Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Days blurred after that. 

He got up. He tried to work on the house. He threw up. He gave up. He went back to sleep. He had nightmares all night. He barely slept.

Repeat.

It was just like the months after he killed Fluixon.

He still remembered how one day, Cass had come by, only to find him on the ground next to Fluixon’s grave. He was unresponsive at first, she told him. She said that she thought he died, even though it would've shown up on her communicator if he did.

She stayed with him for a couple days after that. When Saparata told her that she had a nation to look after, she just looked at him sadly, but firmly.

“My friend needs someone to look after him, too.”

He got slightly better during those days. Not being alone all the time helped. Cass was a blessing. She helped him eat frequently, took him out for walks, and forbade him from spending more than two hours at Fluixon's grave.

Eventually, she had to go back. But she made him promise to never let it get that bad again. Or at least to come to her when it did.

Saparata promised. And he kept the promise. He really did. At the end there, well. He just got too tired to go on.

That Cass would slap him upside the head for saying that to Fluixon. And she'd look at him all disappointed, seeing him lose himself again. Current Cass probably would, too.

He wanted to keep his promise. But he just couldn't.

He got his second chance. 

Fluixon was right there.

He could've had him. 

Saparata could've finally told Fluixon he loved him. 

And he ruined it all, just because he was annoyed at Fluixon. Who was just worried.

He fucked up. 

And he didn't think he could fix this.

Cass and Jophiel both messaged him a few times regarding the meeting. At first it was to ask about what happened when Fluixon took him away. He didn't reply. Then it was to invite him to another meeting. He didn't reply then, either. 

Then, they asked whether something happened between the two of them.

Saparata almost replied, I lost my heart.

But he didn't.

It turned into worried messages. Asking him how he was, where he was, why he wasn't replying. 

He never told anyone other than Fluixon, who only told his friends, where his vacation house was. 

Saparata was glad he didn't.

Sometimes, he felt Ish watching him. He never acknowledged the god. How could he? He failed. Ish had faith in him, and he went and screwed everything up by saying the wrong, not true, terrible thing. 

Saparata wished he still had that tower of his on Island One. (No matter the fact he couldn't even go over there.)

He wished he could run far, far away. 

Anywhere that wasn't still smelling of his Fluixon. 

Blood. Red. Blood. Redredredredred—

He couldn't breathe. He couldn't breathe.

He killed him. His heart is dead. The love of his life is dead. His world is dead.

He killed him.

He's dead. Right there. On the ground.

He's bleeding. 

He's smiling. 

He's saying he's sorry.

He's saying he loves him.

He's dead. Red. Blood. Dead. His heart and soul is dead.

Red fingers, red armour, red floor, red coat, red sword—

He's dead. He killed him.

His heart was dead.

Dead. He is dead. Blood on the snow. Whisper in the wind. Rewind.

Alive. His heart is alive. 

Gone. He's gone. His heart is gone and it's all his fault. 

He did this. His heart is gone.

His heart is dead, his heart is gone.

His Flux is dead, his Flux is gone.

Saparata killed his soulmate. He's dead. His one and only. His heart. His soul. His home. His, his, his.

Saparata lost his soulmate. He's gone. His one and only. His heart. His soul. His home. His, his, his.

Saparata woke up with a gasp. Tears trailed down his cheeks. His heart raced. His blood was icy. His body shook. Terror racked him.

He would never get used to this.

He wiped the tears away, and slowly got up from the floor. He forgot to get to his tent again. 

Oh well. 

He went out to the main hall, only to stop dead in his tracks. 

“Thomas?” His voice cracked terribly. From both unuse, and the screaming each night. “NewKids?”

The two of them paused their argument to stare at him. Saparata wondered what he looked like. Not good, he imagined. He didn't remember when he last showered. Or changed his clothes. Or ate. He only ate when he passed out several times in a row. 

“Fucking hell,” Thomas muttered, horrified. “I'm not sure who's got it worse.”

NewKids nodded, looking at Saparata with furrowed eyebrows. “Those are the clothes you wore during the meeting. That was nearly two weeks ago.”

“Fucking hell.” Thomas repeated, sharing an incredulous look with NewKids.

