Disclaimer: See Chapter 27.

Note: Happy Friday everyone! You may or may not need those tissues still, depends on how you're feeling. There are some feels this chapter though! Just a forewarning. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it! Well, I hope you like it! See you Monday! Enjoy! -JJ


Iridescent

Dean leaned a little closer, turning Seth's face towards his with the gentle touch of his fingers under the bearded chin. He smiled, looking down at the plump pink lips. His blue eyes flickered back up to apprehensive browns. He closed the gap between them slowly, pressing their lips together in one of the gentlest kisses he'd ever felt.

Seth's eyes fluttered shut, his hands winding in the material of Dean's sleeves. Their lips parted and tongues met in a slow, languid dance in his mouth. He whimpered, Dean holding him even closer. He could feel hands delve under his t-shirt, calloused hands resting warmly against his lower back. He shivered, trying to focus on Dean's lips. As much as he loved those lips, it still felt so wrong. He felt wrong. He jerked back, looking down at the floor.

Dean sighed, closing his eyes as he pressed their foreheads together, his hands cupping the handsome face. "Seth, why do you keep pushing me away?" he asked softly, his eyes opening. He looked into the closed chocolate eyes, one hand moving to run through the free, dual colored locks. "I love you. I'm not mad." He was trying to reassure Seth that it was really okay, that what had happened was in the past.

Seth shook his head slightly. "It's not you," he murmured, finally opening his eyes to look at Dean. "You're perfect, you're absolutely fucking perfect." His heart ached, the begging look in those eyes almost killing him. He didn't deserve Dean's gentleness.

"Then let me at least kiss you Seth, it's been over a month since we've gotten back together and you've barely let me hug you," Dean breathed, pulling back. "I'm not going to hurt you. I swear. I would never do anything to fucking hurt you." His hold tightened ever so slightly as his eyes bore into Seth's. "Ever." He wanted Seth to understand that, now more than ever.

Seth felt his heart swell, his body starting to shake. "I don't deserve this," he mumbled, looking away. "I don't deserve someone like you." He really didn't.

Dean groaned, pulling Seth into a tight hug. "Don't say shit like that," he growled, wishing he knew what was going on in Seth's mind. "You're beyond perfect. What do I have to do to show that to you?"

Seth shook harder in those strong arms, finally yanking free and standing from his couch. "Why do you even want to touch me? I'm fucking filthy Dean. I'm so fucking dirty," he snapped, wrapping his arms around himself and turning towards his boyfriend. "After watching me do that, how can you kiss me? Why aren't you disgusted?" His voice was low, panicked. Dean had seen his sluttish video, he already knew.

Dean sighed, standing and walking over to where Seth was standing. "Because I love you and you aren't dirty. What happened is over. We can't change it. But I can, and I will, make you understand just how much you mean to me."

Seth stood there, shaking as tears filled his eyes. This time he allowed Dean to wrap him in his arms and hold him. Seth's face was pressed into the warm neck, his tears dampening the collar of Dean's shirt, his fingers clutching the sides of Dean's white shirt.

"I love you Seth, and I'm always going to. I don't care about Punk or what happened, as long as you're safe and happy, that's all I care about," Dean explained, running a hand through the silky strands of hair. "You're all I care about."

Seth jerked back, the tear tracks sparkling on his cheeks. He looked from one confused blue eye to the other, heart pounding. "But why?" he questioned softly, watching Dean's eyes widen slightly. "How could you love me after all this? I just…." He hiccupped, the emotion choking him. "I did everything he said. He said all those nice things, and treated me like he used to and I let him in. I'm just a whore after all."

Dean growled, roughly grabbing Seth's upper arms, the other male looking up into his eyes. "Don't you ever fucking say that," he hissed, his voice stern, leaving no room for an argument. "He fucking used you Seth. That's not your fault. He lied." One hand slid down to Seth's hand, firmly taking it as he turned and led him into the bathroom. "Strip."

