FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

>> MATURE because this a steamy romance. You may say 'uwu' unironically. Go ahead, it's alright. I support you.

Ari was all but disenchanted with the holidays, and content to carry on in greyscale. But when a glimmer of hope steps into his life, he can't help but feel the rainbow shine through.

>> Author's Notes

I didn't quite expect to write a holiday story, but Christmas Day brought upon some sudden inspiration. So, while this is perhaps a touch late, I couldn't help but write it, and don't feel like hoarding it until next year.

This is perhaps a departure from what folks might be used to from me, but I've been wanting to write more romance. This was a fun opportunity to write a simple, sweet love story. And maybe you'll find a glimmer of hope for yourself as the story unfurls.

>> >> <> << <<

>> Glimmer - Part 02 <<

Written by SynthW4V3

>> >> <> << <<

Ari held Ravi tightly in his arms, their bodies pressed against each other in a fiery embrace. His gaze was fixed on Ravi's piercing blue eyes, lost in their mesmerizing depths. It had been an unforgettable day, filled with endless excitement and adventure as they explored the city. Now, amid the opulence of the finest restaurant, they indulged in an array of exquisite dishes that only added to their already intoxicating evening. With glasses of rich wine and flickering candles lighting up their faces, they raised a toast to their union, savoring every moment together.

As their conversation turned more intimate and their laughter grew louder, their touches became more urgent, fingers tracing over the patterns of each other's fur as if trying to memorize every inch. Their whispers became moans that harmonized with the symphony playing in the background. In this moment, nothing else existed but them and their passion, igniting like a wildfire and consuming them both in its all-encompassing heat.

It was perfect.

As their dinner drew to a close, Ari led Ravi out onto the balcony, the soft breeze caressed them, carrying with it the salty scent of the ocean stretching out before them. The stars above twinkled like diamonds in the pastel sky, the city skyline a canvas painted with warm hues, the setting sun casting a mesmerizing array of colors that danced on the horizon.

Ari pulled Ravi into a tight embrace, their bodies pressed together in an electrifying dance. He felt their souls merge, the sensation of Ravi's soft pink locks tickling his fingers sending waves of desire through his body. As they stood under the starry sky with the crashing ocean as their witness, Ari knew he had discovered something rare and extraordinary.

"I never thought I'd find someone as beautiful as you," Ari confessed, his voice tinged with awe and disbelief. "My life was so dull and lonely before you walked into it."

Ravi's gaze was filled with tender affection as he cupped Ari's cheek. "You're special, Ari. You've brightened my world in ways I never knew possible." His words were as a soothing melody in the air.

They stood there, lost in each other's gaze, their hearts racing in perfect harmony. The world around them faded into a blur as they were consumed by the intensity of their feelings. With a gentle touch, Ari pulled Ravi closer and their lips crashed into a fiery kiss. As his fingers tangled in his hair, he could feel the warmth of his breath against his cheeks. The colors of the sunset seemed to explode around them, reflecting the intensity of their passion. This single moment was everything, a swirling vortex of pure love that lifted them higher than ever before.

In that moment of pure bliss, the blinding afternoon sun pierced through the fragile dreamscape of romantic dinners and sunset balconies. Ari blinked awake, reality, sinking in, his arms holding a pillow tightly to his face. Sunlight filtered through the snow-caked window, casting muffled shadows in his living room as he laid upon the old couch. He looked around; it was all a dream. He clutched the pillow close, the lingering sensations of the dream fading like morning mist, leaving behind the bittersweet ache of a beautiful reverie.

For a fleeting moment, he closed his eyes, holding onto the remnants of fantasy, the echo of Ravi's presence still lingering in his heart.

Ari's consciousness stuttered into existence, fractured by a throbbing pain that surged through his skull, dragging him back from a fleeting dream world. Blinking away the final traces of reverie, he squinted against the merciless sunlight that seemed to taunt his aching reality. Looking around the disheveled room, he saw the aftermath of his reckless night -- empty bottles scattered everywhere, evidence of a wild adventure he could barely recall.

The prior night's activities eluded him, elusive in its entirety. His shift ended at five, and then, a haze. Had he simply drowned the night away? A sonorous snore emanating from the bedroom offered a faint clue -- Iggy and Lucky were clearly involved in whatever occurred. Looking down on the couch an empty bottle of Captain Morgan lay against his side, offering another disappointing clue.

