between the shadow and the soul - english edition

Epilogue

The morning sun was filtering through the thin curtains, painting the bedroom in golden light when Jasper blinked awake the next morning. The sunbeams got caught in the potted plants that stood above his head on a shelf with the low hanging ivy vines painting shadows on the bed linen. Jasper made a mental note to attach the vines to the wall sometime soon if he didn't want to wake up one morning with leaves in his face.

He then looked down to his chest, where Aristes head was lying, softly snoring into Jasper's t-shirt. One arm was hugging Jasper and his face was slightly scrunched up, as if he was concentrating in his sleep.

He looked cute, was all Jasper could think and felt his heart thump painfully against his ribcage. He carefully reached out and placed his hand in Aristes hair, softly brushing through the dark curls, enjoying the silky feeling between his fingertips. It felt strangely natural, them lying together in bed, loosely hugging. Jasper could get used to that sweet, exciting feeling of comfort and warmth that it brought.

He felt Aristes stir under his soft touches, slowly waking up and opening his eyes. He looked confused for a second, before his eyes met Jaspers and he relaxed against him, as if his limbs turned into liquid.

»Sorry for using you as a pillow«, Aristes mumbled.

»I don't mind.«

»Good. I had no intention to move.« Jasper laughed quietly.

»Did you sleep well? What's your verdict?«, he asked, still playing with his hair like he forgot he was doing it.

»Sleeping is weird. I don't think I'll start doing it regularly. But I do feel better. Though maybe that's just because I'm lying on you. You're great for cuddling«, Aristes said, stopping to look up at Jasper for a moment. »Don't tell anyone I said that.«

»No worries. Your reputation is safe«, Jasper giggled cheerfully. His eyes locked with Aristes who smiled at him, prompting his heart to skip a beat before it doubled in speed. Even more so when Aristes propped himself up and moved until he was hovering over Jasper, hands next to his head. For a moment he just looked at Jasper with wordless adoration, before he leaned down and pressed their lips together. Jasper sighed and closed his eyes, enjoying the gentle good morning kiss that made his head spin and his body tingle. He felt Aristes pressed against him from head to toe, relishing the way the sleepy warmth of his skin was seeping through the thin layers of clothes separating them. Jasper put his hands around Aristes neck, caressing the soft skin he could reach and running his fingers through Aristes hair, eliciting a pleased moan that shot through Jasper like a lightning stroke, setting his nerve endings on fire.

Aristes tried to deepen the kiss but Jasper withdrew reluctant but determined.

»Mhm, no, not before I brushed my teeth«, he objected, gently pushing at Aristes shoulders, who complied and leaned down to whisper in Jasper's ear instead making him forget how to breathe.

»Ask me if I care«, Aristes breathed, sending shivers down his spine. Jasper grinned at him, pressing a quick kiss onto his cheek.

»I'm not sure I believe you, but I appreciate the sentiment. Apart from that, what's your opinion on breakfast before we continue?« Aristes looked at Jasper with a content smile.

»Sounds great.«

They got up and Jasper struggled a moment to put his brace on under his pajama pants. He ended up rolling the leg up before walking into the kitchen. While passing the living room, Jasper saw the mess of candles, herbs and chalk lines on the floor and groaned. He'd successfully suppressed the memory of the mess until this very moment.

»Guess I know what I'll do today«, he sighed.

»If it comforts you, I'm willing to help you clean as long as I'm getting breakfast«, Aristes said, sitting down at the kitchen table. Jasper shot him an amused look.