don't make me spell it out

by kittyclawart

Summary:

He hated being embarrassed. Whether through rejection of a project, or social awkwardness, or talking to someone who clearly thought he was stupider than he was. It was humiliating, the complex only growing during his college years and festering during the early years of his professional career. He thought he had defeated it, becoming important within his chosen field, respected and listened to. He had mastered his craft.

He hadn’t mastered Stanley, however. And everything that came with that.

Notes:

The Dance of Instead - BB Bean

Xeno thought of himself as a patient person. He waited patiently for a lot of things, from experiments, to the shipping of key parts for his machines, Xeno was patient. He was also observant, he knew when an experiment was going to fail, when his mom had a bad day at work simply from the short sigh she gave, when he knew he got the top test score on the class exam. 

 

He was also aware that he had been in love with his best friend for a while now. 

 

A little after a year since Xeno and Stanley had become friends, he had realized that he had quite the biting crush on the blonde haired boy. 

 

Xeno had slipped down the hill on the way to their hideout, Stanley’s hand shooting out and catching him mid-fall, lollipop crushed between his sharp canines as he hoisted Xeno back to his feet on the slick grass. The pale haired boy hadn’t said anything at the time, thinking the crush would fade with age, it was just puppy love and Xeno had better things to do than entertain love. 

 

But now, midway through high school, Xeno’s crush had only deepened. They both had hit puberty around the same time, Xeno cataloguing every change in Stanley’s appearance in the neat folder in his mind labeled with hearts and candies. He got taller, his lashes got longer and fuller, his voice deepened and his jaw got more defined. The blonde teen had also started working out, usually exercising while Xeno worked on his various experiments. Sometimes when Stanley would take his shirt off, the young scientist would accidentally blow more things up than he usually would, much to the protest of his mother. 

 

Unfortunately, their peers in high school also noticed Stanley’s change in appearance, much to Xeno’s dismay. More than once, Stanley would be pulled away by blushing girls and boys alike, the blonde unaware of the cold look the scientist would give their peers. Xeno did his best to dissuade any ‘rivals,’ using everything short of baring his teeth like an animal to ward them off. As far as he knew, Stanley would always decline any declaration of love, or even dates, telling Xeno on more than one occasion that ‘he wouldn’t have time to help Xeno with his experiments’ if he got a partner. 

 

That always made Xeno preen a little bit. 

 

Xeno knew Stanley was smart, sharp eyed and charismatic. The blonde teen had gotten them out of arrests more than once with coy smiles and a few honey coated words. The blonde rivaled Xeno’s intelligence, easily following the teen’s rambles even if he didn't really care about the science behind it. 

 

He also knew that Stanley was incredibly oblivious. Almost painfully so. 

 

The young scientist had done everything short of throwing himself at the teen, with the blonde catching and throwing it right back. Like it was a game of catch. Every time Xeno tried to even hint at anything romantic, the blonde took it in stride and played it with a platonic tune. 

 

Xeno wanted to do a night under the stars? What a great way to map the constellations for his next experiment.

 

Xeno asked Stanley to show him how to shoot? Commence a five hour drilling on gun safety and the blonde judging his form. 

 

How about going to the drive-in, and Xeno wanted to be parked away from the other cars? Stanley totally understood, the echoing from the other people’s radios would be distracting. 

 

Xeno had once gotten so desperate he suggested they get dinner together, ‘forgetting’ it was Valentine’s Day. Stanley just laughed and teased that of course Xeno would forget about Valentine’s Day. 

 

He was at his wit’s end. 

 

So here the two sat, Xeno tinkering with his mom’s phone. She had dropped it in the snow and now it was glitching out. Stanley was laying on Xeno’s bed, flipping through the gun catalogue that he had gotten that morning. This was Stanley’s third day straight at the Wingfield house and despite having a guest room, Xeno insisted the blonde stay in his room on the air mattress. He was almost positive his mother knew why, but decided to play ignorant and let the pale haired boy muddle through this situation by himself. 

 

“What do you want to do tomorrow?” Stanley suddenly asked, catalogue snapping closed. 

 

“We have school tomorrow, so probably that,” Xeno replied, looking up from the phone. 

 

“Oh c’mon let’s just skip one day,” Stanley groaned, rolling to his back and putting his socked feet on Xeno’s pillows. “You have perfect attendance, you can take one absence.”

 

“Get your feet off my pillow,” Xeno huffed, turning back to the phone. He turned on the small heat lamp curled over his desk. “There is not one good reason to skip school.”

 

“That’s what you think,” Stanley grinned, hitting his feet on Xeno’s pillow. “Think about it! The whole day to do whatever we want, your mom will be at work so we have free range.”

 

“It’s free reign,” Xeno shot back, watching the moisture meter as he slid the phone under the lamp. 

 

“Oh whatever,” Stanley sighed, putting his hands behind his head. 

 

They fell into silence again, the meter beeping as the phone slowly dried out. Xeno tried not to overthink Stanley’s words. He knew the blonde teen didn’t mean anything…perverted by his statement but the scientist’s hormonal addled mind twisted it into something much dirtier than intended. 

 

The whole day to ourselves, mom away at work…Xeno watched the meter numbers decline, carefully clicking the lamp off as he methodically put the phone back together. He tried not to let his imagination go wild as he heard Stanley pull his phone out to idly scroll as Xeno continued to work.

 

He could admit he has had less than pure thoughts about his best friend, watching rather obscene videos that feature at least one blonde actor and letting himself imagine that it was Stanley. When the two of them would go swim at the local lake, he would always carefully catalogue every dip and curve he could of the teen as they would jump off the dock, or float in the water on their backs. 

 

Sure, his mom had left the two teens alone for hours at a time, but something about the way the blonde suggested it made him flush hot under his collar. It felt like a cheap porno plot, skipping school and getting up to perverted things under the nose of authority. Xeno wouldn’t mind it in all honesty, if that means that the blonde would put all his attention on him. 

 

Maybe after his mom left, the two would make breakfast, then Xeno would go take a shower and the blonde would come into the bathroom in the middle of it. He would pull the teen under the hot spray of the shower and have him take him right then and there. Xeno knows he wouldn’t be able to keep his hands off of him, maybe after the shower they would make out on the couch, or even on Xeno’s bed-

 

“-no? Earth to Xeno,” Stanley called, snapping the white haired teen out of his thoughts. 

 

“Yes?” Xeno recovered quickly, crossing his legs as he tightened the last screw on the back of his mom’s phone. 

 

“I’ve been calling for you for like, two minutes dude,” Stanley replied, sitting up on Xeno’s messed up bed. “I asked if you wanna do pizza tonight, mom was going to order.”

 

“Yeah that’s fine,” Xeno said, setting the phone down on his desk. “I was thinking about something, apologies.”

 

“What were you thinking about?” Stanley asked, hopping off the bed to pad across the worn carpet to peer over Xeno’s shoulder. The musky scent of the blonde’s cologne was not making the situation between his legs any better. 

 

“Just about how I need to make an indestructible phone for mom,” Xeno excused, tapping the phone. “This is the third time in a month I’ve repaired her phone.”

 

“That’ll be more impressive than getting a rocket to the moon,” Stanley laughed, grabbing the phone off the desk. “I’ll return this to her and tell we are good for pizza.”

 

“Thanks,” Xeno replied, grabbing at his notebook and pen to appear busy. “I’m going to continue to work on the schematics for that rifle.” 

 

“Sounds like a plan,” Stanley called over his shoulder, leaving the bedroom door open as he made his way down the hall to find Xeno’s mom. 

 

Xeno took a deep breath as the blonde disappeared into the hallway, uncrossing his legs to look at the situation between them. 

 

Guess I’m stuck at my desk until further notice. 

 

He just hoped that the blonde didn’t say anything else that would make Xeno’s over active imagination run wild.

 

=

 

It was sweltering on the football field. The itchy graduation gowns didn’t help either, Xeno wiping the sweat off his forehead as the principal droned on about the duty as a former student to be a valuable asset in the adult world. Whatever. 

 

Xeno peered through his seated classmates, locking in on the blonde teen who was distracted by his phone, rapidly texting. He felt his phone vibrate in his hand, turning it over to look at what Stanley had sent him.

 

Does mom want to go for dinner tonight?

 

Xeno typed a quick reply back of ‘yes,’ shoving the phone back into his pocket as they stood up, ready to file down the aisle. He hoped that it wouldn’t take long, he was ready to spend time with Stanley before he left for bootcamp. 

=

 

“What do you think you’ll miss the most?” Xeno’s mom asked, shoving the empty basket of fries to the edge of the table. 

 

“Hmm…probably music. Or fast food,” Stanley grinned, sipping his soda. 

 

“How cheeky,” she replied, shaking her head. “Well I know that I will miss you the most. Xeno will too.”

 

“Mom,” Xeno started, his mother just laughing behind her manicured hand. 

 

He couldn’t say anything else as Stanley slung an arm around Xeno’s shoulder, pulling him into a suffocating embrace. Xeno ignored his mother’s knowing look as he pushed the blonde off of him. 

 

“You’re going to get my shirt all greasy with your hands,” Xeno complained as Stanley wouldn’t let go. 

 

“I won’t forget you when I’m in basic, I promise,” Stanley dramatically said, pulling the pale haired teen tightly against him. “Don’t forget me in college either! I don’t want anyone taking my spot.”

 

“No one could replace you,” Xeno muttered, the blonde finally releasing him. 

 

“That’s cause no one else could put up with you,” Stanley nodded, his mother shaking her head good naturedly. “Only a friend like me could.”

 

Right, a friend. Xeno decided to keep his thoughts to himself, letting his mother lead the conversation toward dropping the teen off at the airport. 

After dinner, the two were standing outside the diner, deciding to walk back home rather than have Xeno’s mother drive them. 

 

“Be safe you two,” his mother called, keys jingling in her hand. “No funny business!”

 

“Will do mom,” Stanley called, giving a wave. 

