A late afternoon haze hung over the city, the heat still present but softened by a gentle breeze. The sky turned amber as the sun dipped behind the buildings, casting long shadows across the pavement outside the station. The air was thick with the smell of street food from nearby vendors, mingling with the faint scent of exhaust. The streets remained busy, but there was a subtle shift in energy as day slowly gave way to night.

As soon as they stepped outside, Fort's family whisked him away into a hug. His mother frantically checked him for injuries while Araya scolded him for getting into trouble with tears in her eyes, her voice trembling slightly. His father tried to keep his composure as he thanked Margaret for her help, but his shaking hands showed how worried he had been.

Sari embraced Sean so tight it looked as if she was planning to break all his bones or suffocate him, possibly both. Izzy let her have it for a moment, then gently patted her shoulder, afraid she would actually murder his little brother in front of a police station.

"You good?" he asked, looking at Sean's face with concern.

"I will live," Sean chuckled, his eyes instinctively searching for the person he wanted to see the most.

Even Sari was moved by the way his expression suddenly changed and decided to let him off the hook. This one last time.

Sean had thousands of things he wanted to say to him, starting with an apology for causing trouble again. He was prepared for that icy, unshakeable calmness that made Jay's anger feel more terrifying than shouting ever could. But this... this caught him off guard.

The softness of Jay's gaze as it swept over him, checking if he was okay, undisturbed even by the slight frown at his injury. The way Jay simply pulled him close and kissed him with such tenderness that Sean's heart stopped. The pure affection behind it seemed to seep into his bones, washing away any traces of exhaustion... it felt like he was finally home.

"Thank you for getting my ass out of prison," Sean muttered against his lips.

Jay's expression slowly slipped back to its usual indifference, tinged with amusement, yet still a faint softness remained. "Of course, you are mine. I couldn't just leave you there."

His eyes widened slightly as his mind drifted back to that afternoon in Jay's bedroom and the words he had said trying to get through Jay's walls: I'll be yours, and you'll be mine. Sean had never expected Jay to bring it up so casually yet with such gentleness in his voice. He knew all too well how difficult moments like this were for Jay, how uncomfortable any display of affection could make him. And Sean accepted it as part of who Jay was, and he loved him anyway. So seeing him like this was even more meaningful, showing how much Jay cared about him in return.

"You do realise that since you admitted it so openly, I will never let you escape now?" he asked, his voice barely audible.

Jay smiled at him. "Given your stubbornness, I never stood a chance anyway."

Sean chuckled softly, intertwining their fingers together. "I love you too."

As he expected, Jay instantly stiffened at his phrasing, his expression going blank in that way Sean had come to recognise - the instinctive retreat. But he didn't mind. He knew Jay might never say the words back, and that was okay because he finally learned to read between the lines. Jay's grip on his hand almost imperceptibly tightened, but it was enough. It was always the little things with him, easy to miss yet with more meaning than any declaration ever could.

Sean leaned in and kissed him. He didn't need Jay to say it - he already knew.

"As much as I would love to see you two make out in front of the police station," Izzy started with the full teasing force of older brother. "Sari and I need to go back. Lizzy will cry auntie's ear off if we miss her feeding time. I'm telling you... kids are worse than prison."

Sari smacked his shoulder and rolled her eyes. "Says the guy who can't stop fussing over his little princess."

"Of course, have you seen her? She is the most adorable thing in the universe."

"Yes, I happened to see our daughter... that little menace," Sari sighed, then turned towards Jay. "Thank you for always looking after our stubborn and troublesome little brother."

Izzy grinned. "Yeah, we will leave him in your capable hands."

Jay's eyebrow quirked in amusement as his discomfort dissipated amidst their bickering. It was a relief to see him more relaxed again, but sometimes Sean couldn't help but wonder why Jay was like this. Why did such simple things like little affections nearly paralyse him? Would he ever be able to see that part of Jay, or was it buried too deep underneath all these walls he kept hitting all the time?

"We are not blood-related," Sean deadpanned, knowing precisely what Jay was thinking.

"Are you sure? Izzy and you seem..."

Sean gave him an incredulous look. "Don't you dare."

"Fine, fine. I won't say how much alike you are," Jay chuckled lightly. "Instead, I can make you a dinner. Is there anything you want?"

