((Hey guys, sorry for such a long wait! As you will see this was a delicate and intricate chapter to write. My wife and I actually ended up writing two separate versions, which is why it took so long! The first version would not have fit the rating I selected for this fan fiction, haha! But finally, I've decided on this version which I believe is still teen friendly, but captures the importance and powerful emotions of Sorey and Mikleo's coming together as a couple. It was one of my favorite chapters thus far, and I hope you will all feel the same!))

Chapter 17

To Be With You

The tour continued on throughout the front most part of the catacombs. Ari took them through the more open and stable cave tunnels, pointing out rock formations, caverns of interest, and even some wildlife. She revealed that more than just plants and fish lived near the opening where sunlight could get through. Apparently deeper inside there were glow worms that lit up the caves in certain locations. Mikleo demanded that Sorey ask if they could go see, but Ari revealed that the closest known cavern with glow worms was off limits due to a lot of strange happenings and unexpected water phenomenon.

"The tide will rise without warning and not at the time it should," she said. "And some of the tour guides have seen whirlpools appear for no reason. We think there's an open tunnel beneath eh water creating rip tides, suction, and a lot of other things. It was deemed too dangerous to take guests there."

Mikleo seemed disappointed, but didn't say anything more.

Eventually, their boats came around to a different exit in the cave system. Rowing out to an entirely different area of the lake, everyone squinted as the sun fell over them once more. Ari told everyone to put their ponchos once again as the rage from the waterfall drew near. But Sorey informed them that this wasn't necessary, seeing as Mikleo cast the same spell from earlier in order to protect everyone. As such, with the water seraph's help, they made it out into much more relaxing waters.

The ride back to the docks was calm and peaceful, and everyone happily chatted with their boat mates about the tour they'd just experienced. Ari pointed out the beach as they went, telling everyone it was the perfect place to swim. And she of course also recommended a few of Tolrin's other tourist locations such as the hot and cold springs, the sauna, and a few good restaurants.

But finally, they pulled up to the docks and disembarked. Getting out of the boat and standing up straight for the first time in over an hour, Mikleo and Sorey stretched. Inhaling deeply, Mikleo took in the clean, fresh air around him once more. Tolrin's scent, air and environment was by far his favorite of all the places he'd been so far on his journey. The only place he could think of that was cleaner and that he liked more was Elysia.

Walking down the dock and back toward dry land, Sorey and Mikleo discussed what it was they should do next. And after only a moment, they both agreed that they wanted to explore the city. And so, following the path back, that's exactly what they did once inside the walls.

Moving down the cobblestone streets it was easy to get energized and excited all over again. Tolrin was lively, and there were a lot of street vendors to visit. With the protection of the ancient trees leaves overhead, it never grew too hot seeing as the town was nicely shaded with patches of sun in places. And with it being spring, there was still a sweet, cool, breeze to ruffle through their hair.

Neither boy was materialistic, seeing as they were raised in a town of seraphim, but it was still lots of fun to see all the different kinds of things people made and used. They stopped frequently just to pick items up, turn them over in their hands, and discuss what it was the items were used for. After all, as sheltered as they were, they hardly even recognized half the things they saw.

"And this one?" Sorey asked a vendor at Mikleo's prompting.

"That's a food strainer," the salesman explained. "For pasta or small vegetables."

"Aah." The two boys marveled as Mikleo turned the item over in his hands.

And of course at the next booth, the same question was asked of a dog bone, a paper weight, and a music box.

The pair explored for a few hours, but eventually, Sorey grew hungry. Since it wasn't yet time for dinner, they looked around for a place to get a snack. Seeing a small, corner café, they sat down at an outdoor table. There they ordered something they never had before: coffee and tea. The waiter told them humans had such drinks to give them energy, and they of course wanted to try it. Along with it, they ordered some tea cakes. Very much enjoying their food, drink and of course each other, it would have been hard to be much happier than they already were.

"I really liked the music box," Mikleo said while stirring his tea. "Every time you open it a song plays. That's really nice." He smiled fondly at Sorey from across the table. "I like a lot of the things humans make."

Sorey looked up from one of his tea cakes. He'd been about to take another bite, but stopped, making his fork hover in the air for a moment. He watched Mikleo's face, and grinned warmly whenever he met the seraph's gaze.

