Long Night
The night air was getting colder, making Elio shiver a little despite folding his arms across his chest. Cassian, who was sitting next to him, noticed the change in Elio. The man's ears were flushed, a clear sign that he was starting to feel cold.
Elio
I'm fine
(glancing over, trying to deny it)
Cassian just raised an eyebrow, disbelieving. He thrust the wine bottle in his hand towards Elio.
Cassian
Drink this. At least your body will be a little warmer
Elio
I can't. If I drink, I'll get drunk
Cassian chuckled, then shook his head.
Cassian
Then you want to freeze here? If you keep this up, I'm not sure that you'll make it to sunrise
Elio deliberated, though he still felt hesitant. He knew that his body was very weak to alcohol, but the cold that pierced his skin made him give in. Reluctantly, he grabbed the bottle from Cassian's hand.
Elio
Just a little. If I get drunk, it's all your fault, sir
Cassian
Alright, my fault
(smiling slightly)
Elio drank the wine slowly. The warm liquid with a sharp flavor flowed down his throat, giving him a small gasp.
Elio
It's... high in alcohol, right?
Cassian
Of course it is. That's why it will warm up your body quickly
Although he only drank a little, Elio began to feel warmth radiating from his stomach. He breathed a sigh of relief.
Elio
You're right. It feels like my body is getting a little warmer
Cassian
Of course it is. It's not that bad after all, is it?
However, ten minutes later, Elio's face started to turn a lighter shade of red, and the look in his eyes was blurry. Cassian noticed the strange behavior and immediately knew that Elio had started to get drunk.
Cassian
Hey, are you okay?
Elio
I told you from the beginning, I can't drink alcohol
(smiling with teary eyes)
Elio started to chuckle for no apparent reason, leaving Cassian confused.
Elio
Haha, you're hilarious. Did you think I was joking when I said I can't drink alcohol?
Elio
Ahh, I'm the worst bartender when it comes to drinking alcohol!
Cassian
I really didn't expect you to get drunk this quickly
(mumbling)
Elio
This fast? Yeah, that's how I am. One sip of wine is enough to send me flying
(still laughing)
Cassian looked at Elio who was starting to lose focus and returned to laughing to himself. He didn't know whether to feel guilty or take this as an unexpected evening's entertainment.
Cassian
This guy is really that weak when it comes to alcohol...
(muttering softly)
The night was getting late, while Elio continued to giggle softly, warming up the cold atmosphere around them with his drunken behavior. Cassian could only sigh, hoping Elio's drunkenness wouldn't become a bigger problem.
But cassian who was sitting transfixed, was suddenly surprised when Elio who looked much more relaxed than before, suddenly leaned his head on Cassian's shoulder.
Elio
You know, your words are true. My body feels warmer now... but I feel a little strange
Cassian turned his head spontaneously towards Elio, watching the man's face from such a close distance. Elio looked back at him with a smile, an unusual smile-it seemed softer, even a little seductive.
Elio
(looking intently at Cassian)
Before Cassian could answer, Elio's hand suddenly reached out. Gently, his fingers touched Cassian's face, rubbing his cheek. The touch made Cassian hold his breath.
Cassian swallowed, his body freezing at the sight of Elio who now raised his hand, formed an "O" with his thumb and forefinger, then placed it in front of his mouth while sticking out his tongue.
Elio
Sir... you really...
(staring with a meaningful expression)
Cassian didn't have time to respond due to his shock. Seeing the sign given by Elio using his hand, especially Elio's sentence just now really succeeded in making Cassian's face turn bright red. Elio's gaze was so intense, as if the man was teasing him mercilessly.
Elio suddenly brought his face closer, and before Cassian could react, their lips touched. Elio kissed Cassian, making the man even more surprised until his body stiffened.
Cassian tried to push Elio away, but the man pulled him closer. Their kiss deepened, until finally Cassian managed to push Elio away with full force. They were both panting, and Cassian looked at Elio with an expression of disbelief.
Cassian rubbed his face, trying to calm down. His heart was still racing, and he couldn't tell if it was from anger, embarrassment, or something else.
Elio just giggled softly, then leaned his head back on Cassian's shoulder, as if nothing had happened. Cassian was silent, not knowing whether to feel awkward or... comfortable.
Cassian felt like the world around him was getting weirder. He had just pushed Elio away after their kissing incident, but now the man was smiling broadly.
Cassian's face instantly turned red. His heart was beating so fast that he started to feel nervous. This was a big mistake. Why did he have to give that wine to Elio? Now that man was a completely different person.
