Roman gave one last wave to his friends before closing and locking the front door. He took a minute to spruce up a few toppled over shoes. The books Jensen had brought home from work were unpacked and placed onto the coffee table. A delicate kiss was pressed against Cream Cheese's head since the dozing ferret conked out on one of the single seaters. Some straggling mugs on one of the side tables near him were grouped together to be washed in the kitchen.

As soon as they were in the sink, though, Roman was boxed in place.

A larger, warmer body pressed up against him from behind. Strong hands took refuge on his hips, tugging him backward. He glanced up in confusion with the intention of questioning Jensen on his actions.

Roman was silenced by a firm kiss on the forehead.

"Leave it."

"Why? It's not many. And I don't mind cleani-"

"Leave it," Jensen repeated, more adamant. "We can take care of it in the morning before we head to the diner. Now that we're alone, I'd like to sit with you for a bit. Or we can go upstairs to lay down."

"But I'm not tired-"

"I'm not trying to get you to sleep. I'm trying to get you to relax."

Roman blinked, unsure what to say.

Uncertainty morphed into understanding as a hand smoothed over the covered bruises on his arm.

Jensen knew, even if Roman was feeling better after their  hangout, he was still worked up on the inside. His body was still a little too tense. His posture was a little too rigid. Roman busying himself with cleaning was seen as an attempt to prevent him from thinking.

And to be fair, it was.

Jensen was observant enough to realize that. He was also polite enough not to blatantly call Roman out on his need to deflect.

Together, they made their way over to the living room again. The lights were turned off. A lo-fi video was put on to fill the silence around them. A looping animation of a snowy cityscape painted everything in a faint blue color.

Roman got comfortable by clinging to Jensen’s arm and leaning against his shoulder.

Jensen did so by resting his head atop Roman's and rubbing small circles along his thigh.

For a while, no one said anything. They simply held each other close. They reveled in every point of physical contact, no matter how minuscule. Savoring each other's unique fragrances helped to solidify the undeniable truth that Jensen and Roman were there, together, wrapped in an embrace protective enough to shield them from a cruel outside world.

It was the safest place either of them could be in.

Roman had the fleeting desire to cry again.

Not out of intense fear or sadness. His emotional response stemmed from the immense gratitude he had toward Jensen — for the encompassing relief experienced from being in his arms.

"I know I said it before, but...thank you. For coming home to me when you did."

"I would've come sooner if it were an option." Jensen nosed a few strands of ginger hair before kissing the spot. "How are you? Legitimately?"

"Calm. For now."

"And how do you think you'll be later?"

Roman closed his eyes. "I can't say for sure. I don't know where to go from here. How I should go about living life now. I know Rachel won't give up so easily. She's always been persistent about getting her way. I wouldn't put it past her to try and seek me out again."

Jensen gently clenched his fingers around Roman's leg. "You can stay with me. For how little or how long you want. I wouldn't mind at all."

Roman was touched at the sentiment. Thankful, too, since the thought of going back to his place after what transpired a mere few hours ago made his skin crawl. He didn't want to avoid the Indigo house forever. It was just too soon to consider returning when doing so would only cause more anxiety.

He also needed to figure out a plan to follow in case Rachel did appear again.

"Only for a couple of days. As much as I want to, I can't hide from my problems forever."

"No, you can't, unfortunately. But you don't have to go through them alone. Not anymore. And not ever again."

Roman reopened his eyes. He glanced down, taking note of how the veins in Jensen’s arms pressed against his skin. Roman reached out to trace a few of them. He silently marveled at the goosebumps awakening in response to his touch. His fingers ran down, down, and down until he could interlace them with Jensen's.

"How are you? You didn't say much earlier. Still- I could tell you were really upset about the bruises."

"I was pissed," Jensen answered, honest. "I don't tolerate any form of mistreatment toward the people I...care about. I already couldn't stand her because of the things you told me before. But when I saw your arm- when I realized she took things further by physically hurting you on top of the ways she already had- I was just so angry. I know it wasn't my fault. If I was there, though, I would've done everything possible to keep you from going through what you did. Because you didn't, and never will, deserve all of the pain she's forced onto you."

Roman glanced up, meeting his favorite pair of honey eyes.

Jensen’s gaze was intense. His silent stare screamed nothing except honesty, determination, and...

Something softer. More affectionate and tender than ever before.

He said such endearments frequently, as if to put a soothing balm atop the scars etched into Roman's heart. In that moment, though, wrapped in a tender embrace, Jensen's words held a lot more meaning. They were so much more impactful.

Roman didn't know what to say. So, rather than try, he spoke through his actions.

Jensen's arm and hand were released. Smaller palms climbed upward to cup his cheeks.

Roman clenched his jaw as delicate breaths could be felt against his face, tickling his nose. His eyes traveled lower, falling to a pair of smooth lips.

Jensen was guided into a desperate kiss. It was returned without the slightest hesitation.

