Connecting Threads.

"A mouth is still a mouth."

That fateful night, Xander mustered the courage to reveal the truth to Ian, and to his surprise, the man's reaction was far from anger. Instead, they shared a moment of unbridled joy, their connection strengthened by Xander's confession. Xander, however, found himself perplexed, his mind racing with questions. How could Ian be so nonchalant about Aaron's kiss? What was it about the situation that sparked such desire in him? Xander couldn't help but feel a twinge of confusion, his thoughts swirling in a vortex of emotions.

"I don't understand, Ian," Xander said, his voice laced with bewilderment. "Why aren't you upset? Doesn't it feel like cheating to you?"

Ian's response was calm and collected, his words dripping with sincerity. "Honestly, Xander, it doesn't feel like cheating anymore. I wouldn't mind sitting in a room of you and Aaron making out, in fact, the thought of it is quite... thrilling."

Xander's mind reeled as he processed Ian's words, his imagination running wild with the possibilities. The idea of being intimate with Aaron, with Ian's consent, was both exhilarating and unsettling. He couldn't deny the excitement that coursed through his veins, but a part of him wondered what this meant for their relationship.

A week had passed since Xander and Ian's passionate encounter, but the memories of the kiss he shared with Aaron still lingered, refusing to be silenced. Despite his happiness with Ian, Xander's mind was a maze of questions, his thoughts consumed by the forbidden moment. He felt broken, torn between his love for Ian and the unrelenting desire sparked by Aaron's lips. The kiss had left an indelible mark, haunting him like a ghost.

As they drove home after a movie night, Xander's mind wandered, his thoughts a jumble of emotions. They showered together, their bodies entwined, but Xander's heart wasn't fully present. He was eager to start their new show, a distraction from the turmoil brewing inside. Their daily routine was a perfect facade, but Xander knew he couldn't keep his secrets hidden forever.

"Can we have a conversation, love?" Xander asked, his voice soft and gentle, as Ian snuggled closer, the TV casting a warm glow on their evening.

"Of course, what's been weighing on your mind?" Ian replied, his eyes fixed on the screen, his tone relaxed and inviting.

"Didn't you say that I kissing Aaron had no impact on you, whatsoever?" Xander asked, his voice laced with a hint of unease, his body stiffening with anticipation.

"Correct," Ian replied, his attention still focused on the TV screen. "Do you doubt my sincerity?"

"I believe you, Ian, but I have to be honest with you... I can't shake off the memory of that kiss. It's etched in my mind, and I'm ashamed to admit that I've been craving another taste. Am I being foolish? Does that constitute cheating in your eyes?" Xander's words spilled out in a rush, his vulnerability exposed.

"How do you feel about me, Xander?" Ian asked, his tone neutral, yet his body language subtly betraying a hint of tension, a slight rigidity that Xander couldn't ignore.

"I still love you deeply, Ian, but... there's this thing with Aaron. I can't deny it. I still yearn to kiss him, to explore this... sensation. I'm struggling to understand it myself, but I think-" Ian interrupted, his voice low and husky.

"You want him, Xander. You want him, too." Ian's words hung in the air, a mix of acceptance and resignation. "Finally," he added, a small, wry smile twisting his lips.

"Okay, I need a drink... or something. I think we've both gone crazy," Xander said, stumbling away from Ian's side, his mind reeling.