Seth stood there with wide eyes, his hands shaking. He didn't move, just looked at Dean with fear in his eyes. He saw the kindness, the worry in the handsome face but he still couldn't move.

Dean tugged Seth's shirt up and over his head, exposing his torso to him. He looked over the nearly healed bruises, most of them long gone leaving only the heaviest ones that were still fading. His hands worked on Seth's skinny jeans before pushing them down and pulling them off of Seth's feet. Secretly, he was enjoying the fact that Seth had forgone underwear that day. He stood, pulling his own shirt and jeans off. He stood there in his boxers, looking Seth's bare skin over. Easily he pulled the shower curtain back, motioning for Seth to step in.

Seth did as instructed and stepped into the shower, watching as Dean turned the knobs, checking the temperature before flipping the shower on. The warm water cascaded down him, soaking his hair and body almost instantly. A moment later, Dean removed his own undergarment and stepped in behind him, pressing his slightly bigger body against his back. He heard the curtain slide shut and he whimpered, the heat from Dean overpowering.

Dean was silent as he scooped up the bottle of shampoo and squeezed some into his hand. Slowly, he worked a lather in the two toned hair, Seth's body heavily resting against him. He'd get Seth to relax and open up to him. He rinsed and repeated with conditioner. It wasn't until he picked up the bold, musky scented body wash that he even let a word leave his mouth. "If you're dirty, I'll clean you," Dean murmured, grabbing Seth's body pouf and drizzling the body wash into it.

Seth let Dean soap him up, the strong hands massaging his back and shoulders. He could feel each body part of his grow hot at the gentle touches. He gasped, Dean reaching around him and cupping his semi erect cock, gently washing it as well. "Dean," he whimpered, looking over his shoulder into the blue eyes. He could see the love for him there, staring at him. He wanted to kiss those pink lips, but wasn't sure if he could just leave things at one innocent kiss. He didn't want to soil Dean in his filth.

Dean released Seth's growing member, the pouf slipping between the tanned mounds of his ass, one skilled finger running over his entrance, almost teasing him as it pressed in just slightly. He heard Seth's needy whine. "Or I'll just get dirty with you," he whispered in a sun kissed ear, sliding down Seth's body to wash his legs and feet.

Seth turned, the soap running down his body in waves as the water pounded into him. He looked down into Dean's eyes, one shaking hand growing bold and running through the wet curls. His hand slipped down Dean's cheek, tenderly guiding him up. He pushed his lips against Dean's, his arms wrapping around the other man's neck. He pulled back, smiling ever so slightly. "I love you Dean," he whimpered, watching Dean's eyes widen at the confession. It was the first time he'd said it aloud and he couldn't stop it from spilling out. Dean was there with him, washing him, ridding him of his filth. No one else would ever do that for him.

Dean couldn't help but feel the broad smile tug at his lips. He hugged Seth close to him, the water rushing over both of them. "I love you too, so fucking much it hurts," he confessed, running a hand through the long hair. "And I'll show it to you as often as you need or want me to."

Seth felt his heart pound as he pulled back. He didn't know if he was ready for that. He looked at the white porcelain of the tub, wrapping his arms around his chest.

Dean tipped Seth's chin up, kissing his lips lightly. "When you're ready. We have our entire lives left. I'm not rushing anything Seth," he promised, pushing their foreheads together. He felt hands touch his sides and he thought that no matter how big or small their steps were, he'd prove to Seth that he was more than Punk said. He was perfect, absolutely fucking perfect.


Cody smiled as he walked around the living room, the weight of Roman's ring resting perfectly against his heart. He didn't want to admit how at ease it made him feel to have it on him. He looked over his shoulder, the Samoan man walking out of the kitchen rubbing his eyes. His smile started to fade. Him and Roman had gone on like normal, pretending that nothing was wrong between them; that their kiss and Christmas had never happened. Cody didn't like it, but he followed suit, keeping the ring hidden under his shirt at all times. He didn't want to make things any more awkward between them than they already had been. "Ready for tonight?" he asked, putting his smile back on as he walked over, looking up into tired grey eyes.

