The apartment door closed behind them with a soft, final sound.
Gabriel turned the lock. Ethan set his keys in the bowl. For a moment they simply stood in the dim hallway, the residual energy of the preview still clinging to their clothes and skin.
Gabriel spoke first. "Shower."
Ethan nodded.
They undressed without hurry in the bathroom, the ordinary sounds of fabric and the quiet click of the shower door the only conversation.
Steam rose quickly. Ethan stepped under the water first; Gabriel followed, closing the space until their bodies aligned under the spray.
Ethan tipped his head back. Gabriel's hands found his shoulders, then slid down the length of his arms, rinsing away the day.
When Ethan opened his eyes Gabriel was already watching him, expression open and intent.
"Come here," Gabriel said.
Ethan went.
The kiss was slow, water running between their mouths. Gabriel's hands settled at Ethan's waist, thumbs stroking small arcs against wet skin.
