Good. I wouldn’t allow him to diminish his part in it. I’d seen the courage it took to ask for more.
I remained where I was for a while longer, letting him settle fully, watching for the small signs—the steadiness of his breathing, the way his body came back into itself, the quiet awareness returning.
“When you’re ready, do you want to come back to my place?”
His smile was almost serene. “I’d like that. I’d better let Karl know, though.” He pushed himself up into a sitting position, and I was already there, my hand at his back again. He picked up the bottle of water and drank more of it.
Then he flushed. “I do feel a little guilty.”
“Why?”
“Well, we came to this party and basically ignored everyone here.”
I laughed. “Everyone herewas also occupied, in case you didn’t notice. And trust me, they won’t hold it against you.” I gazed at him. “So now I have to ask… is this something you would do again?”
He bit his lip. “Are we talking about the party, or the impact play?”
“That’s up to you.”
Kieran’s eyes didn’t leave mine. “Then yes—to both things.”
That hit harder than I’d expected.
He sat there for a few minutes, then nodded. “Let’s go.”
I helped him dress, easing him carefully into his clothing, knowing I’d apply more aloe before bed.
Rolf stood in the doorway, watching us. “Did you two have fun?”
I glanced at Kieran, who gave a shy smile.
“It was… something,” he admitted.
Rolf chuckled. “Yes, that much I could see for myself.” He shook Kieran’s hand. “You need to come back here at Easter. I’ll be having another party, and you will be most welcome.”
Kieran flushed. “Thank you.”
I gave Rolf a hug, and as his cheek met mine, he whispered, “Hold onto this one.”
I wish I could.
Outside, the night air was cool. Kieran took several deep breaths before we started walking. I didn’t feel the need to fill the silence.
He probably has enough going on right now.
I glanced at him as we walked, at the way he held himself now.
He trusted me with something real.And I’d accepted it.
We reached my building without either of us uttering another word. I unlocked the door, stepping aside to let him in first.
I removed my jacket slowly, setting it aside, giving myself a moment to recalibrate.
This was where I needed to be careful.
At some point, Kieran would leave. That had not changed. Tonight had made that future feel closer, sharper. But in spite of knowing that, despite learning how to hold everything at a distance, I closed the gap between us.
He’s here, now.