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As the months passed, Simon healed completely. Bruises disappeared and his once raw cheek was now pink scar tissue. The teeth remained, as they both knew they would. They took Grace some getting used to but now he’d look at them and just see Simon.
Ever since Simon asked Grace to help with his hair, the two of them had been far more touchy with each other. It started with light touches from Grace on the other’s shoulder or back, then escalated to brief hand holding and finally, leaning on each other while they watched a movie or while Grace worked.
Simon wasn’t sure what the scientist still had to work on but was content to just be around him while he and Rocky would yap back and forth about something or other. That was how most of the days passed.
The nights were another story. Simon would lay facing Grace’s cot. Just staring until he fell asleep. Every single night he contemplated slipping into the other’s bed and holding him tight. He wanted it more than anything else. More than he’d wanted anything in his life.
——————
“You doing ok there?” Grace’s voice snapped Simon back to reality. He was zoned out on a spot on the table as the two of them ate breakfast.
“Mhm, sorry.” He shook his head as he continued eating. A length of silence stretched between them before Grace spoke again.
“I was thinking, you seem to be healed now, but maybe we should take a blood sample just to be sure.” Simon looked up at him curiously. “Just in case there’s something Armando may have missed, that ok?”
That sounded like it involved needles, Simon did not like the sound of that. Not to mention the sight of blood was incredibly unsettling to him. But they should probably make sure…
Simon nodded, though he was sure his face betrayed how he felt about the whole thing. He was so zoned out that he didn’t see Grace reaching out for him. His hand settled on Simon’s wrist causing him to look up.
“Hey, it’ll be ok. Just a quick prick and that’s all, ok?” His voice was always so impossibly comforting. Simon nodded and Grace withdrew so they could both finish their breakfast.
——————
Simon sat up on his cot as Grace gathered the necessary supplies. His heart was racing annoyingly fast. It was just a needle and a bit of blood, what was the big deal?
Grace came back into the room, brandishing a blood draw kit. He watched as the scientist took out a tube with a needle on one end and a small container at the other. Simon expected him to ask for his arm but instead, Grace’s attention was on his left arm.
“I’m going to draw from these veins, is that ok? They’re the results of mutation and I’m…a little worried about them.” It had been a few months and nothing had happened. Though Grace’s concern made sense. Simon nodded, sure his voice would betray the full extent of his nervousness if he spoke.
“Alright.” Grace rolled the sleeve up over the amputation site, exposing a protruding vein. He pulled on a pair of latex gloves before taking up the disinfectant, then sprayed a little on the area and wiped it off with a cotton ball. Simon suppressed a shiver at the motion. The sensitivity of it hadn’t changed. He just wished it was being touched under different circumstances.
🔴🔴🔴
“Ok here we go.” The needle was brought up to his vein and Grace counted down. Simon turned his head away and closed his eyes. He gasped through clenched teeth as the needle pierced his skin. A vague sucking feeling made itself known as blood was drawn. The thought of it made his stomach lurch.
How come he was just letting this happen? Did he really trust Grace that much? The answer was yes. He did.
He barely had a moment to contemplate the realisation before Grace spoke.
“Almost there, Simon. You’re doing so good for me.” Oh. Oh. Suddenly Simon’s heart was racing even faster. He liked that. A lot.
He was reminded of the day when Grace cleaned his face wound, similarly sweet words coming from his mouth. But back then he didn’t have the capacity to feel how he felt now. He wanted, no, needed more.
Then he made the mistake of opening his eyes and turning his head. The first thing he saw was the blood filled tube coming from his neck.
🔴🔴🔴
His stomach twisted and fear wrenched his heart. A cold sweat enveloped his entire body as a chill settled over his skin.
The combination of Grace’s words, the sight of the tube, and the situation in general was too much.
“Ry- Ryland? Think ‘m gna pass ou-“ he barely got his warning out between heavy breaths before he was met with darkness.