He leaned closer and lowered his voice. "You."

Jay gave him the usual one-sided smile. Cheeky and playful, but it still lacked this genuineness Sean had seen in the spring. He didn't know how to bring it back, but they had time... Suddenly, it felt like someone poured a bucket of freezing cold water over him. There were only several days left before Jay's flight to London, meaning their time together was nearly over.

Meanwhile, Margaret bid farewell to Fort and his family, reminding them to contact her if they had any questions. Then, she approached Jay and Sean, keeping a polite distance, trying not to intrude on what clearly was a private moment between them.

"I will take my leave now. Enjoy your evening," Margaret said with a faint smile.

Startled, Sean turned around, missing how Jay's expression shifted to pure indifference as if the person in front of them was a stranger.

"Do you want me to take you back to the hotel?" Jay asked, his tone polite and courteous, but it left Sean perplexed about the lack of familiarity.

Margaret shook her head. "No, thank you. I have a dinner appointment with a friend and then a few social events over the weekend to keep me busy," she explained. Margaret took several steps towards the taxi and suddenly turned towards Sean. "If something is unclear or you have additional questions, please contact me any time."

Sean glanced nervously at Jay, then nodded. It's not like he wanted to hide it from him, but he needed time to read through her offer and consider a few things before talking to anyone about his possible choices. The folder in his bag felt heavy enough, questioning all his morals and ethics, even without thinking about how it could affect their relationship.

Jay's eyebrows furrowed slightly. "Something happened?"

"No, everything is fine," Sean replied hastily, then cleared his throat to sound casual. "Your mother has a lot of influential friends here, does she?"

"I guess so," Jay shrugged. "If I remember correctly, she was always good friends with the wife of your current prime minister. And you know, all these people she used to meet at social and political gatherings with... my father. Anyway, I assume you are not planning to stay here for the rest of the evening?"

"Absolutely not."

The soft patter of rain against the floor-to-ceiling windows filled the bedroom, drawing a quiet intimacy into the space. Its dark tones felt warmer under the soft glow of the bedside lamps, casting gentle shadows along the walls. Outside, blurred the city into a distant hum, making the world beyond feel far away, as if nothing else mattered but this moment, here, with each other. Only the slow rise and fall of the sheets, a rhythm that matched the storm outside.

Their tightly intertwined fingers were pressed against the pillow beside Sean's head for support, fitting together as seamlessly as they did. Sensual, lingering kisses followed the unhurried flow of Jay's hips, each roll pushing them deeper into unbridled pleasure.

Sean couldn't help but smile into another tender kiss, showing that Jay was incredibly mindful of his injured lip, even when they were entirely lost in each other. Moments like this taught him that love can be silent but nonetheless meaningful. His free hand moved from the small of Jay's back to his face, his fingertips gently brushing the sheen of the sweat from the well-defined eyebrow.

"I never want this to end... being here with you."

Jay looked at him with many unspoken feelings swirling in his eyes, then kissed him again. It felt different, somewhat regretful, and Sean knew why... because it was impossible for Jay to fulfil this wish. Still, he was sure they would make it work.

Sean pulled him closer without hesitation and deepened the kiss, his touch carrying a certain urgency. It was a silent plea, a wordless invitation for Jay to give in to the moment, to push them both beyond the edge. As if in response, Jay's hips moved with more intensity, faster, deeper, their bodies falling into a rhythm that sought both release and connection.

In that moment, it wasn't just about the pleasure - it was about everything unspoken between them.

Even as the wave of release faded, Sean held him close, as always, watching as the familiar tension in Jay's muscles slowly, almost imperceptibly, began to ease. He had always loved the moment Jay chose to stay instead of pulling away. Yet, as Sean kissed the top of his head, his fingers brushing through messy strands of hair, a subtle unease settled in his chest. Something felt different tonight, but he couldn't quite place it.

"Can we spend this weekend together?" Sean asked, his voice tinged with hesitation. "Just two of us."

Jay tilted his head to look at him and nodded. "Judging from your expression, you have something in mind."

"There is no sugarcoating it... it's your last weekend here, so it's also my last chance to make it the best one ever. And there are many places here I want you to see."

His eyebrow quirked slightly. "You are way too stubborn."

