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1
“Wow Simon, that looks fantastic!”
Simon had been pollinating a new strawberry plant by hand in the greenhouse. It was one of his favorite places in the biosphere, aside from the sapling that had miraculously grown from his medallion seed. The day Grace had tentatively approached him to report the successful germination, Simon had dragged the other man into a bear hug with tears in his eyes.
He turned toward the sound of Grace’s voice and felt a firm, gentle pressure on his cheek. Grace was just pulling his hand away when they finally made eye contact. He had his signature sunny smile on as he held something up - a paper with colorful shapes on it?
“What are those?” Simon growls out. The praise mixed with the contact and the height difference sent a familiar fluttery feeling through his gut that he desperately wanted to suppress. When he’d first felt this sensation, he’d rushed to the Eridian doctor in a panic. Was he having a flare up? Was an organ failing? After a mortifying conversation with the doctor and Adrian (who had been bought in as soon as Simon had described his symptoms), found out he had feelings for Grace. A fucking crush!
“These,” Grace shakes them for emphasis, “are star stickers! I used to give these to my students for doing a good job in class. I just found them in a corner of the Hail Mary a few days ago! And because you’ve been doing such a great job with the pollinating, you earned a sticker!” His smile somehow got even bigger and Simon felt heat pool in his cheeks and the tips of his ears. How could a grown man that had been through hell look so cute?
Simon turned away before Grace could see the unusual color in his cheeks. “Thanks, I guess.” He got back to the pollinating to avoid any more mortifying reactions. Ryland hovered for a long moment, eyes on his back. Simon could almost feel his gaze like a physical touch. He barely breathed as the other man quickly muttered something and sped out of the garden.
Simon lasted three seconds before he covered his face with an embarrassed groan. He had to get himself under control - he wouldn’t last much longer if this is how he reacted to a simple star.
2
As more of their crops succeeded, their diets became wider. They harvested a variety of fruits and vegetables, including zucchini, tomatoes, strawberries, lemons, and more. They shared the responsibility of cooking, but Simon did it more frequently. Not that he minded - on the contrary, he enjoyed cooking and he loved taking care of Grace. The scientist was downright reckless with his health at times. It wasn’t usually intentional, the man would just get so focused on projects that he would forget to eat and sleep. Having someone around to help remind him was helpful. They both certainly looked healthier since they started living together.
To be fair, Grace had always looked like an angel. The first time Simon saw Grace, he’d thought he was an actual angel sent to take him away after everything fell apart in the sub. Simon’s body had been impossibly weak, helpless to move as light poured in from the pried-apart door. In a protective suit, the stranger had waded through the viscous blood like a beacon of hope. He remembers trying to call out to the angel before passing out. The next time he’d seen Ryland was in the med bay where he’d had a panic attack and lashed out. Thank god his angel was the most understanding, empathetic creature in the universe.
Simon started on a new recipe as the sun was setting. His mind wandered as he fell into the motions - cutting, mixing, heating, wiping down. As he turned off the stove, he called a time warning to Grace over his shoulder. He received a distracted response and he rolled his eyes fondly - getting Grace to the table was going to be a struggle tonight. He finished cooking and set the table before wandering out to the living room.
The teacher was crunched up on the couch in a position that couldn’t have been comfortable. He had a stack of tablets in his lap and an even larger stack by his side. Grading.
“Grace,” he called as he approached. “I set the table, it’s time to take a break. Do you need help getting up?” About half the time, this was an effective strategy. Ryland liked to use Simon’s hands to spring himself into a jump as he stood. It was a habit the ex-con found adorable. This time, Grace shook his head and settled more firmly into the couch.
“Just a few more and I’ll stop, I need to get this done…”
Simon sat on the other side of the couch with more force than necessary, purposefully shaking the teacher’s position. Grace glared over his glasses; Simon could have eaten him alive. “Simon, just go eat! I swear, I’ll be right with you.” They both knew it wasn’t true. Simon shrugged. “If it isn’t going to be long, I don’t mind waiting Ry.” Using that nickname was a bit of a low blow, but the only other plan Simon had was to pick up the other and carry him to the table.
