With a slight bounce, Hibiki sat down on the edge of the bed. The room was dark, since he hadn't bothered to turn on the light. Instead he gestured with both hands for Tristan to come closer. The latter took a few steps into his direction, until he was standing before him – but that wasn't enough.

Hibiki wrapped his arms around his waist, and pulled him in over his lap. In turn, Tristan laid his hands onto his shoulders and smiled at him. He smiled back, whilst reaching one hand up so he could put his index finger under his chin and hold him still. His gaze shifted between Tristan's eyes and his lips, unable to decide which he liked more. Carefully he ran his thumb along his lips, drawing a small heart onto them. The motion pulled Tristan's bottom lip down, only for it to bounce back up into a slight smile. 

Unable to help himself, he leant in for a few small and gentle kisses. There was no need to be greedy, not all the time. Rather he wanted to make sure Tristan enjoyed it – and perhaps tease him by withholding a little. It worked, as each time he pulled away, Tristan's lips followed to get every last bit of love he could. He grinned, excited both by the confirmation that Tristan liked it and the power he held over him because of it.

He kissed him again, stronger and deeper as a reward. The hand on his chin moved to his cheek, holding him firmly. He moved his other hand down, his fingers finding the rim of his jumper and slowly inching underneath it. Sneaking his way in, his fingertips found soft, warm skin. A slight twitch told him Tristan felt it as well. He placed his hand against him, using his thumb to caress him at the same pace as their kisses.

After a minute or two, Tristan's hands found their way up, resting on his neck and jaw and pulling him in slightly. He obliged to the silent request for more, rhythmically pushing his lips against Tristan's as if trying to devour him. Everything about it made his head spin; the warmth of their bodies, the need in every touch, and all the lustful thoughts that inadvertently invaded his mind. 

His hand reached further underneath Tristan's jumper. Bit by bit the fabric moved up, until it was obvious what he was doing. Tristan looked at him, eyes fixated and unable to hide a smile despite his deep breathing. With a small nod he gave him permission to take it off.

As he raised the jumper over his head, it pulled the golden chain around Tristan's neck up too. The cufflink bounced back against his chest, glimmering slightly in the sliver of light that crept in from the main room. He grinned at the sight, and then promptly took his own hoodie off as well. He had put his own cufflink around his wrist, like a bracelet. 

For a moment he rested his hand against Tristan's chest, his fingertips slowly caressing the gold of the chain. He closed his eyes and leant forward against his shoulder whilst he indulged in the sensation of his heartbeats. Two hands ran through his hair, and gently held him there. In an attempt to answer that care with his own, he wrapped his arms around Tristan and left soft kisses wherever he could.

"Can we stay like this, just for a little while?"

The question caused Hibiki to stir, looking up and nodding. A gentle smile spread on his face when he caught Tristan's adoring gaze. He had no qualms with being patient, as long as it meant he got to indulge in these moments.

He laid his head back down, and took a few deep breaths while he ran his fingers along Tristan's back. As he gently mapped the soft skin with all its ups and downs, he felt the warmth radiate from him. Eventually his hands drifted forward onto Tristan's shoulders and down his collarbones, which caused the latter to let out a sigh and softly grasp his hair. He took it all in, treasuring every moment.

Wanting him to know that he enjoyed it, even though it was slow, he left small kisses on his neck. They were barely more than tender presses, meant to love rather than lust after him – he figured there would still be plenty of opportunity for that. Tristan grabbed him a bit tighter and leant in towards his ear.

"I'm sorry I'm so nervous. I know you want more."

The apology wasn't what he had expected, but he immediately answered by shaking his head and leaving a soft kiss on Tristan's jaw. In part it was true, there was a side of him that wanted more – but only when he was completely comfortable with giving more. Which meant there was nothing to apologise for.

"I know you don't mind," Tristan continued, reading the intent of his response even without words. "But the shame I feel isn't right. I don't want to feel guilty for loving you, or dirty when you love me. My heart doesn't, but all the years of sermons and getting scolded are haunting my mind. After what mum did…"

Tristan glanced down, avoiding eye contact as he spoke. Instead he rested his head against his chest, which he didn't resist. Hibiki slowly ran his fingers through his hair, telling him it was alright – driven by the feeling that he should have caught on to the trepidation earlier, rather than pushing, no matter how gentle or slow. Whatever craving he had quickly turned to worry, laced with wrath towards everyone who'd put those ideas in Tristan's head.

"Even when I know it's not real, it's hard not to be afraid. Although it helps that you're so nice, and I really feel good with you."

Tristan shifted until he laid on his shoulder instead. He took one of his hands, and placed it onto his cheek, boldly demanding to be cared for. Despite the circumstances he smiled and slowly ran his thumb back and forth. The sharp concern softened again as he realised Tristan hadn't descended too deep into those dark thoughts.

"I do want you… but please don't be mad if I say no." As he spoke, Tristan put an arm on his shoulder, holding on to him. Hibiki nodded to make sure that he knew he understood what he meant, before slowly leaning backwards and lying down. He pulled Tristan along, until they both laid on their side facing one another.

As he processed what had just been said, Hibiki took Tristan's hands in his and gave him a soft kiss on the forehead. Most of all he just wanted him to be okay. In his mind he formulated an answer, and he let go to write it down on his phone.

'Don't worry. You don't have to say yes'

Tristan glanced up at him and nodded weakly. In response he placed his hand on his cheek, caressing him softly.

"I do want to say yes." Tristan admitted as he closed his eyes to enjoy the touch. "If I don't then I'll never get used to it."

Although Hibiki wasn't entirely convinced by that answer, Tristan took the hand he'd placed on his cheek and looked up at him. Slowly he was guided down, and although he was concerned, he fulfilled the request. 

His fingertips found their way onto his chest, past the slow rise and fall of breaths, before coming to a halt on the slope of his stomach. Just in case Tristan would change his mind, he took a moment to caress him there. Meanwhile Tristan's own hand traced his arm, up past his shoulder, before grasping the back of his neck. 

He looked at him for signs of doubt, but the pale grey of his eyes reflected only an agreeable desire. Tristan's other hand clung to his neck as well, and he was met with a flickering little smile. At first he was cautious, afraid that Tristan was forcing himself to enjoy it, but a rapid, infatuated glance betrayed the opposite: he was trying to hide how much he liked it.

Empowered by the response, he moved his hand down further. His fingertips found the edge of his trousers, and he nimbly popped loose the button. The earlier concerns faded, and despite his best efforts not to get caught up in lust, he couldn't help but feel excited when he slid in further. With slow, gentle caresses he hoped to convey his good intentions. His touch elicited a soft sigh, followed by a small kiss as Tristan scooted closer to him.