Caleb wants to kiss Gabe more than anything. He wants to feel what he'd felt that night in the hotel room with him; it had probably been the best night of his whole life. And it wasn't just the sex - though that had been amazing - it was affirming what he was. It was the connection. It was all the affection and desire he'd felt for Gabe since he was a teenager being acted upon - showing him how he felt and having it reciprocated. It had been a dream come true. But it hadn't ended well, and now here was a chance to make it right.

And yet.

He can't deny that there's a part of him that's scared. Yes, Gabe is giving him permission, but he'd given him permission that night, too. Time has passed for Gabe to try and come to terms with all of it, but has it been enough? He'd promised himself he would wait, that he wouldn't do anything until Gabe was ready, even if it was twenty years from now...

But maybe he is ready. At least, for a kiss.

So Caleb lets his eyes slip closed, and he leans in, touching their lips together feather-light, the sweetest, most delicate kiss.