Grace huffed in exasperation as he rolled his eyes and moved the homework pile to a side table. He slowly got up and shuffled to the table in obvious discomfort and Simon knew better than to comment - the last time he had, Grace had angrily slept on the couch instead of sleeping in bed. He was not risking that again thank you very much.
As the scientist ate and drank water, he was pulled into quiet banter and a better mood. By the end of their meal, he was animatedly narrating a funny invasive question a student had asked in class. He tapered off into a pleased sign before he perked up as if remembering something.
“Aaaand!” Grace pulled something out of his pocket with a silly flourish. The stickers. Simon could feel his cheeks become rosy. “Thank you for cooking our best meal to date! You definitely earned a sticker!” He carefully peeled a sparkly green star off the page and leaned forward, extending his arm toward Simon’s face. The sun from the window behind Grace caught his hair at the perfect angle, forming a halo around his already golden hair. He looked as breathtaking as that first day. Simon felt dazed with affection for his angel, his saving grace, as the adhesive caught on the tip of his nose. He risked a glance up and found Grace already looking at him. Something gentle and apprehensive settled between them.
“…and thank you,” Ryland’s voice came out as a whisper, “for always taking care of me. I don’t think I thank you enough for all the ways you…” he trailed off, then quickly pulled away to sit back in his chair.
Simon blinked before shaking his head once. He steeled himself before gently saying, “of course, angel. I - I…yeah, of course.” He could only hold eye contact for all of two seconds before he was blushing into his bowl. He had been about to say “I always will.”
Grace coughed harshly and suddenly. He popped out of his seat to get a glass of water and he continued to cough. Simon watched somewhat helplessly as Ryland caught his breath.
“Sorry, that was silly,” he breathed out after taking a last swig of water. “I’m gonna put my leftovers away and shower if that’s alright.”
“Don’t worry about putting it away, I can do it.” Simon insisted as he stood and clasped Grace’s bicep. His skin was a little clammy under his wide, rough hand. Grace even shivered - was he coming down with something? It would definitely be best if he got a warm shower as soon as possible. “Are you sure you’re alright?” Simon has to shift to the side to catch the doctor’s gaze. His pupils were larger than normal, was that another sign of his apparent illness?
Grace let out a pitchy giggle as he pulled away and threw a quick ‘thank you’ over his shoulder before bolting up the stairs.
Later, Simon was thinking over the evening as he did the dishes. Sometimes when he got anxious or particularly lovestruck, he liked to review their interactions to ensure he was not giving himself away. Above all else, he didn’t want Grace to feel obligated to entertain his feelings because he was the only human around for lightyears. And the man was so damn nice that he would do something selfless like that. One of his other angelic tendencies.
His angel. He - Simon had called Grace angel to his face. To his face! He’d been thinking of Grace as “angel” since the beginning but had never slipped up like that. Simon hung his head above the sink and groaned. This crush situation was becoming dire.
3
As it turned out, Grace was getting sick. It wasn’t anything beyond a cold, but he was miserable through it all. Simon had woken up to Grace sitting up and coughing hard at the edge of the bed. He quickly rounded the bed and grabbed Ryland’s water, waiting for a break in the tremors to insist that he drink. It helped, and after a few more coughs Grace slouched against the pillows.
“I’m going to grab some medicine from the bathroom, don’t move.” Simon didn’t wait for a response as he spun out of the room. He grabbed the pills and another cup of water as he heard another rattling cough from the bedroom.
When Simon returned, Grace had tipped from his sitting position and was smushed face first into Simon’s pillow. Again, how was he always folded up in the most cramped positions? “Grace,” he murmured after putting everything on the nightstand. He tugged on his shoulder when he didn’t get a response. “Angel, come on, you have to sit up to take the medication. You’ll feel better.” It took a bit of work and Grace ended up leaning his weight into Simon’s side. He was warm and solid against him, even softer than usual in his sickness. Simon had to remind himself more that once to focus - he shouldn’t be ogling this man who trusted him to be vulnerable.
Ryland let out an exhausted sigh as Simon helped him lay comfortably back on the bed after making sure he swallowed both pills. Grace wiggled back and forth under the covers for a moment before settling.