 

They watched her pull off, car disappearing around the corner. It was still hot out, despite the sun setting, the early summer heat sinking into their bones. Stanley led the way, Xeno falling into step beside him as they made their way home, pavement still radiating heat. The sidewalk had long since been overgrown, the two teens opting to walk on the road, the blonde on the outside.

 

“I will miss you two,” Stanley said as they turned the corner, passing a run down bar. The music was blaring, rattling the dirty glass windows fronting the establishment. 

 

“I’ll miss you as well,” Xeno replied, shoving his hands in his pant’s pockets. He kicked at a crumpled aluminum can.

 

“You still gotta show me the ‘beauty of science’ right? Don’t go back on your promise now,” Stanley bumped his shoulder, guiding the two onto the cracked sidewalk that led them back to Xeno’s house. 

 

“I never go back on my promises,” Xeno huffed, the yellow streetlights casting dramatic shadows on the summer evening as they made their way home. “I’ll always be waiting for you. To show you the beauty of science.”

 

The blonde didn’t say anything at first and Xeno thought he might’ve played his hand too blatantly, stopping in front of his house. The porch light was on, the graduation sign leaning sideways against the patio. He turned on his heel to face the taller boy, the warm light illuminating the sincere expression on his face. 

 

“And I’ll wait for you,” Stanley smiled, stepping closer. Xeno felt his heart jump in his throat. “Forever. Or however long it takes for you to show me.”

 

Xeno took his hands out of his pockets as Stanley invaded his personal space, strong arms wrapping the pale haired teen in a tight embrace. He couldn’t help squeezing back, musculature firm underneath his fingers. The scent of Stanley’s cologne flooded his senses, the teen burying his face in the crook of his neck to drink in the smell, not caring if Stanley noticed. The blonde had sunk his face into Xeno’s white hair, most likely leaving a smear of drugstore lipstick on the pale locks. His wide hands were rubbing Xeno’s back, making him shiver despite the humid summer heat. 

 

After what seemed like incredibly long but somehow too short of time, Stanley leaned back, hands gliding to rest at his lean sides, thumb rubbing at Xeno’s worn NASA shirt. 

 

“I’m gonna go home tonight,” Stanley said, mouth in a tight line. “Let my parents know and stuff.”

 

“You can still stay here if you want,” Xeno replied, thin hands reluctantly falling to his sides. “Mom won’t care, plus she wants to take you to the airport anyway.”

 

“I at least need to tell them where I am going,” Stanley shook his head. “Or at least remind them. I still want you two to take me to the airport, though.”

 

Warm hands slid off his sides, the blonde stepping away to continue down the street toward his own home. Xeno toyed with the hem of his shirt as he stepped away, shoes shifting against the pavement. Stanley looked like he wanted to say something, staring over his shoulder as he began down the sidewalk. Xeno just looked at him, holding his amber gaze as he tried to school his expression. 

 

“What?” Xeno asked, the crickets ringing loudly in his ears. 

 

“Love you Xe. You and mom,” Stanley smiled, white teeth glinting in the light. “You’re the best family I’ve had.”

 

“We love you too,” Xeno replied, the ache in his chest making his shoulders slump. 

 

Stanley just gave a farewell wave, the pale haired teen watching him mosey down the sidewalk, turning the corner and disappearing behind the house on the corner. Xeno knew that he was probably getting eaten up by mosquitos, turning to walk the short distance to the front porch and swinging the storm door open. 

 

His mother was standing at the front window as Xeno entered the house, wiping his shoes on the coconut mat. She didn’t say anything, her long white hair loose and piling on her shoulders as Xeno closed the front door. The thrum of the air conditioning filled the silence as Xeno turned to make his way up the stairs, his mother’s black gaze following him up the steps, worried and soft. 

 

He had the summer until he left for college, plopping down on his bed with a sigh. The admissions papers were stacked neatly on his desk, next to the free memorabilia that his university sent him. Xeno tried not to think about this summer, the seven weeks that Stanley would be unreachable, the forever as they started their adult lives. 

 

“I’ll wait for you forever,” Xeno quoted quietly, falling back sideways on his bed with a muted thump. 

 

So will I.

 

=

 

Xeno decided he did not like bars. At least college bars. It stunk, it was hot and every surface was sticky. He wasn’t sure how he got roped into this. 

 

“C’mon Xeno at least look like you’re having fun!” Stanley yelled over the loud music. 

 

Oh right, that’s how. 

 

“I am trying not to get a staph infection from this bar,” Xeno barked back, Stanley’s hand slapping his shoulder. 

 

“I’m only in town for a couple days for your birthday, let’s make the most of it,” the blonde grinned, purple lipstick almost black in the colored lights of the bar. 

 

Xeno just rolled his eyes, sipping the well tequila with a scrunch of his nose. So much for that free birthday drink. He let Stanley drag him around, chatting with various college girls as they sat in the stuffy establishment. Xeno had no interest in talking with women, especially not in this environment. It only led to misunderstandings. 

 

Stanley, it seemed, didn’t care. He was chatting with two dark skinned girls, either purposefully ignoring their signals or just being painfully oblivious to the touches to his arm, the fluttering of their lashes, the posturing they did. 

 

Xeno believed the latter.

 

“I’m here for my best friend’s birthday,” Stanley grinned, wrapping his arm around Xeno’s shoulders as he scrolled idly through his phone. 

 

“Oh that is so sweet,” one girl said, giving Xeno a dazzling smile. “Are you two doing anything later?”

 

“That’s up to Xeno honestly,” Stanley replied back, the invitation flying over his head as he threw back the rest of his rum and coke. 

 

“We are just heading back to my place,” Xeno replied back, shaking the leftover ice in his plastic cup. The blonde had turned around to place his empty cup back on the bar top, yelling his order to the frazzled bartender.

 

The two girls shared a look between them, eyebrows rising to their hairline. The one who didn’t ask stepped away from Stanley, creating a polite distance. 

 

“Oh I didn’t,” she started, getting cut off by her friend with a shake of her head. 

 

“You two enjoy your night, happy birthday!” the other girl said, giving a short wave goodbye as they stepped back into the crowd. 

 

Stanley’s hand was still on his shoulder as he turned back around, new drink in hand. He looked around briefly before leaning down to yell into Xeno’s ear. 

 

“Where did those two girls go?” Stanley yelled, lips brushing Xeno’s ear. 

 

“They were getting called by their friends,” Xeno shrugged, sipping at his empty cup. He leaned to set it on the sticky bar top.

 

“That’s too bad,” Stanley remarked, standing up straight. “After I finish this drink you wanna head to another bar?”

 

“Depends on how long it takes you to finish that,” Xeno replied, Stanley’s hand sliding off his shoulder. 

 

“Aww you don’t wanna have more fun at another bar?” Stanley complained, sipping at his drink. It was bright red, cherries sinking to the bottom of the cup. 

 

“We could have fun by ourselves,” Xeno said, the combined liquor in his system and the stuffiness of the bar emboldening him. “I do live alone.”

“Yeah but your version of fun is you explaining your research proposal to me,” Stanley grinned, holding his drink out to Xeno. The plastic rim was stained purple as Xeno leaned in to sip at the cherry flavored alcohol. 

 

“We could do something else,” Xeno pushed back, licking his lips. “Though it is my birthday.”

 

Stanley just groaned, gesturing dramatically with the cup in his hand. Xeno shrugged, sidling beside the man as they watched the crowd, the musk of body odor making his nose scrunch. 

 

“We will do whatever you want,” Stanley forfeited, chugging the mostly full cup. “But for my birthday we are bar hopping!”

 

“Yeah yeah,” Xeno rolled his eyes, pushing through the crowd to make his way to the exit. 

 

He pushed his way onto the street, the early autumn weather making him shiver. Stanley followed quickly after, body heat radiating off of him as he pulled a cigarette out.

 

“Your wish is my command, princess,” Stanley teased as he flicked his lighter on. Xeno hoped that the blonde would surmise the flushing on his cheeks to be from the liquor. 

 

“Let’s go home.”

 

=

 

Xeno was laying flat on his bed, staring up at the popcorn ceiling of his apartment, Stanley snoring as he slept on the floor. His cheap blinds were bleeding the street light onto his checkered bed set. 

 

When they had gotten home, Stanley had ended up puking in the toilet, the liquor he chugged before they left coming right back up. Xeno had pulled his blonde hair away from his face, letting his fingers linger longer on his warm skin than was deemed platonic. He had offered that Stanley could sleep in his bed with him, but the blonde had declined, stating if he had to puke again then he didn’t want to get it on the scientist. 

 

Maybe the alcohol had gotten to his head, Xeno stripping in front of the man as he changed into his pajamas. Stanley had taken it in stride, pulling his jeans and shirt off to sleep in his boxers. The drunk man had collapsed on the makeshift bed on the floor, complete with a flat pillow and the department store blanket Xeno had picked up on sale.  He had quickly fallen asleep, Xeno standing over the sleeping figure, hands fisted in his cotton sleep pants. He had half the mind to kick the sleeping man, just for the trouble. 

 

But Xeno had decided to climb into bed, stare at his ceiling and try not to wake up the man with the frustration building in his gut. 

 

For some god forsaken reason, Stanley was determined to miss every nudge or push Xeno had been giving him since they were early teens. He didn’t want to shove, but he might have to. 

 

When one method doesn’t work, it's imperative for a scientist to explore other methods. And Xeno was a scientist before anything else.

 

=

 

His leather shoes were clapping on the linoleum floor, sliding his keycard in the reader as Xeno made his way into his dark office. After getting promoted to his own division, Xeno had been granted a solitary office, a crew of assistants and a security detail. 

 

He, of course, made sure that his ex-military best friend was part of that security detail. Being high up on the ladder in the space program did have its perks, occasionally. 

 

Stanley hadn’t arrived at the building yet, Xeno slipping out of the two bedroom condo to get an early start on the day. He looked at the analog clock hanging on his wall, the hands showing 4:47am. Being high up in the program also meant a lot of paperwork, legal contracts and a lot of meetings. 

 

Xeno felt like he spent more time talking about test runs and experiments than actually doing them. 