Roman shrugged, yawning. Honestly, he was still half asleep, he wasn't really thinking about their New Years Eve party that Jon had talked him into having. He looked down into the happy blue eyes and he couldn't help but smile. Him and Cody hadn't fought or argued since their kiss and the last week had been rather nice between them. They'd spent more time talking, normally about light hearted things, but there was one occasion that Cody had asked about their past.

Cody only smiled wider, reaching up and pushing some of Roman's loose hair away from his face. "I was thinking that we could get some noise makers and goofy glasses," he went on, telling his heart to stop thumping so hard from touching the other man's warm skin. He pulled his hand back, rattling off a few other things they could do or have, hoping that the weather stayed warm well into the evening. It had only snowed during their kiss and afterwards it had warmed up considerably. The days were spent in a nice mid sixties, still a little cool for Florida but not uncomfortable.

Roman only nodded with each suggestion, rubbing his eyes with both hands as he trailed off into the kitchen. He just wanted to get something to drink, he'd think after he fully woke up. He poured a glass of juice before leaning against the counter, eyes closing as Cody's voice drifted through the air. He could hear the excitement and he couldn't help but let a smile grace his lips. Things felt so close to normal, just the way Cody was excited for everyone to get together. It wasn't until he heard Brad's name that he faltered. His eyes snapped open and he looked down at his glass. There was a lot he needed to talk to the other man about, and he didn't feel ready to do that later that night.

"And Ariane said she's going to bring Jay, and Seth and Dean'll be here, and then Drew," Cody went on, pausing after his boyfriend's name. It tasted so odd in his mouth. He swallowed hard, his fingers moving up and touching the ring over his shirt. He'd already invited Drew but at that moment, he wished he hadn't. He sighed, walking into the kitchen, finding Roman's contemplative look. "You okay?"

Roman nodded, downing his juice and setting the glass in the sink. "Yeah, just thinking," he answered honestly, refusing to look into the curious blue eyes. He didn't want to bring up Brad, not after the last time him and Cody had argued about him. He finally decided he needed a distraction. "You still want those noisemakers?"

Cody nodded enthusiastically, smiling wide. "Hell yeah!"


Roman's eyes scanned the party, letting his gaze rest on each person for a few moments before moving on. He saw Seth and Dean sitting together on the couch, Dean's arm wrapped firmly around Seth's waist, keeping them close together. He smirked, enjoying the possessive way Dean held him.

He shook his head, moving on to Ariane and Jay, the caramel skinned woman dancing wildly to the music that was playing, Jay struggling to keep up with her gyrating hips. He could barely hold back a laugh.

He paused, Trinity's hand waving in front of his face. He smiled, looking down at her with a slightly confused look. "No drink for you?" he asked, nudging her gently with his elbow. He cocked his head to one side when he saw her slowly shake her head. "DD?"

Trinity shook her head again, smiling as she looked up. "I can't," she murmured, looking down at her black flats. She pressed a hand to her flat stomach, the words begging to just be shouted out. "I'm pregnant."

Roman's eyes widened, jaw dropping. "Seriously?" he asked, smiling brighter at her. "Congratulations Trin! I know you have to be excited. How far?" He was more than a little excited for his cousins, knowing that both were more than ready for a baby.

"Almost twelve weeks. We haven't told his parents yet so you can't say anything Roman," she said, nodding. "We wanted to wait until we make it out of the first trimester but I just had to tell someone."

Roman nodded, sneaking a look around the room before pressing his large hand against her belly. "I'm excited for you," he said, pulling his hand back after a moment. "What's Jon think?"

Trinity only smiled. "He's excited. When I told him he nearly did a back flip before picking me up and swinging me around. He's already picking out clothes and such," she laughed, resting her hands on her skirted hips. "We won't know for another two months what we're having and he thinks he's got everything planned out either way."

