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Normally Sejanus wouldn’t be doing such a thing, but shop by shop he has been getting more neurotic, more anxious about his living situation, and this assistant has likely heard weirder than Sejanus’ story.
”Hello. I’m Sophia. Can I help you?” Her smile is professional, sweet. Sejanus likes her friendly chocolate brown eyes, and the blond highlights in her dark, wavy hair.
”Yes, actually. This sounds a little weird though. I have been wondering if I should buy my husband a Christmas present.” He is a Snow-Plinth now, but the word is still unfamiliar on his lips.
”Okay…?”
”It was arranged. He is good though, we are friends.” She surely has heard of arranged relationships before. It’s the regular practice among people whose net-worth passes a specific limit.
Coriolanus had tried to make it a little nice. He hadn’t brought Sejanus the first available ring from the shop, but bought bands that fitted together. His had two grey diamonds, Coriolanus’ two black ones. Later they had eaten cake in Coriolanus’ home, where Sejanus was expected to move too.
”This is perfect. Where did you buy this?” The mix of chocolate and mint was touching his tongue, Sejanus almost moaning at the taste.
Coriolanus’ bright blue eyes were full of sweet amusement. ”I made that. I’m glad to hear you enjoying.”
Then he had arrived with his boxes of things, and Pomeranian Stella, determined, scared, and tired.
”Go take a nap. We can start unpacking tomorrow. I’ll take her for a walk if you want?” Coriolanus always being nice and gentle to Stella had earned him some points in Sejanus’ eyes.
”I think he’d appreciate a present then. It doesn’t need to be anything extravagant.” Her face is softer now, Sejanus gratefully following her between two shelves.
With her help he ends up leaving with three different presents, his heart a little lighter than in the morning.
After six months it's still vaguely embarrassing to arrive to this house he is calling home now. Money is something he has never needed to actively think about, but the 20 million brownstone has never felt like home.
He had made the second floor his own cozy nest, always welcoming Coriolanus in his space too. They share a bed, though. Sometimes Sejanus wakes up, hard in his pajamas, and pressing against his husband’s body. Heart galloping he moves away, lying on his back, and telling his body to calm the fuck down. Sejanus is no monk, and sometimes he touches himself, when the house is empty and quiet around him.
”Sejanus?” He climbs the stairs up from the basement. Coriolanus had been on a morning swim, and hasn’t yet redressed after his shower.
Sejanus’ eyes follow the water drops sliding down his toned stomach. Tension bites his abdomen before letting go, but Coriolanus is not annoyed, or mocking, just gives him a knowing smile.
”You were out?”
”It’s a secret. For Christmas.”
”Good. I have a little secret for you too.”
Being married to a Snow means needing to socialize with the rich and depraved of the city. Nobody is interested to hear Sejanus’ thoughts about anything. A satisfying performance means standing by his husband, smiling prettily and calmly. For their first Christmas together Coriolanus had emptied his social calendar, his soft smile making Sejanus swallow, a pleasant nervousness tickling his throat.
”Or would you have wanted to travel away for Christmas? I can arrange that too.”
”No, I’d like to be in the city. I like peace.”
On 25th they go for an early walk. Sejanus had been tempted by the piles of blankets and pillows in their bed, but he likes this, Coriolanus easily holding his hand, and the cool air helping to clear his sleepy head. They stop at a coffee shop, getting orange juice and bagels, and leaving a 20 dollar tip as a Christmas surprise.
Later Coriolanus joins him in the second room living room, looking cozy in his forest green jumper and a pair of dark pants. His Christmas present fits in two green envelopes, but naturally it says nothing about the gift’s value.
While he had avoided extravagant, his husband had calmly brought out big guns, reserving them a three week holiday in Europe. The first half would be spent in Switzerland, and the second one in northern Italy.
Eyes bulging Sejanus stares at the reservations.
”What’s wrong? You told me you have only been to Canada, and I thought you might like Europe…”
”It’s not that.”
Sejanus fills his days with volunteer work at the animal shelter, and the soup kitchen, but he doesn’t hate the idea that Coriolanus had just used a significant sum of money to delight Sejanus.
He hates not being prepared, and his Christmas gifts which now look so silly, almost childish. Sejanus could pick them up, and run out of this beautiful, old house, never returning. But it’s too comfortable in the golden glow of the room, Coriolanus giving him expectant eyes, and a raised eyebrow. Sejanus would like to continue the day, stay under his blanket, and watch another movie.
Sejanus would stay. He’d die if Sejanus said one uncomfortable word, but he’d stay, and see the end of this evening.
He lets Coriolanus open them. Fragile, Sejanus had texted on one of the gifts in neat letters.
His partner raises the heavy snow globe, holding it safely in his hands. Snow falls on the white and golden castle.
”Thank you. I love it.” Could be a polite lie, but Sejanus would accept it.
”This is very sweet. I like your sweetness.”
Sejanus feels a connection, something new snapping in existence between them.
”It’s attractive, different.”
”Can I kiss you?”
Sejanus is not sure what that kiss means, but he is very much into the slow push of Coriolanus’ mouth. He takes the control, but holds Sejanus steadily. He’d let go if Sejanus pulled back, or said the word.
”Do you want to…?” Sejanus is not sure about it, but he could probably do it to get closer to this man. He knows how to be with a man. It had been nothing, a feverish, scared experiment. They had both been equally worried, but at least Sejanus had been able to take it as a learning experience. He knows how a man’s penis feels in his hand.
”No, not yet at least. I’d like to learn to know you better though. You are a beautiful stranger. I’d like to hear what is happening your pretty head.” Sejanus barely stops himself from chasing Coriolanus’ lips, when the man pulls his back, dropping the last kiss on his forehead. He had tasted of chocolate, and something warm, grounding.
Coriolanus opens the other gifts, saying kind words about the heavy, high quality blanket, and a framed picture of Stella for his desk.
He brings them more food from the kitchen, some salmon, vegetables, and drinks, and Sejanus makes a quick visit to the closest bathroom, splashing some water on his too hot face. He is a little overwhelmed, but not in a bad, hurting way.
The sight back in the living room couldn’t be cozier. Coriolanus pats the sofa next to him, and points at the screen, promising Sejanus could pick what to watch.