 

But such is life, so Xeno found himself sitting down at his desk, flipping through the stacks of paper that seemingly appeared on his desk overnight. He let the sunlight filter through the windows on the east wall as he worked, the sound of the city waking up muted behind the scratch of his pen. 

 

“Xeno,” a clipped voice said, not bothering to knock as the door swung open. 

 

“Stop overriding the key card reader,” Xeno replied, looking up from the report he was pouring over. He took his reading glasses off, setting them neatly on the desk. 

 

“Then make it better,” his assistant shrugged, green tipped hair already wild and mussed. “What do you have on the agenda today?”

 

“I need you to revise some of these calculations,” Xeno huffed, pointing with his pen to the reports on the assistant's messy desk shoved flush with the far wall. “I understand your partner is returning tomorrow, Senku, but don’t rush your work.”

 

“I wasn’t rushing it, Chrome just gave me the wrong schematics,” Senku replied, throwing his bag next to his desk. “Plus, Gen said he wanted to visit you and your boyfriend when he got in. Make sure you and Stanley are available tomorrow evening.” 

 

Xeno’s eyebrow twitched at the statement, putting his readers back on. Senku didn’t comment on the lack of reply, simply throwing himself into his seat and looking over the reports marked with bright red pen. 

 

“I’ll have you know I’m not Dr. Xeno’s boyfriend,” a lilting voice remarked, the door sliding closed with a hiss. Senku gave a disbelieving look. 

 

“Right, and pigs can fly,” Senku stuck his tongue out, ignoring the flat glare Xeno gave him. 

 

“Good morning,” Xeno greeted, leaning back in his office chair as Stanley approached, an unlit cigarette between his glossy lips. “I need you to fix the door again, Senku overrode the reader.”

 

“Will do,” Stanley replied, shifting to rest a hand on his hip. “Anything else?”

 

“Not that I know of. Senku’s partner is supposed to come in so keep an eye on the cameras,” Xeno remarked, the green haired assistant mocking him with his hand. “We don’t need another incident with the fire alarms and his need to do slight of hand tricks.”

 

“That was one time-”

 

“One time too many,” Stanley cut off, sliding a look between his dark lashes. “Gen is fun but you two are troublemakers.”

 

“Says you,” Senku replied, putting his pencil behind his ear. “Like you two didn’t do illegal stuff.”

 

“Enough,” Xeno huffed, ignoring the ugly face Senku was pulling. “You finish correcting those calculations. Stanley, do what you need to.” 

 

Senku muttered something under his breath, Stanley shooting him a look as he sauntered out of the office, door beeping as Stanley flipped the override switch. The two were left alone in the office, the scribbling of their pencils filling the silence. Xeno knew Stanley would be back with his coffee within a few minutes' time, eyeing the empty coaster on his desk, nestled between a stack of papers and the Newton’s Cradle. 

 

“Gen will send you guys an invite tomorrow, we are going to that bar Ruri sings at,” Senku remarked after a moment.

 

“I didn’t know she was in town,” Xeno remarked, glancing out the wired window of his door for the blonde man to reappear. 

 

“Yeah, Lillian is back from her press tour or whatever,” Senku sighed, spinning in his chair as they talked. “Byakuya texted me last week that they were coming.”

 

Xeno knew despite the nonchalant act, the green haired young man did hold a soft spot for his family, even if he didn’t admit it. He had worked with Byakuya years ago, admiring how forward he was with his goals, and his sickly sweet adoration for his son made Xeno a little bit queasy when he thought about it. How the loud mouth, crybaby man managed to land a world famous singer, Xeno would never know. He didn’t dare ask. 

 

“We should be able to go,” Xeno said as the door swung open, Stanley appearing with a steaming mug in hand. He gave a silent thanks as the man set it down on Xeno’s desk. 

 

“Byakuya and Lillian are back in town,” he said as Stanley walked over to stand behind Xeno’s chair. 

 

“It would be nice to catch up,” the former soldier remarked, crisp white button up flexing as he placed his gloved hands behind his back. “I feel like we haven’t seen them in years.”

 

“Maybe the years made you forget,” Senku muttered, throwing the revised calculations to the stack of papers on his cramped desk. “How…energetic he can be.”

 

“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” Xeno said, sipping his black coffee.

 

=

 

It was not fine. 

 

Xeno’s neck hurt from the jovial hug the white haired man grappled him into, squeezing him tight the dimly lit bar, the velvet semi circle booth crunching as Xeno tried to pry himself out of the strong hold. It was a higher class bar, servers in black and white uniforms, prices high and access limited. The floor was a black marble, the small but exclusive place practically bleeding upper class.

 

“Nice to see you again,” Stanley smiled, happily smoking a cigarette as he gave a polite wave to Lillian, her deep red dress matching the seating. “How was South Korea?”

 

“It was just wonderful!” Lillian replied back, perfect teeth glowing in the low light as she tapped Byakuya’s shoulder. Like a switch, the man released Xeno, who coughed and slid a glare toward Stanley for his lack of help. 

 

Ruri was still preparing backstage, Senku and Gen disappearing behind the metal door labeled ‘performers only’ so that they could help her prepare. Xeno rubbed at the back of his neck as he watched Chrome shift nervously at one of the closer stage booths, red rose bouquet set delicately on the glass table beside his half-drunk amaretto sour. He had let Stanley order for him, the orange peel placed delicately on top of the ice mocking him. 

 

Lillian and Stanley talked politely, Stanley asking questions about where they went in South Korea, his experience when he was deployed there for five years shining through with the probing questions. Byakuya had slid a hand around Lillian’s waist as they talked, sipping his whiskey as he lovingly watched his wife talk about her press tour. 

 

Xeno wrote the twinge of jealousy in his chest off as him wishing Stanley had ordered him whiskey as well rather than bourbon. 

 

The already dim lighting lowered even more, calling the group’s attention to the stage, the red velvet curtains slowly pulling apart. Xeno watched Senku and Gen slip out of the side door, shuffling into the booth beside Chrome as his adopted sister delicately walked onto stage, navy blue dress matching Chrome’s messily tied tie. The crystal chandeliers of the bar reflected on the satin - no, knowing the family it was definitely silk - dress, making the blonde girl almost glow on the stage. 

 

Sitting back, Xeno felt Stanley lean against him, stubbing his cigarette out in the ash tray as Ruri introduced herself briefly, delicate fingers wrapping around the microphone. He could smell Stanley’s cologne under the stench of tobacco, a salty scent, like an ocean breeze. Xeno had discarded his usual lab attire in favor of a crisp button down with black slacks to match. He had made sure to put on the Air Force cufflinks Stanley had gotten him years ago. The blonde really hadn’t changed his attire, only taking off his holster and combing his hair so his usual cowlick didn’t block his complexion. Xeno noted that he had refreshed his makeup, his purple lipstick crisp and unblotted from the day’s work. 

 

Ruri’s bell-like voice rang out in the dim bar, soft against the walls, secluding each booth to themselves. She really is Lillian’s daughter, Xeno idly thought, running his finger around the rim of his glass, watching it condense on the glass table. He tensed up as Stanley leaned closer, purple lips brushing his ear. 

 

“Do you not like the drink?” Stanley breathed, Xeno’s finger stopping on the glass rim. 

 

“Bourbon isn’t my favorite,” Xeno whispered back, picking the drink up and bringing it to his lips. The condensation dripped on his white button up, ice cold in the smoky bar. 

 

“We can switch,” Stanley replied back, pulling the drink away from Xeno’s mouth and replacing it with his own, purple lipstick marking the rim of his black russian. His hands were free of his usual white gloves, fingers warm and calloused as Xeno accepted the drink change. 

 

Xeno turned back to the stage, humming as the taste of coffee liqueur melted on his tongue. Byakuya had glanced back at the pair as they did the exchange, the white haired scientist writing it off as him being upset they were talking during his adopted daughter’s performance. 

The performance drew to a close, Chrome over the top, tears streaming down his face as Ruri bowed and exited the stage. He was loudly clapping and yelling despite the mild bar scene. Senku yanked the brunette back down into the booth, Gen trying to quell the two bickering about bar etiquette. 

 

“That was wonderful as always,” Xeno said as the stage curtains drew closed and the generic moody soundtrack started back up on the bar speakers. 

 

“Ruri never disappoints,” Byakuya raised his glass, clinking it with the others before taking a large sip. “She’ll be as big as her mother one day, I am sure of it.”

 

“I fully believe that,” Stanley smiled, hand patting Xeno’s shoulder. He hadn’t even noticed the soldier slinging his arm on the back of the booth during the performance. 

 

Their attention was drawn away as the side door opened, the young blonde singer walking out, assisted by her younger sister, Kohaku. The booth close to the stage erupted in cheers, Chrome climbing over a frazzled Gen to practically throw the bouquet at the singer. Kohaku easily caught it, smacking Chrome on the head in the same swift motion before helping Ruri to sit down at the booth, sliding next to Gen who was patting his spilled drink out of his purple vest. 

 

“How is Ruri’s therapy going?” Xeno asked, watching Kohaku quickly pull out a water bottle and crack it open for the singer. “Senku won’t tell me much.”

 

“That sounds like him,” Lillian laughed, sipping her white wine. “She’s been improving! She was able to do an entire session of physical therapy last week.”

 

“That’s great to hear,” Stanley smiled, cigarette hanging out the corner of his lips. “We are glad she is improving.” 

 

“You better watch out too,” Xeno remarked, eyeing the cigarette burning slowly. “Soon I’ll have to put you in respiratory therapy.”

 

Byakuya laughed as Stanley rolled his eyes, foot nudging Xeno’s under the table at the remark. The man had long since finished his whiskey once or twice, flush apparent on his face. His hand hadn’t left Lillian’s waist though, fingers pressing into the expensive fabric. 

 

“That reminds me,” Byakuya started, motioning with his half empty glass. A flicker of something flashed in Lillian’s eyes, setting her wine glass down on the table to shake her head frantically. 

