"That's a gold-piece word right there," Krem said with a laugh filtering through his smile. He lazed there in the bed a moment and stretched his arms up above his head, an expansive gesture that showed his mobility and comfort and the gentle perk of his nipples.

"I'm a bit sore," he admitted, tucking his fingers under the pillows under his head. There was no shame in him, in the way that Thomas looked at his body and his skin. "And I would worry. But I'd also listen if you told me you were alright--within reason."

The kiss lingered, and he hummed softly, rolling his hips up just a little, a coaxing gesture. He was fine. Breathing on the other side of everything, and more alive for all of it. More alive for being here.