AA Chapter 10.2

Chicago. Amber liked that city. From its unique pronunciation that came from Native American language to the always crowded roads, the night view of downtown, and the bridges that gave an illusion of being isolated from the world – he liked it all. Tennessee’s accent when pronouncing Chicago was no exception. Strangely, Tennessee had no accent. Despite being named Tennessee, there was not a trace of the characteristic drawling Southern accent. Had he never had it or did he get rid of it? Even though he had no way to know that, Amber had many questions.

“We’ve arrived.”

Amber, who had parked the car, gently woke Tennessee up with a soft touch. Tennessee had fallen asleep again.

“I’ll get the wheelchair.”

“I don’t need it.”

“Yes, you do.”

If you don’t want the wheelchair, shall I carry you instead?

Tennessee, who had been openly frowning, reluctantly got into the wheelchair with a resigned face because he knew that if it were up to Amber, he would really try to carry him. And knowing Amber, he would probably do so willingly and even enjoy it. While Tennessee, now seated in the wheelchair, moved his hands, Amber effortlessly transferred the luggage.

Tennessee was taken aback by the amount of luggage in Amber’s hands. Since his stay at the hospital wasn’t long, he was surprised by how much stuff there was. For someone like Tennessee, who always lived minimally, it was especially shocking that most of this luggage belonged to him.

Of course, Tennessee hadn’t bought any of it; most of it was purchased by Amber. Looking at all the luggage, Tennessee thought that perhaps the total belongings from all the places he’d ever lived wouldn’t add up to this much.

“Throw them away.”

He meant he didn’t need to bring everything since it would be difficult for  him, but Amber looked at Tennessee as if he were the century’s worst murderer.

“…You don’t want them?”

Unable to say that he probably wouldn’t use most of it anyway, Tennessee decided to not respond at all.

Naturally, it took Amber quite a while to organize all the luggage. Watching Amber, Tennessee felt that he wasn’t just tidying up but rather infusing the house with a ‘human touch.’

Amber’s way of organizing was different from Tennessee’s. Tennessee’s method was simple: everything in its place, tables, window sills, dining tables, and kitchen counters completely empty.

However, Amber didn’t try to put away everything that was in front just like that. So there were always things that might be frequently used placed on the kitchen counter or dining table.

Perhaps this is what they mean by a human touch. Seeing these trivial objects made Tennessee think so.

By the time Amber finished his work, the sun had already set.

“Can I take a shower?”

Amber asked while wiping the sweat running down his chin with his shoulder, and Tennessee nodded. In the faint sound of running water, Tennessee watched TV for the first time in a while. An NFL game was in full swing.

“So you are American after all.”

Amber approached from behind the sofa while drying his hair.

What do you mean by that?

Tennessee’s expression became enigmatic.

“I thought you wouldn’t be interested in this kind of thing.”

“I’m not.”

“Did you turn it on because you were bored?”

Not fully dried water droplets fell onto Tennessee’s shoulders and head like a light shower. It was cold, yet strangely refreshing.

Amber leaned his arms over the back of the couch where Tennessee was resting. His skin, cooler than usual, touched Tennessee’s neck and ears.

“Aren’t you hungry? Should we order something?”

“No.”

Tennessee spoke rigidly and changed the channel. He had the illusion that Amber’s skin touching him was getting progressively colder.

“It’s late, shouldn’t you go?”

“I can’t.”

The answer came out as if he had been waiting for this.

“Why?”

Then came the gentle voice from above.

“Elizabeth told me not to. David too, told me to move out. We’re not on good terms because I didn’t apply to Michigan or Dartmouth.”

Knowing well the immense love Amber’s adoptive parents had for him, Tennessee’s expression changed. Just in the past few weeks, how many times had his adoptive parents visited Amber?

“Give me your phone.”

“…No. The battery’s dead so it’s off.”

Right after saying that, a vibration rang out from somewhere. It was from Amber’s pants pocket. There was no change in Tennessee’s expression, but it felt as though the temperature around them had dropped by five degrees.

“Hand it over.”

“No.”

Amber threw himself onto the adjacent couch to avoid having his phone taken away and curled up.

“Give it to me.”

“Absolutely not. Bring a warrant.”