That simple peck of the lips made Roman's chest bloom with warmth. Feeling that soft skin beneath his trembling fingertips made electricity course through his veins. Each shared breath made him feel alive; like he was lying in a field of grass with a refreshing breeze caressing his arms and filling his nose with the alluring smell of nature. Being wrapped in Jensen's hold, bathing in his radiant light, awakened a sense of inner, flourishing beauty Roman had never felt before.

All too soon, kissing to prove his affections wasn't telling enough.

He needed to do more so Jensen knew, without a doubt, how much Roman truly cherished him.

In need of more contact, Roman climbed into Jensen's lap to straddle him. Pressing their chests together made it possible to feel their racing hearts — how their lungs expanded with each quickening breath.

A hand raced to the back of Jensen's head to take root in his curly hair. An accidental tug forced a deep, surprised moan out of him. His hips jolted upward, rubbing against Roman's.

Both men let out delicate whimpers at the blinding pleasure coursing along their slowly hardening erections.

They were stumbling into uncharted territory.

And neither of them were afraid to take another daring step.

One of Jensen’s hands dove beneath the back of Roman's shirt. The other planted itself right below his hip. He was guided even closer to chase that addictive, stimulating friction.

Roman rolled his hips forward, panting. A gentle nibble was a silent urge for Jensen to part his lips.

As if awakened from a dream, he pulled back, breathing heavily. "I- I shouldn't be doing this. Should I?"

"Why not?"

"Because you- ah- you've been through a lot today. And- and I don't want to make it seem like I'm taking advantage of the situation-"

Jensen’s words got lost in another series of frenzied kisses.

Roman pulled back as well, only creating enough distance for his face to be seen clearly. "Yeah, I've been through a lot today. I went through so many things that weren't in my control. But this, right now, is in my control. And if you're okay with it, I'd like to take things a little further than we've been-"

It was his turn to be interrupted by a kiss. He openly shivered as Jensen's tongue slipped into Roman's mouth. He found the courage to roll his hips with greater enthusiasm, grinding against the clothed outline of Jensen's cock.

Jensen’s hand made a light dip into Roman's waistband to get a feel of his soft, bare skin.

"Can we- I want to take this upstairs. Please, Jay-"

Roman moaning out that specific nickname shattered any form of lingering reluctance Jensen had left.

He lifted Roman up with ease. The light from the television was bright enough to illuminate the stairs, and the two went up without issue. They were beckoned toward the bedroom by the dim light of a single nightstand lamp. The door was blindly shut behind them.

Roman was gently placed down on the bed. He pulled Jensen back in to keep them connected by their lips. Laughter mixed into their shared moans while clumsily maneuvering around each other to get closer to the headboard.

Roman melted into the pillows. Warmth pooled in his face with each sweet peck along his rosy, freckled cheeks and nose. The familiar, hot, tingling ache between his legs heightened with each lustful drag of the tongue across his bared neck.

Jensen bit down on a certain spot harder than expected. A dark, gruff chuckle escaped him in response to a squeaky whine from Roman. The small, reddening mark was smoothed over with another kiss and was followed by a slightly rougher graze of the teeth.

Roman throbbed unabashedly in his sweatpants. His legs tightened around Jensen’s hips to bring him closer.

He saw the gesture as a request for more, so he brought a hand down to drag along Roman's torso at a sluggish pace.

The light contact, while still pleasurable, made his heart race even faster.

Right as those long fingers slid below his belly button, Jensen’s wrist was grabbed.

He paused without question. "Something wrong?"

"I- um-" Roman stumbled over his words, his entire body growing hotter. "No. I- I think I just got a little nervous. It's...been a long time. And- I've never done stuff with a guy before, so..."

"I'm nervous too. We'll figure it out, though." Jensen gave a kind, patient smile. "I'm down with whatever happens. If we have sex, cool. If we don't, that's not a problem. As long as we're both comfortable."

"I can't say for certain if I'm ready to go all the way tonight. Still...I'd like to go further. Than we've already gone so far. I- I want to experience more with you."

He nodded in understanding. "If you ever feel like anything is moving too fast or feels like too much, tell me. I don't want to hurt you."

"I trust you, Jay."

Roman initiated another kiss. He leaned upward, allowing the two to kneel before one another on the bed. Their arms wrapped around each other tightly while remaining gentle.

A curious hand on Roman's back traced along each ridge of his spine. The shudder-inducing touch traveled beneath his shirt again. Instead of sweeping down, it raced back up to settle beneath his shoulder blades. Thin fabric rode up and exposed his skin to colder air. He held Jensen even closer so they could share each other's warmth.

"Please," Roman begged between kisses, "I want to feel you against me. Completely."

Jensen shivered. He grabbed the bottom of Roman's shirt and peeled the garment off of his body. They worked together to do the same for Jensen, giggling as his arms got tangled in his sleeves. Once he was free, bashful touches gained more confidence.

