The gentle kiss was no less passionate. In fact, in many ways, it seemed even more so. It was a different type of intimacy, and something more than frantic fumbling in a dark room. It was the kind of kiss Hakkai had missed, even if he hadn't realized it until now. The words weren't necessary. They were obvious in the kiss.

It meant more than hearing them spoken aloud.

Each brush against sensitive scars and tense skin left prickles of fire in their way that threatened to thaw his chill soul a bit more. He met the touches with a low groan as he shifted against Gojyo, hands clutching at his shirt.