Warrant, my foot. Looking at Amber curled up like an armadillo, Tennessee fell into contemplation. Even though he wasn’t in the best physical condition, Tennessee could easily overpower Amber. But he didn’t want to do that to him.

Fine. Tennessee gave up easily.

“So I can sleep here, right?”

Amber asked with shining eyes after safely hiding his phone. An indecipherable soft sigh fell. With an attitude that could be either acceptance or resignation, Tennessee waved his hand dismissively.

He never thought he could easily get rid of him in the first place. Besides, he had become used to his presence after being together for the past few weeks.

After thinking that far, Tennessee lowered the TV volume. Slightly furrowing his brow, Tennessee turned to Amber, who was still squirming like a caterpillar.

“…Don’t you have school?”

It wasn’t vacation, yet Amber was leisurely sticking around. Unless it was to fetch some belongings or handle important matters, he practically lived at the hospital with Tennessee.

“I took a temporary leave.”

“You dropped out?”

“No, just a leave.”

“How?”

Tennessee knew about gap years but it was his first time hearing about being able to take breaks freely while in college.

“I told them I’m a dual citizen of Vietnam and the US, and that Vietnam has mandatory military service so I have to go. They gave me the leave right away.”

“…You’re Vietnamese?”

Amber had typical white features despite his black hair. Unable to hide his surprise at this unexpected information, Tennessee asked, and Amber smiled gently.

“Tennessee, you’re so naive if you believe that. I’ve never even been to Vietnam. Me, Vietnamese? People from that country would laugh.”

“I found out there aren’t as many countries with mandatory military service as I thought. But countries like Korea and Israel are even stricter…” From Amber’s detailed explanation, Tennessee realized, though he didn’t know the specifics, that this leave wasn’t obtained through legal means.

When asked how he managed the documentation, Amber awkwardly averted his gaze and changed the subject.

“It feels so nice to be back after a long time.”

“…”

“And I was thinking about it anyway. I was thinking about changing my major.”

Amber said that although his grades were good, he originally wanted to pursue a different path. Unlike in the past, Amber didn’t talk much about himself anymore, as if implying Tennessee shouldn’t either, given how little he had shared despite Tennessee’s curiosity, so this was rare.

“I’m not sure. But at the time, I thought this major would be… useful to me in many ways.”

Had Tennessee lacked perception, he might have asked about Amber’s major. But detecting danger in Amber’s gently curved smile, Tennessee refrained from asking further. Amber added one more thing.

“I’ll just say that I went through many changes of heart during the two years you abandoned me.”

…Does Amber’s university even have a criminology-related major?

“I’m not sure if this major will be necessary for me in the future. I just hope it won’t be.”

Law school would require a bachelor’s degree. So it must be criminal justice after all. Maybe computer science or political diplomacy, international studies…

“If not that, what would you like to study?”

“Medical school.”

Tennessee imagined Amber in scrubs or a white coat. It suited him quite well. He would probably make an attractive doctor.

“But lately I’ve been drawn to psychology too…”

“Just pick one,” Tennessee said in an annoyed tone, and Amber burst out laughing, saying it was a joke. However, when Amber said ‘I just hope it won’t be necessary,’ anyone could see he was serious.

They went for a morning walk with Tennessee in his wheelchair. It was a nice day. When the cool breeze blew, the leaves made pleasant sounds as they hit against each other.

Walking slowly along the path, they exchanged trivial conversations. Since Amber didn’t share much about himself, most of the dialogue consisted of Amber asking questions and Tennessee answering. They were mostly simple, small questions suitable for a morning walk.

If you drink milk, do you prefer skim, 1%, or 2%? That kind of conversation. I really don’t care. When Tennessee said that, Amber kept pressing for an opinion, saying there must be things you prefer less and more.

“I just drink whichever.”

While giving any answer just to get by, light footsteps approached from behind. It was a woman jogging. As she passed by, she greeted them.

“Good morning.”

Amber responded with a formal smile.

“Good morning.”

The woman, her tightly tied red hair flowing, ran past them, and then twenty minutes later, passing them on her second lap, she spoke to them. Amber and Tennessee were in the middle of discussing whether bacon should be crispy or not.

“You’re the new people who moved in, right?”

“Yeah.”

