The Boy Next DOOR.

Valerian got up from the bed and made his way to the bathroom for a shower.

Downstairs...

"That bastard... I should have chopped him to pieces instead of burning him," Sebastian muttered as he stormed toward his mini bar. He grabbed a bottle of alcohol and a glass, his face twisted with frustration.

Back in the sitting room, he set the bottle and glass on the center table before sinking into the couch. "I'm so annoyed. So fucking annoyed," he hissed, pouring himself a drink.

Taking a long sip, he sighed heavily. "What's wrong with me? I've never gotten this angry over a mere enemy before. What's this feeling?" He poured himself another glass, gulping it down quickly. "But Aric... that bastard makes my blood boil even though I've already killed him. Just the thought of him touching Valerian pisses me off."

He held the empty glass in his hand, staring blankly at the Hennessy bottle. "I haven't touched a drink in a while. Now, I just want to drown out the thoughts of Aric. Get him out of my head," he mumbled as he poured another glass.

An hour later...

Valerian had finished bathing, but instead of feeling at ease, he found himself lying on the bed, unable to sleep. After a few moments of tossing and turning, he decided to go downstairs.

As he descended the stairs, the strong scent of alcohol hit his nose. His eyes found Sebastian slumped on the couch, one leg folded beneath him, his head resting on his hand, eyes closed, still clutching the now-empty bottle of alcohol.

Valerian hesitated. He thought about turning back, but he couldn't just leave Sebastian like that.

"Sebastian..." Valerian called softly as he approached him. "Sebastian, can you hear me?" he asked, kneeling before him.

"Sebastian," he said again, this time gently taking the glass from his hand and placing it on the table.

"Hey..." Valerian whispered as he lifted Sebastian's head carefully, trying to steady him. "Come sleep inside," he suggested, his heart skipping a beat when Sebastian's eyes fluttered open.

"What is it?" Sebastian asked groggily, lifting his head from his hand and staring at Valerian.

"Inside..." Valerian stammered. "Come inside. You'll be more comfortable in bed."

"No, I don't want to," Sebastian muttered, pushing Valerian's hands aside as he stood up, staggering slightly. "Leave me alone."

Valerian watched as Sebastian stumbled toward the kitchen. He opened the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.

"He's drunk," Valerian sighed, following him into the kitchen.

He took the bottle from Sebastian and poured water into a cup, squeezing in a bit of lime. "Here, drink this before you go to bed. It won't sober you up, but it'll help keep you hydrated," Valerian said, offering the cup to him.

Sebastian stared at him in silence for a moment before taking the cup and drinking it down. Without a word, he turned and made his way toward the stairs.

Valerian watched, anxiety building in his chest as Sebastian swayed slightly on the steps. Fearing he might fall, Valerian rushed over to help him. "Sebastian!" he called out, placing Sebastian's arm over his shoulder to support him as they climbed the stairs.

"Why are you doing this?" Sebastian asked, his voice slurred. "You despise me. So why are you acting like this? You hate me, right? So don't touch me," he muttered, pulling his arm away.

"You're going to fall, Seb. Let me help you," Valerian insisted, draping Sebastian's arm back over his shoulder.

"Don't touch me!" Sebastian said again, trying to push Valerian away, but his alcohol-soaked body was too weak to resist.

When they finally reached the room, Sebastian tried to collapse onto the bed, but Valerian stopped him.

"What is it?" Sebastian asked, his voice heavy with irritation.

"You reek of alcohol. Go take a bath," Valerian said, nudging him toward the bathroom.

"How is that your business?" Sebastian grumbled, trying to resist. "I don't want to take a bath."

Valerian stood his ground, pushing him gently but firmly. "You'll feel better."

Sebastian paused, his glassy eyes searching Valerian's face. "Do you hate me?" he asked, his voice softer now, almost vulnerable.

Valerian sighed. "You're drunk, Sebastian. You won't even remember asking me that tomorrow."

"Then bathe with me," Sebastian suddenly suggested, his eyes locking with Valerian's.

Valerian froze. "W... bath with you?" he stammered, unsure if he'd heard correctly.

"Yes," Sebastian said with a smirk. "Take off your clothes and come in with me."

Valerian was stunned, speechless as Sebastian made his way into the bathroom. From behind the door, he heard Sebastian call out, "Don't make me wait."

Feeling conflicted and with little choice, Valerian reluctantly followed. Despite having already showered, he entered the bathroom. Sebastian was already in the bathtub, his muscular body relaxed in the warm water.

Valerian stood awkwardly by the door, feeling incredibly self-conscious as Sebastian's gaze roamed over him.

"Are you going to bathe with your clothes on?" Sebastian asked, an amused glint in his eye.

Valerian hesitated. "Close your eyes," he said quietly, his cheeks flushing.

Sebastian chuckled softly. "And why should I do that?"

Valerian fumbled for a response. "Ermm... I-I... nothing," he stuttered, feeling foolish.

"Stop stuttering and get in here," Sebastian commanded, his voice dripping with amusement as he reached out and pulled Valerian into the tub.

Valerian yelped as water splashed around them. "Sebastian!" he protested, but the wolf simply smirked.

Without warning, Sebastian maneuvered Valerian between his legs, positioning him against his chest. Valerian stiffened when he felt Sebastian's hardened cock press against him. His heart raced as he tried to stay still, but the sensation of their bodies so close together was overwhelming.

Sebastian, noticing Valerian's discomfort, pulled him closer, letting Valerian's back rest fully against his chest. "What is it?" Sebastian whispered into his ear, his voice sending shivers down Valerian's spine.

"N-Nothing," Valerian replied quickly, trying to ignore the heat coursing through him.

"Take this," Sebastian said, handing Valerian a sponge and soap. "Bathe me."

Valerian blinked in surprise, staring at the items in his hands. He hesitated, but after a moment, he began to wash Sebastian's body, his hands trembling slightly as they moved over the his skin.