Re:Creation Book 1: Allegiance

Twenty: Nine

Reif's mind was spinning as it struggled to process what had happened--what was still happening. He was completely frozen, his eyes wide, his gaze locked on Lev's forehead barely an inch away from his face. Reif was completely lost in the moment, unable to form any semblance of thought, try as he might.

He was so stunned that he couldn't even bring himself to return the kiss. Instead, he sat there, dumb and dazed with Lev's lips gently pressed against his. For a brief moment, Lev pulled him tighter, deepening their kiss before pulling away completely, leaving the lingering taste of Galgalan wine on Reif's lips. The moment they'd separated, the silence within Reif's mind was replaced with a maelstrom of burning questions and lewd desires and fantasies, though he was still far too flustered to even attempt to speak.

When Lev opened his eyes again, Reif found himself staring into pools of jade, in which he risked losing himself. Lev leaned forward, pressing their foreheads together, bringing Reif even closer to drowning in that shimmering green.

"I will miss you," Lev repeated. "I will."

The sweet, heavy scent of wine wafted over Reif's nose, but he didn't mind; it reminded him of Kinsae.

Without a reply from Reif, Lev tilted his head to plant another peck on Reif's lips before shifting to rest his head on Reif's shoulders.

"Stay with me?" Lev pleaded as he gently kissed Reif's neck. "Please?"

An enticingly familiar shiver ran down Reif's spine. Lev used to do that; back before he was a prince and Reif a priest; back when they lived together--not that Lev would remember. The sensation launched Reif into another of his fantasies as he found himself craving to feel Lev's teeth clamp down on his tender skin. The mere thought was enough to arouse Reif, sending a surge of heat rippling through his body, stemming from his loins. He shuddered, a small moan escaping his lips.

"Please stay, Reif," Lev slurred.

But Reif couldn't stay. He knew that. His job came first.

Lev's lips grazed Reif's neck again, but this time, Reif didn't allow him to continue. Instead, Reif firmly grasped Lev's shoulders and--fighting against his own desires--pried the prince away.

"Lev," Reif's voice came out as trembling whisper. "Stop."

"What's the matter?" A dumb grin spread across Lev's face as he pressed to lean forward again. "You seemed to enjoy it."

Once again, Reif retreated, holding Lev at arm's distance. "Believe me, it's not that I don't. It's... well, you're drunk."

"And you're not," Lev plainly reported. "What of it?"

"Lev, you have made it abundantly clear in the past that your preferences lie with women. I'm not going to take advantage of your inebriation to twist that."

"And what if I wanted you to?"

Lev's shameless flirting was growing a bit too enticing, causing Reif to coyly avert his gaze. Why couldn't Lev just stop talking?

"Reif Valera, are you blushing?" he jauntily taunted.

Reif hadn't even noticed until Lev pointed it out. After becoming aware of the heat in his cheeks, Reif felt himself grow even more flustered--and Lev's piercing stare certainly didn't help.

"N-No," Reif stammered, inwardly cursing his inability to keep a steady voice.

He turned his head completely away so Lev couldn't see his face, but the moment he did, he felt Lev's hand gently under his chin, guiding him back. With only a moment's respite, Reif found himself lost in the pools of jade once more.