"There are so many things that they make," Sorey stated, also feeling a little mystified. "Things I would never have even dreamed of."

He took a bite, then looked back at Mikleo, tilting his head to the side.

"You like that music box?" he asked. "Then...you should have it," Sorey stated. "You deserve to have nice things."

And suddenly, he had to fight the urge to abandon his cozy meal and run right back to the vendor, and purchase it before anyone else snatched it up. His boyfriend wanted a pretty item. Then it was his job to go get it, right? That's what you did when the person you loved wanted something. He was pretty sure about that.

But when Sorey mentioned it, Mikleo only shook his head.

"No," he declined softly. "I don't have the urge to own things the way humans do, even if I do like it. It's just…not really in a seraphim's nature I guess." He smiled Sorey's way. "Besides, we're traveling around the world. The less we carry the better. But all the same, thank you for offering Sorey."

He took a sip of his tea, but as he did, a thought seemed to occur to him. Putting his tea back down, he gazed at his boyfriend.

"Do you have the urge to own things? It's important to humans, isn't it? Do you need to buy the music box Sorey?" And as he'd been doing ever since they were children, Mikleo seemed concerned with Sorey's well-being and what he did and did not need as a human raised by seraphim.

These were all true things: they really did need to keep their bags light. Who knew how long they'd still be on the road after they left Tolrin? The lighter the better.

When asked if he wanted the music box, the shepherd paused, blushing a little. Not because Mikleo was right and he wanted the music box, but because the seraph was showing him care and concern, two things Sorey couldn't get enough of.

He looked away and to the side. "No..." he stated, fiddling with his cup. "I mean, sometimes I'd like to buy a small knickknack or something, but...not the music box," he admitted. "I just wanted to get it for you, in case you wanted it." And he grinned at Mikleo, suddenly feeling sheepish and not quite understanding why. Maybe it was revealing that yes, sometimes he wanted things. But truthfully it was probably also because the soft lighting in the cafe was doing amazing things to Mikleo's face and hair. He looked more beautiful than usual and Sorey felt like that was saying something. Combine natural beauty with caring and concern and well...Sorey stood no chance against the seraph's charms.

Mikleo sat silently for a few more seconds, studying his childhood friend carefully. Although Sorey wasn't capable of lying, for he was too pure hearted for that, he sometimes didn't always know what his own needs were. How could he after all, without any humans to follow an example of?

But after looking over Sorey for a few more seconds, Mikleo somehow came to the conclusion that Sorey indeed didn't need to buy the music box. Perhaps being raised by seraphim had helped, but he certainly never had seemed to be the type to want to own lots of things in the past, and Mikleo hadn't seen that change in him since they'd started their journey together.

After deciding Sorey was ok, it was only then that Mikleo noticed the way the shepherd was staring at him. And his green eyes were suddenly very dreamy, and his face a little more handsome than usual. As had been happening to him all day, Mikleo felt his chest flutter.

"W-what?" he asked, suddenly feeling a little nervous. "Do I have crumbs on my face?" Blinking his amethyst eyes and lifting a hand, he carefully started to rub at the corners of his lips.

Sorey chuckled. "No, you don't have any crumbs on your face," he immediately responded, propping his head up with one hand. "You're just really pretty," he stated bluntly, grinning cheekily at his seraph boyfriend, content to pause and study the other young man's face for as long as he was allowed.

A quick heat came to Mikleo's cheeks, and that fluttering in his chest intensified. A sense of satisfaction swelled within him, and as it did, Mikleo knew he couldn't deny how much he loved hearing Sorey compliment him.

"I-is that so?" he stuttered a second time.

"Mmnhmmn," Sorey hummed, happy to see how he was affecting the seraph. He could tell...Mikleo really liked the compliments. And so he decided to give him some more.

"Your hair's always been so soft looking and shiny," he started. "But now, with the lighting..." and his grin got a little wider, "It's even more beautiful," he stated. He was starting to feel the same way he had back in the caves, when the air had gushed all around them, making Mikleo look impossibly beautiful and ethereal. But this time it was better because they were all alone. There wasn't anyone to interrupt them. And so he could tease and compliment his boyfriend as much as he wanted.

