Gabe’s heart sang as Joey curled into him, finally opening up and allowing Gabe to get close. Their kisses were tentative at first, as if they cradled something fragile. But the fire between them was growing stronger, and Gabe knew he couldn’t fight it much longer.

This was the Joey he’d been so sure was lurking beneath the prickly surface he presented to the world. The illusion he used to keep himself safe. But maybe now he might understand that he could be safe with Gabe too. That he was worth caring for.

His smaller frame fit perfectly against Gabe’s larger body. He allowed Gabe’s arms to encircle him, wrapping him up, holding him tightly. The early morning sunshine was just strong enough to permeate the curtains of his bedroom. Gabe took a second to marvel at the beautiful face and golden curls that he could just make out in the light.

Joey Sullivan seemed convinced that he belonged to the world. That he owed it success at any cost. But this right here was the man that Gabe had started to glimpse. Joyous, carefree. Someone who didn’t see vulnerability as a weakness to be fought against at all costs.

Gabe had promised himself that he wouldn’t push. But he couldn’t deny the attraction he’d been feeling. And to have Joey come to him, to want him, was too much. He couldn’t resist. Especially not now, as he deepened their kisses, making Joey moan as he slid his hands over his firm abs.

He was perfect. Like a puzzle piece Gabe hadn’t even realized he’d been searching for.

Gabe had to be realistic though. Joey could very well not see him like that. It was obvious he needed comfort, affection. But Gabe had no way of knowing if it was important that it came from Gabe himself, or if anyone would have sufficed.

He shook the thought away. He was here now, with Joey, in his bed. They fit together beautifully, and Gabe was going to seize the chance to make Joey happy with both hands. Even if it was only for a little while.

Because Joey was worth caring for. Protecting. Loving.

Gabe knew he shouldn’t allow his thoughts to venture too far in that direction, but he had to wonder. Was Joey Sullivan someone he could love?

Luckily, Joey chased the train of thought from his head. He rolled them, placing himself underneath Gabe’s larger body with the thick comforter draped over Gabe’s back. Surrendering himself to Gabe.

They hadn’t spoken a word since waking. Gabe was too afraid to, lest it break the spell they were under. He didn’t necessarily need to talk. Joey’s kisses and the hot length of his erection pressed against Gabe’s thigh made his desires pretty clear. But Gabe had to know for sure.

“I want you,” he murmured into Joey’s mouth. “I need you.”

Joey shivered under him, his beautiful, lithe body naked aside from the boxers he’d kept on. Gabe shifted so his own hot and aching cock lined up with Joey’s. He rolled his body slowly against him. Joey moaned, but it sounded more like a sob. He clung to Gabe’s shoulders and buried his face into the crook of Gabe’s neck.

“It’s okay,” he said. He petted Joey’s gorgeous hair and kissed his cheek. “I’ve got you.”

Joey kissed the dip by his collar bone, making gooseflesh ripple across Gabe’s skin. “Yes, yes,” was all Joey said. Perhaps it was all he was capable of?

Gabe didn’t need any more though.

It was possible that Joey just needed comfort from anyone willing to give it. Gabe was selfish enough to admit that he could live with that indifference if it meant he got to be the one to hold Joey like this. To cherish him.

At least for now.

The optimist in him wanted to hope that Joey really did care for him. That this privilege of being allowed closer to him, to be intimate, meant something important.

He had time to find that out later. Right then, he wanted his whole focus on the now. The way Joey panted against his throat when he rubbed their cocks together. The way he offered sweet kisses when Gabe turned his face back to Joey’s mouth.

He was so used to seeing a tight line on that mouth. An expression filled with tension and desperation. It thrilled Gabe to witness the smile tugging at its corners now. The way he gasped wantonly at Gabe’s tender ministrations.

Whatever was to come, Gabe knew this moment was special, vital. So he wasn’t going to let it slip by.