Big Book of Xephna One Shots

You're An Idiot (S)

TW: Slight angst and fluff

"You're an idiot."

Lalna doesn't get chance to respond as he's roughly pulled away from the computer and into somebody's tight embrace. His face is pressed awkwardly into the other person's shoulder and he lets out an embarrassing squeak. The strangely comforting scent of honey and metal lets him know that the other person is his coworker: Xephos. He instantly relaxes, though he's slightly concerned at Xephos' unusual display of affection.

"I didn't do anything and you're calling me an idiot!" Lalna chuckles before he trails off, the fact that Xephos doesn't return the laugh causes unease in his stomach. "Xephos? What's wrong?" he asks, instantly worried when the other man tightens his grip.

"I told you. You're an idiot," Xephos mumbles into Lalna's hair. "For someone so smart, you really are dumb."

Lalna's eyebrows furrow in confusion.

"Have I done something wrong?" His arms finally move as he pats Xephos' back. Well, the best he can with his arms pinned to his side. "If it's the golf course then-"

"No, it's not the golf course." Xephos takes a deep breath and pulls away. His eyes are shining with unshed tears. He scrubs them away with the back of his hand, causing his eyes to redden. "I don't care about the bloody golf course."

The scientist ignores the insult to his pride and joy and instead continues to stare at Xephos in a silent prompt for him to spill what was on his mind.

Xephos lets out a shaky breath and the words tumble from his trembling lips.

"You nearly died on the moon."

Lalna's eyes widen in surprise. "You're still thinking about that?" he asks with his usual large grin, not one for taking his near death experiences seriously. "Come on, Xeph'! That was months ago!"

"I don't care!" Xephos bites back, eyes glowing a darker blue for a short blink and you miss it moment. "You were stranded and I wasn't there to help you! You could have died and you would have been alone and-" His voice breaks and he looks down to the ground. "You're so stupid! You're an idiot!" His eyes flicker up to glare at Lalna. "Why did you go up without a parachute?!"

He resists the urge to hold his arms up in surrender and just watches as an array of emotions flash across Xephos' face. His heart drops as Xephos looks at him with what could only be described as pure anguish. "Why do you keep getting yourself into trouble? Can't you just be safe at home for once instead of risking your life for no reason?"

"Xephos?" Lalna reaches out to grab his arm. Xephos jerks away the first time but allows Lalna to catch his arm the second time. "Xephos, come on, you need to calm down."

"No!" Xephos growls, more tears leaking from his eyes. "I don't need to be calm, I need to know you won't die on a pointless mission!"

"Follow me, please." Lalna waits until Xephos nods. He begins to pull him out of the left leg of the tower, over the oxygen gear that is carelessly strewn across the yard and towards the shack containing their beds. He gently pushes the other man down onto the large bed and moves to sit next to him. Lalna tries to hide his shock as Xephos leans over to rest his head on his shoulder. He recovers quickly and slings his arm around the other man's shoulders.

"What's up with you?" Lalna asks quietly and allows Xephos to move closer. "Not that I'm adversed to cuddles but this isn't like you to come to me."

Xephos forces out a laugh that comes out more like a sob. His eyes close and the hand closest to Lalna reaches out and grabs a handful of Lalna's oil stained shirt.