"I have got to think of a proper endearment for you in return," Erik says in an uncharacteristically shy tone as their lips part. He's been afraid of overstepping, using something that sounded too possessive. He wants them to hear the love in his voice when he uses their name but he also wants something special that's just his. Just theirs. It has to be perfect.

He pecks the side of their head with another kiss, noticing the new flush of heat. "If the story involves you being in pain, of course I won't like it. But it is still worth knowing because it is yours."

He wraps an arm around Chris's back as they move closer and quiets down to listen. His expression remains steady ad attentive, despite the dread that already fills him at the revelation of those demons. "I take it they were determined to make sure you didn't tell anyone else."

[[❤]]