Joss paced around the room, his eyes darting to the clock.
The hands moved at an unbearably slow pace, as if time itself were on a standstill. He and the staff had been waiting for over an hour, and he could feel their patience thinning, sighs and impatient chatter slowly rising in the room.
The day had started early, and the auditions for the second main lead of My Golden Blood had been long and draining. Joss, though he gave his best, had struggled to focus on any of the actors contending for the role. The director, even after Joss had suggested Gawin, had insisted on seeing more candidates. Ark had seemed surprised by the name. Tall, well-built, and masculine, Gawin was not what the director had pictured for the character. Tong, in question, was written as a young and innocent man, so naturally, Ark thought someone more delicate would portray him better. The parade of faces they had seen all day fit that mold: short men with soft and sometimes even androgynous features.
Gawin, though delicate in his own way, didn’t match that image. Ark had even suggested he play Nakan instead, a stronger and more mature character. But Joss had been adamant: Gawin should audition for Tong, his counterpart.
Now, as time passed with no news, doubt clawed at Joss’ confidence. Gawin had seemed eager when they had talked, but what if he had changed his mind?
The other actors hadn’t been bad. Some even had chemistry with him. Watching the tapes, Joss had to admit they looked good on screen. But this wasn’t about looking good. Joss wanted Gawin. He wanted the chance to share the screen with him as his partner.
Still, a gnawing fear lingered. What if the spark Joss felt whenever Gawin was near didn’t translate on camera? What if Ark was right? What if two tall, broad men couldn’t sell well? Joss knew it was nonsense. Arbitrary codes didn’t define love. But the BL world thrived on fantasy, not realism. Would the audience buy into a story with him and Gawin as the stars?
“Joss, maybe we should postpone…”
Joss turned to the director, who was looking at him with unsure, apologetic eyes.
“We can’t reach him. Maybe he had other obligations. We can audition him another day.”
Joss deflated.
He knew what that really meant. If Gawin didn’t show up today, his chances of landing the role would be slim to none. His profile would be pushed to the bottom of the list, and the production would move on with other candidates. Joss had noticed the director had his eyes on a promising, pretty new actor. By the next day, after a night’s sleep, Ark would only be able to picture Joss paired with him.
No. Joss couldn’t let that happen.
Gawin needed to audition. They at least deserved a chance.
“Please, let’s wait another ten minutes. I’m sure he’s going to show up.”
Ark sighed, then nodded in resignation. “Alright, ten minutes. But after that, Joss…” He didn’t bother finishing the sentence. They both knew what he meant. If Gawin didn’t show up on time, the staff would pack up and leave, and Joss’ opportunity to play with Gawin would vanish with them.
Joss stared at the director as he joined the staff for another cup of coffee, dread clawing at his gut.
He checked his phone again. Nothing. His messages to Gawin sat unread.
He glanced at the clock.
One hour and ten minutes late.
A cold fear climbed Joss’ spine.
What if Gawin had gotten into an accident on the way? What if he were lying in a hospital bed, fighting for his life?
Joss forced a deep breath.
He’s fine, Joss. He’s fine. He’s going to show up and-
Joss jumped at a sudden buzz in his pocket. With trembling fingers, he opened the notification. Gawin had finally read his texts and sent back an audio. Joss’ anxiety spiked. Gawin had never sent him a voice note before. This was unlike him. Was he backing out? Or worse, would it be someone else’s voice telling him something terrible had happened?
No, if it were bad news, they would have called.
Resolute, Joss hit play.
First came the sound of traffic, horns blaring, tires screeching. Then Gawin’s voice, far and echoey, probably on speaker. Stressed.
“Hey, Joss. I’m sorry… My phone died. I’m on my way. There was an accident and I got stuck in traffic. Is it- Are you still there? Are you still waiting? I’m so sorry, man…”
Relief washed over Joss at the sound of his voice. He was safe. He was coming.
“It’s okay, bro, just hurry!” He replied instantly.
The director, who had overheard, gave him a tight but understanding smile.
“He’s coming!” Joss told him anyway, grinning. Ark gave him a perplexed look at his enthusiasm, but didn’t comment. Joss’s ears burned red.
Exactly eight minutes later, Gawin arrived, flushed and out of breath. He had clearly sprinted to get there. His oversized yellow hoodie hung lopsided, and his hair stuck out in odd angles.
