[ That moment to rest and breathe is greatly appreciated, and Joshua will gladly take it. He focuses on his breathing, on things that ground him. The feel of Dion's shirt beneath his fingers. The slight tang of dried sweat that sticks to him from his exercise. The sound of his heart beating in his throat. The taste of him still on his lips.

It relaxes him a little. Not as much as he'd like, but enough that when Dion pulls back, he can smile without it being shaky. ]

And as I forgive yours, I hope that you will forgive mine. Truly, I could have continued for much longer. It is difficult to get enough of you.

[ It will lead to other things eventually. He knows. But for now, kissing Dion like this is exactly what he wants. He lifts a hand, smoothing Dion's hair away from his ear, ]

At risk of sounding inexperienced, kissing you may be one of my favorite things.