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Grace was folding his and Simon’s laundry when Rocky’s familiar knock sounded at his door. More aggressive than usual, he noticed, which was saying something. The recent weeks have been relatively quiet, with the pebbles on their summer break (that was more so for Grace’s sake than for theirs). The peaceful atmosphere had left plenty of time for Grace and Simon to sort out how they truly felt about the other, resulting in their official partnership a week or two ago. Of course, just about everyone was elated for them, especially Rocky, who came as close to crying as an Eridian could. Speaking of whom, his knocks were getting more desperate by the second.
“Alright, buddy, I’m coming!” Grace laughed as he made his way to the door. Once let in, Rocky all but sped into the house, taking Grace’s hand and forcing him to follow. “Woah, eager, are we? What’s the plan today?” Grace appreciated a lazy day, but he loved the activities Rocky came up with just as much.
“Grace Simon need first date. Need candles and flowers, statement. Make good first impression.” Rocky stated, taking out the tape measure that, at this point, had to be considered his, taking into account Grace couldn’t take it back if he tried.
“I hate to tell you, bud, but me and Simon have already gone on our first date.” Grace recalled the awkward night under the stars where he intended to communicate his feelings directly and intelligently. His mouth had different plans, however, betraying him and instead choosing to stall for as long as possible. Eventually, he accidentally let his intentions slip out, and Simon took over from there. Clearly, Simon’s mouth had much better plans than his own.
“Grace. Focus.” Apparently, Grace’s wistful reminiscing was interfering with Rocky’s plan, which currently consisted of a lot of measuring Grace. Turning him this way and that, pulling and pushing to get the right numbers. The measuring wasn’t an issue. In fact, it wasn’t all that new. Once Adrian found out that Mary had a sewing machine in one of the many boxes sent with Grace, they had taken to making new clothes for he and Simon quite often. Grace had tried to convince them that they didn’t need to measure the boys each time, but Adrian insisted on letting Rocky use his tape measure whenever he could. Grace had immediately thought of the phrase “happy wife, happy life”.
What was strange to Grace was the terminology Rocky had chosen to use. Candles? First impression? Rocky did know that they were already dating, right? Obviously, Rocky would have considered that a stupid question, so Grace opted for a different approach.
“What’re the measurements for this time?” He inquired as Rocky looped the tape around his chest, standing on their coffee table in order to reach.
“For date. Grace needs fancy clothes. Sweep mate off his feet.” Grace loved his friend terribly, but he was getting the feeling that Rocky wasn’t listening when he said that he had already taken Simon on their first date. Where had he even heard the phrase “sweep him off his feet”? Grace certainly hadn't said it. That’s only something you would hear in cheesy romance films.
Wait…
“Have you and Adrian been watching old movies with Mary again?” The last time they had ventured into Mary’s movie library, the two of them had set up an Indiana Jones type obstacle course for Simon and Grace. It was, impressively and unfortunately, very well constructed. It had given both of them all kinds of panic attacks and, in Grace’s case, a badly twisted ankle. Did this lead to Simon having to take care of him and carry him from his bed to the couch most days? Yes, yes it did. Did Grace thoroughly enjoy it?
Well, that’s entirely besides the point.
“Yes! Adrian like watching human dancing and eating. Rocky like seeing Adrian happy. Makes Rocky happy happy happy. Was Adrian’s idea. Wanted Grace and Simon to dance and eat.” Well, that explained it. Adrian did seem the more romantic out of the two, often being the one to plan their dates with Rocky. It had been decades since Grace had been on a proper date. It would be a nice change of pace from them just making out on their couch. Not that he was complaining.
“So, what do you have planned?” As Grace asked, Rocky had finished his measurements and darted out of the room towards the door.
“Is a surprise!” Rocky called out and he scuttled out of Grace's house, crashing into a startled Simon coming home from his work at the greenhouse. He dropped the plant he was carrying in the sand (thank God) as he tumbled backwards.
“Rocky, what gives???” Simon exclaimed. Rocky gave no answer, however, choosing instead to silently and quickly take Simon's measurements, not once answering any of his questions. He soon darted off again and out of their dome. Grace rushed over to help Simon back up and into the house.
“What the hell was that about?” Grace laughed a little before sighing with dread.
“I… have no idea.”
