[Hey, everyone! Happy Valentine's Day (that's what this is for, at least, haha)! It's been a whole year now since I first published this installment last Valentine's, and I'm happy we've all come so far. Please enjoy the chapter and remember to love yourself. <3

Music in the multimedia is TROYE SIVAN - My My My! (this song is a bOP you must listen to it. Troye is my kinG).

Additional songs (which are also bops):

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

HONNE - Just Dance

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

Louis Futon - Surreal (feat. RKCB)

Love you all! Enjoy! :D ]

Stay Creepy, My Friends!

Chapter 48

Ben's POV

Okay, what the fuck.

It's my first time seeing Reese in a suit, and damn he looks so good. The way the green fabric shines in the light is so eye-catching. He didn't say it, but I knew deep down that he had picked this tux for me. I love green, and I love him, and now I love the both of them even more. His appearance is overwhelming, no god damn joke; I felt my temperature go up the moment I laid eyes on him. Thank you, God, Jesus, Vishnu, Allah, Buddha, and all the rest for this blessed gift that is Reese in a tuxedo.

We left the hotel for the night club we were going to. Music from the radio occupied what would have been silence between us. Not that it was a bad silence. Every other minute or so, I would glance at Reese to see him gazing out the window at all the sights of Vegas. We passed the Bellagio fountains, which was in the middle of doing another of its water shows. Multicolored lights shined upon the twirling, swirling spouts of water that shot into the night sky. Reese couldn't stop looking at the spectacle. I made a mental note of it before we eventually passed the fountains completely.

City lights and sidewalk were all we saw until we arrived at our destination. The nightclub had a parking lot practically full, yet the line of people waiting outside wasn't very long. This place wasn't on the "wild" side very much (as mild as you can get in Vegas). I didn't want to put Reese in that kind of environment right off the bat.

I could tell he was a little nervous walking up to the entrance. It wasn't over the fake ID I made him, which he showed to the bouncer with as much ease as an FBI agent. Something else was on his mind, but there's no way I could know what. I'm not a clairvoyant, although that would be badass.

Dance music filled the air. The ceiling was high above us and dazzling light fixtures hung, twirling gracefully. Lighting systems underneath the stairs, floors and seats of the club emanated a sweet violet glow that complimented the white furniture gorgeously. Club-goers either sat at the tables or the bar, enjoying drinks, or they danced with glee at the center floor. There was a stage at the back, with a grand piano and mic, telling of a potential or already past performance. Nothing about this place screamed intimidation. Somehow, it was simplistic under the guise of a fancy, upscale night club. Perfect!

Reese and I found a table and took our seats. They were comfier than I expected and I leaned back to take it all in. Looking over at Reese, I asked him, "What do you think?"

There was a smile on his face while he observed the scene. "This place is nice. Not as crazy as I thought it'd be."

"Of course! I want you to have the best experience, Reese's puffs," I chimed. "What better way than to kick back and relax like some rich guy on holiday? Enjoy yourself! The night is yours!"

He chuckled and allowed himself to ease his body in his pure white seat. While he surveyed his surroundings, I stared at his figure sitting across from me. He had propped his elbow on the top of the bench, looking as if he owned the place. Seeing him now, I couldn't help but remember the first time we met. It seems like only yesterday he waved an aluminum bat in front of my face, freaked out of his mind. It seems like only yesterday he was hesitant and wary to be around me, always protesting against my nicknames for him. Now he doesn't even bat an eye at whatever I call him. He doesn't even question what I do and say, and goes with the flow, standing beside me every step of the way.

It's so jarring how someone who I saw as so reluctant, cold and innocent has come this far into being a breath-taking beauty that's stolen my heart. When my mind is at rest, all I seem to think about is Reese. There's no denying it—I'm absolutely, helplessly in love with him and there's nothing in this world that can scorn my feelings for him. It hurts so much, but I love that ache in my chest and in my cheeks after smiling for who knows how long, just thinking about him. How far we've come from total strangers. Life without Reese wouldn't be the least bit enjoyable. My world is brighter now with him in my thoughts and wishes. I can't remember the last time I've felt like this, not since...god...I love Reese so much...so, so much...!

"Ben?" Reese called to me. I snapped out of my thoughts and gave him my attention. He furrowed his brow and asked, "Is something the matter? You look sad..."

I realized that I must have gotten teary eyed and quickly shook my head to hide it. "Nothing is wrong, my peanut butter cup! I'm just...dying for a drink. Want something?"

"A water is fine."

I smirked. "Ah, c'mon, mister twenty-one, you don't want to try something new? I promise I won't get something heavy."

Reese shook his head and said, "No alcohol. None. Okay?"

I shot him finger-guns. "You got it, hun! I'll be back."