"I know," Sean chuckled. "Soooo, to make sure I can actually win, you need to tell me what I'm competing against. And no, you can't weasel your way out of it."

"Who said I can't?"

Hearing the playful tone in his voice, Sean didn't waste a second. In one swift move, he pinned Jay's wrists against the mattress, holding them securely above his head. Hovering over him, Sean's smile was soft but triumphant, his eyes alight with mischief.

"Oh, I did," he murmured, his voice low, teasing.

"On what grounds?"

Sean grinned at him, remembering weeks of a healthy diet without spicy food. "Boyfriend's privileges."

"Touche."

He looked at Jay expectantly, the mood between them half serious. "Will you finally tell me what I'm competing against so I can organise the best weekend you ever had?" Sean asked, convinced Jay would brush it off, but he surprised him yet again.

"I told you it's impossible," Jay muttered, freeing himself with ease and buried his face in the crook of Sean's neck. "Because you already did."

Sean's brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"That weekend at the Full Moon Party."

Jay stayed pressed against his neck as if hiding from the truth he had just admitted. Sean could feel the heat of his breath against his skin, the quiet vulnerability in how he was holding him now, less playful, more real.

His hand gently combed through Jay's hair, his fingers trailing down the nape of his neck. "You mean our first time together?" Sean asked softly, his voice almost a whisper, as if speaking any louder might shatter the moment.

The only response was a subtle nod against his neck, refusing to look at him, and Sean knew not to push it further. He smiled, resting his chin on Jay's head.

"Some of the best moments in my life are connected to you, like there can't be anyone else but you," Sean said softly. "I love you more than anything, Jay."

Upon hearing Sean's confession, the familiar discomfort crept in. Maybe it was exhaustion that clung to him like an overbearing shadow these last few days or the weight of his recent choices, but his usual composure began to crumble. The storm within him brewed as doubt settled in like dark clouds.

There was nothing about him worth loving, and Sean deserved better. Someone who would put him first and love him openly and without hesitation... while he... he didn't have the right to love him or need him. The idea of breaking things off danced in his mind, whispering that he should release Sean from the ties to a person who couldn't give him what he needed. He was truly the worst, trying to live a dream that was never his to begin with.

Sean smiled sadly, watching him slip away, drowning in whatever haunted him. Seeing Jay like this hurt more than anything... it felt as if he was about to vanish without a trace. Sean pulled him closer and kissed his head. "I'm here," he said quietly against Jay's hair. "Try to focus on now... just the next minute is enough. What do you want to do? We could kiss for the whole minute," he added, trying to sound more cheerful.

Suddenly, Jay looked at him, his expression unreadable. "What if it's the rest you will regret?"

"You don't need to explain to me why you think like this," Sean reassured him, looking straight into his eyes. "But I need you to believe me when I say I won't regret any of this. Being with you is the best thing that ever happened to me, Jay."

Jay's expression shifted to pure surprise, followed by Victor's words echoing in his mind that maybe all they needed was someone who would accept them as they were, flaws and all. But it still felt as if it was unfair to Sean... after all, he had no idea what he had signed for.

"It's not like I question your commitment, but are you sure you want to waste your time on someone who will never give you what you need?"

Sean remained silent for a while, trying to figure out the right approach to this recurring theme. How could he change Jay's perception of himself, which was probably deeply rooted there for years? Ultimately, he couldn't find any solution other than patience and reassuring him as many times as needed. "And what do you think I need?"

This simple question rendered him speechless but also made him realise he couldn't even say it as an explanation. It seemed impossible to him, pushing him further behind his walls... farther away from the person he loved - despite everything and on the contrary to himself - more than anything.

"I only need you," Sean said with disarming honesty. "I don't need you to say that you love me to know that you do or respond with the same affectionate touches because I fell in love with you as you are, and I wouldn't change a thing."

Jay rested his forehead against Sean't shoulder and sighed helplessly. "You are unbelievable."

"I know, it's part of my irresistible charm."

"Who said you are irresistible?"

"Oh c'mon, just look at this face," Sean uttered with a smug smirk. "Could you ever resist it?"

Jay blinked twice, staring at him blankly, before slowly answering, "No, I couldn't..."

"See? Irresistible," he said triumphantly, yet his gaze remained serious, his fingers gently brushing over Jay's jawline. "Promise me you won't leave, thinking it's better for me. I can handle anything but losing you."

