The Promises in Silence( BL)

Ethan's POV

I couldn't contain the pure joy that filled me as l brought Preston home tonight. l'd waited years for this moment, for the day he would finally be with me. As he explored the house, his excitement was infectious, and seeing him smile at everything l'd chosen for him made all the effort worth it.

His happiness was my happiness.

When he hugged me after seeing the clothes and shoes l'd picked out, I felt like the luckiest man alive. Those hugs of his— they melted every piece of me. I found myself wondering how many surprises I'd need to plan just to get more of those hugs.

As we stood in the bathroom, I couldn't resist teasing him. The thought of bathing him like I used to brought back so many memories, and I couldn't help but push him a little. His reaction was priceless-his face turned red, and he stammered out something about being a "big boy" now.

I couldn't stop myself from laughing. "Big boy, huh?" I teased. "How big now?"

He turned even redder, shoved me out of the bathroom, and slammed the door. I stood on the other side, grinning like an idiot, listening to him mutter to himself.

Moments like these-his innocence, his shyness-they were exactly why I loved him.

But when he stepped out of the bathroom, towel tied loosely around his waist, all my teasing evaporated in an instant. The sight of him, half-naked, water still clinging to his skin, took my breath away. He was beautiful. No, he was perfect.

He moved cautiously, tiptoeing as if trying not to wake the house. The light from the bedroom highlighted every curve of his body, from the muscles in his shoulders to the faint outline of his slim waist. My eyes betrayed me, lingering on his chest. His nipples were hard from the cool air, and I swallowed hard, feeling a surge of heat rush through me.

I wanted him. God, how I wanted him. My thoughts were anything but innocent. I imagined leaning in, pressing my lips to his chest, taking those hardened peaks into my mouth. The thought alone sent a jolt of arousal through me, and I had to look away before I did something reckless.

Clearing my throat, I forced myself to speak. "You're done, then?" My voice was calm, but inside, my heart was racing.

"Y-yeah," he replied, clutching his towel like it was his last line of defense.

I nodded, excusing myself to shower.

The moment the bathroom door closed behind me, l let out a deep breath. My pulse was pounding in my ears, and I glanced down, shaking my head at myself. "Control yourself, Ethan," I muttered. "You've waited this long. Don't ruin it now."

As the water cascaded over me, I tried to push the image of Preston's wet body out of my mind, but it was impossible. I promised myself l'd take my time with him.

He was worth every second of patience.

When I returned to the bedroom, Preston was already on the bed. At first, I thought he was asleep, but I knew him too well. The slight movement of his fingers told me he was awake, pretending to sleep. Smiling to myself, I climbed into bed and moved closer to him.

Gently, I scooped him into my arms, pulling him close to my chest. His body fit perfectly against mine, and the warmth of him made my heart race all over again. I rested my chin on his head and whispered,

"I missed you, Pee. I missed having you in my arms."

I felt his breath hitch, and even though he didn't reply, I could feel the way he relaxed into me. It was like he belonged there, like this was where he'd always meant to be.

But then I noticed something else-his heartbeat. It was pounding just as hard and fast as mine. The realization made me smile. He felt it too, this connection, this closeness.

As I held him, I felt this overwhelming sense of of contentment.

This was what l'd waited for all these years. My baby was finally in my arms again, and nothing else in the world mattered.

But at the same time, I knew sleep wouldn't come easily tonight. How could it, when the person l'd been dreaming of for so long was right here, pressed against me?

My fingers lightly traced circles on his back as I held him tighter. "Welcome home, my pretty boy," I whispered, pressing a lingering kiss to his forehead.

This was it. This was our beginning. And I promised myself that I would cherish every moment of it, taking my time, building the love we both deserved. For now, I just wanted to hold him, to feel his warmth, and to let the reality of this beautiful night sink.