Quickly, so that my awkwardness would be disregarded, I hopped up to my feet and sauntered over to the bar. I had this heavy weight in my chest, like I had just ran from an embarrassing moment. It kind of was. After I had ordered from the bartender, I started thinking about what Reese said, about how I looked sad. Do I really? But I was thinking about him, admiring every inch of him, body and spirit. Why wouldn't I be happy?

Instinctively, I touched at my ear, the one he had so fervently bit that night of the rock concert. At the time, I was so overwhelmed that I could do nothing but run away. But I should've stayed a little longer; I should've...

No. It wasn't a good time then. But...how could he do something like that to me? Does he know about me? Why hasn't he said anything, if he does?

I'm nervous around him. More so than I have ever been before. I've been trying to keep my cool this entire trip, but sometimes I just wish I could grab that boy by the shirt and...and...ugh... I'm trying so hard to compose myself every time I look at him and that stupid, cute face of his. At times, I'm annoyed with myself because I get annoyed with him. My heart swells so much, it's as if I can feel it in my throat every time I try talking. Reese makes it so hard to keep my emotions in lock. I've been trying to act casual this entire time, but the truth is I want to pounce on him whatever chance I get.

But there's something else to this mess of emotions surging inside me. My heart beats fast for more than immense love. I think...I'm scared of loving Reese. I'm afraid of some foreboding thing coming to break us apart, breaking my hopes, breaking my spirit all over again. I'm afraid of something pushing me down into the dark abyss of misery, self-hatred, grief, and self-doubt. And the journey to get back out will be long and hard, and even if I did find another love, I might just fall into that abyss all over again. I don't want to be stuck in that wretched place. It hurts. Not again. Please, never, not ever again.

"Your drinks, sir," the bartender said to me. He passed me a water bottle and a glass of some mixed drink. I thanked him and paid him for the order, before returning to the table where Reese sat.

"Don't get too wild," I teased as I handed him his water.

"Oh, man, you better stop me before I get too hydrated," he remarked.

In my seat, I found myself staring at him again and returning to those thoughts from earlier. I thought I must have been overthinking, but seeing him contentedly drink his water and smile at me, I realized my fears were very real. I'm scared to love, even though I've fallen so far. I'll lose him, hurt him, misguide him, or I'll betray myself in the process and drive him away. What if I'm not enough for him? I wasn't enough for Anna...

And that was the kicker. The second I let Anna's name cross my mind, I felt my eyes burn with coming tears. I can't cry in front of Reese. I can't ruin the mood. I have to do something—anything—to numb my thoughts.

I practically chugged my drink, completely ignoring the straw that I was provided with. At first, Reese just laughed and said, "I'm guessing I'll be driving us back?"

"Don't worry," I replied lightly, "I don't get that drunk. I won't drink too much anyway."

I, in fact, lied.

Thirty minutes later, I was on my eighth mixed drink. The bartender eventually suggested I sit at the bar at the rate I kept getting up to order. I tried almost every kind of beverage on the menu, and I think I ended up making a new recipe at some point. If so, I should call it "Instant Regret" because that's what I felt the second I swallowed it. Despite that I was being an idiot, I didn't stop. Soon enough, Reese intervened.

"Ben, I think that's enough," he said as he caught my arm.

"What? No, I told you I'll be fine!" I protested.

"You're going to empty your wallet if you keep going. Plus, I barely get to sit and talk with you for five minutes before you get up again. Take it easy."

Smiling, I held his hand and said, "I'm happy to hear you care for me..."

"Of course."

My heart fluttered. My head was spinning (or maybe that was the alcohol). "You're too good to me, you know that?"

"Well, I am potentially saving you from making a drunken fool of yourself," he joked.

"I'll sober up soon! Alcohol doesn't affect wraiths as much as humans." I tried slipping out of his grip, but he held my wrist tight.  

"I'm being serious," Reese stated, less lightheartedly now. The way his sweet eyes had steeled so quickly took me by surprise. The bubbly feeling I had faded away and I pouted a little.

"I'm sorry," I murmured. "You're right. I just... I don't know why I keep drinking. I knew I should've stopped a long time ago..."

"It's okay, but please stop. I can't tell you how many times people have come to hit on me while you were gone. Some girls nearly took over the table."

I giggled. "You're a hit with the ladies."

"And men, apparently."

"You know what, I think it's the scars. They give you that edge that reels people in," I complimented as I brushed my hand against the triplet scars on his left cheek.

He smiled, lighting up his gray eyes again. "I'd rather not reel in people only looking to screw me. I don't want to reel in anyone at all."

"No?" I was a little bummed out about that statement.

Then, he squeezed my hand and said, "I don't need to..."

It's a good thing the light in here was colored, or he would have seen how pink my face got. Seriously, what the fu—!