He bowed to the staff members and even deeper to the director, who welcomed him with a reassuring but firm pat on the back. Ark looked sympathetic, but he visibly had little patience left. Gawin would need to be on top of his game.
When he spotted Joss in the back, he offered him a small apologetic smile. But Joss only beamed at him.
“Are you always this fashionably late?” Joss teased.
Gawin laughed, the tension melting from his shoulders.
They didn’t waste any time. Gawin dropped his bag in a corner and was handed a copy of the script. He had already received the text beforehand, but auditioning actors were allowed to keep the pages with them. This audition was as much about chemistry as acting, so memorization wasn’t required yet.
Joss, however, had rehearsed these lines so many times that day that he knew them by heart. He was pleasantly surprised when Gawin joined him with empty hands.
He did his homework, Joss thought with pride.
They had three scenes to perform together: a comedic one where Tong tried to banish Mark from his room with everyday objects, an emotional one, and finally, the most important one, a romantic scene. Afterwards, Gawin would be asked to perform a few of Tong’s solo monologues.
The first scene was pretty easy. Tong, terrified by the vampire’s constant presence, tried to get rid of him by throwing garlic and brandishing a wooden cross. Gawin slipped easily into mischief, his pouty face so convincing that Joss nearly broke out of character laughing. Ark didn’t look blown away, but seemed satisfied.
It was in the emotional scene where Gawin shone. His eyes brimmed with pain as Tong realized that the wowan who had raised him knew all along about his blood’s power and had been paid to care for him. Eyes glistening with hurt and betrayal, Gawin looked perfect, a boy who had never truly been allowed to live. Joss felt a pang in his chest just watching him. Ark leaned closer to the monitor. He could see it. He was finally starting to picture Gawin as Tong.
Then came the final scene.
A small red sofa sat in the middle of the room, its fabric wrinkled from being used all day long. Joss stretched across it, the cushions absorbing his weight, his long legs dangling off one end. They were to enact the scene where Mark and Tong confessed their feelings for each other. The scene culminated in a kiss, young love burning to life.
Though Joss had acted this scene countless times that day, none of them had been with Gawin, and Joss found that he was a little nervous. His body felt uncomfortably warm, his pulse quickening as he closed his eyes and steadied his breath. When Gawin knelt beside him, leaning over, Joss bit his lip to quiet his trembling heart.
At the beginning of the scene, Mark was sick and bedridden. Tong came in to check on him as he slept. Even with his eyes closed, Joss was acutely aware of Gawin’s presence, his warmth radiating like the sun.
“Action!” Ark called.
The air shifted.
Joss sank into character. He was Mark, a vampire sick for the first time in centuries. Fresh from a nightmare, he had realized his feelings for the boy with the Golden Blood were more than friendly. He, a heartless vampire… in love.
“Wake up and drink some water.” Gawin, as Tong said, leaning over him, brows furrowed with concern. His hands were warm on Joss’ shoulders as he guided him upright. “I’ll go get you some.”
He started to rise, but Joss grabbed his forearm.
This, somehow, felt real. Joss’ heart lurched at the thought of Gawin leaving him again.
Gawin froze, eyes widening, gaze flickering to the hand holding him. He licked his lips nervously.
“Stay with me.” Joss pleaded, their eyes locking. Just like Mark, he felt feverish, thoughts blurring until all that remained was need. His pulse spiked when Gawin, after a beat of hesitation, sat back down with a sheepish smile.
“Are you high on the medicine?” He teased, but Joss’s serious stare made him falter.
Joss shook his head.
No, I’m high on you. I need you.
As if he’d read his thoughts, Gawin went still, flustered. He scanned Joss’ face. Then something in his expression shifted, recognition quickly followed by sorrow.
“If my Golden Blood can help you,” he said, eyes glinting with something undecipherable. “Then I’ll stay.”
Joss straightened, his hand never leaving Gawin’s arm. He leaned closer, needing Gawin to understand. To know how much he meant to Joss, that he was everything he’d ever wanted. That nothing mattered than having him by his side.
I want you. Only you.
“It’s not like that,” Mark said instead, fumbling for words. “I admit it… In the past, I might have wanted to kiss you because of the Golden Blood.”
Joss’ heart thundered. Well aware of what was next: a kiss.
A kiss full of affection and longing.
