Over a week had passed since Loki's disappearance, and the ache of his absence was like a throb in Sebastian's chest, a sharp counterpoint to the  frustration that gnawed at him.  His two-week leave was over, the emptiness of his days like the  usual vibrant energy of his life. He needed to work, to distract himself from the gnawing uncertainty, to escape the suffocating silence of the safe house. 

Anything was better than the monotonous routine of doing nothing. He found Yves, hunched over his laptop, the rhythmic tap-tap-tap of his fingers a steady beat in the otherwise quiet room.  Approaching him, Sebastian said, "My two weeks are up. Can I go now? This place is getting incredibly boring."

Yves, the only one home besides Sebastian, since Theseus and Kelton were at work, didn't look up.  His voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "No," he said, his fingers still flying across the keyboard. "Loki said you're staying. You can leave only when he's here."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, his frustration growing. "What? Why? We agreed on two weeks—"

Yves cut him off, his voice sharp and impatient. "There was no such agreement. Loki left you in my care, and you're staying here! If you're bored, find something to do." Yves' voice rose, silencing Sebastian. 

Instead of arguing, Sebastian stormed out, the slam of the door echoing through the house. He went outside for some air, the cool breeze was a welcome  to the stifling atmosphere inside.  He rolled his eyes, retreating to his room, the plush softness of his bed was a welcome to the hard, unforgiving surfaces of the safe house. 

The days spent here had been a blur of restless nights and empty days, and the longing to return to work, to see his friends, especially Pretty, was almost overwhelming.  Instead of dwelling on his frustration, he simply lay down and fell into a restless sleep.

The sound of running water woke Sebastian. Annoyed, he got out of bed and padded across the cool tile floor of his bedroom.

He wanted nothing more than to burrow back under the covers, but the persistent sound of the water was driving him mad. He headed towards the bathroom. He splashed water on his face, then looked towards the shower. His eyes widened in shock. Standing there, dripping wet and wrapped in a towel, was Loki. 

Was he dreaming?  This couldn't be real.  He stood frozen, unable to move, his gaze fixed on Loki, the sight sending a jolt of pure adrenaline through his system.  He wanted to slap himself, to determine if this was a dream or reality. He couldn't tear his eyes away from Loki's form, the water droplets clinging to his skin like tiny jewels, the muscles of his body taut and defined. 

Loki, noticing Sebastian's gaze, began to walk towards him, his movements slow and deliberate, the soft thud of his feet against the tile floor echoing in the quiet bathroom. Sebastian bit his lip, his gaze dropping to Loki's toned body, the sight sending a wave of heat through him.  As Loki drew closer, a slow smile spread across his face. "Miss me, baby?" he whispered, his voice low and husky, before pressing his lips to Sebastian's in a kiss that was both shocking and intensely familiar.

It felt so real!  This dream felt terrifyingly real. Sebastian didn't move, didn't look away, didn't even blink.  "I'm dreaming…" he whispered.

"What?" Loki murmured, his lips still brushing against Sebastian's.

"This is a dream! A fucking dream," Sebastian insisted, pushing himself away and stumbling out of the bathroom, slapping his face repeatedly.  What the fuck is this?! Wake up! Wake up!

He gasped, the sharp sting of his own hand against his skin a painful reality check.  The pain was real, and so was the strong arm that wrapped around his waist, pulling him close.  Loki's embrace was warm and comforting.

Loki whispered against his hair, "I miss you," his voice soft and tender, the words melting Sebastian's heart. He couldn't deny the truth; he'd missed Loki too.

"Fuck, this is not a dream," Sebastian breathed, his heart pounded so loud.  The feel of Loki’s hand intertwining with his, the soft pressure of Loki's lips against his neck, was all real.  "I said I miss you…didn't you miss me?" Loki murmured, his voice laced with a seductive undertone.

"I miss you too," Sebastian admitted, his voice husky, the words escaping him in a rush of emotion.  His heart was pounding so hard, he thought it might burst.  The feel of Loki's embrace, the warmth of his skin against his own, the simple act of their hands clasped together, was overwhelming.  He'd missed this, missed him, so much.

"Are you angry at me?" Loki asked, gently turning Sebastian to face him, his eyes searching Sebastian's.

"Galit dahil sa ano?" tanong ni Sebastian, nagkukunwaring walang alam, ang puso niya ay patuloy na tumitibok nang mabilis sa kanyang dibdib.

"I said I'd be gone for a week, but it turned into two. Are you upset about that, baby?" Loki asked, his voice soft.

Baby?  Sebastian’s heart skipped a beat. He’d missed that endearment.  He was weak, hopelessly weak, when it came to Loki.