 

“Honey let’s not-”

 

“Reminds me of what Senku mentioned the other day,” Byakuya smiled, ignoring his wife pulling the glass out of his hands. “He said that Stanley wasn’t your boyfriend anymore, and I gotta say I am quite miffed that I wasn’t informed of the engagement. I was getting worried, you know? You two are getting up there in years and I’m glad you guys are finally tying the knot!”

 

Xeno stared at the man for a moment, fingers threatening to drop the delicate glass all over his front. The blonde had stiffened beside him, the warm fingers on his shoulder retreating. Lillian was trying to cover Byakuya’s mouth with her manicured hands, but it was clear he wasn’t deterred. 

 

“Sweetheart what are you - anyways I hope at least we are invited to the wedding!” Byakuya laughed loudly, catching the attention of a certain green haired scientist, whose head shot toward the booth. “I’m not asking to be the best man but I hope to at least give a spee-”

 

“Old man.” a voice interrupted, the usually wild green hair slicked back with what Xeno assumed was probably practically super glue. Gen wasn’t far behind, patting the small of Senku’s back as he stared his father down. “What are you doing?”

 

“Ah Senku! I was telling them about how I hope to be invited to their wedding!” Byakuya smiled, pulling his wife closer. “It would be such a shame for us to miss it.”

 

“Are you fu-”

 

“Senku dear,” Gen interrupted, practiced smile on his face. 

 

Ever the performer, Xeno thought, silently watching the scene unfold. Stanley hadn’t fully pulled away from him, but his warm hand remained resting on the expensive velvet seating rather than Xeno’s shoulder. Gen whispered quickly behind his hand into Senku’s ear, crossed arms loosening in what he assumed was defeat. 

 

“Just ignore him,” Senku said, looking at the silent pair. “He’s drunk off his ass and misunderstood the text message I sent him.” 

 

“It’s alright,” Stanley replied for the both of them, patting the velvet a couple times. “I assumed he had had too much to drink.”

 

“I have not!” Byakuya protested, Lillian shushing him while covering his mouth. “I’ve seen you two dance around each other for years, I may be -”

 

Gen and Lillian managed to silence the man, both of their hands muffling the drunken words trying to spill from the man’s mouth. Senku looked like he wanted to die, staring dead eyed at the crystal chandelier hanging over the glass table as his hands squeezed his crossed arms. Xeno set his glass back on the table, the purple lipstick smudges almost black in the dim lighting. He licked his own lips as the smoke from Stanley’s cigarette curled around him, hyper aware of his amber eyes on him. He couldn’t help but feel slightly embarrassed, the leather soles of his loafers tapping the black marble flooring. Xeno was suddenly aware that they were the only non-romantically involved peoples at the table, a sharp sting radiating in his sternum. It made him feel awkward. He wanted, no needed, to get out of here. Byakuya could only be held back so long and other patrons of the bar were turning their attention toward the raucous. 

 

The scientist was trapped in the booth though, blonde soldier on his left and Byakuya on his right. Would it be crass to climb over the glass table and make an escape? Probably. 

 

“I think that we are going to take our leave,” Stanley suddenly said, stubbing his cigarette out in the ash tray. 

 

He shuffled out of the booth, extending a hand to help Xeno find his footing, legs weak from the prolonged sitting. His fingers didn’t linger, as soon as Xeno stood they quickly retreated. Byakuya had stopped fighting his wife and soon to be son-in-law, the pair relaxing and pulling their hands away. 

 

“Aw, but I wanted to hear the wedding plans,” Byakuya complained, Lillian pinching his jaw in an effort to stop his remark. It didn’t work. 

 

“I told you that is not what I meant-” Senku’s irritated voice shot back as Stanley steered the white haired scientist toward the coat valet seated in the foyer. The bickering faded as the duo made their exit, the instrumental music tuning it out. The foyer was calm and well lit, comparing starkly with the smoke filled bar they had made their way out of. 

 

Xeno waited silently as Stanley retrieved their coats, the early spring still making the nights frigid. He wordlessly accepted his coat, sliding it onto his shoulders as an employee politely opened the exit door, the street quiet and lamps cold. 

 

The blonde had already pulled out another cigarette, sitting unlit in his mouth as he stepped onto the street beside Xeno, hands neatly tucked into his worn leather jacket. They had walked to the establishment, both of their salaries allowing for their condo to be in the rather nice area of the city. Stanley fell in step with Xeno as he turned up the street, hands cold as they fiddled with the buttons of his wool petticoat. He heard the flick of Stanley’s lighter, black eyes staring up the street, the stoplights blinking through their timers as they made their way through the sleepy city. 

 

The blonde didn’t bump shoulders with him like usual, Xeno shoved his hands in his coat pockets, calculating the distance between them. Sixteen inches. There was still leftover salt on the sidewalks, crunching under Stanley’s expensive shoes. He watched the blonde stub the cigarette out on a metal trashcan, throwing it in without even looking as they continued down the street. Their condo building wasn’t even a block away now. There was a distant car horn, the pair stopping at the crosswalk, the blinking red hand mocking Xeno. 

 

“Xeno,” Stanley suddenly said, watching a car drive by. 

 

“Hmm,” was all Xeno could offer back, continuing to watch the red hand restrict him like a race horse at the gate. He wanted to sleep this night off. 

 

The red hand disappeared before Stanley could continue, Xeno kicking off the curb to cross the street, not even looking to see if a car dared to run the red light. The soldier was hot on his heels, not deterred by Xeno practically fleeing the scene. 

 

In my thirties acting like this, Xeno thought to himself, keys heavy in his hands as he swung the lobby door open, stepping into the warm air. Stanley held the door open as he stepped through, Xeno not waiting for him as he beelined it for the elevator. 

 

Maybe he would take the stairs fifteen floors up instead. Leg work out or whatever.

 

Before he could turn toward the vacant staircase, a warm hand on his shoulder stopped him, turning him toward the elevator doors sliding open with a mechanical ding. His leather soles clapped on the metal flooring, hand still on his shoulder as the blonde’s other hand hit the number fifteen on the control panel. Xeno watched the elevator doors slide shut, sealing the two inside. 

 

He hated being embarrassed. Whether through rejection of a project, or social awkwardness, or talking to someone who clearly thought he was stupider than he was. It was humiliating, the complex only growing during his college years and festering during the early years of his professional career. He thought he had defeated it, becoming important within his chosen field, respected and listened to. He had mastered his craft. 

 

He hadn’t mastered Stanley, however. And everything that came with that. 

 

His jaw clicked as he stopped grinding his teeth, glancing at Stanley's feet, toe tapping the elevator floor. His hand had retreated again, Xeno’s skin still warm from the contact, bleeding beneath his wool coat. He kept his hands in his pockets, not daring to look up at the man clearly trying to get his attention, clearing his throat more than necessary. 

 

“Xeno,” Stanley started, shifting on his feet. Xeno watched the lace hooks on his shoes glint in the light. 

 

Xeno gave another hum. Was the elevator always this slow?

 

“Are you good?” Stanley asked, voice sincere. Xeno felt like a kid again. “You know Byakuya was drunk, he didn’t know what he was saying.”

 

“I know,” Xeno muttered, hands fisting in his pockets. Way to rub salt in the wound.

 

“...Alright,” Stanley conceded, not pushing the man like he originally thought. The elevator dinged open, giving Xeno an excuse to exit the conversation. 

 

The soldier followed the man to their condo door, Xeno willing his hands steady as he clicked the double locks open. The condo was lit up warmly, the entranceway table decorated with a combination of their things. Stanley’s keys, Xeno’s work ID. Stanley’s boots, his gun holster. Xeno’s various pens, his work phone. The usually welcome sight soured Xeno’s mood even more. 

 

When Xeno wasn’t in his self organized pity party, the sight usually made him giddy. He could pretend that they weren’t just sharing the condo together, that they were romantically involved, that Xeno really had gotten everything he wanted. What he worked for. 

 

He wordlessly unbuttoned his petticoat, hanging it on the coat rack before kicking off his loafers and padding deeper into the condo. The kitchen island light was dimmed, highlighting the picked over fruit basket and random paperwork Xeno had poured over when Stanley had cooked them dinner earlier that evening. Xeno glanced at the clock on the stove as he pulled a glass from the cabinet, filling it up at the fridge. 

 

The blonde had slowly made his way to the kitchen as well, Xeno turning to lean on the counter and drink the cold water. He kept his eyes trained on the black TV that was hung on the far wall in the living room. 

 

The situation that happened with Byakuya made Xeno hyper aware of the fact he wasn’t a child anymore. He wasn’t a teenager with a puppy love crush on his best friend, or a young college student too busy to make a move. He was a grown adult, with a professional and esteemed career, playing house with his best friend that he had been in love with for nearly twenty years. 

 

His assistant was planning to propose to his partner, showing Xeno the ring one evening when they had stayed late in the office, the green haired scientist trying to play nonchalant. His assistant, nearly ten years younger than him, had more wherewithal to not only openly seek out his partner romantically, but to take that final step. 

 

Xeno was almost green with envy, matching with the young man’s hair. 

 

But Xeno couldn’t do anything. He just sipped his water, staring at the black TV screen. 

 

“Xe,” a voice suddenly said, snapping him out of his self appointed humiliation session. Stanley came into view, resting back on the island, blocking his view of the living room. “Are you sure you are okay?”

 

Xeno set his empty glass on the counter behind him, swallowing thickly. It felt like there was a billiard ball in his throat, crossing his arms across his white button up. He couldn’t look the man in his eye, opting to stare at his neatly combed golden hair. 

 

“Yeah I’m fine,” Xeno managed out, shrugging. “Just tired, that's all.”

 

The blonde sighed, hand ruffling the golden hair Xeno had his eyes trained on. He noticed that Stanley was wearing the gold bracelet the scientist had gifted him a couple years ago at Christmas, the engraved bangle glinting in the dim light of the kitchen. 

 

A single soul in two bodies, Xeno thought to himself, remembering that maybe Stanley would pick up what Xeno was trying to tell him when he saw the engraving. He didn’t. 