“What do you need?” Saparata cut in, already wishing he could just go to sleep. Even if sleep meant blood and red and loss. At least then, he got to see Fluixon. Even just for that, suffering through those nightmares was worth it.

“We?” Thomas laughed, exasperated. “We don't need anything. We're here for you.”

“...Me.” 

“We're taking you to Luminara.” NewKids elaborated. 

Dead. Gone.

“No.” He took a shaky step back, his heart thundering in his chest. His breathing grew ragged. “I can't.”

“Yes, you can. We're taking you.” Thomas argued, getting closer. “Consider this a kidnapping, if it makes you feel better.”

“No.”

He couldn't see him. He couldn't. He didn't want to see those cold, cold, cold eyes again. 

NewKids placed a hand on Thomas's shoulder, stopping his advance. “Wait. Something's not right.”

Thomas raised an eyebrow, “What?”

“Look at him. He's shaking. And– Are those tears?”

The two of them looked worried now.

“Saps?”

No, no, no, no.

It's Saparata, not Saps. 

Fluixon, not Flux.

Saparata took another step back. But in that moment, his vision blacked out. Oh. Right. How many times did he pass out today? Probably the fifth. He hasn't eaten in three days. Or maybe longer.

He heard shouting. Just before he hit the floor, someone caught him gently. He couldn't do it anymore.

He passed out again.

“Do you think he's been like this this whole time?”

“Maybe. I don't know. He's lost weight, and he's extremely pale.”

“He wasn't eating.”

“No. He probably only ate the bare minimum.”

“I thought it was him that did something.”

“I think that we don't know the whole story.”

“Probably.”

“...”

“...”

“Should we show him?”

“I don't know. He isn't doing much better.”

“At least he ate.”

“I guess.”

“He should see him. Those idiots need to finally get their act together, this is getting ridiculous.”

“You're the same as Snowbird.”

“Look, is it wrong of me to not want to have to listen to Flux talk about him every hour of the day? Not like this, though. I wish he'd talk at all, even about Saps.”

“I know.”

“How much longer do you think he'd last?”

“I don't know. It depends on if he actually… Still wanted to.”

“...”

“...”

“Let's show him.”

“...Okay.”

Voices. A hand in his hair. Warmth. 

Voices. Fingers running through his hair. Warmth.

Voices– “-ast ate?” Fingers running through his hair. Warmth.

Voices– “-n't know.” Fingers detangling his hair. Warmth.

Voices– “-id you feed him?” Fingers running through his hair. Warmth. 

“Yeah. We made him eat a gapple and some bread. Light on the stomach.” Fingers running through his hair. Warmth.

“Good. Did he wake up at all?” Fingers running through his hair. Warmth.

“No. He passed out when we found him. NewKids searched his place, and found it was like he wasn't there at all those last few weeks. He seemed to work on his house, but stopped at some point.”

“...I see. Food. What did he eat?”

“I'm not sure. There wasn't much there to begin with. I did see some potatoes on the ground. But they looked rotten.” 

Fingers, tightening around his hair. Warmth, closer than before.

“Make some food. Nutrient, but easy to digest. Make Hvyrotation wash his clothes, and have NewKids fetch some fresh ones. Make one of them bring some of my own for now.”

Fingers, loosening around his hair. Warmth, close.

“Okay. Should we prepare a bath?”

“Not yet. Later. I'll call for you when he wakes up.”

“Right.”

“Wait.”

“...Yes?”

“...Thank you for finding him.”

“Of course.”

Click. Fingers running through his hair. Warmth, close.

Air, tickling his hair. Warmth. 

“Oh, Saps. What will I do with you?”

Good, good, good. Yes, yes. Saps.

Saps fell back asleep.

When he woke up again, it was to humming.

He knew that song. 

When he was still settled in Luminara, Fluixon used to hum it so that Saps could go to sleep easier. Even if the nightmares were gone, he still struggled with sleeping. So Fluixon hummed for him.

He loved that song.

Only Fluixon knew it.

That meant–

His eyes shot open. There. Right in front of him, or more like over him, was Fluixon. 

His heart.

His soul.

His home.

