Chapter 237

Sun? Check.
Soft wind? Check.
Shades? Check.
White half-buttoned shirt? Check.
White shorts? Check.

Zeno looked like a million bucks as he stood in front of the arched hallway of the museum, soaking up the sun and waiting—impatiently—for his husband.

Sebastian had gone to retrieve something from the car and told Zeno to wait, but that had been a full minute ago. Zeno was beginning to lose patience.

They were currently in a museum in Greece, planning to stroll around a bit before heading to their next destination.

"Hi, good afternoon," a voice said from behind him.

Zeno turned slightly to find a young man, a head shorter, standing nearby with a hopeful smile.

He offered a polite nod. "Good afternoon. How may I help you?" he asked, keeping his tone calm while subtly glancing behind to see if Sebastian was on his way.

"I'm Nimo," the man introduced himself, reaching out his hand toward Zeno.

"And he's married," a familiar voice cut in smoothly.

Sebastian appeared like a well-dressed storm, sliding his sunglasses up onto his head like a crown and gripping Nimo's hand instead.

Nimo blinked, visibly shrinking under Sebastian's firm handshake.

"Oh—my bad, sorry, I didn't know—" Nimo stammered, trying to keep a smile on his face as he attempted to reclaim his hand.

Sebastian finally released him with a warning pat on the shoulder. "Run along, short king. Watch your step—the rocks here are almost your height."

Nimo quickly turned and scampered away.

"You," Zeno grabbed Sebastian's arm with a disapproving frown.

Sebastian gasped theatrically. "Ouch! Papi, that hurts," he said, clutching his arm dramatically before curling it around Zeno's.

Zeno wasn't having it, his frown deepened as he pointed to Sebastian's face, "One whole minute, Mr. Husband, you kept me waiting for one whole minute." He pointed out, pouting.

Sebastian held Zeno's raised hand and kissed his finger, "One minute is quite a long and dangerous period. I left you exposed to prey... a short prey. I'm sorry, I'll just have to take you with me even if it's for a second. Can't have you looking at someone else even for a second." He said, pulling Zeno closer. 

Zeno sighed, "You did take a lot of time in the car. And, that was unfair, what you did to Nimo." He smiled, evidence that he did enjoy the show a little too much.

Sebastian shrugged, "You're a hard one to protect, and since you asked me not to use guns, I gotta use my mouth; hopefully, it impacts the same damage." 

"You're unbelievable," Zeno chuckled and pulled Sebastian forward, "Come on, babe, we've already wasted so much time out here. Let's go see some good stuff, " He said as he kept walking along the hallway and toward the entrance of the museum. 

"You know, if you want to look at some good stuff, we don't have to be outside; we can stay locked in and you can have all this good stuff to yourself," Sebastian leaned in and whispered as they neared the entrance, placing Zeno's hand on his firm abs.

Zeno flushed, "Stop it. Have some shame." He flicked Sebastian's stomach. 

"Shame? Not when my husband low-key loves it when I seduce him secretly in public -"

"Shh, not so loud," Zeno placed his hand on Sebastian's mouth as they stopped in front of the tall, arched door. 

"Good afternoon, Sirs. Tickets, please?" A polite attendant asked, standing beside the door. 

Sebastian smoothly pulled out a sleek leather wallet and handed over a reservation card.

"Reserved. Sebastian and Zeno Orion. Honeymoon entry," he added with a proud smirk.

The attendant smiled, scanning the card. "Welcome, Mr. and Mr. Orion. Enjoy your visit." he nodded politely and further stepped out of the way for the couple.

"Show off," Zeno muttered as they entered the museum.

Sebastian shrugged, "I was just being modest, sweetheart." He replied, looking around the halls.

As they entered the grand hall, sunlight spilt through tall arched windows, casting a soft glow on the marble floors. Ancient sculptures stood like silent guardians, and the faint scent of aged stone and history filled the air.

Zeno paused just inside the entrance, his eyes sweeping over the towering statues and golden relics arranged with meticulous care.

