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As the sun rises above the horizon, it’s rays flood the deck of the Crescent Moon, hitting Caspian’s skin as he leans against the railing. His feet slowly tap against the wood that begins to warm as he stands in the morning light. Cold metal rings slide between his fingers as he stares at the ocean, his mind replays the moment of the shell shattering in his hands.
When the pieces turned to dust and fell from his fingers, he ran to find Lizzie, immediately worried someone he knew was in danger. He found Marshall John first, a similar crushed shell also resting in his hand. The two stared at each other with distressed faces, a panic set in like no other as they reached the captain’s quarters to inform Lizzie. They now had no way of contacting any help that they had been gathering, and worse, they couldn’t contact Chip, Jay or Gillion.
The second Caspian’s mind wandered to Gillion, his head began to fill with possibilities that he was hurt or maybe even… No, he won’t think of that. Lizzie decides to keep their course on track to All-Port, where they would have a better chance at getting new shells and contacting their allies; it was about half a day away. Her crew agreed without hesitation.
Caspian didn’t sleep that night.
The Crescent Moon docked a little after sunrise, their flag lowered carefully. As Lizzie and John prepared to leave the ship, Caspian looked at the other ships and saw a familiar flag, seeing the coral crown made his mind race faster. He jumps from the ship with no warning, his feet hit the ground quickly and he starts to run. He starts asking people if they’ve seen a triton, he describes Gillion’s features and his loudness, and eventually gets pointed to Edyn’s place of work.
A cold splash of water hits his face as he dives into the tunnels that leads him to the bar. He’s been here thousands of times, he knows the patrons well, he knows the owner and the bouncer. He’s well acquainted with the menu and how long it takes to get specific drinks, it’s almost a second home to him. Though he never thought he’d be coming here with his heart and mind in shambles, searching for his friends who may be in danger. He never thought he’d swim in and be instantly directed to the back without a word. He never thought he’d see Gillion, curled on the ground, a letter in hand, sobbing.
Chip and Jay were not in sight, just Gillion. Caspian stepped into the room slowly, the crying seemed to stop for a moment as the triton spoke, not looking up from his position. “Chip, Jay, I- I asked you to leave…” He said. His voice was incredibly hoarse, barely over a whisper. Caspian stepped closer.
“It’s not them, Gil.” He says, starting to sit on the floor. “It’s Caspian.” His voice was soft, warm, and welcoming. He tried not to frighten Gillion as he gently laid a hand on his back. “The, uhm, shell broke.” He pauses slightly to catch his breath. “We were worried. I…was worried.” He doesn’t know if the other is even listening until he looks up.
Gillion turns himself towards the other, tears still steadily flowing from his eyes, they almost look like they are supposed to be there. The note is clutched tightly to his chest, there are some shell remnants on his shirt. Caspian leans forward and wipes them away before placing his hand on Gillion’s arm. “I- I really fucked up, Caspian. I messed it all up.” He whispers, shakily holding out the letter to the genasi.
Many words were now blurred on the off-white paper due to tears, Caspian assumed. He skimmed over it, learning of Edyn leaving, and her promises of her safety. He takes note of the vague wording. He looks back at Gillion, eyes glazed over with a distant pain. He sets down the note and leans in close to his friend.
“Hey, hey, hey.” Caspian says quietly, as soothing as he can possibly be. “You didn’t mess anything up, Gil. C’mere.” He gestures for Gillion to sit up, grabbing the triton by the arms lightly before pulling him into a hug. “It’s okay, it is all going to be okay.” Caspian attempts to reassure Gillion. He rubs the triton’s back, thankful for the lack of armor. Gillion hugs back weakly, his tears spilling onto Caspian's clothes.
A hum escapes the genasi’s throat as he cradles the other, his light blue skin contrasting against the darker teal skin of Gillion. The panicked breathing had slowed, though the tears had not. Gillion tries to speak. “She… I know she isn’t safe-” He sniffles, keeping his head turned away out of embarrassment. “I got so scared, angry even…I didn’t think-” Caspian reaches one hand to the back of Gillion’s head gently. “They all broke, the shells…I messed it all up.”
Caspian shakes his head. “No… I mean, we’ll be set back, but it’s okay.” He moves his hand to Gil’s cheek. “It’s all going to be fine, none of that is your fault, I swear by the moon.” He smiles lightly, wiping tears with his thumb.