 

Stanley popped the top two buttons of his shirt open, dog tags visible before disappearing beneath the shirt, Xeno’s black eyes tearing away from the sliver of tan skin to stare down at his own shoes. 

 

“We both know that isn’t true,” Stanley sighed, hands bracing on the counter he leaned on. “What’s on your mind?”

 

“That we should cut Byakuya off after two drinks,” Xeno half heartedly joked, earning a huff of laughter from the blonde. 

 

“I agree, but I’m being serious here Xe,” Stanley replied, steering the conversation right back. “C’mon, this isn’t like you.”

 

Xeno finally met his eyes, furrowing his brow to prevent the man from seeing his eyes welling up. He knew the grimace on his face wasn’t helping convince the soldier he was fine, facial muscles trembling as he swallowed around the lump in his throat. Embarrassment was hot on the back of his neck, palms sweaty where they gripped the sides of his shirt, wrinkling the fabric. Stanley’s face was sincere, sculpted brows drawn together in concern, mouth frowning slightly as his eyes searched Xeno’s face. 

 

Xeno might have to come to terms with the fact that maybe Stanley wasn’t just oblivious, that he was aware and simply didn’t reciprocate. That he loved Xeno like family, like he had admitted those years ago on that dark suburban street. Maybe the scientist was the one not picking up the signals, not the other way around. 

 

Stanley held his gaze, pushing off the counter to step forward, crowding the man back against the counter. The fridge was humming, loud over the sound of his heart beating like a kickdrum. Xeno felt like a trapped animal, shifting on his feet as the blonde crossed the short distance to stand in front of him. He smelled like cigarette smoke and salt, stinging Xeno’s nose as he took a shaky breath in. 

 

“Xeno,” Stanley whispered, like he was trying to keep a secret. Warmth was radiating off the man, enveloping Xeno as his own skin started to heat up.

 

“I’m going to bed,” Xeno said, sidestepping the man and hitting his back on the stovetop knobs with a clang.

 

He balanced his hand on the glass stovetop as he unhooked his shirt from the offending dials, not daring to look up at the blonde. He skirted around the island to exit the kitchen, head down. He stumbled back at the threshold of the kitchen, smacking straight into a warm body with a huff. Stanley was blocking the exit, jaw set and hands bracing on the counter tops like a gate. He stepped back, glancing to the left at the breakfast bar that barred the living room from the kitchen. Now that he wasn’t in public, the notion of climbing over furniture to escape the situation was more viable. 

 

“Don’t climb over the counters Xeno,” Stanley said, Xeno snapping his attention to the blonde man. “Tell me what’s going on and I’ll let you go.”

 

“Nothing is fucking going on,” Xeno snapped, the anger at being humiliated flaring in his chest as he met the man’s amber gaze. “Nothing has ever fucking gone on!”

 

Stanley blinked in surprise as Xeno stomped forward, pressing a finger into the center of the soldier’s chest, digging into his sternum. 

 

“Xeno what are yo-”

 

“Every fucking single time, every single time,” Xeno yelled, blinking his eyes rapidly. He was digging his finger into the man’s chest with every sentence. “It has to be on purpose now and god I am fucking idiot for putting up with it! You are determined to ignore it, determined to- to humiliate me.” 

 

Xeno was panting, chest tight as he retracted his finger, bone hurting from the force in which he jabbed it into the man’s muscular chest. 

 

“Xeno I’m not trying to humiliate you-”

 

“Oh shut up,” Xeno interrupted, pushing at Stanley’s chest with both hands to try and get him to move. “Get out of my way.”

 

The blonde didn’t budge, pushing back against Xeno’s shoving. His socks slipped on the kitchen tile as Stanley pushed back, hands grabbing at Xeno’s wrists and pushing him further into the kitchen, lower back digging into the kitchen island. 

 

“Let me go,” Xeno barked, twisting his wrists in the man’s tight grasp. 

 

He was quickly realizing how strong the blonde was in comparison to him, his grip not wavering in the slightest even with Xeno’s continued writhing. There was a mix of confusion and hurt painted the man’s feminine features, golden hair mussed and falling across his face. 

 

“Stanley let me fucking go,” Xeno repeated, kicking at Stanley’s shins. His spine was hurting from where it was digging into the countertop edge. 

 

“Tell me what the hell you are talking about first,” Stanley finally replied, frown pulling at his purple lips. Even with the anger and embarrassment boiling in Xeno’s chest, he still found the delicate expression beautiful. 

 

“Like you don’t know,” Xeno said, wiggling in the blonde’s firm grasp. “I’m not doing this.”

 

“You’re right. We are doing this,” Stanley snapped back, hands pulling at Xeno’s wrists and swinging him around to push him through the kitchen doorway. 

 

Xeno tripped over his own feet as Stanley pushed him down the hallway toward the living room, Stanley’s jaw tensed and set as he practically threw the scientist onto the black leather couch. Scrambling, Xeno righted himself on the cushions, pressing back against them as the soldier loomed over him, arms crossed. His wrists hurt from the grip Stanley had had on him. 

 

“Not sure what the hell is going on but you are going to tell me,” Stanley gritted out, leg hiking up to slam next Xeno, sock digging into the expensive couch. 

 

“Oh now you want to know? Now you’re curious?” Xeno snapped back, pushing at Stanley’s foot. 

 

“Xe, what the actual fuck are you talking about?” his voice was rising, muscular arms swinging out in an exasperated manner. 

 

“I shouldn’t have to fucking spell it out for you!” Xeno’s voice was rising right back, continuing to push at the man’s leg. “You’re not stupid Stanley! Think for one fucking second in that pretty little head of yours.”

 

Xeno didn’t let him reply, shooting up to stand on the cushions and press his finger back into the man’s chest. 

 

“I’m not playing anymore fucking games Stanley,” Xeno yelled in the otherwise quiet condo. His socked feet were slipping on the couch cushions. “Get the fuck out of my fucking way. I’m done doing this.” 

 

“You aren’t going fucking anywhere,” Stanley snapped back, standing straight between the coffee table and the couch. 

 

Xeno’s bedroom door was to the right, the man shifting to walk across the leather couch and lock himself in his bedroom. Before he could get too far, a calloused hand twisted in the front of Xeno’s white shirt, a button popping off with the force. He was swung to face the blonde, thin hands gripping at the man’s muscular forearm. His feet were slipping on the couch as the man yanked at him, holding him up by his shirt. They held each other’s gaze, his fingers burning from where they held onto tan skin. Xeno’s heart was slowing down as they continued to stare at each other, the tight expression on the blonde’s face loosening into something softer, more bare.

 

“Tell me what’s going on,” his voice was suddenly soft and low, the expression of confusion still twisting his feminine features. “Please.”

 

Xeno’s vision was swimming as he held the man’s amber gaze. He was going to cry and the blonde was going to witness it. He was going to bawl like a baby and make a further fool out of himself. He was sure he looked absolutely pathetic.

 

“I,” Xeno started, his throat hurting. “I’m stupid.”

 

“I assure you you are not,” Stanley replied, hand loosening on his shirt. 

 

Xeno collapsed on the couch again, legs jelly from embarrassment. The blonde sat down on the coffee table, papers crunching as he faced the white haired man. His legs were bracketing him in, navy blue slacks taut. Xeno curled up on himself like a child, peeking out from behind his knees. He tried subtly wiping his runny nose on his black dress pants. Stanley didn’t say anything, leaning his elbows on his knees as he waited for Xeno to respond, the anger from earlier dissipating from the air. 

 

“I just need some time to think,” Xeno croaked, sniffling. 

 

“About what?”

 

“I’m not-” Xeno took a deep breath before continuing. “I’m not going to spell it out, Stanley.”

 

I have too much pride for that, Xeno thought, licking his lips. His hair was messy, falling out of its normal slick back, shrouding his face and tickling his cheeks. Stanley just sighed, head hanging as Xeno’s hands traced the seams of his pantlegs. 

 

“Xeno, Xeno I didn’t realize it meant that much to you,” Stanley sighed, raising his head to catch the man’s watery gaze.

 

“...Really?” Xeno said, disbelieving. 

 

So the blonde did catch onto the hints, but he thought Xeno was…casual about it? The disbelief pushed the embarrassment out of his chest as he uncurled his legs, setting his feet between Stanley’s spread ones. The blonde scratched the back of his head, other hand reaching for Xeno’s, fingertips warm against his thin fingers. 

 

“You never really showed much interest so I didn’t think that,” Stanley shrugged, thumb rubbing at the back of Xeno’s hand. “I’m not even gonna make an excuse. It’s my fault.”

 

Showed much interest? Xeno making passes for twenty years was him not showing interest? What the fuck was Stanley talking about?

 

“What are you talking about?” Xeno asked, staring down at their intertwined hands. 

 

“What are you talking about?” Stanley replied back, sounding just as confused. His thumb was stroking Xeno’s ring finger, the skin buzzing with the repeated motion. 

 

“Why the hell do you think I wasn’t showing much interest?” Xeno questioned, tearing his eyes away from their hands and meeting the man’s soft amber gaze. 

 

“Well you always said that marriage was a waste of time,” Stanley replied back, sentence slow like he was speaking a foreign language. “Given that your mom divorced and stuff.”

 

“Marriage?” Xeno said, throat dry as he blinked. 

 

“Yeah?” Stanley asked, thumb stopping its stroking of his skin. “Is that not what you are upset about? That I haven’t proposed yet?”

 

“We aren’t…” Xeno was bewildered. Stanley looked just as confused, searching the man’s face. “We aren’t even dating, Stan.”

 

“Yes we are?”

 

“What?” Xeno couldn’t manage anything else besides the one word response. Stanley’s other hand grasped his own, braiding their fingers together. 

 

“Xeno, you didn’t think that we were…?” Stanley started, squeezing his hands. “Xeno, we live together.”

 

“Separate bedrooms,” Xeno replied back.

 

“You said I snored and I didn’t want to wake you.”