Amber, annoyed that the bacon discussion had been interrupted, replied shortly without even glancing at the woman. Normally, when people asked questions like that, it led to a few pointless back-and-forths—things like, “Where did you live before?” But Tennessee, sitting in his wheelchair, stayed just as quiet.

Tennessee, who had been leaning his head back feeling the cool breeze, only moved his eyes to look at the woman. His gaze was expressionless.

Two men of similar age. Living together with one in a wheelchair. Not an easily forgettable combination. Having thought that far, Tennessee readily spoke up.

“Do you live in this neighborhood?”

“Yes, I’ve lived here since middle school. I went to high school in a different county though.”

The woman answered with a bright smile.

This woman. If you’re going to exercise, just focus on your jogging whether there’s a wheelchair or a submarine passing by.

Amber’s lips tightened, aware of how perfectly ordinary and gentle Tennessee appeared to others. They were now making light conversation.

“It’s been raining a lot lately. Fortunately it wasn’t a tornado.”

“Yeah, I heard other states have already had hurricanes.”

“Tennessee.”

Amber stopped abruptly, cutting off the woman’s words. The woman who had been jogging lightly beside them also slowed down.

Amber contemplated for 0.5 seconds. But the contemplation didn’t last long.

“Don’t have too much fun chatting. It makes me jealous.”

Tennessee’s eyebrows went up and confusion spread across the woman’s face. Amber turned the wheelchair around right then. Tennessee couldn’t help but smirk.

“See you later.”

Without a trace of humor, Amber bid her farewell—a minimal courtesy expected of a modern citizen living in a civilized society.

“Next time, we just need to put up a notice. ‘The two on the Nth floor are gay.’ Like that.”

Tennessee mocked as soon as they entered the house.

“That’s a great idea. I’ll go print about two hundred copies right now. Should I distribute them to the neighboring county too?”

Amber knew he had acted impulsively, but that didn’t make him feel any better. Why was Tennessee so kind to everyone except him? He didn’t need to be nice to anyone.

“Don’t act recklessly.”

Seated on the couch, Tennessee stared intently as Amber tidied the wheelchair. Sensing the gaze, Amber turned around. His red lips disappeared briefly behind white teeth before reappearing.

“Try saying ‘good morning.'”

Amber urged.

“To me, right now.”

“…Good morning.”

“Not like that.”

‘Good afternoon, Officer.’

Tennessee could be as polite as he wanted.

‘He’s so thoughtful and empathetic, he seems like a good adult.’

That’s what Elizabeth had said about Tennessee once.

If he wanted, he could listen to anyone’s story and empathize.

“…No, I’m sorry for being childish.”

“Good morning, Amber.”

He didn’t say it in a bright tone, but Tennessee clearly said the words in his own voice.

“I don’t know why this is so important to you.”

Tennessee’s tone implied he was doing it because Amber wanted him to.

‘…I didn’t want to hurt you, of all people.’

Amber was certain that something was definitely changing.

“…Uhm,”

Amber knelt down to match Tennessee’s eye level on the sofa.

Tennessee only had a faint mint scent from brushing his teeth. Although he was hesitating, Amber moved closer to him. Eyelids moved, revealing clear pupils. He didn’t know if this was okay. He honestly didn’t know.

Amber had the strange experience of his mind going blank despite being full of all sorts of thoughts. He closed his eyes. Warm sunlight tinted his vision.

Trembling lips met.

“…Ah.”

Amber bit his lip, releasing a breath full of tension. They had touched. Warm breath met at the tip of his nose, and he had definitely lowered his lips onto his.

Is he disgusted? Will he yell at me to leave immediately?

Such worries made Amber’s hands tremble slightly. In that brief moment, Amber searched for any sign, as if not wanting to miss even the slightest change in Tennessee’s expression.

There wasn’t much reaction from Tennessee. Somehow, he felt he had experienced such urgency before. As Amber desperately pressed his lips against Tennessee’s, he recalled a moment from the past. It seemed like when he had first answered his question. Reflecting on it, Tennessee had always been subtly affectionate.

Terribly so. Just like now.

Amber sucked on Tennessee’s lower lip deeply and exhaled a shallow breath. He was afraid to look into Tennessee’s eyes. He pushed his tongue deep into his mouth, parting his moistened lips. His whole body trembled. He pressed his body close to him sitting on the sofa. At some point, his back was completely buried in the sofa’s backrest.