If only that dream had been his reality, but alas, false memories teetered on the edge of his consciousness, fragments of a fleeting moment -- a shared sunset, a passionate kiss with Ravi. Impossibly surreal, and yet a fleeting smile graced his lips at the mere thought.

Swaying to his feet, he steadied himself against the couch, and headed over to the bathroom to relieve his burgeoning headache. He didn't even have to peek into his bedroom to know what took place within; the room's scent was enough of a lingering hint. Whenever Iggy came by with Lucky it was more often than naught so he could have a place to screw around in peace without their folks getting too curious.

Stumbling into the bathroom, he yanked open the cabinet door, triggering an avalanche of bottles and pills that clattered and danced onto the sink and floor, punctuating his discomfort with a discordant cacophony. Groaning at the abrupt percussion solo, he crouched to retrieve relief from the pills scattered around. His head protested vehemently as he rose, inadvertently meeting the unforgiving edge of the sink. Wincing, he gingerly examined the bottle now in his hand, unscrewing the cap and extracting two pills, swallowing them dry.

As the medication began its tentative attempt to quell the unrest in his skull, Ari wrestled with the elusive fragments of the night, seeking solace in the hope of reclaiming the lost hours from the mire of a muddled memory.

All he could remember was returning home. Where he was between work and late last night, his mind simply wasn't producing an answer. But he did recall that Iggy and Lucky were already present, their revelry already underway. As the haze of recollection struggled to form a coherent narrative, Ari's mind became a fuzzy labyrinth, suggesting he had gleefully joined in.

Leaning onto the sink, he grappled with an abrupt bout of vertigo. His pulse thrummed in his ears, a muted rhythm amidst the turmoil of his queasy stomach. Thankfully, Ari managed to reach the toilet just in time.

A wretched cough accompanied the regurgitation, followed by the mechanical swirl of the flush that ushered the unsavory remnants away. Moments later, he stood unsteadily, splashing water over his hands and rinsing his mouth, seeking refuge from the unwelcome guest of nausea.

"That was a delightful way to wake up."

Iggy's sardonic quip reverberated in the room, but Ari remained silent, dismissing the jest. Iggy stepped into the bathroom door, his brilliant red hair cascading messily down his face. Much like Ari he had grey fur, although far more darker than his longtime friend. He scratched his back sleepily, flitting his tail about in an effort to shake himself awake.

"Feeling alright?" Iggy's concern lingered in his voice.

"I'll manage... eventually," Ari managed weakly before succumbing to a seated position, his back turned to grant Iggy some privacy. "So... about last night... what happened?" Ari inquired.

"Oh, well... You weren't home yet, so me and Lucky just invited ourselves in, as per usual," Iggy recounted cheerfully. "Then a while later you came in. Then we slammed back a bunch of shots, turning it into a contest. Lucky beat you, can you believe it?" He flushed the toilet to punctuate the moment. "With rum, of all things!"

"...Please, don't mention rum," Ari pleaded, his stomach protesting vehemently.

"I'm sorry," Iggy apologized. "But, yeah. Then you started talking about this kid; Roofie, or something. Who names their kid Roofie, man? Kind of a weird name, like, you know there's gotta be a story there."

"I don't know anyone named Roofie."

"You don't? Well, you work with the kid now."

"...Ravi?"

"Yeah! That's it. Anyways, so you just kept blabbering on and on about this kid and how amazing he was."

Ari looked down at the floor, feeling flushed. "I did?"

"Yeah. You kept going on and on about how pretty his blue eyes were." Iggy chuckled. "You wouldn't shut up! So, we handed you a bottle of Captain Morgan, knocked ya right out."

Ari leveled a stern gaze upon his companion. "And then used my bed to have your way with Lucky?"

"Well... yeah. You never cared before... besides, you sleep on the couch most of the time."

"Not the point."

"Hey, if you want us to stop, man, just say so. It's alright."