 

“We don’t go on dates or kiss or anything.”

 

“You said you didn’t like PDA, and yes we do. Every Friday we go out to a nice restaurant. I pay for it and everything.”

 

“I thought that was just routine.”

 

“There’s always a bouquet of flowers on the table, Xe.”

 

“You never asked me out.”

 

“Yes I did?” Stanley replied, shifting closer to the man. “Remember when I graduated basic training?”

 

Xeno nodded slowly, remembering the time he and his mom went to Texas to congratulate the young soldier. They had gone out to dinner after the ceremony, Xeno’s mom leaving the two to catch up as she busied herself at the restaurant bar. 

 

“Mom was in on it and everything. She helped pick the restaurant.” Stanley continued, heartbeat thrumming against Xeno’s palms. “I asked if you wanted to continue life together.”

 

“And I said of course,” Xeno finished, blinking the residual tears out of his eyes. 

 

“Mmhmm,” Stanley nodded, a small smile gracing his lips. “You really didn’t realize…?”

 

“To be honest, you aren’t very receptive to any of my actions,” Xeno replied. “Plus you told Senku like two days ago you weren’t my boyfriend.”

 

“Xeno, we are in our early thirties. Boyfriend is a little juvenile,” Stanley sighed, scooting so that he was barely perched on the edge of the table. 

 

“I guess,” Xeno replied, licking his lips. “Why didn’t you try to kiss me then? Or sleep with me?”

 

“I was waiting for you,” Stanley answered honestly, one of his hands untwisting from Xeno’s to brush his jawline. Xeno shivered at the contact. “I told you I would wait as long as you needed.”

 

His warm fingers dragged across his face, thumb swiping Xeno’s chewed bottom lip, the scientist leaning into the sensation. He fluttered his eyes shut as his fingerpad pressed against the soft flesh.

 

“I will say it was quite hard,” Stanley breathed, hand releasing Xeno’s and resting on his knee, slowly sliding up the expensive fabric. Xeno’s chest hurt from how hard his heart was beating. “Waiting.” 

 

“You’re telling me,” Xeno whispered against his thumb. “I didn’t even think we were dating.”

 

Stanley laughed, Xeno cracking his eyes open to catch the expression on the man’s face. He laughed right back, hands fumbling as the blonde scooted even closer, sliding to his knees. He nudged Xeno’s legs open, sliding between them to meet eye to eye with the scientist. 

 

“Should I ask again?” Stanley said, eyes locked on his thumb pressing Xeno’s lips apart. “Or can we just keep moving forward?”

 

“The best researcher learns from his mistakes, but doesn’t repeat them,” Xeno weakly smiled, hands dancing over the man’s sleeves to rest on his shoulders. 

 

“And you are the best researcher I know,” Stanley smiled back, pulling the man closer as his hand shifted, sliding to grip at the nape of Xeno’s neck. 

 

“I’m done waiting, Stan,” Xeno whispered, so close he could count the thick lashes on the man’s eyes. Stanley didn’t give a verbal reply, relief flooding his expression as he pulled the man in, fabric shifting as he leaned in. 

 

Xeno kept his eyes open as he met with the blonde, makeup foreign against his lips. Stanley had closed his eyes, humming, experienced as he pressed softly against him. The action was foreign to him, so he let Stanley lead, tilting his head when the blonde’s thumb pressed the side of his neck. His whole body felt alight, Stanley’s other hand gripping at Xeno’s hip as he leaned forward, wrapping his thin legs around his waist. 

 

They broke apart with a smack, Xeno sucking in a deep breath as he watched the blonde lick his lips. Stanley’s finger toyed with the waistband of his slacks, untucking Xeno’s rumpled button up. Xeno pressed forward, the blonde easily reciprocating and meeting his chapped lips with a hum, more forceful than the first time. He breathed through his nose as Xeno wrapped his arms around Stanley’s neck, his heart beating out of his chest. 

 

Xeno was sure Stanley could feel his heart pound against his ribs, the fabric of their shirts catching on one another as the blonde met him chest to chest. 

 

He felt high, his brain mush as he felt Stanley’s mouth open, tongue pressing hesitantly Xeno’s chapped lip, saliva stinging the split. His lips parted, body giving away his eagerness as he trembled in the man’s hold, wide palms cupping his face as the blonde licked the ridges of his teeth. Xeno could taste tobacco on his tongue, the flavor of bourbon not far behind. His chest was tightening as they continued to kiss, pressing back with his own tongue.

 

It was a foreign sensation, warm and wet but surprisingly welcome, Xeno relishing in the slide. 

 

It was much better than his own fingers in his mouth, unforgiving and rough. It was better than sinking his teeth into his pillow while Stanley slept a room away. 

 

So much better. 

 

Xeno flushed at the wet sound that resounded in the quiet living area, blinking his eyes to focus as Stanley leaned back, purple lipstick smudge and uneven. He felt out of breath, fingers fumbling with the golden hair on the nape of the man’s neck. Stanley’s warm hand slid down to toy with the collar of Xeno’s shirt, eyes looking at the missing button that flew off during their fight. 

 

“I’ll sew that button back on,” Stanley smiled, fingers pushing his collar to the side to press against the thin skin of Xeno’s neck. Xeno laughed in response, hands clasping behind the man’s head he slid forward. 

 

“I’m still mad at you,” Xeno said, catching the glint in the man’s eyes at the statement.

 

“I should be mad at you for not realizing we were dating for like. Ten years.”

 

“I’m blaming you for that. I gave plenty of hints,” Xeno huffed, Stanley pressing a chaste kiss to the corner of his mouth. 

 

“Then I gotta make it up to you,” Stanley breathed, purple lipstick smudging across Xeno’s pale skin to find home on the cartilage of his ear. “Right, Xeno?”

 

Goosebumps rose on his skin, Xeno tensing as Stanley’s hands skated to his sides, lifting him up as he rose to his feet. His socked feet slipped on the flooring as the blonde dragged him across the living room, clattering the coffee table and knocking a discarded mug off the table with a sharp clang. Old, cold coffee spilled out onto the persian rug but neither of them really gave a damn at this point, Xeno craning to press a warm, off center kiss to the man’s lips. 

 

The blond held the man up with one arm, pressing back warmly as he jiggled the hand to Xeno’s bedroom door open, a frustrated noise rumbling in his chest as the knob stuck. With a shove, the door opened, the pair stumbling in a Xeno shoved his tongue in the man’s mouth, trying to taste as much as he could. Xeno’s feet slipped on the plush carpet as Stanley slammed the door shut, the back of his head stinging as he was practically thrown against it. Xeno’s bedroom was dim, the only light coming from a bedside lamp and the cracked curtains bleeding the city lights in staggered columns.

 

His fingers fumbled with the collar of Stanley’s shirt, usually adept fingers clumsy and trembling as he yanked a few buttons open. His shoulder blades were digging into the wooden door as calloused hands slipped underneath his untucked shirt, making him gasp into the kiss, the blonde licking the sound from his mouth. Arms pushed the shirt up as warm fingertips pressed against his chest, mapping across his ribs and up his sternum. 

 

“Stan-” Xeno panted, the word cut off as the blonde leaned back in. His hands grasped at his thin sides, pressing red indentations as he spun the pair around, Xeno hitting the bed with a muted thump. 

 

The purple duvet was satiny and soft, Xeno slipping on the material as he tried to scoot back onto the bed. He didn’t get far, Stanley’s fingers snagged the belt loops on Xeno’s pants, yanking his hips forward as the blonde kneeled on the warm carpet at the end of the bed. His arms felt weak, white hair creating static on the bed cover as Stanley rested his cheek on Xeno’s inner thigh, thick eyelashes curtaining his eyes. The blonde looked almost pleading, eyebrows drawn together in a tight line, flush high on his tan skin. 

 

“Xeno,” Stanley sighed, pink tongue jutting out to lick the spit from the corner of his lips. “Will you let me make it up to you?”

 

Xeno trembled like a leaf, arm reaching out to stroke the golden locks gently. Stanley leaned into the contact, face turning to press a warm kiss to the center of his palm.  When he tried to sit up, one of the blonde’s hands shot out, pressing him back down into the bed with a soft, but unyielding press. Stanley slid forward, nose tickling his inner thigh as settled his face in the crook between Xeno’s thigh and hip. Xeno’s fingers tangled in his hair as Stanley sucked in a deep breath, the sensation cool against his heated skin. The hand that was on Xeno’s chest slid, fingers confident and sure as they popped the lower buttons of Xeno’s button down open, nails scraping his undefined abdomen as they traced down to play with the waistband of his slacks. 

 

Stanley was pressing kisses over his pants, starting from the crook of Xeno’s leg and dragging across. He couldn’t help his hips jumping up as Stanley dragged his plush lips over the center of his crotch, taking in a deep breath as he tried to sap the heat from Xeno’s skin. His throat felt dry as he panted openly in the bedroom, the minimal contact making Xeno’s mind spin.

 

Sure, he had certainly imagined these types of scenarios, Stanley’s habit of following Xeno’s plans with no questions asked making his head conjure up rather perverse thoughts when he was alone in his bedroom with nothing but his hand and imagination. 

 

Stanley’s free hand was sliding up Xeno’s calf, bunching the fabric as he guided the leg on to his shoulder, hand coming to assist his other in unbuttoning Xeno’s pants. The blonde retreated out of his reach, hands finding purchase on the satin duvet as he was manhandled. Xeno was sure he looked absolutely crazy, spit dribbling out of the corner of his mouth as Stanley’s fingers pulled the ceramic zipper down, eyes trained on the bulge in Xeno’s underwear. 

 

“You know,” Stanley breathed, one hand lifting his hips up while the other pulled his pants down. The blonde shuffled on the carpet, quickly pulling his pants off and throwing them to the side before finding his place between Xeno’s legs. “I’ve thought about this for a while now.”