When he noticed Saps watching, he stopped humming. Saps just realized the man was running his fingers through his long hair. And his head was on Fluixon's lap.

He wanted to cry.

His heart was here.

“Fluixon?” He rasped.

Fluixon grimaced. “Okay, yeah, that's weird. Just Flux.”

Saps cried.

Flux– his Flux, his heart, his soul, his home, hishishis– looked alarmed, immediately leaning down and wiping Saps' tears off.

“Hey, hey. Don't cry. Please don't cry.”

That just made Saps cry harder.

(“Don't cry.

Not for me.”)

“Saps. Saps. Hey. Look at me.” Flux gripped Saps' cheeks, gently. “You're okay. It's okay. Don't cry.”

“Flux– Flux,” He repeated the name like a mantra. He missed calling him that. He missed Flux.

“I'm here. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere.”

Despite any and all protests, Saps cried like a baby for more than ten minutes. Flux never gave up on trying to get him to stop. When Saps finally did, the other man looked incredibly relieved. 

“I'm sorry.” Saps blurted out immediately, wanting to reach up with his hands. But they didn't even move. He was so tired. “I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it, I swear. Please, believe me, I didn't mean it. I'm so, so sorry.”

Flux's expression turned pained. “Oh, god. Don't apologise. Please don't apologise. I forgive you, okay? Just stop apologising.”

Saps stopped, only to sniffle. He was about to cry again. 

“Don't cry,” Flux said, panicked. He leaned down, and quickly kissed Saps' forehead. “Don't.”

Saps didn't. Because he had a more important thing to worry about.

Flux just kissed him. Saps stared owlishly at Flux. He was dazed. Did that just happen? Did Flux just kiss his forehead? Was he dreaming? Please, please, it can't be a dream. 

Now that Saps wasn't crying, Flux wasn't panicking, and it was the aftermath of a kiss, the two just stared at each other. Both of them were flushed. Neither broke eye contact though.

This had to be real. Right?

“Please tell me you're real.”

“Of course I'm real,” Flux said with furrowed eyebrows.

“That's what not-real Flux would say.” Saps reasoned.

“Really? And what would real Flux say?” The other inquired, the corner of his lips tilted up.

“He'd say I'm an idiot and I'm stupid.”

“Huh. You're right. You're an idiot, and stupid. Very.” Saps eyes widened.

“Oh god. You're real.”

“I am real.”

“Real Flux kissed my forehead.”

“Real Flux kissed your forehead.”

“Oh god.”

And Saps passed out again.

“Don't do that. I know you're still awake.”

Saps opened his eyes with a sheepish grin. “It was worth a shot.”

Flux rolled his eyes, but it was immensely fond. “You're such an idiot.”

They stared at each other again. Saps frowned. “I really am sorry. I didn't mean that. I promise you. I don't know why I said that.”

Flux sighed, and shook his head. “I know you didn't. Stop apologising. And you're not the only one at fault. I was too accusatory. I made you feel trapped.”

“You didn't.”

“I did.”

“How would you know?”

“I saw it. In your eyes. But I just kept going. I shouldn't have.”

Saps went quiet. Did he feel trapped? He didn't think so. He just felt annoyed that Flux would bring up the execution, even though he had no idea it actually happened… Although, maybe he did feel like that. He just elected to ignore it.

Flux was very close back then. He looked familiar to how Saps saw him towards the end, right before—

Cold eyes, unwavering determination. Two different situations, but the same person.

Maybe he did feel trapped.

“Maybe you're right. But I was cruel.”

“No. You just said the truth.”

Saps' heart stopped. No.

No.

No way.

“No.” He said firmly, daring Flux to look away from him. “I did not. You have a right to be worried about me, you're my best friend. I knew you didn't like what I was doing, but I still did it. I was wrong.”

Flux sighed. Saps didn't back down.

“Fine. We're both at fault.” Flux conceded.

“Fine.” Saps agreed, reluctantly.

They looked at each other. Flux's thumb caressed Saps' cheek.

“Let's just put that one behind us, why don't we?.”

“Okay.” 

Saps was falling asleep for real with Flux being so gentle with him. Flux looked pleased. It seemed to be his goal. Damn him and his smirk.