They were on a date. And Sorey was determined to make sure his love felt special and wanted.

Mikleo's blush deepened. He'd always known Sorey was attracted to him, of course, but they'd never been in the right time or place to say things so blatantly and out loud like this. And so, hearing it from his love's lips for the first time was so thrilling, he was afraid he might start squirming in his seat. Never one for too much outward emotion, Mikleo struggled to remain somewhat cool and reserved as usual. But it was hard. Because inside he was almost bursting.

Embarrassed, but in the best way he ever remembered being embarrassed, he glanced off and to the side.

"You…you too," he said quietly. Then, calling up a little more courage, he turned and faced Sorey seriously. "I know I joke a lot, and sometimes I can be a little mean, but…you know why that is. And you know…you know that's not how I really feel. It's…hard for me to be candid like I was back in the underground ruins. But you know Sorey…" He locked his eyes onto him. "You're actually really really cute."

Eyebrows raised, Sorey looked straight at his boyfriend.

"Really...really cute?" he asked, now fighting the urge to blush himself. His efforts didn't succeed, and Sorey found his own cheeks darkening again thanks to the seraph's compliment.

The truth was, he didn't know. Sorey had no way to judge how attractive he actually was. He wasn't terribly into mirrors - they hadn't even had one in his home for many years, simply because seraphs didn't have those sorts of things. And he'd grown up surrounded by perpetually clean, well-kempt seraphs. Even Mikleo had to style his hair for him.

But somehow, despite these things, hearing Mikleo say that he was cute was enough for Sorey to believe it. After all, Mikleo would never lie to him. And so...he had to be cute.

Even if he was only cute to just Mikleo, that was enough. The only person whose eyes he wanted on him was the beautiful water seraph sitting there in front of him, and well, if hethought Sorey was good-looking despite all of his obvious flaws...well, that was good enough for Sorey. That was all he needed.

"Yes," Mikleo confirmed. But of course, with the expression Sorey was wearing right now, it was hard not to laugh. He was slack jawed and his eyes were wide. Mikleo suppressed a chuckle. "Although right now, you look like a doofus."

Sorey grimaced comically. "Wh-what?" he startled, sitting upright in his chair, and crossing his arms in front of his chest. "A doofus? Mikleo!" he chastised in mock-play. He knew the seraph didn't really mean it...or if he did and it was true and Sorey really did look like a doofus right that that moment, he was still cute anyway.

"Well what am I supposed to do? I...didn't know I was cute..." he said, still blushing and looking away to the side as he took a sip of his tea. "You can't blame me for being surprised."

Mikleo did chuckle then. For Sorey was cute precisely because he was Sorey. At the moment, he was downright adorable. Sorey wasn't big-headed and he hardly ever thought about his looks. He just wasn't as shallow as that. And it was because he was so humble and honest that Mikleo liked him so much. Sometimes he wished he could be a little bit more like Sorey: for Mikleo, despite all of his good qualities was aware of how attractive he was. As the other seraphs had pointed out to him before, he took pride in his appearance. He did his best not to flaunt it and really not to ever talk about it, but the awareness was still there. Sorey wasn't like that. And it was one of the many endless qualities Mikleo loved about him.

"Shut up and drink you tea…cutie…" Mikleo teased.

After their snack, the pair headed back out into Tolrin. They looked at a few more shops, but ultimately knew they'd want to try one of the many other attractions Tolrin had to offer. The day was unfortunately already starting to wane, and so, knowing they didn't have much time left, they had to choose perhaps only one or two. Both being huge nerds, they of course opted for the museum.

Walking around the museum and learning all about Tolrin's history and art, was as thrilling for them as the boat ride had been. And although they weren't really on the clock when it came to their quest, they were already chest deep into their research. Everything they learned would no doubt be useful to them tomorrow when they headed to the library.

They'd spent hours in the museum. And as such, when they got out, they saw that the sun was setting. The sky above the Tolrin trees was a deep red and it was growing into a purple. The first star of night winked to life and the moon was starting to rise. Both young men stopped briefly as they looked at it, and both of their faces fell to disappointment.