“Haa… Tennessee…”

Amber lowered his eyes after separating their lips. Then, unable to resist, he pressed his lips to Tennessee’s neck. The image of Tennessee he had caught in that moment wouldn’t leave his mind, so Amber tightly closed his eyes and practically buried his lips in Tennessee’s skin.

“Haah…”

Tennessee’s lips were redder than usual, his usual firmness softened. Though not as breathless as Amber, Tennessee was also panting heavily.

“Haa, ha-, Tennessee… feels so good… Put your tongue in my mouth too.”

Amber whispered, parting his lips. Their breaths collided, and as Tennessee tilted his head, his lower lip met Amber’s. A tongue entered. Hnnng… Amber let out a moan that sounded like a whimper.

“My tongue, suck it harder. Please suck harder.”

When Tennessee tried to bite his lips, Amber quickly pleaded. Tennessee’s lowered eyelashes created dark shadows. Tennessee’s concentrated face was maddeningly erotic. It felt like he could cum just from having his tongue sucked properly.

Hot breaths scattered. Breathing so heavily made his head dizzy. Trembling, Amber hugged Tennessee. Then, seeing Tennessee clench his fist in pain, he immediately loosened his grip. Amber touched down Tennessee’s broad shoulders, firm back, following the smooth contours of his torso and waistline. Firm muscles and hip bones could be felt under his palm.

Exhaling the breath that had risen to his chin, Amber looked down at Tennessee with trembling eyes. A look asking for permission. Then Amber moistened his tongue and slowly lowered his body. Amber’s hand moved toward the front of Tennessee’s sweatpants.

Like saving the most delicious part for last, Amber focused only on the knot in front of him, not placing his hand on Tennessee’s important area. Being out of his mind, his entire arms were trembling with tension rather than just his fingertips.

Tennessee stopped Amber’s hands*. Ah…* Amber let out a small moan revealing his disappointment. While listening to the lingering moan, Tennessee easily untied the knot with one hand. And then he stopped moving his hand. As if saying ‘try taking them off.’

Amber’s Adam’s apple bobbed greatly. When he grabbed the waistband and pulled down, Tennessee slightly lifted his hips to help the movement. Now all that remained on Tennessee’s lower body was his boxers.

Amber had seen Tennessee in underwear several times before. Tennessee never wore clothes to sleep, and even after showering, he would come out of the bathroom wearing just underwear without a care. It seemed he was used to coming out completely naked, as Amber had seen his butt through the door gap before. However, Amber had never seen Tennessee’s complete nudity. He had only imagined his body until now.

Before removing Tennessee’s boxers, Amber nervously glanced around as his own erection under his pants was too obviously noticeable.

Tennessee didn’t say anything, but his eyes were full of passion.

This was a first. Amber had always imagined Tennessee like this—reacting to him, seductive, brimming with emotion and desire.

The black underwear finally slid down his thighs.

“Aah…”

As if enchanted, Amber lowered his head and pressed his firm bridge of nose against his crotch. Though the familiar male scent emanated from Tennessee, Amber felt no repulsion.

His cock, slightly darker than his skin tone, was half-erect. The round glans was swollen above the well-shaped penis that wasn’t particularly curved. It was large even though blood hadn’t fully rushed to it yet. It was already too big to easily fit in his mouth, but that fact only made his head burn hotter and his vision spin halfway.

“Hah…”

A moan burst from Tennessee above Amber’s head. Amber pounced greedily and pursed his lips.

Amber didn’t even have experience with kissing. Tennessee was his first. As such, he was clumsy, but his mouth was hot and Amber tried his best to give Tennessee pleasure. His movements clearly showed such desire.

“Open your mouth properly.”

After a few lazy sighs, Tennessee couldn’t help but speak up, as Amber’s teeth had grazed his skin several times.

Unlike the command, Tennessee’s hands were gentle. After gently making him open his lips, he held the back of his head as if embracing him. It was a touch that felt like Amber could push away at any time if he wanted to.

“You need to hold the tip well.”

Amber, who had been mindlessly thrusting and sucking into his throat, slowly released the cock. Fully erect, Tennessee allowed only the glans to remain inside Amber’s mouth.

