"Because you protected me. Because you chose to help me instead of sending me back." Julian's hands fisted in my shirt. "I want to celebrate that freedom. With you. All of you."
Want flared hot in my chest. "Julian—"
"I'm ready, Elio. I want this. Want you. Completely."
I searched his face. Found nothing but certainty and want.
"Are you sure? We don't have to rush—"
"I'm sure. I've never been more sure of anything." He kissed me again. "Show me. Teach me. Make me yours in every way."
My control cracked. I pulled him close and kissed him hard. Walked him backward to the bedroom without breaking contact.
We undressed each other slowly. Taking time. Savoring the moment. By the time we were both naked and on the bed, my heart was racing and my hands were shaking slightly.
This mattered. This was important. Julian's first time should be perfect. Should be everything he deserved.
"We're going to take this slow," I said, settling between his legs. "I need to prepare you properly. It's going to take time. But I promise it'll be worth it."
"I trust you."
Those three words hit harder than they should have. Complete trust. Complete faith that I'd take care of him.
I intended to earn that trust.
I kissed him thoroughly while my hands explored. Learning the sounds he made. The places that made him gasp. I worked my way down his body. Took him in my mouth until he was gasping and clutching the sheets.
Then I pulled back. Reached for supplies from the nightstand.
"What's that?" Julian asked breathlessly.
"Lube. Condoms. Everything we need to make this good for you." I showed him the bottle. "I'm going to use my fingers first. Stretch you. Make sure you're ready. It might feel strange at first but I need you to tell me if anything hurts. Understand?"
"Yes. I trust you, Elio. I know you'll take care of me."
I slicked my fingers. Positioned myself carefully. "Relax. Just breathe."
I started with one finger. Slow and careful. Julian tensed at the intrusion.
"Breathe," I reminded him. "Try to relax. It'll get easier."
He took a breath. Let it out slowly. His body gradually relaxed around my finger. I worked carefully. Watching his face. Looking for signs of discomfort.
"Okay?" I asked.
"Yeah. Strange but not bad."
"Good. I'm going to add another finger. Tell me if it's too much."
I added a second finger. Worked them slowly. Scissoring carefully. Stretching him gradually while watching his reactions.
"Oh—" Julian's back arched. "What was that?"
"Your prostate. Feels good, doesn't it?"
"God yes. Do that again."
I smiled and did it again. Watched him gasp and shudder. Worked that spot until he was writhing and begging.