Lucky was next to wake up. The little blond fox walked into the bathroom next, wearing little more than a mesh tank top and low-cut shorts, looking equally as disheveled as his boyfriend. He padded over to Iggy, and gave him a kiss on the lips and a warm embrace. He then smiled up at Ari, and chirped out a greeting before heading toward the toilet.

Ari didn't care about Iggy invading his privacy, but Lucky was another story. He walked hazily out of the bathroom, avoided his bed, and returned to the living room, plopping gently down on the couch, flat on his back. He heard Iggy following him, and the creak of old leather as he sat down on the recliner.

"So... Ravi, huh?"

"Yeah... this new guy at work. I start a new shift with him today..."

Iggy grinned; maybe this Ravi would do some good for his friend. Ari, drained and gazing at the ceiling, remained unaware of his friend's expression. A heavy sigh escaped Ari's lips.

"Do you think I can get away with only throwing up once today, Iggy?"

"Doubt it. Want something to kill the pain?"

Ari nodded. After a few moments of Iggy bustling about in the kitchen, he reappeared, offering his friend a small red pill accompanied by a glass of tap water. Ari sat up, accepting the remedy gratefully.

Soon after, Lucky emerged, having tidied up. He affectionately ran his fingers through Iggy's crimson locks before settling comfortably on the recliner, draping himself over his boyfriend in contentment.

Ari reclined once more, attempting to disregard the rambling conversation between the two. Love, he mused to himself, was such a weird thing. And yet, a glimmer of the dream he'd had earlier lingered in his hungover mind, a fleeting reminder of how he yearned for such tenderness even in moments like this.

Ari lazed about as his mind swam, the medication slowly lulling him to euphoria. His eyes happened to glance over at the clock hanging on the wall. 4:49pm. That's nice.

Hmm...wait.

"Crap," Ari muttered, bolting upright and shuffling as fast as his wobbly legs allowed to prepare for the day. Graciously, the roiling in his stomach finally eased by the time he finished brushing his teeth. Luckily, Iggy had whipped up some late-afternoon breakfast, and Ari managed to grab a slice of toast before rushing out the door.

"Rushing off so soon?" Iggy called after him.

"Work!" he called back, his feet crunching along as he did his best to jog down the walkway. "Just lock up whenever you guys head out!"

Lucky, who had been sitting on the couch watching TV, got up and made his way over to the door where Iggy was standing. He wrapped his arms around Iggy's waist from behind, nipping at his neck playfully.

"No rush then. Ready for another go?" Lucky whispered in Iggy's ear with a mischievous grin on his face.

Iggy giggled and turned around in Lucky's embrace, wrapping his own arms around Lucky's neck. "Always," he replied before leaning in for a kiss.

>> >> <> << <<

Ari's day had already careened off course, much like the train he'd hoped to catch. Forty-five minutes late? That was a personal record even for him. The snowy commute, normally predictable, had descended into chaos, delays compounding as the train snaked its way through the icy landscape.

The steel doors of Echovale Mall parted, swallowing Ari into the throng of bustling shoppers and the distant hum of holiday music. How he already missed the early-morning quiet. His footsteps, muffled by the snow on his boots, echoed against the walls as he hastened towards Spender's Gifts. He glanced at his wristwatch and winced, already envisioning Leonard's stern gaze awaiting him.

As he stepped into the store, the twinkling lights and quirky merchandise did little to lift his spirits. Leonard was there, perched behind the counter, his expression morphing into an unmistakable scowl as Ari approached.

"Ari, once again your punctuality is truly awe-inspiring," Leonard quipped, his tone laced with sarcasm.

"Train troubles, man. You know how it is," Ari retorted, his words loaded with exasperation. He then arched an eyebrow in concern. "Is that a permanent frown now that you're the nighttime manager?"

Leonard raised an eyebrow. "Someone's got to keep this place running smoothly. Clearly it's not you."

Ari groaned inwardly but nodded. "Fine. What's the punishment?"

"Help Ravi," Leonard commanded, pointing to where Ravi was fumbling with an array of gaudy ornaments. "He's working on the display. Try to learn something about being on time while you're at it."

Ari slunk over to Ravi, who glanced up with a warm smile. "Hey, Ari! Everything okay?"

"Yeah, yeah," Ari muttered, shoving his hands in his pockets, trying to shake off the lingering haze of the vivid dream from the night before. "You know how the commute is."