 

Xeno couldn’t respond with anything coherent as Stanley grabbed his leg again, pulling the sock off and pressing a warm kiss to the top of his foot. His lipstick left a smudged purple print, replicas soon appearing as the blonde kissed his way up Xeno’s leg, calloused fingerpads squeezing warmly with each press. The front of his briefs were wet, the white fabric darkened as Stanley pressed a warm kiss over his underwear to his jutting hip bone before switching to his other leg to do the same procedure. Xeno’s fingers shook as he tried to finish unbuttoning his shirt, awkward as he laid flat against the bed. 

 

He pulled the shirt open with a quick motion, amber eyes locking onto the expanse of skin that was exposed in the low light of the bedroom. Xeno’s lamp beside his bed was casting dark shadows on the pair, the orange light making Stanley’s skin appear golden. Releasing his kiss marked leg, Stanley climbed up to press an open mouthed kiss to Xeno’s lower abdomen, tinting the white hair of his happy trail. He locked his ankles around the blonde’s lower back, telling him that this wasn’t a dream or some perverted fantasy.

 

“I’m so happy,” Stanley breathed between kisses, Xeno’s hands finding purchase in his hair as his pink tongue traced the line of his ribcage. “That I finally get to do this.”

 

It tickled as Stanley kissed down his side, leaning on his elbows as he smeared purple lipstick across his pale skin. Xeno hummed in agreement, not trusting his tongue to form any coherent thought. The blonde was still fully clothed, the open collar making Xeno feel like a peeping tom as it gave him a glimpse of Stanley’s toned chest. His dog tags were glinting in the low light, shimmering like a marker to the skin locked behind cotton fabric. Xeno was subtly rolling against the blonde's abdomen, the friction addicting as Stanley laved his tongue across Xeno’s chest, making him arch into the contact. Trembling, Xeno’s hands left his hair, dragging to pull at Stanley’s shirt, twisting the fabric as the blonde teethed his nipple, lapping the reddened skin. 

 

“Take off,” Xeno panted, cottonmouthed. “Take this off.”

 

He could feel Stanley smile against his chest, spit stringing between them as he sat up, quickly undoing his shirt and shrugging it off his shoulders. Xeno couldn’t help his hands, curious fingers pressing against his exposed trapezoidal muscle then down, across his collarbone, nails scraping his chest. His tan skin was warm and soft, the musculature making Xeno giddy with arousal. Leaning on his hands, Stanley leaned back down to press a kiss to his open mouth, lips slick with spit as he pressed against Xeno. He pressed back eagerly, dragging his thin hands up and over Stanley’s sides and back, digging his nails in as Stanley rolled his hips against him. 

 

It was perverted, the way saliva was pooling in his mouth, Stanley licking it out of his mouth as he slid his tongue along Xeno’s. The friction of Stanley’s pants against Xeno’s dick was exhilarating, Xeno pressing back out to time with the blonde’s steady roll. A moan bubbled in his chest as their teeth clacked together, turning his head as wrapped his arms around Stanley’s neck, holding onto him like a monkey as Stanley pushed them further up on the bed, flushed skin sliding on the slick fabric. The blonde laid him down against the pillows, hands fumbling to pull Xeno’s shirt fully off and tossing it to the side. The white haired man locked onto the prominent bulge constrained by the man’s still buttoned slacks, making him tongue his lip as Stanley toyed with the hem of his underwear. His hair was falling messily across his face as Xeno gripped at the pillow beneath his head, fingers hurting from the force as the blonde dipped his fingers beneath the elastic hem, Xeno’s skin buzzing at the contact. 

 

“Please,” Xeno managed out, licking his lips. He could taste tobacco on his tongue.

 

Stanley’s head shot up at the plea, pupils blown as he caught Xeno’s eye, an expression of awe blanketing his face. His white hair was sticking to his flushed face as Stanley leaned toward him, hands gripping tightly at his hips. 

 

“Anything you want Xeno,” Stanley breathed, tone quiet and awestruck. 

 

He shivered as Stanley pulled at his underwear, shuffling back to pull them off. Xeno felt hyper aware of his nudity, resisting the urge to curl up on himself as Stanley’s gaze was trained on his exposed pubis, saliva dribbling from his smudged lips and onto Xeno’s length. Calloused hands slid from his knees to his hips, fingers playing around the spans of pubic hair. Dragging his eyes away, Xeno watched the blonde ask him a silent question, hands so close but so so far away. 

 

He wasn’t exactly sure what Stanley was going to do but he wanted whatever it was, so he gave a minuscule nod of his head, white hair tangling in his lashes. 

 

The slide of his hand on Xeno’s dick was overwhelming, warm but firm, better than any fantasy the man had conjured up in the past twenty years. Precum and saliva made the slide easy, sticky and addicting. There was a wet sound that resounded over their heavy breathing, the blonde teasing under the head as Xeno chewed on his lower lip, trying to suppress the frankly obscene whine climbing out of his throat. 

 

It didn’t work, the high pitched noise spurring the blonde to move his hand faster, free hand dragging up to roll a nipple between his fingers. Trembling, Xeno twisted his fingers tighter in the down pillow, back arching as the blonde swiped his thumb over the tip, smearing precum across the skin of his hand. He tried to keep his eyes open, drinking in the sight of Stanley watching his hand work over Xeno, dark lashes obscuring his blown pupils. His dogtags were glinting in the low light, a quiet jingle under the sound of their breathing. Xeno’s hips were stuttering as he was brought closer to the edge, gut hot and tight. The hand on his chest skated up to press against the side of Xeno’s neck, forcing his neck to bend and expose the line of his throat to the stuffy bedroom air. Leaning forward, Stanley trapped his hand between them as he panted against the column of Xeno’s throat, soft words muffled against his skin. 

 

Xeno could barely hear them over the panting, the blood rushing in his ears. But he could hear them. 

 

“Please Xeno,” Stanley panted, hand making an obscene wet sound as it worked over Xeno. “I’ve been waiting so long.” 

 

Xeno squeezed his eyes shut, Stanley’s own hips jerking and grinding against Xeno’s exposed ass. The metal of Stanley’s chain was searing his skin like a brand.

 

“I’ll do anything you want,” Stanley pleaded, breath hot against his throat. “Do you know the things I’ve wanted to do?”

 

He couldn’t help the pathetic noise in his chest, hands releasing the pillow to scratch at Stanley’s muscular back, red lines blooming across the skin. 

 

“You’re so beautiful, I think about you everyday,” Stanley breathed, his own voice becoming shaky as his hips jerked erratically against Xeno. His mouth was open, panting as he felt himself grow closer and closer to his climax, Stanley’s warm hand guiding him there. 

 

“I’ve loved you for forever,” Stanley said, punctuating the confession with a sloppy kiss to his Adam's apple. The words pushed Xeno over the edge as his eyes snapped open, trembling beneath the man. 

 

He cried out as the blonde’s hand didn’t stop moving, viscous fluid splattering between them, sticky and hot. Grabbing at Stanley’s face, he dug his fingers into his jawline and kissed him, not caring if it was off center, if it was messy or uncoordinated. He couldn’t focus his eyes, tongue dragging against the inside of Stanley’s cheek, tears in the corners of his eyes as a warm hand worked him through his climax, skin burning. Stanley was grinding hotly against his ass, heat bleeding through his pants and blooming across Xeno’s skin. They parted, messy and slick as Xeno panted in the short gap between them. 

 

“I,” Xeno started, Stanley’s hand twisting and causing him to let out a low moan. “I’ve loved you since,” Stanley’s eyes lit up, eagerly pressing a kiss to Xeno’s open mouth. 

 

“I’ve loved you since we were kids,” Xeno finally managed out as Stanley had parted from his lips again. 

 

The blonde’s hips stuttered, pressing harshly against him, a wet sticky warmth soaking through the fabric of his pants. His hand had stilled on Xeno’s dick, his whole body shuddering as he cummed against Xeno, pushed to his climax simply by the other man’s confession. Stanley’s head came to rest beside Xeno’s, hair tangling together as he came down from his climax, breathing heavily. Stanley’s hand started to move again, Xeno jerking at the sensation, arms pinning the man to him as he panted hotly in the blonde’s ear. 

 

“I love you Stan,” Xeno panted, lips wet against the cartilage of his ear. 

 

The blonde groaned, hand speeding up over Xeno’s dick. Xeno tensed, his body flushing hot as he climaxed again, weakly splattering Stanley’s hand. Xeno whined against his ear as he cummed, nails scoring tan skin as he jerked in the man’s hold. Stanley’s hand had stilled, loosely gripping the base of Xeno’s softening dick. After a moment, the blonde peeled away from him, nails dragging down his hot skin. The man sat back on his haunches, sticky hand coming up to his lips and sucking the viscous liquid off his skin. Xeno’s hands trailed over his own chest, soothing his hyper sensitive skin as he watched the blonde clean his hand with his tongue. 

 

Stanley’s free hand came down to unbutton his tight pants, the zipper quickly undoing itself as Xeno realized he was still hard, incessant against the fabric of his boxers. He couldn’t help but lick his lips, hands playing with his chest as the blonde clumsily kicked his pants off, fingers still in his mouth. His amber gaze was locked on Xeno’s hands playing with his own chest, pulling his hand out of his mouth to join them, dragging saliva across his purple smudged skin. 

 

Shifting, Xeno pulled the man flush against him using his ankles, a low groan emanating from the blonde as they met. Xeno licked his lips, eyes locked on Stanley’s crotch as he rolled his bare pubis against the wet cotton. His mouth was dry despite the spit pooling in his mouth, like he stuffed cotton in his cheeks. The blonde’s hands were trailing up and down his torso, nails scraping patterns into his flushed skin. Xeno was drunk with arousal, his body moving on his own before he could second guess himself. 

 

He shakily sat up on his elbows, unhooking his legs around Stanley’s hips as the blonde caught his gaze, questioning as Xeno shifted out of his grip. He shifted on the bedding as Xeno moved to his knees, hands slipping on the satin material of his bed cover. 

 

“Stay there,” Xeno panted, black eyes trained on the wet fabric of his boxers. 

