Connall’s bike accident Fenrys brought up his attraction to Dorian. Intrigued by this story, the Havilliard heir ended up jumping on the counter behind him sipping his coffee as she continued. Dorian remembered that night. It was Karaoke night down at Skulls Bay. They sang Tongue Tied by Grouplove and several Taylor Swift songs together. Thinking, really thinking of that night, he visualized a moment of grinning at his roommate and the awestruck way Fenrys stared back. Fenrys acted off the remainder of the evening, almost shy when it came to Dorian. Why didn’t he notice it for what it was?

Pressing on Aelin went into Connall’s death. Of Fenrys pushing away his feelings, it wasn’t the right time. His long stage of grief wouldn’t allow it. And yet, Dorian learned through that time, Fenrys truly did use him as an anchor, a light in fractured darkness. Like the sun peeking out of dark gray clouds, his heart constricted at the knowledge. The odd times where Fenrys’ gaze fell to his lips and Dorian’s entire being felt an odd calling to push closer, but he never did. The things Fenrys spoke aloud last night began to click into place.

Dorian’s legs wrapped over his hips. Fenrys rolled his hips, thrusting deep and good into his backside, stretching and filling every inch. Inky black eyes met icy blues, Fenrys leaned in cupping his roommate's cheeks, kissing him hotly. His tongue dragged over his lips wandering to Dorian’s ear, in between panted breaths he whispered, “You…have no…” a guttural groan, “fucken idea. '' a moan from Dorian as rested his palms on Fenrys’s chest sliding up to his shoulders. “How long I’ve wanted you like this.”

“On my back?”

Fenrys chuckled darkly, sensually. “ No.” he tugged the bottom of Dorian’s ears.” Well, yea. But” Hips snapping against his roommate’s ass. “Mine.”

Then Fenrys kissed him again. Kissed him like a lover. A wanton blend of tenderness and desire. His hands touched him with the same, gentle and firm caresses. Touching every part of him as if Fenrys couldn’t get enough of Dorian Havilliard.

This time Dorian shook himself from the memory. Knowing if he kept at it he’d chub in front of Aelin and it was the last thing he wanted to do. A chime broke through the air startling them both. Aelin jumped down, locating her bag fishing around for her phone, “So now you know. Fenrys has wanted you for a while now. And you didn’t get it from me. This was your thought.” she warned. Tossing a glare over her shoulder. “ Why do you think you screwed up?”

Dorian winced, “When we finished I don’t know what happened. Word vomit I guess.”

She paused from looking at her screen to him, “What did you say?”

“I said well that was fun roomie.” If Aelin’s jaw could have dropped to the floor, it would have. Learning of Fenrys’ feelings Dorian understood why it looked like he slapped him after that. “ I know!”

“Well, that was fun roomie.” Dorian raised a hand for a high five. What the fuck is wrong with him? Fenrys…Fenrys looked as if he’d been slapped. Like his heart was torn from his chest. He never witnessed Fenrys stand and run from a room so quickly. “Fenrys? Fen wait. I’m sorry.”

Dorian slipped his boxer briefs on, running through his door to the opposite side of their apartment. The door to Fen’s room slammed shut before he made it halfway. That didn’t stop him. No. Dorian banged on the door. He was met with silence. He tried again and again. Even reached for the doorknob attempting to turn it and open the door. The foolish choice really but he was desperate. This was the best night he had in a long time. Not just the passionate sex, Everything before that. Just being with Fenrys laughing, flirting, dancing, and drinking. “Fenrys answer the door. Please.”

“Glad you had fun. Goodnight Roomie.” Through the wall, Dorian still picked up the bitterness in his voice.

Dorian knocked a few times. A deafening silence was his only answer. Sighing in defeat he dragged his body back to his room. A part of him longed to sit out at his door. He couldn’t handle the possibility of Fenrys waking up and moving past him. The mere thought was acid to his stomach. So instead he went into his room and shut the door with a click. A heady scent lingered in the air, reminding him of what transpired here tonight. Though the hickey on his neck. The pleasurable tiredness was a good indicator too. More than good.

Sleep was far from reach, His mind buzzing with Fenrys, Fenrys, Fenrys. With his touch, scent, lips, that easy smile, the way his eyes shine, and how he laughs with his entire body. A damn good body too. One he took great care in and Dorian now knew in the most intimate of ways. He should take the door off the hinges and go into his room. Apologize then make him laugh and Kiss him soundly. The thoughts kept circling for hours.

Why did it bother him so much?

“Oh no. It’s a voicemail.” Aelin pursed her lips. “From Fen. And he sent a text with a frowny emoji saying to call him, he thinks he fucked up.”

He had no right to ask but did anyway, “Play the voicemail. On speaker.”

And she did. A robotic voice came through announcing one voicemail and then his voice came through, “Hey boya, remember I told you I had this thing for Dor-” Dorian froze listening to Fenrys clear his throat. “My roommate. We hooked up last night. Don’t celebrate yet. Long story short, I don’t think there are mutual feelings. Just sex. He said it was fun.” There was a long pause before he continued. “After the initial hurt, I got over it and decided I’d talk to him today. I thought we could talk over breakfast, left a note on the coffee pot you know him, but-” the voicemail cut off. Ceasing whatever it was he was going to say. Dorian suspected the phrase but he never texted me finished out his message.