"This place is so exquisite," he said softly, almost to himself.

Sebastian hummed in agreement behind him. "Not as exquisite as you in those shorts, but sure."

Zeno snorted, elbowing him gently. "Behave."

"I am," Sebastian grinned. "This is me behaving."

He stared at Zeno with hearts in his eyes as Zeno walked toward the ancient statue of Zeus, his eyes sparkling with appreciation.

Zeno heard a click beside him and looked away from the statue to see Sebastian holding up a camera. 

"Picture?" Zeno asked excitedly. He had forgotten to ask Sebastian to bring their camera and never thought he would remember it.

Sebastian smiled proudly, "Of course, Baby. You've got the most thoughtful husband in the whole universe." He smirked.

"I do," Zeno said with a smile.

He went over and kissed Sebastian's cheek, "Selfies?" He asked.

"Tons," Sebastian nodded and took Zeno to stand in front of the Zeus statue, "Alright, Zeus, today you're honoured with the presence of the most handsome men in the world; one leans toward the ethereal beauty, but I'm sure you can handle his presence for a few -"

"Sebastian," Zeno poked his side.

"Okay, okay, I'm clicking. Say cheese, Mr. Zeus," Sebastian draped his arm over Zeno's shoulder and kissed the side of his head as he clicked the photo. 

Zeno couldn't help grinning widely, "You talk too much, Sebastian." He chuckled.

"Where is my cold, aloof and wicked boss? Huh? What have you done to him?" He held Sebastian's collar, pretending to frown.

"Not me..." Sebastian held Zeno's waist and leaned his face in, "It's you. You stuffed that guy with love, and he had no choice but to turn into your clingy, chatty, possessive, handsome husband. How do you feel about killing your boss and making a husband out of him?" He asked, placing his fist in front of Zeno's mouth as a make-shift interview microphone. 

Zeno laughed, holding Sebastian's microphone hand, "I feel... lucky." He kissed Sebastian's clenched fist and sauntered off to the next statue.

"Maybe a chain around my neck will suffice, husband. I'm your lost puppy. Don't leave without me," Sebastian muttered and hurried behind Zeno.

Zeno paused as he reached a dimly lit corner with different statues lined up three feet away from each other. 

"Shall we play a game?" Zeno questioned, staring at the statues.

"Does it involve my lips on yours?" Sebastian came up behind Zeno and hugged him from behind. 

Zeno brought Sebastian's hand to his mouth and bit him... hard.

Sebastian hissed but didn't release Zeno, "Now, you know what it does to me when you do that. I reserved this museum, do you want to -"

"No!" Zeno hopped out of Sebastian's grasp and glared at him, "No, you horny motherfucker," he pointed his finger at Sebastian, "Stand down, Behave," he warned with narrowed eyes.

Sebastian raised his hand in surrender, "Okay. I'll behave, I promise." He said.

Zeno watched him for a few seconds before slowly nodding his head, "Perfect. So, I was saying, let's play a game," He pointed to the statues.

Sebastian nodded. 

Zeno turned to face Sebastian, one hand resting sassily on his waist as he nodded toward the statues lining the hall.

"We take turns pointing at a statue and guessing its names. Are you in?" His blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he challenged his husband.

Sebastian tilted his head, smirking. "What does the winner get?" he asked coyly, his voice low and teasing.

Zeno raised a brow, "What do you want?"

Sebastian stepped in close, brushing an invisible speck off Zeno's shoulder. "You. Anywhere I want. However, I want." His voice was dangerously low.

Zeno's lips twitched, but he refused to back down. "Then you better guess right, Mr. Orion." he winked at Sebastian and stepped away from him. 

Zeno pointed at the first statue—tall, powerful, with a thick beard, a stern gaze, and a thunderbolt clenched in one hand.

"Easy. Zeus," Zeno said confidently.

Sebastian nodded. "Okay, show-off. My turn."

He sauntered to a statue of a graceful young man holding a lyre.

"Apollo," he declared, lifting his chin proudly.