"Did you get home alright?" Ravi's voice was laced with genuine concern.

A flash of memory burst into Ari's mind, Ravi's face inches away, a dreamlike moment poised for a kiss. Shaking off the reverie, he brushed it off with a forced nonchalance.

"Yeah, I'm good. No worries."

He eyed the haphazard display Ravi was working on, the ornaments dangling askew and at varying heights. "This looks... slanted."

Ravi glanced at the display, his ears drooping slightly. "I'm still getting the hang of it."

Ari sighed, rolling up his sleeves and straightening out the display. Ravi followed suit, their movements slowly transforming the chaotic mess into a semblance of order. When they finished, Ari ruffled Ravi's hair playfully.

"Good boy," Ari teased, his cheeks flushing slightly at his own words.

Ravi blushed furiously, but chuckled nervously. "Thanks, Ari."

As he rose to his feet, Ari reached out for Ravi's hand to help. Now standing erect their faces were mere inches apart, their eyes locked in a fierce gaze. Ari felt himself getting lost in those mesmerizing cerulean pools once again. Maybe it was the hangover, or the pills Iggy had given him, but in this singular moment the cosmos seemed to align perfectly. As their hands curled together, their embrace intensified, electricity tingling their fingertips, both unable to find words to express the intensity of their connection. Time seemed to stand still as they stood there, completely consumed by each other and unwilling to break the moment.

How he wished they were on that balcony, lost in each other's lips.

Ravi cleared his throat, pulling his hand away, suddenly eager to shift focus. "You know, I should probably go find Leonard for my next task."

"Yeah," Ari said, coming to from his stupor. "I'll catch up with you later."

Hurriedly, Ari turned on his heel and trotted towards the front registers, hoping to escape his own embarrassment. "It was only a dream, it was only a dream," Ari muttered to himself.

Just then, Leonard appeared next to him with a stack of paperwork. "Ari?"

"What?!" Ari barked out, practically frazzled.

The lion placed the documents on the counter before taking a cautious step backward. "Can you handle these orders for me? I need to make a call."

Ari nodded and apologized for his outburst, but as soon as Leonard left, he couldn't help but let out a frustrated sigh. He needed to focus. He was starting to lose it over a guy of all things. Sure, he was friendly and cute, and a great listener, and really took to him in such a short amount of time. They had a lot of similar interests, and Ari enjoyed how sincere he looked when he blushed. Ari tried to think of a counterargument, but fell short.

Maybe these feelings were okay, he wondered.

As the day went on, Ari found himself increasingly distracted by thoughts of Ravi. He couldn't shake off the memory of their close moment earlier, the warmth of their hands intertwined, the electricity that resonated between them. He felt drawn to Ravi's kindness, to the lightness that seemed to emanate effortlessly from him. Despite himself, he couldn't help but feel a spark of attraction towards his coworker.

Continuing along, Ari tried his best to push those thoughts aside and focus. The very notion of letting himself feel this way, especially towards another man, stirred a whirlwind of apprehension within Ari. His thoughts were plagued by the societal norms that whispered, hinting at condemnation. He wasn't sure if he was ready to carry that weight, the burden of societal judgment that often came down heavily on the shoulders of anyone daring to love differently.

He'd been conditioned to believe that such feelings weren't 'normal,' that they were a deviation from the expected script. As rebellious and devil-may-care as he was, this was a threshold he was not prepared to cross, and yet here was a boy he longed for. His internal conflict wrestled between the tender stirrings of attraction and the fear of judgment, the uncertainty of whether he could even accept himself for this.

Yet, amidst this turmoil, there was Ravi -- effervescent, unapologetically himself. Every smile, every shared moment seemed to be challenging Ari's preconceived notions. He was completely at ease with himself, carrying himself with an effortless confidence Ari admired. Every time he caught a glimpse of Ravi's brilliant eyes or heard his infectious laughter, it became more difficult to ignore his feelings. It was a silent rebellion against the rigid norms he'd been raised in.

Maybe it was okay to explore these feelings, be wondered.

>> >> <> << <<

"Ari?"