“I’m going to call Rocky to let him know you won’t be teaching for the rest of the week.” Grace only hummed in agreement, a testament to how truly terrible he was feeling. Usually, the teacher would insist up and down to work even when he was at death’s door. Simon turned away as a fond grin stretched across his face.
“S’mn” Grace mumbled sleepily, inclining his head toward Simon. He held his hand out limply and the other just stared for a moment. What did Grace want him to do? He hesitantly shuffled back and finally held out a hand when Ryland whined and gestured to it. The sick teacher hummed and entangled their fingers together. He relaxed into the hand hold for a moment before bringing his other hand over in an arching move that landed on their intertwined hands. He poked the back of Simon’s hand before murmuring “whoop, there is it!” and giggling quietly. It took everything in Simon not to lean over and kiss him. “for takin’ care of me…” Ryland’s first hand dropped, leaving their connected hands hanging alone. “…and for callin’ me angel.”
Simon couldn’t help the way he squeezed Ryland’s hand. “You liked that?” he asked, completely taken aback. He then noticed the blue star on his hand. His jaw clicked at the force he used to keep it from dropping in surprise.
Grace hummed sweetly as he gently withdrew his hand and slithered back under the blanket. He hummed again before turning over and promptly falling asleep. Simon’s heart squeezed with emotion and he silently exited the room.
4
It was clear from the very beginning that Grace was a total klutz. He was constantly tripping on things: stairs, furniture, his own feet, even air! The first time Simon had seen Grace take a hard tumble over his quilt, nearly braining himself on the coffee table, he thought about asking Rocky to make a Grace-sized hamster ball.
From time to time, Simon found himself helping the other man out. He’d remind Grace to check his shoe laces, he’d catch his elbow when he was within proximity. At the contact, Ryland had been awkward and stumbled over his words before beating a hasty retreat in the beginning. Now, he would give Simon a shy smile and a small ‘thanks’ before slipping away.
Simon and Grace had stayed up a bit later than usual watching a movie. The storyline of Mama Mia! was easy to follow, but strange. The real joy was watching Grace’s reactions - he sang along with the catchy songs and spouted off fun facts and eventually leaned against Simon’s shoulder when he got sleepy. By the end of their movie night, he was half guiding half carrying Grace to their bed.
“Fiddlesticks!!”
Simon woke with a jolt at the noise and the sudden movement on the other side of the bed. He blinked a few times before finding a bleary Grace running around their room. “Wha’s goin’ on?”
Grace froze at Simon’s low rumble. God, he could drown in Simon’s voice.
“I just woke up later than I planned. I - biscuits! - I’m going to be late. I’m sorry for waking you.” As he spoke, the teacher pawed through their shirt drawer for something to wear. He was never late like this!
Simon calmly rolled out of bed, grabbed his harness, headed for the door and said “I’ll make you a breakfast smoothie to take with you.” Before Grace could even protest, the door was shutting behind him softly. God, what had Ryland done to deserve him?
Grace quickly changed and stopped by the bathroom before rushing down the stairs. His mind had already wandered to the classroom, wondering if Celeste would be feeling better or if Liam would remember to bring back a permission slip for their upcoming field trip to the Hail Mary. Grace suddenly felt a jolting sensation before his stomach dropped and he pitched forward. He’d tripped on his dang shoe lace down the stairs. He was too many steps from the bottom for this fall to be painless. He braced for impact.
Of course, it never came.
A strong arm braced across his shoulders and a sure hand steered his hip. Simon brought their momentum down enough to gently land in a tangle at the bottom of the stairs. The brunette’s muscular thighs supported most of Ryland’s weight and Grace's hands curled around the first scrap of fabric he could reach - Simon’s chest harness.
There was a pregnant pause where all they did was breathe. Surprisingly, it wasn’t Grace who broke the silence. “Jesus, angel!” that wonderful arm tightened a fraction, sending the blonde into a deeper daze. “Are you alright? You know you can’t actually fly, right?” Simon huffed once, drawing Grace’s gaze up - up because he’d been staring at Simon’s sturdy, framed pecs. Crinkle cut fries what was wrong with him?