All day, he had skipped it with his other partners. Ark had left it to them. The scene was to evaluate their chemistry, not their kissing skills. And until then, pretending had been enough.
But not with Gawin. Nothing was ever enough with Gawin. His rich, brown, honey-deep eyes pulled him like a magnet, and Joss felt himself drowning… Joss could think of nothing more right than kissing Gawin right here and now.
“But now that I’m sick… I can’t taste or smell anything. Yet I still…” Joss’ last words faded as he leaned in, Gawin’s hot, minty breath brushing his lips.
He shivered, hesitating.
Gawin’s lids lowered, his breath catching. Waiting.
Joss inhaled a trembling breath, their noses grazing…
So this was going to be their first kiss.
He swallowed, suddenly aware of the staff’s eyes and the camera tracking their every move.
Just as their lips were about to touch, he replaced them with the tips of his fingers, restraining himself.
This wasn’t the place.
If he kissed Gawin right now, there was no telling what he might do next.
Gawin’s lips were velvety soft under his touch.
As Joss pressed a kiss on his own skin instead, eyes fluttering shut, he imagined what they would have felt like on his.
When he opened his eyes, Gawin stared back slightly wide-eyed, breaking out of character for a second, probably surprised Joss hadn’t kissed him.
“…I’m sure that this kiss wasn’t because of the Golden Blood. It comes from my true feelings… Feelings I’ve never felt before in my life.” Joss went on, slowly pulling his hand away. Gawin bit his lip, tracking the movement. Then, in a fluid motion that had Joss stutter, he caught his hand and laced their fingers together.
“W-what about you? How do you feel about me?” Joss managed to blurt out.
Gawin raised his free hand to Joss’ cheek, achingly slow.
He cupped his face, and Joss unconsciously leaned into the touch. Gawin’s thumb stroked his skin delicately. A million stories flickered in his eyes, emotions Joss couldn’t name, but all of them were beautiful and full of promises. He wanted to dive into this moment and never surface again.
Then Gawin kissed him. Tender, so tender that goosebumps raced all over his skin. This wasn’t in the script. Tong wasn’t supposed to kiss Mark back yet. Still, it felt so natural, so good… Joss realized he had stopped breathing. He sighed, his chest thundering as Gawin tilted his head, deepening the kiss. And his tongue, the mischievous little tongue Joss had died to taste, slid against Joss’ bottom lip.
Joss moaned, his toes curling.
Just like that, the walls Joss had attempted to build shattered. All his restraints dissipated, insatiable heat travelling from his toes to the tip of his hair. He hooked his hand behind Gawin’s nape, dragging him closer, their chests colliding in a voracious embrace.
Yes.
Oh my god, yes…
There was a throaty noise, then. Needy and desperate. Joss couldn’t tell if it came from him or Gawin. Maybe both. All he cared about was the press of Gawin’s lips, the heat of his skin under his fingers, and his intoxicating scent. And he wanted more. Much more.
Gawin pulled away, his mouth red and glistening.
Joss blinked at him through hazy eyes, mind clouded with want. His pants were impossibly tight. Gawin looked just as breathless, desire lighting up in his hazelnut eyes. Joss was about to lean in for another kiss when-
“…Mark?” Gawin said.
The spell cracked.
The audition. The director. The staff. The camera.
Joss swallowed, pulse pounding in his temples.
His line.
It was his turn.
He needed to say his line.
“Are… Aren’t you afraid of me?” He managed to say, voice cracking, muscle memory saving him at the last moment
“Because you’re a vampire?” Gawin, no, Tong asked.
Joss nodded, rigid as stone.
Joss’ heart raced maddeningly. He blinked several times. With Gawin still so close, his long fingers on Joss’ cheek, anchoring himself back in the moment was nearly impossible.
Then Gawin broke the silver of space again, crashing their mouths together. Joss melted instantly, his knuckles whitening on the sofa’s fabric, desperate to ground himself. He couldn’t stop himself from opening his mouth wider, from inching into Gawin’s space again.
“Cut!”
Ark’s voice boomed across the studio, and Gawin broke the kiss.
Joss had to swallow a whine of frustration.
Gawin turned to the staff, a smile blooming on his face. The team, the director included, was clapping for them, in awe of their performance.
Joss rubbed his tingly lips a bit too roughly. The press of Gawin’s mouth was still vivid in his mind. It lingered. Burned.