Jay's gaze softened, and though his expression didn't change much, there was a hint of something flickering in his eyes - reluctant acceptance, maybe. He didn't speak but shifted closer, resting his forehead against Sean's as if that quiet gesture could convey what he couldn't say out loud.

Sean smiled and, taking advantage of their closeness, kissed him. "If you ever try, I will find you no matter what, so consider yourself warned."

"You are so stubborn it should be illegal."

He grinned shamelessly. "Well then, it's good I have my personal lawyer to get me out of prison."

Jay just shook his head with amusement, then dropped back on the pillows, seamlessly pulling Sean with him. There was something in his expression Sean couldn't fully grasp, but it made him anxious. Still, that night, he learned that Jay needed something tangible to ground himself when he struggled to deal with something. And Sean gave it to him. Slow and deep... intimate in ways words could never express. Maybe this is why Jay's request to not be so gentle with him nearly broke his heart... because Sean was aware this had nothing to do with pushing boundaries for fun.

The rain had long stopped, and the bedroom descended into silence. They remained intertwined under the duvet resting around their waistlines. Jay was curled on his side, his back slightly turned away from Sean, trying to maintain a sense of distance despite needing him more than ever to stop himself from falling further back into the comfort of habits that could destroy everything he cared about.

Suddenly, as if reading his mind, Sean moved closer, his warm body pressing gently against Jay's back, his arm wrapping around his chest. His fingers sought out Jay's, entwining with them as if to say: 'I'm here, and I'm not letting you go.'

And just like that, another wall crumbled...

"I'm not good at any of this," Jay said quietly. "And it feels unfair to you..."

Sean kissed his shoulder and forced a smile despite the overwhelming sadness in his eyes. "You are much better at this than you think. Sometimes, I have the impression you don't even realise how thoughtful and caring you are. You may not talk about your feelings, but they always come through your actions. I would have to be blind or utterly stupid not to see it."

"But this is not exactly going to work from now on, does it?"

He could understand where Jay was coming from. Long-distance relationships, in principle, rely heavily on verbal communication, especially when faced with an enormous distance. Was it even possible to pull it off when they couldn't discuss their feelings and the reassurance that came with it?

"I guess it will make things harder," Sean agreed, hugging him tighter. "And honestly, knowing that soon we won't be able to be like this scares the hell out of me. I don't know how I will survive it... because not seeing you for a few days was already horrible enough."

Jay instantly turned around and kissed him tenderly. "I will try to come and visit as much as possible."

"But this would put all the effort onto you, which doesn't feel fair."

"Did you just... turn my own words on me?" Jay asked, glaring at him.

Sean grinned shamelessly. "It worked, didn't it?" he started with a slight shrug, his soft gaze never leaving Jay's face. "Jay... what if... I would... no, never mind."

A knot settled in his stomach as he wrestled with guilt and uncertainty. He felt torn between his love for Jay and the ideals he had fought so hard to uphold, each pulling him in the opposite direction. The opportunity offered by Margaret was extraordinary, yet it felt like a betrayal of everything he believed in.

Could he really accept a chance that might hinge on his relationship with Jay? That thought alone made him sick. He couldn't bear the idea of using what they had as a stepping stone for personal gain. Instead, he chose silence, pushing all these feelings aside to enjoy their last several days together.

"Did you ever consider where we are going with it?" Jay suddenly asked. "Living six thousand miles apart is not sustainable in the long term, and we both have life on opposite ends that are impossible to leave behind," he pasued, his expression unusually complicated. "And no matter how much I try, I can't find a middle ground."

"It's something I think about a lot with the same result," Sean replied, then suddenly chuckled. "Sorry... I just realised how insane it is that we tried to solve it separately."

Jay couldn't help but laugh as well. "I thought we were supposed to be smart."

"Tell me about it," Sean sighed with exaggerated resignation. "I guess we are both too used to dealing with everything on our own and keep forgetting that we no longer have to."

They found it both humorous and a little tragic that they had assumed their future together was a problem for each of them to solve alone. But it wasn't. Despite some things being left unsaid, they were on the same page about taking one step at a time and considering their choices together. This left Sean feeling even more uneasy because, technically, he had the best option for them to be together, but at what cost?