"Ah, the dulcet tones of an angel!" Ari's arms flailed theatrically, grasping at an ethereal light. "Sing to me, serenade me from this wretched labyrinth! Lead me away from the customers demanding to speak to my manager, away from the cacophonous din of family gatherings, away from..."

"Ari, wake up."

"...can I have some ice cream when we get there?" Ari's voice held an innocent tone, lost in a dreamscape.

"Ari!"

With a start, Ari snapped awake, finding himself slumped atop the register. The store lay deserted, Ravi's puzzled but amused face peering at him. Ari gave him a querying glance.

"How much of that did you hear?"

"Hear what?" Ravi's innocent expression belied a hint of mischief.

Ari shook his head. "Forget it."

Ravi probed, "What were you doing?"

"Taking a quick nap."

"Why?"

"So I can get to my break faster."

"Oh, sorry for waking you early," Ravi chuckled softly.

Ari rubbed his eyes, stretching his languid muscles as he rose. Glancing at the clock, he suggested, "It starts in a bit. Want to grab some food from the food court?"

"Sure."

Surveying the store's almost eerie calmness, Ari couldn't help but notice the haunting silence that lingered, especially considering the impending rush of Christmas shoppers.

Shortly after, Leonard casually strolled up to the front register, apparently absent for most of the evening. Ari wondered if the quiet evening had similarly affected his co-worker or if Leonard had simply unearthed a trove of new magazines.

"Hey, before your break, can you sort out the ornaments in the back? Seems like some kids messed up the display," Leonard grumbled with obvious irritation.

Heading over to the display Ari's grumbling matched Leonard's in his head. He and Ravi had worked together on that, and now it needed fixing.

Ah, Ravi. Together. The way he had woken him up earlier with his gentle touch lingered at the back of Ari's mind. Though it was hours ago he could still clearly envision them atop that ethereal balcony, savoring each other's presence. He couldn't shake off the butterflies that fluttered in his stomach whenever he thought about Ravi.

Ari had always felt like an outsider when it came to romance and relationships. His lack of interest in girls was seen as a quirk by his friends and family, but deep down, he knew it was something more. He just couldn't bring himself to admit it out loud.

But now, with Ravi in his life, those feelings that he had suppressed for so long were resurfacing with a force he couldn't ignore. And yet, despite all this turmoil, he found comfort in being around Ravi. It felt like they were kindred spirits, coincidentally intertwined, connected by something deeper than just friendship.

As Ari finished rearranging the display, his reverie was disrupted by approaching footsteps. Turning around, he saw Ravi heading towards him.

"Break time," Ravi announced with a playful hip cock, a hint of fur peeking out from beneath his shirt, his colorful belt a beacon of pride. "Ready to roll?"

Ari and Ravi left Spender's, eager to escape the confines of the store for their break. The bustling Echovale Mall unfolded before them, adorned with festive decorations that shimmered under the artificial lights. Shoppers milled about, bags in hand, some hurrying to make last-minute purchases, while others leisurely strolled, taking in the holiday spirit.

The pair meandered through the aisles of different shops, marveling at the elaborate window displays, and occasionally stopping to peer at intriguing items. Ravi's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he examined various trinkets and gadgets, occasionally pointing out something peculiar or amusing to Ari.

The bustling sounds of the mall faded away as they wandered deeper into its corridors. Eventually, they reached the food court, a vibrant hub of aromas and colors. The scent of freshly baked pastries, the sizzle of stir-fry, the indulgence of cheeseburgers and fries -- it was a mouthwatering ensemble set to ruin any diet. It wasn't a gaudy restaurant in the sky, but it was heaven nonetheless.

Ari led Ravi to a pizza place, their faces lit up at the sight of the steaming slices being served. Ari ordered a couple of slices of pepperoni, and Ravi's eyes widened.

"Aren't you going to get anything?" he asked, turning to Ravi.

"Oh no, I'm fine," his stomach audibly growling in betrayal.

Ari arched an eyebrow. "You sure?"

"Yeah... I ate before I um... got here."

"...Four hours ago?"

"Uh... huh." Ravi smiled rather nervously.

Ari shook his head in disbelief, and asked the clerk for two more slices, and two sodas. Ravi's eyes grew as wide as saucers.

"You don't have to, I just don't... have a way to pay..." he sighed.