“Huh?” he asked intelligently. He blinked hard before trying again. “Sorry, I should’ve been paying better attention. Thanks for saving me the broken nose. Oh!” It was sad to release his hold, but he needed to get into his pocket. After a second of rummaging, he finds the sticker sheet. Time to deflect from the fact he was totally ogling his half dressed roommate.
“For real,” he grabbed a yellow star and placed it delicately on his forehead. For all of 5 seconds, he thought about putting the sticker on his bare chest, but quickly decided against it. He wasn’t that shameless for crying out loud! “Thanks for saving my hide. You’re my hero!” He winked in what he hoped was more silly than flirty, but judging by Simon’s expression he’d done a terrible job. He reached for his smoothie before rushing out the door after a quick see ya.
Holy fuck he needed to find a way to ask Simon…a few things.
5
Every once in a while, Grace would proclaim that it was “Beach Day”. That meant that they turned up the temperature in the biodome to make it feel like a summery day. Usually, Rocky and Grace would mess around in the water for ages before flopping back on shore and letting the ‘sun’ warm them back up. Adrian and Simon were always found on the sandy shore, holding lazy conversation or building things out of the sand. Secretly, Simon coveted these days with their little family. He would die before telling any of them that - especially Rocky.
It was on one such beach day that something changed. Everything started like it usually did. Simon leaned back on his elbows as Adrian spoke quietly about their latest discovery at work. Though Simon wasn’t a scientist himself, he loved to hear about it from Grace and Adrian. Their story dwindled down until the pair was left in companionable silence. Grace let out a high pitched squeal as he was tackled by Rocky in the waves. Adrian laughed lightly. “It is such a delight that our mates are such great companions,” Their tone was smooth and soothing, but Simon still felt his heart leap into his throat.
“Shit, Adrian! We’re not mates!” He sat up so he could face the boulder and cross his arms. He tried to school his expression into something stern so the Eridian would stop, but he knew it was pointless.
“Friend Simon stupid. Adrian Rocky see how human mates react to each other. Elevated heart rates, shallow breathing, increased blood flow to the — .” They mercifully stopped when Simon lifted his hand. He buried his face in his hands and groaned. “And, Simon is making —.”
“Oo, are you making something, Si? What is it?” Grace suddenly appeared out of nowhere and Simon jumped. “Fucking hell!”
Adrian, who was definitely watching his jackrabbit pace of his heart, let out another tinkling laugh. Rocky came up from the water and immediately started cooing at his mate, hopping over to affectionately rub their carapaces together. The taller of the two spoke in a pianissimo his ear and Rocky danced with excitement. “Grace Simon friend!” He announced. “Adrian Rocky go now. Have projects to finish. Thank you for fun beach day!” Without waiting for a response, the two made their way to the airlock, bumping into each other every once in a while.
The two men watched from go before Ryland tipped over to lay across one of the towels they had brought outside. He was on his side, looking up at Simon with his watercolor eyes. They sparkled with mirth. “The ‘project’ they’re doing is definitely intercourse.”
Simon snapped his gaze over to the damp doctor and busted out in uncontrolled laughter. Grace joined in and they cackled until they were in tears. It was the uncontrolled rush of endorphins and dopamine that the two suicide trip survivors had never expected to have again. It took a long stretch of time before they could catch their breath.
“Okay,” Simon let one last giggle slip out, “first of all, how do you know that? and number two, why the hell would you say intercourse? There’s so many other words you could use.”
“Oh yeah? Which one would you have used?” Grace was pouting just a little.
Simon smiled wolfishly before leaning forward just a touch. Not enough to be uncomfortable, but more than enough to invade his space. “Fucking.”
A helpless, full body shiver ran through Grace as he looked into Simon’s endless gaze. Man, that was bold of him. Maybe their game of footsie was coming to a close.
Despite the desire, Grace pushed Simon’s shoulder so he’d be flat on his back and he settled on his front. He muttered something about ‘being forward’ that was unintelligible even to himself. Simon caught it and decided to use his opportunity, though.