Gillion tucks his head into Caspian's shoulder and hugs him. His grip feels as if it should suffocate someone, though Caspian doesn't care, he hugs back. Time seems to still as the triton is in his arms, their hearts beat closely in rhythm.
Eventually Caspian speaks, breaking the welcomed silence. "Your crew is probably worried, we should head back soon, but I will gladly stay by your side until you are ready." He says this with confidence, though it's underlined with slight hesitance, he wishes to stay intertwined until the sun burns out. He wishes to forever hold Gillion, he knows he can't.
“I do not want them to see me like this, Caspian.” The words come from under his breath, almost inaudible. “They aren’t supposed to see me like this.” He repeats, taking a moment in between his sentences to breathe. “You, especially you, shouldn’t see me like this.” Gillion lifts his head when he directs his words at Caspian, looking him in the eyes.
Caspian nods solemnly. “I understand,” He pauses, “the champion has a reputation to uphold.” He starts to stand, holding a hand outstretched to the other. Gillion takes it hesitantly. Caspian reaches behind Gillion’s head and fixes his messy hair. “Perfect, the chosen one can’t go out looking like a mess, now can he?” He laughs lightly.
A slight grin appears on Gillion’s face as Caspian laughs. Without a word the two begin to leave, they swim through the canals leading to the bar and they eventually dive out onto the ground near the docks. Caspian spots Lizzie and John aboard the Albatross before Gillion does, the two seem to be speaking with Chip, though Jay is nowhere in sight. Caspian nudges the triton gently before pointing at the group on the ship. Gillion nods and fixes his posture, acting as if nothing is wrong.
As they board the Albatross, the genasi starts explaining the most brief version of the situation, adding in that no one is in danger. His words seem to bring relief to his captain and crewmate. He greets Chip and assures him that he took care of his friend. The day passes like normal, though Gillion stays closer to Caspian and speaks less, everyone except the two go back to their quarters. They stay on the deck as the moon rises.
“Well, I guess we have to train in person for the time being.” Caspian says, “I can show you some new sword fighting moves I have been working on, sound good?” He asks Gillion, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Gillion meets the genasi’s eyes. “That would be nice, a good distraction.” He replies, beginning to unsheathe his sword. “I believe I was getting better at footwork over our calls, you can properly judge my stance now.” Gillion steps backward and places his feet where he thinks they should be and waits for Caspian’s critiques.
Instead of a comment, he watches as Caspian goes behind him and aligns his feet to his liking. Gillion then feels arms touch his as his upper body is moved into a specific position. Caspian whispers from behind, “There we go, perfect…” He laughs next to Gillion’s ear lightly. “Now, remember that stance. Lock it into your mind, Gil.”
As he attempts to remember the stance, Gillion nods, listening to Caspian's words. He feels the presence leave from behind him. The genasi walks back to where he originally stood, in front of the triton. Gillion looks up at Caspian, ready to see if he's truly improved over their nightly calls.
"Now, take a few swings, and return to the starting stance." Caspian starts to speak, his hands are placed behind his back. "Keep your movements light."
The dark wood of the ship creaks under Gillion's feet as he starts to move. The blade in his hands feels heavier than usual. He brings the blade up and to the side as he swings towards Caspian. He knows he won’t hit him. The other man’s feet move backwards faster than Gillion can comprehend. Caspian’s face is blank as he studies the triton, he looks into Gillion’s eyes as the sword slashes near him. He can tell that Gillion isn’t present in the moment, he isn’t swinging with purpose. After a few swipes, he returns to his original position. His chest rises and falls quickly as he attempts to regain his breath. He looks up at Caspian, meeting a pair of concerned eyes.
Caspian walks towards the other. He speaks in a whisper. “Better,” He says, taking a deep breath, “but let me ask something.” He doesn’t tell Gillion to drop his stance, he continues to speak, he walks to the side of the triton. “What are you swinging at?” He asks, it almost sounds like a question someone isn’t meant to answer. Something that should be rhetorical and delivered with a laugh and a sarcastic tone, but Caspian isn’t joking.
The words that come out of Gillion’s mouth are hesitant, unsure in a sense. “I’m aiming for you, that is how we always train.” He says this, nothing but his head moves.
“I meant, what are you fighting for?” Caspian asks, his hand gently rests on Gillion's shoulder. “Why are you training? Why does that blade swing?” His words are almost as sharp as the metal in Gillion’s hands.