He wanted to say something about that smirk, but didn't get to. Because he actually did fall asleep.

“You are not helping me bathe.”

“I won't look.”

“It’s still a no.”

“You're still weak. You barely had anything to eat.”

“You will be literally right outside of the door. I'll be fine.”

“What if you fall? What if you pass out? I won't be quick enough to catch you.”

“Flux.”

“Saps.”

“Flux.”

Flux grumbled unhappily. “Fine. But if you die, I'm killing you myself.”

Saps rolled his eyes. “Of course.”

Saps did not die. Flux was just being dramatic .

Saps was in fresh clothes (Flux's clothes, he thought giddly), he was bathed, and he was full. 

And now, Saps and Flux were sitting in front of each other. Not sure what to say.

Eventually, Saps began. “How was Luminara?”

Flux shrugged. “I don't know. I haven't left this room in two weeks.”

They stared at each other.

“You are the Vice President, Flux.”

“You implied I didn't mean anything to you.”

“You are the Vice President.”

“I can do whatever I want.”

Saps groaned. “You are unbelievable. No wonder Thomas and NewKids went searching for me.”

“Yeah. And they found you half-dead.”

“I wasn't half-dead. I ate.”

“A potato, a rotten one, every few days.”

Saps looked away. Flux sighed, “Look, at least they forced me to eat. You were almost dead when they found you.”

“Not true. I would've been fine.”

Flux raised an eyebrow. 

Saps knew this was a battle he would not win. He swallowed, and resolutely stared at the floor. He murmured.

“I thought I lost you.”

There was silence. Then, Flux reached out for Saps' hand. He intertwined their fingers.

“I thought so, too.”

“We are pathetic.” 

“I know. Snowbird and NewKids kept saying that to me.”

“What did you say?”

Flux snorted, “Nothing. I went mute for those two weeks.”

They looked at each other.

“So pathetic.”

“Incredibly pathetic."

In the end, they reconciled. It only took Saps almost dying, but that was neither here nor there. When the two of them finally checked in with Cass and Jophiel, they were blown up with messages. Mostly about how they were worried, to never do something like that again, and that they were happy they were okay now.

(Saps was a little surprised by how invested the two were. He only met with Cass a few times, and Jophiel once. 

But it was nice to have them, nevertheless.)

When Flux left his home alongside Saps the next day, who was now after several healthy meals and looking much better, they stumbled upon 3BelowZero, who expressed his happiness at seeing Flux again, as well as Saps and Flux together.

He also told Flux he had mountains of paperwork to catch up on.

Saps gave the man a look that said “I told you so” when he groaned. 

They went out onto the beach, away from the bridge and curious, prying eyes. They sat down on the sand, and held hands.

They stared at the horizon.

Saps wondered if Flux had a change of heart in those two weeks. But seeing him now, no trace of hatred on his expression, told Saps all he needed to know.

Besides. He spent those weeks depressed, just like Saps did. It's not like he really had the time to think about the other island.

At some point, Saps leaned his head on Flux's shoulder. Flux leaned his head on Saps'.

They didn't say anything. They just stayed close to one another, and watched the sunset. When the moon came up, Flux raised his head. He nudged Saps silently, who felt more than a little sleepy, and gently clutched his chin. 

They looked at each other, no words passing between them.

All that needed to be said was already said. Or soon to be said, anyways.

Flux was the one who leaned in, again.

Their lips nearly connected, and then—

“Hey, you're together again! Did you finally make up? I knew you could do it, guys!”

They froze. Their heads ever so slowly turned towards him. Ish noticed their position. He looked horrified. 

“Three times?” He whispered quietly. As though he feared for his life.

Good. He better be scared.

Because if he didn't get out of there in two seconds flat, Saps was going to pounce on him and beat the ever living shit out of him. 

Flux probably shared his thoughts, based on how tense he got. And how his eyes seemed to almost shine with anger.

Ish did not need to look twice. He disappeared as quick as he came.

Saps took a deep breath. Three times. Three times they could've kissed. 

No. 

They were kissing today. 

Fuck all this. 