"The day's over already?" Sorey asked, and Mikleo hated hearing the sad tones he spoke with. After all, he always wanted Sorey to be happy.

"I suppose so…" he responded, his own tones carrying just as much melancholy. "We told the others we'd meet back at the Water Crest Inn at sunset, and they can't check in without you Sorey."

As much as Mikleo hated to, he knew they couldn't delay. They couldn't be frivolous and stay out past dark. Without Sorey as their human counterpart, none of the others could be seen or heard by the inn staff. They'd be stuck in the lobby, ignored and invisible. And so, as much as Mikleo wanted to keep Sorey all to himself, he knew he couldn't be that selfish. He knew what it was like to be invisible.

Turning, he looked to Sorey, the color of the fading light danced across his skin and eyes, making him appear to glow. And standing with him in a profile view, Mikleo couldn't help but trace the curve of his jaw as he stood beside him. Sorey was growing up each and every day, and his features were becoming less youthful and more masculine. And although his jaw line used to be very soft, Mikleo saw how it was becoming more angled as they spent more time together.

His other features were doing the same. His eyebrows were growing in thicker, fuller, along with his hair. And his green eyes, although they still shone with innocence and naivety, they were starting to hold more responsibility in them. Especially since he'd become the shepherd. There was a knowledge in his leaf green eyes that only an adult could have.

Earlier in the day Mikleo had admitted to thinking Sorey was cute, but he hadn't yet divulged the truth about how handsome the other young man could be sometimes. And it was in moments such as this one when Mikleo's heart started to pound from a different type of attraction than just 'cute.'

Reaching out, Mikleo took Sorey's hand, as they had been all throughout their date. For a second, he thought of saying something to Sorey, about his looks, or about how as a seraph he was able to see the passage of time on his face, but…ultimately Mikleo decided against it. He didn't want to talk about time moving forward. That subject was taboo, and neither young man ever mentioned it. Instead, he glanced off and into the distance where he knew the inn rested.

"Shall we?"

With Mikleo's hand in his, Sorey nodded, not looking too happy about having to head back. He'd had so much fun with Mikleo, and he wasn't ready to be around everyone else again. Maybe that was selfish of him, but he missed days like this. Days of being with just Mikleo. The rest of the team was great and all, and he cared about everyone but...

Sorey swallowed, and the two young men started to move forward. "For the record," he said softly, "I don't want our date to end," he said, before looking over towards his boyfriend. "I feel like I still haven't gotten enough of 'just us'," he admitted. "I know I have to help the others check in, but..." And his gaze softened. "Today's been nice, just the two of us." He rubbed his thumb over Mikleo's soft hand which rested in his own.

"Yes," Mikleo agreed, his voice soft. "It has been…" But there was not much else to say, and so they made the rest of the trip in silence.

The pair arrived at the inn a few minutes later. Stepping inside, they found that the lanterns had already been lit. The inn glowed soft and warm in the firelight. It was inviting and comforting. And so, even though Mikleo was disappointed his date was over, the welcoming environment made it a little easier to try and get back into the swing of things.

All three of their traveling companions were waiting for them. Zaveid was leaned casually up against the wall, one boot planted against the paint. Lailah was seated very lady-like in a nearby chair and Edna was crouched near the floor looking as bored as ever. When they spotted Sorey and Mikleo, all three perked up.

"Welcome back your shepherdness!" Zaveid greeted. "Did your date go well?"

The group all took part in small talk for a few minutes, exchanging stories and experienced about their day. But all of them were tired, and so it didn't last long before they urged Sorey toward the counter. Sorey, also very much wanting to go rest in a room, requested two rooms from the kind attendant. Edna, although not too happy about it, agreed to share a bed with Lailah since their room only came with two beds. But when Sorey asked about his room with Mikleo,

"We put a room aside for you shepherd," the attendant said smiling. "Please don't worry about any extra cost, you can pay the same amount as if it were a regular room. We just wanted you to have something a little more special. After all, it's not every day your town gets a visit from the shepherd!"

Sorey was used to getting a few perks and some special treatment. And he'd learned quickly in the past that it was rude to refuse people when they offered him things. And so, he simply smiled and graciously accepted.