****
A few hours later, another knock sounded at the house, waking Simon from his nap. He got up carefully so as to not wake the man sleeping beneath him on the coach. He barely turned the doorknob when Rocky, accompanied by Adrian, stormed the house. Grace woke up with a start, and Simon made a mental note to have a talk with the rocks about the value of Ryland’s rest.
Before he could do so, however, he was whisked away to his and Grace's bedroom by Adrian.
“Adrian! What gives? Why has everyone been so weird today?” Adrian put down the fabric bundle they were carrying.
“Rocky say he explain. Grace and Simon have first date. Eat dinner. Dance. Wear fancy clothes.” Well the fancy clothes part explains the measuring, but everything else was beyond him.
“You do remember that Ryland and I have already had our first date, correct?” Adrian doesn't have a face, but Simon could feel them giving him what can only be described as a side eye. Simon fears very little these days, but he has learned to fear that side eye. Adrian gestured to the bed.
“Sit down. Adrian will do your hair, statement.” Simon did as he was told, sitting on the edge of the bed while Adrian began fussing with his hair. It had grown out beyond when he would usually cut it. He had been meaning to but, well, things happen and… distractions abound on this planet. Especially considering who is on this planet.
It was actually quiet relaxing, being fussed over. Until he heard sizzling by his ear. He turned abruptly to face the sound and Adrian backed away right before they burned his ear off.
“Adrian! What the hell was that? Are you trying to catch my hair on fire?” In Adrian's hand was a small metal rod attached to the wall with a cord.
“It is called curling iron. Makes hair pretty, statement. Must make good impression on Grace.” At that moment (“when you talk about the devil” as Rocky would've said) Grace burst in.
“Simon, are you okay? I heard yelling.” He rushed through his words, clearly worried. He was in nice black pants and a tightly fitting white dress shirt. Rocky was right behind him holding a thin piece of red fabric. Simon felt his mouth go dry at the sight. Damn, they were not kidding when they said “make an impression”.
“Simon fine,” Adrian took over, seeing as Simon was producing no words. “Scared of curling iron. Thought he knew, statement.” Grace sighed in relief, but his relief did not hide his pity.
“Oh, Simon.” He said slowly, walking over to where Simon was now standing in front of the bed. Simon sucked in a breath as Grace brought his hand to Simon's face, Simon's gaze transfixed on where Grace's buttons were hanging on for dear life. Grace began rubbing his thumb back and forth in a soothing rhythm across his cheek and Simon let out his breath, leaning into the touch.
“A curling iron,” Grace explained. “Is something we use on Earth to make our hair a different texture, like wavy or curly.”
“Oh.” Was all Simon managed as he brought his human hand Grace’s hip, gently tugging him closer. Simon will never get tired of the sound Grace makes when Simon surprises him. He always tries to repress it, and he always fails. It was hard not to notice how Grace's gaze was transfixed on Simon's lips. And even though Simon would have loved to fulfill Grace's wish, he knew if he did, the date would be over before it could ever start. So, he settled on a quick kiss on Grace's forehead.
“Thank you. I'm fine now. See you in a bit?” Grace stared at him for a second before shaking his head a little and backing out of the room.
“Yup! See you soon! I lo-” He paused. He blushed furiously as he stumbled over what could hardly be called words, all punctuated with finger guns before he rushed out of the room. Simon chuckled. He loved seeing his scientist flustered over God knows what.
“Apology, Simon. No curling iron, question?” Simon turned to Adrian. It was hard for him to be frustrated with them for long. They had no way of knowing it would freak him out.
“Yeah, no curling iron. Thank you.”
“Can still style hair, question?” Simon sat back on the bed.
“Sure.”
Adrian made a happy chirping noise before getting right to it, brushing the top half of his hair into a neat bun, letting the rest cascade just past his shoulders. Once they were satisfied, they scuttled around Simon and picked up the forgotten bundle on fabric next to him. They held it up for Simon to see.
“I am not wearing that.”
****
Grace readjusted his tie for the 100th time as he anxiously watched the door. He couldn't believe he almost wasted his first “I love you” on some random goodbye. He was holding back the urge to pace, knowing as soon as he started, the door would swing open and Simon would scold him for his nervous habit. Actually, maybe Simon scolding me in a suit isn't such a bad thought…
At that thought, as if on cue, the door swung open behind him… behind him? When had he turned around? How had he turned around?
“I hope you haven't been pacing for long, angel.” Shit. He turned around, shoulders tense, ready for whatever words Simon had prepared.