"I was," amin ni Sebastian, ang boses niya ay malambing.  "Pero okay na ngayon," dagdag niya, isang maliit na ngiti ang sumilay sa kanyang labi.  "Kasi nakikita na kita ngayon, nandito ka na, at ligtas ka."

Mas hinigpitan ni Loki ang pagkakahawak sa baywang ni Sebastian, hinila siya nito palapit, ang init ng katawan ni Loki ay nararamdaman ni Sebastian sa kanyang damit.  "Talaga bang namiss mo ako?" tanong ni Loki, ang boses niya ay puno ng pang-aakit.

"Oo naman.  Eh ano?" sagot ni Sebastian, ang boses niya ay malambing, ang mga mata niya ay nakatingin kay Loki.

Ang nakakalokong ngisi ni Loki ay naging isang mapang-akit na ngiti.  "Talaga?  Patunayan mo...halikan mo nga ako."

Sebastian rolled his eyes, a hint of amusement in his expression.  Loki was back, and already his mind was in the gutter.  "You're the one—"

"C'mon, baby, I missed you, so much," Loki murmured, tightening his embrace.  The warmth of his body was a welcome comfort after weeks of loneliness. "I'll feel alive again if you kiss me.  Just one."  The husky plea in his voice was almost impossible to resist.  Who could refuse this man?  Certainly not Sebastian.

Without hesitation, Sebastian kissed him, a quick, fleeting touch.  But Loki pulled back, his eyes filled with a frustrated intensity.  He'd been starved for Sebastian's touch, and a quick peck wasn't enough.  Sebastian, sensing the shift in Loki's mood, pulled away.

"Why so quick?" Loki asked, his voice laced with a hint of playful annoyance.  He released Sebastian from his embrace, the sudden emptiness leaving a chill in its wake. Sebastian walked to the bed, the soft mattress a welcome comfort against his aching body. He lay down, closing his eyes, the darkness a temporary refuge from Loki's intense gaze.

"I didn't want things to go too far, too soon," he mumbled, his voice muffled by the pillow.

Loki's face darkened, his frustration evident. He’d missed Sebastian intensely, and the simple act of a kiss wasn’t enough to quell his longing.  He'd craved the feel of Sebastian's lips on his, the taste of his skin.

"You're going to sleep already?" Loki asked, his voice laced with a hint of disappointment, as he reached for his pajamas.

Sebastian hummed in response, his eyes still closed. "Don't you want a sweet night, baby?" Loki asked, his voice playfully suggestive.

Sebastian's eyes snapped open, a hint of annoyance in their depths. "Shut up. You were gone for two weeks.  You should be punished," he said, his voice laced with a playful edge that belied the underlying tension.  Loki smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners; he’d missed Sebastian’s playful banter. 

Loki approached the bed, sitting on the edge, his fingers gently caressing Sebastian's face, the soft touch sending a shiver down Sebastian's spine.  "When you wake up tomorrow, I want you to tell me everything that happened here," Loki said, his voice soft and intimate.

Sebastian's eyes met Loki's, his gaze lingering on Loki's face.  "You too," Sebastian murmured.

Loki leaned in, his lips brushing against Sebastian's.  "I can't…not yet, baby. But I will, soon…maybe," he whispered, his voice laced with a hint of mystery.

Sebastian's mood darkened, his earlier playfulness fading. "Why won't you tell me?" he asked, his voice low and serious.

"I don't want to put you in danger," Loki replied, his voice firm, his eyes filled with a protective intensity. He kissed Sebastian again, a tender, lingering kiss that spoke volumes of unspoken emotions.  "Goodnight. We'll talk tomorrow," he whispered before lying down beside him, the warmth of his body a comforting presence.

Sebastian, feeling the pull of sleep, nodded, his eyes fluttering closed. 
"Seb…" Loki murmured, his voice low and husky.

"What?" Sebastian mumbled, his voice drowsy.

"Can we have sex now? I missed you, you know," Loki said, his voice laced with a playfulness.

Sebastian bolted upright, his eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and indignation.  He wasn't ready, not yet.  "You're so horny," he said, his voice sharp, his tone laced with playful annoyance, before walking to the bed-sofa and lying down.

"Hey! I was just kidding. Come here, lie next to me," Loki said, his voice laced with a hint of playful desperation.

"You can't fool me," Sebastian muttered, his eyes closed, his tone firm.

"C'mon! I missed you," Loki insisted, his voice softening.

"Yeah, yeah, goodnight," Sebastian said, his voice muffled by the pillow.