His head was pillowed in his muscular arms when he turned his head to look at Grace again. “Maybe being forward is a good thing. How can you get what you want without being a little brave?” Grace felt frozen to the spot and Simon’s words washed over him. This was the most direct either of them had been since the little flirtations started. He felt his heart rate picking up in a more panicked rhythm. Simon seemed to clock the change immediately and gently brushed some hair out of Ryland’s eyes before saying, “but not today. Today, we just get to relax because it’s beach day.”
Grace breathed out purposefully slow, and relaxed into the crook of his arms at Simon’s urging. They talked about everything and nothing while they enjoyed the warm synthetic sun. Even in the middle of big crush freak outs, Simon was one of his favorite beings to hang out with.
Fuck, he loved him. The knowledge scared Grace less than he thought it would - maybe because he’s already had a small panic attack or his body already knew the truth. He did feel hot all over though, and that just couldn’t continue.
“I’m going to take one last dip before we go inside, I’ll be right back.”
When his feet hit the water’s edge, he breathed out deeply and let the tide lap at his shins. He was grateful every day that Rocky had not only gotten the biodome project moving, but he had listened to Grace’s preferences so he’d feel at home.
There was a soft rustle behind him and Grace turned to find Simon a pace and half behind him. He looked terrified, but resolute. “I thought I might try…at least get my feet in the water.” He said through grit teeth.
Ryland sprung forward in delight and concern. “Are you sure, Si? You don’t have to.” The shorter man just nodded, seeming to steel himself again. “Would you…like some help?” Grace regretted the question as soon as he asked it. “I mean - not that I think you can’t do it! I know you’re capable, I just - umm…I wanted to offer in case I could help.”
Simon placed his hand one Grace’s shoulder to stop his nervous rambling. “I know, Ry. It’s alright. How did you want to help me?”
The question threw him off guard and he answered honestly before his brain could catch up. “I thought I could hold your hand.”
Before Ryland could even regret the offer, Simon’s hand slid down his arm to bring their palms together. The shorter of the two waited until his angel’s hand opened enough for him to slot their fingers together. “That does make me feel better, thank you angel.”
Grace thought he would melt on the spot. When had Simon gotten so confident?
They shared a smile before Grace tentatively lead the way to the water’s edge. Simon’s grip on his hand got tighter the closer they got to the calmly lapping waves. They needed something to take Simon’s mind off the water.
“Holy guacamole, did I tell you about Patricia’s parents at our parent teacher conference last week? You wouldn’t believe —”
It was a pretty effective strategy. Simon kept his toes in the water for about five minutes before he tapped out. He backed up quickly when he decided he was done, but Grace was so proud of him that he thought his heart might pop. They quickly gathered their towels and water pouches in the disappearing dusk to book it back to the cottage. Inside, Grace showered the sand and salt off and made it quick so Simon could do so after. He changed into one of his larger shirts and a pair of boxers and waited on the edge of the bed for Simon. With his star stickers.
Grace didn’t mean to make it a big deal. One day he’d noticed that Simon clammed up a bit after a compliment, his face ablaze. Naturally, Grace started a make-Simon-blush test. He’d tried different kinds of compliments, worked on timing, and integrated gentle touches. He was making good progress and then he’d found the star stickers.
Simon entered the bedroom with a determined look on his face. He strode toward Grace as he stood up and stopped square in front of him. “I just wanted to say thank you for helping me today.” His voice was quiet in the intimate space between them. Simon tilted his face up and pecked his cheek, pulling a small gasp from the doctor as his face flushed deeply. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.” He pulled back and gave Grace a dazzling smile. He felt his pupils widen to hungry black holes.
“Of course, Si. I was actually going to give you this.” He carefully brought the star between them and pressed to to his mouth. With his thumb still sitting there, Ryland angled down to press his lips to the other side of his finger. He could feel the way Simon jumped in surprise, his gaze never leaving Ryland’s face. He looked painfully bashful as the taller drew away. The pink star was hanging on his cupid’s bow and Grace had to quickly take a step back before continuing. “I’m really proud of you for getting in the water. You were so brave today.”
