Page 26 of Hansen

Evan’s stomach growled in response.His cheeks flushed, but he managed a small smile.“That’s amazing, Hansen.Thank you.”

Having prepped ahead, it didn’t take long for Hansen to get their meal ready.Evan sat at the kitchen island and watched him, not saying anything.Hansen left him with his thoughts.He had no doubt Evan needed time after today, and the silence in the room wasn’t awkward or heavy.Hansen liked that they could spend time together like this.They didn’t need words or explanations.Their silence was filled with unspoken words and shared experiences.

Evan appeared more relaxed by the time they sat down to eat.The air smelled divine, and even though Hansen’s day hadn’t been as emotionally charged as Evan’s, he was starving and happy to keep up the silence for a little while longer.Hansen poured them both a glass of wine, hoping it would help Evan relax even more.

“How are you feeling?”Hansen eventually asked, breaking the silence.

Evan swallowed a bite of pasta.“Better, I think.It’s just a little hard to untangle everything right now.But being here with you helps, and I’m glad I could give Davey space.”

Hansen reached across the table, taking Evan’s hand in his.“You don’t have to untangle anything tonight.Just eat, relax, and focus on yourself.”

Evan nodded and returned to his meal.He was smiling now, which was good.

After dinner, Hansen cleared the dishes, insisting that Evan relax on the couch.He could feel Evan watching him move around the kitchen, but he didn’t mind.It would take them some time to be comfortable together, but this was a good start.

When the kitchen was spotless, Hansen returned to Evan.He wasn’t done taking care of his mate.

“How do you feel about taking a bath?”Hansen offered.“Then we can go to bed or watch TV.Whatever you want.”

Evan hesitated for a moment, then nodded.It felt like a step in the right direction for their relationship, but Hansen would do whatever he could to keep him comfortable.

Hansen led Evan to the bathroom upstairs.He wasn’t one for baths, so he’d only used it once since he’d moved in.He’d found sitting in the water awkward and boring, but after meeting Evan, he’d bought a few things, just in case Evan enjoyed it more than he did.

He left Evan in his bedroom and went to start the water in the tub.Once the water was warm, he plugged the tub and grabbed the lavender bath bomb he’d bought.He dropped it in, then gathered a bunch of soft towels.

Once Hansen had everything, he inspected the room.Steam rose from the slightly purple water, and the scent of lavender was light in the air.He hoped it would help Evan relax.

“Take your time,” Hansen whispered as Evan walked into the bathroom.“I’ll be in the bedroom if you need me.”

Hansen retreated, leaving Evan alone.He didn’t know how long Evan would be in the bathroom, but he wanted everything to be ready for him when he was done.

He turned on the light on the nightstand instead of the bright overhead light.He opened the bed and cracked the window open so they could get some fresh air.He turned the TV on but kept the volume low.

Evan hadn’t brought any clothes with him today, so Hansen grabbed a pair of pajama pants and a t-shirt from his dresser.He couldn’t hear anything in the bathroom, so he knocked and waited for Evan to answer.

“Yes?”

Hansen cracked the door open and peeked.“Thought you might need these,” he said softly, holding up the folded clothes.

Evan looked up.“Thank you, Hansen.”He paused.“For everything.”

Hansen smiled, his heart swelling at Evan’s vulnerability.“Always, Evan.You deserve every bit of care I can give.”And he intended to continue until Evan was sick of him.

He hoped it never happened.

As Hansen turned to leave again, Evan’s voice stopped him.“Stay with me,” he murmured.“Please.”

Hansen hesitated, but he could never say no to his mate.He nodded, sat on the edge of the tub, and reached out to lightly trail his fingers over Evan’s shoulder.He was taking a risk, but he didn’t think that Evan would push him away.“Tell me what you need.”

Evan took a deep breath and looked at Hansen.“I need to feel close to you.Connected.But not...that.Not yet.”

Hansen’s expression softened, understanding dawning.“Whatever you’re ready for.”

Evan nodded, his body relaxing further under Hansen’s touch.He reached out, his hand finding Hansen’s to intertwine their fingers.The connection between them was strong, even without a full bond.

“Kiss me,” Evan whispered, his voice barely audible.

Hansen leaned in, his lips brushing against Evan’s as gently as he could.The kiss was slow, deliberate, filled with the weight of everything Hansen hadn’t yet told Evan.It was a promise of more, a confirmation of their bond, and that he’d take care of Evan until the day he died.

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