The team traveled together up the spiral staircase. Their rooms were on the top floor. It was a bit of a climb to get there, but they were all in excellent shape from their travels. And so, eventually, they came to the landing they needed. From there, they were faced with a long hallway. For the first few doors they traveled together, but soon the three seraphim in their party reached the room that was theirs. Here they parted ways and said goodnight. And so, Mikleo and Sorey traveled down the next few doors on their own. But then, they made it to the room that was indicated on their key.

"Well, here we are," Sorey said. Slipping the key into the lock, Sorey gave the door handle a turn. Then, pushing the door inward, the pair stepped inside. And as soon as they did, both stopped and gaped in awe at the view.

The entire opposite wall was made of glass. And because they were on the top most floor, their room was higher than the wall that surrounded Tolrin. As such, they had a perfect, breathtaking view of the Infinity Falls. The water fall filled the entire window and its waters streamed downward, pure and white. And because the last rays of the sun were still in the darkening sky, the waters seemed to glow a soft purple. Many more stars had appeared since Sorey and Mikleo had entered the inn, and now the sky seemed alive. It was gorgeous, and a perfect end to a perfect day.

"Wow," Mikleo said as he moved into the room. Stepping up and over to the large glass wall, he discovered that there was a balcony outside. The glass wall also consisted of a glass sliding door that would allow them to step out and smell the crisp air if they so desired. And of course, if they had wanted too, they could have closed the curtains on either side of the window too. But there was no need. For being as high up as they were, no one could see into their room.

"This is an amazing room," Mikleo said, excitement clearly in his voice. Turning, he went to look at Sorey, but as he did, Mikleo started to notice the rest of the room they were given. The inn room was much larger than any they'd ever slept in before. The furnishings were of top quality, and the dressers and night stand looked to be made from cherry wood. But the thing that caught Mikleo's attention the most was the bed. There was only one. And it was king sized and had the fanciest covers on it he'd ever seen. As he looked to it, his amethyst eyes widened with surprise.

"Is this…they gave us…the …" and he couldn't even bring himself to say it, for it was obvious that the attendant at the desk had purposefully given them the honeymoon suite. His cheeks immediately pinkened, and his widening eyes shifted to rest on Sorey.

"...I think they did," Sorey agreed, suddenly feeling both anxious and excited. The attendant had known they were a couple. Surely they'd done this on purpose.

Feeling flustered, Sorey wasn't sure how to proceed. He knew Mikleo felt embarrassed too, and that was good. That was great, actually, because maybe that meant he was thinking some of the same things Sorey was now thinking too.

The youth turned to look at the luxurious bed. It looked soft, almost impossibly so and he really wanted to find out.

He wanted a few other things too. But didn't know how to express that. And so he took the first step by literally taking the first step right towards Mikleo.

"They clearly wanted this to be special for us," he said softly, searching Mikleo's face for some subtle clues as to how the other young man was feeling.

But when Sorey took that step toward him, Mikleo suddenly found that his heart began to gallop away from within his chest. It pounded so suddenly and so powerfully that for just a second, he wondered if he wasn't going to see spots. Sorey was looking so handsome in the low light, and his face appeared more adult than Mikleo had ever remembered seeing it before. It all made him want to suddenly fling himself forward and into his arms. But at the same time…he felt petrified.

This was something he'd wanted for some time now, and it seemed as if there was no more perfect a moment than this. Everything was in place. And knowing that it was real, and that it would finally happen was so exciting and so frightening all at once that Mikleo didn't know how to move or what to do next. He barely remembered how to breathe.

Thankfully, Sorey was the one to close the distance between them. And when he stepped up, standing right in front of the water seraph, all Mikleo had to do was lift his gaze. And there of course, were the same soft, kind, green eyes as always. And as Mikleo had already explained to the shepherd before: Sorey put him at ease. Every time. All he needed was to have him near, take in his scent, and feel his energy coming off his skin. And just like that, all was right.

Holding Sorey's gaze with his own, Mikleo then knew exactly how to proceed.

"Dates…usually end with a kiss. Don't they?"

"Mmmn, I think they do," Sorey responded, moving to wrap his arms around Mikleo's waist and pulling him gently up against his body, holding him there for a moment. Then, letting his eyes flutter closed, Sorey leaned in and softly, but firmly, kissed his love.