"Ahaha, w-well, never hurts to get practice, amirite?! I-In fact, why don't you strut your stuff on the dance floor? Bet you're too—too chicken to do it, ahaha..."

"Are you okay?"

"Haha, I'm drunk, Reese. But you know what I'm not?"

"What?"

I smirked. "A chicken."

He groaned, "Don't."

I started making chicken noises as I backed away from him. He shook his head and sat with his arms crossed, telling me he refused to get up. I just kept taunting him with chicken noises and sly smiles. I guess karma acts fast because, somehow, I ended up tripping over myself and falling against another booth, where a group of women were lounging. They gasped as soon as I fell against the seat, and I took a few seconds to climb onto the bench and get my bearings. To alleviate the awkward encounter, I grinned and said, "Hey, ladies.~"

They giggled altogether and I couldn't help but delight in the attention. I have to make up for tripping like a dumbass somehow, right?

"You all come here often?" I chimed.

One of them answered, "Special occasions only."

"Ooooh?"

"It's my birthday," a girl remarked.

"Ah! Happy birthday...erm..?"

"Delilah," she stated.

"Delilah! Happy birthday! Haha!"

"Are you drunk?" she asked, amused.

"Maaaybe. Shhh, don't tell anyone," I drawled m. The ladies snickered. I wondered if it was because I was actually funny or because I was acting like a goofball. Regardless, I was eating it up.

I spent a few minutes with the girls, chatting them up as cool as possible in my drunken state. It seemed that no matter what I said, they ate it up too. Eventually, my attention strayed back to where I had left Reese. I had expected to see him stare at me, but he was merely on his phone, ignoring everything around him.

I probably would have maintained my cool, but the stupid, shitty part of me had other ideas. Pulling my best smile, I asked Delilah, "Birthday girl, how would you like a dance?"

She sipped her drink, curious. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah! What do you say? I promise I won't step on those pretty shoes of yours."

After some eager glances from her friends, she agreed and took my hand. With a bounce to my step, I led her onto the dance floor where other club-goers were raving to the electronic music. Some funky, pop tune was playing, causing the two of us to fall into an upbeat dance immediately. I could practically feel the rhythms and synths flow through my veins, taking over as quick as I could blink. My head felt like it was floating, and if it was the alcohol or music didn't matter. Because soon enough I found my eyes wandering to Reese again. He would have to come dance now, right??

No. In fact, I was more annoyed—jealous even, because he was talking with another man. There he was, sitting there like he owned the place, chatting so casually with some stranger. The guy must have been talking about his suit, because Reese clutched his lapel and pulled a giddy smile like he was complimented. Dammit!

I wanted to rush over there and dropkick the random dude, but then my attention was on the girl Delilah and I had to plaster a smile on my face again so she wouldn't suspect me. She's a stranger too, but I already invested in her, and I don't want to be mean and walk away! Curse my need to please people!

So I danced to the funky, pop tune, with someone I didn't know, while thinking about how stupid I am for being frazzled over the person I want to be with. My worries from earlier came back and I tried to suppress my negative thoughts once more. But there'd be no drowning my sorrows in alcohol this time. I was far too drunk to go on, so all I could do was dance my stress away. With every move of my legs and arms, I felt a momentary reprieve, but then my anxiety went crashing back into me in the next second.

What am I doing? What do I do? My heart feels so heavy. I'm scared. I'm so scared and that's fucking everything up. I'm fucking everything up.

The funky, pop tune was replaced by another upbeat jam. I looked at Reese again and was relieved to see that the stranger was gone. But now the blonde boy was alone, and he was looking ahead at the dance floor. His beautiful, gray eyes had gone steely once again as he glared right at me, juxtaposed to the feel-good vibe from the track playing through the speakers. Oh no, I fucked up. I shouldn't have done this. I'm an idiot! Why can't you not start drama, Ben? This isn't Housewives of fuckin' Trick-Ass-Bitch City!!!

"Hey," Delilah hollered over the music, "you alright? You look nervous."

"What? Me? Nervous? Ha! You're funny." She's right, is what she is.

Taking hold of her arm, I said, "Don't worry about a thing, okay? Enjoy your birthday."

She laughed. "I don't even know you."

"So? Can't I wish the best for a stranger?"

She rolled her eyes. "You're quite the charmer, aren't you?"

"Oh, I can't help it. I look in the mirror and go, 'Damn, is he irresistible'," I jested. After getting another laugh out of her, I said, "Dance the night away. Let the music take you places!"

"How so?"

"Let the rhythms and beat do the work for you. All you have to do is follow," I replied. I stepped away to allow space to demonstrate. With a confident smile, I twisted and twirled, stepped in sync with the beat, let every sound move my limbs for me. The girl named Delilah smiled and seemed to ease up.

