Lucian did not move at first.
The words remained between them, settled into the quiet of the room with a clarity that left no space for misinterpretation.
"Let me feed you."
Julian stood close, steady, the offer already made and not withdrawn.
Lucian's gaze held on him, unreadable for a moment longer than usual. When he finally spoke, his voice remained low, controlled, carrying the same precision he brought to everything.
"You're offering."
Julian didn't look away. "Yes."
There was no hesitation in it.
No uncertainty.
Lucian stepped forward.
The distance between them closed until it no longer existed as something separate from the moment itself. His hand lifted, fingers brushing along Julian's jaw with a familiarity that carried more weight than the lightness of the touch suggested.
Julian stayed still.
He let the contact settle, let it register without interruption, without resistance.