Everything in him felt weighted as unease drowned him. Why didn’t he go straight to the coffee machine? It’s the first thing he does every morning. Except for today. Too lost in thought. Too worried and consumed with thinking he screwed up whatever was happening with Fenrys, he caused it. For what seemed like the hundredth time that day, Dorian groaned with irritation at himself burying his face back into his palms. How, over the past year had he not noticed the significance in his roommates' changes? Once Fenrys became himself again. Rethinking the past, his flirty remarks and teasing touches increased. On more than one occasion Dorian caught him staring in his direction in odd ways. Most of the time his gaze landed on his mouth. Dorian always questioned him and Fenrys shook his head saying nothing continuing about business.

They did more things together, reading the same book, cooking, and movie nights. And movie nights, wow how did he miss the signs. All the nights they fell asleep on the sofa. Not in an embrace. But close enough to where they could have. Close enough to kiss too. Sometimes Fenrys laid his head in Dorian’s lap, Dorian would do the same. They would talk about the movie. Then it struck him.

In a way, they’ve been dating for a year, and Dorian, hell probably Fenrys too was none the wiser. All this time. Now he set it aflame. Ruined what could be a profound relationship. A strong foundation, a partnership that would be deep and true. Two guys with wounded hearts, healing each other and finding love. He dropped it so badly the fragile hearts shattered.

A balled-up rag hit Dorian in the eyes. He glared at Aelin, “Dorian Havilliard, how would you like to have a boyfriend today?” his best friend questioned. Mischief glowed in her turquoise eyes.

“Did you not hear the voicemail? I Screwed up. It’s over.” before it truly began. It was over.

She jumped down with a thud. “Get dressed. I have a plan.”

He pursed his lip, the annoying glare now one of deep suspicion. Though he couldn’t be surprised she had one.

“Are you gonna tell me what it is?”

“That’d ruin the fun.” she winked. “I will say you both are dramatic in the best and worst ways. Go get dressed.”

Dorian hopped down leaving his empty mug behind. “Not dramatic,” he mumbled.

“No? Did you not sit there and stare at your coffee table like it had the world's most unsolvable equation all because Fenrys had music in his ears and walked out the door?” She put her fingers up in quotations. “Ignoring you in the process? And Fenrys, who thinks you’re not interested at all because you said something stupid and didn’t get coffee asap this morning.”

Dorian continued to his room, Aelin hot on heels. “Do I need to remind you of all the times you went dramatic over Rowan?”

“This isn’t about me.” she snapped. He laughed strolling into his closet.” Now pick something out. I need to call Fen.”

His stomach dipped and burned. Dorian nodded, digging through his clothes. It was hard to focus overhearing Aelin and Fenrys. He stilled entirely when they discussed what Dorian said last. Listening to how it gutted him to hear that they just had fun and nothing more. Since those words were spoken, Dorian has come to realize it was more. Yes, he had fun. But it went beyond that. Whenever their gazes met, Fenrys always looked at him with affection, possibly love, definitely affection. Dorian felt it. Past his eyes. That look he felt in his soul. In his heart. And he was a fool drunk on the bliss of sex when those words came from his lips. He wishes he could take them back. Wishes Fenrys stayed in his bed last night. That he could be the one to please him and they would wake up and make love again before breakfast.

He would fix it. Tell Fenrys he was sorry, admit how he feels, and hope there’s a chance.

Dorian shifted through all his shirts on hangers. Knowing exactly what to pull out. Searching and Searching, stopping at shirts he thought were right. It took him less than three minutes to locate it. A basic navy tee soft as feathers. At least that's what Fenrys had told him when he purchased it. He said that Dorian put it back, he’d just buy it for his birthday. This was Fenrys’ favorite shirt that Dorian owned. The color helped deepen the blue of his eyes which could only work in his favor. Slipping on a pair of jeans and black shoes, Dorian did a quick check in the mirror. Making sure to brush his teeth, fix his hair, and then he met Aelin in the hall.

Aelin was saying her goodbyes to Fenrys when Dorian appeared. She eyed his outfit with a whistle, “Wow. That shirt makes me wanna drown in your eyes.”

He grinned in her direction, “I know.”

“Ready?”

Dorian blew out a breath, “Yes.”

Dorian became a flurry of the utmost confidence like he could take on all of Erilea or believing this would fail and wish that he’d sink to the deepest depths of the North Sea. Aelin instructed him to not text Fenrys, keep his phone in his pocket, and under no circumstances, touch it. Usually, to ease his nerves he would pull his cell out and scroll. Adhering to her request he opted to wring his wrists, toy with his fingers in eagerness or anxiousness. He wasn’t sure which presided over the other. Perhaps it was both.

Cavarre Cafe was only three blocks from his apartment in the upper town of Terrasen. It wasn’t a move his parents were thrilled about. But something he needed to distance himself from Adarlan. He took the warm breeze and the bright sun with no clouds in the sky, as a good sign. A sign of happiness and good fortune. Regardless of how this plan, he still didn’t know about, would play out. Things would be okay. They would be fine.