Once again, the music changed, and a soulful, R&B jam began to play, which I took to immediately. The panels that made up the dance floor changed from jovial yellows and pinks to cool, relaxed purples and blues. I calmed down and changed up my movements, transitioning from fast, swift steps to something more connected and tender. I lost myself in the music with ease, ignoring the world around me. All there was was the heat on my face, the bass beneath my feet, and my heart beating deep. Although my senses drowned out everything else, Reese remained fresh in my thoughts. With every smile I remembered, every sweet laugh I imagined, my chest swelled. This overwhelming sense of longing, love, and fear finally gripped me to the point where I had to stop and take a breather. I huffed and held my chest, staring at the trancing lights underneath my feet. Suddenly, I felt someone grab my arm.

Where I expected that girl, I was met with the sight of Reese eyeing me sternly. He had taken off his blazer, showing off his pitch black vest and white sleeves. He had rolled them up, exposing his forearms, and I wanted to melt right there in front of him.

"Reese—," I began, but he cut me off.

"I didn't come here to be sidetracked," he said. "Being drunk doesn't mean you should blow me off."

My mouth went dry. "I..."

"I thought I said I didn't need to reel anyone in. Didn't I?" he went on. "But it looks like I still have to."

Then, with a firm arm and a fervent gaze so intense my knees nearly buckled, he pulled me against him and growled, "And I don't intend to look at anyone else."

A surge of heat rushed through my body as I stared into his hungry eyes. My arms moved on their own to wrap themselves around his neck, helping me to press myself against him even more. Reese's hands touched my back, and ever so slowly caressed their way down to my hips, where they tugged at my belt. My breath hitched for a moment. The grand room suddenly felt hotter.

"To tell you the truth," he began, "I could care less about this club, about the hotel, about Vegas in general. Why? Because nothing else matters when I'm with you. What does matter is that I have you, and only you. This night is ours, and you are all mine. Got that?"

"Y...Y-Yes...," I babbled, my composure smashed to bits in an instant by Reese's words, his gaze, and his touch.

"Are you mine?"

"Yes..." I answered honestly.

"Say it."

Gripping him tighter, I whispered, "I-I'm yours.."

"Hmm? The music is too loud," he teased.

"I'm yours!" I said more desperately. "All of me...belongs to you..."

He nodded his approval and tucked a lock of hair behind my ear. "Don't look at anyone else but me."

"I won't. I wouldn't dare."

A charming smile touched his lips and he replied, "Good. Because you're all I see right now. You're all I have been seeing this entire time."

Gently, he pressed his forehead against mine and I feebly uttered his name. "Reese.."

"I'm yours too," he whispered into my ear, and then he sent my world spinning as he bit it. I gasped and closed my eyes, relishing in the warmth of his mouth on my skin. My body was shaking, so close to collapsing into his embrace. Every inch of my face burned with the wild blush of adrenaline that couldn't be stopped. And as if I couldn't get any more breathless, Reese trailed his lips down my neck from my aching ear, while his hands massaged circles against my hips. He never kissed my skin; he simply brushed his lips on it and teased me with his hot breath. I was going crazy. This had to be a dream; the alcohol finally got to me and I'm passed out right now. There's no way...!

But with every squeeze he gave against my body, and every sigh he uttered into my ear, I was assured that every second of this was completely real. And with each second that passed, I knew I would gladly go insane for Reese and his deliberate touch over and over again.

He came face-to-face with me, donning a new flare to his eyes now. I could see desire and impatience in those piercing, gray irises, and I wondered if I showed the same. Slowly, he grabbed my chin and leaned forward. My breath stopped in anticipation for what he was about to do, what I had been longing for for god knows how long. For months I've devoted my love to him and now here's the moment I've been fantasizing about for too long now.

I closed my eyes, maintaining the image of his loving gaze in my mind. Gently, he caressed his thumb against my bottom lip and I held my breath. This is it.

But then nothing happened, and I thought that maybe he expected me to lean forward. So I did, but was met with his warm fingers tenderly pressing against my neck as he stopped me. Surprised, I opened my eyes to see him grinning at me, facial features bright with glee and mischief.

"I'm still a little hurt that you ignored me tonight. Maybe I should make you wait for it instead," he purred.

"Huh? N-No, Reese, please...!"

"That's the price of hurting my feelings," he remarked with mock sadness.

"I'm sorry, my peanut butter cup! P-Please, don't make me wait. I-I need this—I need you... Reese..."

He tapped his chin in thought. "Hmm, you do sound desperate. But is it enough?"

"Reese, please...," I begged him, clutching onto his shoulders.

He shot me a devilish smirk so hot I wanted to crumple to the floor. "I think I could reconsider, although you have to do something for me first."

"Anything!" I insisted.

With a gentle air, he pulled away from me and held my hand tight. Sweetly, he chimed, "Dance with me."

I gaped at him for a moment, until a smile tugged at my mouth and I nodded eagerly. I can definitely do that.