Simon scratched the back of his head with cheeks absolutely aglow before rounding the bed to slip under the covers. Grace turned off the light before gingerly joining him. He’d gotten past that awkward phase of sharing a bed, where he was terrified of being all wrapped up in the other by morning. He even loved to cuddle with his human furnace. But after kind of not really kissing him, Grace was nervous once more.
After a while of quiet darkness, Simon rolled over. “Grace? Are you asleep?”
He sighed and turned over. “No, I see you aren’t either.”
Simon rolled his eyes good-naturedly and inched the covers higher. “Could we cuddle tonight? I think it might be easier to sleep.”
How could he sound so casual about this? “Sure, of course.” He moved instantly to fit in the crook of Simon’s arm. He breathed out deeply and snuggled in closer, relaxing into him. “You’re right, this is better.”
Simon cradled him a bit more firmly. He hummed in response before his breathing evened out. One of them needed to make the leap and just kiss the other for real.
+1
Grace was missing his glasses again. He was always putting them down and forgetting about them, his mind running a mile a minute between Rocky, his projects, his classroom, Simon.
He paused his search to mentally scold himself. Bad Grace, he reprimanded, Simon is still healing and learning how to have autonomy. Do not take advantage of his ignorance. It didn’t help that after getting used to them, Simon was a total sweetheart. A tough, scary exterior that protected his curious, sweet inside. Grace may as well be a heroine in one of those cheesy romance books…except he wasn’t going to get the guy in the end.
Simon was so easy to fall for - he was gone on the man before he even knew it. One day he was brushing arms with his friend and roommate, and the next he was noticing all sorts of unhelpful details. The slope of his shoulders, the curve of his chest, the way his voice gentled on his name. The way he flushed whenever Grace praised him. Even more so when he received a sticker. The specific way he called him angel, like he would really worship him if given the opportunity. More than once Grace had fled an accidentally flirtatious exchange or an unexpected touch. He was a coward who would rather run than face the danger of being rejected. It would ruin what they already had. He couldn’t risk that.
“Hey Si?” he called up the stairs as he passed. “Have you seen my glasses? I can’t find them again.” Simon had an uncanny ability for finding his glasses. Practically every time he lost them, Simon knew right where they were.
A warm laugh drifted down the stairs. “What? But you never lose your glasses, angel.” He heard footsteps emanate from the ceiling and assumed his glasses were going to be delivered to him. He was partially right.
Simon came slowly down the stairs, one hand on the rail and the other behind his back. He looked shyly at Grace as he approached, tilting his head up to maintain eye contact. Grace secretly loved being a bit taller than Simon. He imagined that it would be easy to throw his arms around his neck to reel him into a kiss. He loved being able to look down and take in all of Simon’s bulk. Admire his powerful shoulders that lead down to his muscular arm…
Slowly, tentatively, Simon revealed his hand to present his glasses and something else. The brunette looked up at him expectantly and Grace took a moment to admire the expression. He was so beautiful.
After drinking in his fill, he gingerly picked up the glasses and was surprised to see strings of different kinds of stone attached to the frames. There were gorgeous, shining stones and marbled, natural stone along with curling patterns of xenonite. There were many small swirls and two larger stars that would fall around his chin when he wore his glasses. Grace touched the masterpieces with reverent hands before carefully putting the chain around his neck. The weight settled comfortably on him and he felt embarrassing tears spring to his eyes. Before Simon could freak out, he warbled “this is so nice, Si. Thank you so much,” Grace made an aborted move to hug him before pulling back, face flaming. Thankfully, Simon got the memo and his arms came to fit snugly around his waist. He had no choice but to throw his arms around his neck and hide around his shoulder. He flushed head to toe at being in the position he’d been daydreaming about. It would be so easy to shift back and find Simon’s lips.
“Angel…Ryland. I need to tell you something about your…gift.” They pulled back slowly and (Grace braced himself for the worst. What was the worst? Probably not being able to kiss Simon this minute, if he had to think about it.)