“If it’s too much, you can take  it out.”

Amber expressed his intent with his eyes. To be considerate of Amber, Tennessee had to hold his own reins tightly. Beyond the soft tongue, the glans swollen hot pushed deep, brushing against the bumpy palate.

Tennessee had intended to pull out if Amber gagged, but instead, Amber opened his throat further and met his gaze fervently. Even with an erection in his mouth, sucking deeply, Amber’s handsome face and clear eyes remained striking, causing Tennessee’s arousal to rise chaotically. Breathing heavily with lust, Tennessee leaned back deeply into the sofa.

“Deeper, take it all the way in.”

Tennessee was a kind teacher and Amber was an enthusiastic student. As Amber grew accustomed to the hot penis, he tried moving his throat on his own. Tennessee stroked his head upwards in reverse.

Tennessee’s hand cupped the back of Amber’s head as if to say he was doing well. Even while gasping and sniffling from lack of air, Amber took Tennessee deep into the back of his throat. Hah… a moan brushed past his ear.

“You’re doing great.”

Encouraged, Amber moved his throat.

For Tennessee, it had been a long time since he’d had sexual stimulation. He hadn’t even masturbated while in the hospital, and before that he’d been too busy with work to even think about it. It felt like he would reach climax earlier than usual. His breathing grew rougher. Tennessee’s chin gradually tilted upward.

Sensing Tennessee’s reaction, Amber used both hands to move more quickly and blatantly, stimulating his pleasure.

Wet sounds echoed, and just as he was about to ejaculate, Amber suddenly pulled his head back.

Tennessee’s reddened member swayed as if in protest. Tennessee, who had been blocked just before coming, looked on with ragged breaths. Amber felt his entire body shiver under Tennessee’s focused gaze. Tennessee was completely fixated on him alone. To think he could be like this.

Yet even while feeling elated at his gaze, Amber remained stubborn.

“Don’t you have something to say to me?”

Amber’s lips were coated with a long trail of saliva. Tennessee’s eyes, his face redder than usual, scrutinized Amber thoroughly. Amber anxiously gauged his patience.

He still hadn’t said anything to him. Amber recalled countless days filled with tears and fear, overwhelmed by how Tennessee’s cowardice made him feel incomplete and insecure.

“You will fall in love with me.”

It was a prophecy.

Tennessee, his lips still wet from Amber’s mouth, simply looked down at him. Since Tennessee didn’t respond, since he didn’t give Amber the answer he desperately sought, Amber refused to let him come until the very end.

It was a clear resoluteness, learned from who knows where.

***

He had overslept. This happened sometimes when Amber was by his side. Tennessee looked at the piercing sunlight beyond the window and came out to the living room alone. A delicious smell wafted through the air.

Amber must have made breakfast again. It was always surprising how someone as sensitive as himself could sleep soundly while Amber clattered around alone in the kitchen.

Tennessee turned his head looking for signs of life, but the house was oddly quiet. When he went to the kitchen, there was food but no Amber.

“Amber.”

Tennessee called from the living room, but there was no answer. It was silent. Maybe he was avoiding him because of yesterday. No, Amber wasn’t the type to run away from such things. Running away was usually the method he himself chose. Maybe Amber had left to give him space, knowing that Tennessee might want to run away.

He checked his phone and saw a text message.

[I went out shopping, I’ll be back soon. What do you want for lunch?]

The tone was obviously affectionate. As Tennessee fiddled with the screen, he turned his head.

‘No, I won’t let you go if you don’t say it.’

‘Say what?’

‘Anything, as long as it’s sincere, tell me.’

‘…’

‘Stubborn as always.’

Amber then, as if to show off in front of Tennessee, lowered his pants and pulled out his erect penis. As if to tease Tennessee, who couldn’t dare to jack off in front of Amber, he shamelessly wrapped his hand around his cock and moved it. He didn’t hide his moans at all.

‘Hnngh… Ah, aah, it feels so good.’

Amber masturbating in front of Tennessee’s pitifully twitching penis was close to obscene. With his eyes reddened, he grabbed his penis and shook it in front of Tennessee. After rubbing the glans with his thumb, he firmly gripped the shaft to hold back the urge to cum. Watching Tennessee unable to take his eyes off him, he moved his hand relentlessly.

