Jake: was still floored by the fact that he was actually having this conversation with Eli but it felt good to finally get the words off his chest. Now that everything was out in the open he knew going forward would be much easier. He had all the reassurance in the world now that Eli wouldn't run off and also that Eli would never harm him. Jake trusted Eli entirely, but given the fact that his own father caused him harm, Jake learned long ago that those closest to you were still capable of doing damage. But he needed to believe that everything would work out for them. Eli mattered far too much for the two of them to ever break apart from one another. He nodded, knowing that Eli was being rational. But a part of Jake was still foolishly optimistic. He was wrapped in his thoughts as Eli put on his boxers, still feeling bad for the fact that they weren't able to take that step tonight because of his news. His cheeks warmed at the soft kiss Eli planted on his skin. "I honestly don't know what I'd do without you, E. Meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me." Jake accepted the shirt and slipped it on, feeling relieved to be covered up. He leaned in and kissed Eli's lips, cupping the boy's face before resting his forehead against his. Jake's eyes closed as he breathed Eli in. "I love you so much, Elijah."
Eli: felt that being intimate with one another could be done another day. There was no rush for it and in his eyes, what they were speaking out with one another was a greater form of intimacy than being physical ever could. Eli was getting a glimpse of Jake that he hadn't shown anyone since his ex, and with that situation, it clearly hadn't gone well. He couldn't imagine the toll that hiding such a huge secret could take on him. It made Jake's compassionate, lighthearted nature even more admirable. Eli didn't think that he'd be able to live the same way if he'd been in Jake's shoes. The abuse would have hardened him far too much to be kind. And yet Jake was perhaps the most gentle person he'd ever known. Smiling widely at all of Jake's words, Eli brushed his nose a few times against his, squeezing his boyfriend's hands firmly. This felt like having a soulmate, having a family, and having a best friend. The difficulty of their circumstances didn't make a difference. "I'll always love you, promise."













