Oorah - Salim x M!Reader [House of Ashes]

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The group was exhausted. Everyone ended up either sitting or lying down. No one said anything for a while. The adrenaline was dying down. There was still worry in the air, fear that the beasts would come back. But the sun was shining brightly.

Nick laid down on the floor again, out of breath. He mumbled something that (Y/N) didn't hear, but it made Eric laugh. Which was a surprise. Weren't they just at each other's throats?  

Salim took a deep breath. He knew it was safe now. He knew he needed to go back home. "I need to see my boy," Salim whispered, standing up. Zain must be worried sick, wondering where his father is. Salim looked at his stake, debating. He picked it up after a moment. "A souvenir."

Salim walked out of the building, careful not to step on one of the dead vampires. (Y/N) watched as he left, wanting to say something. But he didn't know quite what to say. (Y/N) looked over at Jason, who gestured his head towards the door, encouraging him. 

(Y/N) knew what he had to do. He quickly stood up, scrambling. "Salim!" (Y/N) called out, rushing outside.

Salim stopped, turning around. "(Y/N)," Salim smiled upon seeing the other man. "What is it?"

"I..." (Y/N) tries to think of something to say, but his mind is unable to. He had too many thoughts and too much had just happened for him to think clearly. All he can do is rush forward, grabbing Salim's face. He pulls him in, kissing him.

Salim gasps, not expecting (Y/N) to kiss him. But as soon as Salim has registered what has happened, he kisses (Y/N) back. Salim still can't believe this is all real. But the feeling of (Y/N)'s lips against his own, (Y/N)'s fingers in his hair, the way (Y/N)'s body pressed against his own brought him to reality. This was real and better than Salim could've ever hoped for.

(Y/N) pulled back after a moment, his face a slight hint of red. He breathes deep, the kiss haven taken his breath away. "Um..." He breathes out, recollecting his thoughts. He had too many things he wanted to say to Salim. "I'll miss you."

Salim smiles warmly at him. "I'll miss you, too," He responds, his voice soft.

(Y/N) nods, unsure of what to do next. "I should, uh, get back to my team." (Y/N) goes to move, but Salim grabs his hands in his own, holding them gently.

"I believe we still have that date," Salim reminded him.

(Y/N) smiled. "Of course," He chuckled. He was glad this wasn't the end. Part of him thought that maybe Salim just needed comfort down in the ruins. But that wasn't true. Salim wanted more. "You tell me a time and place, I'll be there."

Salim picked out the place while (Y/N) picked out the time. (Y/N) knew it had to be a while from now, unfortunately, due to the mess the fallout of this mission would cause. "I'll be counting down the days," Salim said.

(Y/N) gave him a hug. He was worried he was squeezing Salim too tight, but he needed this. He didn't want this to be the last time he ever saw him. "I'll be there," (Y/N) whispered to Salim. "I promise."