Reid's heart skipped a beat at the kiss. He reached out furtively, grasping Rossi in a way only a man utterly deprived of love and affection could. He was careful to avoid touching Rossi's stitches, and instead kept his hands around Rossi's chest.

He pressed forward in the kiss, curiously running his tongue along Rossi's lower lip. It had been a long time since he had kissed someone, but he could never forget how to do it. He had had the fortune of going out with a very talented girl while they were both working on PhD's in Chemistry, and she had taught him practically every strategy in the book. He was glad to have a chance to use the skill in some meaningful way--he wanted to show Rossi that he wanted this.

One hand wandered up, brushing Rossi's neck before settling with one palm cupping his cheek.