Page 97 of Damian & Jun, Episodes 13-16

Jun grinned at Collin. “I think they’re kicking us out.”

Collin bit his lip and looked like he wanted to pout. Jun scooted around the table until he was sitting hit to hip with Collin, then scooped a bit of desert into his mouth, getting cream on his lip. He licked it off in an exaggerated fashion, staring at Collin. Tempting, so tempting. Damian forced himself to look away. It was good he was sending Jun off to sleep separately. They’d had a long talk and Jun had communicated that doing so would make the chase more thrilling for him. It also built up the anticipation on both sides. But he hadn’t wanted Jun to be alone. So he’d asked Richard and Émeric for perspective. The solution had been natural, considering what they were planning for Collin.

Collin dissolved into giggles and leaned into Jun.

“Go rest,” Émeric said to Jun and Collin. “We’ll clean up.”

Jun stood and stretched, his shirt rising up on his waist, showing his abs. So close to being healed. Faded vestiges of green and brown were all that were left. They covered too much skin, but they were marks of what he’d survived. Of what The Residency had helped him survive.

Jun reached out and took Collin’s hand. “Come on, little brother. Let’s go get clean and pretend we’re frogs.”

Collin gave a burst of surprised laughter and followed Jun out of the kitchen.

Richard watched them go. When they were out of earshot, he said. “They’re good for each other.”

“They are.” Émeric stood and started clearing dishes.

“And you, Pup?” Richard tilted his gaze towards Damian, asking, without fully asking: Are you good?

“I hope he’s ready,” Damian answered, putting his primary fear out in the open for Richard to see.

“He is.”

Damian gave a deep sigh. “Every time I see the scar on his arm and the bruises on his side, I wonder.”

“Trust him.”

Damian nodded.

“And trust yourself.”

“Are you ever afraid you’re going to go too far with Collin?”

“All the time. Collin thrives on the edge, on the overwhelm. But I trust his want and his need, and his desire to please. He knows if he goes too far, he’ll break my trust in him.”

“Jun trusts me.”

“Has he earned your trust?”

“Yes.” A little weight left Damian’s shoulders. Jun had earned his trust. He’d been honest during his recovery. He’d followed his doctor’s orders, even the ones he didn’t like, just to heal faster. He’d been honest with Damian from the start. “He’s always told me what his limits are.”

“And does he want this?”

Damian nodded. Jun didn’t just want this, he was pushing for it. He needed it. In his bones. Just like Damian needed it. They’d had so many almost moments, but time, and place, and injuries had never let them be as completely raw and as wild as they both sensed the other could take.

Richard put his hand on the table, leaving it open for Damian to take if he wanted. “I’ll be here, Pup. What you and Jun have is what legends are written of.”

Damian dropped his eyes. Richard always saw something more in him than he saw in himself. It was disconcerting. Out of anyone, Richard had seen the ugliest parts of him, and he trusted Damian the way he trusted himself.

“Is it bad that I hope I make you proud tomorrow?” Damian said, eyes on the table. He laid his palm down beside Richard’s. “Is it unfair to him that I’m thinking of you?”

“No.” Richard touched his fingers to Damian’s. “Tomorrow you won’t be thinking of me.”

“I think I’m going to sleep by myself tonight,” Damian said. “Give all this space.”

Richard nodded. He touched Damian’s fingers one more time and stood. “Final equipment check?”

“Let’s do it.” Damian stood and snagged the last of the dishes, taking them into the kitchen.