“This,” he thought, crossing his legs to hide his arousal and grimacing through a forced smile, “is going to be hell.”
***
“Are you sure this is a good idea?”
Luke’s hands were full of accessories in every possible color: bracelets, a hat, earrings, bows. He raised a cute, pale-blue hat with a cartoon cat to Joss’ face. Joss shook his head disapprovingly. Luke sighed and put the hat back on the rack.
He had dragged Joss to the mall to help him find a gift. He and his girlfriend were celebrating their second anniversary in just a few days, and he was still struggling to find her a present. Luke had brought his best friend along for advice, but so far he hadn’t listened to any of Joss’ suggestions.
“What do you mean?” Joss, distracted, was scrolling through a row of bags.
Luke, who had put on a pair of bedazzled heart-shaped sunglasses, turned to him with a serious expression. Of course, the effect was completely ruined by the glasses.
“The series. With Gawin. Will you be okay?” Luke put the glasses down, giving Joss his full attention.
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
Of course, Joss had thought about the consequences of playing in a series with Gawin. He had thought about it a lot, actually. That was the reason he’d suggested Gawin as his partner in the first place. Acting as a couple, being together nearly every hour of every day. He had wanted that. He still wanted it. Wanted it too much.
Ever since the audition, since the kiss, he had started to doubt himself. Would it still be okay if his feelings weren’t returned? Could he keep working with Gawin if he got rejected? Their chemistry was undeniable, but chemistry didn’t guarantee they’d work as a couple. Still, Joss had promised himself he’d give everything he had, no matter the cost.
Luke gave him a skeptical look.
“Don’t get your heart broken again, man,” he warned him with a sigh, “I won’t always be there to pick up the pieces.”
Joss snorted.
***
When Gawin and Joss stepped out of the office, the atmosphere was strange.
Neither heavy nor tense, but humming with something new.
A new chapter had begun.
Joss glanced at Gawin, who smirked.
His guts twisted in excitement.
He smiled back.
It felt surreal, walking side by side to the elevator. Joss felt as if his spirit were hovering above his body, tethered by a thin string while his body moved on its own.
They had just signed the contract.
He and Gawin were going to star in My Golden Blood.
“So, it’s official then.”
He risked a look at Gawin as he pressed the elevator button, eyeing his new partner over his shoulder.
The singer stood with his hands shoved deep into his jeans’ pockets, swaying from one foot to the other, his body almost vibrating with nervous energy.
“Yep.”
Joss hummed.
Signing a contract usually didn’t feel like this. The last time he’d been this nervous afterward was for his very first series. At that time, he’d been so jittery he’d almost hurled his lunch from stress. Every contract since had carried its own weight of anxiety about the workload, the expectations, and the reputation he was building.
But this… this was a different kind of stress.
The commitment felt massive.
Joss wondered if Gawin felt it too.
Gawin was nibbling his bottom lip, a pensive line between his brows.
“You’ve got a new series coming out soon, right?” Joss asked as the elevator finally opened. They stepped inside, Joss on one side, Gawin on the other. Joss inched closer.
“Yeah, it’s going to air soon.”
Gawin still looked thoughtful, his eyes lowered to the floor.
“Good. It’s with Krist, right? Was it fun working with him?” Joss pressed on, afraid of the silence. Gawin’s mind seemed elsewhere, detached. They had been doing so well these past few weeks, but now he felt distant.
It was a feeling Joss had hoped to never experience again, not since they had started getting closer. It almost felt like they were back to being strangers.
Was it because of the kiss?
Just the thought of it brought heat to Joss’s face.
Gawin’s hand on his cheek, the press of his body against his… The memory was seared onto his brain, his heart skipping a little faster every time it replayed behind his eyelids.
It had taken him forever to get his bearings back afterward. His body tense with arousal, he’d fumbled through the rest of the day. Facing Gawin had felt like an Olympic sport; Joss had been unable to hold his gaze without his traitorous body reacting instantly.
His night and daytime fantasies were wilder than ever.
In the privacy of his mind, there was no staff, no cameras, no interruptions. The kiss always led to Gawin on top of him, doing things Joss only dared to dream about.
Did Gawin think about the kiss, too?
Had it affected him as much as it had Joss?
Did he ever lie in bed, the darkness his only witness, and stroke himself to the thought of Joss’ leaving marks on his hips?