A heady rush went straight through him, and the shepherd felt his heartbeat thunder to life. Mikleo felt so good in his arms, and to be with him like this...it was perfect. This was their time and Sorey wasn't going to let a second go to waste.

Sorey's lips, just like before in the ruins, ignited something inside of Mikleo. And their softness, and the way Sorey held him so dearly, made him want to melt into him. And when Mikleo felt Sorey's heart start to pound from within his chest like a drum, the yearning he had to feel the electricity in Sorey's skin only intensified.

He knew what he needed. And he knew that Sorey needed the same thing. His face already flushed, he peered at Sorey through the fading light, his amethyst eyes shining and soft. For only a moment, he held his gaze, but then, Mikleo reached up, wrapping his arms around the shepherd's back. Then, leaning in, he eagerly kissed him back, pressing his pale lips into Sorey's tanned. Closing his eyes, he let all of the hunger and desire he'd held onto for so long for the other youth go. For the first time in his life, he knew he would be free of it.

Sorey hummed, a deep, husky noise coming from his throat. Mikleo had deepened their kiss, and the sensation was slowly turning his blood into lava. At least that's what it felt like, and within seconds he felt dizzy and giddy and oh-so-good.

Sorey parted his lips, deepening their kiss even further, as he allowed one of his hands to arch upwards and lightly brush that silky soft aquamarine mane he loved so much. Just as before in the caves, Sorey thought it was impossibly soft, and he needed to touch Mikleo more, that instant.

Kissing Mikleo again, Sorey let his other hand slide up Mikleo's back, eager to feel the expanse of his muscles with his bare fingers. But of course, there was fabric in the way.

Mikleo didn't want to hold back. And he wasn't going to. This wasn't like the ruins. He and Sorey were alone. The sun was setting. The waterfall was at their side. And the door to their room was locked. No one would be interrupting them. And the moment was finally right. And only when things were in their proper place did a water seraph finally unleash the dam. He let his passions fill him. And within seconds, all he wanted was to drown in it.

"Sorey…" he whispered. And feeling his loves hands trying to get beneath his blue jacket, Mikleo reacted instinctively. Reaching out, he grabbed at Sorey's white cloak. Eagerly, and almost a little too eagerly, he lifted it up and over Sorey's head, removing it. He quickly tossed it aside. He wanted Sorey as Sorey, and not the shepherd.

Then, not wanting anything more than to be with the person he loved and cherished so dearly, he reached for the buttons on the front of his navy blue shirt. Impatiently, and almost rashly, he fumbled with them. But within only a second or two, he couldn't take the tediousness of it as his desires flooded him, and he simply started to rip at his shirt to get it out of the way.

"You too," Mikleo breathed. "You take mine off too."

Sorey was more than happy to oblige. With swiftness he reached up, and unzipped the cloak from the front, pulling the zipper down with relish. Then, he pushed the outer cloak up and off of Mikleo's shoulders, sliding them off of the seraph's toned arms, and let the garment fall flat on the floor.

Sorey was then aware that his sense of touch would be hindered since he still had his gloves on, and he was quick to take those off too, his green eyes never leaving the sight of Mikleo's now bare arms. Now...he was just in that black undershirt that Sorey loved so much, and with his gloves now off, he could explore the seraph's body the way he wanted to.

He moved forward and pulled Mikleo flush up against him once again, and kissed him deeply, letting his hands travel all over the seraph's body. He let them go up and under Mikleo's shirt, finally able to reach the expanse of his lightly toned back...and oh, it was even better than Sorey thought it would be.

Sparks raced through Mikleo's body. Sorey's touch was so wonderful that he could barely even breathe. He coveted every finger that glided across his white skin, and he let off a tremble of excitement as Sorey's palms gently caressed him. He wanted more and more, just like back at the ruins, and this time, he knew nothing would stop them.