Zeno gave him a small smile. "Correct. Lucky guess, or did you just think he looked like you?"

Sebastian winked. "Both."

Zeno turned, spotting a statue of a tall woman in armour, holding a shield.

"Athena," he said quickly.

Sebastian narrowed his eyes. "You're suspiciously good at this."

"I paid attention in school," Zeno replied sweetly. "Your turn."

Sebastian stopped in front of another statue. It was a muscular figure holding a trident, wild beard flowing.

He squinted, then grinned wickedly.

"That's Thiccimus, God of Swordfish and Deep Sea Squats."

Zeno choked on a laugh. "Sebastian!"

"What?" Sebastian said, feigning innocence. "He looks like he just came from the gym and wrestled a whale."

Zeno doubled over, laughing. "That's Poseidon, you absolute menace."

Sebastian shrugged. "Could've fooled me. Next one."

Zeno pointed to a statue of a nude woman modestly covering herself with her hands.

"Aphrodite. Goddess of beauty and love."

Sebastian took his turn dramatically, pointing at a figure in mid-step, winged sandals on his feet.

"That's Hermes. Fastest guy in Olympus. It's kind of like me—quick, charming, a little too smart for his own good."

Zeno rolled his eyes. "You forgot humble."

"I left it in the car," Sebastian replied smoothly, slinging an arm around Zeno's shoulders.

Zeno shook his head, smiling as he leaned into him. "You wish you looked that good, huh?"

"I don't need to wish. I already got you, didn't I?" Sebastian smirked.

Zeno scoffed, biting his lip, "We're halfway through, and I'm winning."

Sebastian smirked, tugging him a little closer.
"I don't mind losing… as long as I still get my prize later."

Zeno flushed but didn't pull away. "You might."

Their voices faded as they wandered deeper into the museum, turning into a quieter hall. This one was dimly lit, more intimate. The walls were lined with delicate fragments—mosaics, broken pottery, and faded inscriptions. There was something solemn here, a reverence that pulled their voices into whispers.

Zeno slowed as he approached a display in the centre of the room. Encased in glass was a pair of weathered stone hands—once part of a larger statue—locked in an eternal embrace. Fingers interlaced, worn but still clearly shaped.

The plaque read: \[Hands of Devotion – Believed to be from a lost sculpture of two lovers, thought to represent eternal union. Discovered buried together at the ruins of Thespiae, a city known for its worship of Eros, the god of love.\]

Zeno stood quietly, his eyes fixed on the stone hands.

Sebastian came to stand beside him, unusually silent.

"It's… beautiful," Zeno whispered. "Even broken… it still holds on."

Sebastian didn't speak for a moment. Then, softly, he said, "I'd still hold on to you, even if the world crumbled around us."

Zeno turned to look at Sebastian, caught off guard by the honesty in his voice.

Sebastian stared at the hands, jaw tight. "I joke a lot. But… sometimes I think about what it means to love someone so much that even stone wants to remember."

Zeno reached out and laced their fingers together, mirroring the sculpture.

"You're not losing the game anymore." His voice was a tender whisper.

Sebastian smiled faintly, his grip tightening. "Guess that makes us even."

They stood there a while longer, hand in hand, two modern hearts drawn to an ancient story—no longer just tourists in a museum, but two souls quietly adding their own love to the history around them.

After a few more tours of the museum and many pictures later, they finally left the museum, carrying the precious memories they've made in their camera and hearts.

"Thank you, Mr. and Mr. Orion; I hope you enjoyed your visit. Have a good day," The polite attendant smiled at them as they walked out of the museum. 

Zeno nodded at him, "We did. Thank you." He smiled kindly at the man and walked away with Sebastian, who decided to remain quiet. 

"Whew, would look at that, it's almost evening," Zeno paused at the foot of the stairs and stared up at the blue sky with soft orange hues.

Sebastian stood beside him and stared at the side profile of his face, "Time does slow when you're with your favourite person." He said, smiling. 

Zeno smiled, moving close to Sebastian and leaning his side against his, "True." He looked up at Sebastian's face, "Guess what?" He whispered. 