Gillion stands up fully, dropping his stance at hearing this question, he tilts his head. “You know why I fight, Caspian.” He says with a huff of air. He turns fully towards the genasi.
Caspian folds his arms, his eyes locked with the man in front of him. He backs up and unsheathes his own sword. His feet slide to line up with his shoulders, he raises his blade. “Show me.” Caspian says, very little emotion on his face. “I want to feel that in your strikes. Stop your mind from wandering, be present. Those who oppose you will use that against you, Gil.”
Still armorless, the triton resumes his stance, becoming an almost mirrored image of the genasi. He tilts his chin down, bringing his eyes to focus on Caspian. Gillion starts to sprint forward, he shouts as his sword clashes loudly against the other. “You know damn well I fight for my crew,” His words feel almost involuntary, Caspian pushes against the force coming down on him, “and for my sister,” his voice cracks slightly, he steps away, breathing heavily, “and for you.”
The two of them begin to circle each other slowly, Caspian is watching everything he possibly can about the way Gillion is fighting in the moment. His thoughts seem to scatter slightly as he hears that he is a reason the triton fights. The genasi is intent on keeping Gillion on his toes and alert. He goes for a strike beside the triton’s head, the weapons clash against each other.
A burst of air leaves Gillion’s lungs as Caspian’s lifts his leg and harshly plants it into the other man’s stomach. He stumbles backwards slightly but manages to keep his footing. “Good, you didn’t fall this time.” Caspian says, a smile returns to his face, his arms drop to his side as he withdraws from the fight.
“Yeah, I’m improving.” Gillion catches his breath, he stands up fully. “Don’t really want to fall on my ass in a life or death situation, now do I?” He lets a short laugh leave his mouth.
Caspian nods. Gillion seems to have his mind off of his sister, though Caspian could never be too sure. He tilts his head, thinking to himself about what other tactics he could practice with the triton. “You aren’t too good at dodging, Gillion. You always take hits head on, which is,” Caspian shakes his head, “stubborn.” He says with a laugh.
A smile forces itself onto Gillion’s lips, he knows Caspian is right. “Why should I jump out of the way when people I love could be in danger?” He asks, he’d rather get beaten and bruised than see his friends die because he couldn’t protect them.
The genasi’s head shakes, he rolls his eyes. “If you are going to get hit, at least let me teach you where to take the blows so you won’t die.” He sounds like he’s begging. Caspian hears Gillion whisper a reluctant ‘sure.’ He then drops his sword, it clatters against the deck of the ship. He watches as Gillion’s face twists into a slight confusion. Caspian holds his arms out, he smiles wide and just says, “Stab me.”
Gillion’s breath catches for just a second. “You want me to hurt you?” He asks, skeptical of how stabbing his friend could help.
No verbal response leaves Caspian’s mouth, he just nods.
There is a long silence that radiates over the deck of the ship as the two stare at each other. As if one movement, word, or even breath would kill them. It seems Caspian is serious, unwavering in his decision. Gillion moves his body into the stance they had been practicing. He raises his sword, it shakes in his hands, which is rare for the chosen one. The time that passes between Gillion’s feet starting to move seems like an eternity, he lunges forward and forces his blade into Caspian’s stomach.
Gillion’s sword hastily tears through the fabric of Caspian’s vest, he can feel it push into skin, slide against bone, and exit the body through the back. He sees the tip of the blade, now soaked in crimson. He feels Caspian’s arms wrap around him as he attempts to stay standing. He looks down and meets the other’s eyes.
For just a moment he forgets what he did as he sees the moonlight reflect against the skin on Caspian’s face. Gillion could’ve sworn that the silky white hair that sits on Caspian’s shoulders was glowing, and that his eyes were made of the stars. Then he looks down.
“Shit, shit, shit.” Gillion says, starting to panic a little, he stares at the wound. He hears Caspian laugh. “Why are you laughing? I just stabbed you!” He is almost shouting again. He moves one hand to Caspian’s back to hold him. “What was that supposed to teach me?” Gillion’s face is entirely one of confusion and immense panic.
Caspian continues to laugh, every laugh makes the pain worse. He speaks quietly. “Advanced trick of the trade.” He smiles wide, breathing deeply to keep himself from focusing on the pain shooting through his lower body. “When you ran at me, I turned myself in such a way that I would get hit where it won’t kill me or mess up any vital organs!” He says this happily, he can feel the warmth that Gillion supplies, he’s so close. “Now, help me pull this out, will you?”