Roman nodded, chuckling, trying to imagine Jon in the nearest baby store picking out clothes, deciding on the brand of diapers and formula. He shook his head, his gaze settling across the room on Cody.

Slowly, that smile slid away. Him and Cody had had the conversation about kids once. Both wanted them, sometime in the future, just not right away. He sighed, watching as Drew wrapped his arms around Cody before leaning in and kissing him gently on the lips. His heart thumped hard in his chest, his gaze refusing to leave the two.

He felt a little anxious at the way Cody seemed so happy in those arms. He finally tore his eyes away from the two before he looked at Trinity's knowing dark eyes. "I need some air," he breathed, walking away and out onto the deck. He breathed in the cool night air, closing his eyes as he walked across the patio to the pool. He looked down at the lighted water, thinking a short swim could really do some good.

His shirt was pulled off and tossed to the side as he kicked off his flip flops, leaving him in his long board shorts. Suddenly he was happy that he'd felt lazy that morning and put them on. He sighed, sitting at the edge and dipping his legs into the cold water. He shivered, sliding into the water.

He didn't want to think, not after everything that had happened. He'd kissed Cody, and damn it, it felt right. It didn't feel like just a kiss. It had that spark, that weight of attraction attached to it. He shook his head, pulling his hair free as he dove under the water, his body suddenly seizing for a moment in shock from the cold water. He let his body glide through the water as his mind rolled over how he'd given Cody the ring that had been meant to signify his commitment. He didn't particularly like the term engagement since it mean that there would be a wedding at some point and in the current time, there was no legal way for that.

He emerged from the water, shaking his head, pushing the wet locks back. He swiped the water from his eyes and paused, his eyes landing on Cody who was standing just a few feet from the edge of the pool.

Cody had been standing there watching as Roman swam from one end to the other before returning to the end he was standing at, his heart pounding as he saw those long limbs move underwater. It wasn't until he'd seen Roman break the surface that his entire body was over run with heat. He could describe how hot Roman looked standing there in waist high water, his long hair wet and clinging to his shoulders and chest, curling around anything it touched.

He swallowed hard, his hands shaking at his sides as Roman waded over to the edge and pulled himself out. His mouth went dry as he watched the water roll down Roman's chest, the water slamming into the concrete from the black and white board shorts. He'd come out to talk to Roman, but at that moment he couldn't even remember what it was he wanted to talk bout. He looked over the toned, bronze body once more, his eyes lingering on the tribal tattoo on his chest longer than he should've. He couldn't help it, Roman looked so ungodly sexy standing there.

"Everything okay?" Roman asked, taking a step closer, resting his hands on Cody's shoulders, leaning in to look into the glazed over blue eyes. "You have too much to drink?" He smirked, Cody slowly shaking his head, their eyes never leaving each other. One hand moved up to rest against his ring, pushing the smooth edges into his skin as he leaned forward just slightly, those perfect lips begging for him to kiss them. He could barely breathe standing there so close to Roman, the same attraction filling him and pushing him to break the barrier between friendship and more.

Seth poked his head out of the sliding glass door, looking around the yard before he found Roman and Cody. He jogged up, his cheeks a little pink from the alcohol. His arms wrapped around Cody's shoulders, his bearded cheek pressing against Cody's smooth one. "Ball's about to drop," he said, looking up into averted grey eyes. "C'mon!"

Cody allowed Seth to pull him back into the house, his heart aching at the missed opportunity. He clutched his ring tightly, Drew grabbing him and planting a kiss on his lips. He smiled, looking up into the dark blue eyes.

"Ready for your New Year's kiss?" Drew asked lowly, his tongue rolling over his lower lip lightly. He smiled, Cody nodding up at him. "Good, because this is all I've been thinking about all night."