“I'm sorry, I-” Any remembrance of any word ever was completely lost once he set his eyes on Simon. The rocks hadn't put him in a suit, like Grace was expecting (and hoping). Simon was wearing a black, tight fitting dress with thick black straps and a teasingly low straight across cut bodice. The skirt was long, nearly touching the floor, with a slit that ran up to about his mid thigh. Grace could see the outline of this chest and stomach through the thin fabric. He suddenly had the great urge to run his tongue over the area, making him blush furiously at the notion, but also make his mouth pool with saliva. Not to mention his hair. Grave always loved whenever Simon put it up, but he's never seen it half up half down before. Oohhhh the thought of him putting the rest of it up as he takes that dress off.. or better yet, leaves it on as he pounds into-
“Ryland.” Simon's voice cut through Grace's thoughts, reminding him that he needs to actually talk sooner or later.
“Uh, habipa, uh, yes?” A pathetic attempt, really. He immediately kicked himself for fumbling so horribly with his tongue.
“You're drooling.” Grace quickly swiped the underside of his hand across his chin, and sure enough, he was drooling. He attempted to rush through an apology, yet another pathetic attempt at words, and tried to wipe of any remaining saliva. As he was distracted, Simon rolled his eyes in amusement and made his way towards him.
When Grace looked up, he saw Simon mere inches away from him. Grace's hands immediately fell away and Simon brought his thumb up to Grace's face and wiped off the small bit of saliva that had collected just under his mouth. And then he licked his thumb with unrelenting eye contact. Grace practically moaned at the sight, making Simon chuckle. Grace, finally regaining composure, decided small talk was the only way either of them were going to stay in their clothes.
“Y-you look… lovely tonight,” He breathed. Then suddenly corrected himself. “N-not that you don't look lovely every night! You do! Damn you really do. But, I mean, with the dress and the hair it's all very.. Irisistable…” the last word was almost lost entirely as Simon took an interest with Grace's tie, now extremely crooked with all of Grace's earlier fiddling.
“Did the rocks pick this color?” Simon asked, gently adjusting and fixing his tie. Grace couldn't help but think this was terribly domestic, and he couldn't get enough.
“Oh, uh, no. Rocky had some options and I liked the red one best. I mean, I thought you would like the red one best, so, uh.. y-yeah no, I picked it.” Stars above, what was he doing??? He was making himself look like a fool in front of this literal god sent from heaven. Fortunately for Grace, Simon found his fumbling incredibly endearing. He made quick work of Grace's tie and gently took his arm.
“Shall we?” Grace let out a long breath. He was not going to ruin this date any further. He lifted his arm in front of him, allowing Simon to take it properly.
“We shall.”
The pair made their way across the beach where the rocks had set up a little table with flowers on the table, still in the cracked, worn pot all the plants in the greenhouse are kept in. One of the scented candles Adrian had made Grace was also on the table. Sandle wood, Grace noticed, which seemed kind of counterintuitive considering they were on the beach. A record player was placed a little ways from the table, playing old fifties love songs. The whole thing felt almost human, but not quite. Perfectly Eridian.
Grace released Simon's arm and pulled out the chair closest to them, gesturing for him to sit down.
“M'lady,” Grace flourished in a horrible British accent, making Simon laugh. Grace melted at the sound.
“Such a gentleman, Dr. Grace.” Simon teased, sitting down. Simon had never called Grace by his title since they landed on Erid, and it caught him completely off guard. He recalled his time working for Stratt when some of the other scientists talked about their partners using their titles in bed. Then, he had been shocked and disgusted, but now he completely understood.
He shook off this realization and decided to explore this discovery at a later date. He took his place on the other side of the table. Rocky, dressed up in a bowtie, came scuttling up to provide them with menus. Well, “menus” is a little presumptuous considering that each section only had one dish. The pair retained their laughter as best they could, knowing the rocks were really trying their best. They thanked them, ordered the only meal available, and waited for their food.
“Sooo,” Grace started, suddenly very nervous again. “How was your day?”
“You asked me that earlier, angel. Remember? Before we slept on the couch?”
“O-oh, right.”
