Things had been shaky for a bit, but now, they seemed to be getting better – to a degree, at least. Ryan sighed a little as he worked at the store, taking care of the managerial duties he’d gotten used to at his previous location in Las Vegas. He’d set Johnny to stocking the shelves, reminding him again to be careful with how he places the comics issues. He caught Johnny rolling his eyes a little, but didn’t comment on it, resolving to keep an eye on him to make sure no mistakes were made.
Over time, he found his thoughts wandering back again to Nick, and he couldn’t help but smile. Things had been nice recently, with Nick having been able to spend a lot more time with him than what he’d been able to for a while. Part of that time, things had been tense due to him having broken things off with Alyssa and Esme, but Ryan couldn’t help but be a little happy about that. After all, it meant he got more time with Nick.
The previous evening had been especially nice. They’d gone hunting together, they spent time having fun at Charlie’s. At least, until Nick got a call and needed to leave. Ryan could tell he felt bad about it, but Ryan knew it was important to Nick, so he had waved him off, gotten a kiss goodbye, and gone to talk to Makya.
Nick hadn’t been able to come home the previous evening, and Ryan had slept in their bed alone, and really feeling that loneliness. He’d grown accustomed to falling asleep next to Nick, and with his presence, or even the presence of the girls not there, he ached a little, and was reminded of all the lonely years they’d spent apart.
Shaking his head out of his reverie, he got back to work, only to be surprised around one in the morning, with his partner walking in the door. Elated to see him, he nearly ran over to hug Nick, but kept himself in place, knowing that if he did, Johnny would never shut up about it. He did, however, hug Nick and give him a quick kiss when he got closer, smiling when he saw his partner’s smile — it had always been something he was happy to see.
They spoke for a bit about what Nick had been up to, before moving into the office to talk some more, the requisite bashing of the nosy Johnny to get him to quit listening in commencing shortly thereafter. Nick wasted no time in gently teasing Ryan with lightly trailed kisses along the neck. As much as he wanted it to continue, he shut Nick down, not wanting anything to happen at work, much as he might have liked to continue.
Without much coaxing, Ryan took the rest of the night off, opting to attend a movie with Nick. Other things had to have been on Nick’s mind, based solely on the fact that he would get distracted by Nick casually running a light finger along his neck, or leaning in to give a few, teasing kisses — promises of things to come. After the movie, there wasn’t a lot of night left, and Ryan was eager to get home with Nick, hoping to continue what he had started.
Unfortunately, when they got home, Circe had other ideas, demanding attention from her owner. Ryan was patient while Nick saw to her insistence by petting her, and playing with her for a few before taking him upstairs. They both knew that, if he hadn’t, Circe wouldn’t have stayed quiet and let them focus on each other.
Ryan tried to speak, to ask if they could finally go upstairs, but Nick shushed him with a kiss, took his hand, and led him upstairs.
~
Once in the bedroom, Nick had Ryan lie down, and began to undress him. As he kissed him intensely, he began to pull off Ryan’s shirt, sliding his hands up his sides, pausing only to pull the shirt off Ryan’s head. Next came the jeans, with Nick teasing at taking them off slowly. Soon enough, however, both jeans and boxers were off, and Nick had returned to kiss Ryan once more before turning him over to begin a slow, sensual massage.
It was bliss, feeling his partner pay attention to him like this. Nick’s touch eased out the knots and kinks easily, while turning him into a puddle as he relaxed. It wasn’t until he was practically asleep that Nick began to tease, feather-light kisses down his spine, then back up toward his shoulder, with nibbles to his neck that caused him to moan into the pillow.
Gently, Nick turned him over, letting Ryan watch as he got undressed himself. It was a view to appreciate – Nick had gained more muscle since they had last dated, and he couldn’t help but marvel at and appreciate the change. After undressing, Nick climbed onto the bed, positioning himself over Ryan, leaning in to kiss him. The kiss grew in intensity, until Ryan wrapped his arms around Nick and pulled him in closer. With one last, deep kiss, Nick wriggled out of his embrace, and just smiled, tsking and wagging a finger at him.
He got up, Ryan watching with curiosity. He didn’t have to wait long, as Nick soon returned with what appeared to be a length of cloth. Climbing back on top of Ryan, he took first on hand, then the other, and carefully, lovingly, bound Ryan’s wrists together, then pinned them down onto the pillow above his head, before returning to teasing kisses, starting with the nape of the neck. Small, little nibbles ensued.
Ryan arched his back and moaned, as Nick then trailed kisses down his chest and abdomen, tongue circling his navel, hands sliding down his thighs. His hands gripped the pillow beneath his head as Nick kept going, using his tongue to great effect on Ryan, hands exploring along his body to enhance sensation. With each passing moan, Ryan grew a bit louder, not caring who, if anyone, overheard; he simply wanted to be lost in the moment with his partner and lover.
The loving caresses, and teasing kisses, continued until Ryan couldn’t take anymore. He loved the sensations, but wanted more. He begged please, and Nick obliged, initiating sex. It was more lovemaking than anything else, with Nick taking special care to make sure Ryan was experiencing as much pleasure as could be mustered, short of feeding from him.
When all was said and done, Ryan felt breathless, even though he knew that was impossible. Nick too care to unbind his wrists, and, once free, he pulled Ryan into an embrace.
“I love you.” he said, forehead pressed against his partner’s.
“I love you too.” Ryan replied, putting an arm around Nick.
They lay like that for a while, until the time came when they felt heavy with sleep. Nick was the first to fall asleep, and Ryan struggled to stay awake for as long as he could, wanting to watch his lover sleep, and enshrine the memory in his heart. Gods, he loved that man. Snuggling in, Ryan let sleep claim him, his last thoughts being those of love.