Cody only nodded again. He stood there, listening to the radio countdown until zero. He pulled Drew in, kissing him passionately as the New Year rung in, loud cheers all around him. Cody's eyes were closed and in his mind all he saw was Roman. That was who he'd rather be ringing in the New Year with a kiss and he hated that he'd replaced Drew so easily.

Roman was sitting at the edge of the pool, listening to the count down inside. He didn't really want to be inside. He didn't have anyone to ring the New Year in with and he wasn't unhappy with that. He had a lot on his mind still and he didn't want some stupid decision to lead to more. He shook his head, the noise makers going off as loud cheers surrounded him. He smiled, a giant boom rattling his body. He looked up into the sky, watching as fireworks went off, signaling that someone was going to ring in the New Year bigger than anyone else.

He felt a chuckle rise in his throat as he watched a few more go off, finding that someone had taken the first to be a challenge of who could set of the better display. He enjoyed the show for almost half an hour as the two competed, both finally running out of ammo around the same time. He lifted his hands, clapping lightly at the show, thanking it for making his night a little less lonely.


Cody allowed his mouth to be explored briefly by his boyfriend before he broke away, running a hand through the short hair. "It sucks that you have to work tomorrow," he pouted, smiling playfully afterwards. "Call me when you get off?"

Drew nodded, leaning in and pressing a chaste kiss to Cody's lips. "I will, I promise," he answered, smiling before he turned and started down the walk to his car. He hated that he had to work on New Year's Day, but the money was always worth it. He turned and looked behind him, Cody still standing there watching as he made it safely to his car.

Cody shut the door after Drew had started down the road, leaving him and Roman alone. He sighed, looking over the party decorations and the streamers all over the floor. He was going to have a lot to do in the morning. His eyes moved up, the left over party decorations suddenly the last thing on his mind.

Blue eyes rested on where Roman was sitting on the couch, his arm propped up on the arm as his cheek rested against it, the grey eyes closed. He walked over, sitting down right next to Roman, leaning back heavily against the back cushions. He blew out a sigh. It was late and he was finally alone with Roman. He looked over the relaxed face, knowing that Roman wasn't asleep, just dousing.

Cody took that moment as an opportunity to look over the handsome features. Roman's long hair was pulled back into a messy tail of loose curls, a few stray curls sticking out. His eyes followed down Roman's smooth forehead, past the closed grey eyes, before sliding down the straight nose. He felt his heart rate increase, those perfect lips just resting lightly together. He wanted to kiss them, feel the same lightening shoot through him again like it had before.

Cody's slowly rolled along his lower lip, moistening the petal soft flesh. He knew he shouldn't want it, shouldn't desire to be in those arms; not after the last time. He couldn't help it after looking over Roman's face again, thinking that it should've been those lips that he'd been kissing once the ball dropped.

A thought struck Cody. Roman hadn't had a New Years kiss, those lips had been untouched, a sin in itself. He swallowed hard, thinking that he wanted that first kiss. He could feel his stomach churn, refusing to let someone else have that kiss. He didn't even want to think about someone else's lips on Roman's. His hand rose, resting on Roman's arm lightly, signaling that he wanted the other man's attention.

Roman's eyes cracked open before he looked over at Cody, straightening up and yawning lightly. His hand covered his mouth, before he dug a fist into one eye. He smiled, looking into the blue eyes. "Did you have—"

Cody cut the other man off, his lips pressing against Roman's gently but firmly, demanding that the other man return the kiss. He felt Roman's lips mold to his and inwardly he smiled, one hand cupping the back of his head as their lips parted and their tongues met. He felt that lightening shoot through him once again, his body going numb as Roman dominated his mouth. He whimpered, his hands resting against smooth cheeks.

Roman pulled back after a moment, almost in shock that Cody had kissed him. He swallowed around a lump in his throat, pressing their foreheads together. "Why did you…?" he asked, trailing off at the end, wondering if he was just dreaming. There was no way that Cody had just kissed him.