Sorey's shirt was already unbuttoned from Mikleo's earlier efforts. And with his muscled chest and abdomen revealed, Mikleo found he wanted to touch him too. He wanted to explore him, know him, and memorize every part of him. And so reaching for him, he gently, yet passionately, ran his soft hands up against his skin. There were more sparks, and somehow, Mikleo grew even hotter inside, like a fire that was burning. And in feeling Sorey's skin, and in feeling Sorey's hands on his back, it was all Mikleo wanted now, to feel his body against his own. How wonderful would it be to be up against one another with no barriers between them? Surely then, the electricity he felt would be even more powerful.

Gliding his hands up to Sorey's shoulders, Mikleo grabbed at the navy blue shirt. Then effortlessly, he shoved it off of him. Then, without bothering to wait for Sorey to do the same to him, he took a step back, then grabbed at his own undershirt. In one, quick, fluid-like motion, he lifted it up and over his snowy white head. Tossing it to the floor, Mikleo paused for only a second.

He wanted to look Sorey over, even though they'd seen each other shirtless countless times before while swimming or bathing, this time…it was entirely different. This time, Mikleo wanted to take him in with his eyes just as much as he wanted to take him in with his hands. And…he wanted to see Sorey's face as he gazed at him. But even with just one look at Sorey's expression, Mikleo almost melted. The way Sorey was looking at him, with his green eyes so soft and so full of devotion and yearning…it was almost too much to bear. Mikleo could see how much he meant to Sorey in that one look.

His heart pounded. And even in just those few seconds of silence between them, Mikleo could hardly take more. He couldn't stand to be away from Sorey. He couldn't stand to not be in contact with him. And as wonderful as he looked, Mikleo knew that the heavy need, the desire that was flooding him, couldn't be satiated without touch. Unable to keep himself back for even such a short time, Mikleo breathed in,

"Oh Sorey…" he groaned. Then, as he'd wanted to do only moments before, he flung himself forward. Wrapping his arms up around him, he pressed his lithe body into Sorey's more muscular. And as their bodies came together, it was just as Mikleo had suspected: nothing could have been better than feeling Sorey against him.

Mikleo clutched at his bare back, he let the electricity course through him. And although he was once worried back in the ruins that he wouldn't know what to do when the time came, his body was reacting automatically on instinct.

The two wrapped each other back up into their arms. And unable to stay apart, their kissing continued. But at this point, it was clear what needed to be done.

"Take me to the bed…" Mikleo huffed. And Sorey was eager to comply. Together they stumbled backward until the mattress was at the back of Mikleo's knees. And then, together they fell onto the sheets.

From there, the night took on a surreal quality. With the waterfall as their backdrop, two silhouettes became indistinguishable from the other as they intertwined. Removing the last of their clothes, they each bore themselves to the other. Embracing, and never letting go, Mikleo clung to Sorey's back. He wanting nothing more than to feel him, be with him, and become bound together with him in a way that would last an eternity, even for a seraph. Only in this way could they never be separated. And as these desires started to come true, he felt nearly overwhelmed with ecstasy. The power of what he was experiencing both emotionally and physically was more than anything he'd ever imagined before.

And Sorey, as he held onto his trembling lover, could not imagine anything more precious existing in all of the world. He didn't need to go out and see the rest of it to know, that the most beautiful person both inside and out, was right here with him, bare, smooth, and shimmering with dew. He needed to sink himself into him. He needed to be with him. And he knew Mikleo needed this too, perhaps above all else. They both knew instinctively, and in the very center of their beings, that to come together like this physically, would also bind them spiritually. It was the closest two people could ever become. And the beauty in the act itself was so powerful that it caused both to cry out as they clung to one another in the darkness of the fading sun.

It felt like lightning striking the water. And both Sorey and Mikleo reveled in the feeling of the sparks and electricity that coursed through them. Every touch and every breath brought more of that sensation. And it was all they could do to cling to one another for support.

Near the end, Fireworks flashed in front of Mikleo's eyes. He might have been blind and he wouldn't have cared. His blood was pounding so furiously in his head that his ears started to ring. He wasn't even sure if he was still breathing anymore. All of his senses went dull or vanished all together. All of them were completely overridden by the only sense left that mattered: touch.

His entire being was besieged by it. And all that there was and all that he felt was Sorey.

Finally, the overwhelming demand of their bodies overcame them. The power that had been building up released, suddenly and forcefully, and the surge of lightning that had been coursing through their veins stopped.

