Ethlando enjoyed the feeling of being taken care of. Tonight, Halueth had abandoned his usual stubbornness and reserve, opening up to him for the first time. This version of Halueth made him even more infatuated and made him feel that his persistent pursuit had finally received a response.
Afterward, they lay back in bed. The restless night from the previous night and their exertions tonight left Halueth feeling exhausted. He was very sleepy but still rubbed his eyes and asked Ethlando, "Is your hand still hurting? Is it serious?"
"If baby says 'I love you' again, it won't hurt anymore." He looked at Halueth with a meaningful smile, his gaze fixed on him.
Halueth remained noncommittal but intentionally turned over, refusing to engage with him.
Ethlando snuggled up to him, refusing to let go, and continued to call him affectionate names like "wife" and "baby."
His tone was intimate and filled with ambiguity.