A minute or two passes in complete silence, the only noise being the waves and the quiet music coming from the record player. So far, the date consisted of Simon and Grace looking around, pretending to be interested in the scenery and barely decorated date, stealing glances, and looking away a little too late. Rinse and repeat. For all the flirting they've been doing this evening and how often they talk to each other everyday, their conversation was coming up surprisingly empty. Grace repeatedly tried coming up with conversation starters, but every idea he had came to the same conclusion: I already know the answer to that question. He had to think of something eventually. The silence was much too loud. Simon's surely noticed it by now, he isn't stupid. C'mon just say something. Anything!
“Uh, come here… often?” Really? You chose that?
Simon stared at him for a moment, brows furrowed. Then he burst into laughter. He threw his head back, placing a hand over his mouth. Grace smiled and began laughing with him. Grace was reduced to giggles and Simon sighed.
“Oh, I love you.” They both stopped in their tracks. Grace quickly sucked in much too much air, face consumed by red. Simon looked very similar, his tongue feeling like cotton in his mouth. Damn it, I said it too soon, didn’t I? We’ve only been dating for 2 weeks. I promised him we’ll take this at his own pace and I’ve gone and fucked it all up-
“Really?” Simon felt Grace's hand on his, and looked up to see Grace looking at him not with anger or fear, but hope. Hope was not an emotion Simon imagined for this moment and he had no idea what to do with it.
“I-”
“Dinner is served!” Both men jumped back, Grace retracting his hand, as Rocky set down their plates and Adrian, also wearing a bowtie, gave them their drinks.
“Bone appetite!” Adrian managed in horrible French as the two scuttled off again, leaving the men with their meals and a lot of unspoken words.
The two took to silence again, neither really knowing how to bring the conversation back. They slowly began eating their food. It was a salad made with many of the fruits and vegetables they were growing in their greenhouse with some sort of lemon dressing. Unfortunately, the knife skills left something to be desired and the dressing was much too sour. Both men were quickly reminded why they don't let the rocks cook for them.
Eventually, Grace had enough. Of the food and the aching silence. He stood up, a little too abruptly. Their glasses of water shook as he stood. Simon looked up right as he was taking a bite, confused.
“What's wrong?” Grace walked around and held out his hand.
“Dance with me.”
“What?” Simon chuckled with a mouthful of salad.
“Dance with me!” Grace pulled Simon to his feet, taking him next to the record player.
“Ryland, I don't know how to dance. It's not like there was much to dance for on Eden.” Simon confessed, worried he was letting Grace down. But Grace looked at him like he was the most precious thing in this world and the next.
“I'll teach you, it's easy. You just hold onto me like this.” Grace placed Simon's hands onto his shoulders and Grace's hands made themselves comfortable at Simon's waist. “And then we sorta, sway back and forth to the music.”
“So all I have to do is hold you?” Simon asked, rubbing his thumbs across the seams of his suit jacket.
“Yeah, pretty much!”
“That is easy.” Simon pressed his forehead against Grace's, sliding his arms forward so his elbows rested on Grace's shoulders. Grace squeaked at his banter. Simon would go back into the blood ocean to protect that squeak.
The song Somethin’ Stupid started playing as the two began to sway. They stayed like that for a long while, the silence finally becoming breathable as they enjoyed it in each other's presence. As the song ended, Grace finally finally got to kiss Simon. It was slow and full of smiles, neither of them being able to keep themselves from giggling, although they had no idea what they were laughing about. When Grace pulled back, Simon followed him a little before also backing away, resting his forehead on Grace's once again.
“I love you, too.” Simon's eyes shot open and he backed up to fully look at Grace's face. Surely he was teasing him. Right? But in Grace’s eyes he found no ill intent.
“You're serious?” Grace nodded eagerly. Simon gazed at his scientist. His scientist who he loved. And loved him, against all odds. For the first time in a long time he had a reason to wake up, and for the first time ever, he knew it wasn't going anywhere. He held Grace's face and kissed him again, Grace humming into the contact.
“You'd better prove it tonight.” Simon growled, his eyes all desire. Grace's glasses practically fell off his face at the rate of his panic.
“Simon!” Grace let go to back away and playfully scold him
“Just to make sure!” Simon wrapped his arms around Grace’s back, preventing his escape. Not that Grace was complaining. Grace tucked his head under Simon's chin, hugging him back.
“Say it again?” Simon asked, voice wavering slightly. Grace hummed, kissing his neck lightly without moving his head much.
“I love you, Simon.” Simon kissed the top of Grace's head.
“I love you too, angel.”