After escaping STEM, Joseph Oda and Sebastian Castellanos have to move on with their lives. Joseph needs to take care of his family especially his young daughter. On the other hand, Sebastian needs to face the demons that lurk inside of him. Through the aftermath, they support each other, and a relationship flourishes. They do not know if it is the correct thing to do, but it feels right.

After Sebastian and Joseph escaped STEM, they tried to return to a normal life. Joseph was sitting in his office filling out a paper work the guest investigator worked on. Joseph was away for an extra month with a broken collarbone. He laid the pen down on the desk and let out a sigh. His shoulder hurt from Kidman's shot. Joseph reached out for the stapler and stapler the report together. He placed the file on the outgoing bin. He yawned which reminded him that the day was almost done. He saw the picture of his daughter, Suzy siting next to his computer. He softly smiled. "I could do one more." Joseph said picking up another report file. This time it was on a missing persons report with a happy ending. The guest investigator had filed in the necessary information. "A quick read and a sign off." He said looking it over to see of the information was filled correctly. "Everything looks fine." He laid the folder down and sighed his name at the bottom of the page. He closed it and placed it with the finished files. Joseph placed the pen in the cup holder and leaned back in his chair. He was clearing his throat as a knock came to the door. "Come in." Joseph called out and shifted in his seat. The door open and Sebastian walked through the door. "Seb, is there something wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong." Castellanos closed the door behind him. "I was thinking." he started walking closer to Joseph.

"What were you thinking about?"

"It's kind of personal." Castellanos rubbed the back of his neck.
"Personal?" Joseph knew Castellanos never talked about his personal life in years.

"It somewhat has to do with STEM."

"STEM? What about it."

"Ever since we got back… umm…" Castellanos nervously said trying to find the words. "I don't know what I'm trying to say. It's just…" Joseph stayed quiet, "Don't take this… as strange."

"Sebastian just say it."

"Joseph…"He started as he rubbed his wrist. "I fell in love with you."

*Side note here-This is a practice run of Roses for him. If you like it, I will post more.*