The door to the mountain cabin swung open as Bull carried Drake inside, cradling him gently like a groom carrying his bride over the threshold. The cabin was cold, dark, and unlit, a stark contrast to the warmth and tension between the two men.
Bull sat down on the couch, holding Drake in his arms. Drake was shaking, trembling violently. The aftereffects of adrenaline, alcohol, tear gas, and ether all washed over his body at once.
Bull held Drake tightly, rocking him back and forth like a father soothing his child. "There, there. Bull's got you," he murmured, his voice a low rumble of reassurance. He patted Drake's hair softly and gently. "You're safe now. Bull's got you. You're safe."
"Bull…" Drake managed to whisper between distraught gasps.
"Shh, shh. It's okay." Bull held Drake closer, his embrace a fortress of protection. "It's okay. Bull's got you. You're safe now."
"William." Drake's voice was soft, his eyes bloodshot and his face streaked with tears.
Bull stiffened at the sound of his given name. It had been a long time since anyone called him that, and only his mother had ever used it. He looked down at Drake, whose face was etched with regret and sorrow.
"I'm sorry," Drake managed between heartfelt gasps. "I was wrong. I was so scared, Bull. I've never been so scared in all my life, in all the timelines I've traveled to, in all my journeys. Never have I been more terrified of a literal fate worse than death."
Bull patted him gently, still holding him tightly. "It's over. You're safe now."
Drake continued his heartfelt confession, his voice trembling. "I should never have said those things. Or did those things to you." He lifted a soft hand to the large man's cheek, resting it on Bull's beard, commanding the giant's full and undivided attention. "You have saved my life countless times now. You've shown me nothing but protection, kindness, and love."
Their eyes locked in an eternal gaze, each peering deeply into the other's soul.
Drake took a deep breath, summoning the courage to confess his emotions. "And if being yours means safety in these arms, then I'll pay whatever it takes to stay safe wrapped in them." He exhaled, his gaze unwavering. "I now understand there are far worse prices to pay and far worse ways to pay them."
Bull let out a soft exhale, their eyes still locked on each other. "Does that mean you want me to make you mine, boy?"
Drake rested one hand on Bull's chest, feeling the steady heartbeat beneath. "Bull, I never want to leave your side again." He guided Bull's hand to his rear, his touch firm and deliberate. "Make me yours, Bull. Make me yours."
Their faces inched closer, breaths mingling as anticipation hung thick in the air. Finally, they leaned in, their lips meeting in the most passionate kiss either of them had ever experienced. The world outside the cabin ceased to exist; all that mattered was the intense, undeniable connection between them.
Drake's fingers tangled in Bull's hair, pulling him closer as the kiss deepened. Bull's strong arms enveloped Drake, holding him as if he would never let go. The kiss was a promise, a seal on the bond that had been forged between them through trials, danger, and now, undeniable love.
As they pulled back, their foreheads resting against each other, both men knew that this moment marked the beginning of something profound. In the safety of Bull's arms, Drake had found not just protection, but a love that transcended time and space. And in Drake's vulnerability, Bull had found a purpose, a reason to be more than just a lone wanderer.
"I'm yours," Drake whispered, his voice steady and sure.
"And I'm yours," Bull replied, his voice equally firm, and then a devilish grin creeped across the giant's face, "But just wait Boy. I'm not finished with you yet. I still gotta make you mine."