Standing next to the trellis outside the cafe, Dorian zeroed in on Fenrys sitting alone. His hair was pulled up from the gym most likely. Wisps of golden curls hung around his face. Fenrys chewed at his bottom lip, chin settled in his palm, the other hand mindlessly stirring a spoon into his coffee. With a hint of misery in his eyes, brows pushed together, and a pout on his lush lips, Fenrys held the expression of someone who…well who had been rejected. Everything considered, in his mind, he was. In Fenrys’ mind, Dorian wanted nothing more than roommates. It was the furthest thing from the truth. He was going to fix this starting now.

Blood roared in his ears, Dorian thought his heart would burst through his chest with how hard it pounded. Misery never looked so handsome then it did on Fenrys Moonbeam. Then again he made everything look good. Attraction aside, he wanted the misery gone. The misery he caused, he wanted to change it to joy. Dorian Havilliard led with his heart. Didn’t hear Aelin saying wait as he pulled open the door and stepped inside.

On cue, Fenrys stood throwing his arms open, “Boya.” When Aelin started dating Rowan, he thought to call her boya, instead of boyo as the Cadre does. His arms instantly dropped. The smile dipped when onyx met sapphire.

Dorian walked in stride, crossing the small cafe in a few steps. To Fenrys’ credit, he stood there confused. Stiffened when Dorian cupped his cheeks, thumbs pressed into his tanned skin dragging along the smoothness. His lips brushed against his roommates. Fenrys stood straight. Not reciprocating the action. Dorian’s heart threatened to crack, but still, he held steady.

His breath teasing Fenrys’ full lips, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. What I said last night.” He kissed him again, swearing Fen leaned in a fracture. “This morning, I was so torn up about how we left things and realizing I want you that I completely forgot about the coffee.” that earned a chuckle. Dorian didn’t give a damn about how desperate he sounded. “I’m also sorry it took me this long to realize it, but I do want you Fenrys. I’ve wanted you for a while, I just didn’t see it. I want to wake up with you, go to bed with you, Kiss you when I want to. I’d say all the other things like cooking for you or snuggling on the couch, couple things. We do it already.” He released a breath, “Look, I want to give this a chance if it’s not too late.”

Dorian lowered his hands, Fenrys watched him, studying him, weighing his options Dorian realized. So Dorian only stared back. His stomach clenched, heart thrumming. The longer the silence between stretched the more convinced Dorian was that no he would not be forgiven. Fenrys probably has a place lined up. Who would stay in such an awkward living situation? Hanging out with Aelin would be tricky…laughing. A laugh was warm and welcoming as the sun itself began. He knew that laugh. A sound he could never tire of, his favorite song.

“Let me ask you this,” Fenrys questioned. “When did you call Aelin?”

Dorian’s cheek warmed, a tinge of pink spread across his ivory complexion, “Right after you left this morning. I..” rubbing the nape of his neck, sheepishly glancing at the tiled floor, “I thought you were ignoring me. I couldn’t fathom the thought. So I sat on the couch, called her, and didn’t move until about twenty minutes ago.”

“A part of me doesn’t want to believe you. But if you didn’t feel this way your first instinct wouldn’t be to kiss me.” he tapped his finger to his bottom lip. “Then again I am hot. You might. You wouldn’t have said those words.” his heated gaze traveled from the top of Dorian to his toes, “I love that shirt.”

“I know,” Dorian added.

Fenrys stepped forward, hands finding purchase on Dorian’s waist. Dorian took the opportunity to slip his arms under Fens. Their cheeks resting against one another. “Words don’t get the best of me. That. That did.” His voice rumbled, a slight nerve to it. “I’ve been falling for a while now. Fought against truly falling, I’d rather you as my friend.” Fenrys pulled away just enough to look at Dorian. “Thanks for finally noticing. “

“You’re welcome.” Dorian teased. Then he kissed him for the third time. Slow and testing at first as Fenrys leaned in, the kiss became firm and wanting. Fenrys relished in it. For Dorian, it felt like his world was balanced now. Dorian grasped the fabric of Fen’s shirt twisting in the process. Fenrys ran his tongue along the seam of Dorian’s mouth. Greedily Dorian opened for him, that damned tongue plunging in between his lips.

“Not that this isn’t hot. You’re in a restaurant, friends.” Just as they were getting started, the pair broke apart with flushed cheeks and swollen lips. Aelin clamped a hand down on Dorian’s shoulder, winking as she did so. He knew this was her plan. For Dorian to just follow his heart. He gave her an appreciative glance. “If you don’t mind, I’m sure you don’t. I have a bet to collect and a man who’s off today, You guys are good now yes? Great. Call me later and we can double date.” she winked again. Skipping away.

“Order takeout and have breakfast at home?” Dorian asked, holding his hand out. Fenrys took it, threading his fingers with Dorian. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

Fenrys pulled him back, lips briskly touching the corner of Dorian’s peppering up to his ear. “I’m glad you feel the same, Dorian. For the stress you’ve caused me I suggest a sympathy blow job and a forgive me fuck.”