Both collapsed to the bed, still in each other's arms. Gasping for breath and soaking wet from sweat they never let go of one another. And for just a moment, neither of them could move. But after only a few seconds, and while they were both still trying to remember how to breath, Sorey lifted a hand to Mikleo's face. There, he caressed his wet cheeks and he looked at him with those green, green eyes that gleamed in the dark with love for him. And when Mikleo saw the look on his face, he was so overcome with love and joy that tears gleamed in his amethyst eyes.

Breathing heavily, Sorey kissed Mikleo's cheek several times, until he noticed that his love was starting to cry.

Concerned, he asked, "Y-you okay?" And when he did, the most satisfied grin Sorey had ever seen on Mikleo's face, bloomed.

"Yes," he said breathlessly. "I'm just so happy. I never…never thought we could ever be this happy, this close. I'm…I'm overwhelmed, but with all good amazing things. I'm so full…the water's just leaking out…"

Reaching out his hand, Mikleo caressed Sorey's cheek in turn. Then, lovingly, he slid his fingers back into his thick, sweaty, chocolate locks. There, he played with a few of the stands while still gazing at him with the softest, most content, most love struck expression he had ever wore.

At that explanation, and seeing so many beautiful expressions on his lover's face, Sorey started to tear up a little too. He continued to caress Mikleo's cheek with his thumb, grinning like a complete idiot as he wiped away his seraph's tears.

"I'm so happy too," the brunet said, kissing Mikleo's lips softly, humming with content pleasure as his lover played with his hair. "I can't believe...it was amazing, being with you like that." Every ounce of adoration that shone in the water seraph's eyes was mirrored back in Sorey's. He planted a series of swift kisses on the seraph's neck, still smiling ear to ear, as he reveled in the afterglow with his lover, enjoying the simple feelings of being close with Mikleo, and basking in how good it felt to have his hair played with like that.

Mikleo exhaled as Sorey kissed his neck. It was nice, but he was just too tired to even move anymore. Now that it was all over, he was feeling how much energy he'd truly exerted. It left him sapped, and his body was shaking from muscle fatigue. Feeling more than just spent, he was still unwilling to let go of his Sorey.

Wrapping an arm around Mikleo's waist, Sorey brushed his hands through the seraph's hair, not caring that it was damp with sweat. He was just so overwhelmingly happy and proud of both himself and Mikleo for taking this step in their relationship.

"Mnnn..." he hummed softly, cherishing the feeling of the soft bed sheets underneath them. The mattress seemed like it was very comfortable, and while he still didn't have a lot of blood left in his brain, he was still able to appreciate again how nice their room was.

He paused, looking at his rosy-cheeked lover, and looked at Mikleo with the upmost adoration. "I love you so much," he whispered, content to lie there like that with his lover, as they recovered from their lovemaking.

After hearing Sorey say he loved him, Mikleo cuddled up against him further still so that he could sink into Sorey. Pressing himself into his love, he rested his head on his shoulder and draped his arm across his chest. There, he cuddled into him, nuzzling his pale nose into his neck.

"I love you too," he said. "More than I can even express. I wish…I wish there was another word, a more powerful word. One just for lovers. That's what I would use."

But even as he nuzzled into his love and even as he spoke his affectionate words, his lilac eyes started to flutter closed. He appeared simply exhausted. Even so, it looked like he was fighting sleep, even as it so clearly came to claim him. He didn't want to go to sleep, at least not right away. He wanted to look at Sorey's face, and feel his bare chest beneath his fingers. Mikleo contently and playfully ran his fingers over Sorey's chest for a few seconds, but even this didn't last long. Within a moment, he started to fall still, his eyes threatening to close.

"Love you…" he mumbled.

Sorey let his green eyes flicker closed as Mikleo ran his fingers over his chest. Everything felt so good, and Mikleo's words were as sweet as honey. But, just like his seraph lover, the shepherd couldn't fight sleep for much longer either. Caressing Mikleo's hair gently, he too started to fall into a peaceful slumber.

The last thing he was aware of before both young men fell asleep was the sensation of being completely warm and happy, and feeling more loved than he ever had felt before. And with that, the pair of them fell fast asleep in each other's arms, not to awaken again until morning.