It was like vivid pornography, no, like being in Sodom and Gomorrah. It revealed the primal human nature of lust. Tennessee tried to consciously recall the young Amber to overcome his passion. Just as Tennessee’s arousal began to wane,

‘Don’t run away.’

Amber grabbed Tennessee’s chin with his hand, sticky with fluid. Amber commanded him to look at him. And then he moved his arm with bulging veins and soon let out a long moan as if he had burned up and turned to ashes.

That was his orgasm. The white fluid splashed onto Tennessee’s still erect dick, stomach, and chest. Breathing shakily, Amber gently kissed Tennessee’s chin. Without touching him until the end.

It was a battle of stubborness.

“…You’re crazy.”

Tennessee felt his heated cheeks and consciously turned his attention elsewhere. Amber’s message, still unanswered, remained on the screen.

[Anything. Whatever you want to eat.]

The reply came back immediately, as if he had been waiting.

[Shall we do meatloaf? Or how about the Philly cheese steak we had last time?]

It seemed to refer to the sandwich they had at the sandwich shop. Meatloaf would take more effort, so it might be better to just get takeout.

[Philly cheese steak. You took my card, right?]

Because Tennessee wouldn’t stop insisting, Amber had to use his card not only for grocery shopping but also for eating out and even for refueling.

[Yes. I still can’t believe I’m using your card every time.]

Tennessee had never used cards because of the payment records, but became accustomed to using them while working in security for a multinational company. Although the name on it was different as he was using an alias, it was a change that even the past Tennessee couldn’t have predicted.

[Do you need anything else?]

In a way, it was no different from how other people talk, but to Tennessee, it sounded like Amber’s kind and gentle voice. The form and nature were the same, but the meaning was different. For Tennessee, Amber and others had always been like that.

After sending a message saying that was enough, Tennessee turned around and discovered a paper on the kitchen counter.

It was a poster with the American flag drawn on it.

–Support Group for Veterans Overcoming PTSD–

Looking at the date, it was tomorrow. It seemed to be a support group in Chicago. He didn’t want to spend time sitting in a circle listening to stories of people he wasn’t interested in and wasting time that would be meaningless. It might be of great help to someone, but not to him. Tennessee folded the paper in half and put it down on the counter.

Not long after eating the prepared breakfast, Amber returned. Tennessee, who was in the room, could hear all the movements but felt awkward and didn’t come out to greet him. He had the somewhat foolish thought that he was like a dog waiting for its owner to return, something he had never experienced before.

The sound of the door opening, the busy sounds of putting purchased items one by one into the pantry and refrigerator filled the house.

Tennessee closed his eyes and thought about the days he should have lived. How contrasting those days were to now.

Do I have a fever? Tennessee put his hand on his forehead and stubbornly stayed in the room until the sounds subsided. As if knowing this well, Amber didn’t call for Tennessee.

By lunchtime, there was a PTSD self-diagnosis form.

Have you experienced or witnessed an event involving extreme fear, helplessness, or threat to life?

The questions began like that. Next to it was a neatly sharpened pencil. For some reason, the perfectly placed pencil irritated Tennessee’s defiance.

Just as Amber did with his cigarettes, Tennessee effortlessly snapped the pencil in half and placed it back.

By evening, there was a book.

[PTSD 101]

There was no need to even look at this. They say don’t judge a book by its cover, but in this case, the cover was the content. Tennessee threw it in the trash.

The clock showed 6 o’clock. Amber had gone out saying he had something to do and hadn’t returned yet. Today, Amber appeared and disappeared instantly like a house elf.

Have I made a mistake? Have I hurt him again?

Tennessee was lost in thought. Amber wouldn’t have left those PTSD-related stuff for no reason. Perhaps last night, he might have hurt Amber again. Maybe that’s why Amber was avoiding him.

How could he explain the shock and anger he had felt when Amber appeared with a bandaged finger? But the perpetrator was none other than himself.

“I bought chimichangas too.”

Amber appeared with Mexican food, calling it a late-night snack. Tennessee, who had been looking over documents, came out to the living room. Before greeting him, Tennessee carefully inspected Amber from head to toe, checking for hidden bruises, injuries, or signs of pain with keen, relentless eyes.