"Don't worry about it," Ari replied as their order was presented to him.

As they found a table, Ravi wasted no time diving into the pizza. Ari watched in amazement as Ravi devoured the slices, his enthusiasm and speed almost comical. With each bite, Ravi's eyes glinted with satisfaction, thoroughly enjoying the flavors.

"It's like you hadn't eaten since yesterday," Ari noted, surprised by Ravi's ravenous appetite.

Ravi, mid-chew, grinned sheepishly, his ears folding back. "Sorry, I guess I was just really hungry."

Ari shook his head in disbelief, but smiled nonetheless.

Ravi drummed his fingers lightly on the table, tapping his foot in rhythm to an imagined beat. Meanwhile, Ari savored his pizza, leaving the crusts on his plate. Surprisingly, Ravi eyed the leftover crusts with an unexpected eagerness.

"You can have them if you want," Ari stated as he finished the last of his pizza, plopping the second crust on the plate.

Graciously Ravi took one, and popped it in his mouth rather cutely.

Ari shook his head. Cutely?

He chuckled softly as Ravi's smile lit up his face once more. He brushed aside his doubts; all he craved was a fleeting moment alone with this enchanting young man.

And yet, the surrounding crowd surged, their chatter growing louder, drowning out his thoughts. It became an insufferable vortex of commerce, a whirlwind of eager shoppers, their incessant clamor and relentless energy encircling them. The cacophony and irritation settled in, enveloping them amidst a sea of bustling tables and ceaseless chatter. Conversations buzzed around, anecdotes about recent purchases, upcoming holiday plans, visits to relatives, and the dreaded recounting of last year's ghastly sweater gifted by Aunt Linda, and that she expects them to wear it this year?

Ari felt his chest heaving. He had to get out of here.

"C'mon," Ari beckoned, his tone brisk, already rising from his seat. Ravi, curious, followed suit. Ari led the way, striding past the bustling food court and down an alley designated for employees at the far end of the mall. They soon arrived at the elevators, Ari pressing the button for the second floor. As the elevator doors parted, Ari stepped out, guiding Ravi towards the exit that led to the rooftop.

"Where we goin'?"

"You'll see," Ari replied cryptically, a faint smile playing on his lips. He pushed open the door, inviting Ravi to follow.

The rooftop sanctuary, Ari's respite from the mall's artificial hustle and bustle, greeted them with a serene hush of moonlit void. Normally, Ari sought solace here in solitude, reveling in the quietude and the uninterrupted vista. Yet, today felt different, an inexplicable longing within him urging to share this serene haven with Ravi. As they stepped onto the open rooftop, a faint breeze tousled their hair, carrying the distant sounds of the city's hum. Ari glanced around, the familiarity of the place juxtaposed with the unfamiliar presence beside him, a gentle anticipation simmering within.

"I come here to clear my head, take a smoke break," Ari murmured, his breath swirling in icy wisps before him. "Or whenever I need to escape Leonard or Yvette..."

Ravi glanced down, a smile dancing across his lips. From their elevated perch, the world below seemed to lose its grip, worries dissolving in the twilight. "I can understand why..."

For a brief moment, a hushed serenity enveloped them, a welcome reprieve from the blaring car horns, the clamor of irate voices, and the typical street chaos outside. Ari observed Ravi edging closer, slightly startled by the abrupt honking of a car nearby.

Ravi nestled his head against Ari's shoulder, resting there in silence. Ari felt a flutter of nervousness, torn between the allure of Ravi's proximity and the uncertainty of what might unfold. He glanced between Ravi's fluffy pink spikes and the doorway leading back to the bustling mall, his inner turmoil conflicting with the desire for connection. When Ravi's cold fingers gently interlaced with his own, Ari held his breath, opting for silence. He feared saying something that might spoil the moment, or worse, drive Ravi away.

Initially foreign, the sensation of someone seeking solace in his presence was an unfamiliar comfort in Ari's solitary existence. Tentatively, he wrapped an arm around Ravi's lithe form, sensing the chill in his fur but relishing the warmth of his touch. It felt... nice.

Perhaps Ravi, too, shared his loneliness. Perhaps there was something more here, something Ari hadn't quite grasped yet. Perhaps...