Hand in hand, we began dancing to the music, now another disco-y, pop tune. Feeling lighter than before, I moved with Reese, spinning underneath his arm when he twirled me, stumbling over each other every now and then, laughing about it afterward. We kept our fingers stubbornly intertwined and our eyes were locked on each other the entire time. All I see is him, and him only. I'm not running away this time.

With every song, we got more energized, more daring. Earlier, Reese refused to come to the dance floor, even after I taunted him. Now he was shimmying along with me to the addictive rhythm of EDM music, a big smile on his face. I even remembered that time at the arcade, when we battled each other at knock-off DDR. He was reluctant then too. How he's come so far. Seeing him so liberated and carefree was such a treat to the eyes. After what he's been through lately, this is exactly what he needed.

With every sway of his hips, with every leer he gave me, with every laugh that burst from his grinning lips, my love grew more and more. Before, seeing him so content would fill my heart, yet I had the sensation of falling deeper into a pit I wouldn't be able to get out of. Now, it was as if every little thing he did to send my heart soaring was freeing me from the shackles of worry and self-doubt. There's no reason for me to have uncertainty haunting me anymore. It's clear now what this thing is between us, what Reese feels for me. Absolutely crystal.

We had lost ourselves in the crowd of raving club-goers, which was why I was thrown off my orientation when Reese pulled me through a different side of the dance floor. Suddenly, he pushed me against a wall and I groaned softly. Brilliant violet illuminated us just enough for me to see Reese's intense, amorous eyes and the way he bit his bottom lip. I couldn't help but do the same.

He pressed hard against me, leaning in close. Warm breath brushed my forehead and his fingers squeezed my hips tight again. I caressed his jaw, his neck, his collarbone, tugged on the tie I had so carefully tied for him earlier.

"Ben," he whispered to me. "Thank you. For everything you have done for me."

I chuckled lightly. "I'm glad you're enjoying Vegas."

"No, I mean everything you've done, since the first day I met you," he corrected. "I don't think my life at any point would have been as bright as how it is now. You've made me a braver, better, happier guy. Thank you so much..."

The sincerity in his voice had me tearing up and he brushed his thumb against my cheek to catch whatever tears had escaped. "Thank you, too," I said. "I...I'm glad you've made me feel...what it means to love again, when I had forgotten the feeling of something so sweet..."

A flattered, coy smile brightened his face. "I hope you never forget. I want you remember everything I've done for you, and everything I will do for you. Keep me in your thoughts, in your dreams, on your lips. Never forget how much you mean to me."

I nodded with tears in my eyes and crossed an X over my chest. "Until the day I die via sickness, blood loss, decapitation and more."

Reese beamed and nuzzled his nose against mine. He whispered with such a delicate tone, "There's something I've been meaning to do."

"What is it?" I asked him.

He chuckled. "There's this...gap...that I need to close."

I furrowed my brow. "A gap?"

"Yes. It's been nagging me. I think it's about time that I close it," he said.

Taking hold of my face, he leaned forward and finally enveloped my lips in a warm, sweet, tender, passionate kiss. For a second, my entire body went numb, like I short-circuited, and suddenly I felt everything again. His lips pressed against mine so ardently, I was breathless within seconds. The way he moved and massaged our kiss sent my head into a tizzy. The nature of his kiss, his breath against my skin, his grip on me, all felt so needy, so eager. In return, I desperately pulled him against me and dug my fingers into his sandy blonde locks, so soft and perfect.

I could barely keep up with him, let alone my own emotions. Such a sweet, innocent first kiss started becoming more and more heated. Reese's hands traveled all over my waist, even down to my butt. He picked me up a few times, trapping me in his voracious embrace, feeling me up like nothing I've ever felt before. I'm not sure when the last time I took a proper breath was. Both of us just kept kissing and kissing, huffing and panting, desperate for more. The taste of his lips and his tongue were overwhelmingly thrilling. I wanted to mark those pretty lips, that way no one else will have him but me.

I bit on his bottom lip and he winced. To get back at me, he shoved me into the wall again, where I groaned, and he pressed his hips into mine. His hands roamed my body again, squeezing me tight, sending me into ecstasy. The blonde held my head in place as he huffed centimeters away from my lips, "Do that again, I dare you.."

Eagerly, I grabbed the back of his head and pulled him in for another kiss, in which I bit at his lip, harder this time. He groaned, slammed me against the wall again and ravished my neck. I cried out, smiling and biting my own lip.

Breathless, Reese met my gaze and hissed, "Hotel. Now." I didn't spare a moment to second-guess. I was dragging him across the dance floor in the next second.

We got his blazer back before rushing out of the night club. Even with the promise of returning to the hotel, Reese was eager to get his hands on me again. We barely made it to the Chevelle when he pressed me up against the passenger side and stole a kiss from me. I groaned into him, ready to let my patience run out here and now.