 

He didn’t know what he was doing in all honesty, but uncertainty never stopped him before, so he crawled forward, hands balancing on the man’s hips as pressed his face against the man’s clothed crotch. Stanley had sucked in a deep breath, warm hands gently finding their home on Xeno’s shoulders, thumbs rubbing his pale skin. 

 

The smell of musk and arousal flooded Xeno’s senses, his mouth parting to taste the heady scent on his tongue. His fingers played with the waistband of his underwear as Xeno pressed an open mouthed kiss to the head of Stanley’s clothed dick, the taste of cum and fabric salty on his tongue. His back ached from the angle but he ignored it, sealing his lips around the clothed dick and pulling more of the heady flavor into his mouth. Stanley was tightening his grip on Xeno’s shoulders as Xeno mouthed at him over his boxers, trim nails digging into his flushed skin. He couldn’t stop his hands from trembling with anticipation, slowly pulling Stanley’s underwear down his muscular thighs, the elastic stretched tight. Stanley was flushed and red, messy with residual cum and precum streaking across the hot skin of his dick. 

 

Nervousness reared its ugly head as Xeno leaned forward, licking his chapped lips to press an uncentered kiss to the base of the man’s dick. The small action made Stanley curl forward, nails dragging on Xeno’s shoulders. He hoped the man would pick up on the notion that Xeno was inexperienced, tongue sliding to collect the salty taste of cum on his tongue. It was much more intense than it was from beneath the fabric, coating Xeno’s throat as he hesitantly wrapped his lips around the head of his dick. He groaned at the taste, the sensation, eyes fluttering as the blonde reacted, hips jerking slightly. He laved his tongue across the tip, precum heavy in his mouth. 

 

Xeno had stuck his fingers down his throat before, when he was too far gone to feel shameless. When his brain was cloudy with the thoughts of blonde hair and tan skin, of warm hands and purple lips. 

 

Still, he was inexperienced, throat tightening as he tried to take more of the man into his mouth. He flushed hot with embarrassment as he gagged, retreating as thick spit, opaque and sticky, dribbled out of his red lips. A warm hand petted his head gently, pushing his ratty hair out of his face as Xeno tried to catch his breath around the fluid in his throat. 

 

“Are you okay Xe?” Stanley breathed, fingers pulling the knots out his locks. 

 

Xeno nodded, swallowing thickly as he pressed his lips back against the tip of his dick, tongue jutting out to lap at the precum spilling over. Stanley twisted his fingers in Xeno’s hair, pulling at his scalp as he tried again, lips stretched as he tried to sink down. He dug his nails into Stanley’s hips, balancing himself as he forced his throat to relax. 

 

“Fuck Xeno,” Stanley panted, Xeno’s scalp stinging as the man curled forward, bracing. 

 

He felt lightheaded when Stanley hit the back of his throat, trying desperately to suppress his gag reflex. Tears pricked the corners of his eyes as he pushed back at the intrusion, the blonde’s hips trembling. 

 

“Breathe,” Stanley gasped as Xeno’s throat convulsed around him. “Through your nose.”

 

Xeno obeyed, stilling and taking in a sharp breath through his nose. He let his tongue curl around his dick, coaxing. Stanley’s other hand was petting his spine, fingers playing his vertebrae like a piano. He wasn’t to the base but he physically couldn’t push himself any further, pulling back to give his throat a break, Stanley hot and heavy in his mouth. Calloused fingers guided him back, gentle despite the pull before slowly pushing Xeno’s head back down. His knees ached from the position, muscles burning as he let the blonde slowly fuck his throat, hips jerking every time the white haired man gagged. 

 

He was surprised he wasn’t drawing blood from the tight grip he had on Stanley’s hips, skin lodging underneath his nails as he began to move with the blonde’s hand in his hair. He had his eyes scrunched closed, the perverted wet sound coming from his lips making him flush hot. Stanley was moaning, low and strained, a pleading lilt behind the incoherent whispers. His lips were numb with friction, tongue sloppily cushioning the slide as the blonde sped up, rocking Xeno’s body with the force. 

 

“Fuck, fuck, fuckfuckfuckfuck,” Stanley chanted, making Xeno moan in response, fluid bubbling and escaping from his chapped lips as the blonde yanked at his scalp. 

 

He couldn’t help the obscene, muffled moan as fluid flooded his mouth, choking him as he tried not to bite down. It was salty, thick as he tried to breathe through his nose, immobilized by a strong hand in his hair. He fluttered his eyes open as he looked up, catching the lust drunk expression on the man’s delicate features. The blonde let out another low moan when they met each other’s gaze, dick twitching as Xeno was pulled off with a slick pop. He let himself be pulled up by his hair, meeting the man with a salty, sticky kiss. 

 

Stanley released his hair in order to cup his face, tongue lapping the remnants of his own cum out of Xeno’s mouth. He slid his tongue alongside the blonde’s, humming as he turned his head, pressing the line of his body against tan skin. An arm wrapped around Xeno’s torso, holding him as his limbs turned to jelly, turned to lay facing each other on the bed. He was hard again, moaning against Stanley’s lips as his dick rubbed between them with the jostling. Their legs knocked together as Stanley kicked his underwear off, discarded on the bed. The satin bedspread was bliss against his over sensitive skin, wiggling his hands up to hold Stanley’s face in place as he parted from his plush lips. 

 

“Was that good,” Xeno panted, kissing the corner of Stanley’s mouth. 

 

“It was perfect,” Stanley replied, hand skating down to palm at Xeno. 

 

He took in a shaky breath as he was quickly brought to the precipice again, simply by Stanley’s warm hand teasing the head. They met together again, Xeno realizing he would never be able to get enough of the sensation, warm and welcoming against his own mouth. Xeno cummed dry against Stanley’s hand, not being able to help the high pitched whine that bubbled from his throat, the blonde quickly licking the sound from his teeth. 

 

Stanley kept pressing kisses to Xeno’s parted lips as he tried to catch his breath, eyes fluttering shut as a contented exhaustion sunk into his bones. His lips were bruised, his throat sore and his knees aching as strong arms encircled him, his own arms wrapping around the blonde’s neck. He toyed with golden hair as Stanley pressed a final kiss to Xeno’s lips, the man pressing back lazily. 

 

They sat in silence for a few moments, the afterglow making Xeno feel like he was sitting in a warm bath. When he finally cracked his eyes open he wasn’t surprised to see Stanley staring back at him. His long lashes were clumped together, purple lipstick all but gone as he tried to even his breathing. Xeno couldn’t help licking his lips, hair crackling with static electricity as he scooted somehow closer so he could suck the air out of Stanley’s lungs. 

“That was long overdue,” Xeno whispered, scared to break the tranquility. 

 

“You’re telling me,” Stanley replied, just as quiet. Xeno smiled at the sentiment, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips.  “I thought you just weren’t ready.”

 

“I’m still blaming you for that,” Xeno smiled against his lips, nipping at his bottom lip before retreating. 

 

“I’ll take the blame,” Stanley huffed back, the apples of his cheeks still flushed red. “Considering it all worked out in the end.” 

 

“That it did,” Xeno hummed, resting his head on the flattened pillow. 

 

Stanley rested his head beside him, hand coming up to gently stroke Xeno’s cheek, humming into the contact as his eyes slid shut. He didn’t care that he smelled like sex, or that the bedspread definitely needed to be washed. He was too content to move, too exhausted to will his limbs to pull him away from the warm embrace. 

 

He had waited twenty years for this, after all. 

 

=

 

“What the fuck.”

 

“Language, we are at work,” Xeno replied back, looking up from the report he was skimming. He didn’t bother taking his reading glasses off, just stared at the green haired scientist through the lenses. “What’s the matter?”

 

“Are you serious?” Senku barked, throwing his bag onto his desk, the cup of pens knocking over and spilling across the floor. Xeno’s eyebrow twitched at the loud noise, it was too early in the morning for the assistant’s deafening antics. 

 

“Senku it is not even six in the morning stop making such a racket,” Xeno sighed, turning back to the report, flipping through it as his left hand grabbed at his cold coffee. Stanley would be back soon enough with another. 

 

The assistant said nothing, just stomping his way over and pulling the mug out of the man’s grasp. Coffee spilling on the desk as he yanked at Xeno’s hand, twisting to flex his thin wrist. He could practically see the steam floating off the man’s wild hair.

 

“You are copying me,” Senku barked, the gold band on Xeno’s ring finger glinting in the sun peeking over the horizon behind them. “I told you what I was gonna do and you copied me.”

 

“Blame your father, Senku,” a familiar voice said, the door shutting with a hiss. Sure enough, Stanley had a fresh cup of steaming coffee in his hands as he strode over. 

 

Senku released Xeno’s wrist, crossing his arms as he eyed the pair, red eyes irritated. Stanley replaced the mug on the scientist’s desk, drinking the remnants of the old one before setting it behind him on the metal file cabinet. The green haired scientist just rolled his eyes, throwing his hands up in resignation as he spun on his heel. 

 

“I don’t even wanna know. Don’t tell me anything or” Senku faked throwing up, stomping back to his desk, kicking at the scattered pens on the floor. “I don’t wanna think about old people fucking.”

 

Xeno just huffed, looking back down at the reports on his desk as Stanley swiped a pen from the scientist’s desk, throwing it at the back of the assistant’s head. 

 

“That was so childish,” Senku yelped, rubbing the back of his head, turning to glare at the pair. The blonde just shrugged. 

 

“I gotta go report to the head of security today,” Stanley smiled, leaning to place a chaste kiss to Xeno’s lips before making his way around the desk. “See you later, remember it's Friday.” 

 

They both ignored Senku fake choking himself as the blonde exited, Xeno just rolling his eyes as the young scientist collapsed against his desk, tongue lolling out. 

 

He would never admit it, but he was grateful that the young scientist had told Byakuya, even if it wasn’t intentional. 

 

Maybe Senku was just as fed up with them waiting as they were.

Notes:

- the og idea for this was actually going to be unrequited love, but my poor heart couldn't take it! they have to love each other in every universe

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 10 of stanxeno