Cassian
Hey... you're really drunk already
Cassian tried to calm himself down, but the atmosphere didn't give him a chance. Elio suddenly hugged Cassian in a very spontaneous gesture.
Cassian
Wait! Hey, what are you doing?!
The sudden hug made them lose their balance. Their bodies fell to the floor, with Cassian on his back and Elio on top of him.
Cassian
Ow! Hey, let go of me!
(grimacing in pain)
Elio
No way! It's warm. I won't let you go, sir
(hugging tighter)
Cassian tried to struggle, but Elio's embrace grew tighter. The man really didn't give him any room to move.
Cassian
Hey, you're drunk. So better keep your distance from me, or you'll suffer the consequences! Now get up and get away from me!
Elio
Why do I have to get up? This position is very comfortable. Besides, it's too cold in this room, and the woolen cloth we're using isn't enough to keep us both warm. But cuddling like this... is much warmer
(in a spoiled voice)
Cassian fell silent, his body stiff. He felt his heart beating faster and faster. Elio's attitude was completely unexpected.
Cassian
You don't realize what you're doing
(trying to calm down)
Elio
Of course I realize. I hugged you because I felt comfortable
(smiling while looking at Cassian intently)
Cassian stared at Elio's face that was only a few inches away from his. In the midst of nervousness, he suddenly realized something. Elio looked... cuter than before.
Cassian
Is it the wine... or have you always been like this? So cute?
(muttering softly)
Elio
What do you mean, you think I'm cute?
(stroking Cassian's hair gently)
Cassian was getting more and more confused. In a situation like this, Elio actually looks relaxed, even like he's enjoying the moment.
Cassian
Never mind, this doesn't make sense. Let me go right now
(looking away)
Elio
No, I won't. You're warm, sir
Cassian felt desperate. He tried to calm himself down again, but Elio's attitude of continuing to hug him made his mind even more chaotic.
Cassian
Hey... you're really going to drive me crazy
Elio
Well then, let me drive you even crazier
(chuckles)
Cassian was speechless. He could only surrender, letting Elio keep holding him, while hoping that the man would soon sober up from his drunkenness. But strangely, in the corner of his heart, Cassian didn't want this moment to end.
Cassian swallowed. He felt his breathing start to quicken. This situation really made him uncomfortable, but he tried hard to remain calm.
Elio
Sir... do you mind if we stay like this? At least until our condition feel better?
(whispering softly)
Cassian was silent. His mind was racing, but he knew Elio wouldn't listen to his reasoning at all. After a while, he finally let out a long breath.
The atmosphere turned silent. The two of them lay on the floor in silence, with Elio hugging Cassian tightly. Cassian sighed deeply, having to admit that this condition did make his body warmer than before.
Cassian turned his head slowly to check on Elio's condition. The man had begun to calm down, even now closing his eyes. His face looked peaceful, as if he was enjoying a deep sleep.
Cassian tried not to think about it. He decided to follow suit by closing his eyes and resting. But before he could fall asleep, he was startled by Elio's sudden movement.
Cassian
Wow, hey?!
(surprised)
Elio's hand slipped inside Cassian's clothes, making him stiff. Cassian immediately grabbed Elio's wrist to stop him.
Cassian
Don't touch my body carelessly!
Elio
But your body feels much warmer to the touch
(smile faintly)
Cassian fell silent, his eyes widening in disbelief at what he had just heard.
Cassian
I'm serious! Don't do that!
(trying to pull Elio's hand)
Elio
Why are you making so much noise? I just want to make sure I'm not cold anymore
(looking at Cassian with half-closed eyes)
Cassian
If you're cold, use your own body! Don't touch me like this!
(face turns red)
Cassian felt his face getting hotter, either from anger or embarrassment. Meanwhile, Elio just smiled a little, as if unaware of the mess he had created.
Elio
You're very cute, sir. Always stiff like this
(whispering playfully)
Cassian
I'm not stiff! I just... I just don't like being touched carelessly!
(grumbling)
Elio just chuckled, then leaned his head back on Cassian's chest. Cassian let out a long sigh, giving up on fighting back.
Cassian
You're really going to drive me crazy with all your actions in this drunken state...
(whispering softly)
Elio didn't respond, seeming to have fallen back asleep. Cassian stared at the ceiling with a tired look, trying to forget the incident just now. But in his heart, something warm and strange began to grow-something he wasn't ready to admit.
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