Gillion is lost for words, his mind blank. He looks at the wound once more, “Okay…” His eyes dart around the ship for a place he could sit Caspian down for this to be easier, he doesn’t see one. “I’m going to do my best to not hurt you, I’ll heal you after.” He says this gently, he grips the sword tightly with one hand while holding Caspian with the other.
“You already stabbed me,” Caspian says, “do your worst.” The blade starts to slide backwards slowly, he shuts his eyes tight as the pain worsens. He winces as it passes through him. Gillion sees the blood spread farther throughout Caspian’s shirt and vest. As it exits the genasi’s abdomen, tears stream down his face silently, the triton drops the sword to the ground.
The now free hand of Gillion wraps around Caspian’s back, mirroring his other hand. He slowly kneels down towards the deck, keeping the man in his arms. “This may take a moment.” Gillion says as he is fully seated on the wood of the Albatross, Caspian in his lap. His hands start to glow an icey blue, he puts his hands on the entrance and exit points of the blade. He sees blood now on his own fingers, the same as that which coats Caspian’s clothes. “I messed up your fancy clothes, Caspian.”
Caspian chuckles slightly, which is followed by a wince of pain. “No worries, my friend. I have more on my ship.” He lays his head against Gillion’s shoulder as the healing begins. He can see moisture being pulled from the air, it makes its way to the hands around the wound. A flush of warmth spreads through his abdomen, starting at the injury then traveling further. He wipes his tears with the sleeve of his shirt as the pain starts to soften.
Gillion breathes deeply as he focuses on healing the deep gash. He makes sure he’s gentle, something he normally isn’t. He listens to Caspian’s breath, they sit in silence as the magic takes its course. He finds it nice to have the genasi this close to him, he doesn’t feel as comfortable around others as he does with this fellow undersea friend. Maybe it’s the tide pushing them together, destiny even. He doesn’t notice Caspian staring at him as the wound closes.
“There you go.” Gillion’s voice is soft, a low whisper. He sees the new scar on Caspian’s skin, under the blood soaked and torn vest. “You may be sore for a little bit.” He looks up from where the injury was, seeing Caspian’s silver eyes looking back at him. He shakes his head, “What was that supposed to teach me?” He asks, still holding Caspian in his arms. “Couldn’t you just have said that instead?”
Caspian shrugs. “You wouldn’t have remembered.” He smiles, he looks down at his vest, seeing the new scar and the blood, he sighs. “I maybe could have done it differently though. I’d consider this training session over.” He says, he starts to get out of Gillion’s lap. As he stands, he winces, a faint pain radiating from the now closed wound.
The triton reaches out his hand after he stands up himself, he helps the genasi to his feet. Caspian leans against the other. Gillion smiles at him, “Feeling okay? Is there anything I can do for you?” He asks, his face showing full concern.
“I’d like to be in clean clothes.” Caspian says this with a slight laugh, he holds his stomach as the pain spikes again. “We can head over to the Crescent Moon if that is okay with you.” Gillion nods, not objecting in the slightest to Caspian’s idea.
Slowly, the two make their way off the Albatross and onto the docks that connect the ships in All-Port. The moon and the lanterns light their way, and they make the wood of the boat shine, it creaks under their feet when they board.
Muffled voices sounding like Lizzie and Jay resonate from below deck. Caspian leads Gillion to his own personal quarters. It’s dark at first, then the genasi sparks a match, holding it to the lanterns and candles in the room. The warm glow spreads across the walls, revealing a large wooden desk, a few cabinets filled with what looks like alcohol, and a cot. Caspian goes from leaning against Gillion, to holding himself up with the desk. Gillion feels the warmth of the other leave and feels a slight impulse to have it back.
Caspian makes his way over to a trunk in the corner of the room, he pulls out a new shirt to replace the one he ruined. As he changes, he notices Gillion looking through his clothes, seeing him pick up a piece of silk that goes into a pocket in his vests. He smiles. “Fancy a fine fabric?” He asks as he tucks the new shirt into his pants.
A matching smile creeps onto Gillion’s face, he holds the piece of silk up. “It’s nice, you have nice clothes.” He speaks quietly.