"Baby, come here, sleep with Daddy," Loki whispered, his voice low and suggestive.  The endearment made Sebastian’s jaw clench.

"Daddy?" Sebastian asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

"Oh, yes, baby?" Loki replied, his voice dripping with playful mischief.

Sebastian rolled his eyes, his frustration evident. "I'm not calling you Daddy! For fucking sake!"

"Oh, three rounds," Loki murmured, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Shut up!" Sebastian snapped, his voice sharp.

"I want you to call me Daddy while…" Loki paused, his voice dropping to a husky whisper as he approached the bed-sofa, his shirt already coming off.  "Fucking you from behind, baby," he finished, his eyes gleaming with a predatory intensity. 
Here we go again, Sebastian thought, bracing himself for another mind-blowing encounter.

YVES woke to the sound of soft moans emanating from the living room, his eyes widening in surprise.  What the hell was that sound?  He stepped out of his room, his curiosity piqued.  He stopped dead in his tracks.  The sight that greeted him was unexpected, to say the least. Sebastian, his face flushed, was pressed against the kitchen counter, his body trembling.  Loki stood behind him, his movements obscured but clearly intense.

"Ah! Ah! Haaa..." Sebastian’s moans filled the room, his voice strained with pleasure.

"What the—So early in the morning, my goodness," Yves muttered, shaking his head before retreating back to his room, putting on his headphones and immersing himself in music.  It's better this way, he thought, a wry smile touching his lips.

"Uhm, baka magising sila…Ah!" Sebastian moaned, his voice muffled, the sound of Loki’s thrusts punctuating his cries.  This pervert wouldn't stop, really.
"I don't care," Loki said, his voice breathless, yet his thrusts continued, relentless and powerful. "I want to fill your hole with my hot semen, baby."
Sebastian clung to the kitchen counter for support, his body arching, his moans growing louder.

They didn't stop until exhaustion claimed them both, their bodies slick with sweat and arousal.  Loki finally pulled out, turning Sebastian around to face him.  "Good morning, baby," he murmured, his voice husky with exertion.

Sebastian gasped for air. "G-good morning…"

Good morning, breakfast with sex.

After their unusual breakfast, a strange quiet settled over the kitchen.  Sebastian, still flushed and slightly breathless, excused himself to shower, his movements a little hesitant, a little more self-conscious than usual.  The lingering scent of arousal hung in the air, a silent testament to the morning's events. Loki, his hair tousled and his eyes still dark with lingering passion, turned his attention to Yves, the serious set of his jaw suggesting a conversation of some importance.

The shower's rhythmic drumming provided a welcome distraction.  When Sebastian emerged, he took his time getting dressed, choosing a simple but well-fitting outfit: a crisp white t-shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders, dark slacks that clung to his lean legs, and sturdy black boots that grounded his usually restless energy. The casual elegance of his attire was a stark contrast to the intensity of the morning's events.  As he reached for his clothes, his fingers brushed against Loki's favorite watch, a heavy, masculine timepiece with a worn leather strap.  He picked it up, turning it over in his hands, a faint smile touching his lips.  It wasn't a conscious decision; it was more of an impulse, a silent acknowledgment of the shared intimacy of the morning, a subtle way of carrying a piece of Loki with him.

He paused before leaving the room, running a hand through his still-damp hair.  The reflection in the mirror showed a man transformed – not just clean and refreshed, but somehow more confident and somehow more sure of himself.  His cheeks were still a little rosy.

Binuksan niya ang pinto, balak na magpaalam nang maayos kay Loki bago umalis sa mansyon. Pero natigilan siya sa nakita.  Si Loki at Yves ay abala sa pag-uusap, nakayuko ang mga ulo at halos pabulong na nag-uusap.  Ang seryosong tono ng kanilang pag-uusap nila, kaya imbes na ituloy ang paglapit niya kay Loki, tahimik na lamang siyang umalis sa mansiyon.

Sebastian left the safe house without a word to Loki, the boredom and the longing for his old life finally overwhelming him. He headed straight to the police station, sabik na makita si Pretty. May dala siyang isang bouquet ng rosas at isang kahon ng tsokolate, isang maliit na pagpapakita ng paghingi ng tawad dahil sa kanyang matagal na pagkawala.

"Ehem!" Sebastian cleared his throat, dahilan para tumingala si Pretty mula sa kanyang trabaho.  Tinaasan siya nito ng kilay, may nakakalokong ngiti sa labi   "Well, well, look who finally returned," sabi nito, tumayo para salubungin siya

"Callan gave me two weeks off," Sebastian admitted, handing her the flowers and chocolates.  "For you," he added, his voice soft. "How's work?"