Saps reached out, took Flux's chin in his fingers, turned his head towards him, and he could see the split second of surprise before their lips finally, finally met.

It was heaven. 

Although Saps linked their lips fast, their pace was slow. Languid. There was no rush, not anymore.

Saps melted into the kiss, and Flux did so right back. Flux's lips were soft, so soft. They tasted just like Saps thought they would. It was just Flux, Flux, Flux. 

It was just them, and the sound of the waves.

Eventually, the kiss ended. They leaned their foreheads against each other's, and just looked into each other's eyes. It was at that moment. This moment. The moment Saps was waiting for in both of his lives.

“I love you, Flux.” Saps breathed out like a prayer.

Flux's eyes crinkled as he smiled. “I love you too, Saps.”

Finally. Finally.

He couldn't help it. Tears filled his eyes. He leaned forward and hid his face in Flux's neck. His heart embraced him immediately, and whispered assurances. 

He just needed to let it out. 

They didn't work out the first time. Too little, too late.

They almost didn't work out in this life, too. 

But they did. 

Flux was finally his.

This was the best moment in both of his lives.

“Saps,” Flux said quietly, running a hand up and down his back. “What's wrong?”

“Nothing,” Saps said thickly. “I'm just so happy. I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too, Saps.” And he hugged Saps tighter.

It was fine. Flux didn't need to know that wasn't exactly what Saps meant. What mattered was that they loved each other, and that was all. If Saps had it his way, Flux would never know about the previous life. No one would ever know.

That was a secret Saps was prepared to take to his grave.

Things went back to normal after that.

Saps stayed at Luminara for a couple more days, before leaving to work on his home. (It was home again. He had his home, so he could finish this one too.)

Flux almost left with him. He stayed only because Saps told him he wouldn't kiss him for a month if he did. He didn't even budge when told he had paperwork. Saps had to resort to drastic measures.

He could still remember the look of absolute betrayal and horror on Flux's face. Every time he remembered it, it made him laugh his ass off.

He went back to his vacation home. Flux didn't visit for a whole two days. A win was a win.

And most importantly. 

There were no assassination attempts. 

Apparently, Seraphim was fine with the compromise that happened at the meeting. Jophiel was alive and thriving. All the other leaders as well.

Saps succeeded in stopping Flux by literally becoming something he had to use his all to protect. 

Saps wasn't smug, but come on. That's skill.

It seemed the only thing he had to worry about now was Island One and its conflicts. 

And Flux dropping by randomly.

Seriously, he did that way too often. Saps began to wonder if maybe 3BelowZero won't hire an assassin to take him out. Except whenever he visited Lumiara and walked hand in hand with Flux, the man smiled, so maybe no assassination attempts will be had.

There was also the issue of Saps becoming a more influential figure. Leaders kept asking him for his opinion, especially with the aid plan. He showed each message to Flux, because they were now transparent with each other about everything and Saps promised he'd do this safe.

Saps went to meetings sometimes, in various nations. He was like an advisor, except he didn't work for a single nation but all. Flux wasn't too happy, but didn't go as far as to lock him up in Saps’ home, so that was a plus.

Then, they went back to Luminara one day. And met up with 3BelowZero.

“I've been thinking, Fluixon.” He started, looking up from his paperwork. “You've been in Luminara less and less. I'm not accusing you of anything, of course. I was just thinking… Maybe this isn't the right place for you.”

Flux bristled. Saps felt his stomach drop. Was he–

“Are you firing me?” Flux's voice was cold.

“Let me finish.” The man scolded. Flux didn't reply, his jaw clenched. “This isn't the right place for you. Obviously, the right one is by your partner's side.”

The two of them froze, all of the fight draining out of Flux in a moment. At the same time, they said, “What?”

“Saparata is becoming more and more sought after. Wouldn't it be nice if he had someone to watch his back?”

Flux gaped. Saps wasn't doing much better. 3BelowZero was smiling serenely. 

“I think you'd make for a wonderful guard, Fluixon.”

They looked at each other. Then at 3BelowZero. Saps tried to argue, because what was this timeline, how was Flux possibly leaving Luminara again?

“But you need a Vice President.”

“Elections are held for a reason.”