Grace rushed forward as the man in front of him collapsed. He leaned Simon up against his body as he took out the needle and taped a cotton ball over the entry point. He slipped his gloves off and held Simon to him. He couldn’t resist running his hands through the thick dark strands of hair. It was so soft.
It was a minute before Simon began to stir. His hand came up and gripped Grace’s pants at the calf. Simon hummed vaguely into his torso. Grace continued petting the other’s hair, comforting him as he came to.
“You in there, Simon?” He asked gently. Simon grumbled something unintelligible. Guess not. He’d give him another moment.
Deafening static blared in Simon’s ears as his senses returned. He felt a gentle hand running through his hair and a hand rested on his shoulder. He opened his eyes but all he saw was noise like on a broken screen. Warmth bled onto his chilled, sweat damp face as he realised he was pressed up against Grace, and Grace was stroking his hair.
Maybe he was just weak from having fainted, but emotion threatened to take over him. This. This is what he wanted. What he had wanted for months. If he didn’t move maybe they could stay like this for a while longer. Though he knew he’d have to move at some point.
“Simon? You awake?” Grace’s voice pierced through the static in his ears. Simon nodded, hoping it wouldn’t make the caresses on his head stop. Thankfully it didn’t. Now that Grace knew he was awake why didn’t it? No, he wouldn’t let false hope contaminate him.
Grace put both hands on his face, keeping him steady as he stepped back. “Let me see you.”
Simon squinted at the darker shape of static in front of him that was Grace. He’d never fainted before. Was this normal?
“Can’t- can’t see very well. Jus’ a loada static,” he slurred.
“Yeah that’s normal. Don’t worry it’ll pass. The ringing in your ears too.” He rubbed a thumb over the other’s cheek. Simon leaned into his touch. His ever so tender touch. His angel. Always there to save him.
Simon took a deep breath, trying to hold back tears once again. Trying and then failing, closing his eyes as he let the tears fall. What was he, a child? How did Grace manage to bring this out of him so often?
“Oh hey now, what is it Simon?” The question had no bite whatsoever. His angel never snapped at him no matter what. It was something he was still not used to.
He’d spent most of his time on Eden being yelled at. The only exception was his mother, always so gentle with him. He often thought of her as an angel too. But an angel didn’t belong in hell. This though? This was heaven. Maybe that’s why he was crying. A demon didn’t belong in heaven either. So what was he doing here?
Why did he deserve this?
The static had cleared from his vision as he opened his eyes again. Grace was looking down at him with…was that love? Or was Simon still delirious, or just plain delusional?
“I- I really-“ he tried to say the words but his mouth just wouldn’t let him. So he just settled for apologising. “S-sorry.”
“Hey shh, don’t worry. You’re always safe with me. Was it the blood?” Simon nodded. He wasn’t lying but he wasn’t entirely telling the truth either. He wiped the tears off his left cheek as they tickled the area around his teeth. Grace pulled one of his hands away to allow him to do so and he mourned the loss of contact.
“You did great, it’s common for people to pass out getting blood drawn. You did so well.” There it was again. The words struck him directly in the chest and bloomed warmth through his entire body. He really was not used to praise.
“You ok?” Grace asked. Shit, was he blushing?
“Mhm.” He nodded. He felt like some inexperienced teenager with their first crush. He’d had relationships back on Eden. They were all mostly physical and shallow. He was never shy with them. So why now? Why was everything so damn different with Grace?
He took a deep breath, gazed fixed resolutely not on Grace’s face. “It’s just…I really…fuck why is this so hard.” Another deep breath. “I really like yo-“ he barely got the last word out before Grace surged forward, taking his face in both his hands again and their lips collided. But it wasn’t rough. Like everything with Grace, it was gentle and sweet.
The pair separated and stared at each other for a moment before Simon pushed forward this time to connect their lips once more. The first kiss was chased, the second decidedly was not. Simon passed his tongue over Grace’s bottom lip, earning him a gasp. He brought his hand up to the other’s hip and gripped tightly, resisting the urge to pull him closer.