Pretty accepted the gifts, her eyes sparkling with amusement.  She glanced towards Callan's office. "The Japanese police officer, Bernadette Fuma, is here.  She's talking to the boss.  Apparently, you turned down her case? Is that true? When did you start refusing cases you wanted to investigate? Why? Is this new?" she asked, firing questions at him in rapid succession.
Sebastian offered Pretty a small, strained smile. "Well, it wasn't exactly thrilling," he admitted, the lie catching in his throat.

Pretty laughed, her amusement clear. "Really? That's your reason? You never back down from an investigation. So, what's the real reason, Officer?"  Her eyes held a knowing glint.

Pinulupot niya ang isang braso sa balikat ni Pretty. "Tara, magkape muna tayo, tapos balik na tayo sa trabaho,"  At hinila na niya si Pretty palabas.

"Sounds good, but I don't want Loki to kill me for what you're doing," Pretty joked, her voice light, yet a hint of concern laced her words.

"Starbucks?" Sebastian asked, smoothly changing the subject.

"Nah, a café. I want a cupcake," Pretty countered, her voice playful.

"Sige, libre ko. Mukhang namiss mo ako ah," pang-aasar ni Sebastian, may nakakalokong ngiti sa mukha.

"Tara na nga!" sabi ni Pretty. Pinagbuksan  ni Sebastian ng pinto ang dalaga, at ramdam na ramdam ni Pretty ang pagkaantala ng kamay nito.  Pagkaupo ni Sebastian,  sumandal siya sa manibela, tapos dahan-dahang pinaandar ang sasakyan papuntang café.

Nakarating sila sa isang café malapit doon, at ang bango ng bagong timplang kape at tinapay ay sumalubong sa kanila. Huminga nang malalim si Sebastian bago bumaba. Pinagbuksan niya ng pinto si Pretty, ang pagiging gentleman niya ay parang nakasanayan na. "Salamat, boss," sabi ni Pretty, nag-pause siya bago pumasok. "Tara na. Sabi mo, kailangan nating magmadali."

Tumawa si Sebastian, at inilagay ang braso niya sa baywang ni Pretty, hinila siya palapit habang papasok sila sa café. Ang hangin sa loob ay puno ng amoy ng kape at pastry, isang nakakaaliw na init na kaibahan sa nerbiyos na nararamdaman niya. "Ladies first," bulong niya, malumanay ang boses, at ginagabayan si Pretty papasok.

Nang makapasok siya, biglang nagbago ang ihip ng hangin; parang bigla siya nakaramdam ng kaba, ewan ba niya pero biglang lumakas ang kabog ng puso niya.

Ang drama ko naman, naisip niya, at itinanggi ang pakiramdam na iyon, parang  simpleng kaba lang.

He seated Pretty at an empty table, before ordering their food. "One coffee cake, two latte espressos, and two cupcakes."

"What flavors for the cupcakes, sir? We have several options," the waitress asked politely, her voice soft and melodious.

"Uh, what do you have?" Sebastian asked, turning to Pretty.

She smiled, glancing at the menu. "Strawberries, blueberries, chocolate, cream—"

"One chocolate and one strawberry," Sebastian interrupted, his choice decisive.

The waitress smiled. "I'll be back shortly."

Sebastian sat beside Pretty, the square table a small barrier between them. "You okay, boss?" Pretty asked, her voice concerned.

Sebastian sighed, leaning his head against Pretty's shoulder, the softness of her hair a welcome comfort. "Yeah, just a little off," he admitted.

"Didn't you rest at all during those two weeks?" Pretty asked, her voice soft.

He grinned. "I did. But I missed work," he said, shaking his head.  Just then, the waitress arrived, placing their order on the table. "One coffee cake, two latte espressos, and two cupcakes—chocolate and strawberry. Enjoy your meal, sir," she said before departing. 

They began to eat.  "Were you with Loki during those two weeks?" Pretty asked, her eyes curious.

Sebastian took a sip of his latte, the rich, creamy warmth a soothing balm against his restless nerves. "No, just last night," he replied, his voice low.

Pretty looked at him, her expression questioning. "Just last night? What do you mean?"

"Let's not talk about that. Let's not even mention his name," Sebastian said, his voice firm, his desire to avoid the topic evident.

Pretty smirked, her amusement clear. "Are you two fighting?"

"Nah, just eat," Sebastian said, his tone slightly sharper than he intended.

"Sebastian!"  A voice boomed across the café, cutting through their conversation.  They both turned to see Theseus striding towards them, his expression a mixture of surprise and something akin to exasperation.

