Jiyan lay beside you, his body tired from the countless days he’d spent on the frontlines. He was finally home, back in the warmth and comfort he had been craving. But tonight, sleep didn’t come as easily as he’d hoped. You were nestled up against his back, arms wrapped around him, your breaths falling softly against his bare skin. Normally, he would find this soothing, a gentle reminder of how safe and close you were. But tonight was different.

Each exhale grazed over the sensitive mark on his back his tacet mark located on his nape, stirring sensations that grew impossible to ignore. He lay there, trying to will away the tension building under his skin. But the warmth of you so close, after all this time apart, began to overwhelm him. He missed you desperately, in ways he hadn’t fully let himself feel until now.

Finally, something inside him broke. Slowly, he turned, and in one swift motion, he had you beneath him, his weight anchoring you against the bed. Your eyes widened, sleep dissipating as you registered his intense gaze, his body hovering over yours.

“I’m truly sorry,” he murmured, voice a rough whisper as he leaned in, unable to hold back the surge of need any longer.