Sebastian chuckled and shook his head, "You're hungry." He sighed.

Zeno nodded happily, "You know me best, Mr. Husband. Come on, let's go home. We can visit other places tomorrow." He turned and held Sebastian's hand, gently tugging him toward the car park.

Sebastian followed obediently; home was actually his favourite place; there, it was just he and Zeno. No activities to keep away or distract from each other.

He loved spending every second with Zeno, yet he couldn't seem to get enough of him.

"Thank you," Zeno said as Sebastian held out the door to the car for him to enter. 

"My pleasure," Sebastian winked at Zeno and gently closed the door.

He walked around the front of the car and got in beside Zeno, closing his door.

"Texting the chef?" Sebastian asked as he moved the car away from the museum. 

Zeno nodded, "Yeah, I'm craving seafood, how about you?" He asked Sebastian. 

"I'm craving you," His hand left the steering wheel and gently dropped on Zeno's thigh, biting his lip as he glanced at Zeno's. 

Zeno placed his hand over Sebastian's, caressing his hand, "Of course, I'm the main course... I was just asking what you would like as dessert?" He brought Sebastian's hand to his lips and kissed it before returning it to the owner. 

Sebastian furrowed his brows as he thought of what he wanted for dessert. He slowed the car and roamed his eyes over Zeno's body, "Still you." He winked.

Zeno groaned in frustration, "Ugh! Fine. You'll have seafood, too." He concluded. 

Their car slowed as it rolled over the gravel-carved path leading toward their home. On either side, neat rows of flowers danced gently in the breeze, a colourful welcome committee swaying in rhythm with the summer wind.

Up ahead stood their house—tall, majestic, and breathtaking. Though it was newly built, it echoed the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture. Strong grey bricks formed its powerful frame, while large arched windows pulled the eye like a stage where Caesar himself might've once addressed his people.

It was Zeno's biggest surprise—his most priceless wedding gift. Sebastian had purchased the property in Zeno's name, presenting it with no fanfare, only quiet intention.

Zeno often found himself imagining the depth of Sebastian's love—the kind of love that moved mountains, bought temples, and built futures.

"You're thinking about the house again," Sebastian said softly as he parked the car under the massive tree by the side of the house.

Zeno blinked, pulled from his thoughts. He turned to look at his husband, his heart still full. "I don't think I'll ever be able to wrap my head around this, Seb. It's… massive. Unbelievable."

Sebastian smiled, unbuckled, and stepped out of the car. A second later, he was at Zeno's door, opening it with that same quiet grace that made Zeno fall deeper every time.

He offered his hand. Zeno took it.

Once Zeno was out, Sebastian smoothly closed the door, then pressed Zeno gently against it, caging him between his arms. He leaned close, his breath brushing Zeno's cheek.

"I've told you, baby girl… I'd do anything for you. Anything." His fingers traced Zeno's hairline softly.

"If I were a god, I'd offer you the world in the palms of your hands. That's how much I want to give you."

Zeno's heart swayed at his words. Warmth unfurled in his chest—soft, spreading, endless. He felt cherished. Seen. Loved in ways words could never quite capture.

He loved this man.

And every day, he thanked the stars that led Sebastian to him.

Sebastian watched Zeno's expression with reverence.
"Yeah… that look right there? That's why I do everything I do. The way you look at me—so raw, so true, so in love. I want to keep you looking at me like that… forever."

He cupped Zeno's face in his hands, tender and sure.

Zeno smiled, his voice soft and full. "You don't have to do anything to make me look at you this way. I'm already locked in." He chuckled, tears brimming in his eyes. "Key's lost somewhere deep in Bikini Bottom. Even when we're old and grey… I'll always love you, my Seb. Only you."

Sebastian pulled him into a hug, burying his face in Zeno's hair. He inhaled deeply—Zeno's warm, masculine scent grounding him.

"Yes, Papi," he whispered. "Till we're old and grey."