Shit.
Joss bit his tongue, eyes locked on the closed elevator doors.
Since that day, they hadn’t had much time to hang out. They’d had a few meetings to confirm their chemistry, to discuss the future series, what it would demand of them… but that was it. Gawin was busy promoting his soon-to-air show and Joss… Joss was in limbo. Trapped in an in-between stage that was starting to feel oppressive. He just wanted work to pick up again, and this time, he looked forward to spending most of it with Gawin.
“Yeah, he’s a chill dude. It was fun.”
And just like Joss feared, the conversation flatlined.
Was Gawin second-guessing this? Did he regret signing on to pair with him?
Joss stared at the bright red numbers flickering on the LED screen as the elevator descended.
12..
11…
10..
He drew in a deep breath, trying to chase away his unease.
“Are you okay?” Joss finally dared to ask.
Gawin turned to him with furrowed brows, then glanced away quickly.
“Yeah. I’m good,” he said with a smile far too strained to look sincere. “Why?”
6…
5…
4…
“It’s just- you seem different, is all. I just wanted to make sure you’re alright.”
Gawin tapped his foot, gaze glued to his sneakers.
“I’m just a bit tired. Didn’t sleep much last night.”
Both of them faced the doors, their eyes fixed forward for different reasons. Gawin because he seemed ready to bolt, and Joss because he feared another wall would rise between them if he didn’t get to the bottom of things.
He knew one thing: Gawin wasn’t alright. But pressing him wouldn’t help.
2…
1.
The doors opened, and Gawin strode out like fire was at his back.
Joss followed easily, his longer legs keeping pace.
He pressed a hand to Gawin’s shoulder, halting him. Gawin looked up at him with anxious eyes. Joss repressed a sigh. What’s going on? What’s going through your mind? Tell me what I did, and I’ll fix it, he wanted to plead. Instead, he put his other hand on Gawin’s shoulder, gentle but firm, turning him to face him. Gawin looked stunned.
Thankfully, the corridor was quiet at this hour. Large windows beside them filtered pale morning light.
“If there’s anything, you can tell me. We’ll figure things out.” Joss held Gawin’s gaze, who looked like a deer trapped by headlights. He pressed his shoulders delicately. I’m here. I’m in this with you, his eyes said. “We’re partners now,” his mouth added.
Warmth spread through Joss at the words. There was no turning back.
Gawin’s mouth parted, but no sound crossed his lips. Even in the dull morning light, he shone. His honey eyes sparkled as he scanned Joss’s features.
Then, something clicked. He relaxed and his gaze softened. His muscles were still tense under Joss’s finger, but he no longer looked like he wanted to flee.
“Okay,” he answered simply, voice low. “Okay.” The second time sounded more like a promise to himself.
Joss smiled, fingertips unconsciously kneading Gawin’s back.
“We’re going to be great.”
This time, Gawin’s smile was sincere.
“Trust me,” Joss added as they exited the building.
Gawin nodded.
Joss would make him believe in them.
***
“So, how are the newlyweds doing?” Book asked, leaning over the table, a glass of beer dangling from his fingers. Gawin and Joss had joined the gathering late, but their friends had clearly been enjoying themselves for a while.
Gawin’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline, and he gave Joss a disbelieving smile.
Joss only shrugged, grateful that the dim lights of the bar concealed the pink spreading across his ears and neck.
“Put that down, will you?” A hand snatched Book’s glass and replaced it with water. Force turned to Joss and Gawin with an apologetic look, ignoring his partner’s protests.
A waiter dropped trays of burgers and fries on the table. Joss and Gawin dug in immediately, seizing the distraction. Weeks had passed since the contract signing, but things hadn’t gone back to normal. They’d met a couple of times to play basketball or for meetings, but each time, something hung in the air. Joss often caught Gawin looking at him with a deep line carved on his forehead, but whenever Joss commented on it, he’d look away and pretend nothing was wrong. It drove Joss nuts. Why wouldn’t Gawin talk to him? The filming of the promo trailer of My Golden Blood was only days away, and Joss feared their unease would bleed onto the screen.
Even tonight, during the ride to the restaurant, tension had lingered between them. Joss was at a loss. They needed something to break the ice, but Gawin wasn’t giving him anything.