“Did you enjoy your dinner?”

Amber said he had made steak and green beans before going out. Then he went to the kitchen to check how much food was left.

“You ate a lot.”

Amber said, not hiding his excited mood, and Tennessee couldn’t shake the feeling of being treated like a newly adopted stray dog.

“What about the book?”

Amber, who had been looking around the kitchen counter, then noticed that Tennessee had thrown away the book and made a sad face.

“I paid 4 dollars for that.”

“I can give you 40 dollars.”

Amber sneered, saying he was solving things with money again.

“Good thing you have money. Otherwise, you’d have to sincerely apologize for all the countless wounds you’ve inflicted, Tennessee.”

It was scathing, but the tone wasn’t that bad. Tennessee retorted with “That’s high praise.” The dejected Amber put the chimichangas in the refrigerator.

“Did I cross the line?”

He asked as he stood up after putting away the food. It wasn’t about his sarcasm, but about the PTSD talk. Silently, Tennessee flipped through the documents, having already signed more than half.

“No… I just don’t feel like it.”

“I understand.”

It was a clean answer. When Tennessee gave Amber a look, he had a natural smile. It was just a plain smile without any ulterior motive, but a scene completely incompatible with the smiling lips came to mind.

‘Hnngh… Ah, aah, it feels so good.’

‘Amber.’

‘Tennessee… Ah, hah, I’m coming, in front of Tennessee, hah…!’

Fuck.

Tennessee repeatedly rubbed his forehead. He couldn’t explain why such a scene suddenly came to mind.

***

After doing rehabilitation exercises, his whole body felt drained. The rehab specialist said that he shouldn’t overdo the exercises and should give his body time to recover.

But Tennessee didn’t neglect his exercises even at home. Of course, Amber didn’t like Tennessee pushing his body to the limit. Amber was restless the whole time next to Tennessee as he exercised.

Despite Amber’s worried attempts to dissuade him several times, Tennessee planned to return his body to optimal condition as much as possible. Even though he didn’t miss any exercises he could do in his spare time, he felt that his whole body’s muscles weren’t as good as before. Even Amber said, “You’re less heavy than before.”

Even after his T-shirt was soaked with sweat, Tennessee continued exercising for a long time. Throwing off the clinging, wet T-shirt, Tennessee exhaled a long breath. His chest rose and fell steeply.

“Do you want some water?”

When Tennessee, sprawled on the floor, nodded, Amber handed him a glass of water.

As he got up and reached out, the cup touched his lips. Tennessee slowly drank the water. The sound of swallowing water was unusually loud. His Adam’s apple moved up and down repeatedly. Water that he couldn’t swallow in time flowed from his mouth and gathered on his chin. The gathered water mixed with sweat and fell onto his bare chest. The cold water falling on his skin, heated from exercise, felt pleasantly cold. The water that fell on his bare chest flowed along his abs and seeped into his waistline.

“I don’t want more.”

Tennessee said, pulling his head back. He lay down again, resting on his back. His breathing still hadn’t settled after holding his breath to drink water.

Amber, who had been staring at this sight, reached out his hand. Unlike Tennessee’s, a dry and warm thumb carefully touched his lips. Too weak to resist, Tennessee allowed it, and the thumb wiped away the water gathered on his lips and disappeared.

“Rest for a bit, then take a shower.”

He nodded at the kind voice. He needed to shower, but now he was suddenly overcome with drowsiness. Exhausting his body, combined with Amber’s presence, only made it worse.

I need to get up.

Tennessee, unlike usually, was gradually falling into the temptation of laziness.

“Tennessee.”

“Mm.”

I should get up. Thinking this, Tennessee struggled to raise his body. Then Amber, who had been crouching, also stood up. When the tall figure over 6 feet stood up, Tennessee noticed something in particular about Amber’s lower body. Beneath just a single layer of clothing, it looked significantly larger.

Tennessee wiped the sweat from around his eyes.

Amber had become blatantly hard while watching Tennessee pant during his workout.

“Kiss me.”

I should avoid this. Right now, we are…

Even while thinking he should end this ambiguous relationship, Tennessee faced Amber’s now familiar body heat.