Flux interjected, “You want me to leave Luminara behind?” This time, it wasn't accusatory. More like Flux was getting all the facts together. Which made Saps whip his head around to stare at the man incredulously.

“Of course not. Luminara will always be your home. But you aren't happy with your current position. And being able to protect your beloved sounds enticing, doesn't it?”

Flux was gone. There was no way Saps was recovering this. “Hm. Would this be a position granted to me by you, or an independent one?”

“Independent. Saparata does not have ties to any of the nations, besides having you as his partner. It's not my place to pick and choose his closest allies. Right now, I'm raising the possibility of this decision.” 

“I'll think about it.”

Fuck. That, in Flux-speak, meant a wholehearted yes. 

“Flux, you can't be serious. You've been Vice President almost as long as we have known each other. You've wanted this position since the start."

Flux looked back at him. “Can't desires change? What I want most now is to protect you from harm.”

God. Does he know he's romantic as fuck, or is he oblivious to it?

“I can take care of myself,” He tried in a last ditch effort. He really could. He was the better one at combat between the two of them, even if by a smidge.

“But you don't have to. That's why I'm here.”

Fuck. Saps was gone, too.

Damn him and the fact he cannot resist that man at all.

Saps sighed. “Fine. If that's what you want.”

Flux smiled. “It is.”

Saps could not help but smile right back.

“Marriage?” Saps raised his eyebrows, tilting his head. “To who?”

Jophiel hummed, stirring her tea. “It's just an idea. If I were to marry one of the leaders of Island One, it would be easier to secure peace between the islands.”

“Isn't that a little old fashioned? You should get to marry someone you actually love.”

She smiled. “Who's to say I won't fall in love with that person? And anyway, it's just an idea. I wanted to run it by you.”

Saps sighed, taking a sip of his tea. “Well, it's probably not the worst. But only if they are friendly towards us. It is dangerous otherwise.” Saps knew they would be, but it was still good to be cautious. Who could she marry, anyway? Cynikka? It would be sort of opposites attract, he guessed. Maybe Turntapp? No, he wouldn't get that involved with someone from Island Two. Benji? He didn't seem like a guy to marry, honestly. Schpood?

Ha. As if. The man was his friend, but come on. Jophiel was way too good for him.

“Thank you for your insight, then. It is much appreciated.”

Flux tapped on his shoulder from behind Saps’ chair. Jophiel had invited him to sit next to Saps at the beginning of the meeting since she didn't believe he had to be so formal around her, but Flux refused, and stayed professional. “We have a meeting at the Cass Coalition in an hour.”

“Ah, I won't hold you here much longer. Go, go. Have a break and have some fun before the next meeting. I know you must be dying for it.”

Both Saps and Flux flushed. “We wouldn't–” 

Jophiel looked delighted. “Oh? I meant fun as in having a sparring session, or playing a game. What did you think I meant?”

…Saps took it all back. She was perfect for Schpood.

Saps couldn't believe it. He was dragged into more politics this time than the time he was unjustly framed. Saps had to stand between so many Commonwealth shouting matches he felt like he was going deaf. When he complained about it to Flux (without mentioning the framed bit), the bastard just said that's what he deserved for showing off his competence. 

If Saps didn't love him so much, he'd shove him and his smug grin right into the mud. 

Actually, he did do that. Flux was not happy. His face was covered in dirt. So was his coat. He genuinely looked to be on the verge of tears when he saw his coat turn so dirty.

Saps immediately felt bad. Flux talked about some kind of last memory under his breath as he futilely tried to wash the stains off, and Saps wanted to jump off a tower and die. (Again.)

When Flux went to sleep that night, dejected and miserable, Saps spent the entirety of it carefully scrubbing the coat clean of any dirt and stain. He would've sewed up some holes, as well, but he already made a mess. What if the holes had some special meaning behind them too?

He realised that was a little ridiculous, but there was no way he would destroy that coat even more.

In the morning, Flux found Saps asleep on the outside of their home (Saps' vacation home quickly turned into their home after the man started to spend most of his time around Saps) with a freshly cleaned coat and massive eye bags.