He pulled away from me, opened the door and ordered, "Get in. I'm driving." I didn't spare a second and heeded his command.

I don't know how I lasted the drive back to the hotel. Compared to before, the car ride was much more tense, the air was warmer, and I kept fidgeting my fingers and feet in anticipation. Reese alleviated my pent up eagerness by grabbing my hand and placing a delicate kiss on my knuckles. Then he would squeeze my fingers, embracing them with his warm palm, and sparks flew in my mind.

The hotel finally appeared. My heart was pounding against my chest, and I could feel it in the tips of my fingers. Reese gave the Chevelle and its the keys to the valet, and the two of us scampered inside. We rushed past other guests and bellhops, and made it to a miraculously empty elevator. The second the doors closed, Reese was on me, having pushed me into the corner where he could wrap me up in his arms and kiss my lips. I held onto the railing, sighing into his kiss, enjoying every second.

We separated immediately as soon as there was a ding overhead, followed by the doors opening. Guests stepped in, leaving us to stand side by side, patiently waiting for our stop. Reese watched the numbers on the screen above the doors count up, while I watched his face for a reaction to my hand tugging on his belt. He bit his lip and refused to look at me, but it was clear he was extremely flustered by it. I stifled a chuckle and smirked.

Once we got to our floor, Reese grabbed my hand and led me past the group of guests. We raced to get to our door, and upon arriving I fumbled with the keycard trying to get it in the slot. It didn't help that Reese started biting at my ear again as a way to tease me. Opening a door has never felt more difficult...!

I finally unlocked the door and we stumbled inside our suite. Reese closed the door behind him, casting us in darkness, but he found me anyway and picked me up against the nearest wall. My head was spinning as I was met with the taste of his lips on my tongue. His hands held me up under my thighs, gripping firmly. I was free to caress his neck, tug on his hair, pull on his shirt as much as I liked. He loved it.

Eventually, Reese tired of keeping me against the wall. He carried me over to the bed, where he tossed me on top and turned on the lamp at the side. The first thing I saw was Reese standing over me, loosening his tie with hungry, entrancing eyes. Now I felt intimidated, for some reason. I underestimated him. He's hotter than I could've ever imagined!

With a gentle air, he grabbed a hold of my face to make me look up at him. He leaned in close and whispered, "Take off your chip."

Obediently, I removed my chip from the back of my neck and returned to my natural appearance. His expression softened immediately and he pressed a loving kiss against my forehead. I closed my eyes, so grateful for such tenderness.

"Beautiful, best boy," he murmured playfully. I giggled and kissed at his jaw, my stomach doing flips at his words.

Then, abruptly, he shoved me down into the bed and straddled me, pinning me to the mattress. He held my hands above my head while he hovered over me with a newfound, powerful demeanor. He grinned at me deviously, as if planning something, and the moment my ears twitched in anticipation I realized what that something was. 

It was too late to stop him. He had one ear between his lips, caught under the mercy of his teeth. Ravenously, he treated himself to my ears however he wanted, while I lay squirming underneath him. My body felt hotter and hotter with every flick of his tongue and pinch of his teeth. His other hand groped at my chest and popped open the buttons of my shirt slowly, deliberately. I couldn't help myself—I moaned and whined, imprinting his name on my tongue like it was a sweet, savory candy. My back arched as he tickled my skin with his breath and fingertips. I was powerless under his strength, and I wouldn't want to free myself anyway. He sent my head spinning, my heart racing, my skin burning, and my body twitching with pleasure. I didn't want this to be a dream. I didn't want this to end. Let me have more. Please...

Reese stopped teasing my ear and graced me with a sultry chuckle. Panting softly, I murmured, "So cruel..."

"But you love it," he said.

"I do," I sighed dreamily. He laughed (like music to my ears).

Sweet kisses trailed my neck to my collarbone while Reese finished taking off his tie. As he started unbuttoning his vest and shirt, I grabbed him and said, "Wait..."

He stopped and looked up at me curiously. "Is something wrong?"

Trying to maintain my voice, I asked, "Are...Are you sure you want to do this?"

His expression softened. "Ben..."

"Y-You're young, and you've been going through a lot recently. I don't want to rush you into doing something you'll regret, which will then worsen your situation, you know? Plus, this is kind of sudden, and we barely started kissing, and this isn't too fast for you? Don't feel pressured to prove anything to me. I mean, you do you. Agh, probably not—the right words to say—okay, let me start over—!"

My silly tangent was interrupted by Reese gifting me with yet another strong, passionate kiss on my lips. I calmed down after that and sighed once he pulled away. Smiling oh-so-adorably, the blonde boy said, "I want this. I want you. Nothing you say or do will ever make me regret loving you. This is what is right for me. I love you, Ben. I. Love. You."