The genasi walks closer to Gillion and ties the fabric around the triton’s wrist. He meets Gillion’s eyes. Caspian’s hand lingers on the other man’s wrist for a moment. “You wear fine things well.” He says, he means it. He thinks Gillion looks good in anything. He pulls away.
Caspian slowly walks over to the cabinets and gets two glasses out, he sets one on his side of the desk, and then gently slides the other to Gillion. He pulls a large glass decanter, filled with a glistening blue liquid. He sits down across from the triton, scrunching his eyes slightly as he is seated, he then pours each of them a drink. “Squirties on me, friend.” Caspian says, holding his glass up to toast. “To…” His voice trails off, not knowing what to say.
“To us.” Gillion speaks up, he smiles gently. His eyes meeting Caspian’s, he stares at the genasi whose face is now glowing a different shade due to the candles and lamps. He doesn’t know which sight he likes better, Caspian in the cold light of the moon or in the warmth of small flames. “To our training, our friendship, and our cause. May we continue to improve, if the goddesses permit it.” His voice is sincere, he clinks his glass with the other.
The words of the triton seem to echo in the genasi’s head. ‘To us.’ He smiles back. “Cheers.” He says, not adding on anything else as he believes Gillion said what needed to be said. The two of them sips the drinks in tandem.
Another silence once again falls over them, it’s not tense or uncertain. It’s comfortable, easy even. Caspian lifts his feet to rest against the top of the desk, he leans back in his chair. Outside of the quiet room, there are the sounds of soft waves, and the still remaining muffled voices of the women they both call friends. They can hear Lizzie laugh loudly, she must have had a few drinks with Jay.
Caspian takes another sip, he sees Gillion’s eyes looking him up and down, he returns the favor. He takes in the sight of the triton, his teal skin, the green hair, the coral. He takes note of the new scars that line Gillion’s arms. The unmistakable sign of lightning. His brows furrow slightly and involuntarily. He takes another drink, the glass now empty.
The cups clink against the wood, Gillion finishes seconds after Caspian. The genasi pours them another round. He gently taps each glass with his finger, small ice cubes appear inside. They drink more. Gillion catches a glimpse of Caspian’s face turning into a slight frown, he clears his voice as he speaks, breaking the silence. “What’s on your mind, Caspian?” He asks, leaning forward against the wood of the desk.
“Oh it’s nothing, you need not worry, Gil.” Caspian replies, he sounds like he’s trying to convince himself. He prays silently for the alcohol to kick in. He’s telling Gillion to not worry, he knows should be telling himself that.
Gillion hesitates for a moment, before slowly reaching his hand forward and laying it on top of Caspian’s, there are still remnants of dried blood along both of their fingers, it stained the rings that adorn Caspian’s hand. “I know there is plenty to worry about, let me take on your burdens.” His words come out like they are easy, as if he’s reciting a song he’s known for ages and not asking his friend to lay his weight on his shoulders. He’d carry much more than just Mana on his shoulders for Caspian.
The touch feels like it might burn through his skin, Caspian doesn’t move. He sighs, taking a drink with his free hand. “You have a plethora of challenges on your plate. I cannot, in good conscience, let you have this as well.” He looks at Gillion’s hand, the fabric on his wrist. “You mean too much to me, Gillion.”
A soft touch turns into a light squeeze as Gillion begins to fully hold Caspian’s hand. He smiles at the other man across from him. “I’m glad I do mean that much to you,” He pauses, thinking of what to say. “I care about you as well. I know I am dealing with a lot of hardships, but that doesn’t mean you have to go through yours alone.” He shrugs. “Please, just talk about it with me.”
Gillion’s pleads dig into Caspian’s chest, feeling like they might slice his heart in two. He downs the remaining liquid in his cup before he speaks, hoping it’ll make this easier. “I worry about you.” He says, the words sound like he’s confessing a sin. His eyes dart to the lightning scars that paint Gillion’s skin. “I couldn’t bear to lose you,” He smiles, pausing to laugh, “isn’t that stupid?” Caspian asks.
The trition’s eyes widen for a moment, trying to process this. He is what burdens Caspian.
“I just…You are always in danger, Gil. You intentionally go out of your way to take blows for others.” Caspian speaks quietly, afraid the world might hear his deepest thoughts if he speaks any louder. “I adore that about you, but it’s terrifying.” He looks up and meets Gillion’s deep blue eyes, he sees the confusion, he continues. “One of those battles could kill you, and you do it anyway.”