Upon Saps waking up, he was met with a hug so tight he could barely breathe, as well as a scolding for staying up so late. But since that day, whenever the coat needed to be cleaned (or there were holes to sew up, no, they were not sentimental, as Saps had found out), Flux came to Saps with it. It felt amazing to be trusted with such an important item.

(Saps couldn't help but wonder.

What was Flux's reaction when he saw the burned coat after he rose from the lava?

Did he feel anything? Did he scream? Did he cry? 

Saps wished he could ask, but the only person who could answer that question was dead.)

Soon, the barrier would drop. Soon, Saps would have to go to Island One and find a way to mediate between the two islands. Soon, they'd all find out kindness was worth it.

But now, Saps was in their home. In their room. With his partner hugging him close. 

A cough. “I hate being sick.” Flux complained. He tried to protest against being in the same bed, room and home as Saps, but the man would hear nothing of it. 

“I know,” He carded his fingers through Flux's raven locks. 

“Why can't you just feed me a ton of gapples and be done with it?” Flux complained.

Saps rolled his eyes and kissed Flux's forehead affectionately. “It doesn't work that way. You know that.”

Flux groaned. “Can't you at least try?”

“You're a brat when you're sick. Did you know that?”

“And you're mean. How can you say that to a sick person?” Flux rasped, offended.

“I have to keep you on your toes.”

“You just like bullying me.”

“Yes, that's mostly why.”

“I hate you.”

“I love you too.”

When Saps said he was going to the Cass Coalition, Flux naturally followed only to pause in his tracks.

“There's no meeting there today.”

“I know. Cass invited me over for tea.”

Saps kept walking. 

“Tea.”

“Exactly.”

Flux stepped in front of him, arms crossed.

“You can't go.”

Saps raised an eyebrow. “Because?”

“You just can't.”

“Come on, you can't just say that. You need a reason for that.”

“Cass will be there.”

Saps blinked. “...Obviously. It is her nation.”

Flux's jaw locked.

“You are–” He let out a frustrated sigh. He uncrossed his arms and stepped closer to Saps, staring right into Saps’ eyes. “I don't want you to go.”

“Because?”

“Cass will be there.”

“We have already established that, Flux.”

Flux's eye twitched.

“I don't want you to meet with Cass.”

“Why?”

“She's– I–” He huffed and ran his fingers through his hair. 

“Come on, Flux. Use your big boy words. You can do it.” 

“Jealous.”

Saps blinked. “What?”

“I. Am. Jealous.”

Slowly, a delighted grin spread across Saps' face. Flux immediately looked regretful.

“Oh, Flux, you should've said so sooner!”

Flux turned around, speed walking down the hall. Saps laughed and chased after him. 

“Hey! Don't run from me!”

He managed to catch up, and push Flux against a wall. The man's cheeks were flushed, and he was avoiding eye contact.

“It's not bad that you're jealous. I'm flattered.”

Flux raised his eyes only to glare.

Saps laughed. He decided to spare his boyfriend.

“You don't have to worry about Cass, Flux.”

Flux narrowed his eyes. “How do you know that?”

“Because Cass doesn't swing that way.”

Flux froze. His face became even redder. He looked away, mortified. “Oh.”

Saps chuckled, and took Flux's cheeks into his palms, getting those eyes to focus on him again. “I can't believe you didn't notice.”

Flux huffed. “It wasn't obvious.”

“For me it was. Have you ever seen her eye a man? Now think about women. You can't tell me you haven't noticed her outright gawking at pretty girls.”

“Stop talking about this.” Flux pleaded.

Saps sighed. He was such a great partner. “Fine. Can I go hang out with her now?”

“No.”

“Flux.”

“You promised we'd be finishing sketching the extension to the house.”

Damn. He did promise. 

“You're a sneaky bastard.”

“Thank you.” Flux said with a pleased expression.

And for the rest of the day, they were thinking of  how big the extension should be. Saps didn't need to hold any meetings inside of it so far, and he honestly hoped he wouldn't have to, but it would be nice to have some more room for guests. 

He remembered how lonely he was in his first life, and he didn't wish to repeat it.

Saps also sneakily sent a message to Cass when Flux wasn't looking.

Saparata: Mission accomplished.