“What Grace Simon doing, question?” Came Rocky’s voice, causing the pair to damn near jump out of their skins. Grace flew back so hard that he collided with the table with the medical supplies.
“Ack-! Rocky! Hey pal! Um we’re not- uh where did you- um- hey!” Grace stuttered out very much not gracefully. Simon stifled a laugh.
“Grace Simon faces together. Why, question?” Simon hoped they didn’t have to explain the whole thing to the Eridian. Or at least that they could do it later. He had other things he’d rather be doing.
“Hey pal, can I talk to you in the other room for a minute?” Grace rushed into the other room, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. Rocky had transferred to his ball and was rolling after him.
Simon sighed, swung his legs up onto his cot and laid back. All he heard was a few muffled chords from Rocky and inaudible mumbling. The feeling of Grace’s lips on his lingered sweetly. God, he’d better hurry up and get back. Simon wanted to feel it again and again.
“-just give us some time, Rock, alright?” Grace finished as he came back into the room. He stood in the doorway for a moment and gazed at Simon. He sat up as he heard Grace come in.
They stared at each other as Rocky rolled back to his airlock.
“Rocky stay away for few hours. Give Simon Grace time. Privacy important, Rocky understand. Promise not listen, will go far away. Have fun!” The Eridian said before skittering off through his tunnels. Finally the two of them were alone.
“Hey.” A smile crept onto Grace’s lips.
“Hey,” Simon responded, matching the other’s smile.
Now decidedly less shy. He hopped off his cot and made his way over. Grace came forward too and they met in the middle. Simon hooked his arm behind the other’s back, pulling him as close as he possibly could before capturing his lips in a kiss.
Grace’s hands came back up to Simon’s face. One crept behind his head and raked his nails on his scalp. Simon’s breath hitched. Everything Grace did felt so good. He wondered what else he could do that would feel good. He definitely had some ideas.
Grace pushed Simon back until the back of his legs met with his cot. All the while they remained connected. Simon slid his tongue over the other’s lips once more and Grace opened his mouth, welcoming it with a gasp.
They separated for a moment so they could breathe. Simon sat op on the edge of his cot and pulled the other closer by his hips.
“Hey, Ryland?” He ran his hand up and down Grace’s torso and dropped his head onto the other’s chest. He could feel his heartbeat, fast and telling. Grace hummed in response.
“You- you want me, right? This isn’t just some…pity thing, is it?” It felt stupid to ask but he just had to know. He felt the hand on his right cheek move down, thumb tucking under his chin and lifting his face up so he was looking at Grace.
The man wore an expression of pure hunger. Simon only had a moment to admire it before Grace’s head was at the left side of his neck. Simon sucked in a sharp breath as lips met with his sensitive veins. He curled his hand into a fist around Grace’s shirt.
The man was relentless, kissing and licking all over his neck and veins. It was like an attack but so gentle and reverent. It punched a groan out of Simon, met by a hum in acknowledgement from Grace. Blood was coursing to his cock so fast he thought he might pass out again.
With one final kiss on Simon’s jaw, he came back up to inspect the other’s face.
“That answer your question?” Grace donned a knowing smile as he gazed at the heaving Simon.
“Good ‘cause you have no idea how bad I want you right now, Ryland.” Grace giggled at the response. Simon was absolutely throbbing in his sweatpants. He wasn’t bothered to hide it. What would that achieve at this point.
Simon swung his legs up and moved back on the cot so his back was against the wall. He didn’t even need to ask as Grace followed him, crawling up to straddle Simon’s thick thighs.
Their lips met again in a passionate kiss, tongues tangling together. Simon pulled at Grace desperately, wanting him impossibly close. He slipped his hand under the other’s shirt, raking his back with his nails. He wanted him closer.