Although I knew how he felt for me, his confession still racked my body with emotions of happiness, relief, shock, love. Tears welled in my eyes and I whimpered, "I love you, too, Reese. I always have...!"

Our fingers intertwined and we clasped hands as tightly as we could. Reese pressed his lips against my cheek, catching my running tears. "I'm sorry I never braved my feelings sooner. But I will love you endlessly from here on out, and I'll make sure you know it every single day. I love you."

I wrapped him up in my arms and hugged him so tight, as if he'd disappear right before my eyes. Smiling like goofballs, we kissed, and we kissed, and we kissed, until kissing turned into sweet caresses and thrilling scratches, until those touches turned into something far more beautiful.

Reese marked my lips with his name, and I marked his lips with my name. Over and over again. But in my heart his name was permanent, ever-lasting. With every sigh, every moan, every bout of sweet nothings, I was more full with love. I no longer had to hold my feelings inside and hide them away from him. His love filled me up, finally, after so long of waiting and hoping. I wasn't alone. Now Reese could see every last bit of my love, could taste it on my tongue, hear it in my cries, and feel it on my fingertips.

"I love you," he kept saying, gripping my bare hips, clutching my hands, cradling my face as we kissed. "I love you," I said, clutching his hair, trailing my fingers across his warm back, pulling him closer and closer into my luscious embrace. I'm in love.

Every move had me quaking so intensely I thought I'd pass out. I was in heaven, yet my body burned as hot as hell itself. I was on cloud nine, laying here on earth with Reese, holding him close so my head wouldn't fly too high into my ecstasy. His voice was intoxicating as he called my name, begged for my touch, clung so needfully to me, and revered everything I did to him. A sound so sweet shouldn't be expressed to anyone else but me. I'm his and he's mine. I'm in love.

The world felt so slow motion. It was just me and Reese, together in this bed that has so quickly become paradise. His essence surged into my very being over and over, and made me feel a sense of wholeness. I was complete; my love was fulfilled and has made its place within him forever. I'm in love...

And I'm not scared anymore.

...

Sunlight poured into the suite from the wide window, draping itself over the bed and all the folds in the duvet. I woke up slowly, gradually coming to as I rubbed my eyes and yawned. Once I was fully awake, I looked over at the clock on the desk. 11:23am. Damn, I overslept. I had wanted to take Reese to see a movie around this time.

When I attempted to stretch, I was stopped by a weight holding my arms down. Curious, I looked to see Reese's arm wrapped around me, and I barely noticed now that his other arm was tucked under my head. Carefully, I attempted to adjust myself, but came in contact with his bare skin...and then more bare skin. I froze, stared up at the roof, reluctantly looked under the duvet, and then quickly set it back down with a soft gasp. I covered my mouth and looked at Reese's sleeping face with wide eyes. We're naked. Oh my god...!

And then last night came rushing back into my memory and I felt a blush invade my cheeks. Oh, fuck, we....ah...!

What does this mean? Oh god, oh god. I hope I didn't do anything weird. I wasn't that drunk, but knowing my dumbass self, I must've done something stupid...! And if I did, he'll remember because all he drank was water! I mean, good for him for staying hydrated but aaaaaaahhh!!!

Suddenly, Reese stifled a groan as he shifted in his spot. His arm tightened around me and I was left no choice but lean into him. The duvet was so cozy, and combined with his warmth, I wasn't sure if I ever wanted to get up from here.

"Morning," the blonde boy suddenly greeted in a voice heavy from sleep.

I met his eyes and couldn't help but smile. "Good morning..."

He chuckled (sexy) and stretched his free arm above his head. He pushed his hair back when he brought it back down and I found myself gaping at his effortless charm. He caught me staring and suddenly turned and lifted himself so that he hovered over me. It took more strength than it should've not to squeal.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

I smiled. "I'm...happy."

A bit of pink met his lovely, caramel cheeks. "Yeah, me too." He leaned down and gently kissed my lips. Such a tranquil action made my adrenaline spike yet again.

Reese held my head in place so that he could cover me in kisses. Once my lips were free, I said, "R-Reese, I need to get up."

"Why?" he muttered, mouthing my neck.

"Because I need to shower, and bring you food," I answered. He didn't respond and kept sleepily kissing my skin. Wow, he didn't react to food? I rolled my eyes playfully and added, "You need to get off me, for real."

"You didn't seem to mind it last night," he quipped and my blush increased ten fold.

"Now is not the time for sexual innuendos...!" I whined.

"Okay, no innuendos. I'll just give you the real thing..."

"Reese...!"

The blonde boy laughed merrily and met my gaze. "I'm kidding. Teasing you is fun. You're cute about it..."

"So mean," I mumbled into the duvet.

