Page 44 of Where the River Meets the Skye

Skye smirked at him. “No making out for three days, is what you're telling me?”

River blushed. “I’m sorry. I’m probably being ridiculous. I just…I mean, we can still kiss, just not hot and heavy make out sessions.”

Skye pecked him on the lips. “Fine. But as soon as that thing comes off, you’re mine.”

River blushed again and then grabbed his shirt off the floor and slipped it back on, before following Skye into the kitchen.

“Hey, Riv, can I ask you something?” Skye said, hesitantly as he set the timer for the oven.

“Okay,” River nodded, his anxiety spiking a little as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

Skye turned to face him and bit the inside of his cheek. “I was just wondering…I mean, we’ve been together for a few weeks now, and we’ve been making out quite a bit.” He stepped closer to River and rested his hands on his arms. He stroked them gently and peered into his eyes. “Have you…been aroused yet, at all?”

River flushed and tensed slightly. “I guess that depends on what you mean.” His gaze darted to the floor. “I get aroused,” he said, more softly. “I just…”

“Can’t get an erection,” Skye finished for him, his voice gentle.

River nodded, shame and embarrassment seeping through him. He started to step away, but Skye pulled him back.

“Hey, don’t do that.” His voice was gentle once again as he lifted River’s face to look at him.“I’m just asking, angel. There’s no judgment. I want it for your sake, just as much as mine. But it’s not your fault. I know that. And I love you. The last thing I ever want is for you to feel embarrassed or guilty. There’s no shame here. I want you to feel safe with me, always.”

River nodded, and then Skye was pressing his nose against his, and River was smiling, before they kissed softly once again.

“Can I ask you something?” River said once they pulled away.

“Shoot.”

“How long has it been since you had sex?”

Skye blinked at him, then gave a soft smile. “It doesn’t matter.” He pressed his lips to River’s forehead.

“Skye,” River said. “How long?”

Skye kissed him again. “A while.”

“How long is a while?”

“River, I don’t want to tell you this if it’s just going to make you feel guilty. ‘Cause it shouldn’t. It should make you feel loved. And I’m really not trying to push you into anything. It was my choice, okay? I didn’t have sex because I realized I didn’t want anyone but you.”

“But…but you couldn’t have me, Skye.”

“And I was okay with that. I still am. I’m so happy with what we have. And even if it never changes, even if we never have sex, I’m happier with you than I could ever be with anyone else. All the sex in the world can’t compare to being with you. You are what I want.”

River felt tears forming in his eyes again and wiped them away before they slid down his cheeks.

“Okay, I won’t feel guilty,” he promised. “But I’d still like to know. How long?”

Skye grinned and flushed. “Eight months.”

River’s mouth dropped open. “Holy shit.”

Skye laughed and kissed him again. “And I’ll go eight more if I have to. I’ll go eight years, River, a lifetime. ‘Cause you are it for me.”

CHAPTER 19

Skye

Skye was lying on the couch with River snuggled up next to him, freshly showered after having gotten his heart monitor off. It would be another few days before they got the results, and they were both a little nervous. Maybe that was why Skye was having trouble following through on his promise. Part of him was also scared that if things did get heated it would cause River’s heart to act up, and every time that happened it made Skye panic a little. The way River held his hand over his heart and rushed to lay down so he wouldn’t pass out. The look of immediate exhaustion and pain that would cloud his features. River seemed to have it pretty well under control but Skye was never sure when River might pass out again, or if there really was something wrong with his heart that was potentially life threatening. And that thought made him pull River a little closer and hold him a little tighter. He kissed the top of his head.

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