As his lips parted, a warm tongue delved into his mouth. It entwined with Tennessee’s tongue and, as if pleading, gently, meltingly invaded his mouth. The wet sounds eerily entered his ears. Panting, Amber grabbed Tennessee’s shoulders and embraced him. Even the way he held Tennessee was both pitiful and cautious.

“Hah…”

They both exhaled rough sighs. Their eyes met. Tennessee became afraid to even imagine how he looked in Amber’s eyes.

Not avoiding Tennessee’s gaze, Amber lowered his pants. Amber’s penis, which had been hard since Tennessee was exercising, was messily wet at the tip.

As if it were the natural next step, Amber lowered his lips to Tennessee’s chest. His nose bridge touched the skin, and hot breath and full lips were crushed in turn. Tennessee shifted his shoulders.

“It must be dirty.”

“It’s not dirty at all.”

He couldn’t believe it himself. Amber deliberately put his nose close to Tennessee and took a deep breath, but there was no bad smell at all. Instead, there was a warm heat, and Tennessee’s unique body scent was even stronger.

Because he didn’t use perfume or strongly scented products, Amber could only smell his scent when embracing Tennessee deeply. Amber moved his head, exhaling a satisfied breath at the usually faint body scent that had become stronger.

Amber licked between the defined shadows of Tennessee’s abs and finally took the pale nipple he’d long wanted to taste into his mouth. Tennessee let out a heavy breath. As Amber teased the nipple with his tongue and tormented it persistently, his hand moved downward toward Tennessee. Fumbling slightly, he gauged Tennessee’s hardness through his pants—already half-erect. The fact that Tennessee was aroused because of him alone made Amber lose all rationality.

“Put it in my mouth.”

Fuck me to the back of my throat.

Amber’s reddened lips opened round. His red tongue peeked out. Tennessee flicked his tongue and quickly pulled out his fully erect cock. It was difficult at first, but after that, it became easy. Tennessee pushed the head into Amber’s hot mouth.

Although it was only his second time, Amber’s blowjob skills had already improved. That’s how sensitive Amber was to Tennessee’s pleasure.

Amber now knew in detail how Tennessee’s thighs trembled finely when he took the glans to the back of his throat and tightened, how he exhaled languid sighs and hot breaths.

Ah… How can it be like this?

Tennessee’s cock was moist and wet, but it only had its unique male smell, it wasn’t dirty at all. Moving his lips as if entranced, Amber closed his eyes. How can he be this perfect even here? It felt unreal.

Unlike the burning heat above, Amber caressed the cooler part below and grasped his own leaking erection. Matching the rhythm of his bulging veins, he moved his neck. Occasionally, Tennessee let out faint moans. Even running his fingers through Amber’s black hair felt good.

Tennessee’s moans grew louder and he pulled on the back of Amber’s neck. Amber pulled his body back.

“You still… haven’t said something to me.”

Saliva falling from his lips in a long strand touched the glans.

“The words you owe me.”

Owe, huh. Gripping his own cock, Tennessee rubbed the tip against Amber’s lips as if tracing them.

“Tennessee…”

Rubbing his forehead against Tennessee’s warm thighs, Amber moved his hand.

Say it quickly.

Amber began this silent urging. Not going near the twitching penis, he buried his nose in the soft flesh of the groin and sucked deeply. Amber moved his jaw with wet sounds.

Look at this.

You treat me like a child, yet here you are in my arms, reacting to me.

Amber put more strength into his moving hand.

The rhythmic, slick friction echoed loudly.

“Haa, aah…!”

Not knowing shame, without any sense of dignity or pride, Amber reached a bright climax, completely exposed under Tennessee’s gaze. Fluid burst out, staining Tennessee’s heavy, dangling balls and thighs. But Amber felt no shame. He spread his legs wide and proudly displayed his face, dazed from the orgasm.

“Haa…”

Breathing roughly, Amber rubbed his sweaty forehead.

Tennessee’s cock was still standing menacingly, just like before. Despite the heat rising and his cock protesting, Tennessee’s lips were still firmly sealed.

He was so cruel. But the victory was his.

Amber recalled that he had never lost once in his battles with Tennessee. It might not be a victory won fair and square, but isn’t a forfeit still a defeat in the end?

A languid smile rose on Amber’s wet lips.