Kareem sat up in bed, his legs tangled in the sheets, and his back pressed against the headboard. He couldn't look at Santi, not after what had just happened. His mind was still reeling from everything, and his body felt like it was buzzing, too sensitive for comfort. He pulled the blanket up, covering himself, his fingers gripping the fabric like it could shield him from what he was feeling.
Santi, on the other hand, seemed unbothered. He was lounging back against the pillows, his chest bare and the sheets half-draped over his legs. He looked at Kareem, a teasing smile playing at the corner of his lips, but it wasn't mocking-more like soft affection.
Kareem finally glanced up, meeting Santi's eyes for just a second before quickly looking away. His stomach twisted into knots, and his throat felt tight. He didn't know what to say or how to feel.
Santi let out a low chuckle. "You okay, papi?"
Kareem shifted uncomfortably, his face flushing. "I'm fine," he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. His fingers twisted into the sheets nervously.
Santi raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening as he leaned closer, resting on one arm. "Nah, you're not fine. You're real quiet, like a whole different person now."
Kareem could feel his chest tightening as Santi's gaze stayed on him, like he could see right through him. He felt exposed, vulnerable in a way he wasn't used to. "I... I don't know," he mumbled, his words tumbling out awkwardly. He didn't even know why he was acting this way. Maybe it was the intensity of everything, or maybe it was just Santi.
Santi's expression softened, and he moved a little closer, his hand resting gently on Kareem's knee. "What's wrong, papi? You acting all shy now." He looked at him with concern, not teasing, but genuine. "Why are you acting like this? My poor baby... you're making me worry."
Kareem shook his head, not knowing how to explain it. "I don't know. I guess I didn't think... it'd feel like this." His voice was barely above a whisper. He wasn't used to talking about his feelings, especially not with someone like Santi. "It's just... a lot."
Santi's fingers brushed against Kareem's cheek, gently lifting his chin so he could look at him. His gaze was soft now, the teasing replaced with something tender. "It's okay to feel that way, papi. I'm not going anywhere," he said softly, his thumb tracing Kareem's bottom lip.
Kareem finally dared to look up at him, his eyes flicking between Santi's face and his lips. He felt the heat rise again, and he couldn't help but glance down at the way Santi's fingers lingered on his skin.
"You're not mad?" Kareem asked, voice hesitant. He was still trying to wrap his head around everything that had happened.
Santi chuckled lightly, his voice low and soothing. "Mad? Nah, papi. I'm not mad. You don't gotta be shy around me like this." He smirked. "You act like I'm gonna bite you or something."
Kareem bit his lip, trying not to smile. The way Santi was acting-so calm and gentle-was making it harder for him to stay nervous. But it wasn't easy. There was still this weird tension inside him, like he was unsure of what came next, unsure of how to act now that things were different.
"C'mere," Santi said, his voice more serious now as he patted the bed next to him. "Don't make me beg for your attention, papi. You know I don't do that."
Kareem hesitated, but the warmth in Santi's voice was impossible to ignore. Slowly, he scooted closer, not fully meeting Santi's eyes, but closer enough that the distance between them felt a little smaller.
Santi wrapped an arm around him as soon as he was close enough, pulling him into his side, and Kareem stiffened for a second. It wasn't that he didn't want to be close to Santi-he did-but the sudden wave of intimacy hit him all at once. His heart was beating so loud in his chest, and his palms were sweating.
"Look at me," Santi said softly, lifting Kareem's chin again, forcing him to meet his eyes. "You really don't have to be shy with me. I'm here, ain't I? I told you, I got you, always."
Kareem bit his lip, feeling the weight of Santi's words sink in. He couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips, even though it was barely there. "I know," he whispered, his voice soft and unsure.
Santi chuckled, squeezing him tighter, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "That's my boy. You don't gotta be scared, papi. I won't bite. Well... not unless you want me to," he added with a wink, making Kareem roll his eyes but feel a little lighter at the teasing.
Kareem let out a small laugh, the tension in his shoulders easing just a little. "You're impossible," he muttered, his hand resting against Santi's chest.
Santi smiled, the expression soft and genuine. "I'm just tryna make sure you know you're safe here, papi. Ain't no reason to be nervous. You're mine now, yeah?"
Kareem swallowed, his heart fluttering. "Yeah," he whispered, feeling the heat in his chest, the confusion melting away bit by bit.
Santi kissed the top of his head again. "Good. Now, relax. We can take it slow. No rush, okay?"
Kareem nodded, feeling the nervousness start to melt away as he laid his head against Santi's chest. He still felt like he was adjusting, like everything was new and overwhelming, but Santi's steady presence made him feel like maybe he could breathe a little easier.
And for the first time in a while, he allowed himself to close his eyes and just... feel.