“They…well, I was talking to Adrian. About how they and Rocky got together. About…how to ask someone to be your mate.” Grace’s breath caught in his throat. “They told me about courting gifts, that they should be useful and personal, and I know you always lose your glasses so I thought you might appreciate it. And um…I wanted to tell you that I…fuck, I really like you Ryland. My angel. Fuck, I think I love you. Will you be my mate - oh wait, I think I’m supposed to ask if I’m ‘allowed to court you.’ What do you say, angel?” Simon’s eyes glittered in anticipation and hope, Grace could barely wait for him to finish his sweet speech before replying.
“I love you too, Si. God, I love you so much. Yes you can court me and be my mate. Can I kiss you?”
All it took was a frantic nod before Ryland was swooping down and catching the other in an urgent kiss. Simon responded in kind, pulling his angel further into his arms as his timidly opened his mouth. Grace, sensing his hesitance, moved slowly and surely. His tongue slipped past lips and teeth to prod curiously across the other’s tongue before teasingly tracing the roof of his mouth as he pulled back. His hand found a darkly stubbled jaw to guide his angle. Simon’s eyes were dewy and desperate looking up into Grace’s. “Is this okay?”
Simon shuddered as he nodded and leaned forward for another kiss. It started off calmly as Grace focused on being gentle and teasing. His partner made the loveliest breathy sound when he traced his tongue along the roof of his mouth, so admittedly Ryland focused on that a little too much. Simon was starting to shift against him, clinging to his shirt as sound after beautiful sound fell from him. In a moment of mischievousness, Grace flattened his tongue firmly up as he pulled out and the man moaned obscenely. He jumped forward, chasing the sensation as his eyes fluttered before landing on Grace. “Angel…”
Faster than he could’ve prepared for, Simon spun them so Grace was pinned at face level against the wall. Before Grace could even yelp Simon’s lips were back on his. His tongue slipped into his mouth and eagerly explored every corner. Ryland hummed at the change of pace and tangled a hand in Simon’s hair, grabbing a fistful to direct their hungry mouths together more seamlessly. Simon moaned deep into his mouth as he ground his hips forward at the heated contact. Grace echoed his pleasure as he rolled his hips to encourage the other to continue.
“Please,” Grace mewled out between the hot press of their mouths. “Please Si, my star, need you.” He had no idea what he was asking for, but Simon seemed to know regardless.
Another powerful roll of his hips had Grace twitching against the wall. Simon set a steady pace and all the blonde could do was hang on. “Cheese and rice, Simon!” When he threw his head back, the brunette attacked his neck with fervor, finding his most sensitive spots like a magnet.
“My star,” Ryland breathed. “I can’t! I’ll —!”
Simon only picked up the pace. “Go ahead, angel. Make a mess for me,” Simon found the sensitive place behind his ear and sucked firmly, catapulting him over the edge of pleasure. Grace shivered through the aftershocks as Simon continued to move, chasing his own release. It was becoming a lot for Ryland, his whines becoming pitchy and overwhelmed. He grabbed at Simon’s shirt fiercely, trying to convey his feelings when Simon presses forward into Grace’s hands. He froze in surprise and Simon simply pushed his pecs more firmly into his grip to get him moving. He was firm and warm under his touch. All it took was some deep circular movements a gentle brush over his sensitive nipples for Simon to finish with a shout.
The pair kissed lazily against the wall for a long while before the pulled each other upstairs to clean up and get ready for bed. Simon couldn’t keep the lovesick grin off his face and Grace couldn’t tear his eyes away from his to-be mate.
“I like that,” Simon murmured against Ryland’s hair as they cuddled together under the sheets. “My star,” he clarified when his kind of mate made a noise of confusion. Grace seemed to purr against him as he turned in to kiss over Simon’s bare sternum.
“Good, I like calling you that, my star,” he aimed for silly and landed somewhere closer to breathless as he brought a red star sticker up to place gently over his heart. Grace glanced up slyly at his partner, excited for his reaction.
Grace had one perfect, uninterrupted moment where he got to watch Simon’s eyes fill with affection before he flipped them over so he could cage him in and kiss him silly.
Grace felt his heart swell with love and safety. He had found a home on an alien planet with his star. He had to be the luckiest human in the universe.