Roman brought his hand forward to trace the outline of Jensen's throat. His fingers ran down, caressing a sharp collarbone, frolicking in the space between his pecs, tracing over a previously unseen floral tattoo beneath his chest, inching along the wide expanse of his defined abdomen. Roman took the opportunity to bury his face in Jensen's neck to litter that spotless skin with his own territorial marks.

Unable to contain himself, Jensen's intoxicating grazes plunged beyond the waistband of Roman's sweats and underwear to grab a good handful of his ass. Jensen used his steady grip to push their lower halves into each other.

Roman gasped in pleasure, working with Jensen to grind their cocks together.

The sensation felt incomplete through their clothes.

"I want to feel all of you. Everywhere on me, sweetheart. Can I?"

Roman nodded frantically.

He was pushed onto his back. His hands clenched around the pillows to steady himself. Sitting up on his elbows, he watched, skin burning in minor embarrassment, as the rest of his clothes were whisked away, leaving him completely naked.

There wasn't a chance to stew in his self-consciousness because Jensen made quick work of his outfit as well.

Roman salivated at the sight.

He took note of several Gothic-style tattoo designs on both sides of Jensen's waist before glancing down.

Jensen was well-endowed, a little wider than Roman imagined. Thick, dark curls bunched together at the base of his cock. The shaft had several engorged veins pushing against his skin, and the glistening tip was nearly purple with how much blood pooled in the area.

Roman twitched in unconcealed excitement. "Do you have lube?"

Jensen continued to let his gaze wander at the enthralling sight splayed out beneath him. The drawer to his nightstand was opened. He only had to move around a few items to grab the small bottle.

"Do you want to use protection?" he asked, voice rough with lust.

Roman shook his head. "I'm clean, so we wouldn't really need to. Unless it would make you more comfortable to have it. I'm fine with either option."

Jensen shut the drawer without taking anything else out.

A generous helping of lube was squirted over both of their erections, and the closed bottle was tossed to the side.

Roman took hold of Jensen's dominant hand to plant a kiss along his knuckles. Then, while maintaining eye contact, Roman guided that hand past his chin, dragged it along his throat, and traced it down the entirety of his torso. He took both of their cocks into Jensen's grasp, Roman's palm helping to crowd them together.

"Touch me, baby," Roman whimpered.

Jensen clenched his jaw to bite back a groan. "Since I've never done this with anyone before, I don't know how long I'll last."

"I don't know how long I will either. I just want to feel good with you. Will you let me?"

Rather than speak, Jensen thrust forward, sliding his shaft against Roman's. Their joined hands clenched, working together to start stroking at a slow pace.

Roman spread his legs wider to offer more room.

Jensen took the opportunity to graze his free hand over Roman's flat stomach to appreciate the simple feel of skin on skin. Jensen then trailed down to Roman's hip to urge him to thrust as well. Once he did, long fingers took a strong hold, digging into the meat of his thigh.

"The only marks I ever want to see on you are mine."

Roman could only moan at the possessive display of affection.

"You feel so good against me, sweetheart. Fuck." Jensen tilted his head back, losing himself to overwhelming pleasure. "You have no idea how long I've wanted you like this. How much I've imagined having you spread out on my bed this way."

"Oh? You fantasize about me a lot, huh?" Roman asked, a playful chuckle breaking off into a whimper. "Does it feel as good as you were expecting?"

The sound made Jensen increase his speed. "It's a thousand times better."

Roman jolted, legs shaking. "You're pretty skilled with your hands."

"I told you, honey. Just because I'm a virgin doesn't mean I'm innocent."

Sucking in a sharp breath through his teeth, Jensen twisted his wrist. His fingers swept over Roman's weeping tip, spreading his fluids around to mix with Jensen's. He thrust faster, harder, gripping tighter and looser at different intervals.

"Oh, fu- just like that. Just like that, Jay."

"Mm, I make you feel so good, don't I, sweetie?"

"Yes." Roman stole a sloppy kiss through fast breaths. "Don't stop. Please-"

"You sound so cute when you beg. Look so beautiful when you're blushing for me. So precious. How could I ever refuse you or leave you wanting?"

"Such a sweet talker," Roman noted, realizing how much of an effect Jensen’s words had. "You'd really give me anything?"

"Everything."

They both rolled their hips faster. Their cocks twitched and throbbed at more rapid intervals, hinting at a quickly approaching release.

Roman's chest swarmed with unspoken declarations. He wanted to tell Jensen how amazing he was; how beautiful he was; how no one had ever made Roman feel so fulfilled.

He was more than ready to fall apart at the seams because he knew Jensen would hold him together through all of it.

There-

There was no coming back from such a life-altering encounter.

"I'm close- Jay-"

"Me too, baby. Me too-"

A swear slipped past Jensen’s lips as one more stroke sent him over the edge. He spilled over their joined hands, directly onto Roman's stomach.

Witnessing Jensen's intense euphoria sent Roman careening into his own orgasm mere seconds later.

They swallowed each other's sounds of ecstasy with another kiss.

Roman wrapped his free arm around Jensen's shoulders, clinging to him and unwilling to ever let go.