"Ari...?"

Startled, Ari visibly flinched, his thoughts abruptly interrupted. "Y-yeah?"

Ravi furrowed his brow as their gazes met. "You okay?"

"Y-yeah... I'm fine..."

"Can I ask you a question?"

"You just did."

A brief chuckle escaped Ravi before he spoke again. "You mentioned yesterday that you weren't certain about your likes... or your preferences..."

Ah, here it comes.

"Right..."

Mid-sentence, Ari paused and chuckled softly. "I know I'm pushing you... but I think you're amazing, Ari..."

Ari smiled as Ravi continued speaking, captivated by the glint in his eyes, the animated movement of his hair with each word, the soft motion of his lips... He was undeniably beautiful.

Ari's thumb traced the delicate curve of Ravi's cheek, the air between them pulsing with anticipation. The younger wolf's sapphire eyes, alight with fervor, reflected the depth of his emotions.

"So... " Ari interjected softly. "This means you... like me?"

"Yes," Ravi whispered, his voice barely a breath, his eyes fixed upon Ari's, "I like you a lot."

Their proximity tightened, each movement deliberate and charged with an unspoken desire. Ari could feel the heat emanating from Ravi's body as their closeness intensified. His heartbeat echoed in his ears, a steady rhythm matching the urgency of the moment.

Ravi's slender fingers slipped around Ari's neck, drawing them closer until their breaths mingled. The sensation of Ravi's warm exhales grazing his skin sent shivers down Ari's spine. He found himself captivated by those mesmerizing lips, unable to tear his gaze away.

As they leaned in, the world around them seemed to fade into obscurity. Ari's heart raced with anticipation, his pulse thundering in his ears. Ravi's lips, the faintest hint of pink, beckoned to him, and he moved closer, the tantalizing prospect of their connection drawing him in.

Their lips nearly touching, an almost electric energy coursed between them. Ravi's gaze flickered upwards, locking with Ari's in a fleeting moment of shared emotion. And then, in a tender collision, their lips met.

Ari didn't know what to say, but his lips were moving nonetheless.

The kiss was tender as a delicate caress, honest as a whispered confession. Their tongues brushed in a dance, each movement a revelation. Though they weren't on a grandiose balcony overlooking the city of his dreams, the intimate connection between them created a universe of its own. Illuminated by the soft glow of the parking lot lights, they were enveloped in a surreal ambiance, cocooning their moment in an ethereal halo. Time seemed suspended as their connection deepened, the world fading away into the realm of their shared emotions.

This was moving too fast, they just met yesterday, what will people say...

Ari breathed in Ravi's scent, plummeting further into intoxication.

...What does it matter?

Ari's gaze lingered upon the mesmerizing cerulean pools, a longing stirring within him, urging for another taste. He leaned in without hesitation, a silent plea conveyed through his actions. It seemed Ravi was equally willing, as Ari detected the curve of his lips responding in tacit approval.

The charcoal wolf's fingers moved with a will of their own, weaving through the wild tangle of Ravi's hair, tracing the concealed warmth beneath. As their lips parted, a tranquil hush enveloped them, a silence that eclipsed the world's cacophony -- cars, bustling crowds, and the holiday clamor -- now muted. In that moment, the universe condensed into the present, nothing else held significance.

Their locked gazes sustained, an unspoken agreement sealing the communion between them. Ari found himself ensnared by those captivating eyes, utterly enthralled.

When Ravi blinked, breaking their spellbinding connection, a gentle smile softened his features. Ari mirrored the gesture, disentangling his fingers from Ravi's hair, relinquishing the intimate hold.

"So... does that mean you like me too?" Ravi's voice, tinged with uncertainty, cut through the charged air.

Ari's gaze lowered to meet Ravi's flushed cheeks, a warmth blossoming within him. A soft smile graced Ari's lips as he tilted his head, his eyes reflecting a tender affection.

"Yeah... I guess it does."

Ravi's laughter filled the space between them, a radiant sound that melted the tension. He wrapped his arms around Ari's waist, seeking solace in their proximity. In response, Ari encircled Ravi's slender shoulders with his arm, a newfound contentment blossoming within him. For the first time in ages, he exhaled a sigh of pure, unadulterated happiness.