The first rays of sun filtered through the thin curtains of the room. A thin layer of clouds covered the sky. Winter had officially begun; the cold wind swept through the streets. Only a few cars drove through the city, everything returning to normal after the Red Festival celebration. Noah slowly opened his eyes. Despite having only slept a few hours, his body felt tired. As he regained consciousness, he remembered everything that had happened the previous night. A small wave of electricity ran down his spine; he had felt so much fear, so much that he thought he would die at any moment, but somehow, he had made it home.
Of course, that guy, he thought to himself.
His body felt heavy and sore. He wondered how long he would have to rest before going back to work. It was clear he'd take a couple of days; even breathing hurt. Slowly, he sat up in his bed. Although his body ached, he was thirsty and hungry. The last thing he'd eaten was that stupid skewer at the festival. As he sat on the bed, he couldn't help but scan his room. To his surprise, Luc was asleep, sitting by the side of his bed. His gray hair was disheveled, and his pale face looked relaxed and much younger than it usually did.
"What are you doing here?" he whispered to himself.
At his whisper, Luc slowly opened his eyes and observed him with curiosity.
"Are you okay? Does it hurt much?" His voice was hoarse.
"I... I'm fine... I think. What are you doing here?" He felt embarrassed and confused.
"I wanted to make sure you were safe," his blue eyes were crystal clear.
"Oh, well, thanks for bringing me home and for saving my life," the words slowly left his pale lips.
"Don't thank me."
"Stay for breakfast, so I can thank you properly," he said, trying to stand up, but he couldn't manage it. His legs trembled, and he felt dizzy.
"You can thank me later. Let me take care of you today."
"You don't have to." He said, looking at his hands; he felt utterly stupid.
"I want to," he added, taking one of his hands.
His hand was large and soft. Feeling his skin gave him a small tingle that made his heart race. Instantly, his face was on fire. After a few seconds, Luc let go of his hand and went to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he returned to the room.
"I'm going to the store; we need a few things," he added in a friendly tone, but Noah had fallen asleep.
***
"Hey... Snack... Wake up." Luc whispered close to his face.
"Ah!" Noah shouted in surprise. "I forgot you were here! When are you leaving?"
"I'll leave when you're better," Luc said, laughing. Seeing Noah surprised seemed amusing to him.
"I made you soup. Sit up so you can eat..."
"Can I feed you?"
"Don't even dream of it," Noah's voice was grumpy.
"I thought so," he replied, disappointed.
Noah sat up, and Luc placed a small wooden tray on his lap. On it was soup and a cup of green tea. The soup smelled so delicious that Noah instantly salivated.
"How does a kidnapper like you know how to cook?" Noah added in an inquisitive tone.
"I've had to cook for myself since I was very young." His tone was carefree, but his eyes momentarily darkened. Noah regretted asking.
"Thanks for the food," he said before starting to eat the soup.
Noah ate the soup in small spoonfuls. It was hot and flavorful, the best soup he'd had in a long time. Although he felt sore, he finished it in a matter of minutes. As he ate, Luc watched him with a gaze he couldn't comprehend; it wasn't a threatening look, it was something more, something he couldn't understand. He decided to ignore him while eating; he'd worry about him later.
"That was delicious. They really teach good things in psychopath school."
"You haven't seen anything yet," he added in a playful tone.
"If you want, you can wash up in my bathroom. You must be tired."
"You want us to wash up together?" Luc's eyes were blue and full of amusement.
"Forget it." Noah immediately backed down.
"I will. Can you lend me some clothes?"
"Uh... yeah... the closet's over there. I hope something fits you; you're big." Noah was utterly embarrassed after imagining Luc wearing his clothes.
While Luc showered, Noah couldn't help but think about him. He couldn't understand how this guy, about whom he knew nothing, was in his house, taking a bath, about to put on his clothes. When he was near him, he couldn't maintain his distance. When Luc appeared in his life, he simply did whatever he wanted. His heart pounded for no reason; his skin tingled.
"What the hell is wrong with me and this idiot?" he muttered to himself.
This was without even considering how improper his body became when he was in contact with Luc. Thinking about the times Luc had kissed and licked his neck, he couldn't help but choke on his own saliva. His face was burning, as was his neck. Something like that couldn't happen again. He had to keep him away, as much as he could, because once Luc touched his body, Noah lost the will to push him away.
"Are you okay?" Luc suddenly poked his head out from the bathroom. His hair was wet, making it look darker, and his blue eyes adorned his pale, worried face.
"Umm, yeah... nothing's wrong." Noah's face was burning. If only Luc knew what he was thinking.
"You scared me, snack," his voice was playful now.
"Shut up for a second."
Luc walked into Noah's room with just a towel wrapped around his waist. Small drops of water adorned his pale, muscular torso. Seeing him enter, Noah choked on his saliva again.
"What are you doing in here like that?" he shrieked, covering his face.
"I came to see if you were okay... Why aren't you looking at me?" he said, carefully taking one of Noah's hands that covered his face.
"I knew you'd try something, you damn pervert!" His heart was pounding so hard he felt it would explode.
"What do you think I'll do to you, mischievous snack? I just came to see how you were doing." His voice was that of someone enjoying the situation.
"No... nothing... don't come into another man's room looking... like that..." he said, covering his eyes again.
"You're really cute, snack," he added, leaving the room with a mischievous smile.