When Zack could move again, he pulled out gently. John hissed but otherwise didn’t comment. He flopped an arm in the direction of the nightstand. Zack glanced down and spotted a small trash can against the wall. He removed the condom and tossed it in the trash before collapsing on his back next to John. His shifting weight seemed to rouse John for a moment. He opened his eyes a slit and peeked at Zack.

“Wow,” John said.

“Yeah,” Zack agreed.

They fell into comfortable silence. Zack felt great. Content to his core, albeit exhausted. He couldn’t pass out quite yet, though. He needed to ask John a question first. There was a chance things were about to get awkward.

“Can I—”

“Yes,” John interrupted. His voice was clouded with sleep. “Of course you can stay here. I was hoping you would.” John rolled onto his side and nuzzled Zack’s neck. “Will you?”

Zack grinned. “Yeah, I will. But if we’re going to sleep, we’re going to do it under the covers.”

John groaned. “You can’t expect me to move after that. Or ever again.”

With Herculean effort, Zack hauled himself into a sitting position. “Fret not, babe. I got it.” After jumping to his feet—more than a little unsteadily—he pulled the covers back, reached under John, and lifted him up enough to pull the blankets out from under him.

John made an impressed noise but didn’t open his eyes. “Click out the light while you’re up.” He paused. “Please.”

Zack walked to the door and flicked off the switch, plunging the room into darkness. Then he climbed in next to John and put his arms around him. John snuggled closer but then switched their positions so he was the one holding Zack. Zack allowed it. John had just gotten the thinking fucked out of him. He could be the big spoon if he wanted.

“Hey,” Zack said once they’d settled in. “I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“You know, for someone who looks like a bad boy, you’re being awfully considerate.”

Zack snorted. “I guess I am. I just wanted to make sure.”

John kissed him on the cheek. “You’re adorable. I’m not fragile, though. You’re not going to break me. Now stop fussing and go to sleep. We’ll talk in the morning.”

Zack yawned. “Okay. Good night.”

John grunted and flexed his arms around Zack possessively. Zack lay awake and listened while John’s breathing slowed into a soothing rhythm. Lying in a strange bed, snuggling with his new lover after a round of spectacular sex, was one of the most tranquil experiences of Zack’s life, for reasons he didn’t think he could put into words.

He smiled at the darkness and fell into a deep, dreamless, and utterly relaxed sleep.

Chapter 13