His wish was granted as Grace braced a hand on the wall and shifted forward, grinding their lengths together. Simon could feel how hard Grace was and he moaned out before he could stop himself. He resisted the urge to slap his hand to his mouth. Because that would mean taking it off Grace, something he did not want to do. He cursed his one-handedness.
Grace responded by dipping his head down again to lick and mouth at those sensitive veins. He ground his hips down again, groaning into the other’s neck. Simon all but whimpered in response. Oh this really was heaven, wasn’t it.
“Need you- hahh- so fucking bad, Ryland.” He was so lost in it all, surrounded by Grace. He should’ve felt trapped but if it was Grace, he wished he was more trapped. He wanted to climb into his skin and make a home there.
Or just have him grind his hips down until they both come.
“I know Si, I know, need you too, you’re so good, doing so well for me,” Grace uttered between kisses peppered over Simon’s jaw and neck. His words punched a moan out of Simon and caused his cock to jolt and leak precome. He was sure there was a wet spot on his sweatpants by now but he really couldn’t find it in himself to care.
With Grace assaulting his neck and grinding down on him it was hard to think about anything else. He didn’t want to think about anything else but him.
Grace kissed him hard once more before pulling back to inspect his handiwork. Simon was panting hard and gazing up at him with raw desire and hunger in his eyes. Grace slid his hands under the other’s shirt, just running his hands up and down for a moment on the bare skin.
“You’re so beautiful, Simon.” Came more sweet words from Grace. He tugged on Simon’s waistband. “Can I?”
Simon never nodded so quickly in his life.
Grace smiled and sat up on his knees so he could pull the other’s sweatpants and boxers down far enough to reveal his hard cock. Simon choked as the other gripped him. A moan escaped him as Grace gave him an agonisingly slow pump. His tip was positively dripping with precome.
He really wasn’t going to last long.
He tugged on Grace’s waistband in a silent plea. He wanted him to feel good too. Grace pulled his own pants down to release his straining length and pressed it to the other’s.
Oh Simon wasn’t going to last long at all.
He bucked his hips up with a whine. He knew he sounded pathetic but he was past the point of caring. He grabbed at Grace’s back, trying to get him to move or do anything at all. Grace huffed a laugh at the desperation.
Not wanting to make Simon wait any longer, he wrapped a hand around both cocks and stroked, still unbearably slow. Though he too was growing impatient. He pulled his hips away before snapping back, fucking into his hand and against Simon’s dick.
The two of them were panting like dogs in the hot sun. Both wanting more and more.
“Please, Ryland, need to come so bad, please please plea-“ Simon was cut off and Grace surged forward to tangle their tongues together.
Then he began stroking in earnest, passing his hand over their tips to harvest some precome to make the glide easier. Grace couldn’t help snapping his hips into his fist as he pumped up and down. Simon swallowed every sweet noise Grace made and vice versa. Heat built in the two of them, threatening to snap any second.
“Ryland- fuck- Ryland, gonna- mhh,” Simon couldn’t finish his sentence as pleasure driven fog clouded his mind.
“Me too baby, me too, I got you you’re so amazing, so pretty, so good for me.” Grace dipped his head down to press kisses with tongue over the veins at his neck again. “Gonna come for me, Si? Let go, ‘cmon show me how good you feel. I've got you.”
That did it. Simon’s vision went white as came hard with a shout. He held tightly onto Grace’s hip like he’d fall away if he let go. Distantly, he heard a choked out whimper from Grace as he came seconds later. He then felt a weight settle over his body as the other man collapsed onto him.
The pair of them laid panting for a moment. Grace was the first to move, his body jolting as a blissed out giggle escaping him. Simon grinned at the sound and brought a hand to the side of his face so he could shift him close enough to kiss.
They’d clean up and analyse the blood sample later. For now, they both simply fell asleep in each other’s arms. Neither wanted to leave.
How long had it even been since either of them had felt like that? It didn’t matter. What did matter was that they could look forward to a lifetime of this. A lifetime of each other.