A Little Bit of Hell and Heaven

Part 7

Steven is already at the apartment when Simon gets home. Simon climbs the stairs into the apartment and stops when he steps inside. Steven is seated on the couch, looking sheepish, and several things are on the ground that shouldn't be there.

"Ok, so, just listen for a minute," Steven begins as Simon rolls his eyes. "Wings are a lot more difficult than you might imagine. But I think I have it at least somewhat figured out."

"It's a really good thing we're too cheap to have anything very breakable," Simon sighs humorously. He goes to the kitchen and pours himself a cup of coffee (which Steven had made upon arriving) and flops down on the couch next to Steven.

Steven snuggles up closer to Simon and lays his head on Simon's shoulder. Simon reaches up to tousle Steven's hair with one hand as he takes a sip of his coffee. Simon's wings ruffle slightly and fold gently behind him.

"So... I have two questions," Simon starts. "First, now that you're technically dead, do you have to eat? And second, why have you all of a sudden decided to be gay?"

"In answer to your first question: I have absolutely no clue," Steven replies. "And as far as your second question, I'm bi. I'm actually surprised and maybe even offended that you didn't know that."

"You've been obsessing over Maya for months." Simon points out.

"Yeah, ok, but before that --" 

"You honestly never hit on anyone."

"That is so not true."

"Oh, yeah? Name one time."

"Lizzy, the maid at that one hotel."

"Ooh," Simon winces. "That one was so terrible, I had actually deliberately forgotten it..."

"And Joe from the supermarket,"

"Ok, saying 'nice haircut' while you take your groceries from him does not count as hitting on him." Simon scoffs.

"It does if you wink and smile," Steven argues. Simon rolls his eyes. "Well, fine. How 'bout you? I've been flirting with you since the day we met."

"You have not!"

"Have too! The night we met: 'Hey, sexy, mind if I walk you home?'"

"That doesn't count! I was drunk when you said that! I don't even remember it!"

"Every day starts with me saying 'morning, babe' and ends with 'night, boo.'"

"Fair enough," Simon shrugs. "I guess I'm just oblivious."

"Honestly," Steven exclaims. "I was in love with you from the day we met till the day I met Maya. You just never reacted, so I figured you were straight."

"What?!?" Simon yelps. "Yeah, no. Definitely not straight.

"Yeah, well, how was I supposed to know? You're the one that never hits on anybody."

"Because people infuriate me. You included. Also, I prefer to be subtle."

"Subtle? You mean you don't let anyone know that you like them."

"I tried to let you know,"

"Um... no, you didn't..."

"I so did. You just thought I was being brotherly. I'm pretty sure everybody else knew."

"Ok," Steven sighs. "So we've established that we're both absolutely hopelessly oblivious."

"Oh, well." Simon turns and kisses Steven on the nose. Steven straightens up, wraps his arms around Simon's neck, and kisses him for a solid 30 seconds. The kiss is broken off when Simon yawns. Steven smiles.

"I think that it might be time for bed," he chuckles.

"I agree," Simon says through another yawn. He stands and grabs Steven by the arm. Simon starts into his room, then turns. Steven is headed into his own room. "Where are you going?" Simon asks.

"To my room," Steven replies, pointing to his bedroom. Simon grabs his arm and pulls Steven into his own room across the hall. 

"Come sleep in here," Simon requests. "We don't have to, like, do anything," he adds hastily, seeing the shocked look on Steven's face. "But I'd like to have you in there with me."

Steven smiles and silently follows Simon into his room. They climb into bed and Steven wraps his wings around Simon protectively. "I love you," he whispers, kissing Simon on the back of the neck. It sends shivers down Simon's spine.

"Love you, too," Simon mumbles sleepily.

"Night, boo," Steven breathes into Simon's ear. Simon doesn't respond; he's already asleep. Steven smiles and curls his body around Simon's. They fit together like puzzle pieces. Simon smiles softly in his sleep, and Steven drifts off to sleep with a hint of a smirk on his gentle face.