Gillion takes a deep breath. “This is why you train me, isn’t it?” He asks softly.
Caspian nods. “It didn’t start that way, but now, yes.”
With his free hand, the triton downs his second drink. He sets it to the side. “Danger is a part of our job, is it not?” He asks, trying to understand Caspian’s words. “You aren’t safe either, Caspian.”
The genasi shakes his head once more, hesitantly pulls his hand away from the triton. He stands and begins to put the cups away, he’ll clean them later. Caspian stares into the cabinet of alcohol as he replies. “You are a little more than just a pirate, Gillion.” He doesn’t look back at the other. “You are the chosen one, you are fulfilling a fucking prophecy.” The cabinet door shuts as he continues to speak. “You happen to have a deal with a very powerful being, as well. Is it so unbelievable that I worry about you?”
Gillion stares at Caspian’s back as the man is turned away from him. He is silent, frozen in thought.
Caspian continues, “It’s probably the alcohol speaking.” He shrugs, turning back to Gillion, his eyes locked on the ground. “I shouldn’t have spoken, you won’t fight as well now.” He says, crossing his arms. Gillion stands and walks close to him.
A hand is placed on Caspian’s cheek, lifting his face upward. Once more, silver eyes meet deep blue ones. It’s as if the moon is speaking to the ocean through the two of them.
“I cannot promise you my safety.” Gillion whispers. “I am so sorry, Caspian.” He rubs his thumb against the pale blue skin of Caspian’s face. “My fate burdens you, I feel guilty.”
Tears start to brim in the genasi’s eyes. He knows he can be emotional when he has a bit of alcohol in his system, he believes it’s more than that though. “It’s…it’s okay.” His voice cracks a little. He leans into the touch on his face, letting the warmth ground him. Caspian looks at the man in front of him. He’d throw away so much just to assure Gillion’s safety. He’d offer up his soul to the gods, and forever be in their service if it meant that this one person was no longer in harm's way. “It’s the risk you take when you love someone, right?” He says, not realizing what he just stated.
Gillion pauses his movements, he isn't sure if he heard those words correctly. “You love me?” He asks, surprised and confused. He’d never had someone like Caspian, was this what love was supposed to be? He wouldn’t mind if it was.
Caspian doesn’t speak for a moment, he realizes this could hurt him worse than most things. He’s never said it out loud, but he is sure. He nods slowly. The genasi first noticed when their sessions began. The nightly calls between them always felt comfortable. He would listen to Gillion’s stories until the shells ran out of magic, and he found himself missing the sound of the triton’s voice. He found himself impatiently counting down the days until they might see each other in person again.
The two weeks where there were no calls worried Caspian like no other event had.
“Yeah. I think so.” Caspian’s voice shakes, he wishes he was sober for this.
Gillion is looking upwards just slightly, since Caspian is taller than him. “I…don’t know what to think about that.” He says, he knows he admires the man, he just doesn’t know how to comprehend it. He is still holding Caspian’s face, he likes the feeling of them being close together. “I don’t know much about love. I’m sorry, but I do know that I like this.”
Caspian feels the tears well up again, he tries to hold them back. He smiles, his hand reaches up to rest on Gillion’s cheek. “This?” He asks, “Us?” He sounds so hopeful, he truly wants this, no matter how much he may get hurt in the future.
“Us…” Gillion nods. “I enjoy this, it’s like a break from destiny, yet it feels like fate all at the same time.” He doesn’t know if he’s making sense, he doesn’t care. Everything is hazy, incredibly warm. He does not seem to realize how close he is to Caspian’s face.
The silver eyes of Caspian darts down to Gillion’s lips, he leans in and closes the slight distance. He’s gentle as their lips touch, his nose sits next to Gillion’s, his hand lifts the triton’s face so they can kiss easier. He tastes the remnants of alcohol. He pulls away after just a moment.
Gillion waits for a second before going back in for one more kiss, he feels his cheeks heating up, the warm flush spreading. He puts his free hand behind Caspian’s neck. This is the first time a kiss has felt right to him, the first time he’s felt loved. He disconnects their kiss, he whispers, “This isn’t the alcohol talking, right?” He asks, not wanting this moment to be fake.
“Not the alcohol,” Caspian replies, his voice soft and in a tone only for Gillion, “This is what I want, I promise.” He smiles, putting his forehead against Gillion’s. “I swear by the moon.”