Crossing Paths

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 12: 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The first light of dawn crept through the small window, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. Pete lay awake, listening to the gentle rhythm of Vegas's breathing beside him. The night had been peaceful, and he cherished these quiet moments before the world outside stirred to life.

He turned his head slightly, watching Vegas sleep. The way the early light touched his skin, highlighting the strong lines of his jaw and the soft curve of his lips, made Pete's heart swell with affection. Every day with Vegas was a gift, a new chapter in a story he never wanted to end.

Pete's thoughts wandered as he continued to gaze at his sleeping lover. He knew how hard Vegas worked, how tirelessly he poured himself into his studies and everything else he did. The stress of their busy schedules at university often weighed heavily on both of them. Today, Pete decided, he would show Vegas just how much he appreciated him. He would make a breakfast that would start their day off right.

Slipping out of bed carefully so as not to wake Vegas, Pete padded softly across the cool wooden floor. The apartment was still, the only sound the distant hum of the city just beginning to wake. He entered the kitchen and began to gather ingredients, his mind already picturing the smile on Vegas's face when he saw what Pete had prepared.

He moved with quiet efficiency, whisking eggs, mixing batter, and slicing fresh fruit. The kitchen filled with the comforting smells of breakfast—warm, familiar, and full of promise. Pete worked with a sense of purpose, wanting everything to be perfect. He was just about to pour the pancake batter onto the hot griddle when he felt a familiar warmth behind him.

Pete barely had time to react before strong arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him back against a solid chest. A breathy gasp escaped him as he felt Vegas's lips brush against the sensitive skin of his neck, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Mmm... good morning," Vegas's voice was a husky murmur, still thick with sleep. He pressed a slow, lingering kiss to the curve of Pete's shoulder, his breath warm against his skin.

"Morning," Pete managed to say, his voice already betraying the effect Vegas's touch was having on him. He tried to focus on the task at hand, but Vegas's presence made it increasingly difficult.

Vegas chuckled softly, his chest vibrating against Pete's back. "What are you doing up so early?" he asked, his hands starting to roam over Pete's abdomen, tracing lazy patterns that made Pete's pulse quicken.

"I... I wanted to surprise you with breakfast," Pete replied, his voice faltering slightly as Vegas's hands dipped lower, brushing just above the waistband of his pajama pants. "I thought I'd let you sleep in."

Vegas hummed in appreciation, his lips moving to the base of Pete's neck, nipping gently at the skin there. "You're too good to me," he whispered, his voice a mix of gratitude and desire.

Pete's breath hitched as he felt Vegas's hands slide under his shirt, caressing the bare skin of his stomach. He tried to stay focused, but the slow, deliberate movements of Vegas's hands were making his thoughts scatter. "Vegas... the pancakes," he tried to protest, though even he could hear the lack of conviction in his voice.

Vegas's response was a low, playful growl against his ear. "Forget the pancakes," he said, his voice dripping with desire. "I have something else in mind."

Before Pete could form a coherent reply, Vegas spun him around in his arms, capturing his lips in a searing kiss. The intensity of it took Pete's breath away, his heart pounding wildly in his chest as he melted into Vegas's embrace.

Pete's hands found their way to Vegas's hair, tangling in the soft strands as he kissed him back with equal fervor. The world outside the kitchen blurred into insignificance—there was only Vegas, the heat of his body, the taste of his lips, the way his hands moved with a practiced, deliberate skill that left Pete craving more.