Cody looked deep into the grey eyes, his heart pounding so hard that he couldn't feel anything else. "I wanted to be your first kiss of the year," he admitted, smiling up into the surprised face. "You think I was going to let someone else steal it away?"

Roman couldn't help but smirk, allowing his lips to crash into Cody's, their lips instantly parting and tongues fighting against each other in Cody's mouth. He groaned, Cody pulling him down so that his body laid over the smaller one. He couldn't help but let out another rumbling groan as those legs wrapped around his hips, pulling them even closer.

Cody couldn't think, his body moving on its own accord, his arms wrapping around Roman's neck, his hands sliding into the long hair, pulling it free. He whimpered, Roman's intoxicating kisses taking over his senses making it so he could barely keep up. He gasped out, warm hands sliding under his shirt on either side, hips pressing down into his. He pulled back, pushing up into Roman, already hard.

Roman kissed down Cody's neck, lightly suckling the strong column of flesh. He groaned, Cody's fingers tugging at his hair. He loved the feel of Cody's soft skin under his hands as they ground together. He wanted nothing more than to pick Cody up and taking him back to their room. It was at that moment that his conscious jumped in, reminding him that Cody wasn't his, that he was someone else's and this was wrong. He groaned, pulling back, resting his head against a prominent collar bone. "Push me away," he whispered, almost begging Cody.

Cody was too far gone. His mind and body was too wrapped up in the pleasure he felt, the feeling that this was right, that this was where he belonged, what he was supposed to be doing. "Hm?"

"You have to tell me to stop."

Cody paused, pulling back just enough to look down at Roman's closed eyes. "Why would I do that?" he asked, a little taken back by the demand. He didn't want to stop, and he sure as hell didn't want to push Roman away from him. He'd never felt something so wonderful, so perfect in his life.

Roman bit his lower lip as he pulled his hands free from the warm skin and sat back on the couch. "Because I'm trying to hold back and if we keep going, there's no guarantee that I'll have any self control," he admitted, looking down into the half lidded blue eyes. His heart was pounding hard against his breast bone, his chest hurting not only with the arousal but knowing that he had to hold back. He couldn't give in and let his desires take over.

Cody smiled, sitting up. He rested a hand against the back of Roman's neck, pulling him in for another searing kiss. "Who said I wanted you to hold back?" he questioned against Roman's lips, looking into equally aroused eyes. "I don't want you to."

Roman growled, those words implying so much more than Cody would be willing to give. He jerked away from Cody's embrace, pushing him away as he got up from the couch, his cock throbbing noticeably against the front of his board shorts. "That's not fucking fair," he hissed, turning to where Cody sat completely confused. "You don't realize what you're doing to me, what you're saying means."

Cody's eyes widened, the doubtful and frustrated tone evident in Roman's voice. He rested his hands over his own arousal, feeling it throb under his hands. He wanted so much more.

Roman fisted a hand in his hair, turning back to Cody. "I'm not going to be some one night fuck to you," he said, standing his ground and refusing to let the flustered way Cody looked affect him anymore than it already had.

Cody sat straight up, his eyes narrowing. He resented those words. "You wouldn't be just some fuck," he retorted, heart pounding at the implication of those words. He could easily see the surprise on Roman's face as well. He could feel the tension grow thick in the room.

"I wouldn't?" Roman scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "You've already said that there's nothing between us Cody. It was just a meaningless kiss before and now we just got carried away." He looked away from the wide blue eyes. "Don't fucking jerk me or my emotions around."

Cody sat there, watching as Roman walked away to his room. He sighed, rubbing his face with both hands. He wasn't jerking Roman around by anything, or at least he wasn't trying to. He really wanted Roman. He'd just said those things before because he'd thought it would make things easier and at that moment he was regretting it.


(A/N): Well, we're seeing a bit into Seth and Dean's relationship and then Cody and how he's feeling. So, I can't think of much to say, so thoughts are wonderful! As always, onwards and upwards. Title is Iridescent by Linkin Park.

JacktheSinister_JaketheJust