"But you love it," he growled. His sly smirk had my heart skipping a beat, and I allowed him to move the blanket away from my face.  The softness of his lips was something I would never tire of. I couldn't help but smile and giggle against his hungry kiss, and he did the same.

When our kissing came to a stop, I ran my fingers through his hair and asked, "So...what are we now?"

"What are we?"

"Yeah. I mean...after last night..." The thought alone was enough to make me feel hot.

Reese thought about my question for a moment until he came up with an appropriate answer. "I...can be whatever you want me to be."

"I'm being serious," I grumbled.

"So am I," he countered. "All I know is that I'm definitely not 'just a friend' anymore."

"Well, of course, hehe..."

"You don't even have to give me a label. I'll love you just the same, no matter what."

An idea came to mind and I perked up. "So you can be anything for me?"

He nodded.

I beamed at him and chimed, "You're my husband, then."

"Husband?"

"Don't like it?"

"I do. It's cute."

"Okay good, because I'm expecting a ring," I went on. "You have to propose to me soon. I need it to be pure gold, handcrafted by an expert, with green diamonds shaped like hearts. Also, the gold has to come from Africa snd you have to smelt it yourself. I don't take the cheap stuff."

"Alright, slow down there, I can barely afford to get myself a bag of chips."

"Well then, what am I supposed to wear on my finger?" I questioned with a pout, showing my hand. Reese kissed my finger where a ring would be and he joked, "Does a ring pop count?"

"I'll take it," I agreed all too quickly. "Make it blueberry."

"What do you say?" he drawled.

"...Please."

Reese shook his head. That's not it? Hmm...

"I love you?" I said.

"And...?"

I paused "Umm...a lot?"

Reese chuckled and cupped my face. "How about 'I'm all yours'?" he purred.

I smirked. "I am undoubtedly all yours, my peanut butter cup."

Another kiss to the lips. It seemed he couldn't stop stealing them from me, and I didn't want him to. I traced my hands over the curve of his shoulders, feeling his shoulder blades, and then his neck. I admired his sinewy chest and arms every chance I got. He was so beautiful, like a timeless work of art.

Reese took a break from bombarding me with kisses and nestled his head in the crook of my neck. I ran my fingers through his hair and said, "We should get up soon."

"I want to stay like this," he muttered tiredly.

"I need to shower," I added.

"Mmmmmgg," the blonde boy groaned in protest.

An idea popped into mind and I purred into his ear, "You can join me.~"

That got him. We were up out of bed in no time. As romantic as I thought taking a shower would be, it turned out to be more silly. I kept trying to scrub shampoo into Reese's hair as much as possible even though he said it was very much clean. And then we kept dropping the soap and snickering like middle schoolers every time. Despite the ridiculousness, I got a good laugh and a clean. Now all we need to do is do one of those bubble baths and we'll have covered quite a bit of a romantic bucket list.

Later on, we got dressed to roam around Vegas one last time, since today was the day we had to leave. Reese took more pictures again (I've come to notice that he's pointing his phone at me a lot, instead of everything else), we ate good food, and got to meet one last prostitute. Ah, Vegas.

We stopped at the Bellagio fountains like I had wanted to. It wasn't night time, so the water show wasn't as grand, but it was still very pretty. The fine spray of mist from the spouts of water was pleasant enough.

"It's bigger than I thought it was," Reese awed as he looked across the wide space of sparkling blue water.

"Hey, come here," I beckoned him. He stood right next to me and grabbed onto my hand. I plucked his phone out of his hands and raised it up to take a picture of us and the fountains. Yet another one to grace his photo album. When I took the picture, I got a glimpse of all the other pictures he has taken, and I saw I was in most of them. Reese, you cutie.

"Ben," he called me. I looked to him and was surprised to see him kneeling down. Huh?

Before I could question it, he pulled out a wrapper from his pocket. Then, with a flourish, he removed it to reveal a blue ring pop candy underneath. Oh my god, he actually did it!

"Ben," he started, "will you be my bestest boy, in sickness and in health, til' death do us part?"

"Yes!" I exclaimed. "And it's blueberry! Ah, my peanut butter cup, I do, I do, I do!"

Without hesitation, I leaped on him and wrapped him up in a hug. The both of us laughed, loud and carefree, happy as can be. I held Reese's face in my hands and kissed him lovingly. When I pulled away, I murmured, "I love you."

Content colored his eyes and smile bright. "I love you too...!"

After so long, it really did feel as if I was complete. My hopes, my worries, my dedication all have led to this. I'm not going to be scared to love anymore. If it'll keep Reese confident and at peace, I'll gladly give him my all. My love, my happiness, my freedom away from a world of crazy. He's my peanut butter cup. I will love him like tomorrow isn't coming, as if we only have today.

I'm in love. And so is Reese.