He kissed Zeno's forehead, his cheek… and was just about to claim his lips when—

"Ahem. Welcome home, Masters."
A dry, witty voice rang out from the top of the stairs.

Both men turned, startled, to see a very short, plump woman standing regally at the entrance. Her loose blue gown fluttered slightly in the breeze, and her stern bun made her cheeks puff like dumplings. Green eyes gleamed with playful authority.

"Dinner will be ready in a minute," she added. "Shall I prepare the garden or the rooftop terrace for your post-honeymoon canoodling?"

Zeno chuckled, glancing at Sebastian's comically unamused expression as he stepped away and walked toward the house.

"We missed you too, Aunt Mila," he said with a smile as he walked up the stairs and hugged the cute-looking woman.

Mila smiled, patting Zeno's waist, which was as far as her hands could reach, "I missed you, too, Zee. Enjoyed your time at the museum?" She asked, smiling. 

Zeno nodded, "I did. My husband spoils me, you know that." He giggled. 

Mila laughed, "Of course. You're the apple of his eyes." she replied.

"He's coming," Zeno whispered as he heard Sebastian's footsteps coming up behind him.

Sebastian sauntered over, sulking, "Hi, Mila. The rooftop terrace would be fine. And since you know it's a honeymoon canoodling, I beg you, do not interrupt us. I feel like you do this on purpose every time. Let's go, Papi." Sebastian held Zeno's hand and pulled him away from a mischievously smirking Mila.

Zeno couldn't stop smiling as Sebastian gently tugged him up the smooth, spiral brick staircase. Their hands stayed linked, warm and secure, all the way to the top.

At the final step, Sebastian pushed open a thick wooden door with ease, leading Zeno into a bedroom fit for royalty.

White curtains danced in the soft wind, fluttering like whispered secrets. Golden evening light poured into the room, kissing the edges of the grand canopy bed at the centre—draped in white linens, soft and inviting.

Zeno let out a breathy chuckle when Sebastian suddenly let go of his hand and strode toward the bed. He sat at the edge and stared out the window, his jaw set, silent.

With a soft smile, Zeno approached and sank beside him. He leaned in, letting their bodies brush.

Gently, he reached up and turned Sebastian's face toward his.

Zeno didn't say a word—but the look in his eyes spoke volumes. Intense. Intentional. Heated.

He leaned closer, tongue gliding slowly across his lips as his gaze locked with Sebastian's. His hand slid inside Sebastian's shirt, pressing firmly against his chest.

"Where were we?" Zeno whispered, voice low and sultry. "Right here?"

He leaned in and pressed his lips gently against Sebastian's.

Sebastian, who had been quietly sulking, let out a soft hum, his arms instantly locking around Zeno's waist, pulling him closer. He returned the kiss with a firm, possessive hunger.

Zeno pulled back just slightly, his lips a whisper away.
"Mm… someone's cheering up." His eyes ran over Sebastian's face, hot and teasing. "Ready to eat your main dish?"

Sebastian's jaw clenched. His grip on Zeno's waist tightened. "I've been dying to taste it all day," he growled, and in one smooth move, pulled Zeno onto his lap.

Warmth surged through Zeno as their lips met again—this time messier, wetter, full of need.

He surrendered, letting Sebastian's skilled tongue take over. Deep. Dominating. Delicious. That sinful French kiss sent sparks down his spine, curling his toes.

Zeno gasped softly when he felt Sebastian's arousal press against his backside.

"Mmm… naughty Papi," he whispered, grinding down slowly. "So hard already?"

Sebastian grunted, his voice thick with desire. His breath hitched as the rough denim chafed just so, a delicious friction against his straining zipper. Every nerve ending seemed to hum, thrumming with the exquisite pressure building between them. He could almost taste the metallic tang of anticipation in the back of his throat, a primal instinct taking over.

"You know exactly how hard I am, and why," he rasped, his hips pushing up slightly in an unspoken demand. "And you're making it even harder. Ahh... don't tease me, Papi. I want you." His voice shook as Zeno ground down harder on him.