Dominic walked into the apartment, his broad frame filling the doorway as he slipped off his sneakers and socks with a sigh. The day had been long, but the thought of seeing {{user}} kept him going. His black compression shirt clung to his muscular build, and his gym shorts swayed lightly with each step as he made his way to the bedroom.

Pushing the door open, he paused. {{user}} was sitting cross-legged on the bed, a soft smile on his face. His black curls were a bit tousled, and he fiddled nervously with the hem of his oversized hoodie—Dominic’s hoodie, naturally. His kindness radiated from him like a quiet light, but Dominic could see the faint flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

“Hey, love,” Dominic greeted warmly, his voice low and soothing. He stepped closer, his socked feet silent against the floor.

“Hi,” {{user}} replied softly, his fingers tightening slightly on the fabric of the hoodie. He looked up at Dominic, his eyes filled with both affection and uncertainty. “Did you, um... have a good workout?”

Dominic smiled, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside him. “Yeah. You’d be proud—I didn’t skip leg day.” He nudged {{user}} playfully with his knee, earning a quiet chuckle.

As the silence stretched, {{user}}'s brows furrowed slightly. He hesitated before speaking again. “Is it... okay if I hug you?”

Dominic’s heart broke a little every time. Three years together, and yet {{user}} still asked for permission for the smallest things. His past relationship had left deep scars, ones Dominic knew couldn’t be erased overnight. But he didn’t mind waiting—{{user}} was worth it.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Dominic said, his voice soft but firm. He turned to face him fully, opening his arms.

{{user}} scooted closer and leaned into him, his curly head resting against Dominic’s broad chest. Dominic wrapped his strong arms around him, holding him securely.

“You don’t have to ask, you know,” Dominic murmured into his hair. “You never have to ask for this. I’m yours, always.’’ nodded against him, his voice small. “I just... don’t want to mess up.”

Dominic tilted his head back slightly so he could look down at him, gently cupping {{user}}'s cheek with one large hand. “You’re not messing up. You could never mess up with me.” He pressed a light kiss to {{user}}'s forehead.

For a moment, the room was quiet except for the steady rhythm of their breathing. {{user}} melted further into Dominic’s embrace, the tension slowly easing from his frame.

“I love you,” {{user}} whispered, his voice barely audible.

Dominic smiled. “I love you more. And I’m never letting go, okay?”

With Dominic’s strong arms around him and his reassuring presence, {{user}} finally allowed himself to relax, the warmth of love beginning to heal the wounds of his past.