"Who is that?" Pretty whispered, her eyes wide.

"Shit, that's Theseus," Sebastian muttered, taking another sip of his latte, trying to appear nonchalant.

"Woah, you're out already!" Theseus exclaimed, his voice loud enough to draw attention from other patrons.  He approached their table.  "Hi, I'm Theseus. And you are?" he asked, turning to Pretty.

"Pretty," Pretty replied, her voice polite but firm.
"Could you move to the other side of the table?" Sebastian requested, his tone sharp.

Theseus's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Sebastian. "Oh, sorry, my lady. Does Loki know about this?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of sly amusement.

Sebastian's patience snapped. "Fuck off, Theseus. I could shoot you right here, right now. Get out of my face, you're irritating me," he said, his voice dangerously low.

Theseus smirked, unfazed. "Good luck with that," he said, before ordering a latte and a donut and leaving the café. 

Pretty glanced at Sebastian, a playful smirk on her lips. "I think Loki might kill me, boss. We're so screwed," she whispered.

Sebastian looked at her, his annoyance evident. "Leave it. He's just kidding," he said, his tone dismissive.

Pretty shrugged, returning to her cupcake, while Sebastian's mind raced, troubled by Theseus's  words.  Good luck with that?

Back at the police station, Bumalik na sila sa kani-kanilang desks, ang pamilyar na gawain ay nagbigay sa kanila ng kaaliwan pagkatapos ng hindi inaasahang pangyayari sa café. "Salamat, Boss!" sigaw ni Pretty, masigla at masaya ang boses niya. Ngumiti si Sebastian at pumasok sa opisina niya.  Pero bago pa man siya makarating sa desk niya, may tumawag na sa kanya.

"Enjoying yourself?"

Sebastian froze, the familiar baritone voice sending a jolt of adrenaline through him.  That voice, he knew it instantly.  Could this be the "good luck" Theseus had alluded to? 

LOKI'S  face hardened. Sebastian had left without a word, disappearing in a car that Loki watched recede from the balcony of his room.  The sight, instead of sparking immediate rage. He hadn't followed Sebastian; he'd simply watched, the rhythmic pulse of the car's taillights a fading echo against the vast expanse of the city skyline.

Rather than succumbing to anger, Loki chose understanding.  Sebastian thrived on his work; his impulsive departure wasn't entirely surprising.  The intensity of his feelings for Sebastian—a love that was both fierce and tender—was undeniable. He would do anything to keep Sebastian, to win him, to hold onto this rare, precious connection.  He wouldn't deny the depth of his feelings, the way Sebastian had wormed his way into his heart, leaving an indelible mark. 

He left the balcony, the cool night air a momentary balm against the simmering heat of his emotions. He showered, the hot water a temporary relief, then pulled on a black shirt and trousers. He headed to the kitchen, grabbing a beer.

He set his laptop on the kitchen table, the sleek metal cool beneath his fingertips.  As he took a sip of his beer, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He answered, his voice tight with barely controlled impatience. "What?"

Theseus's voice, laced with amusement, crackled through the phone. "Bro, you're gonna be pissed about this."

Loki rolled his eyes. "You have eyes, don't you? Are you stupid?" he retorted, his tone sharp.

"Tsk, I'm talking about Sebastian and Pretty!" Theseus said, his tone shifting to a more serious note.

Loki's expression hardened. "What about them?" he asked, his voice low and dangerous.

"Wait, I'll send a picture," Theseus replied, his voice hushed with anticipation.  Loki waited, the silence stretching taut, the seconds ticking by like hammer blows against his patience.  "Did you get it?" Theseus finally asked.

The picture arrived, and Loki's blood ran cold.  The image showed Sebastian, holding flowers and chocolates, his smile directed at Pretty—a smile that was different, warmer, more intimate than anything Loki had ever seen directed at him.  Jealousy, raw and potent, flooded through him.

"Whatever. I just saw it. Bye," Theseus said, hanging up before Loki could respond.

He called to piss me off!? Loki thought, his anger finally erupting.

He hurled his beer bottle and laptop across the room, the shattering glass and the thud of the laptop a violent release of his pent-up frustration. He grabbed his leather jacket. He threw a leg over his Ducati, the powerful machine a symbol of his own untamed power, and roared out of the safe house, leaving Yves to fend for himself.

He was consumed by a burning jealousy. Kailangan niyang makita mismo, harapin si Sebastian, para malaman kung ano'ng nangyayari.  Handa na siyang sumabog, handa nang ilabas ang galit na kanina pa niya pinipigilan. Pagsisisihan 'to ni Sebastian.