“Am I lying? They’re basically married now!” Book pressed, chewing fries, oblivious to the awkwardness.
Force put down his burger, shooting him a cold, unimpressed look.
“Are we married? I wasn’t aware.”
He smacked Book’s hand when he tried to get his beer back.
“You break my heart,” Book said dramatically, before snagging Force’s pint and drinking a mouthful with a victorious grin. Force curled his lip. “To be honest, I would’ve never imagined you two paired together.” He carried on, ignoring the two men’s obvious discomfort.
Joss froze mid-chew. He could never follow Force and Book’s rhythm. One moment, they were bickering, and the next, they were ganging up against you.
“Oh, really?” Joss glanced at Gawin. The singer toyed with the rim of his glass, chewing stiffly, leg bouncing under the table. He leaned so far back in his chair, with just a few more inches, he could’ve been mistaken for a stranger at another table. Joss’ shoulders sagged.
Book, unfazed, babbled on. “You’re both so tall, quiet… You have similar vibes. But now that I look at you side by side, you do look cute together. Try cuddling a little bit, let me see…” He squinted and gestured them to get closer, only to gett two awkward chuckles in return.
He yelped when Force smacked him on the head, then kicked Force under the table in revenge.
“Please, ignore this idiot,” Force said through clenched teeth, raising his glass. “Let’s toast to your partnership and to your future success.”
Four glasses clinked.
Future success. Joss smiled, the corners of his mouth tight. Obstacles kept piling up: Podd, the industry, and now Gawin was distancing himself again. He knew that good things took effort and time. But once, just once. He wished life would throw him a bone.
“If you need advice, you can always ask us…” Force side-eyed Book. “Well, you can ask me.”
Book bristled. “I give amazing advice, thank you very much!”
“Do you?”
“I DO.”
They fell back into their bickering. Joss and Gawin exchanged small smiles, amused but weary. Force and Book had known each other forever. Would he and Gawin ever reach that level of comfort? Lately, Joss was starting to lose hope.
“Well, speaking of advice,” Joss cut in, earning himself two identical scowls. “Do you have any on building chemistry?”
Force and Book exchanged a glance.
Book turned back to him with a flat stare. “Sleep together.”
Gawin choked, beer spilling down his chin.
Joss patted his back as Gawin wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, grimacing.
Force rubbed his temples. “You’re unbelievable.”
Book snickered, unbothered. “What? You’re all dirty-minded. I meant sharing a bed! The universal intimacy trick.” He paused, grin wicked. “What else you do in that bed, though…”
Joss’ ears felt impossibly hot.
“If you ask me – and I’ve never tried – but the quickest way to build chemistry is definitely having se-”
“Ok! Ok!” Gawin cut him off, face scarlet even under the dim light and unable to meet anyone’s eye. “Thank you for the tip-” He winced. “Anyway, aren’t you going to Hong Kong soon?”
Force took the bait, launching into fanmeet talk. Joss gave him a thankful smile. For the rest of the night, intimacy talk was avoided, and eventually, Gawin finally relaxed. The pints he kept ordering loosening him up. A couple of hours later, he was chuckling at one of Book’s outrageous stories, his hands lazily clasped on his lap and his brown eyes glistening with drowsiness.
Joss called for the check.
“Why don’t you stay at my place tonight?” He offered, helping Gawin up.
The singer stretched, shirt riding up, a sliver of happy trail flashing. Joss looked away fast. “You drank a lot. My house is close. We’ll grab your car tomorrow.”
Gawin, all slack limbs and heavy lids, shook his head.
“It’s fine, I can take a cab home,” he drawled with a pout, long, puffy hair shading his eyes.
Joss wrinkled his nose, fond. Cute.
“Are you sure? You’ll save time and energy. Don’t you have to come back to the neighbourhood tomorrow anyway?”
Gawin considered, then mumbled, “You’re right. Thanks. If it’s no trouble, I’ll stay with you.”
Joss beamed. Better keep him safe than risk a late-night cab. And maybe, once Gawin’s unavoidable hangover eased, they could talk. Did he feel guilty about taking advantage of Gawin’s vulnerable state? Yes. Was he still going to do it, anyway? Also, yes.
Book, half-dozing, piped up. “That’s right, go build that chemistry!”
Joss groaned, threw an arm over Gawin’s shoulders, and led him away. He had done enough blushing for a lifetime.